Thoughts and meditations of Tha'Azail Neverborn

[Andrios]

*A journal bound in white leather with the golden leaf of Aeridin embossed on the cover*

Written in a firm, scrolling hand

Feraza gave me this journal when I left the temple.  He said it could help me focus my thoughts and find Aeridin's will.
I have been far to busy to write in it, but now I feel the need to clear my head and see my path.  I shall start at the beginning and gather wisdom from my experiences.

Upon leaving the temple I found myself on the outskirts of Far Reach, with no clear destination and no real plan.  To the south the Broken Woods called to me.  I had to know if that call came from my own anger, or if my hatred of the undead was part of the will of Aeridin.  I decided to camp and spend the day fasting and meditating, listening for the soft voice of the life giver.  I had been meditating I know not how long, when I felt a dizziness come over me, and I swooned.  When I recovered I was staring at an immense Gold Dragon.  He informed me that I had been called to defend Layonara against Blood and his minions, and then transported me to the town of Hlint.  Aeridin had given me a much more direct answer than I had expected.  No Broken Forest.. for now.   Instead I had been put on the path of protecter and healer.  I still had no answer for what Aeridin felt about my feelings for the undead. I decided to wait and see what clues my god provided me.
Almost immeadietlly when I entered Hlint I thought my skills as a gaurdian would be needed.  Before me I saw, of all things a Dark Elf.  This Dark Elf was walking around in broad daylight, pretending the sun had no effect on him.  He was also acting in a manner that fell just short of rude.  I introduced myself to him and informed him that I should probably stick around, because a Drow on the surface with an attitude like his would need to be healed.  He introduced himself as Owen Lokiar and seemed a bit disappointed when I did not recognize the name.  Just as I was wondering what I had gotten myself in to his companion, another dark elf  named Iradril, appeared.  While we were still feeling each other out and trying to decide if we might have a common interest, Owen started flirting with a pretty girl that walked by.  (Something he does almost habitually)  The lady's name turned out to be Eylianna.  She seemed far more interested in Iradril than Owen.  Shortly we saw why.  She cast some sort of spell on Iradril, and a winged messenger of Lucinda appeared and gave Iradril a special blessing. We were all blessed by her prescence, and I felt that Aeridin could approve of my new companions.  Eylianna was as surprised and excited as we were, I can only surmise that such was not the intent of her spell.  By Eylianna's suggestion we all journyed to the nearest temple of Lucinda to give proper thanks for the visitation.  I felt I was on the right path.  I have been travelling with Owen and Iradril ever since, and we seem to mesh well.  Owen's personality can occasionaly be grating, but I since the goodness and yearning beneath his adolescent behaviour.  Iradril is on a personal quest I can relate to.  Since learning about Lucinda, and feeling her special touch he is doing all he can to learn about her.  Eylianna got called away by a companion shortly after journying with us, but I hope to meet with her again soon.
One of the first things the dark elves and I did was cleanse the crypts in Hlint of a dark essence in it's lower levels.  We battled skeletons, and zombies and the like.  I felt the power of Aeridin course through me, and though it was a tough battle by his will we were successful.  We also performed many other tasks together.  I told the others that I would need some time to meditate on our progress, and feel closer to Aeridin.  They left to pursue other interests temporarily promising that we would join together soon.
Shortly after I finished my meditations I ran into a girl name Khana.  She was in the icy grip of the bindstone and asked for aid in returning to where she fell.  Of course I immeadiately agreed to journey with her.  We secured the help of a nearby dwarf.  A very odd fellow named Dargus.  Khana informed me that she had died in the crypts in Kandor, I was excited about putting the undead to rest, but was unsure how to get there from Hlint.  Alas, Khana did not no either.  We decided to enter the Wildwood Inn and get directions.  Inside I met Cole, a mercenary that Iradril, Owen and I had employed before.  He was not only skilled, but generous and honest as well.  Cole offered not only to give us directions, but to provide escort as well.  As we were going at Khana's behest he set his price to her.  It was one day of indentured servitude to begin after the success of our endeavour.  It seemed he needed some help harvesting corn. She readily agreed and we were off.   Other than running into some really pugnacious ants our trip was uneventful.  When we got to the crypts Cole advised that the dwarf and I stay on the surface, in case we needed to raise an alarm.  I got the feeling he did not want us hindering his rescue efforts.  I was poised to go in anyway when I recalled the opinion of Feraza.  I decided that I would indeed not take this opportunity to face the undead, perhaps Aeridin did not want me facing the undead for fear my rage might unseat my reason.  I laid the blessings of Aeridin on Cole and Khana, and infused Khana with the strength only Aeridin can provide and then I waited for them with the dwarf outside of the crypt.  Their journey was swift, and successful.  I offered to go along with Khana and Cole to retreive his corn and then return to Hlint.  Cole welcomed my company and that of the dwarf as well.  And that is when I think I began to feel the disfavour of Aeridin.  Normally I am an eloquent speaker, but I fear that along the way I offended Cole, a man that I admire and have respect for, and embarrassed Khana, a nice young lady, all through a verbal misunderstanding.  Then, while trying to see what I could do to help the Dargos, I offended him as well, and it almost came to blows, because he thought I was belittling Dorand.  I managed to smooth things over with all concerned and leave in good will, but my words have never failed me like that before.  Perhaps I should have entered that crypt and matched my faith with the foul undead.  Yes, I feel that was truly Aeridin's will.  I will speak with Iradril about this perhaps he and Owen will accompany me back to the crypts.. Or perhaps Aeridin has another challenge for me.  I will not fail in his will again.

