The World of Layonara
Character Development => Development Journals and Discussion => Topic started by: jjkolb on February 22, 2005, 07:29:00 AM
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Arrived in Hlint. Explored the city and its shops. Bound my soul to the city, should I not return from an adventure. Met a fellow adventurer by the name of Oight. Seems to be a trustworthy fellow and has fought by my side valiantly. We explored the sewers beneath the city and eliminated many rats and a few spiders. We have not explored the sewers fully. We also explored the crypts in the graveyard. Vanquished some foul undead skeletons, but need to return to clear them out. Talked to many of the townfolk who have charged me with various quests. Will need another companion or two.
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The fearless Oight and I were finally able to clear the sewers of the rat king. Thanks be to Toran. The beast and his minions were a challenge indeed. However, when we resurfaced, nightfall had befallen and we could not find the accountant and deliver to her the records she requested. We shall endeavor to seek her out when daylight comes.
We also managed to battle our way further into the crypts. But alas, we are not strong enough yet to clear out the evil undead. Perhaps with our new ally, Anyndur Amaluiseph, and the grace of Toran, we may succeed.
We met Anyndur just before we retired for the evening. He is the first Drow I have met and I am not sure I can trust him. I will allow him to prove himself; however if he should act in any manner the way I have heard the Drow to act, I will make sure he is brought to justice.
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My companions, Oight and Anyndur, and I delivered badger pelts to Johan the fur trader as he requested. A simple enough task compared to what we did next. We descended to the bottom of the crypts in Hlint (after killing many skeletons). There we destroyed the evil lesser darksoul and retrieved its essence. The quest was difficult however and with Toran's grace made it out alive. We delivered the essence to Erag and he rewarded us. What he will do with the essence, I don't know.
At this point, we bought ourselves better equipment and headed for the goblin wastelands, just west of Hlint. We killed a few scouts and collected their ears. We found a cave and entered. We fought many goblins and, sadly, we perished in an ambush. At least I think we perished. I remember the screams of my companions, then all went dark. Then I awoke at the bindstone in Hlint and found it necessary to ponder my death for a short time. We decided to rest and plan strategy before heading back to the caves to vanquish the evil goblins. I will pray to Toran that he may guide our way.
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Spent the last few days exploring with Anyndur the drow. Seems to be a noble fellow--not at all what I expected. Still, I feel he is an exception to the race. I still can't say I trust him completely. He is deadly with his bow, however! I know I would have perished several times without him firing arrows behind me. He has a way of attacking from behind, too. This is another reason I need to be cautious around him.
He and I ventured eastward out of Hlint and killed a few elves and halflings. We also eliminated a few lizardmen before running into one that dispatched us quickly. The beast was lethal with his weapon. We will need some more companions before we travel too far outside Hlint.
We also explored a cave just south of Hlint and vanquished some ogres. It was here that Anyndur's bow was deadly. He landed most of the killing blows.
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Anyndur and I were able to help a fellow adventurer, Rashaan Aseph, collect some goblin ears. In return, Rashaan and his dwarf companion, Argos, were able to help us retrieve the head of the leader of the Red Light Clan. Rashaan's healing powers were a blessing indeed as we were near death on more than one occasion. The dwarf swung a mighty axe, sometimes felling a pair of goblins in one swing!
Later, I was able to help to help a fellow in Fort Llast stock up the training hall with various weapons. The price for the items was high, but success has its own reward. I feel comforted knowing I helped aspiring adventurers in their quests to rid the land of evil.
I have met many good persons in the town of Hlint and have transacted business with a few. I take pleasure in collecting knuckles from the skeletons that I vanquish and selling them to people that can use them for good. In exchange, I purchase potions to heal myself if I am in need during combat.
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Last night I had the honor of accompanying a group of adventurers on a quest to retrieve topaz. They were a well seasoned group and I was surprised that they asked me to join them. We battled many enemies en route to our destination including harpies, mercenaries, and cougars. The group fought well together and, although I didn't land many killing blows, with Toran's help,I felt I helped in a small way. We finally reached the cave and battled with a large number of ogres, some of which used magic against us. I was felled in one particular battle but my one of my allies healed me back to normal.
Even though I was new and didn't have as many kills as the others, they gave me an equal share of the loot when we were finished. One of them actually saw me safely back to Fort Llast. The group worked very well together and I hope I get a chance to accompany them again. I know this: I am not ready to venture very far out of Hlint alone.
Now if I could just find someone to sell me a better sword and shield...
