Posted by: Anromir
On: Jun 11, 2009 at 02:18pm
Well, I have not been blogging in a long time. Much too long. Mostly, I just don't find that my activities in WAR are so interesting or my ideas so insightful that anyone else would care about them. Today, however, I find myself doing what I wish someone else had done. (Finally, I come up with an idea, however lame, that someone else has not.)
The "Rise of the Tomb Kings blogger hieroglyphic code deciphering challenge" (coined by Keen and Graev) has started, and lots of people have been getting goodies in the mail. One of bits sent out is a story in journal form of a group of dwarves venturing to the Necropolis of Zandri. Has some clues about what to expect there if you haven't messed around on the PTS. The thing is, everyone just has scans of the paper letters, making them a pain to read. So, I have transcribed them into wonderful ASCII for the Warhammer populace. Here they are. As new ones come out, I will try to transcribe them as well. There should only be three more pages (3-5).
Thanks to those blogs that have posted their goodies (there are others, but these are my sources):
##########
Day 1
Twenty days at sea, 'n Revollo puked up his guts every single one of 'em. He's as pale as a sheet 'n will be next to useless unless we can get some meat on his bones. It doesn't so much matter, though. He's more grist for the mill, you understand. He can take an arrow or a snake bite as well as any of the rest of 'em. I'll sleep better at night knowin' there's less chance of me bein' the one who gets shot or bit.
West through the valley 'n along the river should take us into the Necropolis. Ain't none as as have ever gone in 'n come back out alive, but I haven't told the lads that. Last thing I need is them gettin' sheepish just as things are startin' to look profitable. There's treasures in this place what folks couldn't dream of, 'n soon it'll belong to me.
Later...
cursed lizards on the riverbank charged us. No geckos, these things. Big, like scaly wolves, hissin' like a boilin' kettle over the fire. Revolo, still weak from the crossin', ended up takin' a nasty bite while DiBiano 'n Falcone gave the beasts a taste of their steel. By the time the lizards was dead, Revollo had bled out. Wasn't much to do but leave him for the birds.
Speakin of birds, I can see 'em circlin' about overhead. Big ones. The gods only know if they're here for us, or for what's left of Revollo.
* * *
Day 2
Found a tomb entrance in the cliff face as we skirted the river. The stone doors were ajar so we could squeeze in. All except Falcone, that is. The fellow's like an ox, 'n that big axe of his wouldn't be much use in a tomb.
Stairs 'n passages met us beyond the doors. Walls scrawled with odd pictures, paint peelin' with age. Lots of traps too I figure. I says this to Tunari, since he thinks he's some sort of thief. He said there ain't a trap invented what he couldn't beat.
Funny he says that, 'cause that's right when the door shut behind us 'n a swarm of beetles started pourin' into the hall. Mazza screamed like a tart 'n we all got to runnin'. Piccione caught his foot in a snare, 'n yelled for help. DiBiano started to go back for him, but stopped when he saw how many beetles there really were.
Any of us could've saved Piccione. But then again, who's to say those bugs wouldn't have come out on top? When Piccione started screamin' it made me glad I didn't take the risk. I looked back at him, but all I could see was his arms wavin' madly, the rest of him hidden by that black beetle swarm.
No one was of a mind to stay. Tunari made good, though, 'n found a hidden passage what got us back to the the river. That must've been trapped, too, 'cause the ceiling fell in just as the last of us was comin' out.
We walked back to the doors, which were now closed. Falcove was pickin' through our gear like a robber. He leapt to his feet when he saw us. The doors had slammed shut just a few moments before, he said, 'n he reckoned us for goners. Then he noticed Piccione was missin' 'n shut up.
* * *
Day 3
Farinelli decided it'd be easier to climb the rocky crags than the desert sands. Why'd I listen to him? We left the river behind 'n have made our way up a twistin' path. It was hotter than a Bright Wizard's piss pot, 'n those birds were flappin' around over our heads. The closer I got, the less I liked the look of 'em.
