ae:Py Suse 1 R Dresner-Thoenber Wincarida Ralis Matthevo and Anthony Ragan, Sarah Koad CASuleiman, foam Tinworth anddanct Teautvetter Varpicecreatedty Mark KeintHagennily K. Dresner-Thornber, Myranda Kallis, Matthew McFarland, Anthony Ragan, Sarah Roark, C. A. Suleiman, Adam Tinworth, and Janet Trautvetter. Vampire and the World of Darkness Naytesters (Atlanta) John Chambers, Susan Gillott Michael Goodwin, Ben Grivno, Matthew McFarland, Darci Strachan; (Cleveland) Pam Collins, John N. Craig, Ryan Humphries, Brian Jones, Halle Rodway Hanneke van Keulen; (London) Allison Barfield. created by Mark Reine Ha, Additional Contributions n, Simon Goddard, Chris Hartford, Toby Jones, Adam Michael A.Goodwin Tinworth, Karl Wilding Storyteller game system designed by Mark Rein® Hagen Developer: Matthew McFarland Addition Latin Consultation: Myranda Kalis Editor: Ed Hall Art Direction, Design Layout & Typesetting: Becky Jollensten Interior Art: Jim Di Bartolo, MarkoDjurdjevick Eric Hotz, Tom Mandrake, Rik Martin, Alex Shiekman, Adrian Smith, James Stowe, and Tim Truman Front & Back Cover Design: Becky Jollensten | Development by: PhilippeR. Boulle ©2002 White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the written permission of hepublisher isexpressly forbidden, except for the purposes of reviews, and for blank character sheets, which may be reproduced for personal use only. 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Check out White Wolf online at bey rwwavhite-wolf-com:; alt.games.whitewolf and rec.games frp.storyteller \TED IN CANADA.Contents Prelude: Final Absolution 4 Introduction 14 Chapter One: Against All Demons 22 Chapter Two: Callto Arms 56 Chapter Three: The Mind of the Inquisition 16 Chapter Four: Charactersand Drama 140 Chapter Five: The Word of God 170 Chapter Six: StorytellingMak TT Nett The glorious array of colors across the western sky is nothingtomebuttheharbingeroftwilight,andthenight tocome.And|haveneverfoundthenighttobeatimeof rest, butrather of horror fornightiswhen Hellis strongest andthoseofuswhostandstrongagainstit mustbe most Nels Tonight, | fear, will be no different. Death stalks the streets of Foix, andits cause lies on the table before me: aheavyblacktome, boundwithbronzeclaspsandmarked PVT e AT nKemar Riel tocol sterol aleekcated er Lenee- ie elcelar toll its bindings. | have not had the courage to view its contents — nor do | need to. The book stinks to me of carrion; a charnel odor clings to its very pages such that I can barely tolerate its presence, an odor my compan- ions cannot perceive. Yet it is not the only such volume inmy possession, andifl condemn our Brother Renier for een SUo ar Raa Mermr la Teale AeA ela lect eels then | also condemn myself... —From the private journal of Brother Leopold von Murnau, Inquisitor, Order of Friars PreachersPRELUDE: FINAL ABSOLUTION Brother Leopold von Murnau had not expected to feel welcome in Foix, and with good reason. Until ascant handful of years ago, Foix had been the capital of heretical resistance, its bloodthirsty Count Roger Bernard only recently having been brought to submission to the will of his King and the (Church. However,asBrother Leopold knew very wel, submis- sion did not necessarily mean surrender. The townspeople on the narrow, winding streetsstared suspiciously at him and his companions, and they drew together in little clumps to one side of the street or the other. No one spoke, as if in fear the monk was listening. The hooves of their mounts on the rough-hewn cobbles echoed distinctly in the uneasy silenceSir Baudioun le Breton urged forward his roan te come alongside Leopold's mule. The knigl ned watchful, his hand rest close to the hilt of his sword. Behind them led Philippe, Baudioun’s young squire, riding his, cownhorse and leading the pack muleand hismaster’s dlestrier, as well. Both knight and squire wore whi though only Baudioun’s mantle bore the broken red cross that identified him asa Poor Knight of Acre, as much a servant of God as the Dominican in white and black who rode beside him. 1's eyes rem wg on his mailed copold ignored the stares and tried not tothink of the risk, butof their mission. They were not here tohuntheretics—theChurch had other, even more dangerous enemies. 1 do not envy our fellows their commission, Brother,” the knigh spoke French, the only language they had between them, for Baudioun was not conversant in Latin. commented in a low voice. He “In God is our refuge and strength,” Brother Leopold replied, “and as He watches over the spar row, He shall watch over us aswell.” He took a small book from the pilgrim’s satchel that hung at his side and consulted it. “The chapter-house should be at the end of that lane there They had barely dismounted, however, when a gar huddled in a recessed doorway lurched to his, and staggered toward them. Baudioun did put hand on his sword then, stepping between the ged creature and his comps “Wait,” Leopold murmured, layinga restraining hand on the knight's arm. The beggar was cloaked in a ragged blanket, but ashe pushed back its folds from hishead, he revealed a monk’s tonsure — though the once clean-shaven crown wasnow rough with stubble. "God be praise he whispered hoarsely. “Thad almost given up hope— ” Then, belatedly, he added the code words, “Sed libera nos a malo.” But deliver us from evil Leopold an: ‘Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, swered, deliberately using the prior verse. And lead us not into temptation. “I am Brother Leopold, and this is Sir Baudioun, our brother in the Lord’s work.” Now that he looked more closely, Leopold could see the beggar was younger than he'd first appeared, despite hisbedraggled state. Beneath the filthy blan- ket, he wore the red robes of the Order of St Theodosius. “Brother, is something wrong! Or is it now the custom for your Order to embrace poverty and beg for your bread?” The young monk didn't even flinch. “It is not,” he admitted, “but it has kepe me safe. A devil hunts these streets at night, Brother. I fear of all our brethren, I am the only one left alive.” “God's blood,” Sir Baudioun murmured as they stepped inside the remains of what had once been the Inquisition’s chapter-house,a cramped dwelling above an empty shop. Ther look, he added, “Forgive me, Brother. Bue what in the name of Our Lord happened here?” Barely a stick of furniture had been left unbro- ken. Shutters had been torn from the windows, mattresses ripped open and bedclothes slashed into rags. Andover itall wasasickening odor of old blood f and burt flesh, though Leopold was not certain how much of that scent was common to the room and how was much was in his nose only. The blood, at least, must be real; he could see places where the debris was marked with red-brown stains “Ie happened six nights ago.” Brother Renier told them. “By God’s grace, I was not here when the demon struck. But all the others...Brother Herve, Brother Raimond, and Sister Berengaria...” He shiv ped his tly about histhin shoulders. “I gathered their bodies, the parts could find I don't think Brother Herve even woke up, he wasstill in hisbed. And Sister Berengaria, she must have tried to run even after she was first struck... found her body lying in the yard. And her head... [found that only a short distance off— ered, wra igged blanket more Baudioun crossed himself." May God have mercy on their souls,” he murmured in a low voice. “How do you know it was a devil who did this, and not men?” Leopold asked. “The Count and his men have done such things, and even boasted of it.” “The Count has been in Toulouse these past weeks, or so the prior at St. Volusien told us.” Brother Renier said. “And the door was still barred when I returned. When no one answered my knock, [finally pried open one of the shutters downstairs And when I came upstairs off; a helpless gesture toward what lay across the room finished his sentence for him. Renier's voice trailed “Now this is odd,” Sir Baudioun said as he crouched on the littered floor to stir the debris with the point of his drawn sword. “You see that blood- stain on the wall there? Where the very plaster has been cracked? Something hit the wall there, hard. Yet, look — no sign of blood here. The rushesHestirred the ‘See? All clean, and bone-dry.” would have soaked itup like aspongs debris again. Brother Raimond’s ad was... was smashed in, like an eggshell,” Brother Renier added. “Buthe was over there, by the window.” The knight rose to his feet and strode to where Renier pointed. “Not much blood here, either, reported. have rested, here. But still. Brother Leopold glanced down at the floor, then looked out the window. A precipice fell away be neath that side of the house, down a steep boulder-strewn hillside to the river, 50 feet below He could just make out the splintered remains of a pair of oak shutters on the rocks near the water's edge. The window ledge w as if torn by iron hooks. ome... you can see where his head must scored heavily as well, “oming back inside, Leopold reached inside the satchel. The first book he pulled out had a reddish: brown cover in intricately tooled leather; with a hiss of irritation, he pushed it hack inside and drew out the smaller volume he'd been consultin opened it, ran his finger down a p: suddenly and looked up “Brother Renier,” he said, viewing the wrec of the chapter-house with new intensity, searching for the obvious — which was nowhere in sight. “Where are the books?” Ht The priest was saying a well-attended funeral mass in the main sanctuary of St. Volusien when Brother Leopold arrived there, so the inquisitor retired to a quiet place in the apse to wait and pray The notes he had from the Council did not tell him how to contact any Oculi in Foix; he could only hope, ifhe made himself accessible, thatone of them would contact him, Baudioun and Philippe had gone to see about stabling for their animals. Brother Renicr had scuttled off as well, saying something about retrieving his possessions, though Leopold did wonder what possessions the young monk could possibly have He had reached for his missal, but what he drew forth from his satchel was the same red-brow: ume that had made itself inconvenient earlier. The title was embossed on the cover,along with a fanciful design of interwoven leaves and vines, ibellus Secretum Sarta“Have you no shame?” he hissed at it. “Will you torment me even in the Lord's House?” He started to put it back, but paused. Clearly, something demonic wasat work in Foix; perhaps the Libellus might provide some clue as to its nature. On the other hand, as Leopold knew, its author was hardly a trustworthy source. He hesitated fora moment longer, then turned and lefe the hallowed ground of the church toseek a private place in the cloister beyond. Only then, in did he open the int Latin text: ar you fad the seclusion ofa recessed archway book toarandom page the 3 was beginning to fe forgotten aff aGout me. “Would to God that | could,” Leopold muttered. Then he quickly shut the book and set it aside, because someone else had entered the cloister: ‘One of the monks had left the church, even. though mass was not yet over, and was walking briskly along the passage heside the church. He paused atthe comerand waited until hehad Leopold’s gaze. One of his hands moved in the sign language monks used when required to keep silence Brother, we must talk. Leopold slid the Libellus back into his book satchel and followed the man. Ht ‘When Brother Leopold returned to the chapter house, Baudioun and Philippe were busy cleaningup some of the worst of the debris, salvaging what furnishings might be repaired, and consigning the restas firewood, Renierhadbeen sorting through the scattered contents of cabinets, which had held ma- terials from cookingutensilsand herbs toscriptorium supplies. He had even found a wax-stoppered vial of holy water, blessed by the Bishop of Toulouse and miraculously unbroken. Leopold appreciated their efforts, though the place still smelled befouled to him, He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he felt a familiar hollowness somewhere in his belly, could almost taste the scent of evil somewhere disturbingly close. “Well?” Baudioun asked. “What did Rodrigue’s little spy have to say? Anything useful?” “Perhaps. Jaufre the wineseller was found mur: dered in his rooms yesterday.” Leopold stood next to the window, touched the deep scars cut into the wooden frame. Jaufre’s window had bome similar marks. “The rooms and shop were all but torn apart, as if someone were looking for something. He had possesseda few books from his youth, the spy toldme the chest where they were kept had been smashed ‘open and the books taken. Yet his stronghox was untouched.” ‘Jaufre?” Renier whispered. not one of us.” But — but he was “Books again,” Baudioun said ashe scratched at his beard. “Odd, that. What would a demon want with books? Did this Jaufre deal in books as well as “Not usually, no. A Castilian had offered him a book in exchange for a cask just a week ago, but Jaufre refused. He seemed to think it was heretical ‘The Castilian must have found a buyer, though, for he was back in the shop only an hourlater with silver in his purse. ‘In the meantime, Brother Renier,” Leopold continued, turning to face the monk, “you had said that by God's grace you were not here the night the chapter-house was attacked and your companions Killed. Bur I don’t believe you said wher ‘or where you've been these past six nights?” Renier's eyes took on a haunted expression. “Anywhere. Everywhere,” he said finally. “I've not dared take shelter in the same place two nights ina row, and even then I’ve hardly slept for fear of heing taken in my sleep, as Brother Herve was.” house wasattacked” “Why “And thenightthe chap Brother Leopold asked, once Renier fell silen were you not with your brothers that nigh I had the prior’s permission to study in the library at St. Volusien. I found it easier to do my reading when the brothers were asleep. ¢ the acquaintance of “Then you must have ma Brother Jerome, the librarian.” es, of course.” ‘Who was in the infirmary that night with a fever and so forgot to unlock the book cabinets that evening — in fact, the abbot had to send a monk to get the key from him before morning prayers.” Renier’s face paled, and he looked down at the table. His fingers played nervously with the unravel: ing edge of a coarse blanket, wrapped around a bundle that sat before him. ‘You were not at the abbey that night, Brother.” Leopold said sternly. “No,” Renier admitted. He did not meet Leopold’s eyes. “Forgive me, Brother. I—I was at Jaufre’s wine shop. I couldn't take it on hallowed ground, you see. Every time I tried, I found myself walking in the other direction—“What?” A cold chill touched Leopold’s spine; he found himself inhaling almost expectantly ‘But I swear to you, I didn’t know,” Renier said, barely pausingbetween his words. “Inever meant for this to happen... but then they were all dead, and I didn’t know what to do. With fumbling fingers, Renier unwrapped the blanket. Within the folds of wool was a leather satchel, not unlike the one that Leopold himself used to carry his books when he traveled The hollow sensation in Leopold's belly grew even worse, and he distinctly smelled a fetid odor like that of rotting meat coming from Renier’s gen eral direction. Leopold watched without surprise as Renieropened the satchel and drew outathick black BL tome with bronze clasps. “The Castilian’shook, that Jaufre refused,” Renier hoarsely. “I bought it.” whispere “You did what?” Baudioun practically roared, God's balls, boy! What were you thinking? Renier burst into sobs, rocking back and forth, his hands over his face. ‘Baudioun!” Leopold snapped, glaring at the knight. “That's enough! Now is not the time for casting stones. We have greater problems to ad: dress.” The knight scowled and folded his arms across his chest, but he said no more. “Reenier,” Leopold said firmly. When the monk didn'c respond, Leopold reached out and took hold of his shoulders forcing Renier to look him in the face. “Brother, listen to n ‘The younger monk managed a weak nod. “Our greatest of sins. But we need your help now. What is this book you purchased?” ior is merciful and will forgive even the Renier took a breath. “It's a nomen angelorum, he said. “All the known names. Even those who followed Lucifer, and were cast out of heaven.” "A book of demon names. Dear Madonna have mercy.” Leopold rubbed his forehead. “And this man, the Castilian — he had no idea, did he? He probably couldn't read it.” “Ldon’t think he knew,” Renier agreed. “Else he would have charged me more. In truth, Brother, 1 would not be surprised to learn he stole it. He was anxious enough to sell.” ‘And now someone — ot back, I gather,” Baudioun: and maim innocent men of God.” “Brother, what am I going to do?” Renier asked, his eyes fixed on Leopold for the answer. Ofcourse, Leopold reflected bitterly, we Murat ave always the experts on things diabolical ‘Burn it,” Baudioun growled. "The ching isclearly cursed. It should be destroyed. 