Tath's Contemplations

[ZeroVega]

Journal Log #1
    The surface is a most entertaining place. More than half of all the rivvil I've met so far have put in me full trust. The dwarves have not attacked me, and even my own cousins do not threaten me like I was used to back home.
    I hardly need to try to act like I care about a thing they're saying. I nod and smile, keep the threats to a minimum and they trust me like a life long friend. What fools.....half say they've seen the atrocities drow have committed, and the other half seem not to care. Many of those who distrusted me in the beginning seem to not care what my race is any longer. It seems not even the guards can keep me down as long as I can controll myself.
    I've also been successful in locating a master arcane caster to mentor me. Rufus Coldfinger has accepted me as his apprentice, but not without dozens of questions and a small test. To put it simply two weeks after I've arrived at the surface I've made "friends" "allies" and a position under a master wizard. Quite a bit more than I accomplished in the underdark.

[ZeroVega]

Zalru’chat: Storm of Fire[/i][/b]

    Our orders were to get in, start fires in their library, alchemy labs, and weapons stores and get out. I intended to do my job. Causing the whole of the city to burn down was not important, we were merely interested in disrupting their arcane studies and destroying their armies ability to fight. [/i][/b]
     I had spent many months preparing for this assignment. I studied up on fire, its attributes, and the ability for a mage to control it once the spell was cast. I learned the whereabouts of all of the explosive and flammable stores in the city of [/i][/b]Zalru’chat[/i][/b] and knew exactly how I would strike. [/i][/b]
     I was paired with two first circle mages new to the [/i][/b]Silken[/i][/b] [/i][/b]Tower[/i][/b]. I was to be their “mentor” and I wouldn’t have minded had I gotten students that weren’t so cocky and arrogant. [/i][/b]
     We arrived at the city, my companions with a few burning hands spells, and me with a few flame arrows ready to cast. I planned, I took aim, and I fired…[/i][/b]
     The library caught fire and went up in flames very quickly. Nearly half of the city rushed to save their precious novels, historical logs, and spell books. [/i][/b]
     Much of the army organized near the middle of the city near the alchemical labs. Now would be the perfect time to cast the second spell. I chanted and slipped into my unconscious spell casting state and then an explosion the likes of which had never been equaled in the Underdark occurred. [/i][/b]
     Bubbling green and purple acid was expelled from the buildings. A substance that burned intensely hot and would not be put out by water covered a third of the soldiers. The substance burned through cloth, leather, and metal, sinking deep into their skin and forcing the amputation of limbs to save themselves from the pain. [/i][/b]
     The last of the damage occurred when the highest tower in the middle of town was struck. What I believed to be the armory but was obviously not exploded with a brilliant white radiance. The blast shook the cavernous halls and forced the skin on my face to tighten and dry with the intense heat. Like the consecutive after shocks of an earthquake multiple explosions of rainbow like color followed. Greens, blues, reds and purples, all exploding and forcing a new sensation to crawl across my skin each time. [/i][/b]
     The intense cold and heat shook me to my core. Electricity crackled through the air and acid rained down from the ceiling like the god Corath spitting upon mortal drow. [/i][/b]
     It was at this point I realized that it was not longer a matter of removing a rival city, but stopping them from removing a rival with whatever was in that tower.[/i][/b]
     The fires had become uncontrollable and wild; the heat from the fire, tremendous even from hundreds of yards away. I began to make my way back to the [/i][/b]Silken[/i][/b] [/i][/b]Tower[/i][/b] invisibly while my young and foolish companions decided to enjoy the show. [/i][/b]
     The fire however was spreading too fast and burning up oxygen at a pace even I hadn’t guessed when the strangest thing happened…[/i][/b]
     Wind? In the Underdark? Impossible I thought, but it was not so. The fire was burning so violently that it was pulling oxygen down from the surface entrances. [/i][/b]
     The hot gusts that swept towards the inferno that was once an inhabitable city was tremendous. Dust, small rocks, bats, and even small plants from outside the entrances to the city were being sucked in and instantly catching flame. [/i][/b]
     My pupils were having great difficulty making their way back against the wind, they leaned in against it, and used the wall to help them climb back but it was not enough. Lifted off their feet with robes nearly aflame they flew back spinning round in the torrent of wind into the inferno. [/i][/b]
     I was having much the same luck. Even as far back as I was I still felt the raging, scorching wind on my face, beckoning for my legs to give in and to allow myself to melt into ashes among the once grand city. [/i][/b]
     At one time I may have given in and died in a mass of flames but I would prove myself to be stronger than the fools who died due to their greedy, evil, and overconfident ways. [/i][/b]
     It took three spells to get me out of there, all of which helped to bring me closer to collapsing from exhaustion. Haste to quicken my retreat from the wind, bull’s strength to give my legs the power to fight the wind, and gust of wind, the spell I attribute to the life I now live. This spell, angled in the correct way, blasted me back several hundred feet and prepared me for the struggle ahead of me.[/i][/b]
     I did eventually make it, as the fire died down. [/i][/b]Mission[/i][/b] accomplished with minimal casualties on our side. Our rival city of [/i][/b]Zalru’chat[/i][/b] had been destroyed along with whatever was in it by The Storm of Fire. [/i][/b]