Phillippi, a bandit at heart, spotted a temple at the top of a nearby ridge. We doubled our pace. The land around the temple crawled with large beetles, so Venezia put in some target practice with his bow. The vermin were harmless enough, 'n we moved towards a nearby platform that crackled with fiery power.
There's nothing to fear says Phillippi, rushin' towards the platform.
The ground in front of him exploded 'n a huge snake made of yellowed bones lashed out. Phillippi screamed 'n staggered backwards. The sound of his agony echoed around the canyon 'n the men stopped in their tracks with their jaws hangin' slack 'n stupid.
What was Phillippi's face streamed blood, with two holes were where his eyes use to be. He screamed again and the snake struck him from behind, pullin' his head off like a drunk pulls a cork from a wine bottle.
The others ran, 'n me with em. Stupid, running into the temple, but I followed anyway. Best to be one target among many than to be alone. On seein what was in the temple, we was soon runnin' again. Least the creatures inside paid us little mind. All withered faces 'n the stink of ancient death. Cursin' Farinelli 'n the fallen Phillippi, we fled back to the rocky desert.
There must be simpler pickin's elsewhere. We'll search to the west tomorrow.
* * *
Day 4
Someone's been diggin' out here. There's a pit what's been dug up 'n cut outta the rocks. Looks like a quarry. Scaffolds've been built up in the center of the area, 'n it looks like somethin's bein' built there. We're gonna move in 'n see if we can find out what they're diggin' up.
Later...
Bones! They're diggin' great big bones outta the ground!
When we went in, there wasn't a soul around. Somethin' had been buried there a long time ago, 'n we could see its bones in the walls. The rock face was chipped like workers had been takin' shovels to it. Not only that, but some bones were laid out like two big feet near the scaffolds.
Then they came upon us! A dozen attackers. I'd heard tales of Khemri's people, but I ain't never expected to see 'em. Without a sign between 'em, they lunged. I give the lads credit, 'cause they fought back like true soldiers. The skeletons didn't tire, didn't sweat, didn't bleed. Not like us.
I heard a grunt of pain. DiBiano was clutchin' his chest. Bloody froth spouted from his mouth. The skeleton what hit him was going for another strike. I struck the bastard with my heavy-bladed sword. The skeleton clattered to the ground in a dozen bits.
DiBiano didn't thank me, 'cause he was too busy tryin' to breathe. That little sword of his might've been fine for duelin' back home, but them skeletons would've laughed at it if they'd had the lungs. I told Farinelli 'to [sic] carry DiBiano, then yelled at the rest of the lads to finish up and get outta there. Nothin' but bones in the place. Nothin' worth dyin' [sic] for.
'Course I won't be tellin' DiBiano that, on the off chance he don't pull through.
* * *
Day 5
DiBiano died. We couldn't sleep for the sound of his gurglin'. Cept for Bonfiglio, that is, whose snorin' was like an opera compared to DiBiano. We'll leave the body. Try crossin' the river, might be better on the other side. The lads don't seem to mind one way or the other.
As to that river, I've got a bad feelin' about it. Mazza says he found a couple of rafts on our side, but we don't know if they'll float. That water ain't healthy, 'n I don't wanna find out what happens if we ends up takin' a swim.
Later...
The river near killed us. Bloody rafts broke up. Nevermind the lizards swimmin' in the water. There was some splashin' 'n Venezia got a dose of wet across his left hand. His skin went black as death, peelin' away from his bones before our eyes. We've wrapped it, but I figure we'll need to hack it off soon. I don't know what good a one handed archer will do for us.
Later...
Blasted beetles! Not like the ones at the temple, either. Bigger 'n meaner. There's traps in the tombs, too. While the rest of us fought, Tunari ducked into one of the mastabas. Next thing I knew, I hear screamin'. He comes staggerin' out bleedin' outta his ears.
Draggin' Tunari behind us, I see Farinelli gettin' pounced by four of them bugs. He's cursin' 'em as they're tearin' chunks out of his legs 'n groin. He died of course.
