White Mantle Records are books recording Confessor Caudecus's journey through Janthir.
Locations[edit]
- Janthir
- White Mantle Records in The Wrinkled Wetlands
Travel Journal, Page One
I had no predictions or expectations for Janthir beyond legend and Saul's writings, but the storms are ferocious and the climate is unforgiving. It makes me yearn for a mighty fire in the manor as plates of meat are carried to me on shimmering trays... Fantasies, of course, but I must allow myself to dream something sweet, should indulgence escape my new lifestyle. What a shame that would be.
I'm not sure what Saul found in Janthir, but the Unseen Ones spoke to him here. The real golden ones and not some graven images that spill falsehoods... Saul wrote of treasures, magic, and weapons. Places only seen by those lucky enough to be chosen by our true gods. If I follow his path, then perhaps whatever we find here is the advantage I am owed. The queen's face, laced with guilt as she hands me her crown, is my guiding star.
My company is meager—ten soldiers and Valette. The latter, unfortunately, is displeased with the weather. Her expectations of enlightenment are romantic. Which is fine; keeping her passionate and motivated must remain a priority in my planning, but the others look at her with judgment. That does not help.
I am pleased that my followers came when called. Ulrich tells me that Xera is tightening her loyalty while I "hide in shadow," but nobody will take my status. Those here with me in Janthir see that truth. Hopefully our discoveries will be fruitful in affirming my place on the golden path as confessor. And with my enemies dead.
- White Mantle Records in The Twin's Table
Travel Journal, Page Two
We've reached the remnants of something curious—a cathedral of blood! Ruins, laced with White Mantle iconography. Tucked away in the forest and shielded by storm like a reverent whisper... Saul most certainly was here, and whatever this place once was, his reach was powerful. This mission was set by something greater than me. I was meant to walk this land.
While we set up camp, I'm sending Ulrich into the ruins to search for anything he can find. Anything that tells us what happened here.
It seems my labors bear more fruit. Ulrich returned to my tent with a locked chest—worn from decades of solitude but sealed shut to protect whatever sat inside. I had him crack the latch, revealing the time-locked contents. "Excitement" isn't the right word. "Validation" might be. Town ordinances, letters, receipts, health records... These ruins were a village. A village that was turned into a haven of radical thought. And it was led by Saul's chosen. They called it Gavril, and it meant nothing before Saul filled it with his people.
- White Mantle Records in the Festering Basin
Travel Journal, Page Three
I've started piecing together a decent history of this Gavril. Before Saul's arrival, Gavril was just a settlement of poor bastards who were pushed to the edge of society. Former criminals that couldn't survive in Ascalon, they took their families elsewhere and built a new home for themselves as far as they could walk. At least they knew their value, cast aside with the rest of our debris... But I do feel pity for them. Surely the common citizens of Divinity's Reach will meet a similar fate if Jennah continues to live a
life of naivety. This is why I must correct her—all of them.
Gavril's inhabitants were blessed by Saul. Goodness knows they'd probably rot without him in such an unforgiving land. I have deciphered that when Saul was pulled back to his divine operation, he left some of his most devout in charge. I can't imagine how blessed they felt. The village blossomed in ways it wouldn't otherwise. And the cost to them... Well, I applaud
the creativity. Blood in exchange for eternal light is a modest offering.
I'm still unsure of what Saul discovered here, but pages continue to turn. There is one feeling that I can't shake, and it's that Gavril and Saul's history is fated to be a parallel to myself and Kryta. This is a message from the highest order.
- White Mantle Records on the steps of Rhea's Perch
Travel Journal, Page Four
I've discovered jewels in the garbage. The writings of the[sic] Saul himself... He sought and found a city with golden walls. He met the Unseen Ones there, and they opened their gates and let him inside. They gifted him with sight. Bava Nisos. That is what he found in Janthir. That is where the path was lit. I must find it. I must drench myself in it. It was meant for me.
- White Mantle Records on the bed of Nivermir Rill
Travel Journal, Page Five
Bava Nisos eludes us so completely, and my weaker half wants to doubt its existence. But doubt is failure. I've sent my entourage along the path Saul described numerous times to no avail, but they continue to march.
Last trip, I sent the cook with them—the urchin that calls himself Judge. Upon the party's return a few days later, the boy described a debilitating headache that struck midway through their crossing to the next isle. Only he was afflicted, but the headache grew worse the further they rowed. Tatyanna turned them around when his nose started bleeding. This must be a test of some sort. A puzzle for me to unravel...
- White Mantle Records in the northeast Sulfurous Springs
Travel Journal, Page Six
A messenger arrived from the city—I worried that with Xera's passing, her followers would not bow to me... But the rest of the White Mantle still yearns for my voice like a storm yearns to tear the earth asunder. They need me in Lake Doric. Another destined path lit beneath my feet.
My mission in Janthir is not done. Until Bava Nisos is found, the search must continue. I will be leaving Ulrich and a few of my most devout behind to fulfil this need. My face, however, needs to be seen.
- White Mantle Records in the southwest Sulfurous Springs
Ulrich's Journal
The confessor left last week. Took everyone with him except a few of us. Tatyanna would cut her own arm off and eat it if made him happy, so she's elated to see Caudecus's mission in Janthir to the end. Left Judge with us, too, but I'm worried he did that because the kid's a crappy cook. Too scared to kill a rabbit, so I guess we're eating potatoes until I can get out and hunt for us myself. They didn't leave us with much, but we wouldn't be on this path if it wasn't the right one.
Caudecus wants us to keep looking for the city, but we can't cross to the other isles without a headache or nosebleed. We're also dealing with some unwanted guests; didn't realize there were kodan in these parts. We've managed to stay out of sight, at least. Looks like some type of hunting party, so I'm not too worried about it, but we'll stay out of their way. Judge saw them row inland. Probably live somewhere on the mainland. Gonna lay low until they leave. We'll make our next arrangements after and see if we can get around whatever curse is keeping us from moving further in.
Janthir Side Stories: A History Most Violent: Part 2 — Track down the records of Caudecus's research into Gavril. (5
)
