[geloooo]

Journal Entry Number Twenty-one

I have heard of rumors regarding pirates off the coast of Katherian, and not so long ago I have heard that pirates have struck again. I met up with Melana in Mariner’s Hold and we made our way to Katherian. Arriving at our destination, a large number of individuals were already present at the docks, and as soon as we all gathered, the mercenary captain immediately briefed us regarding the situation. A ship containing large amounts of grain was taken by pirates and we were tasked to recover the stolen ship and its cargo. As always, I was surrounded by chaos and incompetence, three Toranites came along, and they called themselves the Road Wardens; a bunch of mischievous fools they were. The only capable people that came along were Phyress, Maran, Melana, Snagnor, Tabris, and Mor. It was an interesting and amusing bunch, and most of them were quite capable in combat. Amidst this pool of chaos, we needed a leader; I voted for Phyress for she looked quite capable and skilled, the Toranites thought otherwise. But in the end, Phyress won the majority of the votes and led us on our dangerous hunt.

We sailed to an island near Corsain, and as we were about to see the horizon, we were attacked by creatures from the sea that were similar to the ones that made residence in the Battlehelm Moors. They ambushed us and overwhelmed us, and we managed to slay them all but two of our companions fell, Melana and one of the Toranites. Luckily there was a cleric aboard and managed to raise them from the dead. We made our way to shore, and planned to speak with the pirates to negotiate a few terms. Instead, we faced wave after wave of hostile pirates, until we managed to tie up a straggler. He was to be taken into custody but he demanded something to be fulfilled, a duel that adheres to their laws. We allowed him to fulfill it, but as soon as we removed his binds, he ran for help. We killed him along with the others who came to his aid; we were actually lucky to have released him for he led us to the stolen sacks of grain. As dangerous as it was, Phyress did a great job on leading us, and if only the Toranites would have cooperated more, it would have went smoothly. We came back triumphant and reaped the spoils of loot and true.

Weary from my journey, I sought a reprieve in the Stormcrest Crossroads when I noticed a figure that I have seen before, I thought it was Llane, but I was wrong. I have seen her before but I was never able to speak with her. Getting her attention, we crossed paths, and exchanged a few words. Eventually she introduced herself, her name was Alantha, and as the tales most of my other companions have told me, she was a Dark Elf of such grace and power, striking awe as well as fear into the hearts of these surface-dwellers. I thought she was benevolent so I revealed myself to her, and as I did, she did not show the emotions that I had expected. The sunlight grew dim and the shadows of the trees were cast upon our shadows, and creatures sprung forth from the darkness. They attacked us relentlessly, and Alantha accused me of summoning them. Coming to her senses, she believed that I was but a young sorcerer, unable to have conjured such foul creatures. We conversed, I shared my tale to her, and she shared hers. Her friend arrived while we were exchanging stories, her name was Alleina, and she was of Elven blood. Going back to our conversation, she spoke of something regarding a person who went by the name of Marcus, as well as a being that was called “Reason.” I did not know what I was thinking by unveiling myself; somehow I wanted to meet another like myself, someone who would not try to kill me and would at least offer me safety like the ones who have before. I thought that she would be able to help me, and I aspired to be like her, but unlike her, I won’t limit myself to mere greatness.

Leaving Stormcrest and settling in one of the rooms at the One Eyed Harpy, I rested myself for I planned to venture off further than I have ever before. I made my way to an unfamiliar city, and it was called West Gate, the capital of Corsain. To my surprise, Fehriel and Maran were there along with a few others, most likely stopping by from a long journey. I was intimidated by all the people and I realized that I placed myself at risk, but still, I could not help but meet other people. Emerging from the gate, a child along with her bodyguard approached us, both of which were not looking too happy. Her mother was ill with an unknown affliction, and subsequently, it manifested after she gave birth to her youngest child. They realized that it was no ordinary illness when they gazed upon their mother who had just murdered their pet canine, and so she stood before us asking for our help. Assuming that sinister forces were at work, their ordeal interested me greatly, and with it I might learn more about demonology. We gladly obliged the decrepit child, and decided that by daybreak, we were to visit their compound.

Most of the others entered the city, the others stayed at the docks and bickered; a Dwarf by the name of Argali was accusing the huge figure clad in black of murdering a servant of Rofirein, as well as his accomplice, a human who also wore black. Eventually they made their way into the city, and as soon as the guards were about to arrest the huge person, he vanished, and resulted in the guards placing the city on lockdown. They were relentless and looked for the accomplice; I was sitting quietly at the inn, when the guard asked me to remove my hood. Following Fehriel’s advice, I obliged, and unveiled myself, immediately, they wanted to escort me out of the city. Of course, I questioned them why, but that was foolish of me, when I already knew the answer. A few of the travelers scoffed at me, one even spat on the floor I was standing on, what an uncivilized brute. I was lucky that those people were followers of Rofirein, had they been Toranites, I would have been slain on sight.

Instead of boarding the next boat to Katherian, I decided to pay a visit to Prantz, and maybe locate my Deep Dwarven companions. Along the way, while I was passing by Audira, I beheld the huge figure clad in black, and it had its swords at the ready, thinking I was sent to re-capture him. I was not one to judge and his situation did seem to be justifiable on his part, so I conversed with him. His name was G’ork, I have only seen him a number of times on Mistone, but I was never really able to have a conversation with him. G’ork claimed that he only killed the Rofireinite under self-defense, and that they were to be buried alive had they not acted sooner. I was sympathetic to him, always running from the law, never having a moment’s peace. He reminded me of the Goblins that protected me for he offered to silence those who would seek to kill me. I was pleased and afraid at the same time for on I made a new associate that would be of some use, regardless of the large amount of enemies I just gained. I doubt the servitors of the law will be able to capture G’ork, for he has managed to elude them up to now, what makes them think that they can in the future? I do hope I see earn his favor, most of my allies are dwindling, and I am making more enemies.