'No!” Renier snatched up the book and held it to his chest. “You can’t!” “We won't,” Leopold said, holding up one hand tostill Baudioun’s protest. “Not yet, at least. lean see another use for it — if this creature wants to find it so badly.” “Ah, Brother, now see your mind, and like it.” The knight grinned and laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Bait. it A lexicon of demon names. Leopold shuddered even to think of such a thing; men had been burned at the stake for less. Certainly, it was something a sorcerer might send a murderous demon to retrieve. Privately, he agreed with Baudioun; the book had to be destroyed. But such action was no guar tee of stopping the demon’s deadly hunt. Its actions, even the killings, were those of acreature who lacked real understanding of what it sought. And besides, there was something in the inquisitors’ souls that cried out for revenge — that no demon should kill three of their own and go free. And there was only one sure way to draw the demon in, where it might be deale with, The flicker of a few candles was all that illumi nated their vigil at the chapter-house that evening, as night descended over the town. They had joined the monks at St. Volusien for vespers, right before sunset. Baudioun knelt in prayer, his freshly blessed and anointed sword held unsheathed and upright before him, his forehead pressed to its hilt. Philippe had been ordered to remain within the safety of the abbey — so thar if the worst happened, at least one of their party might live to report to the Council of their fate, Renier knelt as well, the precious vial of holy water clasped in his hands, and murmured his pen- ances. Hisrobe wasnot much cleaner, butat least his tonsure was freshly shaven. Leopold had heard his full confession and absolved him, though the matter of his status in the Inquisition would need to be referred to the Council of Faith in Toulouse, Under the circumstances, Leopold did not fee! qualified to judge him.Having completed his own praye tookacandleand went downstairs to the empty shop have to say on the matter. Even ashe di iccumbing to the weak ress in his own blood or his da unclean; whethe pable curiosity, it didn’t matter. It was his own secret sin, his thorn in the flesh — and for whatever reason, he could not resist openi Your fi you Know. that Book. That el to offer ion. That it als judgment, and his own, on this topic w ages one more time ightly protector is right, You really should burn ed him For one thing, it wasnt like so quickly, witho d with Baudioun's as doubly its opinion qu suspicious, “] should?” he asked. “Why do you say that? | should think you'd advise the opposite. It's adangerous thing to possess. Tshould hate to see you perish before your time. J’ve grown to enjoy our occasional conversation? Leopold frowned slightly. Why would it want. ah, yes. Of course. He should have thought of it before. “Your name is in that book, isn’t it? Your true name? Is that why you want to see it destroyed?” GEHhe thing that seeks that book fas atteady taken five mortal lives. is not a creature to b¢ trifled with. Burn the book, and it will’ seek you no fonger. ‘You didn’t answer my question.” The page remained blank, which Leopold took as an answer in itself. “How can you be so sure that uring the book will stop it?” Are you asking for my assis- tance, Leopold? J could tefl you so many things — about this Beast and its master, wfjat it is, where it came from, what its fears and weaknesses are. All you ever fave to do is ask. It was all it ever wanted him to do... or at least all that it would admit to. But as tempt 's offer was, he dared not accept it. Better tobe ignorant and in God's hands tha the knowledge of the Serpe just as he shut the book, so there could be noresponse, “that book isnot the only one that should be burned But his thre: ne,and he knew it mpty n the others in sinner that I He went back upstairs to j prayer. Lon am, and. the weakness in my sul A noise alerted him some hours later from his prayers: The hollow sound of hooves on rock, the muffled jingle of harness. And a faint new scent of decay and carrion, came in through the window on h of wind, ab Leopold rose to his feet, crept to the window and peered out On a little rise of land actos visible even in the moonlight, a cloaked and rider came into view. Leopold did not need to smell it to sense its unnaturalness; the horse's eyes shone silver with reflected moonlight, and it moved far too surely on the rough terrain. The rider pulled up and pushed back the hood to reveal a cruel face that seemed unnaturally pale and was framed by a black beard and long hair. He lifted something to his li on which he blew a high, clear note, like ooded a whistl awk. The answer, however, came not from outside, but from within: alow, rumbling grow! that they not only ut feltin the beams of the floor beneath their very feet “God's blood....” Baudioun leaped to his feet, sword held at ready. Startled, Leopold turned, and felt his own blood chill at the peril that awaited them, one might use to summon a ‘A demon —for it could be nothing else but the hell — was taking shape behind them, out of the very wall. Easily as tall as foun, and powerfully built, bestial and grotesque, its massive jaw sporting great polished fangs. Its talons were lon curved likeam jive coals. And from its shoul folding pair of leathery batlike wings. spawn c ts features were id viciously pwed like sprouted an un- fous hawk’s; its eyEven worse, it was closer to the table with the cursed black tome than any of them. Baudioun raised his sword. "For Christ and the True Cross—"he began, starting forward boldly, bathe never got close enough fora blow. The demon picked up the remainsofabench and flungit atthe knight like a spear. The oaken missile hit Baudioun in mid-chest with the force of a trebucher; he was hurled backward and off his feet into a pile of broken furniture, He did not get up. Leopold, however, had taken what advantage he could of Baudioun's attack, ducking and scrambling across the room to put himself betwe and the book. the creature The demon’s gaze followed him. Now that it had fully materialized, its hide was darkening toamottled slate gray, rough and pitted as weathered stone. It sported a profusion of irregular warts and spikes. Insnarled, black lipscurling back to display ll its jagged teeth. Then t raised one longarm and pointed at the black tome behind him. Addicere libellus!” Its voice was rough and harsh, litele better than a growl, but its der takable No,” Leopold said flatly. The creature's stench was worse now; the inquisitor's eyes threatened to water from the reek. He raised his hand, holding out his rosary and its silver crucifix defer Thedemoncringed, almost asifitexpected tobe struck, though it did not back down. “Addicere libellus!” it repeated, though not quite so forcefully. ively. Renier stepped forward, clutching the vial of holy water in one hand; with the other he began to draw the sign of the cross in the aie. “In nomine Patvis, et Flt, et Spivieus Sancti” ‘Thedemon’shead whippedaround tofacethisnew threat. Itsnostilsflared. One massive fistslammed into the young monk’s midsection; Renier doubled up with «strangled gasp. Another backhanded blow knocked him against the opposite wall, then the creature moved toward him, jaws opening wide. “No!” Leopold grahbed the black tome and held it up where the demon could see it. “Is this what you want, demon? Is it? Leave him... Leave him, in the name of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, or I will destroy this book, and you with it! It understood his Latin; it hesitated, crouching over Renier’s crumpled form, its eyes fixed on the tome that Leopold held. “Addicer libellus!” it said again. Renier moved, slightly. One hand uncurled, to reveal the vial of holy water, yet unbroken. “Don't for his v he managed to gasp out. He was strugeling y breath. “Murderes— Witha snael, the beast tured back tothe victim within easy reach, lips curling back from its fangs as it went for the monk’s throat. As the massive jaws opened before his face, Renier raised his arm and smashed the vial right between the demon’s eyes, There followed immediately a sharp tang of bummed flesh, and a bellow of pain and fury from the demon. Its powerful, taloned hands slashed across Renier’s body, and then the creature clawed at its own eyes as it staggered backward, ripping into its ‘own flesh to destroy the source ofits agony. Glisten: ing trails of blood streaked down the creature's rough hide, which wasclearly not made of stone afterall, as it could bleed. “God's... blood, Struggling for wind, Baudioun had raised him- selftohis feet. He leaned against the wall for support. Blood streamed down his face and matted his hair, and he held his free hand to his side — but in the other he still gripped his sword. “My tum now, you foul cur of hell” The demon dropped to all fours like a great cat, arching its back and spreading its wings slightly for balanceas it turnedto face the direction of Baudioun’s voice. Between the searing of the holy water upon its cursed flesh and the deep gashes it had inflicted on itselFin response, its face was a gruesome ruin. Of its eyes, only bloody sockets and shreds of flesh re- mained. The tattered nostrils flared as it tumed its blind ga: king its foe. Baudioun advanced, but moving slowly and holding his side; Leopold could see he was in pain. Dear Madonna, give him strength! Then Leopold be- gan to pray aloud: “Dominus illuminatio mea et salus mea quem timebo. Dominus protector vitae meae a quo trepidabo— The demon, though blinded, was not deaf, nor had it lost its strength. With one sweep of a wing, it struck Leopold knocking him off his feet. The black tome fell from hishands and skidded across the floor. from side to side, Thedemon’shead followed the sound. Irfumbled blindly after the book, snatched it up in its talons, and then leaped toward the open window. Baudioun met it halfway, swinging his sword intothe thing's torso with all his remaining strength.The blessed blade cut through the armor ofits hide, slicing deeply into inhuman flesh and bone Witha wail of agony the demon fell, convulsing on the floor at chett feet. Despite its terrible injury ir still gripped the black tome with one arm. Despet ate now to escape, the creature used its remaining limbs to drag itself toward the window again. “M ister! Magister!" it cried, its ravaged face straining in the direction of the opening. “Adiumenti Petros Magister—” ‘Goto Hell, you ugly bastard,” Baudioun growled, and he brought his sword down on the demon's horned skull Tr gave one last, piercing screech, though from what remaining organ, Leopold could not tell, for Bauclioun’s blow had split its head in twain clear down to its breastbone. The thing's body collapsed and almost immediately began to wither. Its flesh dried up and crumbled away before their eyes, until all that remained wasa coarse pile of gravel and ash, and the cursed tome the demon had sacrificed itself to recover anks unto God!” Baudioun sank to his knees inst the wall. “See to Renier, Brother, Tm broken, but I'll mend.” Leopold picked his way around the ashen re~ mains and knelt at the stricken monk's side. The front of Renéer's habit was soaked in his own blood; another stream of it now issued from his lips. “Bless. me...” the monk whispered, lifting one hand Leopold clasped it between his own. Renier was dying; there was little he could do but remit him to God's hands. “Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimittis peceatis tus, perduca ead vitam aeternam. Amen.” “Deo Gratia ” Renier said, after which his lips moved, though no sound came forth. Then he moved no more Baudiouncrossed himselfand murmured a prayer. Leopold bent to gently close the monk’s unseeing ‘eyes. Why, Lond? Was this his penance, that he should die like his brethren? Why him? Why not me — for my sou is no less tainted. Why do You spare me still? Leopold rose to his feet and went once more to, the window tured his monstrous steed and rodeaway, vanishin; into the night. Across the river, the cloaked figure Dawn is coming now, far more welcome than twi- light. My candle is all but guttering, but shortly I shall no longer need its light. [have written a Teter to the Abbot «at Lawrendine, informing him of the tragic loss of four of his Order, and assuring him they died in the service of Christ. Our brave Brother Renier will be laid to rest with his brethren here in the churchyard of St. Vol Twill arrange tohaave masses said for alltheirsouls. When Tetum to Rome, their names shall be added to the ‘growing list of holy martyrs in our sacr The black tome isin its satchel again, sitting on the table here. Baudioun, before his weariness and injuries finally persuaded him to sleep, once again bade me bum it, [cannot fault his reasoning in this, yet the reasom I have not yet done so sits at my right hand, appearing innocent, though like the words that appear on its pages, deceptive in that very appearance. Te goes against my very soul to do anything it wants of me, lest by doing so I make myself more open to even greater temptations, and greater sin. Yet its advice isin keeping with Baudiown's in this matter, and with my own instincts: This cursed tome must be destroyed. Is my hesitation due merely to my distrust ofits motives, or because its evil has already planteda seed in my soul? And if Sartael— I can write its name here, though I refuse to honor it by its utterance — wants something, does that ‘make that a ilby its very nature? Oris it deceivi 1me yet again, pretending one thing, knowing I will likely do the opposite? The fiend that summoned the devil-beast still walks the night, and might yet send even greater horrors to recover is property. But dare I trust Sartael’s assertions that if the book is destroyed, the fiend will simply give up and go away Holy Mary, Mother of God, give me strength! For 1 know what Pmuse do —From the private journal of Brother Leopold von Mumau, Inquisitor, Order of Friars Preachers m, andCU aoe eT OL a to aL Miike iene Mees air eh mecca eum Coole Ue Lc ores a eve concn ie AW Nae Ree ERY cece MMLC clutched at the demon’s back, her body indicating that even if she could break away, she probably wouldn't. The whole process — luring the girl into the shadowy corner, sinking, fangs into her soft neck, draining her life's blood, and leaving her poor corpse to rot there — probably took only seconds. lee n@ el eRo mM eone mene moudc eee tincacon coi h elec eee er kOe re ec ens father mercy from the Moors. He had granted Osoro a loving family and amodest inheritance. When the night-devils came for Osoro, calling the shadows tolife and strangling his guards, God had granted Osoro the skill Per Tal nie rerege urea eeerek gcU a aco OE MC) acoA SR Cea) ee eee Me ete ee Ce serene him, God had granted Osoro the intelligence to know His Calling, But Osoro wouldhavegivenupanything, even his ownlife, not to have uienrecteroh neat Aad ele RS LCN eC Ac Teac atete ererereln ee of God, he watched the girl die. She was shaking now, her body presum- apenas her cecs enaet ne Nearer ener cece as she would a lover. The demon leaned out from her, as if trying to Re SCC UAAdM oe sn een Le eRe ma Oat) did not understand why until he saw steam rise up from the ground. The dead often lost control of their bodies, after all. See ae met krone cee URC Ree ka ei Wr Ree CNA eRe anc Rem Recent cod ore) eMC ROSEY [eee cas a encore ol AL RCE ae Reem Re cu rer UE a eee come d UA AA AML ces Ook L oA ge knew that the demon had committed a breach of etiquette by leaving een na enc chir un oda awa acd conflict between demons was coming. He knew that he must report these things to his superiors in the Oculi Dei. But he did not know the girl's name. After