Author Topic: Yashilla's parchments of hickory and oak (Read 2283 times)

dadunmir · « **on:** January 31, 2005, 09:55:00 AM »

//these are loose parchments that Yashilla keeps on her self. they are not very detailed, dated or organized. they are at best short summaries of things she found noteworthy.

I can not wait to become a great priestess of Mist. I find myself strongest when singing praises to the clouds of thunderstorms. I see the handiwork of my god every day, and everyday the wind blows or the rain falls, my god reminds me of her presence. In fact, I recall the day she reached out and touched me in the form of a lightning bolt while I sang praises in her name during a storm.

“Thank you great Mist, Lady Doom, for presenting yourself to me.”

I recall the period shortly after turning the age of 17, my family was assaulted by a horde of undead. We lived peacefully by the shore as merchants of the sea. What was the cause of this? My family escaped with little harm; still, I’ve sworn vengeance on that undead aquatic elf. By the power of Mist, destruction will be brought to all undead which cross my path. If ever possible, one day I will focus my energy into becoming a more powerful adversary of the undead.

dadunmir · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:05:00 AM »

I started my devotion at 16, and became very serious just before my 18th birthday as a result of my storm encounter. I see that incident as a means of communication. I could have been seeing my last storm; instead I found myself being spoken to. I have shifted my focus from the destruction Lady Doom could bring to the potential good she could bring as well. However, I still reserve a bit of the destructive side for my encounters with the undead. I have no large aversion to large bodies of water, just all the merchant business was a bit too much, odd I know for a follower of the Lady of the Sea. I just simply find myself more in tune with the wild elements of the seas and it's storms which carry immense power. I recall leaving my family at 17 just before my 18th birthday. They also are devoted to the Lady of the Sea. I am however different than they with regard to how I live my faith. They look to her, for her, seek her out for protection and safe travels, a matter of great importance as sea faring merchants. They pay homage to her in hopes of keeping her appeased and not encountering her wrath while on the seas. I on the other hand try and bring her work to others. I’ve come to terms with the idea that my actions reflect upon how people perceive Lady Doom. With a mutual respect for each other's faith, we've gone our own ways. I do hope to see them again. I still make a trip to the seas now and again to remind myself of them. It is a bit unsettling thinking of those endless days and nights on the seas. I feel I’ve already had a lifetime supply of boat rides with my merchant family. Father always told me I never had “sea legs.”

dadunmir · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:06:00 AM »

A great warrior of Mist and his traveling companions have told me of a temple in Leilon devoted to Mist. I must get there at once.

dadunmir · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:07:00 AM »

I passed a stranger on the roads by Krandor today and he gave me directions to Leilon. I have long sought out this city. My fears of encountering something unmanageable have caused me to shy away from explorative travel on my own. Good news though, he told me these roads were safe.

dadunmir · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:10:00 AM »

I have lost my timid side in battle. I now find myself braver and eager to take the front line. I’ve even braved the ogres of the Haven mines a few times on my own and lived to tell the story; although, I only go in for the minerals. I remember clearly when I first wondered into Hlint and how quickly I learned of the perils of the immediate surrounding and of Mistone in general. I did not take long to realize I was not a true warrior type and that I would be better off, with traveling companions. I found a few regular companions and have served us well by learning my role as one who supports the fighters and not necessarily is a figher. Many times in the face of lizards and goblins and ogres have I found myself at a loss and outmatched in combat with out the aid of traveling companions. That has changed a bit. I’m finding myself a bit more skilled than I used to be. I hope my travels honor Mist. I still strive to be a great warrior and priestess for her.

dadunmir · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2005, 10:15:00 AM »

//there are a few pages that seem to be continually updated that fit in with the other parchments in no particular order. They contain traveling notes on what to avoid, where to find recourses and how to get around Mistone. The are also jotted down crafting notes. Here area a few exerpts.