[Andrios]

*a new date written in the same hand*

Who would have guessed such an eventfull day could start out so normally?  I met up with Iradril and Owen in the shops of Hlint.  They had been travelling with Khana, and apparently Eylianna as well.  Eylianna spoke to me briefly, but then had to depart for elsewhere.  Owen appeared in some stylish new clothes that he was dying to show off, and Iradril had aquired a new friend in the form of a sprite that had taken to following him around.  We had all agreed to help the local tanner, I believe his name is Johann.  Johann's wife is sick and he is not able to acquire the skins he needs for his trade.  
Anyway, we had all agreed to help him, so we decided to head to the woods north of Hlint to try and find some bear hides.  We were actually doing pretty well, and had gainded a couple of hides for Johann, and we decided to explore a little further north than any of us had been previously.  That's when we were ambushed by several large beetles and the biggest spiders I have ever seen.  The waited until we were in deep vegetation to attack.  Iradril and Khana kept hitting the trees when swinging their swords at the vile insects. Owen was unable to get a clear shot with his bow, and there was no room to manuever my staff.  The insects made short work of us.  I was bitten by a foul spider while I was trying to heal Iradril and was overcome by the poison while the rest of my comrades were overcome by the spiders.  
I don't know if  it was because I was healing when I was stricken down, but Aeridin chose to bless me, and when I appeared beside the bindstone, I had suffered none of it's ill efffects.  I was feeling well and whole.  I met with the others in the center of town and it was obvious that they were still under deaths cold touch.  
The group quickly came to the consensus that we would need some help if we were to overcome the insects and meditate at everyones respective sight of demise.  At the west entrance of Hlint there were a warrior and a lady at repose.  Khana and I approached, and I asked for their aid.  After a brief explanation both agreed to aid us.  The warrior said he needed a moment and would be right back.  A moment or two passed and the warrior did not return, so I went looking for him.  
It turned out that the warrior was a Paladin of Toran and he was in deep conversation with a grim looking man, a distraught lady, and a woman playing a tambourine that spouted flippant poetry.  As one can imagine, Owen was immeadiately drawn to the tambourine player.  
I waited patiently for a moment while they conversed, then I asked the Paladin, whose name turned out to be Remiel, about regaining the strenght of my friends.  He replied that our mission would have to wait, for the grim fellow faced a greater fate, and therefore required more immeadiate attention.  He then mentioned great evil and undead including a lich.  Well I was immeadiately drawn to the quest, but he did not seem overly interested in aid, especially from fellows who were mostly dead.  He was still hearing the details from the grim one.  I withdrew, partly because I had lost track of Khana, and needed to find her, and partly because I needed to think, and seek Aeridin's will in this matter.  
By the time I found Khana, she had procured alternative aid to help her regain her strength, and I wished her well.  On the way back to Remiel and the others I turned the situation over in my mind.  The last time I had turned away from facing the undead, I felt disconnected from Aeridin.  I did not want that to happen again, so as I returned, I approached Remiel and offered him the aid of myself, Iradril and Owen.  He warned us of the difficulties, that it would be our very souls on the line, and that he could not gaurantee our safety.  I told him he did not have to, after all we were there to help, and besides Aeriding would be with us.  
I perhaps spoke more forcefully than I am accoustemed to, but I did not want to miss another opportunity to prove myself to Aeridin.  He agreed to accept our aid, but warned that the rest of his party might not agree.
Apparently they did and we began at once for the dank lair where the grim one, I learned as we went that his name was Bid, had come to his misfortune.
After a short jaunt we arrived at a litteral hole in the ground.  I could feel the evil emanating from it, poisoning the air outside.  Into the pit we went.  Shortly rudely carved stairs gave way to finely ornamented stone structures, and the wailing began.  I could hear the screams of those damned to spend eternity within the confines of this dungeon rather than complete the cycle as was intended.  We went farther and farther down, each level we descended increased the feeling of dread and gloom.  
Also, the farther down we went, the more Bid begand to act strange, and move as if one possessed, which in a very real way he was.  At last we came to a large open room, where it was determined safet to rest and prepare for the impending confrontation.   Once we were well rested it became necessary to gaurd the lady named Lara and the tambournine player, named Kali from Bid. Only for a moment though, as he was soon distracted by the urge to continue downward.  By now the feeling of doom was oppresive, and I think in response to this the one called Lindariel began to disparege Owen.  I tried to explain to her that he was not like other Drow, and she rebuked me.  We had other business to attend to, so I did not engage her in debate.  Overall, I thought it a shame.  Judging by her inappropriate humor, if she could have gotten over her prejudice she would have enjoyed Owen's company. (Most women do, however)
