Journal of a travelling poet

[Meizter]

I have now heard of the Velensk Rasp, a deathly disease that apparently strikes Velensk from time to time. A large group of us was there when we heard of it, and that a child had fallen ill from it. Normally, the captain told us, a man came from the mountains and cured the disease, but this time a woman had offended him for not coming to save her husband when he had contracted the disease. So now he would not heal the child before that woman told him so.

People were outraged that a man made himself a god like that, but when I think about it now what different is he from us. Somehow we make ourselves gods when we pick up swords for we also deal out death as we see fit. Does that make us better; I think it was Rashar who said that because we come from civilization we are better. I doubt that, I honestly do. I just think of the Ulinrann Hrill they are not what people call civilized but still they are kind and good men. I don’t see them as anything less than me just because they live in tents on the krell while I live in a house of stone.

In any case much time was spent debating what to do, but in the end the old man came but did not save the girl for the woman did not apologize to him. No one stopped him, and really what could we have done, he holds the secret to the cure, and if he will not give it then it will be hard for us to take it from his mind.

Also a brownie named Karyth was thrown in jail for entering the house of the woman and scaring her half to death. That caused much commotion and debate but there was nothing to do to save him from the jail.

I have noticed something recently. Not something I have given much thought before, but really why do elves always have to speak their own tongue in the presence of others? I find it irritating at times, and it is impolite as many people do not understand them. Well nothing much I can do about it though.

[Meizter]

Finally we have unlocked the secret of the elven keg. It had been stolen from the authorities in Hampshire, and a group of us went to investigate. I was again chosen to lead us, and well I tried to the best of my ability, but still I am not a real leader I think. I tend to hesitate a bit too much sometimes. In any case we asked around and learned that some thieves from Karthy had taken it, most likely the thieves guild we already had dealings with. Also we heard of the imp we met near White Harbor, and that it served a great master, a black dragon! If this is indeed true then we have a powerful adversary to out work, but we will not deter. Also we found out that the key to opening the keg would be a third item, something besides the keg and tap. Then as we spoke of this it hit me that I had found an empty ale mug in the elves chest in Karthy, perhaps that was the key. Also I had heard from a man, the same man we met in Broken Halls with Raye in fact, of a word game. A game of words that come to mind apparently played by the nobles around Mistone or so he said. We tried and it went like this: keg…tap…drink…mug. Don’t know why I came to think of that, but it just hit me as we spoke.

In any case we travelled to Karthy and some of the group entered the guild house. Dorena, Burr, Daeron and I waited outside watching for anything out of the ordinary. It took a while but then they finally emerged from the house with the keg and tap. We then quickly tried to charter a ship but the captain was indeed not in the mood for sailing us to Hamp, so we decided to walk to Point Harbor.

Near Bloody Gates we saw trolls up ahead as well as a beholder. We tried to sneak by as they attacked us. The battle was brief but fierce, and in the end a few did fall to the beholders lethal attacks. Then the imp appeared before us, demanding the keg and tap in exchange for raising Bid, but we did not give him anything. Instead he fled though a portal, probably to his master. We hurried on and soon we caught a ship to Hamp.

At the Scramps Mug we examined the keg and put it together. With the mug under the tap we turned the tap and the keg transformed into a golden ring. It was indeed not a ring of elven making but more likely human, and someone recalled something about it resembling a witches ring. We then decided to take it to the Sielwood Witch as soon as possible for perhaps she can tell us more.

[Meizter]

Poor Brue. I met him today in Hlint, and he did not look well. His arm was bandaged and his beard had turned all grey. I offered him an ale as he was about to tell his tale. We found a quiet table at the inn and then he told me what had happened.

Brue, Kaizer, Rurik and some others had gone up into the Berhagens where they had faced countless undead. As they fought their way to Shoufall they met dwarves fighting these undead. They told them that the sons of the Healer of Vorax had been taken and of course the band quickly set out to rescue them. Deep in a cave in the Berhagens they found a wizard standing in a pentagram painted on the floor. The lads were also there, but before they could do anything an army of undead rose and the floor was bathed in blood. They fought valiantly but alas they did not save the lads in time. Brue went to where the wizard had been but found only his staff. As he picked it up it exploded in his had, crippling it. He showed me the hand and never have I seen such. The smell of rotting flesh and the sight of his hand rotting away was almost more than my stomach could handle. I asked if it could not be healed, but he told me a healer of Az’atta had told him it was not a normal wound. Why had he not sought out a healer of Vorax I asked, to which he replied that Vorax had turned his back on him. He had failed and was not worthy to be one of Vorax’ heroes. We spoke for lengths about this and I offered my help if he should ever need it to find a cure, for Brue has been a good friend to me as long as I recall. I hope we will be able to do something about it, I really do.

On another account, I met something called a wemic today. He was standing outside Hlint talking to Ketzia when I came by. Well talking is perhaps a bit strong as it seems he only knew a few words of common, but none the less he did not seem aggressive, and Ketzia didn’t seem to worry so I had a bit of a talk with them. He was called Tai’Shar and seemed friendly enough. He does not see well it seems, probably because of a huge scar across his eyes, still his ears work very well I noticed so he’ll probably be fine. I did not stay long as I had to get to Hamp, but it was interesting none the less.