watching helplessly as she died, thanks to his vow of secrecy, he could think of little else.INCRODUCTION For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, — James 1:20 Imagine knowing, with absolute certainty, that God is, in His Heaven and that He loves you. Imagine that despite sand faults, despite all the horror and dea ‘Son to wash away humanity's sins. Imagine those notions without doubt, without the notion or even the option of believing otherwise. You don't choose to believe those things. You know them because you've been instructed to know them all of your life. And then somewhere along the way, you learned the truth, God is in His Heaven, yes, but all is decidedly not right with the world. Lucifer, the Adversary, the Fallen Angel, has spawned scores — perhaps even hundrof minor demons. Shapeshifters, blood-drinking corpses, familiar spirits, and other monsters emerge from the bowels of Hell rocorrupr and bedevil good Christians. And it works, too: Sorcerersand cultists attest to that with their maleficiwn and their black atts. So, along with know and that by Him youare delivered from sin, youalso know, with utter faith and certaint stalk the nights and th How can you stand in the horrible glare of that truth and not act? God'sSoldiers ‘Dark Ages: Inquisitor is a storytelling the members of a secret organization within the Catho- lic Church dedicated to hunting down and destroying the get of Satan. These inquisitors aren't concerned e that the Domini- cans and others of the time are, yway). They hunt Soantanes barped pose, Thay vce ay purpose that the Crusaders would be hard-pressed to match. If they fail, after all, Christendom (and there- freikewedd death that God loves you that monsters r God down. y wish to t same about with heresy (not to the same de And yet, inquisitorsareall too human. Theystill They succumb to despair, lust, greed and any ‘number of other human failings. They wield power from theit faith in God, but this power marks them some inquisitors can’t sleep for the that torment them. Some ate so bound by theit sacred oaths that breaking them causes the inquisi tor physical pain. Some even suffer the stigmata. Irs a hard road for the blesed, and the fact that they fight creatures that would just as soon feast upon their flesh and blood doesn’t make things any easier. The Shadow Inquisition The Papal Inquisition, asthe history books reckon. it, i8 still several years off. However, in the Dark ieee ae ror Sitter esto na) ee aes Perteewtc ete eas ee ae) of Darkness game Hunter: The Reckoning, Dee ee Cr eae res sourcebook and you need no Hunter books in eens een it order to play Medieval, the shadow Inquisition or the Holy Inguis Diabolam enim et alt daemones (against the Devil andotherdemons) rose in the first halfofthe 13th century to combat servants of Satan, This isa rather broad category, of course, and part ofthe Inquistion’s selFimposed tasks to investigate th sy creature that looks human, after all, be it a mage, a e creatures, \werewolfor even a vampire, might still be human and therefore salv L. The inguisitors must be very careful when applying force, lest they damn an innocent soul to Hell cable on some le' ikewise, the Inquisi- tion works fervently to keep the existence of such creatures secret from the general populace (although most people believe in demons, it’s one thing tobelieve they exist and quite another tozctuallyseethem).Even within the Church itself, only a scattered few clergy Irnow about the shadow Inuisition’s task. The rest are told only what they need toknow, often topray and not ask too many questions. Who are these inquisitors? From what walks of life can the Inquisition draw its soldiers? The answer to that question is simply: “Anywhere that Satan's getreartheirugly heads.” Which, ofcourse, means that inquisitorscan come from anywhere in Christendom. However, the Inquisition houses five societies, called orders, which make up the bulk of their membership. Three of these orders are clerical — their members are monks, nuns, and knights who have taken vows to uphold the Gross, The other two house and one as nothing in common but their faith. Players in Dark Ages: Inquisitor chronicles take on the roles of characters from one of these five orders. Leapsof Saith An inquisitor, as mentioned above, wields power that stems from her faith in God Almighty. Pages 287 through 291 of Dark Ages: Vampire describe the Blessed,” and that section provides a quick and dirty approximation of what inqulsitors are capable of doin ‘At some point during an inquisitor’s lif, either before or after she joins the Inquisition, she feels the touchof God, Thisrevelaton can happen overaperiod of years, or can strike quickly like a lightning lay orders, one a noble ret society of people with the heavens. However it happens, in that moment the Inquisitor is blessed, and now can wield her faith as a weapon against the Devil and all his servants. Yer, the characteris forever held to a higher standard of behavior. She must chaveasa true Christian or she runs the risk of slipping into Callousness CallousHeacts Man is born into sin, and tryas he might, that sin follows him. All inquisitors are capable of letting theircommitmentforthe cause outstrip their Chris- tian mercy. When that happens, the inquisitor becomes Callous and the dark, base parts of her soul show through. This is a dangerous place for an inquisitor,as it opens her tofurthersin and degrada- tion. Callousness can be avoided by careful reflection and prayer, but this isn’t always possible on the battlefield. Some inquisitors learn to cope with Cal lousness by making confession and living down their sins. Some simply learn to avoid it altogether. Some learn to enjoy it. Themesand Wood While many ofthe themesand moods discussed in Chapter Eight of Dark Ages: Vampire apply to In- quisitor games, afew are worthy of special mention. Theme Dark Ages: Inquisitor has several themes. One ‘ofthe most obviousand important, of course, is Faith, Faith is an important theme in any Dark Ages game, simply hecause religion is such a motivating force in the Dark Medieval. The threat of Hell isreal to the people of the time. Inguisitors are not, by nature, cruel, evil, or saistic, but they can and will torture others (and not just monsters) to get infor mation or toextracta confession. They don't do this sort of thing because they enjoy it (necessarily) They do it because if they don't, they put their own soul at risk. Of course, causing pain, suffering, and death to another Christian also puts one’s soul at risk. So how can an inquisitor know whether what she does is rightand just? She simply has to have faith that God approves of her actions. Faith as a theme can be taken in a number of dlifferent directions, depending on the desires of the Storyteller and players. If the troupe would rather play characters who really are on the “right side,” defending Christendom from the monsters whostalk the nights, i's easy to tell that sort of story. A quick look through Dark Ages: Vampire can inspire an entire chronicle’s worth of vampire-hunting stories, and that's without even considering the possibilities presented by other creatures as antagonists. In this case —the monsters really are out to harm humanity and possible really are demonic in nature, despite what some of them might think— the theme is one of righteous faith. The characters are stalwart de. and they don’t need crises of conscience to create confliet. The conflict inherent fenders of God, in fighting powerful monsters is enough. On the other hand, faith can be tested. Some of the “monsters” in the Dark Medieval are more pious than the humans who are supposedly in the business of saving souls. The Church iscorrupt at many levels — the Inquisition’s leadership knows this, but is careful to keep such.doubt from the minds of the rank-and-file. What happens to the characters’ faith when they meet someone within their Church — chosen, supposedly, by God — who is obviously lustful or greedy? Or in league with the monsters? Do they give up on God, or on the Church, or even on the Inquisition? Do they reconeile this test of faith and fight the good fight? Anotherimportant theme is anaticiom. Themem- hersof the Inquisition are, for the most part, fanatical ‘Most Christians of the day are devout, surely, but those who fight unspeakable horrors from Hell need that extra bit of fervency. Unfortunately i isn’t something they can tum off. When a Knight of Acte channels his faith through his sword and delivers a blow strong v0, it isn’t something enough to cleave a vampire commonplace. Even though, in game terms, thatact is only the result ofa level-one power, the Knight might well fel obligated to spend time in prayer, thanking God forhelping him smite his oe. In short, Inquisitors are fanatics who have direct proof that they are right Anyone who countermands their faith, anyone who professes to know the “truth” (if it differs from their understanding of the truth) is the enemy and can expect only condescension, and perhaps out-and-out hostility. With either of these themes comes a secondary theme of Desperation. Just as in Dark Ages: Vam- pire, where the War of Princes rages across Europe. inquisitors are constantly in battle. But whereas Cainites bactle for territory and blood, the Inquisi tion fights for the souls of all good Christians in the world (fairly epic, as goals go). Combined with either of the above themes, Dark Ages: Inquisitor poses.a question — what would the Inquisition do to protect, shepherd, teach, and save the Flock?rrr Reet a Pests ieee erase world. The characters in Dark Ages: In- Pee at eee modern-day (or even most medieval) Catholics Se ee nena ed be representative of modem-day Muslims. In- Pee ee een tcc eee cen ne re es themes could explored with nearly any belief system providing the backdrop: The existence of a real-world Inquisition (albeit with some date altered here) simply makes it an ideal choice for erent eta Sree nore eee ac ee cc reece game before even reading these words. If you Giersety utente ees J herein, put the book down feel SO ee A more appropriate question, really, is: What Wood Dark Ages: Inquisitorisahorrorgame. Whether that hortor takes the form of vicious tacking with fang and claw or subtle demons possessing innocent children and using their bodies todo their work, or even the mote cerebral horror of lost faith and sin, an undercurrent of fear should run through any chronicle. The Storyteller this hortor with many n evoke different forms of imagery (and thisisdiscussed further in Chapter Six), bur the players should remember that this game is not about slayingmonstersand collecting treasure. The stal Onapter by Chapter As mentioned above, Dark Ages: Ingui wu have Dark Ages: of the core rules for the game (the information found in Chapter Four of the latter book) are repeated herein. However, everything that you need to use the shadow Inquisition, as characters or as antage nists, is right here at your fingertips ae The Prelude tells story of two inquisitorsin the course of an investigation, and grants a look at the sorts of challenges the blessed face. Introduction: The part you're reading now Themes, sources of inspiration anda lexicon of terms can be found here Chapter One: Against All Demons is an ac- count of what the Inquisition knows about its foes told from the perspective of a very frightened in Chapter Two: Call to Arms details the forma tion of the Inquisition and its orders, how each of those orders recruits new members and where their strongest holdings are across Europe, the spiritual beliefs of the Inquisition, and what challenges face the organization apter Thr explores the or the Inqui the five orders. The Mind of the Inquisition ion and chain of command of ition, and presents detailed write-ups of Chapter Four: Characters and Drama presents all the information you need to create inquisitor characters, as well as the rules needed for running games involving them. Chapter Five: Blessings and Curses describes theG the Curses that are their price. ven powers that inquisitors wield Chapter Six: Storytelling gives the St helpful hints on running Dark Ages: Inquisitor, as wellas three sample stories to get your troupe off and Sources ‘Whenmostpeople think ofthe Inquisition, they think of th ish Inquisition, which of course is soaks, films t the themes of some centuries off. However, numerous t and other media exist that highli Dark Ages: Inquisitor. Books The Inquisition, by Michael Baigent and Rich ard Leigh. A great history of the Papal and Spanish Inquisitions, with plentiful detail on the practices the Invaluable The Perfect Heresy: The Life and Death of the C by Stephen O'Shea. A good, populist portrait of the Cathar Heresy and the birth of the Inquisi tion. Worth having for the Church during the period. he look into the mind of a...the actual translated to English. by Jeffrey Burton eral bow of the Devil in ful for ideas on w Armarium Labyrinthi: Labyrinth Latin Bookcase l/labyrinthylibrary/lativy Bible and The Name of the Rose. A little cum times, but well worth it for Sean Ci trayal ofa character who ce Red OrderMi a The Medieval Names Archive (http:// www-panix.com/-mittle/names/) Good for find. ing appropriace character names, from historical sources. Maintained by SCA folks who take their research very seriously Lexicon The following isa list of terms that readers will encounter in this book. Some of them are merely religious in nature, some are specific to the game. Ascetic: The practice of self-denial as a way of religious life; from the Greek asketikos, meaning laborious. Convent: Council of Faith: A ruling body of inquisitors. L cities or regions have a Council of Faith, which performs trials and arbitrates inquisivor activity. The Supreme Council of Faith is located in Rome, A monastic community of men or Eremitic: A monastic vocation in which indi- viduals withdrew from the world to live as solitary religious; from the Greek eremos, meaning desert. Grand Inquisitor: The supreme head of the entire shadow Inquisition, During the Dark Medi- eval, the only Grand Inquisitor to date has been Cardinal Battista Marzone Holy Office: The public face of the Inquisi- tion; the arm of the organization concerned with mundane heresy. Most members of the Holy Of fice know nothing of the shadow Inquisition. House of Murnau: An order of the Inquisi tion; @ Bavarian noble house promised en masse to the service of the Inquisition Indulgence: Remission of punishme a penitent for acts such as going on Crusade or on pilgri Inquisition: Also called the shadow Inquisi- tion or secret Inquisition. An organization within the Catholic Church dedicated to seeking out and destroying supernatural evil Inquisitor: A member of the shadow Inquisi- tion. Usually, but not always a member of the one of the five orders. Novice: Woman or man who has entered a convent or monastery but has not yet taken final Oblation: Offering oneself or a child to serve God as a nun or monk. Oculi Dei: An order of the Inquisition; a secret society that spans Europe. Also called Eyes of God. Order of St. Theodosius: Also called the Red Order. An order of the Inquisition; both monks. and nuns who have mastered the Holy Art Orders: One of five groups from which the Inquisition draws its member Poor Knights of the Acre: An order of the Inguisitior of monastic knights. of the Cross of nilitary order Sisters of St. John: An order of the Inquisi tion; a group of nuns who often exhibit the gift of the Holy Sight.Ca aa eke eae ELS cL tecd sire atoim CIO ae oh Vole R CN aca enone cit fae Dene eck “why?” The monk paused, and then stuttered a bit. “| do not know, master. | find it pleasing to look on.” The pale man pursed his lips. “Hmm. What about women? Do you find them pleasing to look on?” The monk nodded, carefully. “So different, women and gold. And yet, your vows preclude you from either. No money, no sex. And that is well, for the world is base and unclean, as you know.” on Lana Beer RUS ce MeNON DN ALAR LA com kere eI AAI) Petvee ate era ae onset a oie eather Nairn ened. A deerfly flew in through the uncovered window, and the pale man idly batted it away. Scene ne ene ce eee The pale man crushed the chalice, as casually as someone else might snap a ee erenes eel aaat eae carec meester Oma a “No,” said the monk, almost sadly. SL eel a ae eel ee ere eC Cena nen ee Mae tate hae CoA Nem eC