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Johan the fur trader had asked me to retrieve a boar pelt for him. After days of searching, I finally decided to ask someone where I might find one. I saw a dwarf leading his ox on the road in Hlint. His name was Gulnyr and he knew where to find one and offered to help me, as there were many dangerous creatures that I would have to get through. As we headed out of town, other brave adventurers offered to join us. Our group included myself, Gulnyr, Kylore (a fellow follower of Toran), a female ranger, and bard. The journey was indeed dangerous! We encountered ogres that inficted much damage to us but we made it safely to the boars. We made it back to Ranger's Vale where we rested and divided the coins that we collected. Then everyone went their separate ways.
Johan was glad to receive the pelt and next asked me to find a deer hide, which I found southeast of Hlint. Then he asked for a cougar pelt, which I happened to have from a previous journey. Finally, he asked me for the skin of a brown bear. That might prove to be a challenge, and I may have to ask for assistance to track one down.
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I have found a true friend in Gulnyr the Grim. After helping me track down a wild boar, he assisted me in finding and killing a brown bear. What a massive and beautiful creature! It took effort but we finally brought the bear down. On our way back, we encountered a number of mercenaries just outside of Fort Llast. I tried to reason with them, to show them the error of their ways, to no avail. They attacked and we were forced to dispatch them. I must meditate on this as ask Toran for his guidance. We returned to Hlint and split up. I gave the bear skin to Johan. He then told me he needed another one! I decided to go alone this time. The bear was a greater challenge than I realized, for it took me three tries before I could defeat it. When I returned this skin to Johan he rewarded me with much gold and gave me a cloak. My business with him is finished.
Later that day, I was with a group of adventurers in Sielwood when I ran into Gulnyr again. He joined our group and we explored a cave in the forest. Inside we killed many kobolds and bugbears. Also in the cave was a large jelly-like cube that paralyzed me for what seemed like an eternity. Gulnyr killed the thing and inside was a necklace that I was charged to return to Ragrian the bard. We left the cave and I returned the necklace to Ragrian who was very grateful to see it again.
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A few nights a go I had a most amazing encounter. I was ridding the Red Light Caverns of some foul goblins when a strange man appeared. He was impressed with the way I dispatched the creatures with such skill. He then asked me a few questions about Toran, which I answered to the best of my ability. As he was walking away I asked him his name. He replied that he had many names but that I could call him "The Asker". Then he vanished!
Reflecting on this encounter, I choose to believe it was a test from Toran. I only hope that I did not fail...
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I would have never imagined it a few short months ago, but there I was fighting alongside of a half-orc named Daggs. Quite an imposing fellow but with a gentle demeanor to him, unless you are an enemy!
He and I and Elaeira entered the Red Light Caverns to mine some copper. We cut through the goblins with relative ease, especially with Daggs swinging his axe. We were able to load two oxen with ore but as we were leaving we were beset by goblins too numerous to count. Daggs was loaded down and could not run. As such, he was attacked from behind by a small force of goblins. In my haste to aid Daggs I neglected to tie my ox down. He followed me into the battle where he was slain. The filthy goblins killed a defenseless ox. Unable to carry the load, I had to leave a large number of copper nuggets behind. All that work and little to show for it. I have never seen so many goblins as I did last night. Without Toran's gift of healing, we would not have been able to make it out alive. I must now rest and pray to Toran, to thank him for my gift of healing and for guiding us out alive.
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I managed to convince a small army of friends and strangers to accompany me into the cave near Haven. I was charged with defeating the ogre chieftan that operates deep within the cave. Gulnyr, Yashilla, Dyness, myself, and some new friends entered the cave with much trepidation. As we travelled deeper into the cave, the number and strength of the ogres increased--there were even some ogres that used magic on us. Finally, after much bloodshed, we penetrated the chieftan's stronghold. The room was crawling with ogres. Yash's experience was a boon here as she directed our attack. It took a great deal of courage and resolve not to scatter but we stood together and defeated all of the ogres. One of our group collected the head of the chieftan and we made our way to the exit. The few ogres that stood in our path had no chance--our confidence was too great and with Toran guiding us, we were unstoppable. We exited the cave, delivered the proof of the chieftan's death, and were rewarded well.
The people I adventure with never cease to amaze me. We are all so diverse yet we can put the differences behind us and defeat a common enemy. We are in sync and can best even the most difficult adversary.
I must pray now and give Toran thanks for protecting us.
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Last week I helped take a wayward child off the streets and gave his life hope.
