Report: Manuscript discovered at an archaeological dig site located one-hundred meters away from a monastery dating back to the High Middle Ages. Found in a pile of ashes amongst the remains of fifteen+ individuals. No record of a graveyard at this location could be found. Remains have been sent for further analysis. The author of this journal is unknown, but suspected to have been an elderly monk or priest with high standing in the community. Below are the surviving pages.
Translated from Latin to English by Phillip Lancaster, 2024.
• • •
June 1st, 1233
The Urges return.
June 19th, 1233
The accused crime: Theft of holy wine
The chosen ordeal: Trial by Sacrament
This was a fitting trial, and it was not difficult to prove the man’s guilt. I simply ensured the accused had no water on the days leading up to his ordeal – it didn’t take much to convince the guards, considering I had anointed all of them at their births – and the man choked on the food almost immediately. The man swore to God he hadn’t taken the wine. He was hanged within the hour.
Death by dry mouth. Quite ironic.
Tonight I will drink the stolen wine in the quiet of my bedchamber.
August 13th, 1233
The accused crime: Arson
The chosen ordeal: Trial by Fire
Setting a fire during a dry season is a death wish. Who would do such a thing? It was fortunate that I had seen a stranger run out of the tavern shortly after it had started to smoke. I informed the authorities and he was apprehended. One body was found inside of the tavern, burnt beyond recognition.
The stranger gripped the smoldering iron bar and walked the required nine feet. As the holy person present, it was my duty to wrap his hands and pray that God’s judgment would be swift. The inside of the bandages were caked in excrement. You don’t want to know where I got it from.
In three days, his wound will be assessed and his soul weighed. I wonder how well it will heal?
August 16th, 1233
Once unwrapped, the man’s hands oozed pus and stank of decay. His head was detached from his body posthaste. I kept one tooth as a souvenir and buried another one at the site of the fire. Perhaps it would grow another man and I could burn him too. Ha.
December 7th, 1234
The accused crime: Heresy
The chosen ordeal: Trial by Combat
One of the clergy has desecrated the cross with blood of unknown origin. There were no witnesses. Horrified whispers soon led to accusing fingers, and in only a few hours the blame had fallen onto Brother Fino. He had recently confessed certain compulsions, so it made perfect sense that the demons in his heart would persuade him to commit such a heinous act. I suggested trial by combat to decide his fate, for God would not let a faithful disciple fall in such circumstances.
The blacksmith was selected to be God’s warrior. He stood two heads taller than Brother Fino.
Fino was dead within ten seconds, driven through by his opponent’s spear. It didn’t help that his own weapon had been left out in the elements for the past year and shattered on first contact. But, of course, Fino had been judged by God and found guilty. It was convenient that we didn’t have to execute him afterwards. I will keep the fragments of his spear under my bed.
I am dizzy from blood loss, and I must lie down.
Jan 3rd, 1235
I have come under suspicion, so I must write this quickly.
The accused crime: Murder
The chosen ordeal: Trial by Water (cold)
Rocks in his trousers. He sank.
It was too obvious.
I will pack my belongings and-
• • •
Scorch marks obscure the rest of the statement. What little survives of this journal has sparked heated debate amongst scholars. Some circles have dubbed the author of these writings the Murderous Monk.
Questions to be answered:
Who was the author?
Was the author caught?
What were his motives?
Did the author continue his killing elsewhere?
Is this the earliest written document from a serial killer?
