Eternal alchemy, my mind is in an absolute hectic whirl right now. Things had begun to calm within the concordat. There were moments of enjoyment, and while there were still operations, there always are, all was progressing well! Emphasis on was. Now things are...chaotic, to say the least.  We’d begun work on locating and retrieving an artifact. Standard stuff initially. After all, when -isn’t- the priory or affiliates with them artifact hunting? Though it was not long before the first warning signs emerged. Rather, disturbing stories of past owners, and what had happened to them. Apparent mental manipulations that occurred, and persisted, simply from being in its presence. Some magisters even outright implored us to not seek it, and simply let it be. But, still, we persisted. Though I did admittedly request we simply use golems to fetch and secure the artifact. It was ignored, and I don’t really have the heart to say ‘I told you so’. We found the artifact, and shortly after doing so, well, we lost the Archon. Sylvia Frost, the now late leader of the Concordat. She was killed in action by..whatever it is that was released from it. I’m assuming something from torment, or some other forsaken corner of the mists. I wish I could describe it, but, unfortunately, I myself had been rendered unconscious shortly before it was released. Regardless, whatever it was, it’s loose, it’s killed our leader, and it’s after the rest of us. Hopefully, it’s stuck in orr, where it was uncovered. Just one more monstrosity there among the thousands. But, some say it may be actively pursuing us. I’m, quite honestly, unsure what to do. Everyone mourning will certainly have to wait until this is resolved, but none of us even have the slightest clue on where to begin. I may have not known Sylvia too much myself, but, she was a leader, and greatly influential to many others. It’s a heavy blow, and..it’s uncertain who will take up her place. It may very well be Dhyssi, though I am uncertain. If that beast hunts leaders, I certainly don’t want her in such a position, but, simultaneously, I can’t think of any better fits for the roles, especially considering most others who could take up such a responsibility are, well, hardly in a position to lead, after suffering the loss. They were all very close to her. I still retain hope that a solution shall be found. We’re a very intelligent, clever organization. We thrive on combating such strange situations, but we’ve never suffered losses this significant, never been this without direction on where to even begin. I can’t help but feel some uncertainty, and some fear due to that. I suppose for now, all we can do is wait and see, and do what we can.