The LETMA Report

[Avaroth Teladon]

((This document is free for public access in the Hall of Elara))

*References:

Realm archives documenting the demonic blight, demonic architecture and portal locations.
Testimonies from afflicted victims and possessed followers.
Historical records of attempted confrontations and their outcomes.
Research on demonic magic manipulation and illusion techniques.
Letma's Secret by Viktor Borislavov Rusev



- The Letma Report -
Preacerdhal: The Hidden Lord of Letma and the Embodiment of Demonic Deception


Foreword

Preacerdhal is a formidable and multifaceted demon whose influence extends deep beneath Mount Letma, shaping dark architecture and manipulating mortal realms through subtle illusions, possession, and arcane warfare. To understand Preacerdhal is to unravel a web of deception, power, and ancient malevolence that has quietly rooted itself in the lands of Illarion for years. Whilst our shared journey with this entity has been intentionally confusing, the absolute truth of overlapping contradictions surrounding Preacerdhal is delegated to the collective consciousness.

This report explores the complex nature, origins, and influence of the demon Preacerdhal within the realms of Illarion. By examining its geographical anchoring beneath Mount Letma, its architectural and magical signatures, its manipulation of mortal and undead servitors, and its multifaceted manifestations through possessed followers, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the most formidable enemy threatening the balance across the three realms. Emphasizing the demon’s strategic concealment, its web of illusions, and its relentless feeding off the land and inhabitants of Illarion, the research underscores the challenges faced by the realms in combating this ancient and cunning adversary.


The Origin and Anchorage of Preacerdhal

Preacerdhal’s demonic portal resides beneath Mount Letma, a strategic and deliberately chosen location. The demon selected this site due to its obscurity and its inherent weakness in arcane magic, attributes that facilitated its initial breach into the mortal plane. Mount Letma's obscurity kept it hidden from prying mortal eyes, while its lack of arcane strength made it an ideal conduit for demonic magic to pierce through the veil separating planes. By anchoring its portal here, Preacerdhal established a foothold that was both inaccessible and difficult for mortal forces to detect or combat initially.


The Growth of Power and Demonic Architecture

Over time, Preacerdhal’s influence grew as it established a disturbing architecture woven into the landscape itself. This architecture manifests through ominous obsidian columns and cubes that draw upon the natural mana of Illarion, transforming and manipulating arcane energies into demonic power. These structures serve as conduits, forging a link between the mortal realm’s arcane magic and the demonic energies that Preacerdhal commands. The architecture’s unsettling aesthetic - columns that seem to pulse with unnatural energy and cubes that seem to contain voids - symbolizes the demon’s mastery over manipulating the very fabric of magic.

The demonic architecture is not merely ornamental; it acts as a conduit and amplifier of Preacerdhal’s power. The columns, in particular, are vital as they forge a bridge that allows the demon to siphon energy from the natural mana flowing through the land, gradually increasing demonic magic and its strength and influence. This process has been facilitated by the persistent lack of cohesion among the three realms - which has unintentionally prolonged Preacerdhal’s dominion by preventing decisive intervention and allowing the demon to feed off the land’s vitality.


The Demonic Army and Servitors

Preacerdhal’s influence extends beyond mere architecture. The demon has extended its reach by taking control of animated golems - servants that deliver resources and serve as guardians of the mountain - and various undead creatures, which act as its vile enforcers. These undead and animated constructs patrol the area, forming a layered defense that deters mortal attempts to challenge its domain.

Moreover, the demon has cultivated a network of possessed followers - mortals seduced or possessed by its influence - who serve as its eyes, ears, and agents within the mortal realm. These followers are not random; they are carefully selected and named in a cryptic pattern that conceals the true nature of their master. The followers bear parts of the demon’s name: Prea, Reace, Acerd, the two Erdhals, and Dhal, each representing a fragment of Preacerdhal’s multifaceted identity.


The Multifaceted Manifestations of Preacerdhal

Preacerdhal manifests in many forms, often disguising itself behind the identities of its possessed followers. This polymorphic nature allows the demon to infiltrate societies and manipulate events from within. Notably:

• Prea, the elven female, is a dangerous portal opener capable of summoning legions of unholy acolytes into the mortal realm. Furthermore, Prea has since appeared to have been deified by cultist elements. First encountered by Galmairians, when Prea constructed demonic columns beneath the farming fields.

• Erdhal, the dragon, claimed to be an escapee slave seeking refuge with the bearers of fire in Runewick. Whether truthful or not, Erdhal’s presence is a threat, especially given its predatory behavior.

• Erdhal, the elven male, is similarly dangerous, preying on mortals with deceptive friendliness. Reports include information about him initially enslaving the dragon Erdhal and his collaboration with cultists. A complex web of allegiance and betrayal.

• Dhal, the dwarf, remains mysterious, associated with the columns in Runewick, and his abrupt disappearance hints at deeper secrets.

• Acerd and Reace, human males, currently residing in Cadomyr, exhibit alarming qualities, especially given Acerd’s extensive knowledge of Mount Letma’s tunnels and Reace’s ability to induce visions and emotional disturbances.

