"Study of the Restless Dead" by Marianne Sondheim

[BahamutZ3RO]

Study of the Restless Dead
By order of the Ministry of the Arcane
In duty to his Glory, Kingfuhrer Vlad Drakov
Marianne Sondheim

Preface:
This paper is a study of a most insidious, unyielding threat which have continually plagued the Kingfuhrer's borders - the restless dead. There are three purposes to this study; to identify the types of undead which might threaten the Fatherland, to gauge and record their strengths and weaknesses, and to recommend the most efficient methods of destroying them. This will be accomplished through the documentation, examination and thorough study of said creatures, both animated and subdued, in whatever environments they prefer to inhabit.

Day 1: Arrival in Vallaki, Barovia
The journey and my arrival went without incident. I have arranged for a stay of an unspecified time at the local Wirtshaus - a building aptly named "The Lady's Resting Place" - and after storing my luggage in my room and preparing my travel-kit I stepped outside to survey the land and determine my first steps. It is a miracle to me that these lands have not already been ground to dust beneath the Kingfuhrer's boot. It is utter chaos and disorder. Men and women fraternize freely with lesser races here. I was shocked to see an Ezra-knecht speaking with two of the female zwerge in the open, as if they were equals. Does he really believe they have souls to save? Questioning of the Ezra-knecht has revealed to me three primary locations of study - the crypts beneath a local church and two ruined locations south of Vallaki proper.

The Ezra-knecht offered to show me into the church crypts and given that I have arrived unescorted, I accepted. This is how I came to meet with my first of Barovia's undead. The restless dead seem to be contained to the crypts beneath the local "church" - a place of worship dedicated to Barovia's Morninglord. For whatever reason, they are unable to pass through the barrier door into the church itself - does this backwater religion actually hold some sway over the undead?

See attached notes:

Wiederbeseelte Leiche ("Zombie")

Knochengerüst ("Skeleton")

Aaskäfer ("Corpse Beetle")

[BahamutZ3RO]

Wiederbeseelte Leiche ("Zombie")

The Wiederbeseelte Leiche or zombie is one of the most common types of Undead seen in Barovia. This may be due to the ready supply of fresh bodies and the relatively mundane nature of their existence. Whatever magicks are used to animate these creatures is comparatively simplistic. These creatures are unthinking, unfeeling machines which seem to be driven to feed upon the living. Interesting note: The zombie has the ability to differentiate between living and deceased flesh. Raw meat has proven ineffective for bait in traps.

I may have found exceptions to the rule of their intelligence. Some of the zombies have learned to use their slow movements to set primitive traps, pouncing upon their prey from the darkness or from around corners. Some are also capable of effectively wielding bladed weapons. Is this a sign of memories from their past life, or have they somehow been taught this behaviour?

The rotting flesh that yet clings to the creature is an effective enough defense against physical attacks. It may take many more blows than a living subject to fell the creature. As with all other Undead, Divine magicks have a devastating effect upon the zombie. Fire and Magic Missiles have also proven to be an effective tool against them.

A handful of these creatures have proven even hardier than the others. They are easily recognizable by their glowing red eyes and the ability to shrug off most physical attacks. Minor enchantments have proven enough to defeat whatever protections ward these creatures, though this does little to speed the process of felling one.

[BahamutZ3RO]

Day 118: In the Field, Vallaki

I have spent a great deal of time observing the restless dead. It is one thing to hear stories and read reports. It is another thing entirely to witness and understand. There is no true end to them. To fight the undead is as futile as fighting death itself for they cannot be defeated. They are relentless. They continue to throw themselves against the swords and shields of men until the strength of those men falter.

Unlike men, they feel no terror, no remorse. Their spirits are not broken when their comrades are cut down. And... every man that falls adds to their number.

An endless army... a flood.

[BahamutZ3RO]

Day 127: Port-a-Lucine, Dementlieu

So much has happened since my last entry. I have taken to the road to further my studies. The shambling undead of Vallaki are simple things. Though there is still some mystery to them, they do not hold the answers I seek.

I was told of a class in Port-a-Lucine, a gathering of like-minded individuals. The seminar revolved around ghosts, something that I have little personal experience with as of yet. We covered a number of subjects that I was unfamiliar with and I was even called upon to brief the other classmates on the creature known as the 'Phantom Lover'. It was a most informative class, in more ways than one.

While I was waiting for the class to begin, I was approached by a Dementlieuese man. He seemed intent on me, and he was, though I misunderstood his intentions. When his words of flattery were unable to lead me away from the university he revealed himself to me as a vampire and overpowered me. I managed to interrupt his feeding with a cantrip, though he was just as likely finished with me anyways. This was my first encounter with Herr Le Jeune, but it was not to be the last.

He has since approached me, asking my forgiveness and seeking to make amends for his actions. I have put forth my terms, and though I have no way of assuring his cooperation I find myself eager to see him again. Should he agree, his knowledge could be of great use.

I have also made an acquaintence in Herr Quinn, a rather educated individual in his own right. I find our conversations to be very stimulating and I believe he has a great deal of knowledge in matters of interest. The difficulty is in getting him to speak. My zweifalk crest has proven to be intimidating to many people outside of Falkovnia and this mousy student is no exception. He has opened up since our initial meeting, though, and even gifted to me some books full of very useful information.