[Meizter]

I have finally made my poem for the storyteller’s night, and I am sure it will be something people will like.

This is a tale of brothers three,
Who sought for a very special tree.
Their fate is not by many known,
For upon it many years have grown.

From a land afar they did hail,
A cottage by a seldom travelled trail.
They lived in snow and bitter frost,
But alas the place have for long been lost.

Three brothers in the cottage were,
Ulf the rogue in shadows a blur.
Bjorn the fighter with sword so keen,
Urd the mage with spells not often seen.

Urd then once a legend did read,
He had lust for power and much greed.
But his brothers did this not know,
They thought his heart pure as falling snow.

Urd did them then a story tell,
As he spoke silence amongst them fell.
For he told of a special tree,
A tree with gems for fruit he said with glee.

For some time they did themselves prepare,
With luck and skill they to the tree would fare.
The mage the rogue and the fighter,
Together they would make the world brighter.

They set out from their home with hope,
They would with what was on their way cope.
The path would many dangers hold,
But still they did stride forward bold.

Across the mountains through the vales,
They went on and on sharing many tales.
As they went worries they had none,
Their spirit was high as noonday sun.

Then a cave they did find at last,
Urd said it would lead to dungeon vast.
It was the place of legend old,
The tree of gems it would for them hold.

Into the cave they bravely went,
In darkness slowly they did decent.
Urd a tiny light did then make,
So him and Bjorn no wrong steps did take.

Young Ulf ahead of them did sneak,
He could without aid in darkness peek.
Around him the shadows did wrap,
Then he heard on stones a gentle rap.

Ahead he did see monsters foul,
In a great pale cavern did they prowl.
With little sound he the others warned,
But his words were by Urd the mage scorned.

He let a spell the cavern rip,
From the beasts flesh it did quickly strip.
But there were more than they had thought,
And the spell victory had not bought.

Spell sword and shadow into the fray,
But a beast to a dark god did pray.
It cast a spell old and twisted on them all,
And lesser men would by it fall.

The battle raged on and on,
No one knows how much time was gone.
Swords through flesh did slice,
And spells filled the air with fire and ice.

A chilling scream filled the cave,
And silence filled it as if it was a grave.
For the last beast had fallen before their might,
But it had been a costly fight.

Wounded and battered they stood,
Gasping for air as best they could.
Never before had they met such foes,
But no more trouble would be from those.

They continued their decent,
Still weary from the combat recent.
Many Caves they passed though,
All were bathed in a pale lifeless hue.

Many monsters they on their way fought,
But still they did not find what they sought.
For the tree of gems did them elude,
But it dimmed not their mood.

For days they in the caverns did walk,
Only when resting did they little talk.
Each man had thoughts of his own,
Of what would lie in the corridors unknown.

As their strength from them ebbed,
Their bodies with scars and wounds webbed.
They came across a carven stair,
And Urd did this with them share.

The tree will grow in light so dim,
Surrounded by creatures old and grim.
By the bottom of the stairs you shall find,
A tree with gems as fruit in stone entwined.

Down many steps they quickly went,
Their minds on the tree of gems were bent.
At last they reached a cavern great,
In a pale blue light they stood to wait.

For there the tree of gems they saw,
Their minds and hearts did fill with awe.
A tree of metal pure and white,
On the branches gems did sparkle bright.

They all ran for the tree of dreams,
Ulf said the gems so alluring gleams.
As they plucked gems as it was pears,
They knew fame and fortune was theirs.

But Urd did the others not trust,
And he said you have taken far too much.
For this should be for me and only me,
I merely led you here my fortune to see.

His eyes gleamed as blazing fires,
hands clutching emeralds and sapphires.
None of this you shall have brothers,
For I will not share this with others.

The others did with him long plead,
Shocked by how he did them mislead.
Why should we not use this for good,
With this fortune do much good we could.

Why do good when you rich can be,
I won’t risk life for others to be free.
Now you give me what you carry,
Oh and dear brothers do not tarry.

Ulf and Bjorn did the gems not drop,
Towards the stairs they went without stop.
But Urd was in his greed long lost,
And he would stop them at any cost.

Brothers stop this moment I say,
Or a dear price you will have to pay.
You will not leave this place alive,
So others can from my fortune thrive.

But they did neither stop nor turn,
Before Urd had a fire around them burn.
The cave filled with roar of fire,
Echoing in the tree as angels choir.

Bjorn was burned so be his fate,
As he turned his eyes filled with hate.
He threw his mighty sword so great,
Trying to seal his vile brother’s fate.

Ulf did then from the shadows jump,
To strike Urd dead when he heard a thump.
He saw Bjorn to his knees did fall,
Then his heart filled with a dreadful pall.

He saw Bjorn’s sword in the air,
But could at it merely blankly stare.
As it pierced his heart he did cry,
Cursed be your greed that made us die.

