The Journal of Shanda Discore

[philhappy]

And so it seems, my decision to not yet enter the realm of Voltrex in search of my family was the correct choice. Lord Aragen has led me to the town of Hlint where, in a dream or vision a dragon spoke to me and told me of the evils of a man named Blood, who tries to bring about the extinction of the dragons. This most ancient of races and the knowledge they hold must be protected.
   The town of Hlint is small, but a large number of travellers and adventurers seem to pass through it. I am compelled to travel and explore the surrounding lands, but I discovered very quickly, that outside the safety of Hlint’s walls are many perils and it is not safe to travel, even a short distance, alone. There are some dangers inside the town of Hlint, though. The sewers are infested with rats and I had to brave these creatures in order to recover some lost papers for the local tax office. However, the returning of a lost item brings me joy… and a little sadness, as it reminds me of my own loss.
   The local crypts are infested with the vile undead. They almost had the better of me too, and I would have perished there if it had not been for the kind help of an elf, whose name I cannot recall. He is a follower of Folian S’Pae, who is neither friend nor enemy of Aragen.
   Several days later I came across the spirit of a wizard named Mercas. I helped him to return to his grave where he was able to restore himself fully. We then spent a lot of time together, exploring and hunting. The local craft hall requires many animal pelts and we were able to supply some to them. The search for boar skins proved difficult and were it not for the help of another elf, Etriel, we would not have been able to get any and probably died trying. Etriel seems to be a very powerful elf and has great command over wolves. He is also a follower of Folian S’Pae, and it should be noted that twice, recently I have been helped by followers of the forest God.
   Mercas, Etriel and I, were then joined by a man called Xandrian. Xandrian led us on a long journey, through forests and towns, in search of cougars. His knowledge of the surrounding lands is most impressive, as is his strength. He single-handedly held of a mighty Griffin while the rest of us ran for safety! He was most generous as well; he paid the fare for our journey back to Hlint by ship. I hope I meet him again, as well as Mercas and Etriel.
   I have yet to find, or hear of, a Temple of Aragen in the surrounding areas; though I trust my Lord will guide me to one soon. For now I must rest, and pray.

[philhappy]

The Gods do indeed weave a strange tapestry. I hardly believe it myself but I have spent a lot of time in the company of an Orc, and not only an Orc, but a follower of Vorax, an enemy to Aragen. It was Aragen’s hand that guided me to meet this creature, however. We hunted together for a time and shared more than one brush with death. This creature, named Vortan, made the acquaintance of a most powerful ranger by the name of Jacchri and it was this half-elf that Aragen had led me to meet. He took us with him on a long journey by road and by water, where we saw many strange and wonderful sights, but my purpose on this journey war eventually revealed. Jacchri led us to a place known as Near Bonehill, the likes of which I have never seen before. Jacchri told me that he did not know much about this place but others do. What he could tell me was most interesting and quite astonishing. The area is covered with large statues that depict the Gods and other things; there is a large chessboard that seems to represent the battle for Layonara. Jacchri also told me, it is said that this place, Near Bonehill, represents the whole history of Layonara! The similarities to the constellation Aragen’s Book are quite obvious and cannot be mere coincidence. This area must be researched more thoroughly.
    From here, Jacchri led us to the town of Tibum, a town that has suffered much destruction at the hands of Blood. He told us that the town was retaken by a handful of adventurers and praise must be given to these brave warriors, whoever they are, for they not only saved the town of Tibum but also a Temple of Aragen that lies there. It dismayed me to see that this holiest of places had been defiled, but work has begun on its restoration. I must return soon to Tibum and bring the Temple some aid.
   Here I must make a note of importance; Jacchri is a follower of Folian S’Pae. This makes it three times recently, that I have been aided by the followers of The Prince of Wolves.
   The town of Hlint is such a friendly place, all who come to it offer assistance to anyone regardless of race or creed. All are called by the Dragon and I am starting to believe that the Gods are putting aside their differences for a while, in order to protect Layonara from the evils of Blood. Time shall tell. These journeys I have taken recently have revealed some of the beauty of Layonara and I swear by the mighty Aragen, I will protect these lands with my life.