Finally we entered the lowest chamber, hewn out of black rock with naught but a large dias and a coffin upon it.  There Bid, and to my surprise Lara went into a full trance and summoned Arindor to claim his vessel.  That vesell turned out to be a very nervous Kali.  Immeadiately an Iron cage sprung up around Kali and Lindariel, cutting them off from the group.  Nothing else happened for a while and we all began to call challenges for our foe to show himself.  After more waiting that dragged on in a horrible, oppressive way that seemed to gnaw at your insides the room was filled with a feeling of terror the likes of which I had never felt before.  I felt not scared or frightened but terrified to the depths of my soul.  My grip on my staff was that kept me from sinking to my knees, or turning in blind flight.  Slowly, I forced one hand off my staff, and clasped the golden leaf of Aeridin that is always around my neck.   I focused on the life giver and his warmth and purpose for me.  Slowly, ever so slowly the terror receeded.  It did not leave, but it receded to the point that I could think clearly again.  And still our host had not shown himself to us.  It spoke to us in a booming voice saying we could leave if we left the vessel and his two minions behind.  Remiel threw our defiance at him. I was a little in awe of how much the strength of Toran filled Remiel.  Talan must have done something to offend Arindor for at that moment he was surrounded by an iron cage himself.  He began to bash the bars, and I lent him the strength of Aeridin for his efforts. (I knew my staff would be no match for iron bars)  That action also must have annoyed Arindor, for suddenly iron bars appeared around me as well.  For a moment I despaired, and then I did the only thing I felt I could.  I began to pray to Aeridin to beseech him for strength and guidance and self confidence.  As I finished the prayer, the terror left me, and I knew things would be alright.  I voiced as much to Owen who was concerned for me.  Remiel must have felt increased strength from Toran as well for now he gave Arindor a counter offer, enticing the lich with freedom from his curse.
I was stunned.  It would never have ocurred to me that one such as he might grow tired of his undying life and want release.  This seemed to agitate Arindor, and maybe some of our number had delt him a blow I was unaware of as I Prayed, for the beast stopped harming Kali.  He issued his initial offer again, and remiel retorted with the promise of release from the curse.  Arindor seemed to grow more agitated. Finally he agreed that we could go if each of us offered an oath by our god that we would never return, nor would any that traveled with us.   Remiel considered a moment, then re-issued his offer for release from the curse of undeath.  That truly seemed to anger Arindor, and he made it clear that this would be the last time he made his offer.  
Reluctantly Remiel agreed and swore by Toran.  I of course swore by Aeridin.  The other swore by their respective gods as well.  Owen shocked me when he swore by Roferin.  Earlier that week he had been giving a Paladin of Roferin a spectacularly hard time, and it almost came to blows, yet in his heart of hearts he feels some alliegence to the dragon god?  It saddened that several had to swear by all that was good or some such because the did not follow the path of any god.  To me that seems like a terribly lonely way to live.  
Anyway, we all had sworn but Talan.  When he swore, apparantly he had left some critical words out.  Finally he swore properly and Arindor released us and urged us to hurry.  We departed at a run, back the way we had come.  Coming in everything had been eerily quiet and forboding.  Now that we were being allowed to leave the spirits were enraged and came at us with everything they had.  We saw specteres, ghost of those previous adventurers that had not made it out, skeletons, and virtually every kind of undead I have heard of.  They all fell to Remeil's blade or Talan's bow or the weapons of the others.  I aided as best as possible, healing when I could, laying the blessings of Aeridin upon us all, and of course casting the rays of Aeridins holy light against the undead.   The strength of Aeridin in me caused them to become weaker, or confused.  Remiel as well called on the powe of Toran and they fell before the strength of our group.  On the way out Lara was severely wounded by skeleton archers and with my aid, and the aid of Remiel she made it out fine.  As we were nearing the upper levels Owen got anxious to see the sun (odd for a drow) and carelessly stepped on a trap.  He died before either Remiel or I could get there.  As Lindariel went by she stepped on him!  I was outraged but before I could voice my feelings Remiel bent and picked up Owens body, so that he would not be cursed to spend eternity in that pit.  I was overcome with grattitude and forgot about Lindariel.   We made it past all the undead, but apparantly all the traps were set by our passing through, and on the way back it became extremely treacherous.  At this point Iradril made a misstep and was electrocuted, again dying before anyone could reach him.  What had I gotten my friends into?  I felt horrible.  But we also had to find a way to get out of the room we were literally trapped in.  That is when Bid actually nocked the hinges off of a door and secured our exit.  On our way out we ran into these huge creatures that had great mandibles and a gaze that could stun or confuse those it fell upon.  Talan was so confused that he shot Lara, and she almost did not make it out of that cavern alive.  Finally however we made it to the last cave, and ran into a halfling that was planting a bunch of traps at the behest of the local lord.  The traps were to keep whatever was in there in there, and to discourage the foolhardy from entering.  
I was overjoyed when we reached the outside world.I got a glimpse of Owen and Iradril.  Thanks to Remiel the bindstones were able to grab both of them.  The joy did not last long however.  Suddenly we were hit by magical darkness and some sort of attack began.  We were so tired of fighting that we all just ran at top speed, eluding our persures.  That would have been fine, but Talan blamed Owen for the darkness, if not the attack.  Luckily we very soon came to a house that apparantly was shared by Bid and Lara.  The general good mood that was engendered seemed to remove any hostile thoughts from the minds of everyone.  Owen, Iradril, and I declined the gracious offer of Bid and Lara to be entertained in their home, we felt they must be exhausted and we all needed to recuperate.  I thanked Remiel for allowing us to lend our aid to the cause.  He looked at me a moment then glanced over at Owen and Iradril.  Then he said that next time I should carefully consider my actions because often others pay the price for what we do.  
That was a few hours ago, and I am still pondering,  what responsibility do I have to them?  Would they have tried to lend aid had I not been there?  I think the answer is yes, so that is not what makes me responsible for them.  My belief in Aeridin makes me responsible for them.  I must grow stronger in his path to better protect and aid my friends.  Despite the difficulties we suffered, we accomplished our mission.  Also, I was assailed by unkown horror, and Aeridin gave me strength.  I have grown closer to Aeridin through our accomplishment today.  I believe that my prayer is being answered, and Aeridin is calling me to cleanse Layonara of undead, perhaps for their sake as well as that of Layonara.

