Log 40

I teleported back to the site of grace within the church, and made my way to the hidden gateway. I don't know where I expected it to take me, but nothing could have prepared me for the strange, hellish landscape I found myself in. When I saw the towering gatekeeper behind me, I reached for my sword, but he didn't seem intent on causing me any harm, so I just turned around and pushed open the doors.

The atmosphere inside was chilling, and I wasn't sure if the cloaked figure waiting for me at the end of the strange church was a wild monster, or the clergyman I'd been sent to meet. When he suddenly turned towards me and claimed that he smelled "death", I was even more shaken. Still, I supposed this must be what the Deathroot is for. I don't know how he can even stomach that vile plant, but he devoured it greedily, then offered me tokens to help find more. Regrettably, incantations are of little use to me, but I suppose I should still do my part to cleanse the Lands Between of these creatures. Besides, this Gurranq seems well-meaning enough, if rather frightening.

When I returned to the Roundtable to gather myself, I found D waiting for me. He acknowledged me as a comrade-in-arms, for which I was grateful, and told me more about his holy mission to exterminate Those Who Live in Death. I hope that my efforts will support him in some way.

Log 41

My hands are shaking as I write this. I rode out through the Stormhills at night, when a horrific beast descended upon me from the skies. Describing it as a bird seems grossly inappropriate, though it flew on black wings. Its body was thin and emaciated like a bird, and its head was solely a horrific skull with empty eyes. The beast frightened me so badly that I fell from Torrent's back, and it nearly crushed me with that massive rod it carried, but I gathered my wits just in time. I am lucky that I was still carrying the holy blade I used to fight the Mariner, for it seemed to be equally effective against this creature. Though when I heard its horrific shrieking, I was almost dissuaded from harming it any further, from the sheer terror.

As soon as I killed it, I took refuge at the nearest site of grace and stayed alert for the next hour, almost certain another of its kind would descend from on high. I've only just begun to catch my breath. I thought perhaps it might've been another of Those Who Live in Death, in light of its appearance and weakness to holy power, but as I sit here writing, another idea occurs to me: could this be one of the fabled Deathbirds?

There isn't a soul alive who hasn't heard the stories, but I never imagined they would be real, or that they would be so terrifying… It seems I will have to keep my wits about me during the night, even more than I'd anticipated.

Log 42

Another of those statues showed me the way to a catacomb. Hidden away in an alcove, it almost blended into the mountainside, I doubtless would have missed it if not for this beacon to guide my way. As soon as I stepped inside, that eye-shaped trinket that Gurranq gave me began to quiver, as if from anticipation, and after just a few steps further in, it was plain to see why. This place has been infested with Deathroot, just like that village. To think that a sacred resting place such as this would be defiled so…

I decided that I must do my part, and lead these souls back to their rest, even if they must be taken there by force. The skeletons caught me by surprise several times, as what I assumed to be fallen corpses sprung to life behind me, but more worryingly…

I have no idea what it is I just killed. It doesn't seem to have been one of Those Who Live in Death, but beyond that I haven't the slightest idea

I suppose Gurranq shall have his next meal soon enough.

Log 43

After I returned from my meeting with Gurranq, I decided to explore along the hills and cliffsides near the church. I found along the road a ruined carriage, and wolves at every turn, I can only guess these are the culprits. Eventually I came across an entrance to a cave tunnel along the cliffside, only to find the door locked from the other side, halting my progress.

However, I did come across the talking jar Alexander again. He told me again of how he was planning on heading towards the Caelid wilds to participate in a festival of war, but he seems to have found his path blocked by this locked door.

I don't even know how he fit in through the doorway…

Log 44

As I rode back from the church to continue my lessons under Mistress Selen, I heard someone calling for help. A collapsed ruin sheltered a horde of angry demi-humans, and after I finished them off, I came across a man waiting atop the ruins.

From his manner of speech and his attire, it was clear this was a man of noble birth. He introduced himself as Kenneth Haight, and asked for my aid. Apparently he is the rightful ruler of Limgrave, only to have his lands occupied by Godrick the Grafted. I assume he must have been preparing to launch a counteroffensive, only to have his base of operations overtaken by one of Godrick's knights. Now he has asked for my help in retaking his fort. I may be a knight no longer, but I have still sworn to aid and defend those of noble lineage, and as such I offered my help without hesitation, and rode off towards the fort right away.

Riding through the Mistwood has been more perilous than I would have liked. Those gigantic bears are everywhere I look, and when I tried to travel along the outskirts of the woods, I ran into more of Those Who Live in Death. Still, I've made it to the edge of the forest, and am currently resting alongside another of those nomadic merchants, after purchasing some of his wares. The hour grows late, so I will begin my assault on the fort in the morning.

I go out then, in search of my fate. Whatever it may be.

-Accolon of Elis