Urd did gems from his brothers grab,
Their faces gazing lifeless and drab.
He took all that he could carry,
No thoughts of his brothers to bury.

Soon he was leaving the tree cave,
Mind filled with words of might he did crave.
He saw not the beast behind him lurk,
As he walked with a satisfied smirk.

His body torn in pieces twain,
So fast he did not feel a pinch of pain.
But he did then not leave this place,
For rest would his soul not embrace.

Today you can hear his voice,
Cursing eternally his choice.
In the wind his words still do float,
About greed and death in a place remote.

A grand tale if I shall say so myself, and I doubt many know the tale of the tree of gems.

[Meizter]

The Storyteller’s Night was a grand success. We got a room below the wild surge, and with some decorations it was really nice. We had a grand audience, and many more than I had anticipated came. Unfortunately I had gotten word that Ilwé would not be able to make it and it seemed Owen was running late. I asked Reef to be the first performer, followed by Kali and myself in case Owen didn’t show.

I walked on stage and greeted the audience, and with a short introduction let Reef have the stage. He told a grand tale of shipwreck and mysterious happenings. I think everybody enjoyed the tale, for I heard many whispers amongst people as he spoke.

Kali was the next performer and she told a tale of the raid on Port Hampshire many years ago. I think the tale made many feel hostile to the drow. In some way it was fortunate for the rest that they could have been lynched I fear, still I know it would not have happened, or at least not while I was around. Those I know have done me no harm and I will not judge them on account of what others say.

Well in any case I then proceeded to tell my own tale, the tale of the three brothers and the gem tree. Never have I seen a crowd so silent, and at some point I feared that they did not like the tale, but as I finished and bowed there was a roar of applause. I was very happy that they indeed did like the tale. And with that we concluded the Storyteller’s Night.

A lady who had been seated in the front row came up to me after the show and handed me a bag of coins that she said I should share with the others, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I thanked her but alas I did not get her name, I have seen her around town before but I don’t know who she is. I’ll have to find out. The bag she gave me had 2000 coins in it and I gave 700 to Kali and Reef each claiming the last 600 for myself.

Also a strange man was in the audience. A man clad in dark robes and with a skull lantern in his hand. He did not give his name when we spoke to him, but said he liked the performances and then made a very extravagant exit using magic.

We then went to have a drink, but Reef had to leave soon, but Kali, Acacea, a man I think is called Remiel and I had a few drinks. Then Ozy and Key came over and a drinking contest started. I did not join in the first round, but Kali sure got drunk and Remiel took her home. Then I started drinking with Ozy, he poured some liquor which I have never seen the likes of, said it was distilled on the planes. It tasted differently to say the least but I managed the first shot. Then as we went for the second I only recall drinking it and then later waking up on the floor. Acacea later told me that I had had smoke rising from my mouth when I had passed out, and that her and Key would have stolen my pants if I had not woken up when I did. I sat for a while, and then took my leave. It was a grand evening and even Ozy was impressed with the tales he said. I’m glad; I hope we shall do this soon again. Although I wish I could spare myself the experience of passing out in front of Ozy, I feel quite bad about that after boasting about my drinking skills.

[Meizter]

There has been an attack on Hlint because of a drow that lives in town. They came as we were speaking with Reventage, the lady that kissed my cheek at the Storyteller’s Night. I think I made a fool of myself when talking to her, this is just my luck, a pretty lass as her, and then I just keep saying the wrong things and doing odd stuff.

Well in any case there was suddenly someone screaming of drows attacking and then darkness across town. We fought some spiders, and then gathered in town to discuss. It seemed they came for this drow, don’t recall his name, but they saw him as a traitor. There was much debate it was very heated. I did not join in for this was foolish, they wanted to chase the drow and kill them, an angry mob and prepared drows. It would not require a genius to figure out who would be the victors of such battle. Still a large group left town, while some of us stayed back. This was lunacy indeed.

[Meizter]

Acacea Goblin Globber has taught me a few words in Halfling. Just well met and cheers, but still very useful words…especially around her for she drinks quite a lot…and talks a lot.

I spoke with Elrinia later on and told her where I come from. Suddenly there was quite a crowd gathered listening to the tale of my past and my words of revenge. Indeed there was much debate on what revenge is and what purpose it would serve. I argued that I would kill the men of the Egilson family, but I would spare the women and children. Some suggested ambushing them or tricking them, but I see no honour in that. Attacking a man who is not ready is not honourable that is slaughter and I will not come like a thief in the night and slay them for then I would be no better than them. The question was then are you better than them? I cannot say I try to be good and noble, but I am still just a man, still I think that what they did is below what a man of honour would do. The situation did not really solve itself, but just died out. I think we all understood that we had different opinions on how to handle revenge. I will meet those Egilsons on the field of battle and then give them my name so they know who they will be killed by and why. Both Ayla and Elrinia offered their help in my endeavour and for that I am grateful indeed. They are both kind and compassionate people and I am sure they will be a very welcome aid when we go to Krashin.