MOLU cree Toco one ser LOLe LO Bea Te Sm ed maroc aLIa except form has changed” He pursed his lips again. “I do wish we had a woman ee oa ee eR RU ct eM oe Reece a A emo Ed down your hood, Brother Guy. | shall lend you a eye. Then, perhaps, you'll see as rele Brother Guy knew better than to argue. He knelt, exposed his neck, and PO Lemie ou tae ea MAR ac ened fingers caress his neck, felt the flesh part, felt the cold, sickening feeling of the eer Mec Aun car con Co CRC Remcn aLee ee ce Rear while, he prayed. Our father, rid us of the evils of the world and through your BST ab enero ORM Rene tcl S el CCC Lea eR Cec ieee eee eae as yack Seeks ca Per Ramee uteisc tre te Leche CIA er oem CoM Rite eRe com CONS ACORN RET ome Dred master did tend to obsess, but it was always best not to upset him. He reached up to the back of his neck, but couldn't bring himself to touch it. Angels, he Reel c\aL oro Seo ecm NSE “Good.OBAPCER One: AGAINSC ALL DEMONSGod hears me. T have co believe that. T spent my childhood very much as Tam now. Cold. unary. filely. and afraid. I grew’ up én Paris with no family. T dodged those who would have sold me ito a life of sin — and such men do indeed ply their crates. regardless of what some nobles would have che peaple beléeve. Men do purchase young boys for perverse pleasures. men with lust 61 cheir souls and cheir bellies and cheir purses full. When every need is fulfilled in Irumanity that is the beginning of sin. “When a man no longer needs to work to fill his belly. his mond grows perverse and creates other appetites. or 30 tt has always seemed co me Since joining the Eyes of God. Ihave learned something of appetites. I have learned what the Lumned food upon. “We are their meat and drink, our screams. our pain, and sometimes our very iving blood. I saw’ che demons firse én “Paris, and chance and ime brought me later to the attention of a man called Aignen le Libraire, who praised my abilicy ¢9 survive wid ordered that I be educated and inducted ints the Oeuli ‘Dei Aignen le Libraire, “amu his eyes. Had he never fauid me. had my shill in hiding and shaking not impressed him, T might harbor some hope of living ehrough the night He ordered me ucated. and chat task fell €0 a priest called Bernard Father Be me as though I were taking holy orders, and during that time T began to believe that God Lseill believe that, despice my current peril. And T lorow chat “Bernar? believes chat as well Pd taught hears me. His screams testify C0 chat. Satan's Get “Ouring my Céne with Father nar, scarcely a day went by hat something ¥9 not remind him of some legend he been told or horrible tale hed heard i confession. ‘He passed these stories along €9 me, anid wieh chem his own houglts on che mature of the Adversary. Father Bernard is very learned priest, and while L don't pretend to even a small portion of his knowledge, T flaceer myself thae T have a near-perfect memory. I shall recoune some of the wisdom he passed along to tne during the course of this writing. If noching else. che reader will need i as a frame of reference coumerstand what happened at the monastery. “Yes. che monastery. That is as good a place as any ¢9 stare, Hopefully. chese papers will foid cheir way into che hands of someone capable of using them. The Oeuli Dei de not work alone. Other men and women who have taken holy office crack down Satan's get. but while we merely observe them, the others taken action, 19 30 Wish that T were one of those capable few. Thave no skill at sworgplay, and na miracles have ever visiced themselves upon me. ALL T ean do is remember. anid chat és my talent “Here, then. is my testimony The Monastery Several nights ago. Father “Bernard and I arrived at the monastery. I shall not wri here. noe yee. far should I be ineerrupeed before finishing this che consequences might make c selves felt on others like myself “The monastery. Suffice it to say that this “house of Gov és ol8 and Vast, much of és structure extending umerground. Father “Bernard said chat ac ane cine, the encirety of che building was above ground. but an earthquake some years ago changed that. T only kuow chat as we approached. I RW not feel the same sensations that cruly holy ground bestows. I have visited churches and cathe drals where God made -His presence fele. and che resule varies from a sense of peace co a welling up af righccons anger. Ax the monastery looried neo view and ics longest shadows reached out co overtake what litele sunlight remained. I fele only dreat.Something was waiting for us. Or 09 comfortable far any monas~ darkened place, “We ic was on the fallowing day that che horror well. but k to the Last The Grounds have said, was as much a nse Vent at first day. and would to God that had at all. “Gue che monastery grounds her Bernard and I aw’ 0d fairly shone fro We were annoyed to find that the sun seems! 1 che sky when we lefe our a called us for morning pra b ells, The first mon but looked rath The Pale “Brother said th e" no one Wor % we walked © hallways. looking far someone stions, we felt alone. “Ne. 2, as chougl and everything, God included, had fled ches ean d wnd wheeher Lcould see any villages from any point. +He would continue searching the interior of the monastery. he said. and would find che Pale “Brother and demand some answers. agreed. bue I shame to adraie that cowardice drove me. L nearly asked him ¢9 accompany me. that we might start out for the nearest village and leave this place behind. TR noe suggest this: after all. che Eyes of God should Jenow’ no fear. Twalked ehroug a small side door, which shut behind me, The monastery grounds had not seemed extensive the night before. but walking around them I dscovered chat they were muck larger Chan a casual observer snight notice. ‘The ground sloped and ipped br 909 ways — owing, no Poube, co che amevien foundation of the place. I eauld see into the walls through gaps at some pits. and sav monks walking about, but far fewer chat Thad seen in ather such places The Strange Monk Thad walked perhaps halfway around the place when one of the monks hailed me, He, 90. was outside che walls aid looked much kealehior than the Pale “Grather T had seen che night befare. «He greeted me wich a ery of dubilis!” When T asked him whae I was meant co rejoice, his gave a quick Rsmissive reply that Id noc fully hear — something about celebrating Christ's glory. I had the diseinee feeling that he was expecting some ather response. one that Twas not privy to Hlowever. T was grateful for company, anid this fellow’ seemed amiable, if eccentric His name. ¢ turned out. was Guy. “Grocher Guy hailed from Toulouse. anid he brought wich him stories of the Crusade against the Cathars, Some of these tales T had heard, but others — énclading the one I have cranseribed here — were starcling and new’ to me. I wondered if the Oculé “Oei farcher south had hear? chese stories, and whether or noe chey were aware how easily the Adver~ sary could infilerate the hearts and souls of the Chréstia populace T questioned him on other topics. as well. including the strange shape of the monastery (he. lke Father Bernar>. cited an earchquake as the reason) and the Pale “Brother. ‘The laccer. “Brother Guy cold me, B® noe emerge from prayer during the May. so great Was his faith. te considered the Buy sacrosanct, and refiused €0 eat, Wash, or perfarm any other worldly funceéon while the sium shone, T fele my heart sink at this news, for “Brother Bernard had after Col me that pallor and unwillingness 0 cat in public were often signs of heresy and worse. Li not voice these evncerns to “Grocher Guy. however. as T regarded him 60 be a good nan and 8 noe wish to place him én Ranger. As I Nseovered che following day, he would not have been the one placed én peril by chae revelation. an Tam doubly faramate chat T held my tongue. Those Who Serve Demons Gods Facher Bernard often said. has much ov His mind én these Croubled times. and 0 the task of eradicating Satan's minions falls to us.” The good priest went on to explain that the fallow ers of pagun cravestécs often eall up creatures from the basest regions of “Hell in accompts to placate their “gods.” or ensure that their eraps flower, or whatever other end their misguided hearts might conceive. “Father “Bernard was quick to draw’ the distinction between the pagans whs were merely ignorant of Christ's Grace (und could therefore be saved) and chose who remained willfully damned even after the “Holy Church had mate God's Truth known to them. Those servants who now che Truch often oncorporace elements of our own blessed sacraments inea thetr perverse rites damning chem as hereeies and worse. Reigning in Hell L should mention here that servants of demons are not powerless. “While some are indeed weak willed foals who merely cower before whae chey perceive as a mighty being, the worst that ome can accuse those s0ps of is weak faith in Our Lord. They may stand aid watch at black ceremonies, bue rarely wield the knives themselves. At the first hint chat Che “Pope's men are in the area, chey either flee or confess. Facher ‘Bernar® once admonished an overly harsh ‘Knighe of Acre to tread lightly around such folks — they are often the method by which we can Yiseover true evil| Grother Guy's Tale of Heretics ‘While in Toulouse. I faund myself visiting a small vitlage quite by acetone. The priest there was a heretic, preaching wiclean ehings ¢o his congregation. -However. as many of his flock believed as he 92. T could only watch and pray for my own soul. © The taking of communion was eelebraced strangely here, Only once uring my stay Was bread taken: ordinarcly, che priest used only wine but allowed che entire eouyrenation to, drink from the chalice instead of reserving that right for himself, Ta not drink from the chalice when he offered (c. as T sensed something wrong wich this place and Nd not wish co beconne parey’to it. As ie was, I mate the right choice. | Tha ben shee aighely more chan a fren when che sour of horses aroun woke che village. In che Ristance, we could see riders carrying fire, ad the villagers Fell into blind panie, for they had all-heard stories of the dreaded armies of Arnaud Amaury. sand how they had razed other hamlets. T borrowed a horse from one of them and rove off in the direction of the fires, hoping to find who might be leading this army and save the vil- Lage. ‘This was not to be. Amaury armies Yinoe arrive chat night. Inscead. a small creop of men and horses ~ not nearly enough to march onto a true battlefield — descended upon the village I moved away [rom the rou an hid. Cowardly, T know. lue here T stand cobay aléve. while the village was burac co che ground and all cherein slaughtered. “Fhe ateackera? Kalghcs, and rch. by che Looks of thelr armor. am nb: leben (Dry. bue thetr erest was strange. T remember black roses on cheir shiel®s, and T ‘remember two of them spoke to each other a strange Language T had never heard They | pulled the priest himself from the church anid lashed him co a stake, and as he burned — ‘which cook only moments. T noted — he screamed blasphemies co the sky. His congue grew and lashed from his mouth. and from my hiding place T eould see it was forked. , ie serge hoghts finished cher bhsky work arb-ere gone before daybreak Thared | noe fallow chem. However, more favored or gree servants of demons sometines wield power of a most profane sort. Some have augmented strength. am some can suffer arievous wowids before falling demonscrate an affiniey for che black arcs. and T shall Réscuss chese wretches momentarily. The point, though, (» that while a servant of a demon mighe noe be couched by the supernatural ix any visible way. chat by no means makes hin helpless. Salvacéon might be possible for such souls, but 1 personally rather doubt it. They have made their choices, after all. Anocher kind of servant bears mention, how aid warlocks fashion constructs of flesh to act as soldiers or guardians for them. ¢ long been rumored to animate stone creatures 61 orver to obtain Christian children for their rites (I heard as much growing up in “Paris, although Father ‘Bernard stubbornly refuses to accept that this abhorrent custom is still practiced), These creatures are unprediccable and deadly. but chankfully few’ beings seem capable of stummosting chem up. To continue. here recoune tales of both willing servants and noble pagans. ax well as the evil of sorcery and che [oachsome magical ereatures that such evil begets. The first experience was my own, befare T ever came to join the Oculi Dek The second comes from Father “Bernard himself. who Iieard it from one of our sisters in the ‘Red Order. The third tale, likewise. I hear> from Father “Bernar’. which he in turn gleaned from the confession of a leper in “Ulm. The final tale és one T heard from another of our Order only a few months after joining the fight.: : 7 “Willing Servants My story is this: As T have alreaty written. I grew up in Paris. The cathedrals and other buildings of Paris are perhaps beautiful. buc che sereces are filthy. 1 survived as best T could. bue T dd sa on sin. stealing whatever I could and erading it to whomever would give me food or coin. TN not sell my boty. hough T was asked on mary occasions and once even threaconed at point af sword to submit to such a violation (ny escape. while an exciting tale. és not relevant ¢o this Rocument) Only once dd T ever even consider the act of lust as a means of survival. and ét was on that evening that I encountered a group of thralls in service Co some wiknowable creature from beyond God's Sighe Thad been spending time often wich a man of my age named Vinncent. Vincent. like me, was a poor bastard arid made his meager living on the streets. Unlike me, however, circumstances had driven him to desperation .and he had begun co cake “clients” in return for food or money. I often tried to counsel him to practice the more dignified (and somewhat safer) art of filehing, but the despicable submission to che lusts of men had become a kind of penance far him, each act of pain and sir becoming as a cleansing punishment for che last. And chen a full week wene ky aid TNO noe see him. On the serects, such absence usually means chat the unfortunate has been caught and hanged or simply murdered and buried 1 a common grave. so T went to church to pray far “Vincent's soul. Imagine my surprise when ke sat down next to me T suppose I looked like a corpse myself Thad noe, as I recall, eaven ix more chan three days and had a cough that Yrove me to my kuces if L tried co walk any fascer chan a brisk amble — not a good situation far a screce chief Ihe lasked better than ever He was rasy-cheeked and plump. his hands even anid his nails clean. L asked where he ha been and told him T had given him up for dead He told me that ehe contrary was true: he had been reborn and wished me co come wich him. He said chat he had a master now, sameone wha would take care of fiom and feed him. Always suspicious. T asked che price of ehis newfound health, He eat me that 1 forew’ che price very well. and asked me which I would prefer — submission to a man and living in warmeh or Xyorg in pain on the streets wich my soul ixtact. I kuow the correct answer now. but then, the prospect of death corrificd me. I went with hin that night ‘The place to which he broughe me was a tanner's, and I saw a quild symbol above the door. He Locked in a cortain rhythm, and after an answering knock, he encered. I followed. and immediately spo entering he room: all my fear Vanished 1 fle eomorced an ll anche lager 01 my a and the pain in my throat from the cough faded. ALL around me I smelled sweecbreads cooking (which was chen and remains my favorite food). Someone lit a candle and I saw’ that we were not alone. Some ten or twelve young bays. none older chan myself or “Vincent, lounged about the room in Various stages of undress. Among them were men wearing 0 black hoods apparenely made of leather — and lietle else. We had walked orto an orgy of sorts, and Ihave neither the ink nor the stomach to recount che things T saw. Suffice co say that had good King Louis ever heard word of these depravities, all briolved would have been hanging by their necks when the su nest touched their bodies. 1 was shocked. co be sure, fe at che same cime the room sil fae comfortable. 