[Andrios]

*After a short space the writing begins again*

I am feeling quite confident about my time spent here in Hlint.  I have been able to help many people of all creeds and races.  I am spreading the good will of Aeridin to all who meet me through healing and support.  Yet,  I feel restless as if I am called for something more.  Iradril, Owen and I continue to help Johan with his furs, and we are also helping Lt. Jursen re-stock his weapon lockers.  Most recently we agreed to help Juanita, a horse trader, locate a lost horse, or at least some ointment that she had lost in the Greypeak Mts.  Owen and I searched at first by ourselves, but the ogres were too powerful for us alone, and we decided to postpone further searching util we could be backed by Iradril's strong sword arm.  A few days later we were all able to join together and search for the missing items.   Previously Owen and I had noticed a doorway carved into the base of one of the mountains.  We decided to begin our search there.  As we arrived Owen and I warned Iradril about the ogres, so we would all be prepared.  To our amazement we saw no ogres at all.  At first the doorway seemed clear, but as we approached an imposing man appeared.  He seemed to have a purpose of movement and an air of command.  His gaze stopped Iradril and I  in our tracks.  Owen must have seen something he did not like, for he shot an arrow at the man.  The arrow bounced clean off of him, without so much as ruffling his blue robes.  The man noticed it less than one would a fly.  He continued to survey his surroundings, apparently lost in thought.  Amazed and intrigued we approached the man.  Finally he deigned to notice us.  He flicked his eyes over us and said in an almost bored voice, obviously used to being obeyed, "Leave or Die."   Given recent events we did not need much encouragement.  We left.  Still, our curiousity got the better of us and we circled back around to see what he was doing there.  Owen and Iradril scurried to the top of a hill, while I skirted around it.  The man continued to survey his surroundings deep in thought.  I looked up to see what my companions' reactions were, and when I looked back he had vanished.  We were all shaken up, but Owen wanted to know more, and he wanted to know it now.  So we headed back to Hlint to see if anyone else had seen him.  There was no one about so we went into the Inn to inquire there.   Owen decided to ask Ragrian what she knew.  If he was counting on the fellowship of bards he was sorely disappointed. (or maybe not, who knows what bards expect)  After some tough haggling Ragrian agreed to answer a few questions.  We describe the encounter.  She dismissed our fears saying we so inexperienced that anyone would seem powerfull to us.  We needed her more than she needed our gold, so we refrained from correcting her.  She did say that we were at Storan's Crypt.  She felt that we had just seen Storan, and that at least we were wise enough to run away.  We thanked her for her time, and then discussed what we had learned.  The idea of it being Storan did not sit well with us.  The man seemed far too interested in areas not directly connected to his place of internment, for one thing, and our instincts seemed to tell us it was not, for another.  We have decided to gather others and investigate this matter further.
   And here I am again.  We are about to explore a Crypt, another haven for undead.  I truly feel now that Aeridin is instructing me that as well as healing, I can aid others by ridding my world of its undead inhabitants.  I have felt this calling almost since I felt HIS  call living in the temple.  The others there thought it merely a reaction to my mother's death, but given how events keep turning me that direction I am convinced it is Aeridins will.  I have decided to seek guidance in this matter from another temple than my own, given our past.  I was trying to decide if it would be too much of an imposition of me to ask Owen and Iradril to accompany me when Owen solved my dilemma.  He says that he has been instructed by others that in ordrer to receive knowledge he is seeking he must talk Aeridin's greatest.  I believe we can both find what we are seeking in Aeridins temple at North Point. So I have agreed that we should go.  First we need to tie up a few loose ends here around Hlint, then hopefully we can find someone to help us with the difficult journey to North Point.  As always I pray that Aeridin will guide me.

[Andrios]

*A blank page is left between the last entry and this one*

 Owen volunteered to deliver a package today from Hlint to Fort Vlensk.  It was mistakenly delivered to the Captain of Hlint, instead of the Captain there.  The good captain was a little hesitant about letting a drow deliver the package until several others volunteered to join us.   Among them was a Paladin of Toran and nice lady by the name of Brisbane.  Their goodwill with the captain was sufficient and we all set of for Fort Vlensk.  Along the way we incendentally rescued some foolish person from the wrath of an ogre and an ogre mage.  We kept getting attacked by all forms of canines, to the amazement of the lady, for she had the ability to talk to them.  We all began to be a little suspicous about the package.  When we got there while we were dropping the package off a prisoner escaped.  Naturally we chased him down and an odd interview ensued.  He claimed that Baalors were about to attack the town and seemed to be in terror brought upon by some mistreatment at the local prison.  While we were trying to puzzle out what he was going on about he ran again.  In the ensuing chase we were besett by Harpies and the poor man was shot by someone in our group.  Apparently by accident.  The man was beyond the call of Aearidin,  there was naught to do but pray for his soul.  We decided to visit the prison in force and determine the veracity of his statements.   As it turned out, the jailors were using the prison to smoke meat and keeping the prisoners in their homes!  While it seemed a little ridiculous it was also dangerous for the innocent townspeople.  We decided to report the incident to the Captain back at Hlint.  On the way back Bris (as she likes to be called) was met by her husband (?) A man named Plen.  Apparenly Owen had met him before.  It is amazing how Aeridin continues to bless us.  After we reported the whole affair to the captain in Hlint we were able to talk at length with Plen and Bris.  They did not charge us any gold, and were able to tell us a great deal about the mysery man from the Greypeaks.   Through our observations and their knowledge we determined that the man was probably one of Bloods generals!  A lich in fact called Eon.  Owen immeadiately posted a note in the Wild Surge to draw others so that we could scout the area and determine what he might be doing there.  Though they would be unable to attend, Plen and Bris made it known that they would like any knowledge we gathered.  Tommorrow we will scout the area,  may Aeridin be with us.