[ZeroVega]

Journal Log #2
  [/i]
  It has taken some time but the letter has been delivered from Master Coldfinger to whomever it was intended for. [/i]
    [/i]
  The trip to Dregar went smoothly with only minimal obstacles that could have been avoided if I had more knowledge of the surface. [/i]
    [/i]
  It is so different from navigating in the Underdark. Back there, you would go where the tunnels would let you. Memorize the passageways, and learn of the new ones as the earth shakes, tunnels collapse and open up, and diggers make their way through.[/i]
    [/i]
  But here…here it is so far different. North, South, East, West…..Day and night. Time one the surface has so much more relevance than in the Underdark. It is not so simple to go back to a dark environ one cannot simply turn off the sun as he would blow out a lamp or put out a torch in the Underdark. Certain spells are able to help me with light transitioning, but directions are something I may never fully get. [/i]
    [/i]
  And as I said, the letter delivered to a crypt in what is named the [/i]Dark[/i] [/i]Forest[/i] on the continent of Dregar. I was simply instructed to not read the letter, and get it safely there. But surely my Master did not expect me to try. [/i]
    [/i]
  Had I used a spell to read the letter or broken the seal it would have been possible with magic to find out. I was however fortunate enough to pick up a small trick from a couple drunks at a tavern. [/i]
    [/i]
  Holding the thick parchment up to a strong and bright light source the dark red letters shown through quite clearly. Though I was not able to read all of the overlapping letters, words, and sentences, I believe I got the gist of the letter. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.[/i]
    [/i]
  I will also be interested in meeting his only other apprentice. See how we match up and what exactly it is he is to be teaching me.[/i]

Sargon hears from his Air Elemental allies of another apprentice of Lord Coldfinger.

"So, someone attempting to take my place....we'll see how long he lasts......"

[ZeroVega]

Journal Log #3
[/i]
    To continue my journal of the happenings of my surface life I will record another of Master Coldfinger’s many moods…[/i]
    I had decided to leave my hood off for the day; making as many friends and allies as I have been it seemed quite pointless to wear the hot black hood that merely concealed the wind from my face.[/i]
    I had however not expected to see Master Coldfinger in town that day and as he spotted me and my distinct attire he was thrown into an awesome rage. [/i]
    I had assumed that he knew of my dark elf heritage, Ca’Duz only knows I left him enough clues. Red eyes peering at him through my hood...the multicolored spider symbol I’d left on every letter...my name. All well placed clues, but I should not think less of him for it. How many people have red eyes? The gods only know. And how many humans, dwarves, elves, and other races worship The Lord of Spiders? Again the gods only know. And I would not expect Master Coldfinger to be fluent in drow, but even so names are another language entirely.   [/i] [/i]  *Grins to himself and sips a bit of [/i]Cherry[/i] [/i]River[/i] Lambic…then nods his approval* “I shall have to pay that Felicity another visit.”[/i] [/i]
    I do believe however that I have lost much of the little trust I he once had in me. The face that I was followed, no doubt by and informant of his, or even the Master himself tells me of it. I can only guess how far I was followed, and by whom it was, but I can tell from the footfalls and heavy breathing that it was most likely human, perhaps dwarf. *grins to himself* Perhaps I should take it as a compliment that Master was checking up on his little “drow project.”[/i]
  [/i]  Now, for perhaps the greatest thing yet to happen, I’ve gained the trust of nearly every person I’ve met thus far. A Deep Gnome, that would have driven me away under different circumstances seems to tolerate my being there. Humans, Halflings, HalfOrcs, Dwarves and even Elves, have put their trust in me! [/i]
   
  [/i]  I have never met a people so credulous as to trust an elf of a race that they have fought of for thousands of years. It is all too sweet, like a dream almost. We have all been called here by the dragon for the same reason...to apparently save the world from Sinthar Bloodstone. And for that reason no one, no matter how much hatred they have for me, dare eradicate a possible ally. [/i]
   

[ZeroVega]

Entry No 4:
   [/i]
  My dealings with Erag, Hlint’s undertaker did not go well at all. He seemed to respond to my idea of the graveyard dirt, but I believe I’d misjudged his vileness. [/i]
    [/i]He did at one point think very hard about giving me my requested pound of dirt, but after hearing of my teacher, and seeing that I was drow I was unable to convince him of the importance of me acquiring it. [/i]
    [/i]I plan on returning in several weeks to once again attempt to attain the dirt. The arts of necromancy seem to be calling me. The undead in the [/i]Broken[/i] [/i]Forest[/i]….death to the Ogres in the Lost Ruins….the raw power and enormity of what I was tapping into. I’ll acquire the dirt and take it to Master Coldfinger, then I will learn of these “forbidden arts.” [/i]
  [/i]I must however be cautious of this Kobal Bluntaxe and his Guild. I will and must not let them get wind of what Coldfinger is teaching me. Yes, and from here on out, I am known as a student of Coldfinger’s only to Coldfinger. [/i]
    