I was talking with my companions, Gulnyr, Dyness, and Weston in Fort Llast when we heard glass breaking. We found the source and it was a young boy, named Dennis, who was throwing rocks at windows. When we approached him, he started to sob and said that his friend told him that if he got caught, his hand would be cut off. After speaking to him a while, we learned that he had no parents, that he was living in the alleys. Having lost my parents, I could understand the boy’s frustration in some small way. But my parents were murdered when I was a young adult and able to take care of myself. Dennis is too young. I feared that if his situation did not change that he turn to a life of crime and eventually end up dead at too young of an age. After some debate, I offered to take the boy to the Temple of Toran to inquire as to whether they could care for the boy. They were more than happy to oblige and promptly fed and bathed the lad. One condition of their agreement to sponsor the boy was that he worked to repay the damages he caused. I thanked the fellow Toranite and left him with a generous amount of coin to defray Dennis’ costs. I insisted that I be able to visit Dennis from time to time to talk to him about his, and my, experiences. I then prayed to Toran that He help child reform and become an example of His righteousness.
In the days since then, I have wondered how the world will change as a result of our actions. I cannot help but think that we changed it for the better. And if that is the case, how powerful can we truly be if we each contributed in a small way. A tiny pebble can cause a ripple in an ocean. Just imagine what a hundred pebbles can do.
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This evening, Toran’s light shined upon me…
My close companions, Daggs, Gulnyr, Weston, and Dyness, and I were chatting in Fort Llast when a halfling woman stumbled into our midst carrying the standard of Rofirein. We took her to the temple for healing, but alas, she was too far gone and soon expired. On her person were some documents and a map to be delivered to the high priest of Rofirein. The map detailed the movements of none other than Milara himself! What a great asset to our cause! Since the halfling messenger could no longer deliver the information, I was charged with the task. I asked my companions to aid me, and they eagerly agreed.
We decided to seek out the high priest in the Rofirein temple in Valensk. On our way, we encountered beasts in areas in which they were not seen before. It seemed that someone wanted to waylay us before we could complete our mission. When we arrived outside the walls of Valensk we were attacked by giants! Something emboldened them to leave the safety of their mountains and intercept us on our quest. Sadly, the giants killed Dyness and her marvelous bear companion, Illa. We made our way to the temple and the healer raised Dyness and healed my other companions. I chose not to receive healing so as not to upset Toran. The temple healer perused the documents but sadly, the high priest was not there. We were told that he was in Pranzis. It was at this point that I had to rely on my companions’ knowledge of the geography, as I have not been to the city. We discussed our possible routes to Pranzis and chose the one we felt would be the most secretive. We would sail to Hurm and travel the rest of the way by foot. None of us knew how to get to Pranzis from Hurm so we asked the dock master for directions, which he furnished to us. However, the way was most confusing and we were soon lost. We happened to come upon the home of a friend of Gulnyr and Weston, and although he wasn’t home, a friend of his was attending the house. After reluctantly explaining our quest, the dwarf allowed us entry to the house. Inside was a portal that would take us directly to Pranzis! What fortune! Toran was certainly blessing us this day!
In turn, we stepped into the portal and were taken to Pranzis. We made our way to the citadel there where I met a fellow Toran follower, a healer. He was wondering what I, a Toranite, was doing there. After explaining our mission and showing him the documents, he quickly escorted us inside. He turned the documents over to a Rofirein healer who then delivered them to the high priest. Our task was complete. I only hope that the high priest can use the information we gave him to benefit the good peoples of Layonara and tilt the balance of the conflict in our favor if only a small amount.
The Toranite healer was concerned that I entrusted the dwarf stranger enough to allow us access to his portal. I explained to him that I have learned that there are trustworthy people among all the races of Layonara. I asked him to consider my companions: a dwarf, a half orc-half giant, a sorcerer, and a druid. I entrust each of them with my life. Although they appear different, that doesn’t mean that they are different on the inside, where it counts. There can be good in the hearts of all of the races. The healer came to the conclusion that my instincts served me well and that I will need those instincts in the coming days. He charged me, and my companions, to spread the word that the churches of Toran and Rofirein are in danger. He also said that I have shown exemplary promise as a follower of Toran. So much so that he considered me one of Toran’s champions! Words cannot express the humility I felt then and continue to feel. I must now prove to Toran that I am worthy of being one of His chosen.
I will spend the next few days in seclusion contemplating and meditating on what it means to be a champion and the responsibilities that come with that station.
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Ever since I have become one of Toran’s chosen, I have a desire—nay, a need—to destroy evil in all its forms. Not just as it crosses my path, either. I actually seek it out in order to purge it from the land.
