Rise of the Black Lord

[Sojourn]

The following is a collection of writing's from the Journal of Malorn Kun'Zhul, Devoted Monk of Bane.........

I have spent the past several weeks searching for answers to the visions that awoke me so many months ago. Without question the visions were of divine inspiration...sent from the Black Lord Bane to rouse his followers from their state of stupor. This accursed city of Sundren is home to many who would walk the path of light. Soldiers of Helm, Torm, and Illmater seem to stand on every corner of its streets preaching of their inherant virtues.....a sickening sight to be sure.

I have quietly tried to learn more about these lands while remaining inconspicuos. Those who follow my Lord bane are not welcome within the barbaric confines of this civilization. My search for other followers had been fruitless thus far, and I had all but given up hope of finding others to assist me in our cause, but just last night I made a discovery that will forever change the future of this wretched city.

I had been traveling the hills south of the city proper when I stumbled upon the entrance to a cave. The hills themselves seemed the home to any number of bloodthirsty Goblin Tribes, and I thought this cave to be nothing more than perhaps their abode.....what I found inside was much more interesting...very much more....

While exploring Goblin infested caves I stumbled across a hidden cave entrance built so subtly into the wall that I almost missed it on my first pass. To my delight I discovered a small temple within filled with Banite undead guardians. Although I could find no sign of Priests within I know that surely they had once been here, and perhaps they would return. I am now free to conduct my research and gather a cadre of followers within the safety of the hidden Temple. The Baneguard stoicly guard the entrance to the shrine alerting me of any whom may seek to enter unnanounced. Their numbers ensure that any trespassers will be quickly and violently dealt with taking any knowledge of the Temples location with them to the grave.

Soon our numbers shall increase and the Black hand of Bane will fall upon the land............

[Sojourn]

All praise be to the Black Lord..today I happened upon a young warrior dedicated to my Dark Lords cause. Strong of arm and full of spirit the boy shares the same desires as I and wishes to assist me in the obtaining of these goals. The warrior has high aspirations of serving my master by joining the ranks of the Blackguard. I have no doubt that given the proper guidance..and motivation he can be developed into stalwart defender of the Black Lords will.

I have also learned of a Servant of Talona has recently arrived in Sundren and has begun to offer apothecary services. His special talents would serve our cause well.......I will attempt to make contact with him in the coming days.

[Sojourn]

I have recently began to actively conceal my allegience to the Dark Lord to better facilitate my infiltration of the local populace. Subterfuge and disinformation will likely enable me to raise allies who are sympathetic to our cause. It has become increasingly difficult to remain anonymous while pursuing my goals.....I shall have to remain vigilant and mindful of the repurcussions premature exposure could cause.

I was approached by a Cleric of Selune who wished to explore the caverns that hold the seat of my dark lord's power. It was my intention to merely lead him through the caverns to appease his curiosity, but unfortuantely he unwittingly discovered my shrine during the course of his exploration. The Baneguard immediately attacked the man with their claws...attempting to overpower him with sheer numbers, but the priest proved a powerful foe, and for a moment it appeared he may survive the initial onslaught. I joined the baneguard in their assault and although he fought with great courage it was impossible for him to resist our combined might for long. The Priest cursed me with his dying words, bitterness and betrayal seemed to emenate from his last words.
I had planned on disposing of the body, but to my surprise his corpse began to glow with an inner light, temporarily blinding me. When my vision finally cleared his body has vanished leaving nothing but the shattered bones of a few baneguard behind. It is likely this Priest will seek vengence upon me....I shall have to be mindful of this unexpected encounter and prepare myself in kind.

[Sojourn]

I have had some measure of success with my attempts to remain undetected amongst the general populace. With time I will gain the trust of those I meet upon my journey, and with trust I shall gain information. It never ceases to amaze me how much one can learn from simply observing that which takes place around you.

It seems that a vast majority of these adventures have made the Exigo trading post their haven. They share tales about their battles and conquests, pass along information to one another, share secrets, all oblivious to those around them. I have learned much during the short time I have spent in these lands, but there is still much more to be gleaned.

I have , as of yet, failed to make contact with any other banites in the lands, and my daily sojourn to the temple that rests inside the goblin caves has proved fruitless as well. Still I shall continue to make offerings to the Black Lord in hopes that he shall send me a sign of portent. My dedication is unwavering, and my patience limitless. All things shall come to pass in due time.