#fafnir's notes

I'm writing with concern to an artifact you recently acquired from the Labyrinth. The Hand of the Puppetmaster, as it's called, has been sought after by myself ever since I read of it in Lady Circe's personal letters— a collection of which I came across a few years ago. It is an incredibly dangerous item, and while I trust your archive would not misuse it, I worry it may take advantage of your lack of resources to properly contain it.

With your permission, I'd like to move the Hand to my museum, where it will be looked after with utmost care and caution. You're welcome to oversee the transfer yourself if you wish!

Please send your reply posthaste.

Fafnir, Curator of the Museum of Magical Curiosities.

~

To the Curator of the Museum of Magical Curiosities;

We appreciate your concern and swift attention in this matter. The nature of the artifact was indeed unknown to us, but we are happy to further discuss its dangers and containment, should a visit to our branch in Galdur behoove you.

If we truly do not have the means to contain this item safely, we will of course consider passing it on to your care.

Regards,

Dravus Thorne, Head Archivist of the Galduran Branch of the Acolytes of Lethe.

-Two pieces of correspondence found among Fafnir's personal effects whilst cleaning out his office.

Personal Notes: I remember this! The Hand is, thankfully, now safe in containment in a locked vault in my archive. It's one of a few artifacts known to be directly connected to Lady Circe, who herself is a rare well-known Labyrinth resident. Still unclear whether she crafted it herself, or if it was merely in her possession for a time.

Well, Journey suggested I could do interviews of people who have important roles in Creaturae, similar to Isador, but from the perspective of a friend rather than a historian. It could be interesting! But I really don't know who to talk to first, or what to ask!

He's not interested in any sort of permanent office job, but he did say he'd keep an eye out for anyone that could work as an assistant for me, and that he's more than happy to run errands or go on missions related to my research!

I think Altair and McKenzie set me up to make a friend when I asked for help finding assistants... well, I can hardly be upset that it worked!

My lunch with McKenzie and Altair was quite nice, although I did feel a bit like a third wheel... it happens, haha. But when I asked if either of them knew anyone looking for a job or intership, Altair mentioned his son was interested in learning more about Creaturae and the dimensions it's bound to, and might be a good fit! I didn't even realize Altair had a son- apparently since before he came to Creaturae.

Apologies for requesting assistance again so quickly after your aid previous. There is a matter that demands my attention, and I wonder if you have any relevant information, or perhaps may point me to someone who does.

In short, I am in need of information on voidwalkers- in specific, how they are created, and what becomes of those transformed into them.

This is quite a personal matter, but if you require more detail I will provide it.

Regards, Head Archivist Dravus Thorne

~

To Head Archivist Dravus Thorne,

I'd be happy to put you in contact with resources that can inform you on voidwalkers! It's a subject some of your fellow Acolytes are knowledgable about, actually. I have enclosed a message stone keyed to McKenzie lier'Altair, the Great Historian. I trust you're familiar! I hope they can be a helpful resource.

Don't worry about bothering them either- just let them know I put you in touch, and they'll be happy to chat!

Good luck, Curator Fafnir

~

To the Curator Fafnir,

I wish to extend my thanks for your assistance in this matter. My discussion with the Great Historian was most enlightening. It shocked me to learn that they have not only heard of my branch's work, but are intrigued regarding my explorations of the Labyrinth. We had a fruitful discussion.

They also put me in touch with one Imogene Hearst, who is something of an expert in the End dimension and the Void- she is not a voidwalker herself, but is enderkind as many Acolytes are. In fact, she lived in the End until adulthood. My mentor is eager to speak with her soon.

At the Great Historian's insistance, I have held onto the message stone, but I have enclosed a copy of my notes on voidwalkers for your records.

Regards, Head Archivist Dravus Thorne

-A series of letters recovered from a filing cabinet of correspondance with various friends and resources of Fafnir's.

Personal Notes: Now this was an interesting one! It was one of our earlier collaborations, but a very intriguing topic. Voidwalkers are a rare species. Most of those that are known in Creaturae today are born into it- the children, grandchildren, or descendants of original voidwalkers.

You see, the way a voidwalker is created involves a person contracting void-touch, a rare curse that afflicts those who venture to the End dimension or the Void unprepared. Void-touch is curable, and even if not cured, it can be lived with, but if someone void-touched answers the Call and surrenders themself to the Void, in extremely rare cases, that person becomes a voidwalker.

Most simply die.

It's been difficult finding anything about Harlan Blackthorne in my poor excuse for a museum archive... I try to keep the place organized, I don't want to automate it all with spells, but it's a big museum with a lot of records!

I never did ask anyone if they know someone who'd like a potentially dangerous job... I feel bad asking anyone to commit to working for the museum. The location in the Labyrinth makes it dangerous to those without a natural resistance to its pull, or those that don't belong here. It would be impossible to safely commute, they'd probably have to live here like I do. Even teleporting in and out is too risky.

If it is not too troublesome, might you consult your records on a manner of minor urgency? I am curious to know if, in your ventures and studies of the Labyrinth, you have come across the works of a man named Harlan Blackthorn. If you are unfamiliar, Mr. Blackthorn is a writer of the cosmic horror and supernatural thriller genre, but his works have a particular focus on the Labyrinth and the monsters and portals within.

In particular, have you any record of a work of his that references the name "Carcosa"?

I would appreciate a swift response with your findings, if possible.

Your friend, Dravus Thorne.

-A letter recieved this morning, from the Galduran Branch of the Acolytes of Lethe.

Personal Notes: It's funny that my last post involved a letter from Archivist Thorne, and I get another one from him this morning! Like I said, we've become friends in the intervening time, and we've helped each other with a few projects here and there.

It's interesting that he asks about Harlan Blackthorn. I am familiar with his writings, though I'm not sure if I have any here at my museum. They propose to be fictional horror stories about the dangers of the Labyrinth, but myself and others who have ventured within acknowledge the chilling accuracy of the stories he tells. It's easy to assume he must be very familiar with the place himself, but no one's ever been able to track him down to ask.

...Has anyone ever actually met Harlan Blackthorn? I don't think so. The Acolytes of Lethe don't have a record of him, last I checked.