Just the other night I was on my way to Valensk when I happened upon a large group of adventurers, many of whom I have traveled with before. They were on their way to the Berhagens to rid the area of the vile giants that reside there. My desire to join them must have been evident because they quickly asked if I would aid them. My heart racing, I eagerly agreed! It was not long before we confronted the first group of giants and we cut them down in short order. This was repeated with every group of giants we encountered. There were times that I found myself angry that I was too late to land a blow. Ultimately, it was a slaughter. The number of corpses we left strewn about the area (including their cave) was countless and we left no survivors. And none of our party fell to the giants. Thinking back on it, it seems like a dream. I was there, I was swinging my sword, but it almost felt as if I was not in control, like some other part of me had taken over. It wasn’t until well after we returned to Valensk, and I was cleaning the blood from my armor, that the night’s carnage finally settled in. Their shocked looks…their blood…their dying screams…
I am trying to reconcile how I should feel about what had taken place. I am content knowing that we had slain a great number of evil creatures. Toran, I trust, is pleased with that. But I also feel remorseful that I took pleasure in what I did. The giants did not stand a chance against us, so it is difficult to see the honor in what we did. Should I be proud?
As always, I will return to the temple and pray that Toran might give me peace.
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I traveled with a group of adventurers to aid in rooting out some gnolls. Seems they were working with some griffons to attack the watchtower in the Sword Rust Mountains. First, we made our way to the watchtower to hold it until reinforcements arrived. After we dispatched several waves of griffons with gnolls as riders, the reinforcements arrived. We then decided to find the source of the problem—where the griffons and gnolls were operating from. We found a narrow trail in the Port Hampshire outskirts through which some gnolls were coming and going. We entered this trail after killing the gnolls that guarded the entrance. The trail led to a cave, and upon entering, we were attacked by a large force. We eliminated them and delved deeper into the cave. We came upon a couple of soldiers that were being held captive by the gnolls. We were unsuccessful in our attempt to free them from their cage. We ventured on and finally confronted the commander of the gnoll army. We summoned the courage and roared into battle. Time seemed to stand still as we fought the horde and when the battle was over, several of my companions were dead. Fortunately, we found the means to resurrect them. We quickly left the cave (the two captives were killed in the melee) and traveled back to Hlint to report our findings to Quartermaster Talon who congratulated us on our efforts.
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Good fortune (and Toran's blessing) has showered down on me today. After listening to Ragrian's stories of the origin and tales of brownies, Gulnyr and I and a new friend Velian went mining in the Sielwood cave. The veins were weak and we did not retrieve many ingots. However, I did dig out two minerals, one of which, after I washed it, turned out to be an emerald! This is the rarest of minerals in Layonara! I intend to sell it and with the proceeds (and the gold I have saved so far) I should be able to purchase a home, after a generous tithe to the Toran temple, of course.
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Not much new to write. I've spent a lot of time meditating lately and not much socializing. I am close to selling the emerald I unearthed recently. I have been having visions of the house that I will purchase with the proceeds--a section of the home will be used as a private temple to Toran.
Also, I have been mining quite a bit recently. Through much hard work and practice, the smelting and smithing is getting a little easier. I find myself making fewer mistakes; I can sense Toran's guiding hand as I hammer the metal.
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I met the man (who wishes to remain anonymous, so I won’t reveal his name here) that offered the most gold for the emerald. At first he was somewhat suspicious and kept his hand close to his sword. I assured him that I meant him no harm, that I was a paladin of Toran. He eventually relaxed and we had a pleasant, although short, conversation. We completed the transaction and went our separate ways.
For days afterward, I traveled around Mistone searching for a house to purchase. I finally decided to buy one in Fort Hope. I would have preferred to be a little closer to Toran’s temple in Fort Llast but there were no houses for sale in that area. Before I purchased the home, Rawkwin, who will now be a neighbor of mine, gave me a tour of the house he shares with a few others since the floor plans were identical. The home is a modest one with a large bedroom and five other rooms. I plan to convert one of the rooms into a private temple to Toran, since it was his blessing that allowed me to find the rare gem. Another room will be devoted to storage since I tend to carry too much on my person and my small chest at the bank is full. I have a few ideas for the other three rooms.