1 turned a Looked out the sel-oye bor at sun’ noth belt and ser. aT le the san Bed ese it. shucting me ito the warmeh aid sweet smells. A man wearing only a hood and a tanner's apron approached an cook “Vincent by che shoulder an (ed him ea a carner. and there pushed him too his huces. I stood and watched. che horrible queasiness in my stomach fading quickly. TRO not take part in these blasphemies. My only sin was watching chem happen. and believe me when T say that T have paid for chat crime on many a sleepless night since. The worst of it. if the reader will permit me ¢o exorcise my emons to paper. was the expressions the bays wore. They M0 not look co be in pain. but neither Yd chey seem to enjay the attentions of their “benefactors” Instead. they loaked resigned and lulled. Indeed. they had given themselves over to the comforts of the boty. paid their price i flesh, and s0 chetr undernourished souls had no will to resist > seom hivAs I watched. che man is the apron. having slaked his luse wich Vincent. cook him by the shoulder and led him through a oor inte another aon I followed and watched from che Roorway as hands from wriching bodies paved at my legs and back, The mars bade ‘Vincent lay on a cable streaked with blood. which he 2. The man tied him Yown wich strips of leather and T began to wonder: If this place was truly a camer's. why BL smell no manure or rocting flesh? As the man in the apron took a sharpened lenife from a holscor ov che wall. I found myself uessing at the answer to that question. thongh L ericd with all my mighe to leave & unresalved The man raised che knife. but *Vineone only remained quiet and compliant. The man begars 60 chant, and though LY not widerseand Latin at the time. I have since Coarned i¢ and know’ chat co a being he called Cyphiael che yor. Lromember evaugh af his chant — As you deman’. I cake this boy's skin and deliver ‘waco you his flesh, blood and bone. haviong depos ited wiehin him my seed chat you may find his meat corrupted and sweetened’ — to guess What the object of the ritual was. And just before I mn, L smelled a curious scont overpowering that of sweetbreads. rising up from nowhere, a scent of wood snake an bile As Tran, fear alone keeping my illness From driving me co my lances, Theard sounds lik at great Yow chewing at a bone. The men. mostly imide. dared noe chase me, I later cold this story to Aignen le Libraire. bue T have no idea whether the tanner shop still stands, That is my story. of those who serve demons not a quarter-mile from the Salvation of the Church Sorvants such as these are not Rangersus to determined inquisitars. Any of our orders, Eyes of God included, ca rouse chem from cheir hives | if we foow when amd where eo strike, However: because they commit crimes agaist common as well as canon law. simply alerting the cow magistrate or ruling noble is an equally ef cive way to Nispose of such ereatures. The caution there is that a particularly zealous jiidge may simply condemn all involved. and nae make an attempt £0 exact confessions or save the souls of those who might wish confession. Sometimes. execntion is éieed che only recourse. bue more ofeor chan not, as Te stated. many suck willong servants are actually good souls who have lost cher faith, and deserve one fénalchance to reclaim it. If they do not take chat chance, of course. sending them screaming into the fires of Hell ts the only option “Warlocks Sister Anna is a Red Sister ae the St. Sixtus Convent in ‘Rome, She mec wich Father Ber- ruard when Last fe vencured Chere and tol hon of anocher visitor whom they had entertained ‘The Visitor. she said. came én the quise of a priest. and asked for sheleer during 4 vialene storm. They canted him a bod. naturally. amd mase af the Sisters thought nothing of i Sister Anna had misgivings. though. ar s9 she reported eo Father ‘Bernard. She erepe near his Boor late at night, nable co sleep for “strange Yreams that seemed (9 be warnings more than mere fancies” Listening she heard him chanting an thought fir a moment he was praying And then through a erack in the Boor. she saw’ hs true activity. am according to “Father “Bernard. she made the sign of the Cross even when recounting the tale “The priest knele in front of his bed. on which he had opencd a lengch of eloth On che cloth were what looked like holy relies of some sort ~ bones of a saint, perhaps — although Sister Anna had no way to know far certain. What terrified her. however. Was that each of these items alowed with an od white light. Some might have méstaken chis for a miracle, bue Sister Anna fele 19 presence of God therein. ‘What she fele was that this ‘priest was bewitching useless erinkees to sell. chere in “Rome. ‘Fearing for her life. Anna bi nothing, and the next day che prose loft before Arma could tell anyone her suspicions. While this cale is not as shocking ax mine, t0 be sure. consider what it Amplies: Somewhere it or around “Rome travels a warlock, « damnable sorcerer, Yressed in the frock of # priest and carrying false relies. How’ he somehow’ managed co sleep an dtoly Ground 19 nat now. ‘The reader, should he choose to pursue warlocks, will find chae very leele about them m perfect sense. “Father Gernar>. in speaking with members of the ‘Red Order (apart from addled nuns) and che House of Murnau has heard tales of such Samned souls sucrif icing their own blood ad che blood of others to wiscen forces to call own their spells, The simplest trinket in the hands of a witch or warlock can kill or mai a healchy man, Indeed. tales arrive from “Riga of barbarée pagans who stonmon up blizzards and monstrous wolves from the Very mountain air AU 61 all. che mechodology behind chis ‘magic’ maccers lieele. Satan simply chooses a pattern that seems familiar to the would-be soreerer and grants that sorcerer whatever “spells” he might wish co know: The cruth. of course. is that all such power és infernal in origin. “Never be tempted 0 apprentice” under such a being. wor to hear his hypotheses on magic or faith or God. The “Red Order reportedly does 50 (che reader muse fargive me far wrieing this) but their munber houses more heretics than a village in Albi ‘The true danger 6 such beings és that they are in prime position ca seduce others. Consider: ‘They can apparencly call on cheer powers at will, allowing them co deliver proof that cheir Summed way grants succor and fulfitlmenc. whereas the True Path must be taken ov faith. Many weak- willed souls might abandon che Savior for a chance eo fly alse ae nile or summon up fire from their hands, and if the price is merely Yrinking the boiled fat of a child. 30 what ie? God will show Hes justice or His own time, but until chat time, i¢ Falls e9 us to protect the flock from those who nigh compe cher. How. chen. t9 best combat such ereacures? Alehough theér «Htell-spawned powers can seem strange and horrifying. remember that they are mortal. Steel, iron, and wood have much the same effect on warlacks as they would on you or me. Likewise, many (though obviously noe all) eannoe enter “Holy Ground and since entifying such beings is problema, leading them co church can force 4 warlock co reveal his hand. As with any ereature af darkness, hawever, warlocks should never be hanced ly a lone Tnguisicor. Warlocks may accrace followers. and even if nane af those hapless fools forow' a bit about magic. if each one carries a knife. it won't mateerMagical Constructs “Father “Bernard once went on Crusade, but never reached che Holy Lan. The Crusave chat he accompanied was halted by plagne, specifically a horrifie illness ealled the “Bulbous “Ocath” That plague seemed loniced to the Holy “Roman Empire, and while Emperor Frederick turned back and ‘he Crusade was postponed. Father ‘Bernard stayed to hear confession from some of the Xying. One as a man who had lived in “Vienna, but fled the city after witnessing what he believed ¢o be a sign of the Apocalypse. He wandered for a came, but chen fell viecim to che ulbous “Ocach and met his end shorely after ‘Father ‘Bernard hear? his story. In ‘Vienna. the man said, are sorcerers of the worse kin. He was a farmer who brought his ‘goods into Che city to sell. and one ay a storm prevented him from reaching the eity until after dark. -He found himself on the road next co a man fram che lands of “Ouke ‘Konrad. who wore the arb of a kaighe and helped the farmer keep control of his horses an che midty grown. “The farmer asked the man why he traveled so Late, and the man replied that he ofeen eraveled bay nighe s0 as to draw’ bandits ont of hiding. Ganiics. he said. were the worse kind of scum, and én his native Lands chey were punished mose harshly. Ax an honorable knight and servant of Go. he wished to visit God's wrath upon such sinners. The Farmer was impressed and a bie taken aback by che man’s zeal. and asked his business on “Vienna such In Vienna, replied the kaight. tis a hive of blasphemers who are not only bandits but sorcerers as well. I shall root them out and destroy chem. and burn their remains én the town square so that call will forow’ what evil the town has hid.” The Farmer, again was frightened and disturbed by chis bhue di not advnie as much. “When they encered the city. he never expected to see the knighe agacn. duc he Bi The farmer slept in his cart while ir che city. anid when his goods were gone ected to start back the next morning, He was awakened that night, however, by a sound he Seseribed as something like an owl serceching and a hound baying all cagecher. He looked ouc from his cart and saw the fenighe seunbling from a house. ‘The knight ha clearly been in battle and carried three severed heads in one hand and a bloodied sword én the other. However, he was not unscathed. “Hes armor bore holes tas though some areat beast had slashed é open. his raiment was charred ax Chough burut, and sev- eral arrows procrused from his back. dle strate from the house unevenly and the farmer was about 0 call out ¢9 hin when the creature — a great beast that the farmer had chought to be a mere statue om the building — leapt on top of the keight. Te ripped the sword from his hunt and tore his chest open with gruesome talons, an still che knight foughe on, dte battled the creature with the force of God — 30 har®. reported the farmer. that the beast’s flesh rippled lke water when the aight's fists struck In che end. however. che knight could not prevail. The beast tore his heart from his chest and sprang like a great cat back ¢9 the house from whieh & came, carrying the aright’s corpse in is claws “The farmer fled. and his fate Thave already recounted. T have no idea what mascer the “Be of ‘Viena might serve, only that one mighe find allies against it in Masovia. Misled Pagans “The tale 1 heard from an Eye of God called “Brian, however. has a muck-Xifferene ending. and recounting it may serve to lighten my heart. T hope it does. for my wrist is painted wich writing and my ink ruts nearly dry. Tomorrow I shall have ¢o fir alternate means of writing, I think “For tnow however. know that Gran was an Eye like myself. and like me. grew up warsting ani bu ‘He. however. grew up on the serects of London. ‘When he joined our order, he returned ts England and traveled “Beyond the Pale. apparently eo the island of Ireland where the natives are savage ‘and Famgry and many have mave dark pacts wich forces beyond che ken of good Chréstians. On his travels. he came upon a village of such people. The village. he told me. hel® not more chan chree score souls. They farmed what they could and herded cattle, but ¥d well and rarely wanted far anything. tlowever. although the True Church had reached villages in all Breceions. chis particular hamlec remained entirely heathen. “Brian found no village church chere. and none of them could recite the Ten Commandments or say even simpleprayers. Indeed. only chose villagers chat ventured ¢o rade with others even knew of Chris “Brian. i horror for these people's souls. attempted to teach them. He found them fairly receptive, and for a full week, tanght all who would listen. Brian, as Ive sad noe a priest. le as ant Onuesicor fre enough coset chese people om che right road He also planned ¢o send a priest £9 che village £0 perform che sacraments for these ignorant souls as soon as possible, for every unfortunate villager who died without Jorowing 's qrace was surely bound far Hell. He had plamed co stay for a month and chen set out for anocher village to reernte a holy officer. As i turned out. i was well chat he seayed as long as he di. “By the end of the first week, a man he had taken under his wing was enthusiastic about his “npenting baptism and even requested ¢a cravel along wich “Brian ca fetch a holy father. One evening ~ a full moon, Gréan recalled — chey stayed up lace tnco che night calking of Christ s Peach and resurrection. and the villager mentioned chat his people believed in a similar phenomenon wich regards to their godess.” a being called Aoife. ‘When ‘Brian questioned him on this, he replied that Aoife came co che village somecimes in che guise of a beautiful. naked woman, elad only in runes seripted in blood upon her body. “While there, she would temand a hideous inversion of Christ's Sacrifice — whereas the Lamb of God gave of himself For our Salvation, chis woman would require a man from che village eo give himself up for her concinued survival (See how the agenes of Satan corrupt our own Gospel far their own purposes!). The villager said that the woman kad not been scon in his lifetime. and “Brian guessed that she was merely a fable of time gone ky. “Wich chat. hey went 0 sleep. intone on concinuing che Nseussion in the mornin, iunieyy ‘When “Brian found che man's bloodless body. broken in a chorn-bush nearly a hal{=mite from where they had spoken the night before. he kutew that this “bloodied woman’ Was no mere tale. These people were not merely ignorant. chey were enslaved. even if hey knew’ it noc. As “Brian, lke me. Was not a warrior. nor di he carry any sacred relies, he orbered che man's boy be kept in stace until he returned wi priest. “When he returned. four ays Later, with a very frightened young father wich hin, he Bseavered chat che bloodied woman had recurned — bue chat the villagers had risen up against her “Brian's wordy, é seems, had taken root in che village and when che woman had returned. they Having no true weapons. they used torches ai farming implements, bie these prov enough (here T should Age chav iron aid steel often bite more on chs Latent RS Tf sores of tuk) “Hey Yrove the woman deep (tothe fae po the rising of | ‘a WE scccd co vanish, Each nigh since the vlagers ad poste ard bue che woman ¥8 ngeyeeun ‘The priest blesse ge mm the other villagers Soh cures. b of such foresc-welling eres villagers re aid Saved and befare 6 im as a true Christian, Lach of che priest promise’ chat he \ mmake sure chat the CRrugch seme « father co minister €0 the village. “Brian, of course. had some ifluence the hurch, as well. and Ie ‘> confident that a new chapel is currently bein | there. The bloodied welanerhater'sr she (or it) eruly wis, has mo p Go's Fate So much eéne and uk aque, an® seall ce ere crus of my tale és wntol® “Gut cvesrah for Vi God willing. ¢ (( eBurtiome’ The Swamp Thave found an aleernate source of ink Let us leave ie at that. for now. Before my cangencial ramblings. T was describing chat first day on che grovnds. I shall continue with that description now. ‘Recall that Brother Guy and I were walking together, and that we eventually came to the north sive of the monastery. The earth on chat side of the monascery sloped away bto a bog. I dared not approach, having no wish co become stuck in the treacherous ground. “Brother Guy cold me of legends he had heard. which made me in turn think of beings that “Father Bernard had described co me at ather times, T will 4 recount Guy's horrible cale, bue I will firse break my narrative to write of other ereatures ich Father “Bernar® spoke. I have no need co rush conight. T chink, and ink is no longer a concern, God fargive me.