[Andrios]

*There is a small blank space and then the writing begins again*

I have had an eventful day!  By the time I was ready,  the force to investigate the Grey Peaks had gathered and was ready to leave the inn.  Owen was able to gather quite a few people for our cause.  We entered the foothills and the ogres were back in force.  We tried to be stealthy, but our force was so large that eventually they noticed us.  The good new is that because our force was large we repelled them rather easily.   We approached Storan's Crypt and gained consensus that we were going to continue our investigation by entering them.  Several people realized we were serious about the Crypt and decided they had business elswhere.  I tried not to feel scorn for them, if they thought they were a hinderance it is better they did not join.  We entered the Crypt in good order.  Those famaliar with traps went first, followed closely by the warriors, last came the mages and myself.  Things started of well, and because of the scouts we missed one or two traps.  Then we came to the first room to the left of the entrance.  One of the scouts could feel cold and dread emanating from the room and he detected faint movement.  I made my way to the front of the group.  Holding Aeridins Golden Leaf aloft I strode purposefully into the room.  I intended to call upon Aearidin's power to daze the undead and make it easier for the rest to return them to the Great Cycle.  As I entered the room I looked into a pair of horrible, haunted eyes and I felt my soul tugging free!  I awoke beside the bindstone in Hlint.  I was furious with myself.  I have to learn to be more patient when confronting the undead!  Rather than helping my companions, I likely made their job more difficult.  I have to become stronger in the Lore of Aaridin and find better ways to return these foul creatures to the Great Cycle!  I rushed back to the Crypt post haste and when I got there the battle had just finished.  After a moments respite by the site of my demise, we were ready to venture a further into the crypt.  While exploring the back corner of the room we were assailed by a singular sort of zombie looking undead.  The others were having some difficulty vanquishing him. I held my Leaf aloft and prayed to Aeridin,  A bolt of his holy light shot forth from the Leaf damaging the creature and allowing my companions to get the upper hand.  We were all panting and in various states of injury, I went around laying the healing touch of Aeridin on my companions.  After that was finished we paused to decide if we should venture further or not.  At that point the room was flooded again with undead of a horrible sort.  Weary of battle we fled in one accord.  Some of the more stubborn undead followed us to the surface.  I was uble to stun some of them with the Power of Aeridin, and thus we defeated them handily.  None of us dared go into the crypts again.  Our party dissolved and only 1 other stayed with Owen, Iradril, and myself.  We were in a foul mood and decided to search higher into the mountains for clues.  We found nothing but more ogres.  After another brush with death we decided to just return to Hlint.  As we descended from the foot hills all was eerily quiet.  We reached the road, and who should we see but Eon himself striding up the road.  The others gave him wide berth, but I was filled with , I do not know what to call it, divine anger I assume.  I planted myself firmly in his path determined not to yield.  As he grew closer I could see that he was in fact a lich,  he emanated a feeling of dread and despite myself I shrank back a little as he approached.  He brushed right by me without batting an eye or showing any signs of recognizing he had passed someone.  Has he proceeded toward Storan's Crypt the others joined me and we began to follow him.  This he noticed. He turned to Owen and said "Would you like to die?"  of course Owen replied "no."    "Then Leave"  retorted Eon.  Well, I guess some of us did not learn our lesson the first time around.  Owen and Iradril headed immeadiately for Hlint.  I was not so smart and circled back around a hill to see what he was doing.  Our other companion however was even more foolhardy than myself.  He headed right towards Eon.  Eon pointed and some kind of light hit the poor fellow and he fell over dead.  At this point I decided to flee.  Eon must have sensed me (or seen me) I felt a wave of force hit me and I fell to the ground unable to move.  Slowly life returned to my limbs and I was able to get up.  Eon was nowhere around.  I headed back to Hlint, and saw Owen and Iradril waiting for me.  In fact they were poised to come looking for me.  We all headed back to Hlint to see if we could find Penarius or Brisbane to give them the news.  Instead we ran in to Talan and a friend of his a dwarf named Gulnyr.  We relayed our news to them and while we were talking an elf named Rhizome happened by.  Talan hailed him and he joined us.  He confirmed our news about Eon and even knew why he was  in the area.  Eon is looking for a bloodpool on Mistone.  If he cannot locate it he may try to create one.  Rhizome also knew where we could get help.  He suggested talking to the Seilwood Witch for guidance.  We decided that was a good idea, but it was late and we were all worn out from our encounter so we decided to regroup and go another time.  As the group dispersed Owen caught up with Rhizome.  He figured that as knowledgeable as Rhizome was he might know who Aeridin's Strongest was.  He posed the question to the druid.  Rhizome said that he would require time to meditate on the idea and that he would get back to Owen.  With that, Rhizome was gone.  I am excited.  Once again Aeridin is answering prayers faster than I can pray.  If Rhizome knows the answer then we will be spared the long and dangerous trip.  I am looking forward to what he finds out.

