8/18/14

Pharast 8th, 656 AR

We have finally arrived in Jin Hai and it was not what I expected at all. What was once a vibrant community full of people and life has dwindled to less than one third of its original population.

A lot has happened but basically we learned that the town has been under constant attacks by something that Keisuke apparently recognized from his studies. Creatures contrived of pure indulgence, reveling in a dark and sinful nature. The worst of said sins made manifest into a physical form. It seems they come each night, stealing away a few more people. If only we had arrived sooner, perhaps we could have stopped this before the town was a mere mockery of what it once was…

 
Then there is Chiyo. The young girl seems to have been bitten during one of the attacks and is changing into one of them. Keisuke seems uncertain on why that is and that it certainly isn’t the usual method of how they are created. When they first opened that windmill, I was completely taken aback. If these creatures are capable of turning an innocent little girl into something like this...the implications and thoughts sent shivers down my spine.

On that note, Keisuke proved himself both clever and earned a great deal of trust from me. I think perhaps even the mountain priest warmed up to him some. Due to his ideas on using leeches to draw Chiyo’s blood and bring her things from her room she calmed down substantially. Sis also reminded me of the time Grandfather told us about ‘music soothing the wild beast’. She was looking for an instrument to play to help so I gave her the ocarina. Doubt there was a much better moment for it and she was incredibly happy, I suppose I just wish it was in happier circumstances. I do have to say it seemed to help with Chiyo’s condition.

We did hear from the townsfolk that there was a tower a half day’s travel from the city where a priest turned herbalist (named Kobak) lived that might be able to help. Additionally about an old crone living in the forest that might hold some answers. We couldn’t get a name for her but there are rumors she traded her youth for immortality and that she is extremely bitter and violent. We don’t have time to investigate them this evening due to the attack we know will be coming in the evening. Hence the remainder of the day was spent preparing the town for the assault that would undoubtedly come. We reinforced the town hall and surrounded it with traps including those meant for bears and fishing hooks with twine to trip and hamstring them. We’ll try lure them in at us and defeat them, as we’ve heard rumors they target and prefer those of divine inclination...such as our friend the mountain priest.

We’re currently waiting in the town hall for night to come. I think we’ve done everything we could considering the circumstances. I pray tha-
*The entry cuts off abruptly, a smear of ink and numerous blots of crimson covering the page*

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