Scripts of Favoured-Zythira

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Seventh Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
Year Forty of the twenty-second week, Summer

Praise be to the High Favoured! The lands have given great prosperity have shown us that the glory and power belong to the family which has seen us through the hardships of our life. In their strength and glory, we have been able to pay to the Highest of Favoured our respects. In return, we have seen our home grow a hundred fold from the tiny outpost of traders and huntsmen.

With all these blessings a suspicious man might wonder; 'what catastrophe cometh upon us?'. To this, I can only reply that we must remain strong. We must remain faithful to the Favoured, for they have been blessed with a mantel of divinity and power that ensures their greatness. To not follow such a marked man would mark the man such a fool.

Good faith to the Chalur Family as they lead us of Fasska to a bright era! The son Meer'tis Chalur has been appointed to oversee and ensure the protection of our people. Undoubtedly, he shall serve well this charge. He is a strong and diligent master of men, and even the slave born respect and admire his power.

This, however, is not the only reason that I write this. It would seem that we have had a strange happening. Perhaps it is a symbol of something that is to come? I will need to look into this. A human woman had wandered here a week or so ago. She seemed to be poorly feed and dressed, yet I saw several markings that would indicate that she was of high status. How strange? Then again, these humans have such an odd way about them.

Anyways, this woman had disappeared... but not without leaving something else upon the steps of my monastery; a baby. At first I thought it was a Syccan, but when I looked further, I saw that my assumption was only half right. This child was a half-breed; Half-syccan and half human.

At first, I thought to dispose of it; such a creature was not deserving of life. Half-breeds are sickly, weak, and can not even breed! What purpose would this creature serve that was not of suffering? I kept it in the hermitage until High Favoured-Irist Chular- came to my sanctum. Irist ordered me to keep care of the child. She was acting in defiance of her husband and son, whom asked me to remove the child.

This argument, was one that I am glad we had. Irist spoke of my duties as a holy Favoured, of my tenants, and of my very duty to the life of Fasska. It would be a sorely terrible thing if I, the man chose by the divine and acting as their instrument, were to show no compassion or mercy upon the life of the half-breed.

So... I write now this. What am I to do with her? What am I to do...

~Xelt'tius Zythira-Favoured
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Seventh Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
Year Fourty-eight of the sixth week, Fall

Praise be to the High Favoured! Harvest had begun in the outer areas of our settlement and food is plentiful. We have seen a glorious campaign against the monsters that would threaten our people. Under Meer'tis, the settlement has seen no monster wander through our streets. It is said that his blade is that of the gods, each strike with the strength of our powerful storms.

With Meer'tis in command of our guards and his father pushing forth our nation, I think we are on the verge of becoming a true city worth of recognition of the great Ophian Nation! We have been able to supply our surplus into feeding the High Favoured. Their blessings are upon us and we have nothing to fear as we march forward.

Meer'tis is concerned though; he asks for more soldiers and has even approached me to aid him! To think the gall of him to request that my children should lift swords as oppose to their scripts! I worry for his ambition as well as his disregard to the blessings of the Highest Favoured. Meer'tis is a military, simple minded fool! Yet, we can not fault the sword. He is his father's weapon and at the very least, his father knows that he must respect the Highest Favoured, the dead ones whom granted to the Ophian that glory and power that we all enjoy.

Most Ophian know their place in society, even the youngest of slave-born can work as they are demanded. Yet, I find myself frustrated. The child that we have brought up since her abandonment is not strong nor is she a craftsmen to say the least. For a Syccan, she is a pathetic example of magic. For a Human, she lacks the adaptability that they boost so much about. I blame that half-breed blood... if she were one, perhaps she could prove more useful. She looks quite Syccan, as Meer'tis had pointed out.

Personally, I think he wants to use her to spy on the Syccan. Such actions would be foolish and insane, but I fear that Meer'tis is all the bit ambitious as his forefather's brother. Even Irist fears her son has become a bit too enthralled with his authority as a commander. What place do I, a mere Favoured Archimandrite, have when speaking with the High Favoured. They respect my counsel, as well as respect the authority of my office, but even then I worry.

Will he attempt to push away our culture in pursuit of his domination of military strength? I worry for the future if the answer is that of 'yes'.

Then again... I have the authority to tear away his divine mantel upon the witness of a sign. A sign that he is no longer favoured and that his ascent to power would spell out doom for us all. The only way for this, of course, is if the Highest Favoured were to speak.

Such an unfortunate thing that the dead have a difficult when it comes to talking.

