The Outer Realm Letter

The Outer Realm Letter is letter written by Rose Vasili to Alec Kylar, the first contact made in nearly two years. The letter was received by Alec from an unknown courier on Esunar 19th, 1272 A.K.

## The Letter

"*Dearest Alec, much time has passed since our time working jointly with the Soulstrider siblings. Though we have not spoken since then, I have found myself at port after so long, and hope this letter will find its way to you. My duties have sent me far and deep within the realms nether reaches, even into those of what I understand to be alternative existences. The denizens born of nether are finding their strength increasing while I reluctantly find mine and my kin's waning. Each battle we face tests our immortality, and our numbers have been reduced. The art of our resurrection perished along with our Captain shortly after the Soulstriders' exploits, and I cannot help but wonder if his strength was the source of ours. Although we remain hard-pressed to bar the nether creatures' passage into Sanctuary and worlds beyond I have taken it upon myself - with unanimous support - to fill the Nocturne's vacated role of Captain. As such, it has fallen to me the task of deciphering what cryptic knowledge my Captain left behind, and attempt any remedy for my weakening kin. Should we ever cross paths again, dearest Alec, I do hope you are in fighting shape; spars with my kin lack the same invigoration evoked by your techniques. Until then, be well. Your friend, Captain Rose.*"
—Rose's letter to Alec
## The Response

"*Dearest Rose, to long has it been since we last spoke, for I have awaited tales or rumors of the Nocturne but to no avail. Woe to the late Captain and the troubled state of your crew. The news of your failing immortality is also of great concern and will be a priority to investigate. Much has happened in your absence. The quest undertaken by the Soulstrider siblings has allowed me to remain close to their leader, Deathspeaker Jurdan, and I can confirm through his wisdom that Vellatra and her ilk are no more, cast away into the endless Void for eternity. Many of my subordinates during the conflict have since gone missing or disbanded. Crises and disasters are never in short supply within the Western Kingdoms, alas my new associates and I work endlessly to put out the fires whenever and wherever we find their smoke trails. The monarchs of the Western Kingdoms continue to turn blind eyes, and most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it. The events that transpired with the Soulstrider siblings have no doubt beckoned the outter realms to focus their gaze upon Sanctuary. Most concerning of all is that I have heard the whispers in tounge from the time before man that an ancient evil named Skarn, the Herald of Terror, has crossed the barrier into our world. This letter will be placed into the hands of a courrier named Sade, commonly known at sea as the Scarlet Swallow, of Khanduras; she is the second mate to the Fancy Knave, as well as a spy and messenger to my exploits in the Gulf of Westmarch. She may provide bastion for your kin and a private dock for the Nocturne. Tomorrow morning my companions and I will trek north into the Dreadlands and establish contact with a band of rangers called "Demon Hunters" lead by Natalya of the Viz-jaq'taar. The scope and depth of the journey north will be without precedent for they will turn loose the hatred in their hearts. I write to you now from Entsteig's capital. From the balcony outside my quarters I can even see the northern sky riddled with storms of ash. Hold fast until my return. If fate is kind we shall meet again. However, if I should go missing or meet my demise by the creatures that lurk the endless shadows, dearest Rose, know that I will dream of when your lips were still red. Alec, The Dark Templar.*"
—Alec's response letter to Rose.
## The Second Letter

