*the writing is neat, with a well-practiced hand*

I pen these notes that my life may be remembered. I am comforted to know that though my brothers and I may be slaughtered, our stories and memories cannot be destroyed by any blade.

My name is Thelonious. I grew up in a Monastery dedicated to the Broken God Ilmater. It was a peaceful place, surrounded by farms and small villages, under the protection of some aged knight, Lord Kent? I'm not sure if that was his real name or his title. He would meet with the elder monks about once a season to discuss various matters.

We thought we were safe there, but we were so very wrong.

I suppose that's how they work. No one really expects the Drow to pop out of one of their many tunnels. In fact, my only knowledge of them came from the many hours I spent in the library, neglecting my proper studies and instead reading the memoirs of past adventurers.

It was all over within minutes.

I had believed that I wasn't present for the attack. Somehow I managed to hide from the invaders, or I was outside at the time. By chance, I happened upon the Drow just as they slaughtered the last of my brothers. Foolishly, I followed them into the darkness only to realize that I was unprepared and powerless to do anything were I to catch up with them. A cave-in blocked the way behind me and I thought I would never see the sun or another living soul again.

It is when we are left with nothing that we realize we have something. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized that the glow of the fungus was enough to navigate through the darkness. A strange breeze carried with it the scent of smoke. By following the scent to its source, I happened upon a camp with a strange dwarf, who directed me to a city of slaves called Sanctuary.

In this slave city, I found a new temple being built. I talked to one of the ladies there, and the way she spoke reverberated in my soul. She has opened my eyes and helped me to realize and accept the truth. She has also told of a Way that can free us from this place. Now, I must open the eyes of all who seek truth, until I have atoned and can follow the Way myself.

Despite being Hell, there is a certain logic to this place. There are rules here, as there were in life. One cannot travel as freely as one might expect a spirit to do. I cannot blink in and out of existence. I have tried to go without food and drink, but I find it made me feel extremely weak. I tried to engorge myself on food and water, but I felt sick and bloated. I tried to go without rest, but it left me with cloudiness of mind. I tried to rest eternally as the dead should, but I had a terrible feeling that by not participating in this world, I was wasting the talents I was given. It seems that by eating and resting regularly but not to excess, we symbolize the proper care and feeding of our souls, which allow us to protect ourselves from any dangers we may face.

Indeed, we are surrounded by danger. As I explore this place, I only find more and more evidence to support the Truth. The city of Sanctuary is surrounded by monsters of every sort. The many devils and demons that inhabit this plane send their minions at us in many forms, and even inside the city gates is not always safe. I see people of many races co-existing somewhat peacefully: elves, orcs, dwarves, halflings, humans, and gnomes, and even the occasional goblin or kobold ventures out into the open. We are all in this Hell together, as it were, and thus we must co-operate if we are to protect ourselves from those who would corrupt our souls and drag us into the depths forever.

Reaction is mixed towards my Temple. There are many misunderstandings. Despite it being called a "Temple" we do not worship a particular God nor any sort of idol. In fact, it seems that all faiths are welcome. The Temple is a place of knowledge and is open to all who seek meaning to their existence. Many people I have met are quite open to discussion, and I take great pleasure in that. The red robe and skull may seem frightening at first, but they serve as reminders of our true existence here. Without them, we may become enthralled in the illusion and choose a path that leads deeper into the Hells. I have been threatened and insulted by those who have difficulty accepting the Truth. Truly this is a sign from Ilmater that my path is right. He is with me as I suffer to enlighten others.

One asked me how it was possible that priests could receive the blessings of their Gods in this place. There are many reasons for this. Death is quite shocking to most, and to find ourselves in this place rather than in the arms of our favoured God, we may be confused as to what we have done to deny us such. Perhaps our Gods consider us not worthy to meet them yet. The Gods have shown us another plan for our souls, and this is a place where we may continue their work, despite having lost our actual lives.

Once the Temple is complete, I hope we will help to bring peace to Lower Sanctuary. Our message is one of understanding, acceptance and hope. Woe be to those who seek to rob the people of hope, for those without hope resign themselves to their fate and may act out of fear or panic.