~Xelt'tius Zythira-Favoured
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Eighth Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
First Year of ascension of High Favoured Meer'tis Chalur
Eighth week, Fall

Praise be to the late father. His death, though expected, was too soon. His duty as the High Favoured is noted high above those of the past. Many would have simply sat by and allow their world to crumble. Yet, not our esteem late father. He was the greatest of all Ophians could ever aspire to. Loyal to the nation, diligent to his charge and word, faithful to the Highest of Favoured, and a beacon of hope in dark times.

Our world is sorely lacking without him. He was a lord worthy of praise and song. Irist has put forth much of her own wealth in honor of his life. She has retired to our monastery, residing in the Hermitage that exists in the furthest corner of our monastery. It seems she has taken a liking to her company, the half-breed that I am sorry to say is of little use.

The half-breed by no means is stupid or a treasonous. No, she seems quite content with her life here. She can't be used as a slave, we tried and we have seen that her simple fragile body is not enough to do the work demanded.

As such, there is still little I can do with her. Yet, the widower Irist has a fondness for the child. She calls her Isako, meaning "Quiet-listener" in the Syccan words. This might be a cruel name, but at the same time, I find it appropriate. The woman doesn't speak often, but she does it is normally regarding words that were spoken before. It is actually rather remarkable the memory of this child. She seems to remember a great deal than I would have thought. Perhaps she did inherit a little something after all from her Syccan heritage.

Irist says some rather unnerving things as of late, however. This must never be known and should one pick these scripts up, I would surely be put to death... or worse... perhaps my rank utterly striped away!

Well... it seems that Irist fears that Meer'tis might have had something to do with the late lord's death! The lord was old... but at the same time, rather health. Irist says it was about the same time that Meer'tis returned from his campaign against the terrible blight that is happening near our nation, Ratka. Though it is in our region, there is still Sarr-Kass in the way of the movement.

Meer'tis brother also fell ill with the same illness that took the old lord. Is it possible that Meer'tis killed both his brother and his father? Such a thought is rather frightening...

Yet, Irist seems to have a plan... I guess I must have faith that one who was once blessed as High Favoured still retains some of her glory...

~Xelt'tius Zythira
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Eighth Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
Year Five of the second week, Spring

Praise be to the Highest Favoured! For our High Favoured is as treacherous as the scorpion. He has ordered for the militarization of this holy monastery! I can not defy his High Favoured request. He wants soldiers of the holy orders, and I fear it is to usurp my authority as per my charge.

Where would that leave me? I have been nothing but a faithful servant of his father since I can even remember. I have served his family with all my skills and passion. I fear he doesn't trust me... or perhaps his fight against the blight is not faring as well as he has told. I have heard news.

Low be the news I hear before me. The city of Sarr-Kass has fallen. People have fled across the nation. I fear that this blight will soon come upon us as we struggle to keep forth a force to face them. We are a simple settlement, our army is the equivalent of a cities militia... I fear for our future.

Irist has insisted that the half-breed might be of use. Since Meer'tis seems eager to use her, perhaps I can use that to my advantage. I'll put her in an honorary position within the force that we shall make for Meer'tis. She will be recognized as a prominent figure of the force, a figurehead. We have already trained her on what to say. She has the names memorized, the history of Fasska memorized. Irist has instructed her on the secrets of her late husband. We can use her to present the claims we have.

It could be dangerous, and he could order for her death. Yet, if she is in this position, perhaps he will realize that to do so would be far worse then allowing her to live. We shall name her an oracle. Being Syccan that appeared one day to us should be sign enough to convince some of the more superstitious. I know she knows how to write in the script of the elder texts. We taught her how when she was transcribing the books.

With her title as "Oracle" many people would want to see if she could truly speak as we will hint. We shall tell them that she can hear the voices of the dead. Wouldn't be far off. It seems that she is hearing strange things in the back of her mind. Whispers and strange movement from the corners of her eyes. Perhaps it is simply something that is unique to the Syccan.

One does have to wonder... being so closely tied with magic and yet unable to release it, does it have an affect on a Syccan? Would a Syccan suffer a similar problem if they were unable to harness their magic? They seem bound to it, always required to know it or use it. Could it be possible they would be driven mad if their magic was trapped, unable to be ever used within them? Perhaps it is simple to explain it in her case... she's a half-breed; to expect one to develop right is asking far too much.

Still, the only hope we have to preserve our way of life is to make sure that the horde doesn't come to our settlement and that our dear esteemed High Favoured is removed. He endangers our culture with his desire for more power. The undead endanger our very lives.

