My Journey's

[Cp_Winddancer]

*A Black Leather bound journal with a transpartent look glowing red*

*Your only view is over the shoulder of a Visible Marcus Perrin(not a common event)*
*The Pages glow red and you wonder if this book is of the plane or from another.  The writing is very need and written in red.*
 
"Chanda and I have made many travels over the last few months.  I find what she has to say about her God Corath to be intriging.  What is so wrong about putting yourself first.  I do want to become the most powerful wizard whom ever lives.  I do not fear death however I also do not wish to taste of it.  Chanda is correct though cheating it will be difficult without the aid of Corath.  What she teaches cannot be that bad.  Besides why should I help those whom are not able to help themselves.  I think I have that right, besides whom will stop me expecially if I become the most powerfull wiz..."

*Your reading stops as the book disappears and you wonder where id Marcus go.  You feel the warm breath of a Large Black Cat and hear a Voice speaking to you but from where*

Can I help you?

*You look around wondering where the voice is coming from. And you hear a voice getting more upset*

What do you want?

[Cp_Winddancer]

Note to self write faster so that your invisiblity spell does not wear off.  Also speak with Chanda more about this Dark One

[Cp_Winddancer]

I began to get restless and decided that I would journey the world and see what I can find.  I needed to find some components for my Alchemist habbit.  I was able to secure the location of several of these.  My travels led me first to a cave in the heart of the battle fens where I journeyed down out of the sight from anyone seeing only the visible spectrum of light.  In this cave I found a large number of Trolls and several types of ore.  When I went down to the third level of this cave I felt shear Evil, and heard the deep breaths of a dragon (thank goodness I ran into that miner and was told of this giant lizard).  This however was not my best triumpt on this journey.

I sailed across the sea to Point Harbor.  As I ventured about I found what I needed, however I could not see stopping I was enjoying my travels.  I found myself in a cave in the wolfwood forest.  I found a small crevas and slipped through invisible.  However what I found made me want to leave immediately.  The number of spiders was incredable.  All types, it was then that I decided that I would leave.  How I got in I do not know but getting out was extreemly difficult.  Several days I spent hiding from these creatures remaining invisibable until I was able to finially slip through and escape out of the grasp of those eight legged creatures.  I then wandered about until I had journeyed to Karthy (what a deserted town and under used port) and finally I found my way back to I dare say home (I say this lightly for I only reside there).  It was then that my eye began to open, and my desires are becoming reality

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Written in red transparent ink on a black page while riding the boat back to Karthy*

Much has transpired in the last bit of time.  I have been consumed with tasks and adventures.  A while back I was in Hlint when the red fog of death appeared about the town.  Not sure where or what it was I bottled a bit of it to show to the Priestess Chanda.  She confirmed that it was the fog we had seen before.  

I find it interesting how so many of the lawful do-gooders are so quick to place blame without cause.  they sought to blame Kit and I for the fog that day.  Perhaps they should read their laws and investigate before they seek to pass judgement on those whom are walkking in to town.  Brisbane did mention that I am a watched man.  That my actions are being taken note of.  This is both pleasing and a cause for caution on my part.  To avoid furthur issue I will simply travel the world invisible again.  

This was not long after Nethro desided to go and desire the death of Hlint (idiot... what was he thinking or was he).  Since I was present when he became one-armed I am taking a low-key approach to my activities...

Not too long after Hook fell from grace with Lord Corath, and Rufus' being unavalible to assist in the rituals, I was asked by the Priestess Chanda to fill in as Oathmaster.  I did as I was requested and preformed the duties.  

Kit and I have ventured much and I trust him.  He is a powerful ally of both Chanda and myself.  He is quiet and unlike hook in many ways.  Kit is a good mage and is now starting to work with the dead.  He is still follows the tactics of a fighter at time and runs into battle.  I will break him of this bad habbit.  MAGES TO NOT RUN INTO BATTLE, we use trickery and the unwavoring support of our minions to rush into battle while we pound the battle feild with magic.  Let the fighters die they are unitellegent anyhow.  But they do make for a line till I kill the beast with TRUE POWER!!!!!!!

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Written in red transparent ink on a black page*
                                                    -Proven Battle Tactics of the Mage-
I, Marcus Perrin Battlemage of Corath have found myself alone many times fighting the Evils of this realm.  I devised the following is a list of Battle tactics which have proven to be sucessful to me in my travels , with a group or alone they work.  I write this mearly for the benifit of the one whom will suceed me should I be unable to overcome death.


