Excerpts from the diary of Walter Corbitt Esq.
--------------Volume 1---------------
March the Twelfth, 1808
A tome was found while digging up ye subjects. Perusing this text promises a studious practitioner the opportunity to converse with a most powerful and wise being not of this world. While I remain skeptical, I must knowe what secrets lie in this long-forgotten volume.
September the Eighth, 1808
The time is right. Months spent deciphering the meanings and intricacies of this folio have finally shown their worth.
September the Ninth, 1808
Last night will forever be printed upon my mind. At the clock’s ring of midnight, my closest colleagues and I set forth upon calling that which we read of in the old tome. The ritual called for the blood of 3 willing individuals, let by the same blade. I am, as of yet, unable to remove the stain of our shared sacrifice from it's surface.
We spoke the words written, and bent our minds to their meanings and the impossible geometries they described. For a moment I thought it was all for nothing. Then with suddenness I felt as if I were standing on the brink of an infinity of nothingness. Then the Dark Man was in our midst. Thus I shall call him, for his is an all over blackness more than any African, as though light itself dares not touch him. His mere presence caused Amelie Hooper, wife of Benjamin, to let out a shriek. In other circumstances I would remark how unfitting such behavior is amongst society. But I must admit so startling and strange was the experience that I almost cried out in fear as well. As quickly as the Dark Man arrived, he had vanished back into the lightless void from which he appeared. I must contact him again.
December the Fourteenth, 1808
My studies continue, some of my colleagues say I overreach and would hold me back. But they can do nothing. To whom would they make complaint? If the public were to learn of this tome, or of the nature of our weekly ceremonies, they would surely try to kill us all. Our knowledge will remain secret, for the present.
-----------Vol 2---------------
March the Third, 1820
The Brotherhood grows. We have begun construction of a meeting place. Our frequent gatherings will attract little attention if conducted openly in a place such as the Christian congregations and the common fraternal orders use.
June the Seventeenth, 1820
Construction is nearly completed and continues apace. The place is to be termed the Chapel Of Contemplation.
February the Twenty Second, 1821
In studying the tome I have discovered “Rigor Vitae”. Upon first study, Rigor Vitae appears to be a method to keep flesh from wearing through the vigors of mortal time. I suspect, though, that it may also be used as protection in the unlikely event that peril may strike me.
November the Thirtieth, 1835
Henry Webber has recently built a house on 20 Copp's Hill As it is a short walk from the Church, I wish to possess the estate and will take steps to do so.
December the Seventh, 1835
Henry Webber has fallen ill. I am quite certain there will be no recovery. I write this as I leave to purchase the deed to 20 Copp's Hill.
March the thirteenth, 1847
The congregation of the Chapel of Contemplation is growing in number. Amongst our new members is Daniel Ellsworth and his son Peter. Daniel is head of the City Council. His influence is sure to be invaluable in the future. Also we have been converting various outcasts and vagrants willing to perform menial and abhorrent duties. I pray that the Granter of Secrets is pleased.
--------------Volume 3----------------
December the Eighth, 1851
Our Granter of Secrets has revealed to me a ritual that will manifest “the hunter who, once satisfied, fades.” My dagger, which spilt the blood of myself and 2 others to first summon Our Lord, must be used again.
((Complicated instructions follow. Some of the diagrams almost give you a headache to look at. They will take (2d6) weeks of your spare time to understand and require the original volume, they're too complex to copy.))
March the Twelfth, 1852
It has been forty-four years since I first discovered the ancient tome that has led me to such great power. Our Lord Granter of Secrets has revealed to me the process to become that which is more than Man. I will become immortal and command my own loyal subjects.
((There is some damage for several pages after this entry, their contents illegible))
May the Twenty Fifth, 1853
Those ignorant fools! If they knew who I was, they wouldn’t dare speak a disparaging word in my direction, let alone file a lawsuit against me. I was tempted to send The Hunter for them in their sleep, but their case has failed. It is enough.
May the Nineteenth, 1866
The plan is going splendidly. I rarely need to make an example. Very few times, however, I have forced a follower to Obey Thy Master’s Will. After only four stern commands was I able to turn the new minister Michael Thomas to my cause. He will carry out the plan, out of fear if nothing else.
June the Twentieth, 1866
I reach the end of this life. Many of my peers do not understand what is to come, which is just as well. Soon I will cross the threshold to everlasting life and power! The plans are set, my will is writ and Thomas named executor. I mustn’t tarry, for the beginning of my transformation is at hand.