I fear that we may lose ourselves... if not to the undead, then to him...

~Xelt'tius Zythira-Favoured
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Eighth Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
Year Five of the nineteenth week, Fall

I--I hardly can being myself to write this. One of my eldest students, Monk Acshima, was killed. He was serving as a one of the Kanai. He inspired half the monastery to join the Kanai.

I...feel... I know... I know that it had to be Meer'tis! He killed him and made it look like the monsters did it! To rally my children to him in a quest of vengeance and retribution.

After sending her to him... he seems to be more and more radical. He hasn't killed her, Irist is joist to know, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to. She was locked inside the Synecdoche, under his guard and key. I fear that we might have pushed too hard.

Being an Oracle as well as non-Ophian seems to have worked out in her favor, at least in the living bit of it. I can only guess how frightened she has to be. Locked in the Synecdoche, with her only contact being the guards or the treacherous snake!

How strange... I thought her as a tool, yet I feel fear for her safety. Odd... Yet, I did what I had to do. I know for sure that Meer'tis killed the Great Favoured Lord five years ago. He has done something unforgivable. Yet... he has half of my children with him under the Kanai. The militia follow his orders and even the refugees see him as their savior.

If only I had done this sooner. Meer'tis will destroy everything that we have worked so hard to build. We have to stop him. I have to stop him.

His ambition is too great...

Irist, I should have listened to you. I failed you as your servant.

I am sorry.

~Xelt'tius Zythira-Favoured
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

[Burned edges mixed with blood from Ophian as well as undead]

Eighth Age of High Favoured-Chalur Family of Fasska
Year Five of the nineteenth week, Fall

Dear Ir[smeared]t,

I feel that we have to act. Your son has gone too far. Even with the beasts on the edge of our borders we must remember one thing. We are Ophian. We have long lived on this land before the time which humans came. We have an empire that stretched across the rainy forests to the marshy swamp lands. We have had such strength and have prospered.

[blood smear across the paper with splatter areas]

Even though we may fall, we can't let go of who we are. Should we perish now, your late husband would be most sorry. He always spoke highly of you. Rally forth those who would call you High Favoured. Let us restore the strength and glory of the Chalur Family. If we die, then at least our noble forefather would be proud.

With this in mind, this is what think we must do---

[Letter Torn]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

[Parchment]

Citizens of Fasska, travelers to Fasska, please turn away from the valley road. There is no safety in the next few miles. Warning! Undead have been sighted and smoke seen from the edge of the pass.

For your own safety, we recommend that you do not travel to Fasska, Sarr-Kass, or Ratka. Undead have been sighted in the area. All possessions and items lost in these regions are not to be retrieved. This notice has been put up by the High Favoured of Merka:

No Ophian from the places of Fasska, Sarr-Kass, Ratka or Karkass shall be omitted inside of the city of Merka and will be subjugated to the slums outside of the city walls. We are sorry.

To preserve our way of life and defend our people, we demand sacrifices, sacrifices of all. It is not to say we do this lightly. There is much regret in our rejection of all refugees admittance to our great city, but we must do this. If a single piece of the blight that offends our land enters in through our walls, our citizens shall pay the price.

Our city is self-sustaining, and there will be no allowance of any messenger, any refugee, any High Favoured. We are sorry.

The Favour you all have upon your heads is dark and terrible. May you be redeemed of the terrible fate that has befallen you. Know that the Favoured are not without compassion. Upon victory against these dreadful foes, we shall utter your names and honor the sacrifice you have so undeservingly made.

It is fate and your actions that have brought this fate upon yourselves. The sensible of you should put the blame on the monsters which forced our hand; the legion of the undead that marches through our land like a fire.

Do not fault the High Favoured of Merka! Our esteemed lord does as charge of his office; the defense and protection of the people of Merka is first and foremost to the protection of the Ophian refugees. You may fault our action, but pray you not. It is in the nature of things to fault the unfair and the unjust, but remember that it is an evil that must be done and must be accepted for the salvation of all.

Should you fear your future? Yes, for the enemy shall come and you shall have to face it. Should you hate the High Favoured of your lands? Yes, for their weakness has caused your fall. Should you hate the High Favoured of Merka? No, for our lord does as needed in saving our people. Should you hate the Highest Favoured? No, it was by their will and their actions which we follow now.

Those of you who can overcome the fear and anger should go forth in honor of those who built our nation to be great. The Highest Favoured made us into the great people that we are. Some may squander their wealth and glory, but the Highest Favoured lead us to a time of prosperity and glory. Let but a fraction of their essence be bestowed upon you and we shall be strong once more.

