Rambles & Research, by Saseth Bartuc

[PaleArcane]

Rambles & Research, by Saseth Bartuc

*Note: This journal, an all content within are the private research/writings of the character Saseth. Please do not use information contained within this thread without gaining said knowledge through in-character means or VIA permission from myself or a DM.

*This tome appears to be bound in flesh that has blackened with age, it's spine bracedby bone. Intricate runes cover the entirety of its surface, some engraved others embossed. It also has two rather large latches that hold it shut. What lays within however is the private thoughts and research of Saseth Bartuc, his story his life and his obsession*

Inside is something foreign
it feeds upon my body
it feast’s on my life essence.
its gluttony fules its obsessions
like darkness its envelops all.

it has but one purpose i must confess
methodical mastication of my chest
no reason it does show.
No remorse can it Know.
Slowly i am infested.
my soul rotten and festers.

For how long can i endure.
There is not much time to ensure.
Working with all my might,
I will not let once chance avoid my sight.
Suffering in silent repose...
My demons come forth to impose
That this is of my own doing i do suppose

Has it been that long, my life my work all for nothing. It would seem it is so for without progression into thy art's an the guidance of the writings of thy lord i would be but another name. I will not let it be so, an so i must push past the ways of my kin, an yet pay lips service to such so that i might survive. It is to dangerous for me hear now i must flee, perhaps to an enclave on the sword cost were i can perform my research an follow my faith out fear of repercussion or death.

Yes.. the Sword Coast.


// New character, will be playing fairly often. look forward to adding to this and progression thought the server this is my first character on a NWN2 server. But i took the time to read most post relevant on the forums an believe i will find a place hear.

[PaleArcane]

It would seem my days in Bezantur are numbers, an so i took to the markets early, i have sold the majority of my possessions that i am unable to carry or transport by other means, including my slaves, such funds should pay for the trip to the Sword Coast, but before i depart some measure of research as to were my needs might be met.

I have plotted and priced out the journey, it seems there is an obscure and somewhat secretive enclave in baldurs gate, an others supposedly along the sword coast, an so it seems i will take vessels out of the inner Toril an towards to Sea of Swords, an hopefully make landfall in baldurs sometime in the next month, though it seems the cost was far more than expected and my monetary resources grow short.

It seems the best route is through the Dragonmere till i reach a port town of Pros hear i must make landfall an travel by cart to a small town called Easting and from there a boat i should have awaiting me to travel down the river of Chionthar leading directly into port in the city of Baldurs Gate, arrangements with the owner of the Elfsong Tavern for room for a few weeks upon arrival.

It seems though my advisement is ti travel incognito until i have ascertained the state of political affairs in the region.

[PaleArcane]

Although the constant rocking has been somewhat of an annoyance i find that this time away from the politics and games of the academy's and city's of Thay to be refreshing, i have been able to put a lot of my considerations to parchment thus far, an believe that by the time i reach my destination i will have progressed considerably in my understanding of negative energy's, though most my research is purely theoretical upon the vessel i have had plenty of time within the academy's to test a great deal of my concepts.

*A Snippet from his research perspectives and findings can be found below*

Throughout my research I have found various distinctions in the physiology of undead, thus I felt it necessary to comprise yet another work that details more so the undead physical traits abilities and confines of certain physical or non physical states. I hold the evolution undeath in the highest regard, as it is in my faith the ultimate achievement to gain perfection of one’s physical state so that your mind might carry on forever. I shall enter into this in-depth look into undead physiology with a quote from the wisdom of the lord of crypts.

“Life and death are the twin faces of eternal existence. To surrender to either one is to resign oneself to obscurity. True power lies in the twilight zone between life and death. By seeking to explore and extend the mortal condition and form - even mortal life itself - knowledge of the world and its infinite complexity is extended. Let no one interfere with the pursuit of such research, for the end result will more than justify the necessary sacrifices along the path. Knowledge is power, and knowledge of life and death brings power over all beings, living and unliving.”

Undead are like all organisms, they come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and backgrounds, often these origins of past can help to discern the ablates of the undead, as well as other key clues related to the type of propagation or reanimation. Any living creature with few exceptions can evolve to a state of perfection in undeath.
Having observed, created and enhanced countless undead i can vouch for the multiversity of undead, from gnomes to giants from zombies to mummies all can evolve to a state of relative perfection, an with the knowledge they can be empowered with magic and the mundane to create creatures of both beauty and power.