SHOCK & AWE (works best for small to med. sized group of enemies which are close together)

1. Hold all Minions and fighters out of spell range.
2. Fire an area effect spell into the middle of your opponents. (i.e. fireball, icestorm, call lightning, ect)
     *In the event that there is more than one mage in the group the time of attack must be coordinated!
3. Now let the fighters and minions rush in and clean up the remaning enemies.
       *Use magic only when absolutly nessary at this point and only spells which target the enemy do not risk the lives of your fighters
4. Once the fighters are into the battle send in any rouges you have to use their skills to sneak attack the enemy

GATHER AND DESTROY (Enemy group is seperated and you are alone)

1. Hold your companion back
2. Cast a monster summoning into the middle of the enemy
3. Send in your animal companion once the group has surrounded your summon.
4. Use arrows/boltz and magic to defeat the enemy

WOLF PACK (Your enemy is a single creature or in a tight group)

1. Invis half of your group to sneak around enemy.
      *Rouges if possible
2. Fire area-effect spell into enemy. (i.e. fireball, icestorm,ect.)
       *With multiple mages attack timing must be coordinated!
3. Allow enemy to attack fighters not invisible.
4. Have rouges and invis fighters attack from the back to finish off enemy.
5. Finish off with targeting magic if necesary.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A few final tips for combat

* When picking off enemies near the edge that are seperated CONTROL YOUR SUMMONS AND COMPANIONS!

* Always have 1 invisible spell to run with if necesary

* Only enter hand-to-hand combat when the battle is almost over or you have no choice. If the later is the case run & invis yourself ASAP.

* Undead summons are great because they are immune to Critical hits and skeletons are great against enemies with swords or other slashing/piercing weapons

* A fighter is good to die, a rouge can clear the way of undesirables, a cleric can heal you, But ONLY YOU WILL TURN THE TIDE TO VICTORY OR DEFEAT!!
                                                                       CAST WISELY!

-Marcus Perrin-
Battlemage of Lord Corath

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Written on several pages are the locations of many of the components used in potions as well as recipies for all the potions which Marcus knows how to make.  The list is quite impresive.  You wonder how long it took for him to compile such a list*

[Cp_Winddancer]

Much has occured of the last few weeks.  I have been so busy that I have not been able to jot down a note or two.  Our meetings with the drow and research into what he desired of us has taken a large amount of time.  This coupled with my long journeys for components.  Luckily I am able to navigate the world in a safe manor, few creatures see in the infared spectrum even fewer know that one exists. 
    Wondering about Dregar I found myself at the northern most point where I took the boat there to see where it take me.  I found myself on a island of fire and stone.  It was nice to run into a temple of an ally.  As I roamed the isle I came to a location where the elements of earth and fire roamed freely.  As I looked closer I found an element that will be of great aid to the alliance in the future.  I took a small peice of this rock for examionation.  Apon returning to Hampshire, I determined it to be Adamantium.  The vein was small and far too dangerous for me to mine.  Besides I have no need of it at this time.  Later that day I heard rumor from some of the people in Hlint that a mineral which i would like to mine may be located in the Rift.  I am not sure where that is located so I will need to do a bit more research into it's location.  I am hoping that it is the mineral I think it is so I can begin to brew some of the more powerful potions which I am unable to do since I lack one major component.
 
  I recently went with Chanda and Kit to the dragon isles to examine what else is there.  I had personally examined all of the isles which make up that grouping of islands.  However something had changed in the months since I visited there last.  The bridges had been extended.  The magic seemed to be stronger.  Hopefully I will get to examine and explore that tree with the path leading up to it. 
 
  Who knows what the future will bring.  But one thing is for sure the alliance will begin to take a far greater role in this world.  As our power increases the weak will fall under our control.

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Opening a box of Marcus finds his Black Leather bound Journal and opens it to the last entry he made while on a ship bound for Port Hampshire*
  Too much has occured to recount it all but I am glad to be able to have time and a place to rest in peace.  Ever since the drow problems I have not overly felt like I had a home.  Now I do, yes now I do.  However expensive this house was it is well worth the cost of peace.  Only a few know where I live and I will keep it that way.  The shrine is built and I and my house mates are almost moved in.  Chanda's room is done as is mine.  The addition of another follower of Lord Corath is a welcome addition to the place plus his rent will help me make mine.   
    My skills are improving slowly but that is ok I am truely mastering my skill and my knowledge of many of the lower circles of magic is growing stronger everyday.  Soon I will be a true master and able to glorify the Dark One.  I know that I please him as I increase my magical ability.  I find that solitude is my freind.  Few can be trusted.  The drow will soon be nothing but a pawn to the will of Corath.  Chanda will be back from her pilgramage east.  It will be nice to have a trusted ally back. 

