A dragon of shadow believed to have ruled an ancient city, Mallkiek'zztts holds the number eight sacred. One of her disciples has written nine books, of which ussta have seen two. Her cabal is said to be formed of herself, the followers of Malar, selected Balors, Shadowmen, Shadow Mages and those who have failed malla Lloth, the driders. A raving disciple speaks of a linkage between these groups, and an 'undying one' - possibly a lich - who complements them. The linkage allows each to draw strength from the others, that none may be defeated. Another of the books speaks of the shadow folk as being the eyes and ears of this heresy, and the driders its weapon. Foolish to use such weak creatures to oppose the faithful. It speaks of the shadow people putting the driders to sleep, and waking them by going to the place of webs and calling her name three times. Presumably this is the spider lair over the ruins? Perhaps the other books are best sought amongst the other peoples mentioned. Note to self: send some patrols to investigate.

~Bel'qualyn

Book 1

This is a dark blue book with silver clasps, written with drowish words, probably by some necromancer from the ilbith clan Claddath.

I, whose name is no longer needed, have been chosen by my Goddess to pen her rise to power! Glory to Mallkiek'zztts as her perfection can never be described! My blood I use to pen these words! My finger bone I use to scribe these imperfect syllables! My life, my being, my very soul is hers to command! 8 will be her number! Like the 8 points of a chaos star. She sees in all directions! She plots for all contingencies! And 8 is needed to achieve invulnerability! With 8 there is no death! With 8 she cannot be harmed! And in her perfection she gives this invulnerability to all! I have been commanded to write upon all of her servants and I will obey, without will or question. But hers is perfection! She is all seeing! All knowing! Her form is grace! Her commands, I am unable to resist. Truly, I am in the presence of a Goddess. 9 books I will write, as I am not worthy of 8. This book will be the book to herald.

Book 2

This book will be the book that you read and know despair, since you cannot achieve the perfection that is Mallkiek'zztts! Each withold the others books. Glory to Her Wisdom!

The shadowmages, the driders, the followers of Malar, the balors, the shadowman, the undying one and the Goddess herself form the Cabal of invulnerability. She has linked all together and all can draw from each other! No blade, no magic, no trick from learned colleague can unravel the pattern she has woven.