Thortyan Report: Gudhlek Tornquist
This document has reached the council of The Order. It's contents are unknown to the rest of Mellanvärlden.
The following passage is an adapted and translated excerpt of a report written by Gudhlek Tornquist, Guardian of
the Order of Thortyr.
10th of June, 1025 Efter Lakingnem - Unmapped Lands.
It's been 8 days since I left Revdal, took extra supplies in Skjoldborg and marched north towards the 1st Peak of the Range, temperatures were significantly lower than expected for this time of the year, a strange aura seemed to hang in the air. Despite, I carried on, making my way up the first plateau of the mountain in order to get a clear sight of the landscape up north, there were specters and undead in my path. Seeing the ghosts drift this far down south is already an oddity in itself, but there were no previous reports of adventurers in the area or necromantic activity for years, which picked my interest.
Finishing my climb, I trod along the mountainwall to the edge of a cliff on the northern side. At first sight, I noticed figures roaming the wasteland, most seemed to plod aimlessly, and I counted up to 68 individuals [...]. Upon further inspection of the wights, a pale, bluish glow was visible in their empty eye sockets, despite the distance I stood from them. Many wore pieces that resembled armor, with patches of ice where pieces would be missing. There were weapons [...].Reports of previous expeditions report that wraiths only become a common sight 150 miles north of the Peaks, yet they were here, by the mountainwall, accompanied by these undead. My sense of duty compelled me to climb down to face these dark creatures [..].
I clashed against them, they proved to be of little challenge, yet far from triffling foes. My steel dagger proved inneficient against their icy armor, but was sufficient when hitting gaps. Frystine was adequate, there was no effect when in proximity to Akreotine. [...] Some of the wights carried documents, notes, amulets. Many are Engelian, from over 500 years in the past, raised from the grip of death from amidst the ice. One managed to wound me significantly, turning back wasn't an option.
Earlier today I spotted a figure on horseback, riding fast south. They shared some of the features of the wights, except he seemed more proficient, judging by his ability over the saddle. The animal had eyes like his, with a blue, eerie glow in the empty sockets. I drew my sword, standing on his way. He accepted my challenge and climbed down as a weapon made of ice materialized in his hand, a mace of sorts. We clashed fiercely as he proved to be one the greatest challenges I've fought against, as my thrusts were useless against him. I cut off his head and his decapitated body continued strike against me, slowly winding me up until a swing struck me in the side and arm. I got tossed several meters away, which leads me to conclude the weapon is magical in nature, but unlinked to Magi. My arm and ribs are shatted to pieces and I cannot get up, the knight didn't even bother to finish me, as he re-attached his head-and-helmet to his body and continued his quick gallop south. He seemed driven by some superior force.
The cold will soon embrace me, this letter must reach the Arch-Knight, I'm attaching it to my horse's saddle and sending him south, may he be swift and strong.
For the Glory of Engelia,
Gudhlek Tornquist.