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I met a group of adventurers in Krandor last night and as we were talking we felt the ground shake and noticed a pillar of smoke rising out of the east. We went to investigate and were astounded by what we found. Standing in a pentagram was a fiend from the Abyss. The devil wanted to enter into a bargain that he claimed would be beneficial to both him and us. Although I wanted nothing to do with such a creature, the others in the group persuaded me to listen to his offer…
It seems that another, more powerful demon was planning on destroying Mistone and the fiend would stop this demon if we would retrieve a certain item for him. According to the fiend, the item to be retrieved would cause the more powerful demon to fall under his spell and that he would be able to take her power. Additionally, the fiend would agree not to harm our world in any way. The item, a rose, was held by a lich in a secret area of Belgaer Hills. The fiend gave us the means to find the entrance to the lich’s lair. Although I had my reservations about trusting the fiend, I decided to accompany the rest of the group, more to protect them than to satisfy the fiend.
With relatively little effort, we were able to secure the rose and make our way out of the lich’s lair. The fiend, surprisingly, was waiting outside and we concluded our business. I can only hope and pray that Toran looks favorably on what we…what I… did.
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I have not written in some time due to the lack of any excitement falling my way. However, I have been travelling with Berdin Stonebrow (a dwarf cleric who follows Vorax) and Jennara Creekskipper (a halfling monk who follows Rofirein). Just last night, the three of us searched the Grey Peak mountains for the oil that Juanita had lost. After several battles (in which I and Berdin fell) we found the oil on the ogre chieftan. We returned it to Juanita who was of course relieved to hold it again.
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This evening as I entered Fort Valensk to meet Jennara and Berdin for a bit of exploring in the High Moors, I saw a familiar face: my dear friend Weston! It has been a long time (many months?) since I had seen him last. It was good to get reacquainted, and I am happy to write that he has not changed a bit. It will be a pleasure to have him around again.
Also, Ketzia joined us as she was recently released from jail—it seems she was wrongfully incarcerated.
Now, the five of us entered the High Moors. After several battles with lizardfolk we finally made it close to the cave that contains platinum. All we had to do was fight our way through a large group of trolls, some of which used magic. The plan, however, was not successful. The trolls proved too formidable and Ketzia and Weston fell in the battle. We decided not to go on but to live to fight another day. We learned from our mistakes and the trolls will see us again soon…
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The time has come for me to return to the site of my family’s estate, which now lies in ruins. Before I do, I find it necessary to document in this journal how I came to be the man I am today.
I am the only son of Fencig Dragonbane. My family’s wealth was accumulated through generations of Dragonbane men answering the call to quests. My father added to these riches but did not want me to follow in his footsteps. Perhaps because I was the only son and heir, my father wanted to protect me from harm. I was pampered my whole life and provided with anything I asked for in hopes that it would dissuade me from a life of adventure. But as I matured, I wanted to earn my own way in the world. I went on my first adventure at age 18 with my childhood companions. The adventure was simple enough, more exploring than action, but it lasted for months. I returned home to a ransacked castle to find everyone within slaughtered and all things of value stolen.
I spent some months in self-pity, wandering the nearby countryside doing odd jobs to achieve sustenance. After that, I decided to find out who was the cause of my parents’ death. I became a member of a local mercenary group in hopes of overhearing anything related to that fateful day. It was while with this group that I learned how to fight with a longsword and to understand the unlawful mind. Although the activities of the mercenaries sickened me, I maintained the ruse. When I was given my share of money, I would secretly give most of it to the downtrodden, keeping just enough for my survival. Many months passed and I followed every lead but ultimately was unable to determine who or what the culprit was.
On one evening, our group came across an old man sitting by the roadside. He was well dressed, thus it was assumed he was wealthy, and being old, an easy target. We surrounded the man and insisted that he turn over all of his valuables. When he refused, we attacked him. The old man slew everyone except me, whom he merely disarmed.
“Do you know why I have spared your life?” the man asked me.
“No”, was my reply, my head bowed in shame.
“Because I know who you are. I know you are the last of the Dragonbanes. I know you have selfishly wallowed in self-pity. I know you have joined this pathetic band in order to uncover the mystery of the attack on your home. And I know that you are much better than this. A long time have I watched you. You are strong and adequate with a sword—but you are misguided. With my tutelage and Toran’s divine grace, you have the potential to become much more.”
“Toran?! Bah! Where were he and the other gods when my home was destroyed and my parents were murdered?”
“The gods are always there. It is up to us to seek them out.”
I accepted the man’s offer and spent the next few years in intense training, both physically and spiritually. The days were spent laboring and in combat training—not only the proper use of a longsword, but defense with a shield. I suffered many superficial wounds and as a result of this, learned how to field dress my wounds. The nights were spent in meditation and prayer. I received daily instruction on ethics and philosophy, detailing every nuance of the paladin's ethos. I was taught the virtues of loyalty, duty, vigilance, courtesy, honor, valor, truth, and humility. The training included a daily routine of physical exercise. Wearing full armor, I would hike up a mountainside while carrying bags of sand. With a weight secured to my back, I would swim the length of a lake. I scaled walls, climbed ropes, and ran for miles in full armor. I was sent by my master (whose name was never revealed to me) on quests to test my character, such as plucking a feather from a harpy. Most importantly, I would on occasion accompany my master in battle and fight at his side. During these excursions, I would observe my master and note every subtle detail.
