This third report on the terrors of the Gatekeeper’s loyal servant, Carzon Sazdar, is a mixed story of death, demons, betrayal, and hope. On the evening of the 30th day of Petalsong, the growing sounds of combat sounded from the woods in the center of Elmerton. At the forefront was a man in a horned mask that many recognized as Lodi – a person who had helped rebuild parts of Gindinmere and provide aid to many who had suffered at the hands of the Gatekeeper. A man who, up until mere hours before, had been considered an ally by the adventurers of Elmerton. As his mask was lifted to reveal a wicked grin and mocking speech, it only served to confirm the suspicions that Carzon and Lodi were one and the same.
Carrying a coffin-shaped shield with a blood red glow, Carzon directed his troops and demonic allies to attack the town while he began to rip open a dimensional scar that crossed the town which had just started to heal. The heroes of Elmerton resisted with sword and spell, but every time a large number of Carzon’s warriors were slain, he recalled them from the Gatekeeper, suspending their promised one true death in the name of necessity. In return, Carzon lashed out with his own power, killing many who opposed him directly. As for the demons, they continued to slip through the gap between dimensions almost as fast as they were destroyed.
Seemingly aware of the conflict, the Incarnation of Death himself established a space in the town to judge the recently departed. At times, he was accompanied by some sort of assistant that I could not identify. A great many spirits visited him during the night, some multiple times. Each spirit had a hushed discussion that I could not make out, and Vorkarian consulted his dice. More often than not, they were permitted to return, and most moved to continue the fight against the agent of the Gatekeeper.
After several hours of hearing the clash of metal and seeing the flash of spells, a cry went out for Elmerton to disengage – that someone had done what they needed to do. Caught between wanting to investigate and wanting to live, I slowly moved towards where the noise had been the loudest, near the shrine to the Incarnation of Nature. At the distant sight of Carzon’s glowing shield, I froze and strained to hear what was being said. The voice of a single man spoke against the group that was led by Carzon, and though I could not hear clearly, I could tell that the tone was defiant. There was a surge of the sounds of combat, which then quieted as quickly as it began. The same single voice, now mocking, still spoke. Carzon replied, sounding frustrated or tired. After a short time, I no longer saw the trees lit by a reddish light. The night was still. Carzon was gone.
On Fortuneday, Elmerton celebrated their victory with music, games, and food near where Carzon was stopped. I believe that this is the first record of defeat for Carzon Sazdar and The Gatekeeper. I pray to the Incarnations, and especially to Vorkarian, that it is not the last.
R.S.
