Descent Into Darkness

[Duraza]

Early Writings

It has occurred to me that I'm no longer able to tell for how long I'll remain coherent before my emotions take me again... Therefore I will write to ensure that there is some reservoir of sanity that I can turn to and continue from time to time following the same logical path. Hopefully, at some point the logic I find myself writing here will lead me back to a life I can enjoy living.

There is a virus in me, a foreign seed of some sort. I cannot understand how it took root or how to kill it and move on with my life. It causes me agony in my dreams, it clouds my thought with sorrow. It fills my shaking hands with wrath, drives my actions towards power. In my ignorance I cannot even decide whether these phenomenon are best spoken of metaphorically a seed or disease. If a seed, then something in me is growing and will eventually bring new life. If a disease my functions will break down and I will eventually pass. Surely anyone can understand from the distinction between those two descriptors that this is a situation important to me. I wish to understand how I suddenly acquired this... 'thing.'

It has been two and a half weeks since the untimely passing of my master Lanus Goldfire. Three days prior to Lanus' death he summoned a succubus whose name I know to be Lynrona. While the authorities blamed his summoning circle there cannot be a doubt in this discussion that their investigation led a false conclusion. I, Hael Ragesun killed Lanus while he slept. This was done at the suggestion of Lynrona who had become the object of my lust. Afterwards she nearly ended my own life. I don't know what force deemed it right that I live on, but it seems I have continued to exist in the world I unjustly robbed my master of.

It is necessary that our discussion starts with these facts because it was at some point from Lynorona's summoning to Lanus' death that the subject of our study came to be, the thing that is within me. However, I cannot pinpoint the moment of its conception, if there is a singular moment rather than the entire series of events calling this 'thing' to reality. However, for the sake of choosing a starting point we will assume that it was during a significant moment that I acquired the subject. Breaking down events in chronological order, the logical points of significance are listed below:

A.) The moment of Lynrona's summoning where my desire first appeared.

B.) The whispers I heard from her tempting me to do wrong.

C.) The whispers within my dreams, tempting me to do wrong (Note: These whispers could have been the work of the succubus, my own inner mind, or the 'thing' already existing at this point).

D.) My giving into temptation by killing Lanus.

E.) Lynrona's attack on my life.

F.) Anything that she could have done to me in the period during which I was hanging on for life to the time which she finally escaped.

Of points B, C, E, and F there is an assumption that we've can make that if Lynrona's actions have caused what occurs within me than by summoning her I can learn what it is she has done to me (if she had any willful intent behind it). Of all other points of significance, possibly included those mentioned prior, I will have to discover for myself if there is something in them that is fundamental to creating such phenomenon in the hearts of men.

It will also be necessary that I try to find examples of the same symptoms occurring in past situations... And I will use my masters estate as a place to research the possibility of inducing these effects in others. Perhaps with all this knowledge combined I may be able to find a way to remove this foreign 'thing' from my being. Or at the least, I will know what plagues me day by day.

Last, I must mention that there is no medicine that I have for what I suffer from. Even if there were, I could not take it. I must allow myself to be immersed by this darkness. I am my own subject in this project that we undertake together. If we cannot observe the phenomenon as they occur in me, than we cannot be sure whether they occur in other beings, the possibilities of stages, etc. I know of no doctor who tries to cure a patient by infecting himself.... However, I am my own patient and though this comes with risks it is the only way I see to save myself.

With that, we will start this grand undertaking of mine. With no facts, prior knowledge, or known methodology we are fumbling in the dark without any source of light. Therefore my friends, this project will forever be called A Descent Into Darkness.

[Duraza]

All warlocks know well that a demon, no matter the bindings, pacts, and control you exert over it is unworthy of one's trust. To summon a demon is to call it to fulfill a certain purpose. After the goal has been achieved, the desire obtained a warlock must send such dark creatures back to the Nether where they belong. To become attached to a single summon is to risk betrayal or death. To befriend or love a servant is foolishness. They can only ever be tools, resources that are utilized, drained, and then tossed away.