Although I have seen skeletons last for greatly extended periods of time usually there has been some kind of intervention or feeding to in-act repair. Though undead when animated remain so till destruction they are no more eternal than a stone or sword. Over time such simple effects of nature can cause a undead to eventually turn to dust. General wear an tear has an impact on an undead, an those who are not sentient enough or cared for will accumulate such and gradually grow weak and brittle.

The survivability of an undead is based on varying factors, an some undead are no longer effected by mundane physical contacts such as the various incorporeal or highly evolved Nightmarish extra planer creatures. However extreme conditions that would effect the living in a short time will eventually have an effect an various undead if exposed to such for perlonged periods. Bright sunlight, humidity, drying flesh, mold, freezing, fire, and water damage just to name a few.

For many ages in Torils history arguments have been raised of vary theories of the origins of negative energy’s. Many argue that negative energies is unnatural, and that creatures born of such are abominations, while others suggest that negative energy is simple another form of planar energy that is in itself a natural part of the existence of the planner spheres. This is my belief but many will argue the point. However it is in my opinion the planar theory. Undead in most cases are more objects rather than actual creatures, incorporeal undead are warped spirit energy’s and corporeal undead powered by negative energy’s rather than cellular, or biological functioning.

Such theory's have also brought about the idea that undead are more akin to golems, however unlike golems undead are not per say constructed an rather the vessel that was once living is empowered by negative energy channeled through from the negative energy plane. Golems however are usually host to a spirit or essence of some element or creature to power it.

The negative energy plane is an alternative sphere of existence, it being one of the most hostile of the inner planes, if for the most part is a dark place devoid of light and life. An is as far as any can tell thus far a endless void. Only the creatures that are immune or protected from the life consuming properties of the plane itself.

Having said this it is critical that one understand that negative energy is natural, an much to the dismay of many a druid or well wisher it is as much a part of the natural cycle of the planes as positive energy and the elements themselves. As part of the planar cycle the negative energy plane is connected to the other planes of existence, both earth, air, water and fire. In turn these are connected to positive plane of existence.

It is ultimately impossible to have one without the other, an thus within the natural cycle of the planes negative energy is present, thus on the prime were there is water, air, fire or earth, there may also be Negative or Positive energy's. Having said that they are in direct opposition to each other an thus "fight" for dominance a fight that can never be won, as the cycle of the planes itself maintains balance.

At first i thought perhaps those of blind faith that believe negative energy's an undeath are wrong should be educated. However such is impossible, as we are all as organisms part of the planar cycle itself. Thus it is in-fact integral to have the servants of the gods "mortals" that work for the various elements and energy's. Why is this so, well it is simple many "mortals" are sentient, an we can all achieve great power and create as we will, thus we can affect the planar balance with our actions.

If we as "mortals" can affect the planar balance then there must be something to keep us in check, this in my belief are the gods, the laws of passing to the next life and of course the dogma of the individual faiths. These individuals band together and set them against each other in a way that will ultimately ensure there is balance even between the sentient creatures of the planes.

But still my point remains that Negative energy is natural. An thus animation or "unlife" created by said energy's is as natural as positive energy creatures such as willow wisps or other creatures of positive energy.

[PaleArcane]

I can see the city now, i shall make port within the hour hopefully my letter regarding my arrival will reach the Khazark of the enclave hear before my arrival so there will be no, unnecessary complications. I am certain that he will find my prompt addressing of his status and my offer for assistance in this region welcome, or at least it will resolve any disciplinary or uncivalised repercussions of any sort.


"

Khazark

I have departed thay in hopes of aquring new fortune as well as time away from the politics and endless charades of Thay, i hope to find a private site to continue my research in peace, an yet i as a humble servant of Thay offer my services to the enclave in hopes that my generosity and my respect for your station will be well received.

Regards

Saseth Bartuc

[PaleArcane]

I have been reduced to a common adventure it seems, at least till i make contact with the enclave and acquisition some materials and quarters. Yet for now i have had to deal with peasants and commoners to tally up some coin, the journey hear was far more expensive that i had anticipated and without this work i would no doubt find myself soon in rag's.

Some good news however, i located library, "the shelf of many books" it has a great deal of knowledge within, i shall spend some time within each day to see if there is anything within that might aid in my research, though i somehow doubt there will be anything of direct aid, an yet the presence some unusual architecture and tomes in a back room, perhaps i will find something of note.