Re-purpose the anger and fear you feel into strength. Use the despair that you feel and use it against the beasts that have destroyed your hopes. Be proud to the Ophian, take charge of your name and strike down the blight. Come to the calling of our mighty being, follow in step the call to action that undoubtedly is within all of you.

May the Favour be bestowed upon you. May you have the glory and power of the Highest Favoured

[Rakashi Yamoki]

Fall of Fasska
Re-account by Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira
Age of Diaspora
First year of the Rain Forest Nations Diaspora
Forty-th week, Summer

I hardly remember what Fasska was like. The screams of the dying still wake me to this day. The fires, the chaos, the death--it was all to much for me to fathom. I remember I was writing a letter when I was attacked.

An undead monster had crept up behind me and had nearly bitten into my back. Had I not heard the slightest of creaks I wouldn't have not survived. We struggled for a few moments but I had managed to use the staff which I had long kept with me. No good for magic, but its hard and sturdy wood is good enough to knock one of those monsters senseless. The beast had hit me hard enough to bleed as did I.

I ran quickly from there, and my when I opened the doors I saw a sight of horror. The beasts were in my courtyard! The guards were being overwhelmed and the screams...

Oh the screams of howling banshees of creatures. Their shrieks were enough to freeze a man in place. The walked along side the goblins and the undead. So many dead... I saw my own sons and daughters slain by their grotesque hands.

The sky was burning with ash and smoke, it seemed that even the Highest Favoured were trembling at the sight of our nation's fall. As the flames reached high above the canopy, our people were being slaughtered. I ran quickly to find Irist. She was with several of the younger children, hiding them in the hermitage. At least some were able to survive. I quickly had to lead them out as the beasts were searching.

That is when I saw Meer'tis and his force of Kanai. They seemed to be retaking the ground near the monastery, yet I fear it wasn't to our add. The Kanai were fighting till the last but Meer'tis ran into the Sanctum Sanctorum along with some of his friends. As I wanted to run, Irist insisted that we open the Synecdoche, in order to save Isako.

Under her request I ran to it, through the field of the dead that had fallen in battle with goblins. I saw more of those howling beasts around the Synecdoche. Their screeches were deafening, chilling to the bone. It felt as if they were scratching deep in the mind as each pitch seemed unholy and unnatural. They knew she was there and I acted as quickly as I could knocking them away with the staff I had. These beasts were terrifying to say the least. It seemed that they were blood thirst and terrible monsters. As I pushed them away, I could see the cuts in the door way.

Then, I heard the half-breed whimper. However, it was less then reassuring as I opened the door. She bolted out quickly, faster than I had seen her run before. She lifted one of the fallen sword from the ground and rammed it straight through one of the beasts! I would have been proud but I saw she was running. She was too frightened, and the several cuts on her told me that those monsters had managed to cut into the small Synecdoche, and cut her several times. It was only by fortune that we got to her.

As she ran, Irist insisted we do the same. There was nothing left of Fasska, no future, no place to call a home. The howling undead were moving upon us, their eyes lifeless and full of a desire to devour. I knew the former High Favoured was right. She was always right about things. It was then I saw Meer'tis leaving the Sanctum Sanctorum. He had with him the ancient texts! A goblin even went to him and--- And Meer'tis betrayed us to sign a deal with the terrible legions! He had offered our souls as his exemption! Such ancient accounts with our eldest of ceremonies and eldest of rituals given to the very taint that we had been fighting!

And I regret my actions to this day... I ran... I ran from Fasska... I wish I could have done more against him.

Meer'tis needs to pay for his crime!

Forgive me, my dearest friend; I will have to kill your son. Yet, I know not how I will.

Curse Meer'tis Chalur! Let his bones be his only wealth in this world! He is undeserving of the flesh of an Ophian!

~Xelt'tius Zythira-Favoured
Archimandrite of the Fasska Holy Order

[Rakashi Yamoki]

"Home be a far off place... one day... our children shall find it once more..."

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I long to see a night were one could wander in peace. The blue rays upon the eldest trees be'ist a sight I long to see. Without fear of the shadow-beings, whom lurk with their uncaring lust. Wou'dn't that be a sight we all desire to see?

It is said that in the yesteryears before my father's father, before the movement of man, and before the building of Talarra; we could once walk in the dark, illuminated only by the moon and stars. Now we fear that the beasts of darkness walk amongst the shadows, snatching us away the moment we tread too near them.