[philhappy]

I witnessed a most fearsome sight today. I was sitting in Hlint talking with some of the adventurers there and preaching the word of Aragen, when some commotion started at the appearance of a black horse. The horse seemed to belong to a local woman named Ryhnn Saebhel. After a short time the horse turned into a man or elf, I’m not sure which, and a most unusual conversation ensued. It ended with Ryhnn being allowed to ask one question, she asked but it seems it was the wrong question. The being disappeared and shortly afterward, another powerful creature appeared and caused a darkness to descend upon Hlint. This creature attacked Ryhnn and anyone that lay between them, many innocent bystanders were slain. Some brave fighters went to Ryhnn’s aid but the creature disappeared again. Then, Ryhnn told us a strange tale.
    Many years ago there lived a Halfling’s whose name is not known, although I think he is now known as Anxiety. This Halfling experimented on fear, and for his crimes he was banished to the plane of Pandemonium. He was allowed to bring five things with him, and as he was a lover of horses, he brought five of them. These horses became corrupt and Anxiety released them to seek five riders; Fear, Anger, Denial, Defiance, and Indulgence. Ryhnn is one of these riders. She is bound to this horse and is cursed with Anger. She is almost unable to control this anger unless the horse is with her, but the horse has been taken and held from her. She told us that our enemies are a Planer Guardian and a monster, and in order to fight them we need a blade of Law and Order and one who can wield it. A meeting was called in the courthouse of Hlint, and the nature of our true enemy was revealed. While the Halfling is by no means innocent it appears that he has been forced into his actions by a witch named Koralawynn and evidence of her involvement must be found. One of the women of Hlint, Irith, has also been cursed with one of the horses. Her daughter is called Aranna, who is the guardian of Celeste. Aranna is being held by Koralawynn so we must find out why and free her. There are two places we must go to find more information on this; Celeste and Arborea.
   I hope that the information I write here is correct, for much was said and I did not understand a lot of it. However, the simple truth is, the five riders of these horses must be helped and Koralawynn must be stopped. How this can be done, I do not know. I shall pray to Aragen for guidance.
   After this meeting I needed something to take my mind off such evildoings, and I met a wizard named Quillas, who had just recently been called by the dragon. I showed him a little of Hlint and we went hunting together. Along the way we teamed up with others, Sa’kura, Eric and Lucius. I must write that I found our travels to be most enjoyable, and together we made quite a formidable team. The powers of Aragen grew stronger within me while I travelled with them and I hope I shall meet them all again.

[philhappy]

It has been some time now since I have written my thoughts and this is not good for a follower of Aragen. I am ashamed to say I have neglected my studies as well. New adventurers arrive in Hlint frequently, and I have spent a lot of time aiding those that I can. It seems that my compulsion to aid others is stronger than my desire to gain knowledge. I have travelled the land quite a bit in the company of others and I have found that I can aid best as a healer. I enjoy this and it keeps my away from the violence of battle. However, over a period of time something has happened that has caused me some worry. While I try to stay away from the bloodshed of battle, at times it is necessary for me to engage the enemy… and I find that I enjoy it. It frightens me to feel this way, and reminds me once more of my lost past. Could I be descended from a clan of fighters, or worse? The urge to find more information about my family history grows stronger, and I feel I must travel further to find out more.
   To take my mind off these dark thoughts and to increase my knowledge, I have taken up a trade; tailoring. It offers me comfort and gives me time to pray as I learn. Learning is a slow process but with Aragen’s guidance I have improved somewhat. But I grow restless. I must travel again soon, and hope that I do not succumb to the lure of battle and bloodshed. I pray as often as I can and I trust that Aragen will guide me.