...I am such a foolish man. To know well the taboo of falling in love with a succubus and do so regardless. Master Lanus warned me of such. Its strange how clearly I remember such a terrible situation. We were in the lab beneath his estate. In the middle was a purple summoning circle that he left permanently on the floor. The circle was just a base you see. With chalk Lanus would draw the more complex and specific parts of the circle. His books were scattered about, pilled high on the various tables. Numerous codices all on the topic of demonology. What more could be expected from a master summoner I suppose.

I stood in the back, near the door. Master always said, "If anything goes wrong leave me to deal with it while you escape. I won't have my youthful apprentice reaching whatever afterlife there is before this old sack of bones does." Today however, was especially important. Imps and voidwalkers, he had called quite a few of those before. Both become quite loyal after realizing their position as a servant and don't normally make trouble.... But succubi?

"They would corrupt the heart of a pure soul with their devious tricks and beauty," Lanus said. "They come into this world and bring out lust in men... And for those they cannot have, they force themselves upon. Disgusting half-breeds that should have never existed brought about by such twisted unions. Many don't take them seriously but believe me Hael, a succubus is nothing to be trifled with. Quite revolting creatures to be honest." I believed him of course... But. Even then Lanus seemed to already be immune to any thoughts of attraction. He had a stronger will than I, his foolish young apprentice.

The circle was completed. It shined with purple light. From the nether she came, right into the center, bound by Lanus' incantations. Even now, as I write with anger swelling in my heart I don't think I've ever laid eyes on such a beautiful creature. Yet, such beauty is so hollow and corrupt... Yet wondrous all at the same time. I'll never be able to describe how much I hate her. How much she has made me hate myself. Damned forever more the name of that seductress, Lynrona. If ever I get the skill to summon her I will exact my revenge with one thousand punishments.

Now, free from her spell I can see how deviously her mind was working all along. She kept all her attention on Lanus at first, flirting with him, throwing herself at him. But Lanus saw through these hollow promises, knowing that the only thing on Lynrona's mind was freedom. Soon she realized his will was too strong... And she set her sights on me, a boy whose knees had been weak since the moment she entered the room.

Lanus quickly saw her intentions and told me that my lessons were done for the day and that I should get some rest. But the damage was already done. She only had to whisper once through those lovely... crooked lips of hers. "I can be yours," she said, "Yours forever and ever. Please, free me and my gratitude will last through eternity." I was already ensnared.

But there was no love... No, instead there was just the icy chill of cruelty in that woman. She tricked me and now... Now I suffer. I feel so many emotions that I cannot sort out why I feel what except through writing. Only here does my mind find any sense, any haven from this constant.... this constant...

This constant melancholy.

[Duraza]

Recently, it has come to my attention that the truth of one my my initial questions has been discovered. However, before we go into detail about what that truth is we must, as always, start from the beginning. Such is the logical method of discourse.

Three weeks ago, now a total of 7 weeks since the passing of my dear master Lanus, I developed a peculiar condition. In the evenings, normally after dining I would feel dizzy and nauseous. After a few days of this I immediately assumed there was something wrong with my food, causing this nausea. Everything was cleared out and I restocked the pantry with fresh items, yet the nausea did not stop. In fact, as time went on it worsened.

As the first week of this nausea passed by I started to suffer headaches throughout the day. However, because they were so sporadic, while the nausea was at a constant time it was initially difficult to tell what was causing the headaches. The source could have been the same thing causing the nausea, or the headaches could have been the result of constant nausea instead. Obviously, I was also not in the proper state to truly consider these symptoms.

Approaching the third week, the headaches mysteriously vanished, replaced with sporadic nausea that ended in daily vomiting. My appetite has since been lost, many hours of sleep passed by with eyes opened, and a general sickly look has become my constant appearance. As the days passed I became lost in this sickness, no longer bothering to pay attention to much else other than my suffering.