Though, it seems that we even have moments of good will now. In times of easyship it is easy to take the happy moments for granted. Times of hardship, it is those happy moments that make all the difference.

My eldest son died along side his father. I feel such sorrow for it; not for the fact they died but for the fact that they were blessed to go to a place of peace. I hope that they are finally at peace. My youngest son has become far too pained by simple desires. We are strange compared to out other High Favoured counter-parts. Unlike them, we found bliss and love in the admiration of people.

We all seek personal desires. Yet my desire seems to be that of a simple Nun of the Zen, the Holy Order of Anagarika. My husband says it is odd, yet he doesn't fault me for it. We had long discussions about it and he is quite happy to allow me to practice my beliefs. He said he was happy to see a woman who wasn't obsessed with golden adornings even with the rank they would bestow.

When he died, I gave to him all my possessions so that I could finally be one with the Holy Order of Anagarika. The Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira was most generous. He let me remain in the monastery with the others and went so far as to allow me to go to the hermitage that is on the border of the monastery, next to the waterfall.

I thought I would be there alone, but I was greeted with several other members of the Anagarika Order. They all lacked adornments as I, and most would have mistaken them for slave-born. There was one thing that stood out from them all. The ring marking that was in the center of the their forehead, their throat, and as they told, where the essence of their being was. The marks themselves were different colors as they told. The one on their forehead was a deep blue while the throat marking was a cyan color.

I never knew the extent of their faith, I am happy that they have accepted me so closely and have shown me their ways. The Monastery holds many religious orders all kept in line by Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira. He keeps order as well as have the knowledge to understand all of our beliefs. All seem to respect him highly.

Even I have come to respect him higher then I, though I was once the High Favoured he looked up to. He worries of my youngest son, Meer'tis. I know his fears ring true. Meer'tis was always a---difficult child. He always wanted something, more this and more that. It was by the mere fact his father believed the military life would straighten him out did he appoint him to his position.

I do find that I feel a growing desire to do something. I have told the rest of the order this and they tell me to listen to the Highest Favoured. Though they do not speak to us, we feel their influence even now, else they wouldn't be the Highest Favoured. Their actions defined the entirety of our society. Their strength is felt by all of us.

I feel I must be clear to you, dear reader. I know what I must do. I must let my body reflect the codes and values of those whom made us as we are. I must surrender all that I am to the will and graces of the Highest Favoured. Let my hand be theirs, my actions be theirs, and let I act under their guidance and protection.

My name is Irist, no more. It is Turiya of the Anagarika Order.[/blockquote]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

"...We wander through life afraid and alone. We also wander through life with strength and company..."

[/center]

This body is a vessel to the Highest Favoured, whom saw to make the Ophian people great. It is by their strength now, our people survived the storm that has blown over our land. The Monastery is destroyed, Fasska is burning, and all the places that were called home are falling to the shadows of despair.

I find not sorrow in these simple facts. Our elders, of time long forgotten, lived within caves and dirt; they didn't need cities or items o wealth to prove their worth. Their worth was earned by their greatness, by their strength and might. Our people have forgotten the true way of the Ophian.

We are defined by action, not by rank. Our rank must be deserving. Yet, the nations have corrupted the very core of our most inner belief. There are few who think that even if their parents held the rank that they will inherit, they two must prove their own Favour. To live off the Favour of the parents only ends with the eventual decay of it. With the way of that thought, eventually, we will all be slaves of equal rank, for no one shall have the greater Favour over another.

So it is, with the duty that I shall serve my people's will. Merka is not a place to flee; to hide in. That is no way to live. I shall go to the fallen cities and do what must be done.

...Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira has offered to journey with me. Not to say I wouldn't be appreciative of his company, but he is far too old to make the journey merely our of concern for me. He is the age of my late husband, whom married me as an offering to the farms to side with him when his uncle was rallying the mob against him. I was far to young to understand it, yet I clearly do now. It was to keep peace and ensure that there was a future for the lower ranks, to show them that the High Favoured do respect them.

I am merely of thirty-five years, and I know that Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira comes along with me in hopes to avenge his friend. I have yet to address him on this. He is giving into desire, the same thing which has corrupted my son as well as his father. To say I mourn for them is false. I mourn for their lost souls but I am in some ways glad to see that they are free of the cruel desires which mortals as like us have.

