Jo sits in center singing a silly song while strumming his guitar.
Never lick a toad!
There are some things you should never do.
Like eat something you find on your shoe!
Don't take a nap in the middle of the road,
and don't ever lick a toad!
Don't lick a toad, don't lick it!
You'd be better off to just kick it!
Better yet just leave it alone...It wasn't bothering you.
Don't lick a toad! Don't lick it!
JUST SAY NO TO TOADS!
Sir Daniel, Aylana.
I met a woman of some mystery last night who claimed to know you, Mister Reid, Ty, and Charlie all. She wields two curved exotic blades and favors dark purple colors and black. Her eyes disturbingly remind me of a dark elf in that they are large and strikingly violet hued, but she seems to be a human woman of some fifty years. Niamh joined us but refused to help me identify this woman so I appeal to yourself. Rofirein's insight into her character revealed not a thing, but my own judgement is one of a mixed soul, light and dark. She took great delight in both teasing me and attempting to scare me with her manner, but then was most helpful in repairing Niamh's worn boots. If you can identify her please send a return letter as soon as you able. One other bit of information , she referred to herself as a Striker, someone who leaps into the fray.
My other duties recently include helping resolve some conflict stirred up by our ancient enemy in Brenuth. It seems a Brother Strife was in collusion with some mercenary deep dwarves and was encouraging attacks against the Grannocian giants of the region. The small group of adventurers and myself were able to convince both groups we sought the truth and investigate. We uncovered the plot in Ulgrids itself and will be departing for Krashin to bring more of these instigators of chaos to justice.
Yours in the Gold,
Jo.
Sir Daniel, Aylana
I finally discovered who the mystery lady was, one Tyra Dragonheart. You were right, Sir, she does have a reputation for being a little odd.
I passed Charlie while traveling through Center. He told me he was traveling to Auderia with Katelyn to attend some manner of carnival there. If the rumors I'm hearing are true, this carnival's highlight the practice of putting a prisoner to death! I'm hoping to run into Charlie soon, but I'm not counting on it. I'd like to hear more of how it all worked out. I've been on a leave of absence from the Siphe Garra due to a quiet time on the front. I came back to Mistone for some rest and found myself involved on some strangeness. I'm sure you've heard some reports, but fire pits have grown to monsters and attacked folk, winds and water from creeks and ponds are doing the same. Fern, myself, and few others have travelled to the Grannocian Temple near to Vehl to ask for help in understanding what is occuring. Your old friend, Andrew, is leading us. I can't say I'm entirely comfortable being led by a Ilsarian, but I know you think fondly of him and I must say, he's a competent if somewhat quirky leader. I'll write again as soon as I am able.
Dutifully yours,
I've been busy tracking down information on liches, seeking help from the Shining Hand in Llast. I've not had much luck. The Toranites tolerate the Lord Protector, not much more and being a soldier with the Garra Siphe hasn't helped either. I did manage to find out a few basic facts about Liches and how they survive with their souls in a phylactory which I hope to use. Do not worry, the Gold is still with me strongly.
Dutifully
Journal entry
Water - Moselle - Lagoon
Air - Phoon - Mistral
Earth - Maia - Jahun
Fire - ? - ?
Our party has a pair of rings, but they seem to contain the souls of these beings and something else, a corruption. We are still not certain how to release them safely. I suspect , if called upon, the Great Dragon would enable me to destroy them with a holy blow, but I hope not to have to resort to such a drastic measures.
//a note - Brothers of Strife
Brother Blizzard is making snow in Auderia.
Last seed is being broken. Zalagor Cinder comes to unleash havoc.
Jo checked his appearance in the shine of his tower shield for the third time, running a hand through his wavy black hair in nervousness. Sighing he swung the shield to his back and stepped round the corner of the Toranite Temple in Llast. Ahead, a man, Mari's father worked on the corner of a wagon. A much younger man was helping lift a multi spoked wooden wheel onto a well greased axle. "Steady, a bit to the left, now in." The older man said as the wheel slid into place, he drove a round peg into a hole clearly meant for such a purpose at the end of the axle - locking the wheel in place.
Jo advanced, "Morning sir!" The older man glanced up and a flash of sunlight nearly blinded him off of Jo's shoulder armor. The older man grimaced, and held up a grease smeared hand to shade his eyes. Maybe the extra shine wasn't a good idea after all. Jo thought. No help for it. 'Attack through it' the voice of one of his instructors from Vehl said in his mind. He squared his shoulders under the heavy armor. "I'm sorry to disturb you sir, but I have some business to discuss. An order and something a bit more personal." Jo leveled a gaze at the older man's assistant.
Mari's father, Jo mentally kicked himself for not getting the man's name, looked at the assistant and gave him a small nod, "Off you go, Anton. We'll be fine here. Why don't you go check in with that girl you're so sweet on?" Turning to Jo, he managed to look unimpressed and curious at the same time.
Jo drew forth plans for a wagon handing them over, "I'm in need of a special wagon, for hauling timber, stone, and the like. It'll need special wheels, ones that can handle the strain of rubble, tree roots, rough ground. Think you can help me, sir? I'm willing to pay whatever it takes, although, I might not have the full price right away." He finished, his voice shaking slightly.
"Alright, I'm a wheelwright lad, not a magician, but I think," a glance at the specifications, "I can make something that will work. What's your other business, Jo Poetr ?" The man missed little, Jo thought. Good thing I'm nothing if not honest.
Jo stood up as straight as his six foot two inch frame allowed, eyes straight and focused, chest out, "I want to ask you sir." he paused as the man's name came to him, "Owen MacMurray, I formally request your permission to court your daughter, sir." He finished in a long rush of words, formal as they were. By the Dragon, that was harder than fighting the yard master at Vehl Temple.
A frown, consternation lines formed on Owen's forehead, he started to say something, then stopped, then looked away a few moments. Jo felt sweat building all over his body, another minute and his padding would be soaked through. Finally, Owen looked back at him, "She's my little girl, Mari. I'll always see her as that, you follow?" Owen said quietly finally seeming to take in Jo's trappings, the heavy golden armor, shield, blade, stirrups, the golden dragon amulet on his chest." Owen settled on Jo's face and the lines on his forehead relaxed. "I'll tell you what, let me talk to Mari bout it first and give you an answer then?" The older man offered not unkindly.
A nod from Jo, "Alright sir, that's fair. Although, I should tell you I came to you first, she might feel um, well awkward with your talk." Jo relaxed slightly and turned to go. "Thank you for your time, sir. " A pause, "Just so you know, I've always thought of Mari as my squad leader until fairly recently. I have a lot of respect for her as a leader and a soldier. Great Dragon watch over you and yours." Jo marched off.
Jo left word with the Center innkeep that he would be staying in Vale and gathered his things. Stepping outside he whistled sharply for his warhorse and rode for the portal.
(a day later)
Jo took stock, an entire village of rubble, some of it burning, a few handtools, not much food. Luckily, Mister Reid had said the Angels would be bringing supplies. His camp consisted of a bedroll next to the Katian stone. He sighed and went to work chopping at a still smoldering pile of logs and rubble. Vale was home now, better make the best of it.