"I'm a Gravedigger that has a Strange Ritual" Scary Stories from The Internet | Creepypasta

[@DusklightRadio]

Howdy friends! OP TJ Lea here on the Dusklight account, in addition to writing this I also voiced the mysterious Gael! Thanks as always to Ronnie for covering a story of mine and taking a chance on what I believe is the start of my best work and something rarely done in the horror space. This tale, if it wasn’t obvious, is heavily inspired by H. P. Lovecraft's “The Tomb” and is written in the style of gothic literature from that period, hopefully evoking tones of Poe, Derleth, Shelley, Stoker, Lovecraft and others. I did attempt to keep some of the terminology more basic so as not to lose the average listener. But, the spirit is very much there and it is where this sprawling, complex story begins. If, however, you’re not interested in series work, you can enjoy this on its own and stop here. This is part of a project I have been working on for 2 years, each chapter will have a different writing style, different POV and continue to weave the fabric of this unfolding mystery. While the first part is largely digestible for the KZbin horror narration space, they get… weirder as time goes on. Still horror and still very entertaining, but different. And I know different can sometimes be a bad thing, but I have hope that for those of you who love my writing, love Sturgeon and love my weirder works like Demi’s Adventure, you will enjoy what is to come. To that end, we’re hoping that you will show your interest in the comments and with the view-count, indicating to us you’d like to see a continuation of this series. It is 12-13 parts and by its conclusion would be the longest series on Ronnies channel to date. I am immensely proud of the work I put into this and will share more info as time goes on. If you end up talking about this story on any social media, please of course link back to The Dark Somnium, mention my name and the series title: You Will Remember Everything That Happened Here. If you wish to support me, please consider subscribing to Dusklight Radio for original sturgeon narrations (and D&D) or check out my books on Amazon, the NFC will be going up before Christmas. But just knowing you enjoy the content is often times reward enough. As always, you guys are the fucking best for supporting Sturgeon, supporting any small voice roles I am blessed to do here on the channel and for supporting independent horror. All the best, TJ

[@kevincaldwell1935]

Love it want to hear more

[@MateodelSol]

Definitely...uh...heard..the Lovecraft inspirations. Really well done.

[@barbaracordova7574]

Frickin awesome! I am subbed to Dusklight as well! Beautiful Wonderful mind! I will definitely buy your book and congratulations 🎉

[@kyo2200]

Can't wait to hear more and read the book when it's out!

[@yduronerom6380]

More! I speak for everyone even if they don't know it, trust me. We all agreed in this matter. 😏

[@Darksomnium]

Hey everyone! Let me know what you think of the story. Also, got any fun plans this weekend?

[@rustedcactus115]

might play some guitar at the mall n try to make some dough. ill lyk what I think about the story, and as always thank you💕

[@ilikeytvideos4349]

Are you planning any longer stories soon?

[@SUNNYGARG]

As Always, great!!

[@atdeigo1415]

Watching the fnaf movie in 3 hours

[@mariahoekstra370]

Painting pumpkins, watching wild life, eating stuffed green pepper soup, chili, and meat. Sorting out the ok narrators from the great as they are posted you being at the top and some just don't flow like you❤

[@busofselfdoubt]

this might be the first story of yours that’s gone completely over my head. i have absolutely no idea what this story is about. i hope listening to the next chapters if you two decide to record and upload them will help me understand, but seeing everyone in the comments applaud the story makes me feel like i’m just not getting it haha. good narration as always though!

[@uliou]

I felt the exact same way and thought about commenting on it, but I immediately shot myself down cuz maybe I just wasn't paying attention hard enough lmao

[@usmarine3221]

Same

[@hathor9777]

There were alot of parts to this story that were completely ambiguious, which I think was the point, but there were also parts where the ambiguity just makes it more confusing, and I feel like could have been explained better. While I didn't lose interest, and enjoyed the story more than not, there were several occasions in this story where I felt completely lost and had to try and peice together the scene, what was happening, who it was happening to, and what was being written, on my own, including the ending.

[@joshuabarnes1486]

I was so frustrated by this, because it seems very interesting.

