Here's the fourth installment in the daily countdown to Halloween:
This is Abyssal Horror K'taerthos. As usual, I've written up the lore for this mask. It's a bit more of a read this time.
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It’s
been one month since I left our village. I traveled north since that was the
logical path of the mysterious traveler. The route would take me toward the
demon territories but that didn’t matter. I had to learn the truth. After the
incident with Tirradol, the mysterious of the visitor plagued my mind. When one
of our trade caravans mentioned seeing the black-robed figure on the northern
path, I knew it was my chance. I had to find the traveler and learn the truth.
If nothing else, I had to thank the wanderer for saving our village and driving
away the monster. Our crops returned in full so I can only assume the visitor
killed or forced Tirradol to flee.
I was
able to cross the demon territories in two days. The massive gates of Draesadir
lead into the largest of their territories, a place ruled by a greater demon
named Grahl. I thought I’d have to sneak through the city to pass but upon my
arrival, there was nothing. The houses and huts looked abandoned and there was
not a single demon to be found. The entire city was a tomb and looked to have
been deserted quite some time. Either way, I was thankfully able to move on and
secured some provisions along the way.
A large
temple was built along the coastline to the north. The stone monument was set
into the cliff sides above the waves. As I followed the path towards the water I
saw the shape of mysterious traveler! Either it had taken some time to rest or
my haste had allowed me to catch up quickly. Ardelrius looked to be making for
the temple so I followed after, keeping a safe distance in case danger was
close by.
It was
nightfall by the time Ardelrius reached the entrance to the temple. A single
stone pathway cut into the cliff was the only way to get to the temple’s
opening. I’m no mountain climber and the path down was dangerous. Still
maintaining my distance, I followed the traveler into the temple.
The ones
that built this temple must have been part of some sort of cult. All across the
walls were verses of some text in arcane prayers. I could read them since they
looked to be written in our language. Anyway, I watched Ardelrius reach the
center of the temple. A flat stone sacrificial alter was adorned with carved
statues and more of the text. The traveler produced an object and dropped it
onto the altar. At first I couldn’t tell what it was. It looked like a large
piece of meat from an animal. Looking closer, I could see that it was severed
arm of a demon! I recognized the claws and scarred purple hide.
Seconds
after the blood began to soak into the altar, I saw the great torches lining
the chamber burst into blue flame. The same light began to illuminate these
arcane rune symbols painted on the walls. From the far wall behind the altar,
the stone began to warp and distort. A black portal appeared, resonating with
the symbols as Ardelrius stood, unmoving. What appeared from the portal I wish
I could unsee, reader.
I’ve heard tales of
the ancient horrors. In past times when creatures greater than the demons
roamed our realm, it’s said that the most fearsome were subdued and sealed away
to prevent widespread calamity. They tell these stories to children but what I
have witnessed is no fairy tale. A beast from the darkest shadow appeared in
the temple that day. It had two glowing eyes, numerous crystalline fixtures on
its head and a circular mouth with rows of teeth. Countless tentacle appendages
pulled it through the portal and it faced Ardelrius who was dwarfed by its
mass. I really contemplated fleeing then as just gazing upon the monster made
me feel like I was looking at the physical manifestation of insanity. I’m still
not sure what happened. A fierce battle was waged in that temple and when it
was over, the abyssal horror was gone. Once again, the traveler was victorious.
As Ardelrius departed the temple, I was faced with the choice to follow or turn
back. Part of me wished the return to the safety of our village but another
part was still desperate to know the truth. What was the goal of this
mysterious being? It may cost me my life but I must know the truth… <>
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| Front View |
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| Side View |
For the color scheme I wanted to go with a darker somewhat aquatic scheme that still had some contrasting elements. The green stones set in the face turned out to be perfect for this and they almost seem to glow strong light.
See you tomorrow,
~Zan