Out in the Cold: Part 4

Part IV – The Journal

There was a distinct nothingness in that cabin, a sort of emptiness that spoke a novel in its details but left behind that eerie emptiness that reminded her of a corpse.  Where there should have been life inside, there was nothing.  The cold wind freely coursed through the creaking, wooden halls until the moment Ephalys shut the door behind her.  Each step through the entryway was tentative, her eyes sweeping from left to right as she took in the sights. 

Much like the cabin she had been staying in, this had once been someone’s rustic abode.  She could almost envision it; the distinct aesthetic of someone who thrived in solitude, someone who preferred the sounds of nature over the murmurs and screeches of a city.  Despite how hollow inside it was, she imagined it would have been pleasant to stay in at one point.

But whoever had lived here was long gone, that much was certain.  Dilapidation had sunken its decay into the foundation of that cottage.  There were no holes in the ceiling or walls yet but the elements would take this place before long unless someone performed some heroics to save it.  Ephalys was not that someone; her clothes were freezing and she needed to strip them off.  This place was simply a convenient shelter from the winds. 

After checking that she was, in fact, alone, she pulled each wet layer off, hanging them on a wrecked cabinet’s drawers.  A blanket had been found on an abandoned bed, its fabric itchy. Despite that, she threw it over her shoulders with a shiver.  Outside, the wind howled like it never had before, a baleful noise that made her not even want to go near the grimy window.  She did lightly explore the bedroom she found herself in, glancing from the cabinet to the bed and then to a compact desk near the corner. 

The stranger had never told her once about what this frozen forest was.  But it made sense to Ephalys that the stranger would not be the only person out there.  There had to be life in this world other than her mysterious savior and those nightmarish barghests.  This abandoned house was a dusty relic and she wondered what it could tell her about where she had ended up after…

The following thought was a streak of pain across her mind.  One hand dared to slip from the blanket to cradle her forehead.  She huffed out a vexed breath and approached the desk, suspecting she would find nothing of value.  Everything was relatively stripped bare inside after all. 

She was pleasantly surprised to find that her assumptions were ill-founded; there sat a leatherbound, dusty tome tucked away inside the desk.  She grabbed it, lifting it up with a curiosity that outshone her need to adhere to societal norms.  It was rude to rifle through other people’s belongings… but she felt compelled to look and it wasn’t like anyone seemed to have been home for some time now.  Some of the pages were torn and others were blotted out by strange red-brown splotches.  But she did her best to string the entries together, starting from the journal’s front.

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“This is the journal containing the notes of Ofarhiel Lyrvasthin, famous and storied alchemist extraordinaire!  My credentials are far too many to list; my hand would cramp before I was even a quarter of the way through.  But I trust that whoever this journal passes along to knows my name.  After all, who would not?

I was contracted by an organization to begin delving into research concerning the primal force we have so clumsily dubbed “Corruption”.  This organization, the Fata Morgana, has paid me a silence fee for my findings.  Had I not the need for extra coin, I would have turned them all away.  Cults never bring about good business, you see; any proper alchemist knows that.  But the sum offered was too great to ignore and while I’m certain I can keep my lips tight for a while, they’ll surely forgive me if I publish my findings in my next book.  After all, science is for the people.  And I rather like seeing my credentials stack up over the years.  Coin is easily spent; being remembered is an eternal prize.

Corruption is famously considered the anomalous primordial element.  While the elements of “Chaos” and “Void” have notably been documented since the dawn of time, Corruption is unique as there are no records of it existing until the Fracture, which was an apocalyptic event that caused an entire world to be broken into pieces!  Although we cannot be sure, it is theorized that the Fracture was caused by an abrupt tidal wave of Chaos energy erupting from a focal point.  It is because of this that Chaos is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Corruption”. 

After its discovery, Corruption was classified as primordial not due to its age but due to the complexity of its nature.  While studies have been attempted in the past to understand Corruption and its origin, the research of it has become forbidden over the last two centuries due to its volatility.   

With this study, I hope to answer all of the questions that have been asked since its mysterious appearance.  While I’ve helmed many a study before, being the one to solve Corruption’s mysteries would surely be my greatest achievement yet!  A massive thank you to the Fata Morgana for sponsoring this endeavor!"

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Day 1 -

"The Fata Morgana has provided me with all of the materials I could dream of.  It’s quite marvelous!  Where they procured such a pure form of Corruption is beyond me (and probably something that should be reported to the authorities) but I am glad to have it for the experiments we will be performing in this distant world. 

A group of subjects were provided to me.