“Demons of Flesh Father Bernar® held the belief that flesh was easter far demons €0 corrupt than spirit. dle asserted to me once that while a mu hud ¢o give his permission become a blood-Winking horror sreatures such as were-wolves and he monstrous, misshapen beasts of the swamps and forests were simply hapless souls whe ventured too elose to unclean places and found their Very ladies forfeit He called these beings “Demons of “Flesh ant lamented that destruction was often neces sary —redempeion was well beyond these creatures. “Piey them if you wish, he eal me not ews nnghts befare we arrived at Che monastery. but never trust them nor show them mercy. Like mad deus. they will cake hesitation as opportunity anid spread their poison to you.” Oculi ‘Dei and ochers of the Faith seudy bestiaries and tales of Fancy looking For representa~ tions of Semonte beings. but the truest and most reliable source of descriptions far ‘Oemons af Plesk hhas been the cales of the peasantry. “While some of our most scholarly orvers find their members in nobility. we should never Biscount the wisdom such people can provide. They. after all live in close proximity to Bemons that would never bare approach churches or cities. Thus, the peasants and serf who work the lands far their lards fall prey most commonly to these creatures, When T hear of rebellion in déstane Lands, 1 often wonder. "2 the noble lord protect his charges from Satan's Gee? id he even try? “Brother Guy's Tale of the Swamp Lsaw che oredture wich my own eyes. but understand chat Tnever saw’ it tn the light. ‘by day de night Look le a mary or some other natural thing but by wight & wiore what Taym sure was its true farm: One of the monks here wis an herbalist and grew various sorts of plants in his garden, ranging from mushrooms that we abded ¢0 our Yimers to grasses that we chewed to alleviate stomach pa One night, Care mays and L voneursd eo the swamp to finda particular rast. whick he told me was mean t0 be used far a salve for burns. Once there. however: he showed me someching quite different. “We had walked a good Nistance from the monastery. ad he potneed co a peculiar flowering bush. Le looked like no plant I had ever seen, ad the graund arsuon it had boon meticulously kept clear of weers and invading plants. T nocéed, too, that while bark from nearly trees had been stripped away by browsing deer and goats, this plane’ leav'es wore large and full. Lnerigued Lashed che monk what marmer of flower this was «His Bemcanar- changed anid he beckoned me lose as Chou mabing ready to tell me a cerrible seeret “Mis. he said. is blaodrooe. Ie is a flower that grow’ only 61 Theria. ut T have maviaged to raise it here, Look there.” and ac this he poirted at che blosd-red veins in the white flower's blossom, “that és the reason I have taken such great paints to grow the flower. ‘The root of chis plant. property prepared: can € Ate N nat finish. far at that moment a deerfly dove into his mouth aid he-fell backwarts, choking. Wher he s¢009 agai. he was Tad with fear. his eyes darting about the Rarkened wood. looking far some unlorown enrony 120 nae approach hin, bue cricd co sooche him. celling him chae ce was only an insect ue he backed away from me. te said something befare his back touched the trees behind him. but his mouth smarted fram the sting of che fly. T imagine. and whatever he said YO not come lear. Something about poison” and “blog” 1 chink ‘When his back reached che trees beh him. he seemed to realize he had gone too far and turn his back on me. ‘The Semon made cself Forowh at that movnent” as though it had only been wating far the {poor monk ta sce it and therely savor his fear. The creature was a brackish green calor. and taller by half thao avy mart T have ever seen, Te had four arms — T sav’ ie with my awn eyes! — each of which * ‘ented ir hideous claws. and its hide looked much akin co che shell of « beetle, Te reached owe and seized he mow aid drew hon onto the forest where Lesuld noe see. Trmest say Lam chan for that. for alchough he 82 use seream loug. the sounds his body mabe while the demon feasted left no doube é my mind chat T would never see the poor herbalist aga. > “The flower? “The nexe day. sider che high noon sun, Lreturned to that spot. I found no trace of the monk nor che Remon, nor dideed the blsod aoe plant. T found only blood and upturned earth, wid have never spoken of any of te until no :“Werewolves chaps the monsters of «lung roland and sémply more cirewnspeet, oF pe che evil éufection simply nae spread any Elbe “No maccer Thave never seen a were The town at th He hav alr ase af the “Pyrenees uchered his meag (nye caughe up wile hin and ny confession. “Never ane to refiuse a soul tr need Father Bernard started back to che church, bue she recoiled. Lean ns + » fanger enter holy around er she satd. “for T am damned “Now’ worried that the girl might be either possessed or mad. Father the church, but no the churchyar ado cher cold her chat a 4 and chat she should fin i he animal at first, but soon fell ach an overhanging rock befare. awoke co snarls and howls. Surrounding were five wolves, black and monstrous s. she said. ome bigger char che Family s ran. but che wolves leapt fro and forecd her up che mountain. 8 ‘ines £9 eseape their hat I Id» ime one wri Kill and eat every bourming pieeT cont her, she embraced chat wrath. rather than giving herself over to God. and as the wolf's jaws closed home, she coo became a wolf She shamefully recounced che rest of the evening, s0 far as she remembered. The wolves had their own gute fe that she somehow fotew. and they £012 hor of her place among Che s0- called “Lords of Shadows” She endured cheir blasphemy. ix which chey asserted chat the moon was or truth a powerful goddess ad chat she ereated the worl: the stories of Creation in Genesis and the Gospels of the Lor? wore nanghe but a myth, For an entire night, running as a wolf. naked uider the moan. she absorbed hese lies. She marraged co escape just before daybreak, and somehow reqabred hor human skén upon reaching che village Father Bernard never told me how’ she Ned. only chac he saw’ ie happen. He és a gencle soul and TYoube capable of Violence even against such an affront to Gad. and so Tm sure he 89 not end hor life himself. However, he 22 learn mare alsout werewolves from some source. God willing, T can ask him again someday what his source was. but for now E car only recount what he cold me However it was that this girl-beast Ned. Father Bernar’ asserts that killing such a monster imple mateer, Sword and arrow’ wounds Bo net even slow such ereatures, much Less kill them “Fear all that. werewolves are not inmortal. nor are they impervious co all harm. ‘Fire. the great purifier. will Srive chem off léke common animals. and precious silver. provided ie has been blessed ky 14 priest of the Church, renders chem pained and erippled. Arrowheads mate of silver are Niffieult to fashion. bue ie can bo tone by a skilled silversmith. Those who would hue werewolves should beware. chogh. They are helleshly fast and strong what's worse, hey cravel in packs lke che beasts from which they descend. Many. Father Bernard asserts. cant Vanish ito shadows amd reappear even stronger than befare — 9 doubt drawing power row che tarkness that spawned them. And. as they cars appear as men, chey can easily wield the same sorts of weapons that men can, meaning a werewolf might be a skilled swordsman as well as Vicious beast, “However. co the rained eye, they eamnot hide among the mortal flock. far their eye brows graw together and their secorid and chird fingers are always the same length. Also. the eyes are a curious almond shape and when presented with fresh meat of any kind. a werewolf will pant not matter the farm he currenely wears. Other signs appear bifrequently as well — Thave heard reports of a pentagram appearing in blood on the palm af 4 werewolf during the full moon. but Father “Bernard could not confirm his when T asked him about é and Perhaps their most insidious trait, however, & their abiliey to breed with humanity. TY not know what power such a child might possess. but Io know that pagan peoples are especially suscep~ table to a werewolf's advances, After all. pagans have no higher code af behavior to quid_ chem and no way €0 bless the silver that mighe save chem (even if the poor wretches had access 9 (0. ‘Werewolves can therefore quite easily dominate entire settlements of heathens. And that meats that i1 any remote village that ane might chance to visit, any or all of che villagers might actually be werewolves, merely hiding weil their goddess. che moon. shines Yow upon chem before chey strike. A Christian biceen by a werewolf might find hinself overcome by bescéal urges. chiefly feelings of luse anid wrach. when the moan grows fat. The herb called wolfsbane, made ito a poultice and applied to the wound. might calm these feelings. However. a man Cus injured should be guarded at all cimes by stout men armed with blessed silver blades. “Women thus bitten should be blessed and chen Nspatched, as chey are naturally cov weak to resist the urgings levied ky the werewolf’ bite Hideous as the notion might be that a single bite from such a demon might eonvey the curse these near~mindless savages are inferior to anather breed of werewolf. “Brian. the Eye T mentioned before. cold me anacher tale of the Gricish Isles. buc only after he was tx his eups. The ching he saw frightened him 0 chat he could noe recall ée wich his wies about hin, and bideed when T ques tioned him che fallowing morning he could noc remember celling me the story at all. and refused to Discuss it. Afier the village of which T wroee befare, Grian continued on through the Trish lands €0 see what else needed his attention. When he arrived at a small village more than a fortnight s eravel from the one plagued hy the blaoded woman. he eounted himself very lucky. The townsfolk were_—— ee Se a oe ler lr Christian, and offered hospitaliey chat he could not fauls. te remained chere for nearly a week, but saw’ nothing of concern, and therefore prepared to leave. ‘That night. he said. was a silver moon” bue I believe he meant sliver” (as L said, he entirely sober when he cold che story to me). ‘He left che cottage where a family had given him Laduing to answer nature's call. and saw a man standing on a hilleop nearby. framed by moonlight Even chou he saw’ only the mats silhouette, he was immediately taken wich fear chat ehis stranger meant ill cowards che village. As “Brian watched, che man raised his arms co the sky ant spoke, although che Eye was much too far away to determine what was being said. ‘The man began eo Rance, and Brian fele chat he was witness to some pagan ritual. As he moved to wake the village priest. the stranger on the hilleop changed. “Where before a man had stood, now a great beast. massive and barrel-chested and wich che head of a wolf. now threw ies hhead back and howled. rian said a fear took him leke noching hed ever Fele, and he raced back eo his bod and hid chere uneil morning, whereupon he aviske and counted the whale ine@ent as a dream, Indeed. che morn er he cold me the story, he maintained chat it had been only a dream. T am not 0 sure. las not Lhelieve what he saw was a werewolf. but not nearly the sane simple creature that confessed to Father ‘Bernard. T believe the Seman Brian saw’ was a Warlock of some kind. who had sald his soul specifically far the power co change into chat blasphemous kybrid of wolf and man. Sacan, after all, cannot create (as only God can Yo that) but can change and grant the ability to change. God ‘alone kuow's what other powers such a being mighe possess. but changing shape {s abmase certatnly not the extent of it “Brian assured me chat che village scill scands, T pretended to be arsuaged. but cruly, Grian has no way 69 know Grotesques and Monsters The word werewolf & recognizable 9 peasants and nobles alike across the lant. as indeed are stories of witch, “sorcerer, and ghost.” “But what of creatures like the one “Bracher Guy deseribed in his tale of the swamp? “What of monsters and demons newly spat from the pits of Hell. who have not learned co Niaquise their natural form by wearing che flesh of & man? Such ehings exist, I promise you. They d% not lurk in cities often. but are ofeen draw to bodies of water large enough to hide their misshapen bodies. “Brian relates folk tales from Scotland and the boasts that lurk in the Lachs, bute asserted he had never seen such a ereature. Tales from Venice speak of sling. half-human mockertes chat slicher up from che canals and feast on bodies ércerred in San Michele. Sailors, of course, spin yarns of monstrous sea serpents and devil fish that can crush ships én cheir jaws. Amd nearly every village has a monster in che nearby woods. ready co snatch up naughty children. Most of these tales are false, Tm sure. “Bue enough of them are crue chat any soldier of God should be wary. If you hear such a tale, ask the teller if he has ever seen the beast. If so, ask to hear che story amd make sure he widerstants chat God is listening through you. Inform him chat Lives might be lost (or saved) by the veracity of his worts. Most times, the storyteller will recant and admic chat che yarn is only chat, anid chen you may breathe a sigh of relief and assure him that no harnt has been done. But if the narrator holds fast to his words. then you must seck out the beast Listing off the possible creatures one might hear of is futile. What you must remember, should you need to seek ont a monster. is that iron and steel often bice suck ereatures quite deeply. They ware minor demons. Vicious bue ulcimately stupid creatures birehe. perhaps. ly some sod8en wench whe lay with an incubus in return for art extra year of youth They have no plans or desires pare from hunger. and a careful inquisitor can follow’ their Crails easily enough. Teasannes aid eve feaighcs, provided you can convince chem of che beast's existence, will often cake up arms a creature such as this. Just remember that in raisiig a lnncing party. you assume responsibility for che lives of those who join it. Tread earefiully: che hunt should end with a celebration. not a wake.As I read back over what Ihave written thus far, I realize that my narrative ts lacking AWhile che reader no Youle has learned much of our facs (and God grant chat ce might be useful). he has (earned noching more of che monastery and of “Brocher Guy. whom Thav'e said was a traitor. 1 have more to say on the subject of Lucifer's minions, but et me come to that by way of relating my experiences at Chat Summed monastery “Brother Guy and T continued our walk around che grounds. The conversation, after hés tale of che bease ir che swarp. became more civil and we spoke of events in ‘Rome an other. mundwore things. As we rowided a corner, we walked into full sunlight, and I fele cheered again. As we walked along che oucer wall. T saw che frone gate that Father Bernard and T had encered che night before and Was reminder of the ‘Pale Brother, In the full light of ay. the memory 2 not seem 59 threatening. T remarked to “Grovher Guy that by day. the monastery seemed much warmer and friendlicr. even more Yevoeed co its purpose as a house of God. ‘He smiled and said chat while living hore cook some getting used 0, he woulds'e leave for che worl We entered through the main gate and I immediately set out ta find Faucher ‘Bernard. that Z could tell him af the strange tales that “Brother Guy had told me. T could noe find him. “Grocher Gugy and T began searching anv calling for kim. and for the rest of the afternoon, I learned the ewists «nd turns of that monastery Thave said before that memory és my talent, ad 1 chank God far it. 1 remember every corner 1 chat cursed place. every ewise of every corridor T sav. and it has served me well. As Ww ered chrovghoue che building, we saw other monks. bue never close to us. “We would see a brother enter a room dows a long hallway. ar hear ane walking on the (loor al dd one actually cross our paths. 8 not bother to question Brother Guy on this, as T was too éutent on finding “Father “Bernar’. The Catacombs As we searched. I attempted to keep myself oriented ax to our direction relative to the grounds outside: more specifically. T cried co reckon where we were in relation ¢o the swamp, This proved Futile. however. ‘The inside of the monastery bore so lieele resemblance to the oueside that they might as well have been two Mfferent places encirely. Indeed. 