[@mime514]

The plot was convoluted and the archaic words made it hard to follow. Here’s what I understood: our main character’s sibling was taken away to an asylum because of their visions, and they presumably died. MC has visions of death in their dreams. The twin, Lucinda, remained silent but was also taken away(I may have lost attention by that point), and also died. The MC(main character) did nothing to stop this and only observed, as he was extremely introverted and disconnected from reality. Later, a fire erupted and MC did nothing(it’s hinted that he may have started the fire because of resentment for his parents and guilt over his inaction). His parents died in the fire, but his older brother survived. After this tragic event MC developed Cotard syndrome, a real life psychiatric/neurological disorder in which the patient truly believes they are dead, and no evidence of the fact they are alive will snap them out of the delusion. After this event MC begins to work as a grave digger because he feels like he belongs with the dead and he begins to resent the living, as he no longer feels a connection with them. Some time after he started this job he has visions of Death(just like in his childhood) and begins to commune with the dead, guiding them to the other realm(it is implied that this apparition of Death is not benevolent, as it requires offerings of dead people and if passes judgement onto them). MC becomes Death’s familiar. Due to a higher life expectancy, there are less people in need of a burial, so MC begins to fear that Death will take him next. This is when he is visited by Gale, who promises to bring him coffins(which he claims are filled with corpses possessed by demons) as offerings to Death. In exchange Gale will strengthen the connection between MC and Death, but only with the condition that Gale can perform a ritual to cleanse these people of their sins(like being possessed). MC starts an agreement with Gale due to desperation and because Gale is hinted to have supranatural powers, which include the power to alter people’s will. Gale is described as decaying, presumably due to a punishment(this will be important later). MC begins to have horrific visions of (presumably) the creature that tormented his siblings and of the fire that killed his parents. The creature has two heads because it symbolizes the twins. He is disturbed and calls the old butler to ensure his family is safe; the butler assures him they are ok, but this is later revealed to be a lie told to MC to protect him, because his brother sees him as mentally insane. MC confronts Gale about the lack of transparency in the agreement, and Gale reveals the truth about MC’s family and his mental state. Gale mocks MC and convinces him to do one last burial. Gale gives MC an amulet that will bind him to his liege, Death. MC complies, communes with the dead only to discover that the people in the coffins were alive(foreshadowed by the scratching noises in the first ritual). The person inside the coffin is MC’s older brother. MC is horrified and checks on the other graves but they are empty, as if the dead rose from them. I think this is because Gale is some sort of necromancer/lich, and his plan is to corrupt the living because he sees them as impure, and by resurrecting the dead he cleaned them of their “sins”, achieving the perfect form. Gale is also implied to be a serial murderer, and his decaying appearance may be a result of his meddling with the dark arts. MC was wearing the amulet given by Gale but he didn’t know what that amulet might do. It is revealed that the amulet transforms MC in an undead being, a reversal/completion of what he was before( alive but feeling dead, now he is dead but being conscious and trapped inside his rotting corpse, unable to move). If I read this correctly, Gale is implied to be/work for the Death apparition, because both Death and Gale urge MC to “come home”( Death tells this to MC in the penultimate ritual and Gale ends the letter in which he explains the amulet with this line). In the end, MC is left to rot, begging the living to bury his body just like he had to so many others, but he is consumed by extreme guilt knowing that he served a malevolent being and that all the people he laid to rest are now undead beings(and that they feel excruciating pain because of this process, being stripped of their autonomy and having their peace disturbed). I don’t know the time this story is set in, but the archaic language is just an illusion(being picked up by MC from reading classical literature), as modern technology is showcased. If I had to guess theme of the story it would be a gothic narrative reimagined and a variation of the “be careful what you wish for” trope.

[@saintnoxr]

Whenever I see a "New upload by The Dark Somnium" notification my day gets better instantly, I'll keep watch for the upcoming chapters!

[@Revenant0714]

You, sir, have just made my absolute day. It's my last day of this work cycle, and it wasn't going so well, but here I am, about to dive into another video of Dark Somnium! Thanks, mate!!!

[@darksun1632]

Another fantastic one by TJ Lea. I love their stories, all the Sturgeon weirdness is so great and everything else is just wonderfully written. Ronnie, your narration is, as always, superb.