There's less of us now, 'n the ones what're left are lookin' a bit ragged. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
* * *
Day 6
Northwards we found a hall. Massive sculptures eyed us as we approached. Past those, a courtyard flanked by kneelin' statues. Beyond the courtyard, a hall with a pool of water. Past that was another door what let to a longer hall, 'n plenty of doors. The lads spread out, lookin' for enemies 'n treasures. They didn't see either.
Tunari led to the right, claiming he could smell out gold the way a pig noses truffles. The hall he led us to had 4 statues on each side, with 2 at the very end. An altar had been put between 'em, 'n something gold glimmerin' on top of it.
Tunari waved to us to stop, 'n crept to the altar. He looked at it for ages. Finally, he reached out 'n picked up the shiny thing on the altar.
Then the two statues on either side of Tunari turned, their arms outstretched. Tunari was so busy with the gold in his hand that he didn't see 'em until it was too late. All we could do was stare as they grabbed him by his arms, one each, 'n then pulled.
Tunari shrieked as his right arm was torn off. It was like they was breakin' a wishbone between 'em. The statue on the left whipped Tunari up into the air, then slammed him on the floor. Just as Tunari's screamin' stopped, the rest of the statues linin' the hall came alive.
What else could we do? We ran like the lords of Chaos were on our tails.
* * *
Day 7
A sandstorm forced us to seek shelter in a cave. Once inside, it became clear that we'd made a mistake. This is no cave, but is instead a Nehekharan tomb. The memory of the last tomb 'n Piccione's screams are still with me. The horror, the horror...
Later...
Those of us what are left decided to risk the storm rather than face Mazza's fate. I'm gettin ahead of myself. Mazza's dead now, 'n I think I'll miss him more'n the rest.
We'd been in the tomb an hour, maybe two. The storm outside was getting worse. Mazza started singin' to raise a smile or two, but all he raised was the dead. All of a sudden, a woman's voice, smooth as silk but thick with menace, rang out around the tomb. Mazza stopped, dumbstruck, walked towards the voice. Me, Falcone 'n Bonfiglio tried to stop Mazza. He lashed out, knocking us down. Which, truth to tell, is probably what saved us.
When I got up I saw Mazza starin' into the eyes of a corpse-woman, ancient and linen wrapped. She smiled 'n gently touched his cheek. He grinned but the pleasure was all too brief. A burst of sand shot from the lady's palm 'n tore its way through Mazza's head.
The sand on the floor began to writhe, 'n everywhere we stepped there were hungry scarabs. Even Venezia was awakened by the commotion. We grabbed what we could 'n left Mazza behind.
* * *
Day 8
Four of us remain, though Venezia hardly counts. After our escape into the storm last night, we took shelter in the shade of a rocky rise. All sense of direction was lost to us, 'n I've no idea where we are.
But Venezia, he's gone to sleep 'n I'll venture a guess he won't be wakin' up any time soon. He's feverish but wracked with chills, even in the desert heat. And the smell of him! I decided to look at his hand, so I peeled back the bandage, crusted 'n wet as it is with whatever putrid humors he's been exudin'. His hand, or what's left of it, is little better than a skeleton's. There's strips of what might be flesh 'n muscle hangin' from the bones, but they're black 'n festerin'.
I've spoken to Falcone 'n Bonfiglio. They agree that Venezia's not going to last much longer. Best we put him out of his misery now rather than let him linger on like he is.
Later...
Falcone put his axe to Venezia. It was a well-placed blow, 'n any pain was mercifully brief. I keep tellin' myself, "Three-way split, three-way split," but that don't mean much when all we're splittin' is our lives.
* * *
Day 9
This mornin' we decided to return to the river. Falcone reckoned we could follow it back to the sea. It sounded good. After all, we wasn't going' into the pyramid. The three of us tryin' somethin' like that would be suicide.