...Ha, well done. I've made some short oak bows today...Today, I find my potion making skills are much improved...blast, where are those hops flowers. I'd love to make some of my own ale...This kitchen has become cozy...argh! I guess I just don't have the nimble fingers for tailoring.

dadunmir · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2005, 07:16:00 AM »

A dreadful day today was. I was in the Berhagen mountains all day and on the couple previous days as well. There was a group of us, nearly ten in all. I was the only one with any divine power save one other. I did not know her but others did or at least recognized her. They called her Chanda. She wore a cloak over her head and so I do not feel I could recognize her if I ever met her again. I'd like to thank her. I feel we owe her. She did us a great service in raising a fellow warrior. This was also an opportunity for me to explore some of my recently acquired new powers. I could have raised this warrior myself but felt conflicted about it internally. The death could have been avoided. It was foolish of them to carry on a lengthy conversation in such an unsafe area. What a miserable cleric I’ve come to be. My first opportunity to show the true good in Mist’s power and I failed miserably. It was really an act of self preservation to be honest. I was on the other side of a small hill dividing us when I heard the battle begin. Entering the battle at the start would have meant certain death for me and others. I am not a true fighter and therefore I could not aid that much anyways. I felt it was wiser to save myself in order to be available to provide some healing later. I waited a bit and then provided what healing I could. We lost only one I believe. It was selfish of me for sure but a de*** healer does no one any good and can only have lead to more deaths given our situation. I hope Mist can understand. Anyw**** feel like I redeemed myself. Later a fellow warrior fell, and I had no doubts or questions. I raised him. Our survival in the pr***** battle had a lot to do with his skills as a warrior. If anything I owed him my life at that point and restoring his soul was the ***** could do. But that evening after I returned to Hlint was what was dreadful. I had ordered a meal at the Inn, the cook’s sp***** fair I believe. I fell asleep after the good meal and ale. My sleep was interrupted by the sounds of battle. I aided as best ****** A couple of the Inn's staff fell. I myself was poisoned and thought I fell. Curse those dro********************************
*****************************************************************************************************
//this parchment of oak was singed and the * represents some writing that can't be made out.

dadunmir · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2005, 02:22:00 PM »

I have renewed my hatred of the undead. In addition to childhood trauma they caused, the undead of the world have recently brought me to great anger and I will now spend some time focusing on them. Not sure what kind of magic they used but during a recent unstable period in the world I was some how dropped in a middle of a hoard of troubled souls unarmed and unprotected. I ran in as best I could but the undead of the broken forest got the best of me. I was feeling very close to Mist of recent. I felt as if she was feeling very approving of me and about to grant me new powers. Perhaps the foul beasts sensed that. I am appreciative of the fact that my soul has been returned in tact. Yet, I must spend extra time now with Lady Doom, and regain her favor once more before new powers are granted to me. Curse those beasts. They will feel the wrath of the Lady of the Sea if I can help it.

dadunmir · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2005, 07:07:00 AM »

An odd thing happened the other day. I aided the drow. Odd was the series of events. A patron of Lalaith, this drow was wounded seriously and required advanced healing skills. I was not skilled enough. Finally a healer of Aeridin showed up thanks to my own drow “patron.” Odd, this healer told me I possessed some kind of gift and that all of us in the room had it. It was some kind of gift given by the Tol’eflor, the creator race of the elves? Upon a brief discussion with Talan, it seems all this is connected somehow with the drow invasions? They seem to be hunting for a crown? Diadem of Souls perhaps? The drow are uniting under Navarre in search of this crown believing it will yield them their true queen? Great just what I need some one checking up on me. As if I'm not bound enough by this poison. Perhaps a trip to Voltrex will help. The healer mentioned that there might be answers there. I sure could use the family ship. I hope they are doing well.

dadunmir · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2005, 10:10:00 AM »