[Andrios]

*Tha'Azail sits with his back against a tree, breathing in the smells of the forest around him.  With a smile he retrieves his journal from his bag and begins to write*

I find it difficult to write of my journies while I they are occurring, I am glad I travel with Owen, for he is good at such things.  Much has happened since I last wrote.  We have found Aeridin's strongest- it was Rhizome!  I have been honored to travel with him a few times since our first journey.  He led us to Ozlo's tree, where Owen found his answer, in the form of more questions.  Much happened there that I am not permitted to speak of, even here.  I think Owen found a new purpose there.  Or perhaps it found him?  My companions and I have been through much and I feel a comraderie I never felt at the temple.  I think we are affecting each other.  Owen is far more serious than when we first met.  Iradril is becoming stronger in Lucinda, or at least the weave.  I find myself much more relaxed.  I jest more, and loosen up around strangers much more easily than before.  I feel strongly called by Aeridin to fight the undead, and I am at peace with that.  All that remains is to find one with the knowledge that I need.  Aeridin would not call me without providing a way.  I shall be on the lookout for it.  Meanwhile I will help my companions in their efforts to preserve Layonara.  Speaking of which,  I need to find Rhizome and see how I can help him with his Unity Island project.

*Tha'Azail returns the book to his bag, pulls himself to his feet with his staff and strides into the Seilwood with a determined look on his face.   Without realizing it he hums Owens latest tune*

[Andrios]

*The writing is firm, but does not flow as smoothly as other entries, excitement can be sensed through the marks his quill leaves on the paper*

Aeridin's light has shone upon me this day!  I went to Hlint to buy some of Gulnyr's pies.  While there I was overcome by an urge to visit His temple in the Ranger's Vale.  Owen and Iradril were with me, and I asked for their companionship on the journey.  I hate spiders, and I hear that the Seilwood has been more active of late.  They agreed.  When I arrived at Aeridin's Temple I began to pray for his guidance.  At that moment, the priest of the temple approached me with a letter.  He said the letter had been dropped off with instructions that it be given to me.  Whovere sent the letter knew my name and description.  The missive was blank, but as I looked on words appeared, only to disappear after having been read.  Basically, the note set up a meeting place where matters of importance were to be discussed.  
The journey was uncertain, so I asked Iradril and Owen to travel with me once again.  They agreed and we set off.  I shall not mention where we met, or who.  Suffice to say, I had been found worthy to join the Light Bringers if I felt that Aeridin was calling me to them.  At last, I had met someone who understood how I viewed my relationship with Aeridin!  He warned me that our view was shared by few, and as such the group is not approved of by all.  He also revealed some startling things about my heritage that I do not wish to reveal here, but things make sense now.  He said If I was sure of my path there was a task to perform.  He gave me a jewel, I have dubbed it the jewel of rebirth.  He bid me take it to the heart of a crypt and there shine Aeridin's light upon it.  
With the help of Owen and Iradril we made it to the heart of the crypt in Krandor.  Along the way I started with my sling and shield, but thinking on the things I had discussed with my mentor I switched to my staff, and caused Aeridin's fire to burn upon it.  The flames did not consume the staff, but consumed the foul undead it came into contact with.  The restless dead we came across were sent into rest to rejoin the Cycle.  They fled at the might of Aeridin that shone forth from my Golden Leaf, and then fell to Iradril's sword, Owen's bow, and my firey staff.  It was as if I felt the strength of Aeridin flow into and through me.  We reached the heart of the crypt.  Therein I placed the gem and cast Aeridin's Holy Light upon it.   At once I was filled with agonizing pain It was as if Aeridin himself was scouring the darkness from my soul with his divine light.  I succumbed to the pain and awoke outside of the Crypts. I felt....different I knew that Aeridin had accepted me, that I had proven worthy to join the Light Bringers, I feel empowered to take the might of Aeridin into the darkest places, restoring the undead to rest and destroying those who would create them.  I feel... Reborn.  Now I truly am apart from most of my fellow priests,  I worship Aeridin the same as they, yet they may not see it that way.  'Tis no matter,  I will shine forth as one of Aeridin's Rays!

*Tha'Azail closes the journal, putting it in his back pack.  As he walks along he looks at his staff and thinks about the hammer displayed to him .  A smile spreads across his face.*

[Andrios]

*Tha'Azail staggers into the temple of Aeridin and prostrates himself before Aeridin's altar.  After a time of intense meditation and prayer he rises and leaves, walking like one exhausted he collapses against the trunk of a nearby tree.  After rummaging through his packs he finds his journal, quill, and ink and begins writing*