[@_rockseeker]

I've been a longtime lover of Creepypastas, and have listened to many different channels. Once I stumbled upon your channel, I finally found the best. The way you read the stories, act out the scenes, have different voice actors, and add the sound effects and music for atmosphere... It makes it unlike any other channel. I get so immersed in the stories. Absolutely top tier channel. I've been binging all of the past stories, and even your older stories are super high production quality. Appreciate all you do. 💜

[@darkoFNFN]

Absolutely agree

[@silverhamster8421]

Same.

[@dopaminedrought395]

+1 to this. a story I regularly go back to is The Left Right Game, but I love so many others, with the sound effects, voice acting, and everything. top tier channel.

[@CoffeeLady9000]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Such an immersive take on stories that others just chew out

[@FreiWild1776]

It sucks,now its hard to listen to other creepypastas since they dont seem immersive

[@lautusss]

You should do “The Summer I met David” at some point! Would be awesome to hear it with your narration and sound design! Much love🫶

[@Darksomnium]

I plan to!

[@20cutzz]

I've been trying to find a narrator for that story. Only nosleep story I read many years back that truly made me feel unsettled

[@sharonpaterson1281]

@@20cutzzI’ve never heard of that story I have to seek it out now I’m intrigued thank you it’s nice to find new stories as a lot of these creepy pastas are repeated now as so many have been done blessings to you my friend 😊

[@sharonpaterson1281]

I’ve just found it on YT narrated by someone I’ve never heard of I shall have a listen thanks again 😊

[@jeffersontaylor6093]

I can never thank you and everyone that works with you for the absolute wealth of content. Its been almost 2 months since our family lost our dad to cancer, after fighting nearly 4 years, and every single night that i walk my dog ive either immersed myself in one of your stories, or listened to the music from them. Though i know my future, if the past is anything to judge off of, is bound to be full of plenty more hearbreak and pain, i take solice and find comfort in knowing when i need to i can check out and live in another world, if even for an hour or so. That is truly a special gift which ill cherish as long as these videos are made for, i already planned to buy the ghost tree book after falling in love with that story, and will buy this one too when its inevitably made. Keep up the stellar work ❤

[@winstonwins1096]

I really enjoyed this one. There is something truly thought provoking and intellectually engaging about the old style of writing. It's nice to see it done well here and furthermore that there is still an audience that enjoys that style of writing.

[@LasagnaQueen]

I was doing 3D designs and listening to old videos. Went "damn, I'm running out of Somnium" when this just uploaded. Awesome!

[@ian7365]

I was VERY into this story. I liked how it blurred the lines between the past and present, and kept the plot on the edge of ambiguity. Good stuff. I listen to a lot of internet horror, but dont usually comment!

[@trkpzhi9472]

Thank you for the stories you narrate, I’m at a point where I can confidently say I’ve listened to almost all of your uploads. Whether I’m at work or chilling at home they just hit perfectly. Can’t wait to hear this one while I’m finishing up with work. Regards from Spain !

[@Darksomnium]

Wow thank you so much

[@taylorfain6957]

More excitement for the mundane life of a housekeeper. Thank you for the upload ❤️

[@connorroyer9026]

Love these stories. I wish we got more of you & your narrations, but you gotta take care of you first. You’ve been amazing man!

[@nilltheknightofdespair2251]

I LOVE how unique and interesting this story is. It just feels like there is so much more to the worldbuilding, actually relieved there is more to come. Can't wait for the next chapter

[@Glaycier]

I’m glad there’s more. I’m not done with this video, but I LOVE the concept of it and was hoping this wouldn’t be a one off thing.

[@Kiajenna]

love the vibes tj brings with his stories and you cover them brilliantly :) love the shared universe type playlists and a series from tj sounds like a wonderful idea! i would absolutely follow this story and am already excited to seek out his book. i love the way you think for organizing and chooosing stories and also i lovethat you usually have subtitles set for stories too, really helps the adhd brain. keep up the good work and pleaaaseee keep uploading these chapters, i look forward to chapter 2!

[@Missnortherncomfort]

Freakin fantastic first chapter! I'm stoked to hear more and would love to purchase the book when it's released!!!

[@KManT02]

I just wanna say that I love your videos Dark Somnium! Especially the longer stories. Your voice is so clear and pleasent, and your music is *chefs kiss* Awesome! :) I look foreward to more awesomeness

[@johndrake4165]

Thanks tj for writing a great stories you rock as well bring us more

[@firefury6053]

Thanks Dark Somnium, excited for this series. Have a good Halloween weekend!! :)

[@Mause-kk7be]

I absolutely love this so muh! My favorite type of dialogue and story telling and it's great to see Ronnie doing this! Very hype for the next story!!