Later I met Suliss in the crafthall. She is the drow that speaks like a sailor, very odd, but still she seems nice enough. In any case we spoke for a while and she said that this was the safest place to be. I offered her a ring I had just made that would help her remain unseen and I think she was a bit surprised that I would deal with her. Why should I not, she has not done me any wrongs, and I see no reason to deny her my help. These are indeed strange times.

[Meizter]

I have neglected my journal for a long time, but then again nothing much has happened, not until tonight at least. I have just returned from the home of the Sielwood Witch. We have given her the ring we got from the sun elves in White Harbor, but I should begin from the beginning of this.

We met in Hamp again and found a quiet place in the Scramps Mug to discuss the matter of what to do with the ring. Kobal and Harg joined us which was a big help and at least made me feel safer. In any case Kobal told about that the ring could be one of three items the black dragon seeks. As far as I understood these three items were a cauldron used to destroy two swords and then from that came two rings, and this was once of those rings. If the dragon had all three items, of which it now has two it would gain much power. That was something we could not allow.

We were then approached by a man who delivered a scroll to us. One of the party that had gathered acted like a fool and almost told him that we had the ring and everything, that caused quite a bit of comments and he then decided to leave us.

The scroll spoke of a grand treasure waiting for those with the ring in the Berhagens, but Kobal mentioned that the Drow has an exit from their caves there and we all agreed that it surely was a trap.

We thought it best to either give the ring to Queen Allurial or the Sielwood witch and we quickly left the Scramps Mug after having retrieved the ring from its hiding place and placed it in Hargs care. We took a boat to Leilon and then hurried to Blackford where we got to speak to a wizard. It was a long talk but in the end we decided to take the ring to the Sielwood witch, which we did with most hast.

She took the ring and told us that it indeed was the ring we thought, and she could take care of protecting it. So finally the ring has been placed with proper protection, and we can rest for a while.

Oh yes I’d better not forget. Rolf got a kiss from her, he asked that as a special favour and she granted it. He is a lucky man for right afterwards she had us throw dice about a present and Rolf won a beautiful ruby necklace. Well he did a lot of work so it’s ok, for me it is reward enough to know I have at least helped everything in some way.

[Meizter]

I should write this down so I don’t forget again. I haven’t thought about this event in a long time but now suddenly it has awoken me from my sleep.

Some time ago we went into the Battle Fens to get platinum from the caves deep in the fens. It was Mei, Rolf, Skarp, Glokk, Fenrir and I as far as I recall, but perhaps there were more. In any case as we entered the fens suddenly we lost sight of Mei, and I went to get her. She is a nice lass and I really enjoy her company, and my how polite she is. In any case, I didn’t want to let her run around alone in the fens so I went to her. We then started to follow the others to the cave invisibly, but alas I made a mistake. I walked to close to a troll who had for some reason cast a spell of see invisibility. It saw me and charged and I knew it would see Mei too but she could not fight such beast so I scream that she should run and then flung myself at the troll. It was a brief fight for as soon as my spell dropped I was surrounded by trolls, the last thing I saw a huge club coming straight for my face, and then I awoke in Hamp at the bindstone.

I began to walk back into the Fens when I met Burr and he agreed to come along. We went invisibly but near the tower up there a troll shaman suddenly started to follow us. I hid behind the tower and then we attacked the troll. I think it said something as my blade cut into its flesh, and soon another troll screamed for reinforcements. I saw Burr fall out of the corner of my eye, but I could not do anything for I felt my body losing its strength as wounds continued to scar it. Suddenly felt myself falling and then I think I had a dream, or was it real, this bothers me to this day.

The trolls left us and then a shade appeared over my body. It said something like “Master, I can’t take his soul it belongs to the dragon” and then vanished. I woke up staring up into the sky near the tower, the voice of the shade still in my mind. Was it real? Why did it want my soul? What dragon? What master? So many questions and no answers

In any case I met up with Mei and soon we met the others as well and we left the fens. They told us that Glokk had fled the caves while invisible, what cowardice, leaving your friends to die in a forsaken cave. I shall not travel with him any time soon.

Stil it is the shade that troubles me, I think of the shadow dancers I have seen, the shadow master, the shadows that should be set free. Has he set himself bigger goals? Will he liberate souls now? I do not know, but I hope I shall find out.

[Meizter]

Rolf should be more careful with his enchanting oils. Just recently I went through some chests looking for some minerals when suddenly I heard chests opening and something moving about. I drew my blade and called for anyone to show themselves…and got quite the surprise. A chest sprang out in front of me and screamed for food. Never have I seen that before, but I thought it best to just give it some food so I handed it some of the fish fillets I had with me. I had to find out more of this so I locked it in a room and went to the furniture merchant in Hlint. He did at first not believe my tale, and thought I tried to steal his business. It took some persuasion before I convinced him that I really just wanted to know who made it, and guess who…Johann the fur trader. I went to see Johan and he did of course not believe me either but told me the wood was oak from the Broken Forest. We then went to inspect the chest, but alas it thought Johann was food so it ate him in one bite. I had drawn my sword and was ready to smash the chest when he yelled from the inside that he was ok, and I should not break it for it could perhaps hurt him. I then went through our stores and found some old rotting meat in one of Skarps chests. Don’t know why he keeps stuff like that it was filled with maggots and smelled so very foul. Perhaps this has something to do with his bear fascination. He keeps going on about being a bear warrior, I guess he could be in time, but I would guess he would need to find someone to learn him of it.