A most humbling experience has occurred. I've recently found myself stronger and more able in battle when it comes to encountering the beasts of this world. I've got some good iron armor and a weapon that has been coated in silver to aid in my quest to free the tormented souls of the undead. Yet, the other day while on Dregar, while battling giants, I fell and then fell again. I feel myself...or my soul rather has been weakened considerably. I've spent a considerable amount of time in the temple speaking with the Lady of the Sea. I feel I have renewed my devotion to her and have had my strength renewed. I only hope that it was enough. Forever will I be grateful toward Her. Perhaps this was a test of Her's?

dadunmir · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2005, 12:53:00 PM »

A sad thing occured at the crypts in Krandor the other day. A boy was frightened into them somehow. This was only made worse when a group of undead set a trap for the party as we departed after finding the boy. The boy was slain. It took all I had in me to bring life back to him and reunite his soul with his body. It was one of the greater deeds I've done. Foul beasts those undead. Perhaps I will have to focus on these crypts for a bit, more than the forests futher south.

dadunmir · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2005, 12:27:00 PM »

A most toubling occurence in the area called the broken forest occured. Some undead of a very powerful form had arisen and converged on Fort Hope. A small group did fine fending the off. Not well enough though as many townsfolk were slain. Just then however, a calming event had occured, we were blessed with Mist's storms. I felt that she had some involvement in this and so our small group ran to the temple where I had a difficult conversation with the Lady of the Sea. I had great trouble focusing and concentrating but was able to see a vision. Two sides reluctantly involved in a most violent battle to create a thing of beauty. I am most confident Mist was one. The other likely a god try to seek an ally in Mist I assume. This is a warning of things to come. I must serve my mistress well and find this ally, this god who claims fire as their domain. I for a moment thought it might be a sign of a war to come to Mist. I am most fortunate to have had the insightful group I had with me. Perhaps I shall start by seeking a temple of Pyrtechon.

dadunmir · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2005, 01:25:00 PM »

//the following is one sample of many letters Yashilla has left with the dockmaster hopefully to be given to her mother when the family's ship arrives on business.

Greeting dearest family,

I am safe. Worry not, I am alive and well. I suppose when I spoke to father about wanting to spend time in my devotion to Mist that more was in store for me than I thought. I have found the temple here on Mistone in the port city of Leilon and my faith has grown. I pray for you all frequently. I must admit that though my faith is currently strong, I have taken a different path than what I intended on. My reverence for Lady of the Sea has grown and continually I seek her approval. I have not spent much time focused on my own goals. Yet, I am not worried. Strong has our bond become, Mist grants me gifts as do I for her and she speaks to me using both words and visions. Sadly, I often find many who are godless. Often, I spend much time in the company of others providing a kind, gentle, and healing hand letting adventurers know that my strength comes from Mist. Yes, I use the same subtle yet encouraging technique you used on me Mother.

Alas, constantly in the back of my mind are the events that led to my time on shore. I recall the day our boat was trespassed on by that foul undead beast. I’ve become a holy warrior yes, but need more time spent devoted to Mist if we are to rid ourselves of that beast. His seas! Mist’s seas! I pray and hope that there have been no other occurrences. Indeed it was odd. What could he and his minions need of our trade goods and gold. Fortunately father had the wisdom to be prepared for such emergencies. I am glad to hear father has recovered from that beast’s affliction. I will continue my faith practice and will send word on my progress. I hope my prayers have provided you safe journey’s on the Lady’s seas. Better yet perhaps Mist has already destroyed the tormented soul and his minions. It would bring me great pleasure knowing so. Only through destruction of the sea elf’s undead form can it’s soul be set free. Yes mother, I still a bit of that edge to me. Send my love to Braxton…he should be coming of age should he not? I guess that means I’ve spent much time away. Be happy knowing that through Mist we are always together.

In love and service,
Your daughter and sister
Yashilla, Priestess of Mist.

dadunmir · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2005, 02:49:00 PM »

To the bay of Corocsa to see Corocsa we went...and we found her. Deep in the interiors of a shrine to Shindelaria we found her. The place was filled with many different kinds of sharks and larger underwater beasts. We were not the only ones looking for her apparently. As I saw in my visions elements of fire came storming through the doors. Even before we arrived, a warrior of Pytechon met us. The group insisted on fighting. I took a step back and watched as they failed.