[@Jeff-ej4rg]

I have to say, you never fail to give me chills with your ending lines

[@jessepolvinen5596]

The way this was written was absolutely amazing. And The Voice acting... so awesome. Thank you .

[@eggnostic]

it’s like you know when I’m in need of a story. You’re timing is always perfect. cant wait to listen.

[@williestreiff9314]

Another awesome narration, but of course your a pro with the golden pipes keep us spooked this season snd stay healthy

[@KirkWilson86]

Yay a new story to get me through my shift tonight! Cheers!

[@morgank8631]

This chapter provides a lot of intrigue and interesting development, and I'm frankly excited to see more of it. I hope this collaboration goes well. Waiting for more!

[@MsMtheory]

WHOOO! Happy Friday everyone 😊 and tysm for another great story DS 😄

[@Darksomnium]

Good morning!

[@KManT02]

After listening to the whole story and outro, I think that this was a great story that 100% fits this channel. I'm not sure if I would buy the book, but I might. I will be awaiting more content :)

[@Datadog-1]

Well chosen story, and well voiced as always. Listening to other creepy channels in the gaps between your videos always feels so empty compared to your stuff. Thanks for sharing your art with us man.

[@JDtheManiacal]

Phenomenal narration and brilliantly written by T.J Lea. This freshly obscure and macabre style was unexpected and brought a well received shiver down my spine. I can't wait to hear the rest and will absolutely be purchasing the novel as well. I hope you both find the risk well rewarded. .

[@blixten2928]

"It did not take a medical mind to see that he was fraught with damage" - CreepyPasta authors have a Lovecraftian inventiveness with the English language!

[@matrixlag4074]

Gotta love the Halloween season. Especially when Ronnie pumps out quality stories at such a high rate. So far I have to say that they have all been amazing. Keep it up man. Soon as I get my money situation back, I will be back on the membership.

[@gaelablake2692]

I’m excited. The story was engaging and entertaining. Dark Somnium voice is memorizing. I am always delighted to recieve DS vid’s alert of new content.

[@Bobinsky850]

I love the music and sound effects you make for your videos. It truly makes such a difference and adds so much emotion

[@LifeOfTheJackal]

This was by far one of my favorite stories in a very long time. You’ve had many that have been much more emotional and shocking and just overall amazing, but the style and theme of this was very appreciated as it isn’t seen much. I would listen to every single one of these uploads ( I watch every video anyways ) and I will 100% buy the book once it’s release. Amazing work Ronny and to you as well T.J Lee!

[@Deram1Axres]

Very good as always, both the story and narration.

[@HippieInHeart]

Great work from both you and the author. Curious what the future chapters will be like.

[@kidcthulhufortney1320]

Great work, guys. I definitely felt the Tomb influence, but I also got some shades of The Loved Dead by C M Eddy. Also got something of Lovecraft's The Outsider as well. A great mix of influences, actually. I'm very curious about TJ's novel and look forward to future chapters here at Somn's channel.

[@AlissaSss23]

This is definitely reminiscent of the Edgar Alan Poe stories! It felt so familiar, I can't belive I couldn't realise it before hearing mentioned! Great story!

[@andrepolk2354]

Excellent work, I cannot wait until this entire body of work is released! I will definitely be purchasing the book

[@jonbailey5102]

Yay!!! I got here in time! I just want you to know how much your stories mean to me. Your efforts show in every video and it makes my day when I see you’ve posted.

[@Great__.]

Hi Ron, It’s been a stressful morning so thanks for the much needed escape :) hope you have a great weekend!

[@BlightResearch]

We've gotten on a very similar schedule 😂😂 Thanks for the chill after I grind to get a narration out!!

[@Im_frisbee]

Favorite narrator right here

[@Darksomnium]

Ty!

[@BlueWaffle3]

Compliments to you both, I will definitely be buying this and hope for a second reading

[@darrenkoobs6244]

Absolutely loved this. A kind of horror lore that is original for me to hear. Look forward to the whole production and book!