I shall release my son of his thirst, and deny Archimandrite Xelt'tius Zythira of his desire for vengeance. I have always known how to use a sword. Though it unbecoming of a High Favoured Lady to know how to take life, the Order of Anagarika was sure to teach us. Their lessens were long and demanding and were brutal till the point of suffering; they taught us how our souls were suffering. As the whip or cut is painful for the body, so to is the desires for our mind. They weigh on us and control our actions. We must overcome desire as we overcome pain; shutting it out and finding peace within.

The Order of Anagarika taught me this lesson, and now I shall use it to free the Ophian who betrayed their birth. Do to fear, rage, cruelty, or power each of these are to be punished the same. These are all desires for harming and as such shall be tended to. Since these desires are strong enough for them to end the lives of others and cause for the suffering of others, then the sanction is clear. To cause suffering, pain and death as per your desires, then you must pay the same in return so that all accounts in full balance.

Since my son killed his father, I must kill my son...[/blockquote]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

"...All comes to eventual balance. As all things live, all things eventually die. We feel joy; we also feel suffering. We feel sadness; we feel happiness. All things come to full balance, in time..."

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The journey has been harsh. As we move along the valleys and rivers that lead to the rainy forests, undead beast and dark monsters lurk. The trees and water offer them relief from the sun that dispatches them. They seem to have some intelligence behind them.

The zombies do not. They simply charge forward and are easy enough to dispatch. The goblins are nearly the same, but in groups they can be rather challenging. Skeletons arrow's are the harshest of things when unexpected. Otherwise there is only one beast that offers any sort of fear for me. The dark howling beasts however are something different. We have found that water seems to work well against them. How they survived in the rainforest I don't know...

Perhaps they have a nest somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if they did. I may have to journey forth and find this place where the dark howling beasts live. If it could save our land, it will be worth the sacrifice.

I'll probably need a Syccan to aid me in this. We shall see.

As I had thought, Archimandrite Zythira has told me his intent to kill my son. I have not dissuade him from this course. He must be at peace with his thoughts before I shall attempt to argue with the passions of his mind. He sees his failure to act as an act against my husband. I know this to be a foolish decision but I have no choice but to hope he sees reason.

He threatens to violate the oath of my order by ending my sons life. The oath is clear in this. We are to never act on our desires, especially when it threatens the safety and well-being of any true spirit. If he were to give into his desires of rage, anger, vengeance than I would be compelled to end him... just as I am compelled to end Meer'tis.

By no means do I hate or despise what Meer'tis has done. I understand, he was compelled by his own desires for power, fear of death by the hands of the relentless blight, and his own arrogance. These traits are in all beings, but as I have said: when it beings forth harm then is must be redeemed.

We managed to enter Fasska. The fires that were there are gone, but the ruins remain. Zythira was heart-broken to see that the tapestries are gone and all the holy books removed from their sacred alters. It seems that even some of the rain forest has begun to reclaim the one prosperous city. Everything returns to balance. I am not surprised to see this.

The palace was abandoned. It seems that Meer'tis has fled further into the territory of the monsters. Seeing as he has made a deal with them, it would appear that they have spared him from their campaign. He must be aware that we are now searching for him as well.

I wonder if he feels regret for his actions; such thoughts are unbecoming of me, but I can't help but wonder. Even if he did feel regret and desired for forgiveness... I don't believe he would be genuine enough. He knows his actions, he has tasted the fruits of his actions... it seems to late for him to turn back after sacrificing so much for his empty desires that will only serve him to ensnare more of his lust.

I must find him; I must set him free.

We shall search Sarr-Kass for him.[/blockquote]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

"...We may die at any moment; live with no regrets and you will have no fear of it..."

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We have arrived in Sarr-Kass. I had never seen such a beautiful city. The walls are still there, adorn with crafted markings. It seems the builders took great care in leaving their marks upon that which they had a hand in building. I can respect them for that. Yet the flames that still burn within tell me one thing.

The fighting in Sarr-Kass has still not over. It seems even after these two years, some have managed to erect secondary battlements along with scavenging enough food to keep themselves alive. Yet, this was once a city of at least ten thousand. They have been reduced to a mere hundred. Most are soldiers, a few children amongst them. Yet, they seemed to be ever resilient.

Xelt'tius has asked for aid in our journey towards the last of places which Meer'tis could be hiding. He is despite in his flight from us, Xelt'tius is all the more zealous to find him. From his words we rallied ten to follow us. The people in the city however... they chose not to leave it.

I-I have great respect for their choice. They told me that they chose to stay not out of a desire to save their possessions but in the hopes to keep their home from being devoured by evil. As such, they have let go of the luxuries that they were so used to in the hopes of doing what needed to be done.