I have however kept to myself for the most part, i am yet to be approached at the starve by any representative of the enclave, an it seems thayans are not so liked hear, i fear the enclave might not exist and i am perhaps alone in my work from hear on. Though such might be for the best it was always best to keep such connections at least for resources and assistance when needed.

[PaleArcane]

Success or so it seemed, i located the enclave an a Daron by the name of Demitri Val Nar, it seems that he is a fairly accomplished arcanist an Red Wizard, such provided opportunity to ensure the enclave was aware of my presence an intentions. The enclave seem small but well built and well protected with the important warding and guards at hand, though it was entirely lacking in servants something i found displeasing, i had to pore my own tea yet the Daron did offer a nice selection of imported tea.

He appears well versed in diplomacy even more so than myself perhaps, such well groomed civility an cool collectivists is rare in most, thought not so uncommon to my kind i still find his nature more alarming than calming as others might, for i know all to well the lessons of thy academy, an such are but a cool visard to appease others an ensure ones desire are met. Yet it seems this Demitri holds sway, an is skilled in the arts i seek. Perhaps a beneficial arrangement can be maid.

[PaleArcane]

In recent days i have taken the free time to study the tomes i located within the library in Baldurs, i also located a active negative energy phisher, apparently created by the excess of body's placed within the grave-site outside the town. I will make periodical trips to further instigate the site an ascertain if its concentration of negative energy can be harnessed or countered.

I shall now note the two forms of undead i have had the most experience with to date, it seems they are "ruff" types rather than specifics, i hope to further document other undead in the region including a further study of the spirits common the the graveyard i located, these incorporeal were weak, but such will suffice for my surface study on incorporeal.


Corporeal Skeletal (Mindless)

This type of undead is the most common, both in natural occurrence and in purposeful reanimation, they are corporeal and hold traits similar to that of other corporeal undead such as zombies. However unlike most other forms of undead they are as the name would imply devoid of tissues apart from bone, they have no organs including flesh, no muscles or other features common to living organisms or even other Corporeal undead. A skeletal undead need not be human, any once living creatures bones can be reanimated or naturally empowered to form a skeletal undead.

It should be noted that although most skeletal undead are non sentient, In there physical evolution, they have gained progressed to such a pure state of undeath that they are entirely sustained by negative energy’s, there connection to negative energy so strong that they need not feed in any way, baring physical harm they survive for hundreds if not thousands of years without need for intervention.

However having said that it should be said, that on a secondary scale of developmental attributes the undead are the most devoid of true cognition of any kind, as if any true sentience desires or need long since departed except for a few rare cases. It should also be noted, that the plain skeleton an more common type are devoid of most offensive capability resorting to claws, they are of course resistant to piercing weapons and the normal immunities that all undead poses. However there are types of skeletal undead that poses powerful and advanced immunities and abilities beyond their lesser kind.
Corporeal Skeletal Sentient

Sentient skeletal undead are rare, the most prominent kind often referred to in text but not nessiary details is the lich. The lich is a type of undead that in its own way is created through purposeful reanimation; however it is reanimation of one’s self through a process that I shall not detail in this tome, nor shall I allude to any other such details I have acquired in a tome found on any shelf.


Corporeal Decaying


Decaying undead are much like skeletal however they generally still consist of a great deal of flesh, organs and other remnants of their past state if life. Like skeletons no though pass through most of these minds, it feel nothing, knows of no pain no cognitive processing takes place within its shell that remains. Such as a Zombie, the Decaying undead generally have no mental capability an this only response to orders or actions that are directed by a living or sentient creature, otherwise they simply just mull about aimless though I have observed them being drawn towards warmth, life and darkness.

Decaying undead are just that, there left over physical flesh, organs an other tissues lingered behind and literally rot upon them, they are ultimately powered by the negative energy that has given re-birth to them, they need no sustenance. A zombie or decayed undead is created through various means from reanimation to dark cures, though prior to the animation they are a rotting corpse, the primary thing that makes a decaying undead such is that before re-animation they are a rotting often infested corps that is unprepared un modified and more often than not has limited levels of negative energy.

Though most are slow moving in the natural state and could even pass for a humanoid at a distance, decayed undead can evolve to more powerful states or can be enhanced, however such would move them from this category and into preserved/enhanced undead. Like skeletal undead it need not be human or hominoid an various animals an monstrous creatures can be transformed or naturally formed into decaying undead.