An angry man approached me yesterday. He told me of how a woman wearing our Temple uniform beat him and robbed him of his purse. Sadly, I have been busy these past few days and not yet had a chance to meet many of our new believers.

I told him about a woman I met who also appeared to wear the uniform of the temple, but was not a member. As I recall, she said she purchased the clothing from a travelling merchant many months ago. I told the man that when we ascend, we cast off our excess belongings and the things that bind us to this place. Normally, these remains are gathered and stored in the temple, but sometimes scavengers collect our remains before our members reach them and corrupt them for their own purposes.

I managed to appease the man with my explanation, but I will have to investigate this disturbing matter further. Perhaps our members are being replaced by demons in disguise, or someone is creating false uniforms? If I see that woman again, I will have to inspect her clothing, and if she is not a believer, either convert her or reclaim the lost uniform.

Despite my efforts, my Temple's reputation does not seem to be improving. I have made a few friends by proving myself as a reliable soldier, but there are still many others who cannot see the good work that we do. Even of those who do respect me, I do not think any of them understand the truth as I have. I am not one to convert others by force. Perhaps I need to find other ways to appeal to people.

The other day, Miss Elizabeth informed me that Miss Friday had fallen in battle. I and three others joined her to attempt a rescue, and though we were successful in eliminating the creatures that supposedly struck her party down, it seems someone else had already rescued them. I remember Miss Friday and I used to talk often while she stood guard in the streets, and I have not had the chance to chat with her recently. I understand she has been quite busy eliminating the troublemakers in Lower, at great risk to herself.

Today, I thought I had an opportunity to work with her again. She advocated a Lower where the different groups worked together for the common goal of caring for the people, without bickering over whose God was involved or what organization was in charge. It is this bickering that prevents unity and enables the devils to corrupt people. We see this corruption in the collapse of the council and the chaos in Upper. What did she mention? Food, shelter, protection and industry? I realized I had this goal in mind when I offered my services to the Beacon.

I met with a man whom I think was in charge of the Beacon. I have often brought food for the stew pot, I worked well with many of the staff, and I thought we could work together. It seemed logical to me -- wasn't the Beacon dedicated to helping the people? Instead, the man let his denial and his anger control him and he refused my aid. It seems he would rather see people suffer than let outsiders help, and it is this narrow-mindedness that prevents us from improving conditions around here. I will continue to use my skills to aid the people, despite his concerns. He is only one man, and there are so many I can help.

He did mention members of my Temple being found dead of their own blades. I'm not sure if that was a threat. I will have to ask Sister Theresa about it.

I think Miss Friday has the right idea. We must find a way to work together. If the devils invade in force while the people are distracted with politics and infighting, it will be a terrible tragedy. Perhaps they are already invading.

May Ilmater grant my soul the strength to endure this Hell until I find the way to him.

Yesterday, I took a small but trustworthy party far out of the city. It was much further than I have ever been from Sanctuary and the Temple, and I often felt that perhaps we had stepped too far.

Still, the experience was quite exhilarating, and for a moment, I felt what the Seekers must feel when they go on one of their expeditions.

I did have a chance encounter with another human traveler, but she didn't appear to be from Sanctuary. In fact, she had never heard of the place. Though I do not trust her, she might be a useful ally. I will have to think carefully, as I may only have one opportunity, and I must choose the most effective use for it. I wonder what the price to my soul will be?

It seems I have made a new ally. I joined a party that was exploring an ancient temple in the ruins. The woman who lead the party was impressed by the strength of my soul and my prowess in combat against the devil minions. When we returned to town, we had a long discussion about my Temple and beliefs. It seems she was impressed by the logic of the truth I showed her and might be interested in more.

Some more questions came up about the Temple. The large carved rock in the Temple is an object of some curiosity. It is a meditative focus. It is often helpful to have something large and natural to help calm the mind when meditating. Personally, I would have liked a tree or a waterfall, but I suppose the rock was much easier to find and bring to the Temple.