There's a courtyard outside the pyramid's gate. Some of the cobbles looked marked, maybe they'd open the pyramid if used right. We could see skeletons patrolling, 'n some big beetles, like what ate Farinelli. Then there was something huge.
It saw us same time as we saw it, a giant made from bone. The thing moved faster than I would've thought. Falcone had enough time to scream as the thing stomped him flat. Bonfiglio was next. The beetles 'n skeletons got him. It wasn't a quick death.
I ran to the sands and straight into the path of an ancient King. Might've been human once, but was now some withered undead monter. A smile split his fleshless lips, and it stared with those pitiless eyes. I knew then that I had amused this creature, with my quest to raid his gold. I also knew it had plans, plans for me and my journal. My [sic] his decree I was being allowed to live. To carry word of the horrors of this place to the civilized world...if I could survive the desert trek.
I fled, chilled to the marrow.
It's been a few hours now, 'n I'm thirstier than I've a right to be. The river water's lookin' better 'n better. I keep remindin' myself of Venezia's hand, of what it'll do to me if I drink it. The longer I walk, though, the less I care.
##########
Feel free to let me know of any typos or new pages that have turned up on blogs.
Update 1: Rainbow MMO now has a package, with the journal from day 5. I have added it above.
Update 2: Werit and Syp of Biobreak have gotten packages too. Syp's page is a duplicate of the one Keen and Graev got, though. Day 3 is still missing.
Update 3: Snafzg finally got his package, and it has the missing Day 3. Posted above.
Bonus: Here's a list of the 11 characters in the story and their fates. The number after their listing is the day they die.
Narrator - does not die, but may after the last entry
Revollo - bitten by lizards, bled to death - 1
Picciano - devoured by beetle swarm - 2
Phillippi - beheaded by skeleton snake - 3
DiBiano - stabbed on day 4 by skeleton - 5
Farinelli - chunked by giant beetles - 5
Tunari - de-limbed/smashed by statues - 6
Mazza - sandblasted by female mummy - 7
Venezia - axed by Falcone - 8, (hand wounded by river water - 5)
Falcone - stomped by bone giant - 9
Bonfiglio - killed by skeletons/beetles - 9
--Anromir
The "Rise of the Tomb Kings blogger hieroglyphic code deciphering challenge" (coined by Keen and Graev) has started, and lots of people have been getting goodies in the mail. One of bits sent out is a story in journal form of a group of dwarves venturing to the Necropolis of Zandri. Has some clues about what to expect there if you haven't messed around on the PTS. The thing is, everyone just has scans of the paper letters, making them a pain to read. So, I have transcribed them into wonderful ASCII for the Warhammer populace. Here they are. As new ones come out, I will try to transcribe them as well. There should only be three more pages (3-5).
Thanks to those blogs that have posted their goodies (there are others, but these are my sources):
##########
Day 1
Twenty days at sea, 'n Revollo puked up his guts every single one of 'em. He's as pale as a sheet 'n will be next to useless unless we can get some meat on his bones. It doesn't so much matter, though. He's more grist for the mill, you understand. He can take an arrow or a snake bite as well as any of the rest of 'em. I'll sleep better at night knowin' there's less chance of me bein' the one who gets shot or bit.
West through the valley 'n along the river should take us into the Necropolis. Ain't none as as have ever gone in 'n come back out alive, but I haven't told the lads that. Last thing I need is them gettin' sheepish just as things are startin' to look profitable. There's treasures in this place what folks couldn't dream of, 'n soon it'll belong to me.
Later...
cursed lizards on the riverbank charged us. No geckos, these things. Big, like scaly wolves, hissin' like a boilin' kettle over the fire. Revolo, still weak from the crossin', ended up takin' a nasty bite while DiBiano 'n Falcone gave the beasts a taste of their steel. By the time the lizards was dead, Revollo had bled out. Wasn't much to do but leave him for the birds.
Speakin of birds, I can see 'em circlin' about overhead. Big ones. The gods only know if they're here for us, or for what's left of Revollo.