For that, I admire the last remnants of Sarr-Kass. As we left with out cohort, I could sense that they felt great sorrow in leaving their people. They are a formidable and season group of warriors as we managed to push forward into the territory which hasn't been stood in for a few years.

And there... we saw something we shouldn't have seen. Piles of rusted armor, all without bones or bodies with them. Their were large groups of the goblins carrying off bodies and prisoners toward what looked to be several strongholds. As we stared, we could hear the moans from where we stood.

Those bodies and prisoners were going to feed into the army which we were fighting so hard against. The corpses of the dead were pried out from their armor to most likely give rise to their zombies. The bodies that were too decayed? Skeletons. For every soldier we lost against these foe, we added to their army.

I could see the fear on the faces of our small group. They feared that we would fail.

"We shall not fail." I told them in a manner which I hadn't addressed towards people in a long time.
"Let not fear cloud you. We are Ophian, we have seen terrors long before and far worse then this. We will survive. At the very least remember this; there is only one thing that is greater then any Favour..."

I left it at that as if they knew. It wasn't until the youngest of warriors asked what was greater than Favour.

...Tomorrow...[/blockquote]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

"...Favour is not truly about what you take with you in the end; in the end we are nothing but dust. It is about the legacy you leave behind; what we leave for our children. Our people have forgotten this..."

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We came to the place which Ratka stood. The same strongholds were in the place which one held our people. The trees looked sickly, almost as if the undead taint had too affected them. When we saw this, we saw also a most disturbing sight.

While moving though the city as quietly as we could, we saw what looked to be some sort of portal in the center of the city. Now, I know not where it leads, but the sounds that resonated from the portal was most daunting. As we watched hundreds of cruel beasts we heard another sound. Screaming and yelling.

People that had been captured by the blight were being escorted by goblins and some of their other beasts. As they moved we could hear the cries of many. But the one that stood out most of all was a group of prisoners in chains. Some of them were from the city of Sarr-Kass.

As we watched, the instinct of everyone was to attack. I kept them from diving into a fray that they would surely lose. We couldn't be a match for all the monsters and goblins that stood in our way, not with the weapons we had in the condition that they were. Such action would be rash and done hastily from anger. So, instead of fighting, we could only watch in horror as we saw and heard the prisoners be cast into the portal to destinations unknown.

If I had to guess, this portal was one of countless portals. The people who were being thrown into it were either sacrifices to some sort of demon or unfathomable fate or worse...
Perhaps this was the means for them to create their army. Corpses were also thrown into the portal and as such, I feel the suspicion that whatever it does... it is something that we must halt.

Yet, our mission was still clear and we had seen where Meer'tis was. He was amongst several of the goblins, whom seemed to treat him as if he were nothing more then their slave. However, they didn't attack him, but sent him to gather them more of the "Enchanted stones" as they called it. Meer'tis went alone... apparently these goblins do not exactly know how to build the portals... that or they need someone like Meer'tis in order to do it.

In any case, we managed to follow him to the place that had these "Enchanted stones". It wasn't the only thing that was there. It appeared that there was some sort of magic stone that was there as well along with all kinds of magical artifacts. I do not know what they needed from these, yet it seemed that they had gone through much effort to have this place built.

It was there that our cohort cornered Meer'tis. When we did, he seemed to be surprised. As we surrounded him, he asked us many questions.

'Why are you here?'
'How did you get here?'
'What do you want?'

As he pushed for answers, Xelt'tius Zythira moved forward addressing the man. He had his staff and was close enough to attack. I merely stood half a step behind Zythira as he spoke. He called Meer'tis a traitorous snake, a being that was not worth of life for his actions against the Ophian people. I could only watch as the holy man spoke with much anger and demands to know what the monsters were doing.

'They need me... they managed to kill my soldiers. Yet, they spared me. They told me that they needed to build their portals. If I did this, they offered me a reprieve from death. They told me that they needed the magic from the artifacts that we had in the cities. So... I gave it to them. They wanted more... If I could give them sacrifices, then they would let me rule upon the end of their campaign. They were winning this war, to reject such an offer is madness. I had to!'

To this Xelt'tius Zythira moved to strike. Before his blow landed, I shoved him off to the side. Meer'tis was surprised at this as I stood in front of him. He went to his knees begging me for mercy and forgiveness. He told me he was wrong, that the blight treated him as a slave to do their work. He said he didn't want to die, he was scared. As his words were said to me I could only hear one thing in his voice.