Well anyways I fed this disgusting meat to the chest and soon it puked all over the floor, food, gems, glass shards and Johann. Then Johann told me that he has seen broken bottles of enchanting oils in the chest and we agreed that the oils must be what made the chest come alive.

I decided to take it home to its mommy as it called the forest, so we went to the Broken Forest. We met a man on the way who I think was quite surprised to see me coming with a chest following me, but then again who wouldn’t be. At least now the chest is with its mother, so I guess that is a happy end to an odd tale.

Perhaps I shall compose something of this when I get the time, recently there have been time for little else but work. Rolf keeps bringing gems that needs cutting and polishing and most of it is just tedious work as I have done them so often. Only the sapphires and fire opals are tricky but soon I shall know how to work them to perfection.

[Meizter]

I have been to Dregar quite a bit recently but this last time it was a disheartening experience. Rolf, Noss and I went by Hurm and then near the Bay of Carocsa we were attacked by a bone dragon! It slew me almost before I saw it and Noss fell too while Rolf escaped the creatures wrath. We were locked in Hurm it seemed but I offered myself to scout to see if the beast had moved. I went invisibly but the foul creature saw right through my spell. I ran and suddenly was near Dalanthar, I ran the other way to lead the beast away from the populace of the city, and that cost me my life again. As I fell I felt as if a piece of me was torn from me, the Soul Mother seemed to want some payment for my actions.

Well at least the area was passable and soon we met up with Yashilla, Savin, Xiao, Bil and Fenrir. We hunted the giants of the Anuroch Desert for a while before we gathered in North Fort and decided we could not let the dragon roam near Dalanthar, it was our duty to try and stop it.

We prepared ourselves as best we could, but alas thrice we fought the creature and thrice it was a standoff. None of us but the clerics of Mist could hurt it, and only their most powerful spells could harm it. Soon we shall return to slay the beast. I hope it does not wreck havoc on the town, and I wonder what made it come away from the Rift where it dwells normally.

After deciding we could do nothing we spilt up and Bil, Yash and I went into the desert for silver. As we fought the giants I suddenly felt unable to move and once again I felt the cold darkness of death surround me as the Soul Mother again had her share of the giants’ victory. Yashilla raised me and for that I am grateful. Bil told me that the Soul Mother has a taste for bard souls, and she torments them worse than any other souls. I don’t know if it is true, but I don’t wish to find out for myself. She has already taken much of me and I feel only little is holding me to this world. I am saddened by this, for have I made a difference, I think not, I have told tales, I have delivered rings to witches, I have met many a man and woman, but is that something I would be remembered for, I doubt it. Should I fall never to stand again then I shall be forgotten as the sands of time erodes my name of my tombstone, and then in times to come people will wonder who lies in that overgrown grave.

[Meizter]

I have met Thordan Ironheart. I met him in Hlint the other day along with Kobal and it was grand. He didn’t think himself a hero, but is that not what makes him the hero he is, besides his deeds of course. He told us of bloodwells, something I have never before heard of. He explained it as the source of the energy of the bloodpools. It was very interesting and I hope I shall meet him soon again, for he did indeed seem a friendly man.

[Meizter]

Jacchri has sent me a letter about him needing my help and today was the day he needed it. We met in his home in Haven and it was a good group of people gathered. Dorena, Luna, Reef, Skarp, Rolf, Jacc and I, so I felt quite comfortable and safe in that company. Then an elf arrived with news from Jaccs mother and we hurried to Haven Castle where she apparently resides. Only Jacc entered her room but when he came out he told us that she had fallen ill and we had to get a cure for her. She needed a vine from where the Broken Mountains meet, and I recalled that the mountains were on Vanavar Island, just out of Saudiria. We left in hast and travelled to Leilon where we chartered a ship to take us to North Hampton on Vanavar Island. Then we proceeded south to the mountains. But alas we were set upon by vines that make those at Krandor seem friendly. Both Reef, Skarp and I fell to them, as they attacked us as we began to get near the mountains. Rolf raised us, as he always does, and we continued onwards. I am glad we had Rolf, but sometimes he preaches a bit much about Mist, but I shall not complain for she has saved my life many a time through Rolf, and Yashilla as well.

Anyways, as we entered the mountains we saw a vine bigger than any other we had seen, with blue flowers on it. We were sure this was what we needed. As we prepared ourselves I came to recognize it as a Death Vine, but even though its name implies death it does care for life. I told this to the others and we decided that Luna and Jacc should approach it. It was difficult to communicate with the vine it seemed, but it did indeed not attack, and when Luna let herself fall it tried to heal her. She got two flowers from it and we returned to Haven Castle with great haste. We got there in time and it seemed the flowers did cure Jaccs mother so all was good. But alas she told us that something sought to do her evil, and now we were on it’s list as well. A thing from the Forsaken Island, I fear the worst, but of course I promised to help if Jacc did need it. I will do my best to help, even though I cannot do much, I hope what little I can do will make a difference.