[PaleArcane]

It seems my work with the locals of this city has proven of some limited benefits beside the coin, as it seems these various commoners are all for the most part involved with the internal trade of the city, an i lay the assumption that these favors curry favor with them, something i can perhaps call on at a later date.

The locate trade department has offered me a job to return some stolen goods, this i think will work as a primer opportunity for me to repair some of the more critical views of my people, perhaps if i assist in this an other matters of trade in regard to the mining industry i will show to the people of Baldurs that the Thayans are more than reasonable people. Such will of of use in my future mercantile operations or that of the enclave no doubt.

I also took another opportunity to examine further books from shelf of many library, i found a few foot notes worthy of translation and in-cooperation into my works, such complemented the various findings i maid upon returning to the graveyard. My further observations of the spirit type undead has lead me to create a new category i shall place such types within.

*Below is some research notes palced in his tome regarding Incorporeal undead*

Incorporeal Transient.

Incorporeal undead are twisted spirits, it is through wanted destruction of oneself through, spite, madness, shame or despair that end that may end in the transformation or evolutions of one’s internal spirit into a incorporeal undead. To destroy ones self to harm ones self intentionally is to allow yourself to become open to the energy’s that power all undead to do so may lead to your transformation or your immediate death.
It is said that when such takes place that these transients attempt to pass up on life and give in to the void of death may be refused the afterlife, An thus the spirit remains twisted an tormented for the various reasons it has been denied its resting place. Though with this rebirth a terrible change takes place, for the only thing that can sustain suc a creature is of course negative energy's, an thus they draw upon such warping and twisting them into a creature of undeath.

Much of what it once was is gone all that remains is the grief, the despair the anger and the fury that fuel its existence, the same madness that led to the ending of its life also fuels its existence in the next, this is why most incorporeal transient undead are mad, an think only of acquisition of what they have lost.

Transient hate the living, for it is all they willing gave up an lost, an now it is all they desire, seeking out the living to fill the void within, they require this substance to survive in a manner of speaking for they are empower and sustained by the life energy's they sap from the living, and through this they can also warp the spirit of there victims create more transient undead to join them in there tortured existence.

A wraith is an example of such, born of evil, they despise light and all that is living, a wraith seeks out the living to drain the life from the living, turning them into wraiths upon death, a wraith is powerless in the sunlight and will flee from such for they fear the light they were once apart of but also burn with hatred for it. Some say the fear of light is the fear of their mistakes being revealed, others have speculated that such is related to lights inherent closeness to the positive energy plane.

I will continue my research at the next high moon as i have found that not many outsiders visit the site at this time and the concentration of undead is high, though i might need to acquire myself some alchemical or arcane inadvisability so i can study such without further interruptions.

Despite a few setbacks i have gained considerable new knowledge since my arrival, i suppose if i can just finalize the formality's with the enclave i will be able to gain my sponsorship and or research and mercantile grants an all will be well.

[PaleArcane]

It seems things have put this enclave on alert, they are more than overbearing in there strictness of protacal and procedure. However such is welcome, for within the rules and confines are always opportunity's to gain the things i desire. Being treated like an apprentices is a little worse than expected, an yet such will be endured for the sake of progression, my assumptions were founded though it seems.

So, i done black robes again, i can not say such is not fitting for on such as i, an yet the red was something i have already earnt, payed in the blood of those who crossed me in the academy, an the blood i shed to gain them. An yet it would seem necessary, an provided i can gain the support in time i need for my research i see no reason why not to go along with it.

It seems as Dimitrei advised i was assigned to him as an apprentice, it is unwanted an yet he seems well schooled in the workings of the enclave an the local politics, i shall for now remain a loyal apprentice till i have acquired all i need to further my own research an position. I dare say such will be hard pressed in concern to the Khazark, she seems firm in her position, an yet apart from Dimitri i do naught think much of the others as yet.

[PaleArcane]

I have spent several days within the enclave now, it seems there is much information to study an more pleasingly a great deal of openings for improvement and progression, such all being opportunity for myself to prove worth an regain and progress title i so desire. I will start with the basic laws, and protacal then work on improving such as well as security. Then perhaps i shall move on to more, mercantile operations till i have a firm income an grasp over the enclave through its security procedures, then i can perhaps manipulate matters in my favor accordingly.

Yet, i consider that said holes in security could be a fine way to eliminate some already present obstacles in my desire for power. Yet to do so so early might compromise my standing, an so i shall wait till the time is right an a better footing acquired.