[ZeroVega]

Entry #5
     I must say, that my kin, coming to the surface and attacking the most famous adventuring town on the surface was not a helpful move. I am now less trusted than ever. The dwarves most likely want to "slice and dice" me, and it makes my dealings much harder than they were.
     Perhaps a good thing that has come of these attacks is the return of my colleague. I have yet to meet this Sargon Blackdagger, but I hear he is quite the wizard......I will have to be careful not let slip too much about myself.
     And I have new news from my Mentor.....he is finnished with his book of spells and this weekend, along with Blackdagger I assume, I'll be taking posession of it, and my true test will begin. Dozens of spells and secrets locked up in the pages calling for my eager eyes to read through, and fill my mind with the wonder that is arcane power!
     My power continues to grow as does the skill of my scribing. Fourth circle spells are still no easy feat to scribe, but after the last few successful attempts I am confident that I will have scribed most of the spells I know before the week's end.
     Still, with all that has happened, with all the good that has come to me since my journey across the surface I am still greatly intreagued about the explosion that occoured in the underdark......I will find out what it was, and posess it for myself.......
  *Tath closes his journal and opens up several books entitled......Poisonous Gasses "Creation by Fire"-----Negetive Energy "Secrets of the Dead"-----The Darkness Entries "The Prince of Darkness"*

[ZeroVega]

Journal Log #6
     Well, I was wrong as have yet to meet this mysterious Blackdagger though I am positive he returned. The one who was at the meeting with Master Coldfinger was none other than Chanda, Dark Priestess of Corath, who's Cult is being watched and plotted against by none other than my good friend Quin.
     I first heard of this Cult on the street. People do not care very much for secrecy here and it was not hard to listen in with the help from one simple spell. I then later ran into Quin, and we began to speak of the Cult, that is when he told me that he was the one plotting against them, and planned to send spys into their midst to gather information.
     I at first agreed to help without much thought of what it meant. I figured once the Cult is destroyed I'll loot their meeting places and be just a little bit richer. That is when I remembered that Rufus Coldfinger was infact a devout of Corath, and that my own god Ca'duz was a close ally to him.
     I was then compelled to tell Master Coldfinger of Quin and his plans when I met non-other than the Dark Priestess herself at the meeting that my Mentor and I had scheduled. I listened to the two talk for a time, and joined in several time to tell them what I know, and this is what I have found out.....
     Chanda (the dark priestess) knew that Celgar was attempting to dismantle the Cult, Quin however had done a much better job of hiding his motives and she was mostly unaware of his plans. The irony of it was then, that Quin and I had decided to send myself and Derrick into the Cult as spies.
     I am now, under the command of Master Coldfinger, to feed Quin false information telling him that the Cult will continue meeting in the Hlint Crypts, when they will merely be holding mock meetings there. I am confident that this journal is safe within my posession so I will also say that the true meetings will be held in Master Coldfingers Fort Llast Mansion.
     The time has now come that I must try and either keep Derrick oblivious to the true happenings of the Cult while we spy from the inside, or I must sway him to become a follower of Corath. Neither task will be easy, and I will openly say that I fear for my own life. I fear both the wrath of Quin and my Mentor.
     In taking the book of necomancy spells from him I boundmyself to him and his will. I will now serve him until he sees fit to release me or no longer has use for me and decides to kill the, the latter of which I would not doubt he would do.
     And to go against my word to Quin. A devout warrior of Toran and possibly the newest addition to it's church and army of Paladins would be foolish. I am strong, but to contend with one so blessed by the god of justice would be foolish without further training. From here on out, my main priority will be to further my strength, and keep myself alive and out of trouble with either the forces of light or dark.
           End Log.
  *Tath carefully closes the book, and taps it in an intricate rhythm for several minutes while mumbling a low rumbling chant. He then finnishes the chant and tapping with one last loud word and the book turns into a small wooden box.........just a plain wooden box.* 

[ZeroVega]