[@Onichizo]

You have my curiosity peaked!!! This sounds like it has great potential and I'm all for it, TJ Lea is a brilliant writer and I'm a big fan, paired with your narration Somni, I can really picture myself in these storylines!! I look forwards to future stuff!!!

[@amandaofhouserobinson6707]

Love it !!! Brilliant story, brilliantly narrated ❤😊❤😊

[@verawalters6673]

Yes, please narrate this full series. It's great. Love Gothic horror.

[@karlshaf]

Still listening to the story but just wanted to say I absolutely love your narrations, the sound of your voice and your original music. Silky smooth and the perfect tone no matter what kind of story you're reading. Listening to you is getting me through alot of tough times, and there's been alot lately. So i wanted to say thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. You're the best narrator on you tube hands down. It brings a smile to my face to see your sub count go up everyday, you deserve it. You'll be at a million before you know it. Thank you again, Ronnie. Keep up the fantastic work. 😊❤

[@FlashSonic542]

Ah yes, another fantastic story and narration from Ronnie and all other lovely parties involved. Great work

[@KaosticFish87]

Great story and narration. Love to hear TJ's stories

[@TheStuart-of-Cosby]

You Mr Somnium are a Treasure among listener's. Thanks for another awesome narration

[@madrox2682]

@dark somnium hey man just wanted to say how grateful iam for your stories i work at amazon and they really help me get thru especially with peak around the corner seriously your narration are a game changer lol ❤❤❤❤

[@Paintedclassydoll79]

I loved this. It was well written and I enjoyed it can't wait for more and hope I can get the book when it's out.

[@olvebirkeland3690]

Love your videos man they bring me genuine joy. Best narrator on KZbin. Kjærlighet frå din største fan frå norge😄

[@Thunder_Star]

Havent said this enough, your sound design is amazing :D

[@Darksomnium]

Ty so much!

[@angelafields3740]

I can't wait to here more,plz! I really can't wait to here more, im get glad you decided to task the risk! will have to try and look for the book!

[@krystynahutson8061]

Holy fricken hell man. Killer narration and amazing story! Super stokes to hear the rest of the series by one quickly becoming a favorite author! @DusklightRadio you're a genius 🙏

[@john80944]

This is 100% one of the best stories you've done.

[@melonyreece4195]

This was phenomenal! I can't wait to tune in for the rest. I'm so excited and curious to see what comes next. There has been a real lack of originality within mainstream horror and I love the uniqueness of this story. Both the writing and narration/sound effects are absolute fire! I'm eagerly awaiting the next part!

[@StarBrained]

Ronnie narrating TJ’s stories are a thing of beauty 😘🤌

[@YellowSnow-mn6dy]

I love TJ's work and i would definitely pay for a full novel

[@genuinelyjustJD]

Thank you for uploading this today; it's my birthday and as it turns out everyone (family included) is busy, so i'll be spending the day alone. Doesn't feel as lonely with this story, though.

[@cXnButters]

Another great narration and story, hope you enjoy your weekend!

[@isaaclyndon943]

One of the best written story’s I’ve heard in a while, loved it and the score behind it gave me this eerie feeling, so good. Ur voice is always amazing as usual

[@marnieocarroll7924]

As much as I enjoy your voice, the stories you choose are always so depressing and don't always leave me in the best mood. As such, I only listen once every couple of weeks. Wish I had it in me to listen more... you're so talented.

[@Darksomnium]

understandable, i like to do more emotional stories but i can understand how they might not be fun to listen to alot, thanks for coming by when you do!! :)

[@cassieg.5742]

Happy Halloween Dark S! 🎃👻. Love your videos!🥰

[@jennjohnson2303]

I absolutely LOVED the story!!! Im an old school lover if every author you had mentioned so I felt quite at home with the story ❤ i really look forward to hearing more✌️

[@maynorborjas7587]

you’re amazing at what you do, no one is as good of at narrating stories as you are and just do so much more ♥️

[@madrox2682]

It still blows my mind he doesn't have more subs Seriously changed the creepy pasta narration game

[@hauntedcell]

Thanks for the great content. I’ve been a fan for years and your videos are the only exciting parts of my life. And the music you make for your narrations is so amazing.

[@rastai1]

Would definitely buy the book. Looking forward to hearing more of the story. Great job everyone involved!