It was just recently that the wheels in my mind started turning again due to an unusual occurrence. Taking account of the fact that I've eaten next to nothing for days on end, I'd assume my vomit to mainly be composed of liquids from my stomach. However, it seems that at some point I cannot identify this changed and the bile I left uncleaned was dark as soot. This black substance seems to be in excess within me, escaping only during moments of regurgitation.

With such a mysterious phenomenon occurring inside of me, I of course went back through the chapters of my mind to see what could have changed. What is it that could cause this black bile, a medical mystery I've never seen academic work on? Only one answer comes to me, the phenomenon that has forever changed my life. This plague on my body must be related to the plague on my mind, the death of my master, the emotions I cannot come to grips with, the constant melancholy that pervades my thoughts.

There are two things that have been gained here... The first, which is by now obvious, is that whatever it is that ails me is twofold, attacking both the mind and body. The second gain is that I have finally found the answer to my question of metaphor. When undertaking this study, I questioned whether I felt something more akin to a seed or disease. Now we unquestionably describe what is a disease. Hopefully I can retain lucidity, if just for mere moments in a day, to continue writing my observations. That way, there can be some record, should I fail at researching on.

[Duraza]

For two days I laid in bed, overcome by what may be an advanced stage of the sickness I suffer from. During these days I was taken by a fever more intense than I have ever experienced. I felt cold constantly, shivering no matter how hot the room got. At times I considered setting myself on fire just to escape the cold surging through by body. As it got worst on the first day, the aches were too great for me to move. I laid on my bed, a crumpled mass, wrapped up in blankets. To no avail of course, the chill would not fade.

At the same time, my body temperature was rising constantly. Though I could not feel the heat, I was sweating uncontrollably, drenching my clothing as I did so. As I held myself through the night I thought my very blood might boil and escape from my body. I do not remember an instance of nausea throughout this period. Perhaps, it was because the fever itself was overriding everything else going on in my body. However, I think what I proposed above, that this fever is an advanced stage, is most likely true.

There is a reason why I choose to stick to this theory. Like past stages of this disease (stages that attack the body and mind) there was a mental component to this fever. Dark thoughts. Whispers that invaded my dreams, tempting me much in the same way my dreams were invaded by desire and destruction (see point C from my introduction). During the night I heard a voice tempting me... No, it was not just my sense of hearing. I felt this voice come over my body as if the sound could grab me with an arm and force me to do its bidding. I saw my tempter in many forms, but all that I can remember are lips moving, urging me on with persuasive power I've never experienced when speaking to mortals.

On the evening of the second day the groundskeeper of Lanus' estate came to pay me a visit. He saw my condition and went for a doctor. It seems that this groundskeeper has now saved me twice now. When I awoke today I felt fine and, aside from my drastic weight loss from lack of eating, my health is returning. It is strange to write without any fear of being deluded by sickness. Instead I can completely rely on my perceptions of past events and deliver a coherent report.

With this coherence I've recognized something I think of as a problem. When I questioned the groundskeeper about what my sickness was and how the doctor healed me he first said, "You hadn't been siphoning energy or using the fel crystals recently. Your body had probably fallen into arcane deficiency." While I realize that in my sickness I had forgotten about my need to sate my addictions I must admit this explanation does not fit. Before the need to use fel I've never suffered from such a volatile deficiency. The effects were far more extreme than any I've ever heard of.

The second thing he said was, "To save you the doctor gave you some felblood from an imp. They have high fel content, which I'm sure you know, so it was more than enough of a boost to get your system back to normal. Of course, you'll have to keep up normal maintenance of your body from here on out." Felblood? The uses of the blood of demons is something I've not learned about from my master... In fact, I'm not sure such a method was conceived before I went into seclusion from sickness. The study of demonology must have become more advanced while I was unable to practice. Still, I seem to be cured of the disease I once suffered from. Only the coming days will tell but I will closely watch my condition for changes.

For now, I would like to conclude with a two important hypotheses.