Entry #7[/i][/b]
    [/i][/b]The meeting has been completed and all in the Dark [/i]Alliance[/i] seems to be moving smoothly. Quin was told of the fake meeting and apparently intended to attend posing as me, but failed to do so as something else came up. [/i] [/i]
    My arcane skills continue to progress and every day I come one step closer to decoding several of the fifth circle spells. Master Rufus has agreed to scribe me more spells if I can bring him the required ingredients and I am confident that I will have them within the week. [/i] [/i]
    My colleague does not look like a threat to me, though from my own “act” I have learned not to “judge a book by its cover.” I myself pretend to be a clueless, clumsy; mage and this Sargon could be doing the same. [/i] [/i]
    Blazen seems to have potential, and would perhaps be a perfect candidate to join the Dark [/i]Alliance[/i]. I would however have to watch him closely for a while more. He seems to be self serving though it is hard to tell. The insults and snide comments he threw at Chrio made me think he is indeed in the adventuring business for himself; I may however be able to use this to my advantage. [/i] [/i]
    I also have my eyes on two more potential candidates for the alliance, a Caldiir, and Belecthor. I believe that the latter will most certainly join. But as it is hard to read the intentions of a drow Caldiir will be a tough one to crack.[/i] [/i]
    I will now record a fear that I do not believe I have ever felt before. In taking the tome of necromantic knowledge I bound myself to the service of Rufus Coldfinger forever. There is no backing out and I now wonder whether the price of my life and my freedom was worth the knowledge I’ve gained. [/i] [/i]
    To top things off as I’ve practiced my necromantic arts I have discovered that an old colleague of mine back in the Underdark did indeed meet his demise in the City of [/i]Zalru’chat[/i]. [/i] [/i]
    I have further discovered that though his school of magic, evocation of course, had been chosen for him he practiced on his own the art of necromancy. However things are not as easy to hid in the Underdark as they are on the surface and shortly after his death his practices were discovered and his soul bound to do the bidding of the dark masters, of which he once strived to join. Several spells and small amounts of my energy and I have successfully bound him to my service, all I must do now, is learn the proper spell for his summoning. [/i] [/i]
       End Log.[/i]

[ZeroVega]

Entry #8
    I have thought long and hard about it, and have come to the decision that I will have my soul, my life, my freedom bound to no mortal. The moment I took hold of the book Rufus Coldfinger told me that my soul would be bound to him, whether he was speaking litterally or it was something to come I am not sure.
    This cult however is not what I want and I will not stand around for them to exterminate those they do not need. This is a Cult to Corath, and as I see it once they have accomplished what they want with the alliance's help they will then remove the alliance. I have friends, true friends that trust me and that I can trust. I hope to continue learning from Master Rufus and will not betray his trust. However I must at the very least bring this small yet growing threat to the ears of those who have the power to stop it.
    In doing this I put my life at stake on both sides. What is to stop the Cult and Alliance from killing me before I deliver the message? Nothing. And what is to stop the Council from killing me for espionage against the Queen of Mistone and King of Dregar, nothing. Either way I will lose both their trust.....
  *Tath stops writing for a moment closes the book and rubs his eyes* He then speaks "This is something I will have to think more about before running into. There is more at stake here than just my life. My goals, the surface world, perhaps even the Underdark, and most importantly my soul." *He puts the book into his new cougar bag, and walks out of the Inn and down the road to Llast*

[ZeroVega]