I have also thought about the exact moment when I passed from life into death. The drow are ruthless, and yet graceful killers. They are elves after all. I never saw the one that got me. I suppose he was some sort of assassin, adept at hiding from sight. But I know that at the instant my spirit was severed from my body, it created the grand illusion of not having been inside the Temple at all. Clearly, I was in deep denial. Then out of vengeance, my spirit chose to follow the war party into the dark depths of Hell, to wander aimlessly until I found this place, this Sanctuary and the Temple.

Inside, the Temple has opened my eyes. The Temple is a sanctuary within Sanctuary. This is a place where the unworthy spirits gather. Slowly, their eyes are opened and they can pursue the path to paradise as their gods wish, but the process is long and difficult, and often the devils are able to strike at us and corrupt us. Already the devils have shown their influence in the corrupted councillors, Bhast and Highill. Many others may be corrupted but have yet to reveal themselves, perhaps once they have inflitrated to the highest ranks in their organizations they will make themselves known. Even now, perhaps more of their progeny are about to be elevated to the new council. We must be vigilant and watchful, and ready to defend ourselves against their corruption. Through enlightenment, we give people the tools to recognize the illusion and defend themselves.

Blast! It is difficult to think with all the construction going on. I hope the Temple will be completed soon.

I read the book the dwarven Loremaster wrote. Though his fingers may have been too stubby to keep up with our conversation, he did write most of what I told him correctly. Perhaps I shall write some errata for his second edition.

Thank you Ilmater. I have endured and you have rewarded me with powerful allies. I will walk this path you have shown me with a renewed vigor.

I have been away too long. Much has changed.

I have realized that the path of Saint Bresley is not walked by removing oneself from this world. No, we must interact with our surroundings. By interacting with others, we may also be able to expose the corruption that infects the souls of those around us.

It seems many of my former friends have either ascended to paradise or fallen to the depths already. Linus the dwarf, the Chameleon, the Blade Tribe. At least the Nancies seem to be gone. I hope that my words reached them while they were here and they managed to hear the call.

On the plus side, I have met one of my brothers in faith, Brother Ashard, and also a fellow Ilmateri, Brother Pathric. I may also have some contacts among the Mycopolans. Even in Hell, there seems to be a place for nature.

Also, it seems the devils are still up to their old tricks. We must remain vigilant.

Saint Frederick Bresley was like you once. On coming here, He yearned to explore this world and return to the surface He once knew. To this end, He founded the Seekers. But in the years since, no one has ever found the way to the surface. In fact, no one who has supposedly found it has returned to prove it even exists!

Through the Seekers, Saint Frederick Bresley discovered that the world outside the walls of Sanctuary was extremely dangerous. He discovered that various minions of the devils who rule the Hells actively recruit soldiers into the Blood Wars whenever they could, and the lure of the surface is one of their best tools.

Through meditation and faithful prayer, the Gods revealed the truth to Him, that He was actually dead and the only way to escape was to remain here and discover His new purpose. To discover the reason He was sent here to Hell rather than to the Fugue plane and then to the Heaven where his soul belonged when He died.

He realized His purpose was to form the Temple of the Red Skull, who would spread His most holy message and reveal His truth to all the lost souls who arrive here. Then, His mission complete, He ascended to the Heavens and escaped from Hell.

When he ascended, he left behind the things that bound him to the illusion. His most holy remains are kept in the Temple of the Red Skull, and His blessing--the acceptance of the truth and the rejection of the illusion--wards us against the devils.

Many other Saints of the Red Skull Temple have followed His way. They accepted the truth, rejected the illusion, discovered their new missions, and on completing them, ascended to the Heavens just as He did. Their remains are gathered in the Temple to remind us of what is possible for each and every soul whose eyes have opened to the truth.

Occasionally, members of the Red Skull Temple who have not yet ascended, blessed with the holy red light of Saint Frederick Bresley, venture out to do battle with the minions of the devils who encroach on our Sanctuary. They fight to prove the strength of their souls, and to save the others who are easily swayed by the illusion and the desire to leave Sanctuary to find the surface.