1.) The sickness that I've suffered from is somehow connected to fel, should it be true that felblood is what cured me. Perhaps, it is an even worst version of deficiency...? Meaning that fel has some extreme differences from normal arcane derived from Azeroth's ley lines (more extreme than was priorly assumed). This also means that the true moment I gained this disease was before my points A-F. Rather, it was at the very moment I used fel energy, perhaps from casting or from sating my addiction.

2.) Demons are thought to be monsters... Perhaps, there is something darker about fel as well? I cannot truly explain this thesis, and while it is entirely flawed for an academic to posit a theory without any backing... I will rely on my intuition just this once. There are too many coincidental linkings between fel and this sickness, fel and demons, fel and the dark thoughts that have risen into my mind. Perhaps there is some reality where fel is a substance that links them all together.

I must turn my attention back to my studies... It has been over a month since Lanus' death and ever since that point I have learned nothing further on the subject of demonology. Perhaps my confusion is merely from an ignorance of knowledge I had yet to learn, not necessarily developments in the field. Regardless of which, I must educate myself immediately.

[Duraza]

What Is Fel?

Another question has appeared in my head, one that worries me for reasons I cannot explain. I will not write about it to any great length to avoid making too many assumptions without first starting my research. I am plagued by the thought that I, as well as my people, do not actually know what fel is... This substance that seems to be saving us, yet its effects, powers, origins. Something will come of this new revolutionary power in the hands of the Sin'dorei, though I cannot say how it will transform us, or even the rest of Azeroth.

These questions arise from a situation that occurred for a week after I consumed fel blood from an imp. I was overcome with with a desire for a taste that I could not place. My body felt terrible, locked in some longing... This longing was equivalent to the lust I felt after the succubus Lynrona. However, I did not know for what I longed. It was something familiar, but I couldn't place it. For a week I suffered the pangs of desire until finally, they subsided.

Once I was past craving, I had the doctor who saved me previously make a house call. When I questioned him, he chuckled at my naivety, simply claiming, "The imp's blood was the cause of course. You must continue to drink it periodically. Its quite like drawing energy from the fel crystals, but a bit more potent." We spoke very briefly before he left. Apparently, the use of fel blood to resuscitate those suffering from arcane deficiency was something new he and a few other physicians were trying. However, the main usage was to sate normal arcane cravings or to boost power for battle.

However, the common use of fel blood is still fairly new. When I asked about its effects, the doctor had little to say about the negative. Most used it continually so he hadn't run into a case like me where there was such a long period of stoppage. This situation worries me. I cannot place my finger on it but... Some of the citizens I've observed taking fel blood treat it in the same way as a blood thistle addict. A constant desire for it, a high once consumed, and often times a low that can only be cured by further consumption. However, I suppose usage is still at a stage where its hard to see whether my people actually suffer from an addiction or simply a fad of the times.

Regardless, something about the longing I felt... And now that I know what that longing was for. All of it gives me a headache. It seems that, once again the only way to gain an answer is to delve deeper into this murky pool of confusion. This is the path I have chosen, and I am happy to see that my people, my fellow Sin'dorei will walk the same path, even if unknowingly. The truth will be found, understanding fel is the key.

[Duraza]

Multiple entries can be found afterwards, all on the study of fel and shadow. Years pass as a treatise of demonology becomes the bulk of the text 'Descent Into Darkness.' Finally, the last entry can be seen, the conclusion to the work.

Melancholia

When the Quel'dorei set foot on the land of Tirisfal they were infected by madness. A plague of whisperings came over the entire populace, driving them insane. There was no choice but to leave the 'cursed' land. The darkness that effected them has been unknown, a phenomenon inexplicable by many who have researched into it. At the same time, Tirisfal becomes home to the Forsaken, a race of abominations... The Lich King no longer exerts his control, yet... I wonder if the darkness in their hearts comes from the same whispers that drove that Quel'dorei away long ago.

Even thinking about the Lich King... Isn't it interesting that the darkness he wields over this world is also thought to be a whisper? The Will of the Tyrant, the whisper in the minds of all his followers, forcing them to do dark deeds. Some Forsaken claim that weak willed Undead will return to his service. Death Knights who have joined the Ebon banner have their eternal hunger... I wonder if this desire nags at them... like whispered words that tempt the heart to give in.