"*Dearest Alec, my kin and I found ourselves moored off the frozen coast of a northern continent, in a realm we have begun charting. The gateway to this world opened to us as we closed another in attempt to bar some nether-demons' entry into Sanctuary. The frigid air in this land is like nothing I have yet experienced, and already my Nocturne, on a few occasions, has found herself frozen stuck within the ice-ridden waste. Luckily we have our tricks and are yet to remain indefinitely trapped. While the nether is yet to taint this land, I shan't date guess how long it will remain that way. From what we have scouted, this land is as old as Sanctuary in age, yet my seer, Ash, insists it has not seen magic since its birth. This realm follows an entirely seperate lunar cycle to Sanctuary's. Two moons appear in the sky; one a deep bronze, the other a vibrant silver. We have not been able to document much of either cycle within the time we have witnessed the moons through a clear sky or when they have shown themselves to our extreme northern position. The point I make about the moons - aside from them being an intense sight during the darkest hours of the day - is the calendar you have provided. While it will help during our time in Sanctuary, its translation to the foundations of existence here is perplexing. We have yet to discover how strong this realm's ties are to the heavens and hells, Sanctuary itself, the nether we are bound to, and each pathway in-between. If not for any connection, we would not have made our way here in the first place. However, while that connection is steady for now, I question how long it will hold if not indefinitely. Lastly on this matter, I have begun to wonder if I should abandon Sanctuary altogether and seal myself and my kin within this realm, outside the nether reaches, where we might remain safe for another millennium. Perhaps I am just growing weary. If we are unable to find sustenance soon, I will be forced to return my kin to Sanctuary's waters. What was the outcome of your journey into the Dreadlands? Only once have I encountered Natalya (she is quite grand) and many stories of her prowess spread amongst the Assassins. What caused her division from the order? I cannot help but wonder what my reputation has become of the Viz-Jaq'taar; I worry my inhuman self has spent too much time silent from the order. Perhaps, if the opportunity is not passed, you would not mind reporting my recent deeds to them on my behalf? Paperwork has never been my strong suit. With Vellatra's demise, what has become of your daughter? I hope you were able to retrieve her. There is an image in my mind of you training her in your ways, like a miniature Alec the Dark Templar. The idea is quite amusing to me. Apologies if the outcome of Vellatra's reign did not work to your favor. Until next time, be well. Your friend, Captain Rose.*"
—Rose's second letter to Alec.
## The Second Response

"*Dearest Rose, the journey north has been quite eventful. The bleak, cataclysmic mountains of the Dreadlands can only be described as terrifyingly beautiful. The foothills are covered in ash, and the mountain ranges in snow. Here in the north if the winds of winter don’t kill you then the creatures of destruction will, so I apologize if this letter takes some time to reach you via courier. After several skirmishes and countless days of hunting our demonic foes, my companions and I have finally found haven in Staalbreak, one of the last great cities in the Dreadlands still governed by the lawful and sane. I’m also healing two broken ribs. Meanwhile, I have failed to establish contact with Natalya, but rumors and tales of the Demon Hunters activities within the Dreadlands have spread amongst the denizens of Staalbreak. It is confirmed with upmost certainty that the rumors of Skarn, the Herald of Terror, are indeed true. Champions across all corners of Sanctuary appear to share the same heroic mission to find and slay him and any of his ilk. Though I have limited communication with the Viz-jaq’taar, for I am merely an associate of their organization, they seem to hold you in a polarizing view after your slaying of The Painter. I will return south to the Western Kingdoms once my companions are consolidated and our provisions restored. News has reached me that Skarn’s unholy minions have reached some areas in Khanduras. In truth I fear that my friends who call Khanduras their home may be in dire need of aid and I strongly feel that we must return south if the news is indeed true. My rendezvous with the Natalya and her subordinates will be postponed indefinitely; I have left her a letter explaining briefly your situation. I write to you now from the library of Staalbreak; the night sky seems vibrant tonight. The stars seem to stare back at me; they allow me to pierce the veil of the outer realms. However, the moon seems to always tells its own story, one of interchangeable phases and immemorial time; the moon speaks, and I can understand its language. The Void breathes on my heart, turns any illusions to ice, and shatters them. If you find the time, please send me more information regarding the realm you journey through, as it may allow me to locate you. Never would I urge you to go against any wishes you desire, dearest Rose, but please know that I do not wish for you to remain stranded in a foreign realm forever. Then yet again, perhaps the furthest realm away from Sanctuary is the safest place to be, for the night is dark and full of terror. Regardless, if you decide to stay for the sake of your kin, I will some way or another journey to you and see you again. I’ll even bring bottles of Staalbreak’s red wine and a barrel of fermented ale to share with you and your kin, respectively. Alec Kylar, the Dark Templar. P.S. . . . . I will elaborate upon my daughter another time . . . . . . . . . . . . . for now, she is safe. . . . .*"
—Alec's response to Rose's second letter.