Apparantly there is some need to unify the dragons of the lands. Bloodstone keeps coming up when the dragons are discussed. Yes, in fact the other warriors were apparently looking for a way to lure a dragon named Fisterion onto thier side of the war. Yes, I am certain, this is why we set out to the bay of Corocsa. I must spend some time in prayer and with other adventurers to get a better grip of what's going on. I believe I know what this Fisterion is after from the events I experienced. There is a way to gain the favor of this dragon, but I fear the tactics currently being used are highly flawed.

I will also need to spend time with Mist. Spending time in that wretched shrine gives me a feeling that I need to purge. There is only one true god of the seas.

dadunmir · « **Reply #14 on:** April 18, 2005, 10:36:00 AM »

I find myself traveling between Dregar and Mistone frequently now. Though there is not a whole lot on Dregar that attracts me, I do find the occassional trip on the seas comforting. The trips are often enough to remind me of my family and infrequent enough to not remind me of our merchant business and the endless days on seas and in harbors. Perhaps I will one day work on setting up a temple to the Lady of the Sea on Dregar as I have yet to find one. Surely that will increase my favor with Mist.

dadunmir · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2005, 06:19:00 AM »

I've waited several days to write this. I have waited 'till now as I feel calm enough to do so. It was exciting. I saw my first dragon the other day. Well, perhaps with exception to the one that appeared to me after I had already started my days on the lands of this world.

A mighty red dragon that I knew only in name before, Fisterion. I was really nervous when we set out to meet him. Fortunately, I had learned earlier that this dragon is unique. I have learned that it is possible that this Fisterion is in fact an avatar of the destroyer, Pyrtechon. We were a small group trying to convince the dragon of our causes. When we stepped onto the lands of the Firesteep mountains I waved my banner high. If in fact this mighty Fisterion was connected to Pyrtechon, then coming with the banner of Lady Doom would perhaps encourage better relations. I am unsure what the end result of this dragon meeting means but I could swear that during it this mighty red dragon made a gesture to me, as if Fisterion was saying hello directly to me already knowing who I was. What is more is that breath of fire he breathed on to me. It barely singed me as I was out of its reach, or was that intended. I couldn't believe it, but something about the Fisterion something he did at that point made me unthreatened by his presense, though still very nervous.

This vision I had seems to be more than just a vision. Events are unravelling. Fisterion himself seemed to elude to a connection between himself, the nearby temple, and the Tempest. The Tempest! I couldn't believe my ears. Surely Fisterion must be in high standing with Pyrtechon if he can have interactions with Mist's Tempest. Corocsa has been delivered to the Tempest! Mist's influence over the seas will sure grow greater now.

dadunmir · « **Reply #16 on:** May 11, 2005, 10:15:00 AM »

A time of trial approaches. The ritual of the drow is at hand. Curse them all! Who does they think they are?...wretched assassins is all they are! I shall have to speak to a particular someone concerning their patron. Elamshin! Slay me at will if you'd like...but beware of the coming storm! Aiding you has proven to be a...questionable act. I don't doubt that I did some a great and good deed but your actions only leave me reaffirming my hatred for your kind. Odd though, what happened to my own patron? No matter, he and I were never the friendly sorts. If he were to suffer some ill fate it would serve all, who have the threat of the drow hanging over them, some good fortune. I have no choice but to place my hopes in the Lady of the Sea. I am no match for these group of drow. My faith in Mist must be strong if I am to have any hope of surviving the ritual. One month's time should be enough to reaffirm my faith...not that it needs it. *she pauses and looks to the stars* Mist and I have a wonderful relationship. Still improving upon it will only help. Thank you Mist, Lady Doom, for presenting yourself to me!