I wonder if whispers too tricked the traitor Prince... I wonder if the light, desirable voice of a whisper once convinced the Highborne to join with the Legion, leading to their fall. Perhaps the dark whispers in this world are the reason that the Dark Titan came to be, and his Legion along with him as he became the Whisperer himself. But behind him, behind them all... There is some great Deceiver in this universe, one that leads us all astray, allowing us to wander in the darkest pits of despair and sorrow.... And melancholy. Above all else, this Deceiver brings us to face melancholy without escape, without retribution.

There are many who utilize this power of whisper... Who wield this disease, this 'black death.' Truly, this is the bane of all that exists, the whisper that darkens the heart, corrupts the soul, and makes the mind lose its will. I have suffered from this disease since the moment I heard the whispers of that seductress Lynrona. She may have unintentionally lead me astray... But regardless she did. The same is with the power of fel, an energy source that makes the wielder desire only more. I have heard the whispers that now reside in my mind.... Perhaps, eons ago, Lynrona herself was like me... A different being until the whisper of fel corrupted her entirely.

It would make sense. Even looking at my race now, looking at myself in the mirror and seeing my fel colored eyes. Or thinking about those who have taken fel to extents I would have never dreamed, the corrupted Fel-blood elves. The power of this disease is strong... And the Deceiver finds many pathways to unleash it on the world. Fel is merely one pathway, as was the succubus' voice. However, just as I have written above there have been many who have succumbed to this plague... And numerous paths and forms it might take.

I have two things I would like to write here to conclude this work.... My Descent into Darkness. The first, is to finally give name to the disease that has plagued me as well as Azeroth, and possibly all parts of the cosmos, from the Twisting Nether to the Great Dark and beyond. In me, my blood was set a boiling, carrying dark thoughts to my head. Black bile was n excess within my body... And of all things, I was overcome with a powerful melancholy. I have decided to name it Melancholia... As for its origins, I suspect that this disease was created, perhaps even before the time of the Titans.... By the Great Deceiver who whispers in the ears, speaks to the mind, and leads all of existence astray.

The second is while I have realized all of this... I am not yet done. I will continue to delve into darkness. I admit, much of this is from the whispering in my own head, the power lust that I cannot escape. However, there is also another reason, one that I will write here lest I forget in the future. Somewhere, in the deepest darkness, the true whisperer who created this sickness, the Great Deceiver himself lies waiting. I will find this being... If it is even possible to hold even a shred of purity that far in the abyss, than I will demand a cure for my affliction. However, if such darkness wholly corrupts than I will snatch the power of Melancholia for myself. There will be no authority above me, the entity that deceives all of existence, even gods.

[Duraza]

Journal Entry One,

Since the completion of my training in Outland I have decided to once again take up writing my thoughts, actions, and general state. At the moment there may be no academic use for this journal, yet I feel the desire to write... Perhaps it comes from the echo of 'fonder' memories if those times could be referred to by such a word.

I do not have much time to speak at length, however, as of today I completed my studies. I've assimilated the craft of the tothrezim Mammon, my own master. As a legion Fel-Smith I craft Infernals, just as the other tothrezim. I also have learned the craft of various weapons, armor, etc as smiths often do. As congratulations for completing my learning Mammon has given me a special purple jewel. He says it is a rare stone, one of his more precious, and seeks for me to craft something splendid from it.

I have yet to consider a design, and the stone is so small it cannot be stretched very small. I also am not familiar with its uses, nor did he tell me what its purpose was. Instead, he said "A good smith can feel the object's potential by merely holding it." I will prove to Mammon that I am a good smith and therefore worthy of being one of his prized possessions.

Prelude

Light flashed in the room, green streaks momentarily rendering Hael's eyes blind to everything around him. Then, as the light faded and the room came back into focus, he could see it all again. Black stone walls, cracked and worn. Dusty brown shelves, littered with leather-bound tomes and vials filled with dull green substances. Work benches off to the side covered in rare metals and gray stones. And finally, in the very center of the room a summoning circle laid on the ground. Complex patterns and runes had been painstakingly drawn over hours of time, rendered in gray chalk.