·         Group A – rats; local fauna that was procured from the nearby abundant forest. (no magic)

·         Group B – manticores; procured additionally from an arid environment from another world (low magic)

·         Group C – unicorns; procured from an unknown location (high magic)

Our goal is to measure the effects of Corruption and its interaction with the arcane. Each group has had members of it infected with varying levels of Corruption.

Let us see how this plays out."

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Day 5 –

Corruption seems to progress at varying levels.  Results remain inconclusive if levels of magic have any correlation to the pace of progress. 

A thorough examination of Corruption’s properties has revealed to me that it contains strong similarities to dragon blood.  I cannot be certain of why this would be the case.  There are old mythologies about the Fracture that indicate it was caused by a war between dragons.  I am not sure what the connection is here, at least when it comes to the actual science of it.   

Ah well.  Things are still proceeding apace.  The Fata Morgana is pleased so far.

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Day 7 -

Each afflicted member of each group has begun to display symptoms that are identical.  It begins with agitation and volatility in personality and then physical manifestations start to emerge. 

The most common physical trait is the sclera turning a dark red while the irises turn a bright yellow.  Additionally, the pupils tend to morph into a slit-like shape. Strange, isn’t it?  Such an eerie change, almost draconic but not.

I’ve heard tales of malicious beings in other worlds—I think they’re called “demons”.  Their eyes are similar or so I’ve been told.  Maybe Corruption is the answer to that?  Could demons simply be individuals afflicted with Corruption?  Ooh, what a juicy theory!  I’ll write that down for a future study…

I’ll begin on my paper properly soon; I still want more data before I spend the next few hours in front of the typewriter.

I know the Academy will frown at me for this experiment but I want to wave it in their faces so badly!  Especially that Thelimin Grovestep; I know he plagiarized my last paper and I’d sooner throw myself into a hydra’s nest before letting him plagiarize THIS too!

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Day 15 –

Group C is dead.  I don’t know what happened. 

I awoke and they were all gone.  All save for one; the unicorn with the strongest levels of Corruption.  I don’t think it could have done this, though!  Unicorns are so docile and this one was acting no different, really!  It stood at the far corner of the pen, traumatized and whinnying for aid. 

There was so much blood…  A sight I won’t forget any time soon.  It’s like it’s burned into my retinas.

This unicorn, we will keep him for now.  He has been dubbed Survivor. 

The Fata Morgana seemed intrigued by this loss… I couldn’t tell if they were pleased or not.  Losing a bunch of unicorns is no doubt something quite costly.  I rather hope they don’t dock my pay or this is about to become not very worth it at all…

I tried to reassure them that their coin was well-spent.  I told them I would get them the results they wanted.

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Day 24 –

Another setback occurred.  When we introduced Survivor to Group A, the unicorn went on a rampage.  The volatility… I should have known.  He acted so calm and gentle before, even when his group was massacred.  But now, I think his mask has slipped, so to speak. 

He no doubt is why Group C perished.  Survivor… I should have named him Killer!  He decimated so many of the other subjects.  I had to put him down.  He won’t be doing that again.

All of Group A was destroyed except for a single rat, which I have dubbed Subject X.  We already had one “Survivor” and I fear naming things further may result in feelings of attachment…

Subject X came into close quarters with the unicorn but we were able to take down the rampaging stallion before any harm could come to her.

It's unfortunate this happened.  It will be difficult to monitor much from Group A now that they’re all dead.  I suppose we’re lucky we have Subject X…

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Day 33 –

Something odd happened today.  Subject X escaped using a charm on the mundane walls of her cage.  A charm from a rat!   Such would be something I would see from a fey or maybe even a unicorn.  But a rat?

How is this possible?  Is this power developed by Corruption?  Or perhaps there’s something more at play here…?

We found Subject X attempting to sneak into the wilderness outside.  We took her back to her cage and implemented some further defenses to keep her from escaping once more. 

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Day 35 -

I’ve determined that Corruption has transitive properties and can act as a conduit of sorts.  The Fata Morgana kindly lent me a handful of fire lizards.  Normally, these geckos emit fire magicks when frightened.  They did this in close proximity to Subject X, who attempted to eat one of them.

I found an hour later that Subject X had seemingly learned fire magic.  “Learned” is likely the incorrect term; I believe Subject X had acquired it from the fire lizard in some small amount.  Further examination revealed to me that the amount of power that Subject X had was less than that of the fire lizard… but it seems as though it was permanently transferred to Subject X as she continuously tries to charm and burn her way out of her cage. 

I theorize the amount of fire magic Subject X is capable of correlates with the briefness of her encounter with the fire lizard.  It’s entirely possible that Subject X could obtain further power with increased contact with the gecko.   