[Cp_Winddancer]

At last I am back home in Leilon.  It has been so long I awake to the smell of the sea instead of the sand.  My travels to Saudia and the surounding area has been a sucess.  I worried that I may attract the attention of she who controls those giants, but I was lucky.  I found them to be most interesting I brought a head home to study more.  I guess I did not attract too much attention since I only once ran into a Witchdoctor and thrice into Leapers.  They seem to not mind the frequent sand storms which plague the area.  I found myself almost burried on a couple of occations.  They had difficulty hitting me and oh the joys of elemental sheild.  I am glad that I researched that one.  Several other creatures inhabit the area.  Some stronger that others.  The ants seem to be all over the hills were incredible.  And then there are the vipers.  I dare not attack them.  However, I did run into Tath while I was there and he showed me how to defeat them but I fear at this time I am not strong enough to take them or the giant scorpions.  Oh but the gems which can be found in those caves.  They will help me out a great deal.  I was in great need of the dusts which I can collect from the gems. 
    Oh how I enjoy Dregar, it has so much to offer but I am glad that I do not live there.  I ran into an old freind on my trip home.  Chanda has returned from the Temple in Arabel.  I am glad to have her assistance back.  The future holds lots for me as my power grows!

[Cp_Winddancer]

I receive a letter today from my priestess.  The contents do not suprize me at all, I have expected it since the day the Drow placed the mark on Chanda.  Even before I opened the letter I senced the message it contained.  No loss!  I have not seen Kit in months, with the exception of Tath. I have not so much as heard from any of the Drow, so why care.  Perhaps I will use Kit to make me something but for the most part I can get anything I need.  I enjoy Tath it is evedent that he is no normal Drow, the influence of one as powerful as Rufus is obvious on him.
    My studies of the Giants and their tactics makes me woder how they ever survived as long as they have.  They are the most unintelegent race I have ever seen.  With the exception of a few who posess magical powers they are useless my ox has more brains than they.  After working with the trolls of the salt water clan and the oasis clan of giants these near Berhagen are just plain dumb.  They rush into every trap I weave for them.  I will say though if it were not for my magical skills I would most likely not be near as tall as I am.  Ramanon assisted me yesterday in my study, it was nice to have company even if it was for but a short time.
    With the end of the alliance now final I will be able to recontinue my study of Death.  I do not wish to suffer the pains of death and the departing of my soul.  I will begin to study the arts of immortality.  With the help of Lord Corath I am confident that I will be able to defeat this obstical.  I know I must do this if I am truely going to become the most powerful mage to exist.  I know that with the help of my closest freinds I will be able to do so.  I must now begin to seek out those whom have already defeated death and seek to understand how they suceeded in doing so and then not loose my soul in the process.

[Cp_Winddancer]

My practice and studies have served me well I am now able to perform my spells more frequently.  It all came to me as I was walking through the Dire Woods.  After killing those wrechted Dire spiders I attempted to summon forth a skeleton to my side.  To my suprize it was not what normally came forth.  This was a chiefton!  Not just a lowly warrior.  I had never done this before.  I then thought of the words for the spells I recently ad been studing but unable to cast.  Wow they worked.  My anguish is over.  Now I must work on harder spells.  The next group will prove most dificult.  I must speak with a cople of old freinds about this.  Tath recently offered his assistance to me with my casting.  I will have to seek him out to see what he can teach me about this next circle of spells.  Power runs through my fingers faster and with more power than ever before.  When I first began my studies so many said I would not be able to summon forth the dead now I summon forth those with power and skill.  Many will fall before me now.
 I can see power becoming mine!
 The dead will rise at my command!!!

[Cp_Winddancer]

I did not truely realize until yesterday how much work my goals would require.  This task is my end up costing me my soul.  That bard is very wise to say the least.  And full of stories.  Due to the requirements which must be met I have taken to crafting items a lot more else I will not have the skill required to do what I desire.  In the hours of the night when I sleep not I have taken to studing here in Pranzis.  The books I am reading all have a thick coat of dust.  It could easily be several hundred years thick.  I doubt they would even notice if I took them with me.  Ahh why I know where to find them.  Few others do.  I just wish I could find the author of these books, it would make my studies easier.  I know now that there is one path I do want to follow.  Obtaining it will be no small task.  I think I know what I will build as the vessle.  I have one of the gems now.  I found it while mining coal for some rods that Chanda and I were making.  I will need to polish it up and all but not yet I do not want to risk making a mistake with it. Plus I may need the gold in the future and emerald do bring a nice price on the open market. 
    None the less I need to speak with many people I will leave for Hlint in the morning once I finish the last of this book "Life and Freedom".  fitting title for a book about beating death.