[Meizter]

Seems Ayla has rented some storage space in our Hlint house. I was quite surprised when I saw her in there the other night before I knew she had rented the place. It is nice to have her around she is good company and I like talking to her. I had to work some gems for Rolf, but I didn’t really want to work so I asked her to join me on a mystery tour. I got us some ale and after some talk with Ozy about how old he is, and how he manages we left towards Llast. Then as the road spilt near Llast we had to decide where to go. After a bit of talk we discovered that we both enjoy fishing, and decided to leave for Rilara and the catfish there. But alas things were not meant to be like that and as the weather looked bad we decided to postpone the tour to tomorrow. I do look forward to that, we had a good time walking to Llast I think, well at least I did and I hope Ayla did too.

[Meizter]

Ayla and I went fishing today; she is very skilled I must admit. We went to Lake Rillon on Rilara for the catfish and got a few of them as well as some pikes, before we ran into Nex, Daeron and Jacc. They were headed to Tibum as was Ayla and I so we decided to join forces for the passing of Rilara to Karthy. I had heard from Skarp about some orcs in High Forest and that a group of people were investigating what to do about them.

As we got near Bloody Gate one of Bloods mercs set upon us and both Ayla and I fell, luckily Rolf was in Karthy and soon came to our aid. We then disposed of the merc but it was a hard battle. If all his troops are like that I will not be able to contribute much to the fighting when the time comes.

Anyways, we sailed to Tibum and met in the temple of Aragen and it was quickly decided that we left for Rodez, the town of the Ineffable Chord, but also the town where we should deliver a package to a man called Malek. It seemed we should get a sword from him to a woman in Tibum called Jerika who would then give us a book to give to a wizard, and if we failed Xiaos life would be forfeit, so we had to do well.

In Rodez we had quite the discussion with the captain about Remiels horse which he had brought along but as it was solved we set out to find Maleks house. We found it but we were not allowed to enter. It appeared he feared some of our party, several approaches were tried, even Remiel demanded to be let in as he is a justicar but with no luck. We then set a plan that Triba would pick the locks to the back door and we would enter, while Eldarwen and Ayla distracted the guards and Jacc watched the front of the house. All went well but as soon as we entered we were set upon by scores of foes, and though ones even. It was a fierce battle but we managed. Then we heard movement upstairs but could not find a staircase, not until the mages saw the illusion that covered it and led us through. Upstairs we were in a kitchen that was very hot, and the room we entered then was covered with fire. Some people were in there, but as I kept back from the flames I did not hear the discussion with them. But I saw when battle ensued. It was hard, and poor Yar fell, but in the end we were victorious. We found a man dead in a cage, the flesh burned from his bones, that was probably Malek we decided, taken prisoner by these Pyrtechnites. We also found a sword that Xiao recognized as the one we sought and we took it and left with much haste as the building caught on fire.

Outside we regrouped but before long we were engaged in trying to put the fire out. Rolf sat on the ground praying to Mist and suddenly the sky darkened and a wind blew over Rodez. Mist had answered his prayer and the rain fell heavy on the city. Seldom have I seen Rolf like that; he was lost in the moment and the fury of the storm. I am impressed with his skill, and I think I begin to see why he worships Mist like he does. There is such fury in the power of the water, the winds. I think about it sometimes when I watch the ocean and think of home. How I used to sit on the cliffs near our village and dream of these far away lands. Now I am here and I sometimes dream of home but I am glad I have seen all this, these many wonders. But I should recount the tale and not let my thoughts stray. We saved the town with the water I think, but we were not allowed to leave until the next morning, but then we quickly set sails for Tibum.

In Tibum we delivered the sword to Jerika and got a book from her. So all was well I guess, but I look forward to seeing what will happen next.

[Meizter]

This is the end of me. Today in the Berhagens the Soul Mother punished me for saying she was hungry for more bard soul before we entered the mountains. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to leave this world now, but my ties to it are so small. I feel as if I am standing on the brink of a great abyss and the brink is slowly but steadily collapsing under my feet.

Do I dare leave the safety of Hlint and travel as I have done before, or should I just stay and tell tales to the people that pass me in the street on their way to adventure. I don’t know I don’t want to die, yet I don’t want to be a coward. Perhaps it is better to live life to the fullest and try to make a difference, than to live long and be a face in the crowd. But I am a face in the crowd, I am no hero I am just a storyteller, and what can I do, nothing, I aid my friends but without them I am nothing at all, they make me who I am. Is that a bad thing then? I think not, and I guess I should think more of what I have accomplished than what I have not accomplished. I am far from the shores of Krashin where I sat as a young boy, watching the sea and dreaming of heroes and villains in lands far away. Now I am here, I have met these heroes that I did not even know of back then, I have seen things that only few people have seen. I have lived with a tribe of forgotten people; I have become a skald like the ones of old. I should indeed not complain, but still my heart is heavy. It is not death itself I fear, but not being able to see my friends.