[@kimoiactual682]

I have never been this early, love your stories man. Keep it up!

[@Darksomnium]

Glad you could come by!

[@brandonwest7627]

Found you on Spotify randomly and I am absolutely hooked. 👏

[@angeltetro4443]

Loved this! Thank you both, looking forward to more from this author!❤

[@anastasia408]

ik I've probably said this before, but in the non weirdest way possible, hearing the intro music followed up with you voice is so calming and comforting. Like, I just know its always gonna be a good story that will allow me to unwind from my life and it weirdly helps me regulate my uni stress....its just amazing! Again, thank you for all your hard work (and the other people that help/voice act in all your videos), you really are one of my favourite channels

[@jspencer5769]

That was just chapter 1?! I have to know what’s next! Great work to both off you!

[@MystearicaClaws]

GAEL! Glad I decided to relisten to these before listening to 'The Long Goodbye' again :D

[@Zicog]

hey been a big fan of your channel for the last 4-5 years and havent missed a video since then. i really think that you're not only the best creepypasta content creator, but just the best on the whole website. also theres a story that i cant find as its burried so deep in your channel. but its about a little girl dying of some sickiness (i forgot, could be cancer) and while her parents are on a night out or something, shes visited by a small demon or entity which tells her three sad stories, and on the third she passes. one of my favourites despite being a short one. but i cant find it, do u or anyone know the name?

[@Netsyrk]

I think you are referencing the story "In the Land of Black and White". It's in Somnium's Feels Pasta playlist. All 3 of those videos/stories in that playlist are fantastic and never left my mind.

[@marcino-mb9yi]

Love the content dude keep up the great work

[@Darksomnium]

Ty!

[@baileyroosevelt7436]

I also love creepy pastas and no sleep stories, but this is a pretty unique premise (at least to me) and I found it very refreshing!

[@supremeoverlordofnaughtine9778]

I know exactly what you mean by Lovecraft and Poe feelings, its helplessness. I am very excited for more amazing stories from Mr. Lea and I am patently waiting for the Fighting tournament hard cover book to release so that I can buy the 3 Sturgen books. Thank you all for making my life more exciting with your wonderful narrations and writings.

[@frankmuysers6001]

I loved it! Incredible how the author captured the archaic style consistently to the end. Very original and refreshing. Looking forward to the book release.

[@1yraG]

Each time I hear the dark somnium start a video with this specific song and vibe, I know it’s going to be a banger

[@alishakindle7804]

I absolutely loved this story!! I would LOVE to see more like this!! ❤

[@amabbie6]

i'd love to hear more of this story! I really loved the author's note at the end too

[@grizzly7325]

i always love your videos they help me so much through the week and something to look forward to!!! ❤

[@Darksomnium]

Glad you like them! :)

[@Suk-mi-cok]

I've been listening to your videos for years and usually to fall asleep to. Last night you pulled me from my dream twice screaming into the mic. My gf & I both agree we can't sleep to your stories anymore.

[@zarostheemptystories1178]

Excited for the continuation of the book...this was amazing and I know futher entries will be amazing as well

[@mirai5268]

finally something to sleep to, thanks for this dark somnium!

[@drduck5327]

In a non wierd way I love you sm bro The stuff you make is incredible and you’ve been doing it consistently for YEARS props to you dog

[@darkoFNFN]

You're now my go to narrator. You're up there wjth mt favourites such as MrCreepyPasta and MrNightmare. Ive been falling asleep to these narrations almost every nught for years, and your voice is so perfect for that.

[@Gr33n0ni]

This was really fun, i hope this continues! thank you!

[@berries4411]

I got exams on monday but my procrastination is at its finest✨. Thnk you for another narration ❤. Your channel is the reason i am still surviving❤❤❤

[@spinyvegeta1]

Bravo. Like you said, a little different than the normal style but welcome. Very sinister vibe throughout.

[@bluebell1095]

Belting stories and tingling narration.Many thanks.❤

[@hyp0crite692]

You have a great reading voice, as you probably know. I enjoy listening to stories you narrate, even if I've heard them on other channels. You use your gift well.

[@LiminalMan777]

This was absolutely fantastic, very much vibes of Poe and Lovecraft

[@johndrake4165]

Thank you for all the great stories