Entry #9
     As an update to the happenings of the Dark Alliance I have acquired much information for them. Celgar, Quin, and Naga are definatly organizing a resistance. Quin is acquiring information from and informant called "The Sandman." I am unsure whether he is within the Dark Alliance, thoguh I highly doubt it, or if he is gathering what he can from outside.
     He does however, from what Quin said, have a following that will be helping in the resistance against the Alliance. I believe Chanda, Nethro, and Rufus are too confident in the Cult's Abilities. Rufus' death magic can be easily warded against, and it is well known that Quin and Celgar have far more resources than the Dark Alliance. This will be a tough battle, and all I can do to help is stall for time.
     I now know of two drow in the Dark Alliance, however we are unorganized, and unsure of our part. So far the Cult seems to be running smoothly, but we who worship Ca'duz also need something of our own. A Guild that can formally be inducted into the Dark Alliance. I plan on gathering Caldiir and Ktonosrosin to speak of this.
     Last night, was perhaps the most exciting night of my surface life. I arrived at Leilon doing a bit of mapping when I happened upon Michaelis and Eloril. We spoke for just a moment when an elf who had been standing next to us begain mumbling about bandits and Krandor.
     We eventually learned that a large group of bandits were headed towards Krandor. Fifty or more was the number. The reason was not given, and I do not believe it was known. We did of course trek for Krandor with all speed and arrived just after the elf and his forces.
     Apparently this elf works for the "Mistone Alliance," bringing four mages to help in the battle he must have many resources at his disposal. Anyway, the army came in waves and with the small army we gathered on our way to Krandor, Michaelis, Ender, Aliester, Sin, and Eloril we were able to knock them all back down. The leader of this group of bandits was skillfully captured and after much interrigation it was determined that he had been hired by a man named Red Shadow at Fort Velensk.
     We did of course make for Velensk and on our way were set upon by hordes of undead, powerful zombies who's strength seemed to grow with every meeting. Again we smote them with great skill and as we neared out destination were set upon one last time by three very dark looking Treants and a wizard of unmatched power. Spells bounced off of him like they were a childs ball and swords phased right through him. Within seconds of surrounding him he mumbled a few words and dissapeared.
     Deciding not to waste time thinking about who it may have been, though having a good guess, we finally made it to Velensk. We interrogated the Dock Shop Keeper and he knew nothing about anyone named Red Shadow. Doing a bit of searching I was able to find a peice of paper with the name "Red Shadow" on it. It seemed to eminate evil magic from the very ink, and after once more interrogating the Dock Shop Keeper were able to find that only one person made that paper. Charles Dawson of Lar.
     Making our way to Lar was even harder than the trip to Velensk. Ogres, Undead Archers, Hordes of Zombies, Skeletal Warriors, and even several undead with sheaths of acid surrounding them. All the while my act held up. Onion obsession seems to be a favorite act of those I adventure with and I will try to continue capitolizing on it.
     At the home of Charles Dawson, he spoke with us about the man who purchased the paper. He said that only one person ever bought some and that he had, dark tan skin, and sharp features, especially his nose which is supposed to be quite long and crooked.
     He also revealed to us a stone that was accidentally left by the man who bought the paper. A red stone looking somewhat like a ruby, but with less clarity and light refraction. It contained runes caved on it, and after some inspection I was able to find that it is a stone used for teleportation spells.
     We thanked the family, and met up once more with the elf. He came to see what news we had and he took the stone to inspect it. Giving us a small reward he said he would return the stone in one days time, and thus he has. I now have the stone, and the paper. And I hope to study them both further to find out their exact properties. He said he may again need our help to find this Red Shadow and apprehend him though I doubt he will go willingly to prison, or that there is a prison that could successfully hold him.
     Now I have more work to do and shall return to it immediatly. I hope that in five hundred years, when I look back and read about my young adulthood I will find it as amusing and exciting as I do now.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #10
     Chanda has recently asked me to "look into" this Orson fellow. Spy on him so to speak, and see if he is loyal. Quite frankly I do not know what to think of him. His words are confusing. They run your mind around in circles only to find out that you are infact not where you started but at the end of the puzzle without knowing how you got there. I do not like him, and I do not trust him but more will be needed before I can make a full report.
     Chanda has also filled me in on some interesting news. Rama has apparently come face to face with one of Sinthar Bloodstone's greatest generals, Milara ruler of Rilara, without even knowing it. What was told to Rama by Milara is very interesting and would be too dangerous to publish here. Perhaps when this event has passed, this item found, this person killed, or reborn, this battle fought, or this knowledge gained I shall place it here.
     I also believe I have been able to gain enough of Derrick's trust to bring him over to the Dark Alliance. I truely think of him as a friend and would like to see him in a position of high honor in this Alliance. A Captain of these Dark Forces, to lead them into battle. For now though, I must focus on merely getting him to join. The rest will come in time.
