The Journal of Archmage Ishan Usorin

7 of Novem 6680   As of today, the Arethian Empire no longer stands. The imperial family simply could not handle the threat from beyond our borders. It troubles me that this dissolution may have an impact on the noble families. The Volfast family has been instrumental in funding my research, especially now that it may be integral to protecting us from this demonic horde.   24 of Novem 6680   A contingent of mages from the Capitol are holding a summit of the Empire's arcane users. Most likely to discuss cooperation in these troubling times. Upon receiving my summons, I have decided not to attend. Mages from other cities tend not to be as carefully curated as those in Volfast. Many of these "mages" hail from commoner families. Not a drop of noble blood. Even worse, some have more questionable origins. The Circle of Mages sent a representative to attempt to convince me to attend, and this representative was a Lightfoot gnome! The indignity of it. I had her out of my Tower as quickly as possible, as I had more important things to attend to. My goal is only the preservation of my city and myself. The Arethian Empire is no more, so why cling to each other? It is better to fortify my position here.   16 of Terciera 6689   My research is progressing admirably, thanks in good measure to the Volfast family. Lord Gregori has been exceedingly generous in his donations to my projects. He is especially interested in the new martial golems that I have been able to create. My predecessors surely had no creativity, not to realize that they wasted the potential of these constructs by creating them to cook, clean and play music. The pressure for me to complete more golems is intense, however, as Lord Gregori is facing dissent from the commoners over his levy of taxes. Ungrateful wretches. Can they not see that we do this for their own good?   12 of Quintis 6689   Over the past few months, the construction of golems has increased tremendously, as I have a number of apprentices manning the furnaces at all hours. For me, it only requires a few moments now to imbue the constructs with the glyph. The first prototypes are now being tested in the streets. Finally, I have time to return to my other academic pursuits. I have been pondering combining my interests. The lizards have been doing very well, and could indeed serve as a powerful guard. However, the issue is that they do not follow my commands. Perhaps applying some of the theories of golem construction could yield more promising results? I have also been considering applying the process to a creature more intelligent than a reptile. Perhaps they would be easier to control.   6 of Dicietra 6690   The commoners continue to be a nuissance, however, their outbursts have provided an excellent testing ground for my creations. The golems are performing adequately, but I am still struggling with my more organic creations. Lord Volfast has been kind enough to provide some prisoners for my experiments, although at the rate I'm going through the wretches, it is likely that I will need more by the years end.   17 of Senaris 6692   More success with the new batch! The Order of Adrasteia has proved troublesome. What right do these zealots have to get involved in matters of state and security? It seems that the greatest threat to Volfast at this moment is not the demons on the other side of the Iron Peaks, but rather its own citizens.   9 of Novem 6693   My newest prototypes have hit the streets with great success. The Order still proves difficult with their objections to my methods. As I grow older, I also find myself concerned with my own mortality. Who will continue my great work once I am gone. I have looked through my own apprentices and found them lacking. None of them deserve the title of Archmage once I pass. I have reached the conclusion that, for the good of Volfast, I must not perish. Research in the Tower's library has proven fruitless. That insect Abraxos is as unhelpful as ever. I did discover some means of prolonging my life, although the best option currently seems to be lichdom. The idea of being a rotting carcas, and the risk of madness, seem too high a price to bear. I will consider other methods...   10 of Secundaris 6694   I have managed to get the first vessel past the state of infancy. It appears this one may survive. I may have cheated death yet!   5 of Dicietra 6694   So it is treason then!? The Order has rallied a number of the illiterate rabble in an attempt to wrest power from the Volfast family. Of course I will stand with my noble brethren. This unrest is nothing but a phase. If anything, with the monks and priests of Adrasteia, my creations will have worthy opponents at last to test their mettle.