If Corruption can perform a power transfer, is it possible that someone could utilize it to learn abilities that they would ordinarily be unable to perform?  Could a mermaid learn how to cast lightning spells?  Could a fire dragon learn water magic?  

If only Corruption didn’t cause the individual to turn so hostile…

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Day 40 - 

Group B proved my theory correct.  After introducing a lightning element to the manticores, they have successfully adapted to casting lightning!  Only, this experiment, despite our efforts, came at a cost.  Unfortunately, the manticores escaped and a few of my assistants were lost in the process of trying to rein them back in… unavoidable, I suppose.  I hope their families don’t ask too many questions…

We still have Subject X but she is weakening.  We are attempting to reconcile her worsening state with various methods of healing but nothing is working. 

The Fata Morgana have asked me what Corruption does to the dead.  Seems a bit nefarious but I suppose science is not always pretty.  I don’t really love necromancy but I can appreciate the complexity of it. 

The only body we have to toy with is Survivor’s so we exhumed it.  He wasn’t dead for long so using it ought to be fine probably.  It was either that or one of the assistants and we felt morally like perhaps that was crossing a line or twenty.  So Survivor will continue to survive… at least somewhat, I guess.

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Day 42 –

I’ve figured it out.  Binding Subject X to a catalyst of Chaos energy seems to stabilize her.  She even seems a bit more peaceful now!  A bit more cognizant of her surroundings.

This could be it!  The way to utilizing Corruption.  With this, we could feasibly slide power from one individual to another then use Chaos to balance the effects of Corruption.  This could be the biggest arcane revolution in centuries!

The downside is that Chaos energy is still quite rare so is this practical to use?  Not yet.  But if we can find a hefty source of Chaos then perhaps it’s doable.

Chaos is unfortunately not the easiest thing to locate.  It doesn’t grow naturally as a power source in most worlds.  We would have to track down either an individual willing to be a source or dig deep into the earth of a Chaos-rich environment to procure it but I’m not sure what world we’d even go to.  Thus… I cannot think of a better source of Chaos, unfortunately, than the divine dragons.

When the worlds were created, they were created with Chaos energy to combat the Void.  Creation magic is just the utilization of Chaos energy with one’s imagination… but the spells themselves are so strong that no one has been able to replicate them.  Could you imagine if they could be replicated though?  I’d make a whole beach world and do my research in naught but my speedo with a martini in hand!  Ha!

Anywho, Chaos is difficult to control but the divine dragons have it inherently in them. That was what they were given when they became divine dragons—condensed Chaos energy.  The Spark of Divinity.  Each one has it.  It’s is a metaphysical power they can tap into… but alas, they don’t seem very willing to share even details about that.  They’d likely smite me to smithereens if I asked one to lend their Chaos for this venture. 

Ah well.   

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Day 43 –

Survivor woke up. 

Corruption can be used as a catalyst in necromancy.  Who would have thought it? 

We did implant what Chaos energy we could into his resurrected form but alas, it seems to be burning through rapidly.  Perhaps it’s because of his size?  Not sure.  We will have to find more Chaos soon. 

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Day 55 -

Unfortunately for Subject X, we have decided to cease her Chaos energy supply since our stock is dwindling.  We just don’t have enough and we cannot find a stable source to continue experimenting with both Subject X and the revived Survivor.  One of my students, Lila, begged for me to reconsider but I’m afraid there’s no other choice. 

The Fata Morgana has expressed immense interest in Survivor and believes his state of undeath could yield certain benefits.  I don’t disagree.  He has no need to eat or rest.  However, his Chaos consumption is… extreme.  We will pour all of our resources into keeping him alive.  Er.  Unalive, I suppose.

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Day 56 –

Still haven’t been paid yet for any of my work.  The Fata Morgana have decided I need to look into the effects of Corruption on plants and spirits next.  What nerve!  Adding more to my plate when they haven’t paid me for the last month.

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Day 58 –

Madness.  Pure madness.

Lila attempted to steal Chaos supplies from Survivor’s stock in order to keep Subject X alive.  She tried to tell us that that Survivor was unsustainable.  While I agree, saving doomed rats is not what we’re being paid to do.  I had Borin take Subject X to be put down but the little beast lit his coat on fire.  She fled into the wilds.  I know she will die out there without Chaos to sustain her.

I won’t tell Lila the truth.  It’s better she thought Subject X perished peacefully. 

She’s heartbroken over the whole incident.  How unprofessional, honestly, but I suppose some people aren’t as good at detaching themselves emotionally as I am.  It’s simply the mark of genius and intellect to remove your emotions from your work like this.  She should really pay more attention to my lectures.