I was taught how to maintain equipment in first-class condition. I kept my master’s shield and armor polished and free of corrosion. Dents were tapped out, scratches were buffed clean, and tarnishes were refinished. Blades were straightened, hardened by fire, then resharpened on grindstones. Saddles, boots, belts, and other leather items were to be oiled and polished. Clothing, too, received meticulous attention. I hand-washed my garments in cold water, squeezing (rather than wringing) them out before hanging them in the sun to dry.
Since my social skills had deteriorated during my time with the mercenaries, I was reminded on how to handle myself in social situations. I was to shake hands with men and bow to women. I was reminded on how to eat observing proper table manners. I relearned my grooming skills. I was re-educated on how to write and speak eloquently.
Finally one morning, my master woke me and said, “The time has come for you to prove to me that you are ready. You must best me in armed combat.”
“Master, I cannot hope to best you. And even if I could, out of respect, I do not dare try,” was my reply.
“It is not up to you. The time comes in every master-apprentice relationship where the apprentice outperforms the master. It will be for Toran to decide.”
At this, we saluted each other and engaged. The fight lasted a great deal of time, and the advantage turned back and forth between us. We were both to the point of exhaustion when I finally found the opening I fought so hard for. I disarmed my master and held the point of my blunted sword at my master’s throat. “Yield,” I said between gasping breaths.
The master stared into my eyes, “I can teach you no more. Toran has spoken. You are ready to spread His word and make your way in this world—alone.”
I lowered my sword, which suddenly felt much heavier.
The master, now standing, continued, “Now kneel before me and recite the code you committed to memory.”
I fell to my knees and though exhausted physically and mentally, recited the lines:
“I, Klaugraquene Dragonbane, do hereby pledge to honor the strictures of paladinhood and promise by my faith to be loyal to the Holy Church of Toran, maintaining my devotion against all persons without deception or forethought. Further, I vow to promote and uphold the principles of honor, truth, loyalty, duty, and vigilance and to solemnly and faithfully follow the edicts of my church and my master. I take this pledge freely, without coercion or expectation of reward, sworn by my hand and in blessed memory of those who have given their lives to this noble cause.”
My master tapped both of my shoulders with his sword and in a proud voice said, “Rise, Klaugraquene Dragonbane, Paladin of Toran.”
I rose and we embraced. After cleaning ourselves up, we ate and retired for the night. When I arose, I found that my master, and all of his important belongings, was gone. A note was left on the dining table:
“My dear Klaug,
It was an honor for me to teach you in the ways of paladinhood. You have succeeded where others have failed. Remember all that I have taught you, for the time will come for you to pass this knowledge to another. Know that I am and will always be proud of you, as your father would have been, I am sure. Do not try to find me, for you will not succeed. Go forth in Toran’s name and spread His righteousness.”
I gathered my few belongings and whatever provisions were left for me. I walked to the door, opened it, and stepped across the threshold.
Since then, I have vowed to right the wrong and find those responsible for my family's death. On many occasions I have risked my life to help those in need and usually refused rewards, keeping only what I needed to get by. All excess goes to the church in hopes that such tithes will aid me in my life quest.
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The following is the account of my return to the Dragonbane manor:
As I write this, my companions and I are resting in what used to be the kitchen of my family manor. I will now document the events that lead up to how we got here. My account will be brief as my time will be short.
Entry 1:
I met Gulnyr and Weston in Point Harbor and, after exchanging pleasantries, we left for Stone to purchase healing potions, for the journey was to be dangerous. We then made our way to Casterly Castle where we found a half elf male named Aaron. It seems that Aaron’s father served my family as a manservant. Aaron had run away from his father and thus was spared his father’s fate. Aaron mentioned that he spoke with a miner near the cave outside the site of my family’s manor. We met the man who gave us information vital to our cause. We learned that rock dragons were responsible for the destruction of my home, and that they are currently nesting there. Many adventurers have tried to loot the remains of the manor but have all died. We moved on toward the site and noticed enormous shapes, the rock dragons we assumed, crawling up the hill to the ruins. With much trepidation, we ventured forward.