* * *
Day 2
Found a tomb entrance in the cliff face as we skirted the river. The stone doors were ajar so we could squeeze in. All except Falcone, that is. The fellow's like an ox, 'n that big axe of his wouldn't be much use in a tomb.
Stairs 'n passages met us beyond the doors. Walls scrawled with odd pictures, paint peelin' with age. Lots of traps too I figure. I says this to Tunari, since he thinks he's some sort of thief. He said there ain't a trap invented what he couldn't beat.
Funny he says that, 'cause that's right when the door shut behind us 'n a swarm of beetles started pourin' into the hall. Mazza screamed like a tart 'n we all got to runnin'. Piccione caught his foot in a snare, 'n yelled for help. DiBiano started to go back for him, but stopped when he saw how many beetles there really were.
Any of us could've saved Piccione. But then again, who's to say those bugs wouldn't have come out on top? When Piccione started screamin' it made me glad I didn't take the risk. I looked back at him, but all I could see was his arms wavin' madly, the rest of him hidden by that black beetle swarm.
No one was of a mind to stay. Tunari made good, though, 'n found a hidden passage what got us back to the the river. That must've been trapped, too, 'cause the ceiling fell in just as the last of us was comin' out.
We walked back to the doors, which were now closed. Falcove was pickin' through our gear like a robber. He leapt to his feet when he saw us. The doors had slammed shut just a few moments before, he said, 'n he reckoned us for goners. Then he noticed Piccione was missin' 'n shut up.
* * *
Day 3
Farinelli decided it'd be easier to climb the rocky crags than the desert sands. Why'd I listen to him? We left the river behind 'n have made our way up a twistin' path. It was hotter than a Bright Wizard's piss pot, 'n those birds were flappin' around over our heads. The closer I got, the less I liked the look of 'em.
Phillippi, a bandit at heart, spotted a temple at the top of a nearby ridge. We doubled our pace. The land around the temple crawled with large beetles, so Venezia put in some target practice with his bow. The vermin were harmless enough, 'n we moved towards a nearby platform that crackled with fiery power.
There's nothing to fear says Phillippi, rushin' towards the platform.
The ground in front of him exploded 'n a huge snake made of yellowed bones lashed out. Phillippi screamed 'n staggered backwards. The sound of his agony echoed around the canyon 'n the men stopped in their tracks with their jaws hangin' slack 'n stupid.
What was Phillippi's face streamed blood, with two holes were where his eyes use to be. He screamed again and the snake struck him from behind, pullin' his head off like a drunk pulls a cork from a wine bottle.
The others ran, 'n me with em. Stupid, running into the temple, but I followed anyway. Best to be one target among many than to be alone. On seein what was in the temple, we was soon runnin' again. Least the creatures inside paid us little mind. All withered faces 'n the stink of ancient death. Cursin' Farinelli 'n the fallen Phillippi, we fled back to the rocky desert.
There must be simpler pickin's elsewhere. We'll search to the west tomorrow.
* * *
Day 4
Someone's been diggin' out here. There's a pit what's been dug up 'n cut outta the rocks. Looks like a quarry. Scaffolds've been built up in the center of the area, 'n it looks like somethin's bein' built there. We're gonna move in 'n see if we can find out what they're diggin' up.
Later...
Bones! They're diggin' great big bones outta the ground!
When we went in, there wasn't a soul around. Somethin' had been buried there a long time ago, 'n we could see its bones in the walls. The rock face was chipped like workers had been takin' shovels to it. Not only that, but some bones were laid out like two big feet near the scaffolds.
Then they came upon us! A dozen attackers. I'd heard tales of Khemri's people, but I ain't never expected to see 'em. Without a sign between 'em, they lunged. I give the lads credit, 'cause they fought back like true soldiers. The skeletons didn't tire, didn't sweat, didn't bleed. Not like us.