Reject the surface! The desire for this false surface is a ruse set by the Devils to lure you to the depths of Hell, from which there is no escape! Understand that you are dead, and the world of the living is lost to us all. You must accept the truth and move on if you ever wish to find peace.

The only peace to be had is under the shield of the Red Skull Temple, blessed by Saint Frederick Bresley and the true Way--the Way to Heaven!

Come to the Temple of the Red skull, by dying you have already become a member!

Praise Saint Bresley and his Ascension to Heaven.

Things are rapidly improving, but there is still much work to be done. When I calm my soul, I can hear the faint angelic choir of voices under the Temple. Clearly this is a sign that we are on the right path.

Strange though, I do not understand the purpose for putting it there. A recent change in the plans? The designers are inspired by the spirit of Saint Bresley and make changes regularly. Perhaps they could change the design of the back door, it has been broken into far too often.

Thankfully, the labourers have freed themselves of greed and material desire. I shudder to imagine how expensive construction would be had we hired outsiders to do it. Another benefit is the laborers do not use corrupted tools or bricks to build with. The ward against corruption must be maintained. Perhaps after construction is complete, the workers could be put to use inspecting other buildings for corrupted workmanship.

On material desire, I have been questioned on our views. Some have attempted to twist our freedom from desire as an excuse to cheat us out of a fair payment for work. This is a sign of their own greed and corruption. If all were enlightened as we are, then there would be no squabbling over payments and all would volunteer their talents freely. Since we are forced to deal with the unenlightened, we do collect trinkets and gold coins for those who refuse to trade in anything else. We shall pray for their souls and to unchain them from greed. I understand the druids have similar problems.

That back door. I do not know why someone would want to break in. Perhaps they expect to find some sort of devil and unholy ritual trappings? Whoever it is might get better results from breaking into the Council, Watch, Spellguard or Seeker files. Unlike them, we have nothing to hide but unfinished construction and remnants from the previous occupants. Soon, we shall be rid of all the Tigereye filth.

Norrin's soup is quite delicious. We have delivered many bowlfuls to the poor and hungry in the streets. I tried to deliver some to Upper, but had fruit thrown at me instead. Strange that they have so much food that they allow devils to corrupt their fruit to be used in such a way. Still, I shall endure it. As Ilmater teaches, stick to the cause if it right, no matter the pain or peril. The sheer amount of suffering I have endured is clearly a sign that the cause is right.

A new cult has arrived in Lower. They call themselves the Cult of Ascension and have corrupted Saint Bresley's Way. Perhaps we can work together when they realize that Heaven and eternal bliss (or strife, if that is their idea of Heaven too) is what they seek, but right now they are going the wrong way about it by leading people into the devils' traps outside the sanctuary of the Temple. In one hundred fifty years, how many have they lead to their doom? Hundreds? Thousands? The armies of the devils and demons swell thanks to them. Meanwhile, how many have ascended to Heaven following Bresley's true way? Note: take a quick count of how many later. No doubt some of the remains have been stolen for some corrupt purpose. Thankfully once we free ourselves of this place, we are untouchable.

Also, they claim to be open to all, but they lie. I have heard witnesses speak of them rejecting goblins and kobolds. If such creatures are enlightened enough to realize the Illusion, then they too may seek the way and freedom from this harsh existence. With the Red Skull Temple, all are truly welcome.

Some people go so far as to dispute the Ascension itself, or try to find fault in the fact that Saint Bresley chose a Red Skull as the symbol for The Way. I suppose that at the time it made sense. I suppose that 150 years from now, the Cult of the Ascension will still have failed to find their surface, but have successfully recruited tens of thousands of people into the armies of the demons and devils. Meanwhile, the enlightened who have realized that this is Hell will find contentment in the arms of their Gods.