Or at least, they had previously appeared in gray. The circle had changed after the flash, seeming to retain some of the eerie light for itself, now emitting a dim glow from the floor. Hael's eyes moved directly to the circle's center, focusing on the being still emerging from the fading energy. "What word do you bring from master Mammon?"

Finally, all remnants of the light faded, replaced by the sparks of green flame. An imp moved from the very center of the circle to the edge, looking up at Hael, "I can still never get a hello out of you can I?" The imp snickered, dancing around the circle, his feet leaving little burn marks here and there on the ground, "Must be the Azerothian air. Even you seem more pleasant in Hellfire when every breathe is a toxic one filled with soot and every sniff comes with the delightful scent of sulphur."

Hael's right eye twitched, his lips slowly descending, "Now is not the time Zilpep. I sent you with an urgent messa-"

"Yes, I know, you don't have to start giving me a speech," Zilpep quickly said to cut Hael off. The imp idly swung his tail back and forth, "You're always so overly verbose," he muttered, stressing each o as he spoke. "And you elves have such musical voices... To have to deal with you as a partner... The master truly has no mercy."

Hael had begun to grind his teeth together as Zilpep continued to go on and on with his complaints. Then he raised his own voice, interrupting the imp, "You will answer me or I will simply send you directly back to master and then call him here myself. And you know he hates to be summoned. Perhaps I'll be punished for it, but he'll punish you all the worst for not doing your job in the first place." At that, Zilpep instantly quieted down and Hael, voice now calmed again, continued, "I sent word to Mammon through you about what steps to take. I've encountered multiple Fel-Sworn and Demon Hunters. The Catacombs, which we reside in now, have also recently reawakened. I believe details were sent in that note. Then we have the case of the group at Caer Darrow... And the one on Kalmidor.

I requested instruction on how he desires I handle this situation. Between some of the Fel-Sworn I've forged pseudo-alliances, though I cannot rely on those lasting very long. I'm prepared to utilize my skill to aid as he mentioned before, however, I cannot be sure to what extent Mammon would want me in their plans." As Hael finished up he noticed Zilpep had been clasping claws around his ears to try and block out the sound. The warlock's eye twitched again, "Were you listening at all?"

Zilpep looked up, toothy grin on his face, "Ah, finally finished? Relax, I heard you. I just wish you'd have a sense of fun sometimes rather than always business." The imp sighed, "Guess it can't be helped. Anyways, Mammon's report." Zilpep now stood up straight, looking as if he was taking things rather seriously, if not for the glint of impish mischief in his eyes and his tail still whipping around playfully. "He said that he wants you to continue to move forward with the original plan. The other factors involved will help to mask things. For now, the satyr in Kalmidor is the most promising tool. His plans can only help our own so forge him something nice and help the chap out. Still, don't get yourself too openly involved. Oh, and I'm to help you out until something useful needs to be reported back to Mammon."

Hael nodded his head, "And what of my staff? I requested permission to hold it here in the Catacombs incase it was necessary I utilize it."

Zilpep waved a finger in response, "No can do. You knew master would say this already. That staff was the best you've ever forged. He considers it far too precious an item to simply let you use it when you'd like. He said that currently the situation does not call for the use of such force."

When Zilpep finished, all Hael could do was frown. He turned his back on the demon, glancing towards the door, "Your greed truly knows no bounds master. Still, I suppose knowing that you don't think I'm in any immediate danger. It would be unlike you to allow a possession to come into harm without any action." His head turned to look at the many book shelves. Quickly he walked over to them, running a finger down the dusty spines until pulling a single book out. His hand quicky leafed through it, eyes skimming over page after page with impressive expertise until stopping a quarter way through the text. He reached in his pocket to grab a pen, making a note on the page's side, "Very well Zilpep. We have much to prepare for. Come along now, there are materials to be gathered."