I heard a grunt of pain. DiBiano was clutchin' his chest. Bloody froth spouted from his mouth. The skeleton what hit him was going for another strike. I struck the bastard with my heavy-bladed sword. The skeleton clattered to the ground in a dozen bits.
DiBiano didn't thank me, 'cause he was too busy tryin' to breathe. That little sword of his might've been fine for duelin' back home, but them skeletons would've laughed at it if they'd had the lungs. I told Farinelli 'to [sic] carry DiBiano, then yelled at the rest of the lads to finish up and get outta there. Nothin' but bones in the place. Nothin' worth dyin' [sic] for.
'Course I won't be tellin' DiBiano that, on the off chance he don't pull through.
* * *
Day 5
DiBiano died. We couldn't sleep for the sound of his gurglin'. Cept for Bonfiglio, that is, whose snorin' was like an opera compared to DiBiano. We'll leave the body. Try crossin' the river, might be better on the other side. The lads don't seem to mind one way or the other.
As to that river, I've got a bad feelin' about it. Mazza says he found a couple of rafts on our side, but we don't know if they'll float. That water ain't healthy, 'n I don't wanna find out what happens if we ends up takin' a swim.
Later...
The river near killed us. Bloody rafts broke up. Nevermind the lizards swimmin' in the water. There was some splashin' 'n Venezia got a dose of wet across his left hand. His skin went black as death, peelin' away from his bones before our eyes. We've wrapped it, but I figure we'll need to hack it off soon. I don't know what good a one handed archer will do for us.
Later...
Blasted beetles! Not like the ones at the temple, either. Bigger 'n meaner. There's traps in the tombs, too. While the rest of us fought, Tunari ducked into one of the mastabas. Next thing I knew, I hear screamin'. He comes staggerin' out bleedin' outta his ears.
Draggin' Tunari behind us, I see Farinelli gettin' pounced by four of them bugs. He's cursin' 'em as they're tearin' chunks out of his legs 'n groin. He died of course.
There's less of us now, 'n the ones what're left are lookin' a bit ragged. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
* * *
Day 6
Northwards we found a hall. Massive sculptures eyed us as we approached. Past those, a courtyard flanked by kneelin' statues. Beyond the courtyard, a hall with a pool of water. Past that was another door what let to a longer hall, 'n plenty of doors. The lads spread out, lookin' for enemies 'n treasures. They didn't see either.
Tunari led to the right, claiming he could smell out gold the way a pig noses truffles. The hall he led us to had 4 statues on each side, with 2 at the very end. An altar had been put between 'em, 'n something gold glimmerin' on top of it.
Tunari waved to us to stop, 'n crept to the altar. He looked at it for ages. Finally, he reached out 'n picked up the shiny thing on the altar.
Then the two statues on either side of Tunari turned, their arms outstretched. Tunari was so busy with the gold in his hand that he didn't see 'em until it was too late. All we could do was stare as they grabbed him by his arms, one each, 'n then pulled.
Tunari shrieked as his right arm was torn off. It was like they was breakin' a wishbone between 'em. The statue on the left whipped Tunari up into the air, then slammed him on the floor. Just as Tunari's screamin' stopped, the rest of the statues linin' the hall came alive.
What else could we do? We ran like the lords of Chaos were on our tails.
* * *
Day 7
A sandstorm forced us to seek shelter in a cave. Once inside, it became clear that we'd made a mistake. This is no cave, but is instead a Nehekharan tomb. The memory of the last tomb 'n Piccione's screams are still with me. The horror, the horror...
Later...
Those of us what are left decided to risk the storm rather than face Mazza's fate. I'm gettin ahead of myself. Mazza's dead now, 'n I think I'll miss him more'n the rest.
We'd been in the tomb an hour, maybe two. The storm outside was getting worse. Mazza started singin' to raise a smile or two, but all he raised was the dead. All of a sudden, a woman's voice, smooth as silk but thick with menace, rang out around the tomb. Mazza stopped, dumbstruck, walked towards the voice. Me, Falcone 'n Bonfiglio tried to stop Mazza. He lashed out, knocking us down. Which, truth to tell, is probably what saved us.