     I have been working extensively to master the summoning of my new undead companion. These black onyx stones are not easy to find, and not cheap to buy. After much studying I have also learned that "he" seems to be feeding off my power. As my strength grows, so does his. It is a most interesting and complex spell. I will have to look further into it.
     For now however I must prepair. Two nights ago I received a letter. Tonight I will meet with Chanda, Nethro, and several others, and must prepair.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #11
     "Life" continues to become more and more complicated. Quin.....I see Quin as a friend, something I have been sorely lacking in my life. "Friends slow you down, feed off of your emotions, weaken your will to follow through with your plotting and scheeming." That was how we looked at friends in the Underdark, as a weakness, a plague.....most who had friends soon found that out and thus few friendships were formed. Already I can feel the stickness, of fear for Quin and Mirren, the vile sensation of joy when I see they are both remain unharmed by the Cult, and the repulsive feeling of guilt and regret that no matter how much information I hand over to Quin about the Cult, that I have already made many people targets that will undoubtedly be hunted by the Dark Alliance, when this war that is about to break begins.
     I am still unsure where my loyalty in this fight lies. Currently I stand to gain the most by alligning myself with the Dark Alliance, but these emotions, nindolen tejmook'cinkjuun nindel l' rivven lu' l' darthien inbal tuain't uns'aa xuil! *closes his eye for a moment as his anger quells, and looks down to find that his shacking hand wrote the last part in drow* I must purge myself of it's effects. I cannot let emotions rule my actions. I came to the surface for a reason and I must not forget that reason. To grow.
  *sips from a small glass infront of him that looks to be half full of blood red wine*
     The kivvilen, they call me "black devil, they say I am evil and say I have killed women and "children." Evil is a sorely overused and misunderstood word. People are deemed 'evil' by those who elevate themselves to a seat of power. They more likely than not, commited acts that they now deem 'evil' to get there. Both sides 'evil' and 'good,' twist and contort the truth and facts to fit their own agenda. Did the Drow slaughter the village. Yes, but did the knights of the king not travel to the Underdark and do the very same to the Drow city? Calling it justice or Toran's will, instead of what it truely is, Revenge.
     Justice most people say, is delivering punnishment to those who have broken a law, such as murder or theift. Who chooses what these laws are? Kings and Queens, both wrought with corruption. These words should not even be used. 'Good,' 'Evil,' 'Justice,' they are all words of hypnotism. Used to mold and shape the minds of a city's citizens, to make them oblivious to the happenings around them. This is an argument that could last for years, what is 'Good'? What is 'Evil'? There is no definitive answer.
     Without this so called 'Evil' there would be no such thing as what people deem 'Good,' for there would be nothing to compair it too. If there were only two things, in the entire world, life and death. Life is considered 'Good' and death 'Evil' and there was no life, or perhaps no death, than there would be neither 'Good' nor 'Evil'. Or would there be?
     Is it the actions of a Drow or a race deemed evil that makes them evil? Or is it simply being born of that race. Is it using a spell in a way labled evil that makes it evil, or is it simply the fact that a spell was made for evil purposes that makes is evil? Is 'goodness' and 'justice' truely 'Good'? Or is it merely another form of evil, that without what is currently named evil, would destroy it's self? Does this argument make sense at all, or am I simply trying to defend something I know in my soul is truely wrong? What is wrong and what is right though? Is there such a thing and a 'wrong act'? I have never thought about any of this, it never made sense, I never had to. It was always 'Good' and 'Evil', black and white, right and wrong, chaotic and lawful. But now I find there is a vast grey area that can twist and contort things in it's own right. Evil has suddenly changed from 'wrong' to misunderstood. Laws are now rules made to hide the crimes of those that hold greater pull in this world, what was once 'right' and 'wrong' now become undecided, only to be labled differently by different people.
  *looks away from his journal for a moment realizing he's breathing very hard and that his hand is beginning to rub raw from the quill scraping paper and flesh*
     I must pay no heed to the struggles of 'moral values', this philosophy that can, like a flame can be blown out with a single breath, and then with one swift kick scatter the embers starting the flame anew. I must focus on the task at hand.....'the reason'.
     I will hold the position of the alliances strongest arcane force, I will be an aid to the Cult devoted to the Mad God, and I will whisper words of wisdom into their ears. Or perhaps, perhaps I won't. Perhaps I will slowly poison their minds, gaining trust only to betray them for the third, fourth, fifth times! Something new I will gain each time. I must put my emotions behind me and look towards all I have to gain. It is time to prepair.
  *Tathnolu, closes the book whispering a charm that activates several magical protection charms onto it. He then proceeds to look through his collection of spell components, scrolls, weaons, and magical items, trying to desipher which will best help him in the fights ahead* 