• Each of these possessed entities is a living piece of the greater puzzle, representing a fragment of Preacerdhal’s overarching deception and influence.

Evidence and the Nature of the Threat

Historical records and testimonies highlight the sinister activities of Acerd and Reace. Acerd’s knowledge of Mount Letma’s tunnels suggests a long-standing familiarity, possibly aiding in luring adventurers into deadly traps. Despite this knowledge, Acerd shows no indication of seeking to resolve the blight afflicting Letma, implying its loyalty lies with the demon’s dark agenda.

Reace’s ability to provoke visions and emotions points to a mind control and psychic manipulation that allows Preacerdhal to extend its reach into the minds of mortals. Testimonies from individuals like Tarias and Eli of Runewick confirm the presence of demonic influence and possession, illustrating the real danger posed by these entities.

The demon’s servants, once mortal beings, have been enslaved and transformed into obedient spies, their memories erased or obscured, making them unwitting conduits for the demon’s will. This web of deception is designed to maintain the illusion of normalcy while gradually strengthening Preacerdhal’s position.


The Battle Against Preacerdhal and Its Defenses

The demonic presence around Mount Letma has thwarted numerous attempts by mortal armies and mages to eliminate the threat. The unending supply of unholy acolytes emerging from demonic portals makes direct assault nearly impossible. Furthermore, because of the powerful presence of demonic magic surrounding Letma, mages are particularly affected in this area and have suffered an array of ailments, including horrifying visions and other negative emotional and physical stimulations.

The portals, which can be closed temporarily through the intervention of the sand fairies of the desert - who provide "silver sand" capable of sealing the portals (see Cadomyr officials) - offer a glimmer of hope but are not a definitive solution. It's been reported that each time any have successfully entered Letma, their arrival has been anticipated - resulting in said successful entry party being overwhelmed by fire. Possible additional conclusion - seek alternate, discreet entry point.

It has been reported that efforts by mages in Galmair, and alchemists in Cadomyr, have developed tools and weapons to weaken demonic skeletons and diminish the influence of the portal’s magic. These include special formulas designed to strip undead of their power, and a powerful tool crafted to combat the demonic magic directly - assisted by donations of magical gemstones from the three realms.

Suggestion - seek out the representatives in Galmair and Cadomyr for more information.


The Greater Picture: The Jigsaw of Power

Understanding Preacerdhal involves recognizing it as a piece of a larger, complex puzzle. The demon’s strategy mirrors the concept of a jigsaw, where each fragment - its followers, architecture, illusions, and manipulation - serves to expand its influence and power. Its capacity to weave webs of illusion and deception makes it a formidable foe, capable of hiding behind multiple masks and manifesting in various forms to deceive and manipulate.


Conclusion

Preacerdhal embodies the quintessential nightmare of demonic infiltration - an entity cloaked in illusions, capable of sowing chaos through subtle manipulation and brute force alike. Its choice of Mount Letma as a weak arcane nexus, its architectural structures that manipulate magic, and its network of possessed followers all serve to reinforce its dark dominion. The ongoing struggle to confront and contain Preacerdhal underscores the importance of unity among the realms’ defenders and the need for vigilance against the unseen, multifaceted threat it poses. As long as its influence persists, the land of Illarion remains vulnerable to the shadows cast by this ancient, cunning, and ever-adapting demon.


Further Notes:

Since it is at the moment impossible to destroy the greater demon Preacerdhal, its known servants should be approached with caution and considered highly dangerous. Acerd and Reace are currently welcome to live in Cadomyr - go with caution.

According to Eli Travinus, when you kill one of these servant creatures their body turns black and burned, as though by fire. This is perhaps the only way to prove whether or not an individual is indeed in servitude. Other options are perhaps removing limbs - untested.

Slaying a servant does not mean the servant has been defeated - Prea is reported to have returned more than once.

This paper remains open.

Anyone else with further informations or corrections are implored to bring forward their collaborations...


~ Avaroth Teladon

[Inara Valdris]

Inara came to Runewick to sell goods to the merchants as usual. During a pleasant conversation, one of them mentioned that
Inara should go to the Hall of Elara, as there was a new notice that might interest her. Something about Letma.
Inara raised an eyebrow but followed the advice. It couldn't hurt.
She quickly found the document in question and raised an eyebrow. It was from Avaroth.

“Well, that doesn't bode well...”

Inara sighed and sat down at one of the tables to read it.
Her forehead wrinkled more and more. She also breathed deeper and deeper, clenching her hand into a fist several times.
Her expression became serious and her eyes... it was as if her ice-blue eyes were burning with rage.
She placed the parchment on the table and closed her eyes briefly. She tensed up noticeably and then jumped up.

“That lousy little...”

Inara shook her head and tried to calm down. She paced around a bit and calmed down enough to think clearly again. Her gaze
fell on the document before she quickly sat down again and made a copy of it.

It was clear to her that she had gone from one crisis to the next, and here, she had to do something quickly.
When she had finished copying, she packed her things and hurried back home. But even though she appeared calm, she was
seething inside, and it was probably a good thing she didn't run into Avaroth right then...