Journal Entry of Jerod the Innkeeper, June 9, 1499
Darkness has descended upon Waterdeep, casting a pall of fear and despair over our once vibrant city. The rumors I recorded earlier, the ones I hoped were merely whispers in the wind, have now become a horrifying reality. The zombie horde, once confined to the wilderness, now encircles our beloved home.
It began with subtle signs – reports of isolated attacks on the outskirts, unfortunate souls falling victim to the ravenous hunger of the undead. But as the days passed, those isolated incidents grew into a relentless tide of death that now presses against our city walls. The streets once filled with laughter and merriment now echo with the moans and shuffling steps of the rotting monstrosities.
The city guard has been valiantly holding the line, but their resources are stretched thin, their courage tested to the limit. I can see the weariness etched upon their faces, their eyes haunted by the horrors they have witnessed. The once bustling markets now stand abandoned, and the once lively taverns, including my own, have become havens of fear and desperation.
Those of us who remain huddled together, seeking solace and safety within the dwindling pockets of light. We whisper prayers to any deity who might listen, hoping for deliverance from this unrelenting nightmare. Supplies are scarce, and tensions run high as we face the harsh reality that the threat of the horde is no longer a distant menace but a looming presence outside our very gates.
I write this entry with a heavy heart, my hands trembling as I contemplate the uncertain fate that awaits us. Each night, the moans grow louder, the sounds of scratching at the walls a constant reminder of the impending doom that hangs over us like a dark cloud.
Waterdeep, once a symbol of civilization and prosperity, now teeters on the brink of annihilation. The city’s storied history and the dreams of countless individuals are now in peril. We are trapped, cut off from the outside world, surrounded by a sea of relentless undead.
In this time of darkness, we must cling to hope and unity. We must find strength within ourselves to defy the odds and stand together against this encroaching threat. The people of Waterdeep are resilient, and we will not surrender without a fight.
I pray that our pleas for aid reach sympathetic ears, that reinforcements will arrive before it is too late. But until then, we must prepare for the worst and face the horror that surrounds us. Waterdeep may be battered and bloodied, but we shall not be defeated easily. We will fight to our last breath, for the soul of our city and the survival of our people.
Jerod