One thing remains though, my revenge. I shall have it, even if it the last thing I do. For then I will have done what is expected of me and I am free to give myself to the struggle against Blood until my soul is taken. I will make arrangements to go to Krashin soon, Skarp is ready as well, he has learned the ways of the bear warriors, I am sure our father is proud of us.

[Meizter]

I spoke with Rolf last night, about gods and dying. He said that if one does not worship a god then you will stay with the Soul Mother when you leave this place, and honestly I am not sure I like that thought. He kept on going about that one may be taken by a god even though you don’t worship that god, but follows it still in what you do. I doubt that, I can’t see how that should be possible, but I guess it is perhaps another way for him to try to convince me to pray to Mist. Still as I told him my thoughts and how I felt he kept on going on the same track, not even noticing how I felt, but merely calling me a fool, and saying that I was talking like a fool. That is not the way to convince people to join you. I think our talk made Bil feel uncomfortable, and I am sorry for that, but it weighs so heavily on my mind that I had to talk to someone about it, but perhaps Rolf was not the best choice…  I don’t really know how to explain this. It is as if I am filled with emotions that I don’t know how to let out. And if I do unleash them I fear I will not be able to control them. I could cry when I think about what happens to me, I don’t want to die alone. I know Skarp will mourn my death as will some of my friends, but where will my thoughts go when I find death on the field of battle, for that is indeed where I will end my days. Rolf said I should be happy for I have loved and that is not for everyone, but what love has that been. I fled from one, and if I see her again I doubt we shall have that love again. I have been abandoned twice by others I have fallen in love with, and was it worth it. While it lasted, yes certainly, but now I sit with a feeling of emptiness. Some say it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all, but I beg to differ. Sometimes I wish I had never met Melissa nor Abi, for they each took a great piece of my heart with them when they left me. Why is it I think of this now, I guess I need someone to confide in, someone to tell my fears, to tell of the horror that overwhelms me when I lie alone and my thoughts run to what is happening to me. I could scream, scream as I have never done before, as I do in combat, but it would be so much more if I let out all the feelings inside me. I am indeed at the top of my power, my screams makes my foes stumble on their legs to flee before me as I charge them with my blade. I still think of that night in the cave with Krasser up on the krell. I still feel the power within me, now even more than before, like my fears and emotions fuel it. I wish I could be burned like one of them when I die. I will just be ashes in the wind and a memory in their minds when they sit around the fire and tell tales of me.   *scribbled in the margin in poorly done ornate letters* Grassar hy krellig  I would be honoured if anyone would do so for me.   In the autumn of a life you wonder Did I do what was right to do Was it all worth it you will ponder Did I say what was right to say I have tried so hard to live a good life To help others of their burden As many others always seeking to end a strife But what lies at the end? When my spirit to the soul mother goes And my last breath I draw I shall a memory only be… And with time forgotten

[Meizter]

*This entry is written with slightly more crude letters than the rest of the journal*
Who would ever have thought this to happen! I am sitting here deep in the Red Light Caves hiding from people, and from orc assassins, for I am an orc. I feel the orc blood in my veins, I feel how it urges me to anger and kill, but I try to restrain myself. This journal will help me remember my old self, and perhaps writing this will help me even more.  

We gathered in Karthy to deliver this book to a wizard in the Swamp of Lost Souls. The others said he was mad and he really is, Alargon the Mad he should be called for that is what he is. He had us enter his dungeon getting killed by traps and golems before he came to us not even knowing who we were. Then finally he decided he would help us become orcs so we could infiltrate the orc camp in High Forest, but we had not reckoned for this. He made us REAL orcs. Some like Remiel and Xiao did not change while Rolf, Ayla, Daeron, Skarp, Jacc, I and more did. When we travelled back through the swamps and saw the trolls I felt my blood rushing within me calling for me to slaughter them. Telling me they should not stand before my orcish might. And so we went on a killing spree, killing every troll we saw, charging it blindly lost in the madness of combat and to the voice of our orc blood calling us to the fight.

*The writing becomes cruder*
Writing this makes my blood roar when I see the fight before me. I will not give in to it, this is too important. I need to recall my old self.

*In a more elegant script*
I should perhaps not dwell on these events too much, as it seems to make my orc blood roar with rage and bloodlust when I see them in my mind. In any case we got into Hlint later on and gave Acacea a real scare I think, well I think we gave many a scare and it’s understandable I guess. Who would like to see a mob of orcs enter town. We had some ales at the inn, and then Daeron said that Ayla was not a lady, which made me more mad than I ever think I have been. It ended up with Daeron and me fighting and I even scared him off. What got into me, Daeron that kind man I had never imagined fighting against him, but then again he did not talk that nice to Ayla. She even hugged and kissed me, which I think made Reef feel a bit uncomfortable. Well I didn’t mind, I like her, with this form it is as my feelings are so close to the surface, and I know I really like Ayla, she is not like the other girls I have met, she is kind and caring, and well…charming. We have spent some time talking here in the caves after the assassin came after us, and we had to hide and burn marks in our flesh. Ayla got burnt too and I think she suffers much because of the scar it will leave. We spoke about that for length, I told her how I myself got scarred with my ear and that is why I always wear my hood, but as I said to her, we are still ourselves and a scar won’t change that, and if she wants I’ll help her find some way to remove it.