[Cp_Winddancer]

A knock came at my door late last night as I was searching through the new books which I stole from the library in Pranzis (nobody will miss them since I wiped a century or more of dust off them).  A knock came at my door.  Who could that be I thought very few know where I live and even fewer of them don't have a key.  I quickly cast myself invisible and headed out the back door and walked to my front door.  Seeing that it was a boy no more that six or seven I asked.
  "What do you want boy!?"
  His response took me back.
  "I am looking for my uncle Marcus Perrin."
  Who is this boy I did not know of any children from Robert.  Has it been that long. 
  "I am he how do I know you are indeed my nephew?"
  The boy looked up at me and said "Father told me to find you if something happend to him and say you were taught by Eddings"
  I was nearly floored by this, this boy was Robert's son but what had happend.  Hatred began to fill my soul.  I quickly asked the boy to make sure "what is your father's name?", his response was correct.  Robert must be dead that was knowledge to be used only if something was truely wrong. 
  "What's your name son?"
  "Agustus Perrin"
  I then asked him what had occured.  He then recounted that he was out tending the herd, when he returned home he saw his father, mother, and sister burning on stakes and their home a blaze.  He sold the herd to a man and took the gold and traveled to Leilon to find me.  He was lucky I got home just a day before. 
  hatred filled my soul.  Those Giants must die, every last one of them.  I know where that tribe resides they should know not to mess with a wizard they will all pa...
  "Uncle can I live with you?"
  Without thinking a response was given.  You will!
  Where is this boy to sleep I have no full rooms.  Well Chanda is away so he can stay in her bed for a day or two until I can get him a bed.  He will be my apprentice.  I will teach him skill and hatred for all.  I will begin with giants and then nuture that to a following of the Dark Son.  I was going to take revenege myself for my brother but I will make that his first real test, for that is his to revenege.  He has the seed of hatred now planted in his heart, I will help it to grow to its full potential.
  *a cold laugh*
  I will teach him power and I will have Chanda teach him to hate.  The combination of the two will make him unbeatable.  Until then he will assist he to defeat my greatest foe Death.  I will start his studies in alcemy and jewlery and proceed his studies to greater things like infusing and enchanting.  He will have the advantages I did not.  After I accend I will assist him to greatness casting fear on all whom he confronts.
  "Sleep now son, tomorrow begins your journey.  We have much work to do as you begin your studies."

[Cp_Winddancer]

A man showed up at my door last night.  Ozy had sent him to me.  He has the receipe which I desire.  Unfortunatly I will have to find another way to get it.  I have agreed to pay him twenty-five thousand gold for just half of the receipe.  And I have to collect it at that.  Once I have seen the layout of his home I will have a theif steal it for me.  I have sent word to Caldiir that I wish to see him and discuss a job for him.  I will offer him eight thousand for delivery of the potion.  We will see just how good of a theif he really is.  If he fails it is of no loss to me other than I will have to find a better theif to do the job.  I have recieved word that Kit may wish to rejoin our group.  Doesn't suprize me, if he is to join the Hand of Ram he will have to prove his worth to me.  I'm sure I can make a fair profit off of him.  He has some skills which will make life easier.  Well at least it will get me out of the furnace and back at the jewlers bench.  I do need some ring molds.  Too much gold sitting around.  All of the crates are becoming full so it is time to finish off what we have and start to sell.

[Cp_Winddancer]

A privilege it was to witness true magical power displayed last night.  Two occasion in the same night (at least I think it was night, in Arabel you really can’t tell).  I met up with Chanda outside of Point Harbor.  She told me she was heading to Arabel on business.  I asked if I may join her on her trip, she said I could join her to Arabel, at that point we would see.  During the trip I took the occasion to see how I can improve my standing in the eyes of Lord Corath.  She told me she would seek to know his desires for me in time. 
 