Yesterday was a terrible day.  I failed Aeridin.  Iradril needed some minerals to create potions for Owen.  Lalaith knew where they could be found, but she said it was dangerous as the minerals were deep in lizardman territory.  Connor agreed to go with us as well.  To make this brief, we got the minerals, but were ambushed on the way out.  We were somewhat prepared however, and were making an organized retreat.  Suddenly a lizardman broke through our ranks and charged Owen. I hit the lizardman with Aeridin's searing light, causing him to back off.  Suddenly, in the corner of my eye, I saw a blade swinging towards my head.  I ducked, and awoke by the bindstone in Hlint.  I felt cold, and disoriented and thinking was hard, but I was at least pleased that I had fallen so that a companion could survive.   I began the long agonizing walk to hopefully meet them on the way back.  That is when I saw Iradril by the other bindstone in Hlint, near the inn.
He stood there quietly indicating he would remain to await our companions.  I slowly nodded, then began to meditate, which was very hard as my thoughts felt as if they were drifting through cotton.  Suddenly, someone was trying to converse with me.  I looked up and there were several people around.  I saw Karyth there, and amusement and affection bubbled up through the void.  I asked if he was still bothering the goblins. That is not exactly what I meant, but that is what came out.  Karyth grinned and rubbed his tiny daggers against the grass by the roadside, grinning as the goblin blood rubbed off.  At this point a crowd was beginning to gather and I was feeling clumsy and uncomfortable.  Our companions returned, saw that Iradril and I were as well as could be expected, and then drifted off again.  Or at least it seemed to me.  I was really having trouble staying focused.  Then I heard a dwarf say in something in a loud voice about crushing evil or some such.  I looked at him to agree, and no words would form.  After a second he grew agitated and thought I was mocking him for being a dwarf.  Finally I was able to call forth some words and I replied that I liked Dwarves fine, but I preferred sending udead to their rest to just smashing evil in general.  As you can see, not spoken as elegantly as I am accustemed to speaking.  Then a young lady came up and very timidly announced herself as a necromancer!  She seemed to be trying to apologize for what she did and promoting it in the same breath.  In my state I became very confused and asked her if she seriously wanted to pursue dragging defensless souls from their graves.  Suddenly this man in blue appeared and started acting agitated.  He said someting like necromancy is not all bad and then starting healing everyone in sight.  And we had gathered a crowd I must say.  Both the dwarf and I tried to say that we did not mind the school of necromancy as such.  (for my part I accept it because it is one way that life can be bolstered and is still within the Great Cycle)  Rather we tried to explain that we had a problem with people actually raising the undead.  I assume the man in blue thought we were accosting the first lady, because she was acting very timid, and so he was being very pugnacious.  He accused someone of not listening.  I do not know to whom he was referrring all of this was almost as if it was occuring to someone else, through a fog.  Then the man declared that he was a priest of Lucinda and then he did a horrible thing.  He called forth a Lich!  Right there in the middle of the road in Hlint a Lich stood before me.  I gaped! I told him he had gone too far.  I reached for my Warhammer, it seemed like a long reach.  Ideas came to me slowly through the fog I wanted to call upon Aearidin's holy fire to engulf my 'hammer, I wanted to banish the thing from whence it came, I wanted to smash this man in the blue robe that would dare call forth such an abomination in my presence.  All of this flowed through my mind like jelly through molassas.  I could not focus enough to act on any of it.  While I stood there trying to process everything flowing through my hampered mind and spirit a fellow in black walked up and stroked the cheek of the lich and commented upon what a fine specimin it was!  I nearly passed out from bottled up rage.  I could not think or focus and just stood there.  Eventually my feet found my brain and I stalked off.  My body ached from the ordeal of my death and from the supressed emotion that was unable to find release.  I determined to come here to Aeridin's temple to beg his forgiveness and reflect upon my failure.  On the way I had to stop to rest and found Owen also resting.  I explained what had happened and my failure.  He allowed me to regurgitate some of my anger and that helped.  He said that he also believed that Aeridin would understand the circumstances,  that helped more.  Though it still felt like I was thinking and acting through a fog, it was getting a little better.   Owen had to leave, but as he left Lalaith materialized on the far side of the fire.  (hmm I wonder if she had been there all along.) She also seemed agitated.  She provided me with names for the two foul men.  The man in blue is Celgar, a cleric of Lucinda and a former member of a group that wants to eliminate the school of necromancy from the land. (or at least that is how I understand it).  The other is named Ramonan.  Lalaith said he is evil to the core, and that they had unsettled business.  I informed her that I was available to help her finish that business when she required it.  We talked a little more, but she could see exhaustion overtaking me and so bid me farewell.  After she left I drifted through the fog thinking about balance and light and shadow and sleep overtook me. Now that I have travelled here, and communed with Aeridin, and put my thoughts on paper I begin to feel better.  I have felt the forgiveness of Aeridin and know that I am ready for the next challenge he shall present to me.

*With a thoughtful look on his face Tha puts the materials away. He looks around a moment for a staff that is no longer there, and with a rueful grin he heaves himself off the ground.  He returns to the altar with obvious renewed strength, after a brief prayer he walks into Seilwood with a purposeful stride*

[Andrios]

*Tha'Azail sits with his back against a tree breathing in and out deeply, seeming to drink in the life around him.  After a few minutes he drags his journal and quill from his pack and begins to write*