[ZeroVega]

Entry #12
    The peices of an odd and quite old puzzle today began to fall into place after an odd conversation with my Mentor. He asked me first if I thought the Dark Alliance was "worth it." I told him, that as the Alliance is quite disorganized and chaotic outside the Cult devoted to the Mad God, I believe it is not worth it. However the Cult has been a find thing to have around, as it has been able to pull it's own weight, and keep itself up without much help. The only time the Cult was ever in danger was when that bumbling bufoon that was once the Keeper of the Legions let his mouth run on. Other than that it has been quite useful as a contact between two major forces that will no doubt clash very soon.
    But to continue this puzzle that is begining to unravle. My Mentor asked me if I knew what the Twin Sisters are. I told him I knew a little. In truth I was one of the first few who were sent out to locate the Monk Lotus and retreive the book he borrowed from the Temple of Toran in Llast. At first I thought it was just a book, just a mission. Of course it wasn't. The Temple of Aragen would send out a squad of adventurers for "just a book," the Toranites however would send out if it was "special." We did eventually find the old monk, dead in the mountains. A book was with him. One that spoke of two swords. One held by a Champion of Toran, the other by a Champion of Corath. They were called the Twin Sisters, and after taking many lives they were eventually hidded, locked away by two keys, that when combined would show their location.
    Well that much I knew, but what I didn't know is that many many people were and are interested in these swords. A Stranger approched my Mentor in his house the other day speaking I assume of these Twin Sisters. My Mentor then proceeded to speak to me about them. Telling me to gather all the information I can, and stall these Toranites as much as possible without letting on what I was doing. He said that one of these weapons may very well fall into my hands if I succeed, and that he will give me all of the resources needed to assure that it happens as he's planned. For now however I must refrain from writting more here, and look over my notes about these swords, for I must now report to my Mentor with my findings, and for my sake, I hope he is pleased.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #13
    Today I have thought hard about the words of my Mentor. He asked me for my "council." Something that had he been a Drow, in an Underdark society, would have had all dignity stripped from him. First and foremost for asking his Apprentice for council and showing a weakness, and second for doubting an organization that he helped bring life.
    He asked me for a truthful answer to his question, "Is the Alliance worth it?" Truthfully I don't know. Disorganized, unable to controll their members, and even the braggart who once stood in good favore with both Chanda and Rufus fouled up, and nearly destroyed all that has been worked for in a matter of minutes. Is it worth it to risk lives, identities, and more if there is much to be gained should one succeed? Of course! But is it worth it if the objective is not clear? If you still do not know to whom your alegience lies? To Milara and Blood, or to the adventurers of Mistone? I would say not.
    It is therefor that I will make a prediction. My prediction is that the Dark Alliance will disban for a while. The Cult will remain intact and running as they have shown that they can do so. The others, mainly drow, will have the option to remain organized should the need ever arise for the Alliance to be made official. Such are my predictions. Now I suppose I will need to wait and see if I am correct.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #14
    There has recently been a "conflict" at Fort Velensk and Port Hampshire. Someone apparently had the stupidity to poison the wells and then flee to Port Hampshire to try and hide. Of course being the large city as it is we were fortunate that a man named Mo saw a man that matched our description enter a house.
    We got all the information we could from Mo, and then from the man that entered the house. He denied any link to the poison and said he was only in the house because he was looking for a guild to join and some men that were running one told him to stay there as his innitiation. Before we could get more out of him however he was struck dead. A trap that shot a blade from the wall and into his head killed him instantly.
    I was lucky enough to find a vial with traces of the poison still in it, something I shall have to look into later. However a halfling we were with, Sago, was able to identify two herbs native to Dregar, and that was our next destination. We were met at Hampshire's docks by a woman who worked for the Mistone Alliance, the woman who innitially recruited us for this assignment. She told us that the ones who poisoned the well had been taken captive and were being held in the Temple of Toran in Pranzis. Our new mission was to head there and make sure they could safely return to Velensk to commence interrogation. We did as were told, and walked away. The others with a sense of pride that they did good, and me with pockets full of gold and a new posion to study.
    I have on my past few ventures collected many items, all of which I will need to carefully look into, to decode all of their secrets. A peice of paper made custom by Charles Dawson that bears the name "Red Shadow" in some sort of magical ink who's powers I have yet to desipher. Also a stone, looking somewhat like a dusty ruby with runes of ancient magic upon it.....I have been able to gather that it is a teleportation device and have decoded two of four trigger phrases that were deaftly carved into it, but not more. And last a vial of poison, the effects of which I do not know.....this will perhaps be a job once I am better in tune with my Alchemial practices.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #15
  The past two fortnights have been more than productive. Life in Hlint, scribing scrolls and brewing potions through alchemy was getting old and boring, but I was lucky that the Temple of Lucinda found me. They invited me and four others to search for a Staff. 
    This Staff of Flame sounded quite interesting. It was capable of casting Time Stop, quite possibly the most intricate spell known to wizards. We were briefed on the mission. Told that a band of black market traders, infamous for their powerful magical items had it, and what a coincidence that they were drow.  
    We were then inspected to make sure we were equipped well enough for such a journey into the Underdark, and sent off towards the continent of Xantril for that was our only lead on the traders.  
    We made it to Xantril with little trouble, and immediately headed off towards the Underdark. It seemed that several people had been to this particular wing of the Underdark before so we had no problems navigating through the mountains and plains, nor finding the entrance.
    We entered down and merely fought a few mushrooms before we’d found our first drow. We had him captured, unfortunately in my time away from the Underdark and my kin, I had grown rusty with all of our customs and thus did not think to check for poisons or strip him of anything he could use to kill himself.
    It was a minor set back but we continued. Duergar were common as mosquitoes in a swamp, and most fell easily. Though one band did give us trouble, it was mostly the wizard, for their fighters were incompetent and fat.
    After several fights and some careful scouting we had found a band of drow, one drow actually. It was only one, but he claimed several more were in hiding, and would kill if he gave the signal. We spoke to him of the Staff of Flame, and he acknowledged that he had it and wanted to know what we could offer for it. He asked for Celgar’s broken sword, and Celgar gave it over, though not without much internal struggle.
    There were two moments that followed that I thought we would be attacked for sure. The first was when Celgar picked up the staff. The fool did not understand drow customs and nearly got us killed in the delay of handing it over to me. The second was when a blond mage, no more than an adult’s body with a child’s mind decided to attempt and study a Rock! The trade was over, the drow band made good on their word not to kill us, and said we could leave now. But of course, someone always has to complicate things. She cast a spell on herself that I could only identify as a type of sanctuary and assumed she could be seen by none. Though when she moved over to the glowing rock (a common thing to find in the Underdark, a dim source of light that is easy on our eyes) we were given several warnings, lightning strikes came from random points in the cave, and that was apparently all the signal they needed to leave.
 