The formians came and went. We worked hard to encourage people to take shelter in the Temple, and by Saint Bresley's blessing, we were unharmed. The few who were left outside had little chance. Their souls were claimed by the devils and their empty husks were left in the streets. Someone suggested bringing the bodies to the Temple of Hoar. I vaguely remember who, but I do not recall the names. Perhaps I would recognize them if I saw them again.

I have heard a way to the supposed surface has been offered. No doubt it is a trap to claim more souls for the Blood Wars. We must warn people not to fall for this trap.

The other day, the Temple came under assault. I heard the breaking of glass against the door, and when I came out to investigate, I saw the woman Vahl and the elf who threw fruit at me earlier when I was delivering soup to the hungry of Upper.

They rejected my invitation to come inside and have some soup. Instead, the elf threw more rotted fruit, striking one of the beggars who often receives soup from the Temple. It is bad enough that the poor and hungry are forced to live on the streets, but to mock them by throwing food at them as well? This elf is clearly a degenerate, who mocks the plight of the weak.

Vahl conjured up flames and immolated herself in front of the building. The poor beggar was also caught in the blast.

It is a shame. Vahl was driven mad by the illusion. Had she come to the Temple, we might have helped her. Restored her mind. Instead the illusion consumed her and now she suffers eternally in Hell.

Hopefully the workers can rebuild the door.

Not long after, Veilguard Dusk of the Mausoleum came to speak with me. She mentioned a new threat, about how a cult of The Void seems to have sprung up below the Temple of Hoar and desires to assault the city with a horde of undead. These cultists' desires seem to run contrary to the Way of Saint Bresley. We must help others to ascend and leave this cursed place, as there will never be an end to new threats.

Sister Glora has ascended, what wonderful news. She shall be remembered as Saint Glora, for she has truly understood the truth and ascended, bathed in holy light and accompanied by a choir of angels.

Someone claimed she was poisoned and then murdered. How silly! How can you murder what is already dead? No, there are only two ways to leave this existence: either by realizing the truth and ascending to Heaven by following Saint Bresley's example, or succumbing to the illusion and descending to the Depths.

Again, someone mentions poison. Ridiculous. The many beggars and visitors who enjoy our soup know it is not poison. What is poisoning the people is this silly belief that the surface lies out there, beyond the gates. Perhaps by becoming slaves of the Drow or puppets of the Illithids or Beholders, these fools think that they shall be free. Free of their duties handed down by the Gods. Cowards.

Saint Glora, would that you had left behind some sort of journal. I suppose it shall be up to the rest of us to tell your story, of how you died and came here, discovered your true mission, rejected the illusion, and then ascended to the Heavens in a glorious ceremony witnessed by your adopted family and friends of the Temple.

There have been many strange goings on lately. First there was the cult of the Ascension, who corrupted Saint Bresley's Way into luring souls to their doom outside the gates. They wish that the Way will simply come to them, while they sit idle, committing the sin of slothfulness, and hoarding possessions, committing the sin of avarice. I heard one of them speak -- they would have their new members abandon their possessions so that they would be unable to defend themselves against the devil-minions that would take them. Ridiculous. When will they realize that the Way they seek is right here, in the Temple?

Then there was that strange poet. There is something odd about her. Sister Esmeralda is right, most people are too smart to fall for such a ploy. Still, it may be a good idea to try to divine the name of the Devil-Lord. Perhaps once they realize the threat is real, they will turn to the Way.

Then an Ordinant murdered Sister Theresa. Sister Theresa was a sweet, innocent girl who abhorred violence, and there is no reason anyone should have raised an arm against her. Was the Ordinant acting under orders, or did a devil take her mind, like that other one who was stoned? Perhaps they should turn their instruments on themselves before they start accusing anyone of anything.

And finally, I have met a few halflings who wear red-painted skull masks. The mask looks nothing like our own, though it does take a trained eye to notice the difference. Their masks do not smile, and they have some magical ability to generate some sort of energy field. Perhaps they seek to damage the Temple's reputation? It would be a shame if they do. Still, I must be patient and see what happens.

Another ascension! This time the entire Jelkrys family and their pet pig. How wonderful. Whether they arrived here together or seperately, they left together, and so they can spend eternity together in Celestia as their reward.