1 not realize we were tiderground tntil I fele che air grow cold and Samp. Gracher Guy, who had wandered off in the ocker direction returned with a Lantern and we ventured deeper. His cheery Yemeanor had eurdled a bit: he Was now clearly afraid. alchongh why a monk would be afraid én his own monastery was beyond me at the cine. fe us. but ne “We continued further wnerground. the air growing colder and the stones covered in a o&. gray rnoss that crumbled to dust wher touched “Rats watched us eurtously. and cecasioally one grew bold enough €o ru up one of our robes. Rats bo noe frighten me. but “Grocher Guy seemed horrified by chem, and finally Laid his hand on my shoulder and cold me that we could not go on. L answered that since it Was unlikely that “Father “Gernard was town in these catacombs anyway. there was 0 poor i us comeénning When T said ehat. a look flickered across Guys face for an tascant. Te was 4 momentary wince «look of read or Fear. but I horew that &t was 61 response to my statement about “Father “Bernard “Equally. I knew chat ie was entirely possible chat my mentor Was diveed somewhere in these halls and chat Thad eo find hin, T curned and sec off town che Sunk corrier, and “Grocher Guy follows. ‘We came tn moments ¢ a crypt, and Grocher Guy refused co enter. A great stone casket sat in the conter af the room, and without the Lancern close ly. T could noe read the faded érseription. However. even in the dim light. I was able to Yiscern details thac chilled me to che bone. Lsaw seratches on the stone, clnmks gouged from che casket. and T quickly realized che why. That casket was no resting place for a dead monk, but a bed for someane — something —~ that rose every opening che D therefore wearing away at the stone. Thad hear? stories of such ereatures as this. ust gee more ink “Damn my eyes. T muse do ie againThe Crypt Lagan was. in eruch, the resting place of some unclean ching from Hell. I knew’ that 1 could noe remain, but “Grother Guy's horrar convinced me that he was yet untainted. How wrong T was. As "T learned lacer, he was not afrad for his soul, bute merely terrified of Nispleasing his master T have wriceen before of servants of demons, bue Brocher Guy is (or rather, was) a special case Lmontioned that I would write more of Satan's armies. and if che reader will parton my Separture from narrative far just « moment. 1 wish to commie co paper what T know’ about some of worst mockeries of humanity on God's Earth, The dead do indeed rise, but with no assistance from God — chey rise, horribly, of their owns accor? hungry far own flesh and blood. Facher Gernar® called such creatures undead, and T am sure chat Brother Gray served such a being ‘The Undead As horrifying as werewolves surely are. they are nae the mast frightening ereacures that we face. The cruly cerrifying fiends are those that have somehow escaped their covenant of flesh aid continue to walk the earth even after their bodies die. Father ‘ernard and “Brother Guy both karew’ inuch of these creatures. but “Brother Guy's revelations om che subjece will eome acer in this writ ing. ‘What Father Bernard tol me. however, I wish to recount here. “The wniead. Father ‘Bernard explained. need some form of sustenance to fuel their continued existence, Some eat of human flesh. which nacurally kills chose om whom chey feed. clorribly, some tuidead — che mose human-Looking of them — feed on che blood of the living. “However. these walking leeches can somehow generate a feeling of pleasure in those unfartunates whase blood they imbibe. s0 that when the blood is drained the victim feels only a euphoric haze. Father “Bernard asserted chat these creatures maint recy in large part thanks to this effect — when the feelings of pleasure {ie the viceim either fargets che expertence or yearns for it agai, allowing the orpse &0 return when the viceim has regained his strengch, Euctre Niserices or villages may therefore fall under che dominion of such creatures, as the citézens cherets all live, toil, and pray only far che bliss that the creature's bite can bring. Of course, the creature és under no obligation co lee his “meals” live, and 50 even che Eyes have no way of kaowing how many good Christians Sie wider their fangs each night. Rodrigue Ye “Navarre himself battled che wea on Iberia, and reports that their «Htell-borne aifts are many and varied. Chief among these gifts ts the abiliey co shrug off wounds caused by sce. Arrows and swords, he says, are all but useless. This makes sense. as what could such wounds cruly mean to one already dead? “Besides wmatural toughness, the undead are also stronger than their frames would indicate. Aégneon le Libraire reports that a cruly horrifying creature once assauleed hin — while é was clearly an undead mockery of « person. i wore the shape of girt-child. And yet, four stout men were required ¢9 hold the creature town while Aignen performed che Last rices far é. and even then ic escaped ly tearing aff the arm of one of the wifareunace men, The creature was also precernacu- rally quick, as Aégren discovered when he eried to ride it down after it fled the seone, and it outran hus horse. tHe repos, however. that the creature could noe maintain chese speeds ondefinicely: when it reached the river's edge. &€ stood there confused and he was able to inpale and destray it Father Berna belioves chat the more blood such a creature ingests. the more powerful it becomes, He alsa believes that impressive Nisplays of strengeh, such as chose that che girl-creature ehibiced. trive the undead to feed more quickly. Te may be that such beings actually “starve” if deprived of blood for too long, bue testing this kind of assertion is of course difficult. If it has been aceonpced. T am not privy €@ the resules “Whatever che case. some among our nonber have stated that the undead do not age. and wll in act continue to hunt Clive’ is decidedly the wrong word) until Judgment ‘Oay. This is not true.however, as I can attest to the bodies of’ such creatures changing over time. The progression of” heir corpus is as follows First. che creature dies. This can happen, obviously. at any eéne during a person's life. and 30 an tuidead child and an widead adule might actually be eamparable in strength. Sites these mockeries 8» not seem to form from deaths chat dexcray che boty — burnings. for example — ic would seem chat che body must be incace in order far the blasphemous resurrection’ co cake place, Inmediacely after rising from death, the creature és iidistinguishable from ehe way i looked in life. Tes heare sell beats. and it’s need for blood is slight. Te possesses the strength and ferocity typical of such crea cures, but in much smaller measure chan é will in years co come. These creatures often serve more powerful masters, even demons or witches. much as young wolves stay close £0 their mothers wnedl hey earn €0 lure ‘In a matter of time, perhaps years, perhaps decades. che undead truly des, This is the stage it which chey are the most active, and the easiest to notice and destray. The change i marked by a distinee pallor. Also, the unclean ching can no longer eat or drink true food and relies entirely upon Living blood far its sustenance. Ics physical prowess improves, and repores from the lands of the Sword Grothers far east of here state that such creatures can bring terrible other effects to bear as well, calling up ai from wolves and bats, and even foreing their wills an those around them. “These creatures are deadly. but yee as vulnerable co fire as any heretic. In fact, che very sight off fire causes them to flee in terror, Happily. chey also gain a new weakness — sunlight. The light of day repulses and burns these creatures of darkness. and any of us wha hurt the umead should take pains €9 29 so ly Bay only. If che widead beast manages to survive for much longer (and again, exacely how’ meh Longe matter of speculation) che infection may reach its final stage. T actually had the misfareune co see a creature thus afflicted. and a piteous sight it was. Father Bernard aid T stopped in Tours, anid while he slept, I walked through the streets Alchough T ventured out at night, I was unafraid — as a serece urchin in Paris, the darkened. empey screces had comforced me. This night. 1 became aware of « low moaning sound emanating from a nearly chapel. Carefully. I followed the sound. Rounding a earner. 1 saw’ what I thought t9 be a leper. Te was dressed in rags and ics skin. what lécele T could see by the light of the moon. was gray and r¥ed with sores. Te was seanding by che church erying out, 1 realized. for forgiveness. 1 watched for a few moments as the creature paced. and while it 8 I saw that it wore golden rings on its fingers. ‘That creature hat been. in life. a nobleman. Thared noc reveal myself. as 1 was unarmed and had na wish co lay down my life chat nigh. 1 simply watched as it sobbed and gibbered. perhaps uecerirg one word én seven chat I found ac all intelligible. Te stood there for nearly half a hour, and then slouched off. ax if dejected. I followed as long as T could. but de turned and for ane horrible secon’ I beheld ies face. Calling that ruin a Face’ is face too kind. Te looked like a gargoyle had come to life — no. even gargoyles are not so hideous (and as Ihave wriccen, chey are not always harmless chunks of stone). T cannot deseribe that ereature, and Ido not have the skill ¢o render a Yvawing, far which che reaver should cansiver himself blessed. Know this: As I stared at that misshapen. oxzing puscule chat Was once a man of noble birth. I knew what Hell muse be. “hac. chen. és che final stage of undeach. co roam the world wieh one's senses and mind éneace bue one's body a shambling, leprous travesty of all it once was. T have no idea if that creature retains its strengch and speed or any of its other powers. but T should advise any who read chis co assume that such hideous ereatures are more powerful than cheir younger cousins, not less And s0. as Grocher Guy and I stood chere én che mausoleum and looked on horror ae the erypt Thnow that I could not continue on with the terrified monk accompanying me. I went with him, back up co the surface. amd T muse say that T was relieved when sunlight again touched my face. T eald him chat I wished co go off to pray alone. and he chanked me for my company and cook his leave. T was careful ¢o note where he left his lantern — on a peg not far from the main entrance to the monastery.EE ee ‘From there, T retreated to the room 61 which T9 slepe che night before co collect my choughts. I roca bitterly that chere was no sg that ‘Father “Bermar® had ever returned co the rovm singe wed lef & chat morning, and I feared far his safeey anew. Tguessed that I had perhaps three or four hours before sundown, but as no bells ever sounded in this tamned place. I could not be sure. “Reflecting back on what T knew af the undead. T decided chat T needed to steal back to the erype before sundown, assumeng chae che creacure chat lay therein would noe awaken wneil night TRO indeed pray that afecrnoon. for deliverance. for safety. an finally for speed and stealeh. T cook Grocher Guys Lantern from its peg and crepe again to the catacombs. Just before I disap- peared into che bowels of the place. a ray of sunlight fileered through a erack in the stone and warmed my face. I chanked God far ee Sunlighe has noc couched my body since. Te has been at lease chrce days. bue without bells or sunrise to elock the how's, who can eruly say? “Oevscent L reached che erypt and. withowe stopping co study i further. continued on, All che while rats Followed me. perching on the rocks and skitcering around my fect as chough erasing €0 hinder me. L thongihe of “Grocher Giyy's stary of che blaadraxt and how his fellow monk: had been choked by a deer{ly — could che monsters chat no Yoube nested below this monastery command such base erea~ tures as insects and rats? “Were these rodents even now acting as tiny spies for their sleeping master? Teould noe stap t9 hill che rats. “Bien if Thad a means of doing 39. there were fur tos many of them, U could anly press on, deeper orto the swuken walls of the place T found rooms there. much lake the cells above groun. but much smaller. Each one had a strange smell, much lake a cemetery after a hard rain. L9 not linger in any of them, bue merely noted their locations. ‘None of these rsoms had Boars, ut mast had maldy drapes. stained Wack from ehe foul air, hanging over cheir openings. ‘Reflecting back on che door through which T had entered. T real that were that door shut a Large number of tarkness-loving beasts could survive town here for months. provided they had some source of (00d. Ii not pursue that thought at the time, far I was cerrificd enough already. I had found nothing to indicace that “Father “Bernard — or indeed anyone ac all = was down hore with me. and L began € lose hope I made very slow progress. for my Lantern was dim and Thad no wish to twist an ankle in one of the numerous dips in the floor. I had cherefore noe traveled far from the erype when I realized iny lamp was dying, and chat suidown was close at hand. Cursing myself for being so foolish as ¢o come here, I began running as quictly as L eould. crying € pue Ristance beeween myself and the crypt. Thad no dea where I was going. only taking turns left or right as instinct moved me, I came to what appeared t9 be a dead end. ad then T fund someching that broughe my heart to my throat Father “Bernard had been here. Seratched on the wall was a series of numbers: ILTILIL This ries was a signal that Father ‘Bernard an Thad uscd before: it referred to the passage én Exodus where Moses encounters the burning bush, and meant that something else was here for me to find ‘Buc all T could see, as my lantern guccered and strange sounds around testified to stirrings in the monastery — an therefore sunset ~ was bleak stone and moss. I fell co my kvees and prayed for wisdom, for deliverance. for a miracte, for any éacervention that Gad saw fit to give me in His wishom. In the Nstanee, through that stale. eal air. T heard a horrible creak us che stone ld of the erype opened. L apencd my eyes and looked aroun widely. and jst far a moment, the walls ob seemed co change. Forcing myself to concentrate, I breathlessly whispers? a prayer that I might remain unseen and tunetecced and stared again at the wall. Seconds bejare the light failed I saw what Twas moat to see: A gap in che wall. only ewe feet in width, and nearly invisible unless viewed rectly, L erept through that gap ard after slipping through a narrow passageway. found myself in a room similar to the cells T> seen befare. “By feeling around the walls, T judged the room ta be larger than those tory, aleoves, but the eviling was 30 low that Tneed only co reach up slighely above my head €o touch ie. Tcould find no other egress or ingress from the room, other chan the way T entered. and I was completely without lighe, B could 89 noching be wait. and so, eshausced. I slumped against the wall nearest the entrance. hoping ne or anything entering the rsom would wake me. Fortunately, that hope was nat i Vain Murver I slept for the remainder of the night. and no creatures of Hell eroubled me. Tidecd. when T awoke. I forgot briefly where Twas. but the piteh-blackness and stone floor soor reminded me L sat up ard began to wonder how’ I should escape this predicament. T heard footsteps and saw’ light approachi I pressed myself against the wall next co che entra into the room. Thad nothirg t0 use as a Weapon, as the burned-out lantern was somewhere én che dark and T had no céme ¢0 find é. and 90 T karew’ chat if the being approaching was a demon, T would suroly be killed. Resigning my soul to God. 1 balled up my féses and Srew chem over ny Brocher Guy entered che room wid T stucl ie : him before I i realized who he was, He was carrying a Lantern, which by grace of God 8 YY ig S ~ oc break when he dropped te. tle collapsed to Yi Fs ~ when T noticed something that nearly sent me BS 2 mad with fright 7 F 5 My blow had Yislodyed his hood and the back of YH A S his neck was now eaposed to me. There. just above the nape of N che neck, was a single, blue eye. staring unblinking out at me. Te followed “Brother Guy was a servant of the obscene thing that slepe on tracking my movement. and I knew then that cold and arkness én the erype T struck as surely as T could. kicking at his face and throat He fell over onto his back and grabbed for something iv his belt L seized che only weapon T could — che burne-oue Lancern I had caken From the monaste wie all my ni at f{qre Heo Cec a eel HR y che day before. I swung it at hin , my eyes shit tigh y. and was rewarded with a solid crunch and a grunt, T opened my eyes to find “Brother Gigs had staggered back againse che wall and was gurgling as t the glass from the lantern worked its way bata his throat ae LIL F could do nothing but wateh him die. And. God forgive me Ie T was s0 relieved when his breaching finally stopped amd his rattle echoed about the chamber that L ant) gave hanks for it. reader, understand that T am no killer or heareless fiend. despice my origins as a criminal. Brother Guy may ance have been a good and faithful monk: T shall never know. “Gut he had sold himself (or beon fareed) ines servitude of Romor of che “Pit. and was daned long before T hhad che misforcine of moceing hin yygseeee re MID)And yet — what of the stories he cold me? “Were they true? Was he costing my leyaleie ‘Was there information I was meant €9 glean ar elues T should recagnize on his tales? “Were they simply mad ramblings? “Was he erying &9 redcem hinself somehow. by passing along énformacion T night use? My God. what have Tone? “Oecception Thave composed myself and have offered prayers on behalf of ‘Grother Guy. Ihave no way to Junow’ his intentions upon fiding me 61 the catacoinbs, and I can only hope that they were honorable. As my deception since his death ac my hands has noe been Niseovered. muse assume that he was not leading any evil farces eo me, Lrealize this makes me guiley of murrer. I must atone far this crime in cine, and 30 T shall, bue for now T continue with this writing After brother Guy died. I dimmed the lighe from hés lancern and waited. T was sure that the monster baoking chrongh the eye on the back of his neck would find me soon, bue when art hour went by and no sound discurbed che catacombs, T began co wonder, Finally, I realized what had happened and how fortunate T eruly was, Grocher Guy was a servant, willing or no. I seil believe chac his master could see chrough his hideous eye. ‘Out during the day, the master slept. and 50 had no knowledge of Guy's death. When this cheory came to me, T reasoned that che only way ¢9 Cest i was to Vencure back chrough che catacombs to the monastery ant see if the sun shone. I stripped Guy's bloodied robe from his body and donned it. and. taking up his Lantern, made my way back chrough the dank halls. “The erek seemed somehow shorter, and even che breathless walk pase che horrid erype 2® not seem oo Niffieule. The rats 20 not follow chis eine. or ff they 8. 