After a long climb, we reached the entrance. After slaying a few harpies flying about, we went in. My heart sank as I was reminded of the destruction. Time has not been kind and all sorts of vermin have taken up residence here. The grand entrance, the receiving area, the dining hall, all destroyed. We were attacked by large numbers of spiders of all sorts, some quite deadly. Both Weston and Gulnyr fell while fighting them. Only through the grace of Toran were they able to return. After fighting wave after wave of spiders, we made it to the kitchen where we found the spiders’ entrance, a hole in the floor previously used for a drain. We barricaded the hole and decided to rest. We will decide our next course of action when we are refreshed.
Entry 2:
As we could not find another path, we removed the barricade and climbed down the hole. It led to what must have been the furnace room, with several hallways leading out. We followed a hall that led to several rooms. In the first room we found many webs and cocoons. But more interesting, Gulnyr noticed a strange glowing vial with a dragon head stopper. Weston tried to determine its properties but was unsuccessful, and the vial actually exploded, causing us minor harm. The next room was much like the first, including the vial. This time, Weston tried other methods and even picked up the vial. When he did, he appeared to fall in a trance and walked out of the room towards the hole that we climbed down. While in this trance he destroyed the ladder with a spell, thereby cutting off our escape route. He came to his senses then and did not remember the time he was in the trance.
We entered the final room, but this time I touched the vial. As I did, the ground shook and to our surprise, the visage of my grandfather appeared! He told me to reclaim our name by slaying the great dragon and gave me a spear and the family’s oldest heirloom, a ring. Rejuvenated, we followed the hallway and discovered the nest of the spider queen. It was a hard fought battle with many large and deadly spiders, but we eventually killed them all. I wonder if this essentially clears the home of spiders. In the next hallway we found a ladder that led up to the guest quarters. We rested and opened the door. To our surprise there were mounds of sludge (that Weston told me later was pudding) waiting to attack us. Formidable were these puddings for one actually slew me. However, while in the nothingness, I sensed the presence of my grandfather and I was brought back!
As more and more puddings bubbled up from the floor, we entered another room, my father’s study. The room was much larger than I remember it, thus I came to the conclusion that father must have had some ‘divider’ separating the room. There was a portal in there that must have been hidden by the divider. We used the portal and were transported to an area that I had never seen before. Unlike the rest of the manor, this area seemed to be untouched from looters, or dragons and spiders for that matter. It was longer than it was wide and we moved ahead. There were several traps here that were set off. Thank Toran that they caused only minor damage to us. We ended up in what appears to be a library (and our present location as I write this). On one wall there is a tapestry with all the names of my forefathers. There was a book lying open on the floor that appeared to have some sort of magical protection on it. However, I was able to pick up the book without harm. I believe this was due to the fact that I am wearing the family ring. The book is actually a diary and included passages written by my grandfather. He described a battle with a great dragon and gave a clue as to how to defeat it. Seems I must thrust the spear into its throat. In the book was a map that showed the location of the dragon, in a cave on a hill through a nearby forest.
We have decided to rest here and plan our next course of action.
Entry 3:
I have failed…
We found the hidden cave. The dragons apparently have lizardmen under their control for we were beset by them upon entering. There were traps around every corner. What was worse is that we were being corralled to the dragons. The lizardmen were blocking our paths with fires so we were forced to confront them. We were able to slay one of them—by my guess it was a youngling. However, when we confronted another dragon, it killed us. We, or more appropriately I, decided that we should charge the beast. This turned out to be a most unwise decision. The dragon had traps laid in its lair and we tripped them. After that, it was only a matter of time before it killed us all.
The deaths of Gulnyr and Weston weigh heavy on my conscience. These brave souls sought to aid me and I led them to their doom. And I have disgraced the Dragonbane name. My grandfather killed several of these creatures and I could manage to slay only one. Now I fear avenging the death of my parents, and restoring the Dragonbane name will never come to pass. What is the most damning is knowing that these creatures still infest my homeland and I cannot go back. This failure will tax my soul for a great deal of time, and I may never recover…
-
The weeks following my failure to avenge my parents’ deaths have been spent in solitude. I had no urge to face the world and had lost the will to fight evil. That was until Toran spoke to me in a dream. He told me not to despair, that I would have another chance to face the “dragons”. I awoke to renewed hope. I quickly sought out to find better equipment, which I did through a man named Bjoernsen (who apparently had been magically turned into an orc). My new longsword glows with the holy light of Toran so that my enemies will feel fear. My new armor is made of iron and feels much stronger.