There were a few dissenters in the crowd that gathered, though many more stayed. Those few dissenters create a lot of noise, but it was expected. To completely reject the illusion and ascend, we must be prepared to leave behind everything that binds us here. To those who love the illusion, it must seem strange and frightening. This is why we study the Way. To prepare ourselves and make the transition easier.

That must be what the substance in the chalices must be. Something that awakens and purifies the soul, like how an antimonial potion causes vomiting. And so, we purge ourselves of sin, to make our souls lighter than air. I suppose that for one without sin, the process might be more pleasant, and for one whose soul carries much sin, it must be very painful.

They drank from the chalice, to purge themselves of sin. They writhed in pain, but they were brave and they endured. We have all had to suffer from sin here.

Soon it was over. They were bathed in a holy white light and so they ascended to Celestia. They spoke of how beautiful it was. They received their rewards, to follow the path of the ascended before us. The path of First Skull Saint Bresley and the others.

One man was so confused that he lashed out with his fists against a door and spoke out of madness. He does not understand.

And another, a Seeker, demanded that we drink from the chalice and attempt to ascend immediately. No, out of greed or envy perhaps they would desire to ascend before their time. To demand the rewards without performing the work to deserve them. This would subvert the will of the gods. It would be wrong.

In time they will come around, we must be patient and pray for them to turn to the Way.

The devilish Seekers and Ascensionists have acted. I prayed that this day would never come, but it has and so we must respond. But why? Could we not all get along? Why must they always instigate? We bring soup, and they throw fruit. We try to teach the truth, they spread lies. People ascend to the heavens bathed in holy light, they make claims of poison and murder and assault our peaceful brethren.

Why do they continue to insult me? I am weary. Still, Ilmater commands: stick to the cause as long as it is right. He is here with me as I suffer. Help all who hurt. They lash out because they are afraid. I must pray for them. Few understand the suffering of the Ilmateri, many think that just tending to the sick and wounded is enough. No, I have truly suffered for his cause, yes, it is so clear. In my short life, I have never experienced true suffering, and so in Hell I must experience that which was denied to me in life. Even the killing stroke of the Drow's blades was merciful, for I experienced no pain.

I imagine this must have been what Saint Bresley experienced. On one of his last expeditions, he must have discovered something that revealed the truth to him, beyond any doubt. And then when he tried to tell the other Seekers, they rejected him. They betrayed him and doomed themselves and their followers to search for eternity... while we will continue to ascend, to look back and feel such pity for those who remain. It gives me such grief to see them left below, where they shall experience only weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Would that Saint Bresley could return? His betrayer Ivlysar is long gone.

No... he has set his example, and it is our duty to follow him.

It is trivially easy to accept this world as it is. To accept and embrace the illusion as fact, to grow fat on the lies it feeds us, like cattle until it is time for the slaughter. We choose to reject these lies, and work towards ascension, because it is the difficult path, and it is the one Saint Bresley has shown us.

I believe this may be my final journal entry.

The time of Ascension nears, and so it is time for all of us to finally escape from this prison of Hell. The Seekers have struck again. I now see why Saint Bresley was forced to ascend, rather than remain behind and guide others as long as he could. He knew that the Seekers' assaults would only become more brazen, and the risk of being dragged to the depths by their short-sightedness was too great.

How far they have strayed! Rather than seek the surface they love so much, they choose to spy on, infiltrate, or assassinate their opponents. They mock Saint Bresley. They do not seek the Way at all--why should they? They enjoy being here too much. The illusion that binds them. Their corruption is clear.

During my journey, I have delivered bowls of soup to the hungry. The Seekers and Ascensionists mocked me and threw fruit as I tried to help others. Even the druids have handed out more bowls of soup than the Asensionists and the Seekers. I have helped all who hurt, no matter who they were. I have stuck by the cause, for it is right, and Ilmater is with me as I suffer. And now, the Gods shall deliver the worthy to paradise.

The Ascension... Ilmater, I am coming soon.