The Rise of the Maeldryth
(224 Arhat 377)
I write this in the hopes of reaching as many people as possible, with a special message for my brothers and sisters who are also followers of the path of the worshipping of the immortals.
This article is a treatise of the appearance of the creatures known as maeldryth, and the possible implications for Elanthia…
This is my first time writing an article for a greater audience, although I have made a lot of writings for myself – and so I would like to apologize in advance if my writing is not concise or clear enough.
The few details I have seem to miss some points, but I have assembled as much information as I could for it to be useful. I have been made aware of the creature’s existence only a few days ago, and have honestly felt concern, mainly because of the circumstances of their appearance, and also their formidable abilities. As such I have been collecting information from as many sources as I could, trying to piece together the big puzzle…
According to what I have found talking to various people in Crossing, these maeldryth would be the spawns of the creature called Maelshyve – Which in turn, according to my studies, would have been created by the kobold necromancer Archrost. I probably do not have to introduce this name anymore, as Archrost is the one that stole the silver chalice that sat in the temple of Urrem’tier – taking the clerical ability to resurrect the dead with him.
In any case, Maelshyve’s maeldryth have arose and multiplied – leading to multiple sightings of them across Elanthia. I am not yet quite sure about their original birth point, although it seems, from recent occurence, that the creatures are on the move. My dear Talliska, the young Prydaen ranger I see and love as a little sister, reported to me that the Warrior Mage Halcier fought and was nearly defeated in combat with a maeldryth, which attacked him while he was in a forge near the tunnel of the Greater Fist, in the Dirge area. The assault left sir Halcier almost dying, having to require the help of a cleric to remove the curse placed on him, allowing him to survive.
Now, I wouldn’t be writing this, without having the time to conduct a very thorough investigation of the matter, if I wasn’t inclined to give truth to the theory of their origin myself…
A few days ago I traveled to Leth Deriel with my dear fiancee, the empath Ryshassa, and while she was browsing one of the shops at Travelynn’s I decided to go have a look at the clerical supplies store. While in there, as I was looking through the merchandise, the gods saw fit to grant me a vision…
The room grew dark, and a pair of flaring green eyes of light suddenly bazed open… And another, and another, until I was surrounded by hundreds of these eyes exuding a malevolent aura. Then, out of the darkness, and almost as if right above my shoulder, a sweet malevolent voice suddenly uttered that I would meet its children… soon…
On my way back to Leth Deriel, on the ferry to Crossing, Ryshassa and I met with other travelers, and one of them mentioned having received the same vision as I, so I know I am not the only one that saw these images. And then, on the same ferry, we heard of many people getting attacked by maeldryth in the region of Theren…
I will not advance myself by saying the two events are certainly connected, but I believe there is a link to those. I need more proof before I can establish a connection with certainty… But still, I advise that we do not take this matter lightly, for apparently the gods are giving us a warning.
And what gives me even more reason to believe in this, is that now, more than ever, my brothers and sisters of the cleric guild will be sorely needed… According to sir Halcier again, the creatures attack by inflicting a curse on their victimes, which drains them of their spirit… Eventually killing them. For now, one of the only ways of removing the curse is of course the uncurse spell of the clerical guild, which is why I recommend vigilance among other clerics…
I will continue to investigate the matter on my side, and will keep you informed of any new findings… Also, if anybody wants to communicate with me to share their findings, or to correct some mistakes I might have made, I invite you to do so… Just leave a message to Baresh, here at the Wren’s Nest. He usually knows how to contact me… Until then, again, I recommend prudence.
May the Gods bless you all, and safe paths.
Alexsei Krauser, Black Wing of Eylhaar.