Dread X Archive IV

This page archives all of the notes found throughout the various meta-games of **Dread X Collection: The Hunt**.

## Axis Mundi

### 1950

* Test1
* Test2

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### 1607

* Test1
* Test2

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### 1350

* Test1
* Test2

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### Lore Book

* Preface
* Ghast
* Irrbloss
* Witch-Hunts
* Sacrifices
* The Church Grim
* Myling
* Conclusion

My name is Doctor Evert Mossberg. I've researched folklore most of my life, and no place has before fascinated me as much as this.

Tales from all over the country seem to converge here, with experiences ranging from almost a millennia ago up until today.

Following are excerpts from my research that I deem relevant for this place. May this reading interest you as much as it did me, but be careful - some of these beings have a stronger presence here than anywhere else.

*(To the left: an illustration of a Ghast, labeled "STRANDGAST")*

Water, a source of both life and misery. Drowning was an all too common cause of death before swimming was common knowledge.

Stories tell about the cold wind carrying whispers from bodies floating back up on the short, begging to be buried on consecrated ground. Sometimes these displaced souls would lash out at those passing by.

Many coastlines, isles and rivers were not only feared because of the dangers of water, but for those consumed by it.

*(To the left: an illustration of an Irrbloss, labeled "LYKTGUBBE")*

Over many centuries people have reported sightings of unsourced lights floating mysteriously through neglected whereabouts.

There have been many explanations; a local favourite refers to them as lyktgubbe (jack-o' lantern). Spectral orbs thought to be the spirits of the dead surveyors, observing old roads and brooks; or farmers, patrolling the borders of their once reverently fallowed fields.

They could be both benevolent or malicious; either leading you home to safety, or astray into the unknown spaces of the night.

*(To the left: an illustration of a witch being burnt at the stake, labeled "Witch-Hunts")*

Since the dark ages, the act of ritual magic was deemed illegal - but as the legal system evolved, so did the elaborate severity of punishment.

In Sweden this culminated in the 1600s; several hundred were persecuted, sometimes resulting in torture and execution. Many diabolical tools were used, like the torture rack and the spiked necklace. If found guilty they could be beheaded, hanged and even burnt at the stake.

Women were highly overrepresented in these cases and often had little to say in their defense.

A questioning mind may wonder what recourse these hounded spirits seek.

*(To the left: an illustration of victim being buried alive, labeled "SACRIFICES")*

During the dark ages, burying live animals was one of the shocking methods practiced in attempts to prevent the bubonic plague from spreading. During the iron age it was much more common, and from time to time even human sacrifice was deemed necessary. At least once, this tradition supposedly resurfaced during the plague, yielding a horrifying account:

A rural village that was especially tormented by the plague was visited by a starving child. In a desperate attempt to expel the disease, they dug a narrow pit and lured the child in with a sandwich. As they started to fill it the kid cried: "why are you pouring dirt on my food?"

I pray such barbaric rituals are never again brought to practice.

*(To the left: an illustration of a Church Grim, labeled "Kyrkogrimen")*

When building churches in the days of old, superstitious architects would occasionally wall-in live animals during construction.

These desiccated beasts were said to become protective humanoid beings that would patrol the church grounds at night, warding off trespassers.

While mostly known in southern Sweden and Denmark, this tale somehow seems to have made its way up here.

*(To the left: an illustration of a Myling, labeled "Myling")*

Have you heard the wailing?

Such a terrible thing. The ghost of an infant killed by their mother. They are said to roam during the night, crying for proper burial. Burdened by the weight of its anguish, the Myling could become massive in size. Sometimes as large as a pig, these hauntings will leap upon the backs of those unlucky to cross their path. At this point it may be too late for the victim, for even the wise who seek to free the spirit with holy soil may succumb to the ever-growing weight before arriving at the cemetery.

Many claim the most fearsome of all ghosts to be a vengeful Myling... and I dare say I believe it.

Following the last few days of research here, I can conclude these beings are not just folk tales or legends. I've seen them myself. There is something special about this place, a certain otherworldliness.

I believe this is the location of an Axis Mundi - a bridge between worlds. I've decided that I cannot stay here much longer, or this place will consume me. I just need one more day to conclude my inquiries.

I pray that the powers residing here will let me.