I met Jennara in Hlint and after a bit of conversation, we found that we both had been charged by the Sielwood witch to retrieve the eyestalk of a beholder. We agreed to seek this out together. On our way through Fort Llast, we met Berdin. What fortune! He too was asked by the witch to retrieve the eyestalk.
We found a cave in the Swordrust Mountains that was rumored to house several beholders. We prepared ourselves and entered. As we delved deeper into the caverns we encountered several smaller floating eyes, a large group of earth elementals, and even a number of umber hulks. Eventually, we found the main lair of the elementals. Sadly, the gaze of what I would call the master beholder struck Berdin down. Jennara and I were able to resist their magic and defeat them. I cut off an eyestalk and we left. Eventually, we made it to the home of the witch and, to our surprise, Berdin was there. I gave the witch the eyestalk and she gave us each a reward for our efforts.
This adventure did much to embolden me. I needed to feel Toran’s strength in me and to purge the land of evil again. I feel that although I failed at my family quest, I am a better person for it, and I shall return to my homeland better prepared to fight the monsters within.
-
My faith was tested and my faith wavered. A woman, Elanna, was held by an unknown force and called out to Toran for aid. My path to her was blocked by a wall of energy that burned hotter than any fire I have seen. My initial instinct was to ignore the barrier and run to her, to pull her from whatever bound her. But fear stopped me. Not fear for my life, for I would have gladly exchanged mine for hers, but fear that crossing the barrier would kill me and thus ending any hope of my rescuing her. After several minutes of indecision, I felt a pull from my holy symbol tugging me toward Elanna. That sign from Toran compelled me to cross the barrier. With some trepidation, I stepped through the wall and felt the burn—not as hot as I would have thought, but a different kind of burn, one that I have not felt before. Now that I have had time to reflect on my actions, I have come to the conclusion that this fire (which left me badly burned) was punishment for my lack of faith. Had I listened to my initial instinct, I would have been spared the burn. Once through the barrier I reached for Elanna who told me to “wrap myself in my faith and break the chains” that held her. I was not certain what she meant and in the confusion, I was carried across the barrier by Brisbane. My crossing the barrier caused it to vanish and I was able to rescue Elanna.
Thankfully, the healers at the temple in Ft. Llast were able to heal my burns.
Although I failed this test, I know now to trust my instincts and that if my choices are the right ones, Toran will protect me from harm.
-
I was part of a group charged with rescuing a man named Brac, who had been abducted by Blood’s forces. He possessed information that if revealed to Blood would be devastating to our cause. If we were unable to safely recover him, we were charged to end his life (which I was determined to avoid). I was a member of the rescue party while others remained behind to guard the ship that brought us from Lorindar. The path to the village where Brac was held was perilous indeed. At one point, while sizing up a group of Blood’s forces standing in our way, my eyes focused on one particular man that seemed different than the rest. It was then that I heard some of our party whisper that this man was Blood himself! He soon disappeared and the fight was on. There were several such skirmishes along the way and I fell on three occasions. The soul mother took another piece in one such death.
Finally, we reached the village and dispatched the forces guarding Brac, which included the most formidable demon I have encountered. We found Brac in a hut, escorted him back to the ship, and set sail back to Lorindar. We were attacked several times while aboard the ship, and I fell in battle yet again.
This was an operation that I will not soon forget. We accomplished the mission and rescued Brac before Blood knew just what he held. However, I fell in battle several times and cannot help feeling that I let my companions down. Not only did I subject them to harm and possible death, but I caused them to use their powers to resurrect me.
I will spend the next several days in prayer to Toran to give me peace.
-
I and others had the delight of meeting one Corius Brambleburr, curator of a museum that displays items of a bizarre nature. He receives anonymous notes that indicate where such items may be found. We have located two of these items: a set of bandages that wound rather than heal and boots that infuse the wearer with the power of charming others. However, both items apparently corrupt the owners, and as such, our attempts to confiscate the items resulted in their deaths. It took several days of prayer and fasting to be at peace with our actions.
I have seen Jennara from time to time in Pranzis. When I have been able to, I have joined her and Cole Norseman in various quests. On one occasion we, with the help from others, went on a mining expedition in the fens west of Velensk. We were able to mine enough platinum for a set of armor. I have been in contact with Master Bluntaxe, asking for his help in crafting this armor for me.
Aside from that, my time has been largely spent conditioning both mind and body. The years are starting to catch up with me. I find that I get winded easier, if only slightly so. Still, this means that I must expand my training regimen. I will still work on strength, but increase my time spent on endurance exercises. I will not let an adversary have an opportunity for an easy strike because I am tired.