The Book of Elhoriad

Excerpts from the book found in the temple library . . .

The research and power which my master, Unariq Vol’talsimol, invested in this most wonderful of creations is truly astounding. He has joined with our unjustly imprisoned god, so it is up to me, Susain Carun, to finish this work. What joy and secret pleasure I have derived from this. Our new master will realize in time that it is I who should have been given the rank of Third. The one who holds this position is a gift from the prince, but has she earned this title? Has she brought such gifts forward? No! It is not so. Did I not pass through the reverie?! Have I not brought greatness and honor to the Imprisoned One? It is of no matter. All will be set right in time.

(In the margin next to these opening comments)
This is most interesting. Is Mistress Carun so foolish that she did not think anyone would read these notes after she left for the excavation project. This sort of petty rivalry is beyond the First or Second, but I imagine that the Third would be interested in this bit of news. Once I have joined the dreamer’s ranks, this will be another tool for my advancement.

That these elhoriads are the perfect union of undeath and entropy is not in doubt. Their form of burned bone and cloaked darkness will strike fear in the most stalwart priest. Vol’talsimol did not complete his work, but I have made the necessary steps to ensure that the destructive energies do not overwhelm the frame of these creatures. Greatness surrounds all that I do!

I have created the first generation of these creatures. They will serve as guardians for our temple in (words deleted). The (word deleted) environment should not pose any difficulty for them.

(margin notes)
Are we now giving away our hidden temples? Has she not considered who might one day read this? Her power has blinded her reason.

The next two generations of this great creation are now complete. They have been sent out into the world. The fools who think they are encountering the weakest of the walking dead will find their vim and vigor sucked from their worthless bodies.

The third generation has developed a cunning intellect. What an interesting side effect of keeping the subjects alive until the last moment of the transformation. Perhaps a more liberal use of healing followed by liquid pain will even further enhance the elhoriad’s mental capacity. The cries of the supplicants are like singing!

(margin notes)
She certainly seems happy with these creations. I have seen them, and they are impressive, but they are hardly the greatest of the undead which she portends.

The fourth generation is complete! The rapid flensing of the flesh while healing of the wounds was a master stroke. The subject's minds remain stimulated until the point of death. This allows a full transfer of the cerebral functions into the elhoriads.

All will praise my name! These are easily the most powerful of the whole lot. Vol’talsimol’s dream is realized in me. If he were still with us, I would be elevated to his right hand. They will be placed in the blasted yard securing our inner fane forever. When the Imprisoned One is freed, I will stand before him. He will look down upon me and say, “Well done my most faithful servant!”.

(margin notes)
Tychon’s opinion of Susain has merit. It is good that she has been assigned to oversee the excavation. Her incessant ramblings about the skeletons was grinding. Though the horde of them in the blasted yard is impressive.