*scribbled at the bottom of this parchment is the following..*

I've done it. Traveling with a few others, I've found a way into the underdark...well at least it seems like what has been described to me as the underdark. It was an awefully vacant place. Perhaps the forces haven't arrived yet and perhaps with the appropriate measures these drow can be stopped?

dadunmir · « **Reply #17 on:** May 20, 2005, 07:40:00 AM »

*this is a parchment that was misplaced in Yashilla's stack and found recently as she was reviewing her scribblings.*

Northern Dregar is finally safer. Desma has been destroyed. We chased her all over northern Dregar, from the desert to Delanthar and ending finally in Hurm. The undead slayer who provided us with the initial information was most helpful. Desma was a powerful vampire very gifted in the arcane. At last she met her end as we traveled following her into a plane of chaos. At the guarded tower she met her end. In hopes of desecrating the last remnants of her parents she handed herself her own destruction.

*at this point a new entry is added*

I encountered today a vampire in the open lands just outside Port Hampshire. An unexpected occurence and an encouter I hoped to avoid. Though I handled them well, it was nice for others who passed by to offer aid. I've not seen vampires on Mistone before....Dregar yes, Mistone no. I should post something for the locals as a precautionary measure.

dadunmir · « **Reply #18 on:** May 20, 2005, 12:43:00 PM »

I constantly think of what my role as a priestess means. Mist presented herself to me. She chose me. Or, did I choose her? I guess the latter is truer. As I come to grips with my faith, the power in my act of choosing to follow the Lady of the Sea is something I've come to realize.

Often I struggle with what my role as a priestess means. I think I am good natured and I bring good to others. The fury of a storm can serve a good purpose! Those I travel with seem to appreciate it when I bring Mist's fury and strength to their aid. Yet, not all look upon Mist’s relations with other gods favorably. This shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t affect their relations with me after all!...well mostly anyways.

I struggle daily with my faith as a few of the gods favored by Mist are not looked upon favorably by others. Some are not very good natured at all. In fact a few are even evil: Corath, Pyrtechon, Vierdri'ira. I think I understand that as her priestess I also need to extend the favorable relationship to followers of gods she favors. Though, this can often create an uncomfortable situation in the presence of others. Especially with those who are quite knowledgeable of my good nature. Extending a favorable hand to Corath or The Destroyer is certainly frowned upon by society. Alas, listen to me! Have I come to tolerate the petty "socially acceptable" rules constructed by societies around me; those I travel with and the towns and cities I travel through?

Have I lost touch with what it means to truly revere the power of the untamed storm? *a tear rolls down her cheek*

I’ve been off of my parent’s merchant boat for some time now. I recall the daily prayers for save travels. Constant were the concerns of the day to day weather on Mist’s seas. After all it was their unpredictability that my parents feared just as much as the power of the storms. Though, on occasion, the storms came to our aid at the most unexpected times. *she smiles*

*the remainder of this parchment is left empty though the transcription of her thoughts is incomplete.*

*revisiting this note she add the following*

to my faith and Her followers first, everything else second...that is where my allegiance should lie.

dadunmir · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2005, 07:17:00 AM »

((Yashilla finishes up sponging the temple floor after it had nearly been filled full with water. As she is leaning over to do so a few blank parchments fall out. She casually picks them up, shoves them into her bag, and makes for the exit that not too long ago was boarded closed. Right before her exit she turns around and looks to where Roim once stood.))

((Yashilla says out loud)) "She was an excellent servant and I pray she is well "

((Standing in front of temple near the water's edge, Yashilla pulls out a parchment and considers sending a letter to her family. She looks at the dock master and the ship captains on the docks. Saddened, she reconsiders and puts the parchment away. Her saddness turns to frustrations as she realizes sending a letter would have meant that she must leave it in the hands of one the dock workers with instructions. Instructions that describe who it is to be delivered to and what her families boat looked like, which made her fear for her families safety.))

((her hand still in the bag grasping the parchment she mutters)) "yes, most unwise...I can't even feel safe sending a letter to the family" ((she released the parchment and pulls her hand out of the bag))

((Yashilla's frustration turns to anger and she looks at the dock workers once more thinking about how Mist's blessings were refused.))

"Her influence has reached too far!"