I have never felt so glad to be alive, to continue to be part of the Great Cycle.  We have broken the curse of  the maker, and reclaimed our lives.  This all began some time ago, I was traveling through the Vale when I saw a large group gathered around Aeridin's temple.  I spotted Gulnyr so I decided to advance and see what was going on.  That is when I saw Rhizome and Luna.  As soon as I saw Rhizome I knew I must offer my aid, no matter what the predicament.  
It seemed that Luna had been marked by some demon to be used in a ritual to advance some other demon, the maker, in the heirachies of the hells.  Another, a man named Jeran had been marked as well, but all was not lost.  The Maker was using a lich to help power his ascendancy, and the Lich had appareantly had enough of this demon.  At any rate he offered to aid them in foiling  the Demon's plan.   In order to find out exactly what was needed the Lich had decreed they must go to an intermediary to receive help, this Intermediary was a dark Shade.
I was learning all of this as we jogged along to meet with the Shade.  I realized who this shade must be just as we reached his domain.  It was none other than Arindor!  My heart quailed.  I would not be able to help my friends as directly as I had hoped.  I had sworn to Aeridin that I would enter Arindor's domain no more.   The group met outside of his terrible hole to prepare for the descent.  I wished them well and laid Aeridin's blessings upon them as well as what protections I could.  Then I advised them if they needed to fall back I would be awaiting them at the entrance.  A few looked at me as if I were not going because of fear, but none questioned and a few nodded.  
They began their descent and I began praying for their success.  They were gone long, and I prayed to Aeridin for their well being.  Once my meditations were disturbed by a dwarven bandit who thought a priest with his eyes closed would be easy takings.  With Aeridin's help I was able to defeat him, and continue my vigil.  Once or twice one of the group retreated, and I healed them, and then they descended again.  After what seemed forever the group returned to the surface.  They were sorely grieved.  
Arindor was not done with them, he provided a list of things needed before he would provide aid.  We were given a week to gather the materials and then return to him.  
I was glad I could help in this at least.  I was able to create holy water that was needed.  Others contributed things, including iron, gold, honey, and various other substances.  The time grew nigh to approach Arindor again, and I was aggrieved that once again, my companions would be in danger, and I would be absent.   I was walking through Hlint after giving Gulnyr the holy water thinking on these things when there was a sudden clap of thunder.  I looked up and beheld a creature of beauty and grace walking toward me.  My heart was filled with gladness, I could feel the presence of Aeridin clearly.  
The heavenly messenger approached an intoned. "Tha'Azail Neverborn ?"  It was not quite a question.  I nodded dumbly, awestruck.  The messenger smiled.  "My time is short.  but you should know that you have found favor with Aeridin.  He heard when you pledged yourself not to enter the domain of Arindor, and he saw when you refrained from entering the halls of the shadow.  It was well that you kept words pledged in Aeridin's name.  However, as the matter at hand involves the preservation of many lives, and as you have shown your steadfastness Aeridin absolves you from that promise.  Your companions will have need of your aid when next they enter his domain.  Your favor with Aeridin is marked with this,"  the messenger proclaimed as she pulled forth a war hammer shining with a holy light.  "This is a Foe Hammer, use it well."

*Tha'Azail's gaze goes to the Foe Hammer leaning against  the tree, near at hand.  A warm smile spreads across his face and he is lost in contemplation his writing momentarily forgotten.*

[Andrios]

*the cry of a falcon brings Tha'Azail back to the present and his task at hand.  Once again he sets quill to parchment*

A few days later our group gathered and marched into Arindor's domain.  His minions were not to be found and we proceeded directly to his crypt.  There he taunted us but little as Rhizome and others had strong words for him.  He said that he could provide us with no help,  but that his master could. He warned us all back, then he took the materials we had gathered for him and used them in a summoning rite.  What he summoned forth was a terrible being so wrapped in darkness that I could not make out what it was.  The being then called forth some sort of portal and disappeared.  Arindor said we would find the key beyond the portal.  Then with a mocking laugh he to vanished.  
While we were developing a strategy and deciding how to proceed through the portal the dwarf Bruenor muttered something and dove through.  Klugger did not want to miss out on the action, so he dove through too.  (an impressive sight, seeing a half-giant dive into a portal) Then the group rushed in pell mell with no plan.  Rhizome sighed, and Luna shook her head.  I went through to protect those that had gone before.  On the other side we found a war torn and desolate land.  It was determined that we had been transported to the past.  We found a lost spirit near a destroyed temple of Folian Spae.  Aralin spoke with the spirit and learned that it and the temple had been destroyed by a mage summoning things beyond his ken in an attempt at immortality.  Aralin was greatly angered by the destruction of the temple.
That is when we saw the remains of the tower and decided to investigate.  There we found many dead mages and battled a horde of demons.  We found a room with some sort of column that was actually summoning the foul creatures.  Aralin destroyed the column while we were battling those it called forth.  Shortly after that our group became seperated.   Rhizome, Luna and others fell behind to further investigate the dead mages,  while Bruenor, Klugger and some others charged forward into the tower.  I was torn, but I figured that Rhizome could take care of himself, and so reluctantly followed Bruenor deeper into the tower.  
Our group found a summoning circle with a dead body just outside of it, and what looked like the remains of a ritual.  In the far corner of the room was another portal.  Aralin and I began to examine the portal while Lia tried to decipher what had happened in the ritual.  While we were lost in thought one of the more fool hardy in our group walked into the circle.  The ground shook and he leapt out immeadiately.  That lead Bruenor say that we should throw the dead body in to see what would happen.  I was appalled, but as I opened my mouth to protest, Klugger picked the body up and threw it in!  The circle glowed a foul red and the body disappeared.  Then a shadow came racing into the room screaming.  It ran right by us and into the portal.  At that time Rhizome and those with him appeared, unaware of the fleeing shadow.  Bruenor of course dove right into the portal with out a blink.  Aralin tried to appraise Rhizome of the situation while people streamed by us into the portal.  Anxious to investigate the shade I followed quickly as well.  
On the other side of the portal we saw some sort of official who chastised us for unsanctioned time travel.  She thought we were from the past.  While the others talked with her I focused my will and began trying to sense the negative energy that would mark the passing of the shade.  I was able to pinpoint the direction he had gone and we were off.  
Surprisingly we found him quickly, and as he was running I commanded him to halt in the name of Aeridin.  By the power of the Light wielder and Life giver  the shade was pausing.  That is when Bruenor hit the shade with his ax.  The shade took a few swipes at Bruenor and then ran again.  Bruenor ran after him as did I and the rest of our group.  Bruenor destroyed the shade as the rest of us caught up.  I looked at Bruenor to chastise him, for the shade could have been put to rest in another manner, perhaps by divulging information as the previous spirit had been.
He laughed and said that he did me a favour that the shade would have ripped my soul from my body.  As I was about to reply I noticed we were in Spellgaurd at the high tower,  and one of its residents was coming out to greet us.  
*Tha'Azail pauses a moment to remember the crazy dwarf and hope that he is doing well, since he rejoined his clansmen to help them in their hour of need.*