Diary of Gerrard Beaudreaux

March 8th, 18XX
Today, while tending to the routine cleaning of our cherished Église Sainte-Lumière, I stumbled upon something quite extraordinary. Hidden beneath years of grime and candle soot on the altar, I uncovered etchings—symbols whose origins and meanings are foreign to me. Their design suggests an antiquity that predates this church by centuries, perhaps more. My curiosity is piqued; I must delve into the church's archives for answers.
June 17th, 18XX
My research into the symbols has led me down paths I never expected to tread. I've poured over ancient texts and consulted with scholars of the arcane, only to find that these symbols are linked to the primal energies of the earth—ley lines, as some call them. New Orleans, it seems, is a nexus of these invisible forces, and our church stands at their convergence. The implications of this discovery are both thrilling and daunting.
September 23rd, 18XX
The more I uncover, the more I am convinced that these symbols serve as a conduit for the ley lines' power. I've begun experimenting with minor rituals, ones that draw upon the ambient energies. The results have been subtle but undeniable. The air within the church vibrates with a latent power on certain nights, especially when the moon is full. I believe these symbols could be the key to understanding, and perhaps even harnessing, the ley lines' full potential.
January 11th, 18XX
Eureka! After months of painstaking research and countless dead ends, I've made a breakthrough. The symbols are not merely decorative; they are part of a larger, more complex ritualistic language. When arranged in specific sequences, they can amplify the ley lines' energy, channeling it for various purposes. The potential here is immense, but so are the dangers. Such power must be wielded with the utmost caution and respect.
February 28th, 18XX
With great power comes great responsibility. I've come to realize that my role here is not merely that of a priest but a guardian of this sacred knowledge. I've taken steps to conceal the true nature of the symbols from prying eyes, and I've begun drafting a series of protective measures to ensure the church, and the power it houses, remains safeguarded. This knowledge is a gift, but it could easily become a curse if it falls into the wrong hands.
May 15th, 18XX
Today marks the anniversary of my stewardship over Église Sainte-Lumière. The weight of this sacred place, nestled atop the confluence of ley lines, grows heavier with each passing year. I've begun to uncover the true purpose of the symbols etched upon our altar—ancient sigils that predate this church, perhaps even this city. They speak of a balance, a harmony between the forces that course beneath our feet. I feel a deep responsibility to protect this knowledge.
October 3rd, 18XX
A curious occurrence tonight during vespers. The air thrummed with an unseen energy, and the stained glass cast an otherworldly glow. I'm convinced more than ever that the symbols are not merely decorative but serve as a key to the ley lines' power. I must tread carefully; such power could easily become a beacon for those with less noble intentions.
December 21st, 18XX
The longest night brought with it revelations. In a dream, I saw the church as it might have been eons ago—a druidic circle, alive with the light of the stars, the earth's pulse strong and clear. The symbols on the altar shone like beacons, aligning with the celestial dance above. I awoke with a start, the dream's vividness lingering. The symbols... they are a map, a guide to channeling the ley lines' energy. But to what end?
April 14th, 18XX
Today, an unsettling visit from a stranger cloaked in the guise of a scholar. His interest in the symbols was palpable, his intentions unclear. I refused him access to the church's records, but I fear my refusal may not be the end of it. The church's power, its sacred trust, must be safeguarded. I find myself looking over my shoulder more often, wary of shadows that linger too long.
June 29th, 18XX
I have taken measures to ensure the symbols' secrets remain protected. A series of wards and enchantments, drawn from the very energies the symbols command, now guard this holy place. Yet, I sense my time here wanes. The church will need a new guardian, one strong of will and pure of heart, to keep the darkness at bay. To whoever reads this in times to come, know that Église Sainte-Lumière is more than stone and mortar—it is a beacon of light in a world that often forgets the power that lies just beneath the surface.