 
Upon reaching Arabel we waited for Master Rufus Coldfinger to arrive.  It was good to see an old friend; hopefully our next journey together will not be so distant.  It was at this point I figured out that we were heading for diamonds.  I knew the spot.  It had been sometime since I had visited the cave exploring, but once you see a deposit of diamonds you don’t forget the location.  We entered in to scout out what we were up against.  Man, there were a lot of giants and then there was what looked to be an elemental from the Prime Material plane.  How those giants summoned forth such a creature, I do not know.  We entered with a plan.  After the first room we decided that we would wait for Ramanon who seemed to take the slow boat to Arabel.  It was at this time that another powerful wielder of magic arrived.  He called himself Reggub Hillhop.  At first I was hesitant of this Halflings power, but Rufus seemed to trust him.  This time the spectacle of power was truly great.  As we fought past the first smaller room it was then that I witnessed powers I had not seen wielded.  “What is this?” I said.  He had called forth a dragon from another plane to fight at his side. The giants were calling forth the fires of hell down upon our heads.  Master Rufus is making the wail of the banshee.  Magical energy is being thrown in all directions.  For a brief moment I could feel it surging through my bones re-energizing them. The giants guarding the deposit had fallen, Master Rufus and I set forth to mine the gems.  Quickly I could see the Master Rufus’ deposit had turned up but one mineral.  All of a sudden I hit the vein of veins.  The diamonds kept coming.  The day of my dreams had arrived.  I was mining Diamonds!  When I had picked the final diamond from the vein we left making haste back to Arabel.  We had accomplished our task.  As we were fleeing I could see the giants mounting a party to enter and retake their cave.  We slipped by them cloaked in darkness.  Truly Lord Corath will be happy at our take of such fine gems.  Once crafted into jewelry we will be able to hasten the building of his temple. 
 
 

[Cp_Winddancer]

It appears that my Nephew has fallen seriously ill.  His encounter with the negative energy while recovering the Black Hand seems to have control over his body.  His fever is getting worse.  Foolish boy.  What did he think he was going to do, help?  * Chuckles for a moment* I told that boy to stay close to Leilon.  It does not look like he will make the week.  He will regain acquaintance with his parents much faster than he had hoped.  Oh well, this will allow me to spend more time doing the will of Lord Corath.  With the energy now back in my bones I must finish that potion.  With it I will be able to extend my service and the service of other faithful followers.

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Marcus takes up a quill and begins to write. the handwriting is crisper than the last entry and the ink seems to have a silvery looks to it* 
  Today marks the end of an era of weakness for me.  I have finally done what has take years of my life, and drained my soul of mush of its strength.  Now I control the magic which once controlled me.  No longer must I channel my energies though an item.  It now flows through me and is manipulated by the mear movement of my finger.  As I walk through the forests and deserts of Dregar the giants which once I avoided now flee at my sight.  They have heard the cries of anguish from their kinfolk and do not wish to feel the same. 
    My once energy drained bones now are full of life.  Once I walked slowly pondering when death would finally call apon my soul.  Now I know that it was mearly a test of my will to suceed.  I now find stength in that which once forbade my sucess.  Now all that remains is the magic which I once felt was out of my reach, that which I once thought I would never control.  Now I must seize control of it, I will become a master of the weave. 
    Chanda wishes that I embark on a journey with her to Arabel to visit the Temple of Lord Corath.  She speaks of a test which she knows not.  As always she has my aid in whatever endevor she wishes, she is my spokes person with Lord Corath and my channel to his will.

[Cp_Winddancer]

*Written in Flowing red ink which has a silvery tint to in.*

Last Will and Testiment of Marcus Perrin

Man of Mystics and Magic

I Marcus Perrin, wizard of the general study and devote follower of Lord Corath take quil in hand to give legal right to those whom I wish to take possesion of my worldy goods when I depart from mortal existance to dwell with Lord Corath for all eternity.  During my mortal existance I have gathered many things and much wealth.  Most of it I have already distributed to those whom I trust the most.  The remainder of my goods are to be distrubted as follows.  My house located at 119 Leilon is to be given to Chanda Priestess of Corath in addition to my house my remainding gold is also to be given to her for the uses which we have already discussed.  I also leave two other items to be used as follows.  My oak staff which I carried for many years is to be given to the next true wizard of Corath whom joins her flock.  My iron short sword with the cold touch of death (iron with a cold 2 and silver 1) is to be given to the next person to earn the right to wear the white skull. 

 I leave all of my gems and scribing items to Ramanon Vensk a true master of the quil to be used to furthur his skills and the glory of Lord Corath.  I also leave to him my adventuring equipment to be added to the stores of the Arm of the Ram. 

As to my burial I wish to be buried in the following manner.  Dressed in my robes with my sword sheathed and my staff in my hands.  With my amulet to Lord Corath exposed and placed in the tomb found in the main hall of my home there to be housed.

Marcus Perrin

*below the signature is the mark of Marcus Perrin magically sealed, the letter is stored on the Marble Table in Marcus' Room in his home*