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Day 61 -

Plant and spirit research going poorly.  The plants don’t take to Corruption at all; in fact, they seem to reject it outright, which is… peculiar.

The spirits I’ve been given… have the opposite effect.  Corporeal forms help process the Corruption better, it would seem.  They die within just a few hours but maintain their level-headedness the entire time, never giving into the personality shifts we often see with Corrupted individuals.  Chaos does not really bind to them well either…  It feels like a dead end.  Unless we bound the spirit to something physical, perhaps?  Highly illegal stuff but, well, nothing is particular legal about anything happening here. 

Laws exist to get in between us and knowledge, I swear.

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Day 64 -

Borin thinks he has a way to convert Corruption into Chaos energy.  If we can manage this, Survivor may be sustainable… the only problem is his state of undeath.  While he doesn’t require food, we’ve determined that undeath causes Chaos to be eaten away rapidly, resulting in him occasionally turning hostile once more.  Curious, isn’t it? I thought it was his size but no… It’s simply an interaction with Chaos and necromancy.

I fear Survivor is a failure.  But if my assistant can get this converter to work perhaps he can still be of use…

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Day 68 -

Borin is still working on the converter. 

So far, each organism we have experimented on has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to handling Corruption.

• Animals can hold it the best physically, suffering mental decay and personality changes after some time post-exposure.  They do require Chaos to maintain physical and mental health. Strength levels are elevated when exposed to Chaos.

• Undead can hold it decently but consume Chaos more rapidly to maintain health.  They also seem to grow more hostile quicker than living organisms do. Strength levels are easily the highest in terms of utilizing Corruption; we have had to reinforce Survivor’s pen many times now.

• Plants cannot hold Corruption but they can hold and process Chaos quickly and pulse it through their bodies fairly easily. 

• Spirits cannot hold Corruption or Chaos for long periods of time due to not having physical forms. But when exposed, they maintain all normalcy until sudden violent death.

All organisms exposed to Chaos except for plants were able to at least temporarily host another organism’s power.

The Fata Morgana seems pleased thus far.

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Day 73 –

The converter is operable!  We will test it tomorrow.

Lila mentioned to me seeing the manticore group from Group B while she was in the woods.  How is that possible, I wonder?  Given the Corruption, should they not have died out there…? 

Is it possible that they found some source of Chaos we overlooked?

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Day 74 –

Converter failed.  Survivor escaped.  Borin’s dead.

I lined up my gun to take the shot.  But just as I did, Subject X was suddenly there.  It had grown so much… scaled and winged and spitting fire and venom dripping from its tail.  How did it live…?

Survivor and Subject X clashed.  That’s how Lila and I escaped.  But she went back.  She wanted to save that damn rat.

I’m leaving.  To hell with the Fata Morgana and this cursed place.  We should have never done this.

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The entries stopped there.  Whatever had become of those figures from the distant past, no one could say.  They were all just phantoms in the cold, their memory mostly forgotten. 

Ephalys had forgotten how to breathe several pages back, her amber eyes wandering to the divots in the floorboards.  The way her heart raced made her tremble from something other than the biting frost in the air.  She pulled that blanket around her tighter, the tears on her eyelashes like diamonds glittering in that dim light. 

So that’s the truth of it. 

All those words made a collage in her mind but the picture it crafted terrified her.  But the fact remained that she was still stuck in that abandoned cabin, her clothes still damp.  She had to deal with that first.  The rest could come later.

She scoured that house from top to bottom, knowing that if people had once housed up here and were gone suddenly, then there had to be supplies.  Matches and oil were secured along with a lantern after much digging in a cluttered closet.

Once she had lit the dried logs in the abandoned hearth in the living room, she gathered her wet clothes once more.  Carefully, Ephalys hung each bit upon the mantle, spreading them so they would dry quicker.  She gathered that blanket around herself and sat down so that the heat bathed over her.  It was a momentary respite from the chill in the air and a much-needed one.  She basked in it, though her heart wavered constantly with flickering bits of anxiety.  Her mind played words from that journal over and over again.

Corruption… Chaos… Void.  Spark of Divinity.

She had heard those words before in a time that both felt so long ago and only just yesterday.  But Ephalys did not want to remember.  She did not like what feelings those memories brought.  They sat on the other side of a veil, obscured but within reach.  They had always been in reach.  She had just never wanted to lift her hand and tear the curtain back. 

But in the cold and the silence, staring into those red-hot flames, she could only remember.  She could only bite back her rage.  She could only succumb to her fear.  

She grabbed the veil and ripped it asunder.