When I got up I saw Mazza starin' into the eyes of a corpse-woman, ancient and linen wrapped. She smiled 'n gently touched his cheek. He grinned but the pleasure was all too brief. A burst of sand shot from the lady's palm 'n tore its way through Mazza's head.
The sand on the floor began to writhe, 'n everywhere we stepped there were hungry scarabs. Even Venezia was awakened by the commotion. We grabbed what we could 'n left Mazza behind.
* * *
Day 8
Four of us remain, though Venezia hardly counts. After our escape into the storm last night, we took shelter in the shade of a rocky rise. All sense of direction was lost to us, 'n I've no idea where we are.
But Venezia, he's gone to sleep 'n I'll venture a guess he won't be wakin' up any time soon. He's feverish but wracked with chills, even in the desert heat. And the smell of him! I decided to look at his hand, so I peeled back the bandage, crusted 'n wet as it is with whatever putrid humors he's been exudin'. His hand, or what's left of it, is little better than a skeleton's. There's strips of what might be flesh 'n muscle hangin' from the bones, but they're black 'n festerin'.
I've spoken to Falcone 'n Bonfiglio. They agree that Venezia's not going to last much longer. Best we put him out of his misery now rather than let him linger on like he is.
Later...
Falcone put his axe to Venezia. It was a well-placed blow, 'n any pain was mercifully brief. I keep tellin' myself, "Three-way split, three-way split," but that don't mean much when all we're splittin' is our lives.
* * *
Day 9
This mornin' we decided to return to the river. Falcone reckoned we could follow it back to the sea. It sounded good. After all, we wasn't going' into the pyramid. The three of us tryin' somethin' like that would be suicide.
There's a courtyard outside the pyramid's gate. Some of the cobbles looked marked, maybe they'd open the pyramid if used right. We could see skeletons patrolling, 'n some big beetles, like what ate Farinelli. Then there was something huge.
It saw us same time as we saw it, a giant made from bone. The thing moved faster than I would've thought. Falcone had enough time to scream as the thing stomped him flat. Bonfiglio was next. The beetles 'n skeletons got him. It wasn't a quick death.
I ran to the sands and straight into the path of an ancient King. Might've been human once, but was now some withered undead monter. A smile split his fleshless lips, and it stared with those pitiless eyes. I knew then that I had amused this creature, with my quest to raid his gold. I also knew it had plans, plans for me and my journal. My [sic] his decree I was being allowed to live. To carry word of the horrors of this place to the civilized world...if I could survive the desert trek.
I fled, chilled to the marrow.
It's been a few hours now, 'n I'm thirstier than I've a right to be. The river water's lookin' better 'n better. I keep remindin' myself of Venezia's hand, of what it'll do to me if I drink it. The longer I walk, though, the less I care.
##########
Feel free to let me know of any typos or new pages that have turned up on blogs.
Update 1: Rainbow MMO now has a package, with the journal from day 5. I have added it above.
Update 2: Werit and Syp of Biobreak have gotten packages too. Syp's page is a duplicate of the one Keen and Graev got, though. Day 3 is still missing.
Update 3: Snafzg finally got his package, and it has the missing Day 3. Posted above.
Bonus: Here's a list of the 11 characters in the story and their fates. The number after their listing is the day they die.
Narrator - does not die, but may after the last entry
Revollo - bitten by lizards, bled to death - 1
Picciano - devoured by beetle swarm - 2
Phillippi - beheaded by skeleton snake - 3
DiBiano - stabbed on day 4 by skeleton - 5
Farinelli - chunked by giant beetles - 5
Tunari - de-limbed/smashed by statues - 6
Mazza - sandblasted by female mummy - 7
Venezia - axed by Falcone - 8, (hand wounded by river water - 5)
Falcone - stomped by bone giant - 9
Bonfiglio - killed by skeletons/beetles - 9
--Anromir
