My name is Geoff. I am transcribing these events because I feel it entirely necessary for future generations to understand what happened here in the Land of Draid.
I was born far away, in the Land of Dynl, named after the Lord Dwarf Dynl. Under his command, we lived securely in the Fortress of Beeranger. A bustling society of over two hundred dwarfs, we were well-equipped and well protected by the landscape. But I wanted something else. I never felt at home with my fellow dwarfs. Society was to hectic, too demanding. I desperately wanted out. One day, my chance came.
My father was very ill. As he lay on his deathbed, he insisted I have his chest. The sacred chest that he had since as long as I could remember. He told me only to open it when the time was right. I didn't understand at the time. Now I do.
After he died, I knew it was time to leave. With nothing but some basic supplies and the chest, I set off in the direction of Draid, alone.
Here I am, years later and living comfortably. After arriving in this new land, I found an area rich in soil, water and resources, and began to build.
When my father died, he left me a small package in addition to the chest. It was a small sapling. My father called it "The Tree of Life". He told me to find fertile ground outside the Land of Dynl, otherwise it would not grow. After building my house in Draid, I dutifully followed my father's wishes. Amazingly, when I awoke only a mere day later, I saw the tallest tree I had ever seen.
Life was good. My solitary acreage was peaceful and pleasant.
Until tonight.
It was dark. I awoke to horrible sounds. Inhuman sounds. I had never heard these sounds before. Draid was normally a peaceful territory, with no real threat for a long ways. But this...these noises were hostile. Dangerous. I looked outside.
The tree of life was burning. Burning to the ground. The magnificantly bright flames shone through the blackness, as similar fires sprung up all around. The land was in chaos. It was dying. I spotted shapes in the distance. I feared for what they might be.
I knew this was what my father meant when he said "the right time". It was time to finally open the chest. I ran to the hollow spot in the wall, breaking it open for the first time in ages. It was time.
My father's sacred chest awaited me.
I opened it. Inside was a mighty diamond sword, engraved with beautiful markings. I had only heard rumor of legendary diamond swords, I had never seen them in real life. Only true blacksmiths had the skill to make such masterful weaponry. Next to it lay an old and tattered note. I picked it up.
Geoff, if you are reading this, it means I have most likely died. I pray you have left the Land of Dynl by now, the other dwarfs will be of no use here. They are not prepared. They have no idea what they will be up against, and the terrain is to frigid to survive long in such hectic conditions.
This sword belonged to be, and was smithed by a very old friend of mine. Take good care of it. You'll need it.
When the demons rise from the Nether, you have to find a portal. This is vital. You'll know a portal when you see one. These are the only gates to the Nether, and you'll only chance at stopping this fabled onslaught of death. I have no faith in other dwarfs in other regions. I am relying on you, and you alone. Good luck.
I grabbed the sword, made some last minute preparations, and set out, leaving my beautiful home behind. I couldn't stay here any longer.