12 noc see chem. Twas. cruch be told, 20 ansions to get back into the sunlight that TY not look. T rounded the last corner and saw what I wished co see — che ray of sunlight chat had warmed and cheered me before T had descended inca che catacombs che day before. I walked cowards ie ~ i was all E could Yo not to rua — and when barely a foot remained between me and blessed sun on my skin, a Voice stopped me Sead dn my cracks, Guy? i sad. and my heart sank. When I curned, whoever ie was would see chat I was noe Guy, bue that Twas wearing his bloody garb. Td not eurn, buc answered én the closest tion to his accent that I could. “Where have you been?” asked che voice, apparently fooled for che moment. T responded thae T hab been in the cacacombs. praying that the mysterious man behi me would not ask why. He 8 not, tnt I heard his footsteps approaching. lis hand touched my shoulder and T turned around, keeping my head low Tneedu’e have worried. The man scariding there was elderly. and s0 bene chat I was surprised he could walk, More important, thong, he was blind. ‘His eyes we xy white color and wore as dead as che monk for whom he mistook me, fe leaned in elose and sniffed. and his nose wrinkled “Have you fauled yourself: bay? You stink of blood and offal. He grinmed at chis, an T was repulsed by che sight of this crippled. blind man in monk's clothing takirg perverse pleasure at the ra smell of my stolen robes. T ald hin tha T had fallen in che Qarkoess and muse have Cad i some ranetd substance, te told me e9 fallow him tnmediately. chat Teould wash om che way and that he had something importante far me ¢9 0 Teould do noching but obey. “Behind me. the ray of sunlight grow fainter as we walked back ines the darkness, down a pach chat Thad never seen The Prison We walked through new hallways. the blind man by sheer memory. me following by the light of the lancorn. I seapped eo wash my stolen rabies 1a stream. and endured more sickening humor from the old monk. I began to suspect that his feelings for “Brother Guy were not entirely dmocent. and womered if Brother Guy had ever submitced to his desires. whatever they might be. How can a rman 30 old sel feel lust for flesh? Bue chen. chis monastery houses all manner of sin. T sheul® noe be surprisedAs we walked. I grew reckless and spoke. and asked what was required of me. His answer at once relieved me and chilled my bloor. for he spoke of incerregating a blasphemer priest that had blunered into the catacombs the day before. “The master. he said. had captured the priest anid wished him co be questioned and. if possible. converted. My heart rose ix my throat. but T somehow found the voice ¢0 ask afeer the priest's condition. The blir monk replied that he was unhurt, for now, but hac che master would cake over incerragation tonight when he rose and chen che monk would talk would he or no. ‘That the “blasphemer priest’ in question was Father ‘Bernard 18 not Youbt. I worried, how ever, that this master’ would recognize me. Indeed. if my assumption about che Semon looking chrough the eye inplanted in “Brocher Guy's neck was accurate. the demon would know’ upon arising chat night that Guy was dead. And s0 it was without hope that 1 followed the blind monk into the rrank depths of the monastery. Defiled Ground ‘Some ground ts holy ky nature. ‘Father Bernard told me once. “and some made holy by faith alone. The first és sacrosanct, and not Satan himself could despoil (e. “Bue ground consecrated ky man is frail in comparison, aid the servants of Lucifer can idee? befoul ie ‘These words rang in my head while the blind monk led me to Father Bernard's cell. The monk spoke licele, probably erying co feel his way along, anid T passed che cime ky remembering “Father “Bernards lessons on the havens chat demons ehoose for themselves. Those lessons may prove useful. and so T commit then 9 paper now. Demons chaose to Lair in strange places indeed. but Father Gornard believed that such hives could be vided tuto three cacegories: those designed by Sacan for chat purpose. places buile by man but Later inhabiced by demons, and beforled holy ground “Unholy Ground Satan. ever accempeing to copy Gov's good works. gifts his followers and children wich “conse crated places of their ows, Many such places are the sites of pagar worship, which only makes sense. Such sites are a beacon co chase wich unrighteous thoughts. and chis helps co expla many pagan villages in che Gricish Isles and in the “Polish ‘Principalicées have werewolves and acer Yemons lurking noarky. Doubtless they feed from che frightened populace. or present chen= selves as pagan gods as Dd che blood-besmeared demon Aoife chac “Brian encountered Recognizing such a place, unforcunately, és Nfficule, Faucher “Bernard mentioned hae some especially devout souls become dl in such arcas. but thes is by ne means universal or even reliable ‘Worse. some such places ese, rather chan menace, an od calming sensation. “Whether this is meant co lull Vieténs into a stupor s0 chat any demons in the area may feast or co mislead chose wha might search for a den of evil. T canoe say. Either or bach may apply: tideed. che canner’ shop T mentioned earlier seemed Co engender such feelings Satan's ground can often be found in the deep forests. bue ther, 99 cart many of his minions Signs of wolves nearly might indicate that such a locale és near. as might patches of upturned earth or cortain kinds af moss ant mushrooms. In particular. so-called “facrie rings” quite often point che way to such ocherworldly dagers. as do bobbing lights in forests “The danger here should be obvious, especially if the reader recalls what I have written already. As one ventures farther away from civilisation, the ‘Devils farces hold greacer sway. Traveling ‘nr groups is essential. as és carrying fire and stecl. Sometimes a place consecrated to Satan car be burned and thorely destrayed. sometimes nothing shore of a miracle will Yisladge the AdWersarys talons. Those who to Gad's work must be prepared co give af themselves. far sacrifice és often necessary to cleanse and make safe the worl Scolen Places The tanner's shop L had che misforeune co visic én Paris és a good example of the mext category Such places — shops, homes, even chapels wid monasteries (obviously) are not immure — were builtwith che best of iacentions. Ac some poine along che way. Satan's minions wormed their way in amd nested. Any residents of such places are pressed into service, driven off. or killed outright. Many demons can appear to be complecely human, and so the new dakabicants of suck a place go about thetr agenda (spreading Satan's gospel. though che details inevicably vary) with their neighbors none the “That. af course. is the most treacherous and insidious fact of such havens ~ co all appearances. hey are complecely normal. A chapel or ocher house of God chat falls wider che influence of the Adversary is, of course, more casily noticed. but this sort of blatant evil only cakes place én more remote locations (as witness, again. his monastery — at least a day's walk from any help). Even the more perceptive inquisitor cwmnot search every home. workshop. and cathedral. How. chen, co oot such worms out? Twould humbly suggest that those of us in cities make inquires of the strece urchins, as I myself once was. Grant them the sacrament of confession and perhaps a hot dinner, and lee chem hasow’ that you can be trusted. This requires patience — as Tve indicated. most men who make offerings to sereee children to so with less than Christian motives — but i time chey will see that you mean ns harm. And chen, ask chem for tnformacion. “No one notices urchins (indeed. chey strive not co be noticed) and often hear cbics of information chat not even che most careful inquisicor would. They often do nat krow what che rumors chey hear mean, but by paying chem far such informacion. a skilled iavestiqator can often decermine where 01 the city the Yemons are nesting, After that, &€ simply a matter of what kind of action one is prepared to take. A warning: The sacrament of confe of utmost importance when reeruiting help from the poor (or indecd. from anywhere). The demons of the city are nae above using such sourees of rumor and gossip far their own purposes. and ly trusting too muck, one might be mislead.or betrayed. Any dnformation gained during the sacrament of confession, however, ane may assume to be rue, as even the powers of some hellspawn to alter a man’s beliefs or choughes carmot hold agaist che strength of our sacred customs. “Blasphemous Infestations Infesting a small chapel or convent-house is one ching, bue defilong erue holy ground és some~ thing else entirely, Dodi 90 requires power that few of us are prepared €0 fight. and éideed. any once-holy place that has become a haven for demos must be reported co Rome at ovce How. the faichful reader mighe wander, is such Refilement even possible? Is Gov's blessing 0 easily sullied? {asked these questions of Facher ‘Bernard, and he responded wich the discinetion T have already made — places mare holy by God's design are indeed unassailable, Places made the faith af man, however, can indeed be corrupted “This Niseénction is subele ea the poine of being illogical eo many unlearned scholars. bue Father Bernard tells me that in che Holy Land. chere are sites considered sacred ky che Infidels which radiate much the same aura of light and grace that true. Chréstiwt holy grow does. The Muslin faith, being as (¢ is 4 perversion (or. at best. a misinterprecation) of Christianity. is evidencly not Leyoud God's merey — He seill allows their faich co infuse an area and procece i from demons But ie is exactly such places as these that Satan's minions ean befaul and corrupt How és chis Yone? T chank God that I noe forow Surely some blasphemous ritual must le required. involving, I would ques. che blood of iiiocone Christians. Perhaps in the manner of pagans of of, sonply the staugheer of animals will 0. T eannae say “What 129 know'ts that on holy growid emics a aura that vo one touche? ly God can igroregle g depsol fhe sh, and fills chose who ean hear wich righteousifurs the revelation of such vould likely inspire the “Tope Himself a take acton, as { iiss ch sandstone on f a place w t9 Go's Lam a ain running short of 7Interrogation “Does sin in the name of God reprieve the sin? T cannot know. Ido not Roube that I will Ne here in this monastery. without ever seeing the sun. sins heavy on my head. bound for Hell. Please. be mercifiul and allow me chis fase confession. all I know and have learned on paper, my crimes hore tn the absence ofthe priests ea Oh. God. T bey of You. bo nat farsake me. The blind monk and T reached a cell. Unlike che other cells T have described. which were enclosed only by Srapes and cloth, chis one was clearly desiqned for prisoners rather than prayer. The Seor was oak, and a stout crossbar locked it. T wondered what manner of ereature i was designed to hold to warrant such extreme security? “Whatever the true function of the cell. Father Berna sow 3 bnhabicane “The blind monk lifted che crossbar wich scrength that belied his frail body, and we encered. Father Gernard was slumped against che far wall. chained by the wrists. dts clothes were in catvers, and T could see blood eriekling from half a dozen small words. «He looked up at me, aid hés eyes widened. I shook my head and gestured to the blind monk, trying to indicate that Thad not becrayed him. To not chink, however. chat he uiderstood encirely, for he beqan ery calling me by name, and calling me a traitor. The Ulind monk asked me what I made of this. “With a choked voice, T answered that the young monk he had traveled wick had disappeared into the catacombs some hours befare. but 1d not know what became of him. The fiend chuckled. and said. “Worry not. then. of betrayal. Father Bernar® Your young bumn-bay is dead. A shadow would not be scealehy enough Co escape che master here” ue co me, As much asthe anferonee incensed me, T ws aladdoned chat the monk was x9 overconfident Obviously, che mascer was either noe as powerful as he made himself owe eo be, or God Xd indeed Wateh aver me. Father ‘Bernard. now seeming to wnerstand what Was happening, quieted. and the Uni’ mone seepped forward “Father “Bernard. we karow thae you are more chan a simple prtese. Tell us whae your crue smission is, please, before suidown “My mission és to serve God” Father Gernar?d had apparently answered this question before. Tf the master questions you, he will not leave Way are you here?” ou intact, baty ar soul. So, answer me Gnstea® TL eame here secking shelcer and Niscovered a hive of evil. Lam here now only as a prisoner. The blind man coughed as chough wishing co correct him. but said noching. From a cable én che corner af the raom. he picked up what laoked like a seaurge. but larger than Thad ever seen. tte raised «© up is front of “Pather “Bernar>. ae T could sce that che ends of tassels ciny shards of iron. L understood. chen, the origits of the wounds in my moncor’s flesh. Surely this looks familiar. Father? Shall we extract a confession. ‘Brocher Guy?” ‘He raised the evil device due before he seruek, T spoke Let me I said. The Wind monk eurncd co me and grinned. 1 was almost ill ac che sight. ‘His eeceh — what few’ he had — wore blackened and raceing. dle held aut the whip for me, anid I cook é The handle fele moisc from his hand. and T could see bits of flesh and smears af blood om che end of the weapon. I looked at Father “Bernard and nodded. and chen struck — but hit only the stone wall rest €9 hi He cried out quice convincingly. and che blind monk asked agatn afer his purpases. Father Bernard refused Co answer, of course, 30 T struck again This continued for several moments, but Father ‘Bernard and I were doubtless thinking the same thing. If na tafarmation was fartheosning, che monk would either change the mochad of torture (and indeed. T saw other devices on that tuble. devices of steel and wood chat I could not ieneéfy) or the sion would set and the master” would cake over. Finally, as T raised the whip for anther stroke. T ordered Father ‘Bernar® to confess. that T mighe put his words co paper and che torment ingle ond. Laced with