Fear...

His actions were from fear, even his actions towards me were of fear. His soul was lost. As Meer'tis remained on his knees, I could hear the words that came from me.

'Meer'tis Chalur, your actions must be repented. You sacrificed the Ophian people in the hopes to evade death. Your fear of death has caused the death of hundreds. Your ambition for power clouded your reason and your mind causing you to lose Fasska. Your arrogance has lead you to forsake your family, kill your father for power. You oppressed the people and oppressed the half-breed that had rightfully accursed you of crimes against our people. You have caused pain, suffering and death of the Ophian people... and yourself.

It was at that moment, that I slew my son. As the blade came down, I saw his fear. The blow was a fatal one as the others seemed to be taken back. They hadn't believed me capable of killing him. His eyes were glazing over as his last gasps of life came from his lips. He looked at me with pleading eyes. Why?

'To set you free... your soul has suffered... your soul is but a trapped body within a body locked in desires. I free your soul from agony. We are all born to die... do not worry... be at peace.'

Meer'tis died as I stood in front of him with a bloodied blade. Xelt'tius demanded why I stopped him.

'You were going to act out of desire. The desire of hate and vengeance is as much a crime as his desires from fear or another desires for joy... The moment you take a life or cause suffering for another in pursuit of these desires, I am compelled by the Highest Favoured to end you... so that your soul may suffer no more.'

He was surprised to hear that I would kill him as well. Yet, as we stood by our deed, I saw that the enemy had noticed our presence. They began to flood through the gate that lead to the "Enchanted" room. It was then I saw an alter before me. It had words coming from it that I could not read. Yet, as the others fought, I placed my sword upon the alter.

It was then I felt something happen. The words seemed to wrap around the blade, turning the blue blade sharper then ever before and a red glowing aura around it. When I took the blade, and attacked one of the goblins I watched as it seemed to burst in flames and was cut much easier then I had seen before. Such a powerful device was something I knew that had to be destroy. I instructed the youngest of our soldiers to destroy the alter there.

I knew what we had t---


[Paper Torn][/blockquote]

[Rakashi Yamoki]

We did what we set out to do... Meer'tis is dead. If you are reading this, then I have haven't returned to this place. In the corner of the cave is a map that details where the portals are in the region of Ratka. However, this is the summer of first year of the Diaspora. Should this be found years later, then I am most likely dead.

I know what I have to do. In the previous page, you should have read what happened in Ratka. We saw that they had some sort of portals and were throwing people into them. I don't know why, but it doesn't seem good. Those people never came out. All that keeps coming from the portals is some strange noises that seem dark and sort of enter under the skin.

These portals must lead to some sort of place, the place where these monsters are coming from. As such, I am doing what I need to do, even if it means my death. Those portals must be destroyed. Our people, every people, if these things are not destroyed than our children shall pay the price for our inaction.

The others, five warriors, agreed to journey with me against the foe that we shall meet. I do not know what awaits us, but know this; the goblins need us. As long as we can do what they can not, we can win this fight. It may seem like a hopeless fight, but we can survive if we remain strong and don't forget that even if the end were to come tomorrow... it isn't tomorrow yet.

As long as I draw breath, I shall face this foe. Not till every portal is taken down will I return. That map leads to the portals. If you see that there is no glow from them, no dark feeling, than I have already sealed it. Should that be untrue, than pray you gather forces to seal it.

Tomorrow will only come if you fight for it... sit and wait... well... we will all suffer for it. Tell my order that I did as I needed. I am Turiya of the Anagarika Order. I slew my son for his crimes... and I have be dedicated to sealing the portals. I may or may not be dead, yet this account is for you.

"Home be a far off place, one day our children shall find it once more. Yet even than they may move to find another place. Everything shall belong to everyone. All comes to eventual balance. As all things live, all things eventually die. We feel joy; we also feel suffering. We feel sadness; we feel happiness. All things come to full balance, in time. We wander through life afraid and alone. We also wander through life with strength and company. It is moments in this life we should cherish always, for as easy as good things come, so too ill things. We may die at any moment; live with no regrets and you will have no fear of it. We live so that we may build a future. That is how Favour is not truly as it is. All things have High Favour and Low Favour. Favour is not truly about what you take with you in the end; in the end we are nothing but dust. It is about the legacy you leave behind; what we leave for our children. Our people have forgotten this. Do not be one of these masses. Remember this one thing if you are to take anything from my story... Tomorrow something which we must shape... And if you had to give it shape... might as well be the best that you can offer."

[Fin]