     In the end, the thought of keeping the staff for myself crossed my mind several times, but I did indeed hand it over to the Temple of Lucinda, and for a nice reward too. Perhaps one day they will admit me into the temple to study the great work of arcane art. Until then however, I have things to do as do most.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #16
    Less than a week ago, I had made my way to Dregar. I thought to do some exploration of the continent and perhaps collect a few items for my studies. While there however I was confronted by a drunk Celgar who managed to keep me amused for a time. As he babbled on about how drow are scum in his drunken maner, more adventurers arrived. Many coming from Hlint, others from various guilds and organizations. The city of Lorindar bustled with an air of anticipation, as if something big was about to happen, a race about to begin and everyone there were the runners.
    We spoke with an elven man who told us that word had gotten out about a magical item of great power, he said that most of the people here were after the item, those that weren't were trying to sell to the hearty adventurers.
    It seemed however that no one knew much about them with the exception of one woman. A halfling woman who took our band to the side and made a proposition. She said she'd pay us gold should we find her the gloves. She claimed that she was working for the Layonara Trader's Guild, and that she knew the vague location of the item.
    Once we had agreed to take the job, she told us the item was a magic amplifier. (One assumes by the name that it would increase the power of a spell by great ammounts, if it didn't no one would be after it) She told us that the Mistone Alliance, the Shadow Thieves, and the Black Wizards (and interesting name and an organization I'll have to look into) were all after the item.
    She then continued saying the gloves were in the posetion of a Giant Shaman of a Desert Clan. In a cave in the desert is where we would find them, and that is where we proceeded. On our way we did indeed run into Giants, as well as wizards of immense power, assasins, helmed horrors, a most powerful construct only summoned by an equally powerful wizard, and other various foes.
    Lucky for us we made it to the cave alive for the most part and entered with caution. The giants were numerous as well as other foes sent to destroy us. Stone and Iron Golems, as well as various wizards and bowmen yet we defeated them all and made our way to where the Shaman dwelled. There we fought with him for hours, until the warriors fingers numb and bleeding from the swinging of swords and the plucking of bows, until my arms felt like lead from the spells cast and my throat burned from the number of incantations I'd chanted in the dry desert air. We did indeed defeat him and recovered the amplifier which happened to be a pair of gloves. Making our way back was a far easier treck and after returning the gloves the halfling took them and gave us all the rewards we'd earned. I should have greatly liked to hold the gloves and examine them, had I not thrown the box to Celgar I would have gotten my chance, unfortunatly it did not happen, but I will see them again. I am sure of it.

[ZeroVega]

Entry #17
    The Twin Sisters, blades of old and legendary power, one held by a Champion of Corath, the other by a Champion of Toran, long since forgotten until a Monk named Lotus began to research their existence in an attempt to uncover their location for knowledge. The Temple of Toran in Fort Llast first asked us to find the monk, that we did, and he was dead. However we also found some of his journal which led us to believe he was close to finding the keys. From there on out we were working strictly for the Temple to recover the keys, and eventually the swords.
    Word has leaked out about the Twin Sisters and now many factions seek the keys that will unlock the blades. One of the factions is of course followers of the Mad God, as one of the blades originally belonged to one of their followers.We have searched for some time led by Synal'dur, and now have both keys.  
    Our venture for the keys has been interesting. I must say I have entered the Temple of Toran several times more than I ever thought I would, also most of the people have been very trusting of me with the exception of the one named Kobal. It is strange though, most everyone trusts me, but the ones who don't get to me the most. Not trusting me and ignoring me after I save your life, bring you back from the brink of death, and yet you still call me evil. The big oaf probably can't even define evil.
  *shakes his head, and looks down to see that he wrote the last parts very hard, nearly cutting into the paper*
    Then he throws a hissy fit because we took the initiative to kill the other faction with the key. After wards he found a symbol of Rofirein on one of the bodies and went into a frenzy of yelling and crying. The fool failed to realize that not only were we attacked first but they planned to kill us the second time, and had we not attacked them first they might have succeeded. He did eventually calm down when he found out it was a farse symbol, and now the next leg of this investigation will begin. Hopefully without the dwarf, to find the blades.
    Still I must contemplate how I will go about this, do I steal the keys and the location of the blades as my Master requires and lose all the trust I have gained over the past year, or do I disobey my Master possbily losing my life forever in the process?

[ZeroVega]

Entry #18
    Master Coldfinger has now been gone for quite some time. I have neither heard from him nor seen him, and from what I hear neither has anyone else in the Alliance. I feel that this darkness Chanda and Nethro speak of is indeed coming though I still cannot figure out which side I am on. I have told Quin nearly everything of the Cult and the Alliance, but I have done the same with Chanda, telling her all I know of Quin and his resistance.
    I know that I want something from this all, but I still have not decided what. Do I want power? If so how will I gain it and what kind? Do I want trust? Trust is something it would be nice to have, especially the trust of the dwarves. *sighs deeply and scratches out the last part* Dwarves are fools who's trust is worthless.
    But the whats, the whys, the whos, the whens, and the wheres are all getting to me. I've dug myself in deeply on both the sides of Good and Evil, but I cannot decide which I will benifit from more, or what I will gain from either.
    To add to this weight it seems that Corath's followers are not the only faction growing in strength. Nethro tells me there has been a call to come back to the Underdark, should any drow refuse a woman has said she will kill us herself.  
  *closes the book and rubs his eyes which are now not only red, but bloodshot from days of thinking without sleep*
    I must rest, the new day will bring more time for contemplation.