I hear people coming down the caves now so I’d better stop for a while.

[Meizter]

*still in a somewhat crude writing*
We hid in our Hlint house today. I had a long talk with Ayla over a few ales, while Skarp was rummaging around downstairs. I have given her permission to cut the gems in my storage so she can practice, they don’t really improve my skill anymore so she might as well learn from it.

But in any case, we spoke for lengths about life and death, about leaving your mark on the world and so on before both Skarp and Burr came to disturb us. I think they thought we did more than talk but that is too late to remedy now, it will have to wait until we are in our normal shapes again. Anyways, I asked Ayla to tell me of Aeridin her god who apparently also is called the lover, for he loves all and everything. She told me much of him, how she defends life but that also death has its place in the world. I guess she is right, life must end in death but that also gives death a meaning. That sounds cryptic I know but in my mind it is clear I just have a hard time getting this on paper. Too often I see young people come into Hlint, heedlessly charging out the gates trying to make a name for themselves and too often they come running from the bindstone soon enough, only to go out and repeat the process. That is disrespectful to life I think, these youngsters may think me a coward, but I value my life, now more than ever. I know I will die, but I shall make my last days count, every single one of them. I somehow feel that what Ayla told me have made me understand something, it is not death that I should fear I guess for it comes to all, and no I should get up and do something. Even in this orcish form there must be something I can do. Perhaps I can watch the new arrivals in Hlint from afar and try to keep them alive from hiding.

I hope we shall enter the orc encampment soon, for even though this new shape is powerful, it is also one I need to hide, and that can be lonely at times. I miss talking to people and telling tales, but this sure will be the tale to beat them all…The Orcish Horde….a title as saying and as grim as this is. I should get to work on it right way.

[Meizter]

The storytellers’ night was a success again, although I had to come as a servant of myself called Hoak which is Geir in orcish spelled backwards. I had conceived a plan with Acacea that I should hide behind a screen and Reef would then stand before it dressed as me and act as me while I recited my poem. But alas Reef had to leave early, but in any case it all worked out, even though there was a bit of commotion as Acacea told her tale.

I hope we shall do this soon again, I am composing a poem of our dealings with the drows regarding the ring we gave to the Sielwood Witch. I think it shall be quite good.

*a piece of paper is tucked into the journal here*
Let me tell of a dwarf of old
Who had given himself name so bold
He was Dougal son of Dorand
In his hand was a hammer grand

He had never know any fear at all
And enemies before him did fall
He would not for evil humbly bow
No he would death upon it bestow

He believed his father to be
Dorand the master of crafts you see
But Dougal was a crafter not
He was a warrior with temper hot

Here or there he would seek evil out
And it from its hiding place rout
It was the work that he believed
Dorand had for him alone conceived

Once Dougal and his closest friends
The crypt of a lich had to cleanse
They entered with courage so high
The lich once and for all would die

Undead beasts they fought for hours long
On Dougals lips a merry song
Undead with his hammer to hit
In his eyes a fire it had lit

They fought for many long hours on end
More and more to the abyss they sent
But even more undead came to be
Never did Dougal think they should flee

Then in a chamber cold huge and bare
A demon of hell did at them glare
Fire from its mouth and wings did flare
Dougal not the least did it scare

As the wizard Alconn of this brave group
Stepped in front of the little troupe
And spoke with the demon in its tongue
Dougal thought of tearing out its lung.

The demon would to no one listen
Its teeth with foam and spit did glisten
Fire it hurled from its fiery hands
So Dougal had no time for plans

He tossed himself at the beast
It should of his friends not make feast
His hammer struck the demons chest
A creature such he did detest

A great battle did then unfold
They fought like the heroes of old
But alas the demon set its eye
Dougals souls none should it deny

A claw tore through armor and shield
Even then Dougal did not inch yield
His flesh was even torn asunder
His heart the demon did plunder

Dougal fell to the cold stone floor
But he did not enter deaths open door
His spirit fought with all its might
To remain and end this here fight

The beast let an incantation fly
It hoped that it more time would buy
Dougals body dead rose from the floor
Covered from head to toe in bloody gore

But Dougal was not alive and well
He was the undead sent to hell
The foul demon had made him so
This curse upon him it did bestow

His friends looked with tearstained eyes
Did Dougal slay with saddened cries
But when he to the cold floor fell
He was raised with powers from hell

Then noble sir Althar Silverblade
His sword did the demons heart invade
It fell to the floor dead as stone
And Dougals form fell with a groan

The cleric of the group did him raise
To Dorand Dougal gave much praise
“Thank you father for saving my life”
“Now on the lich we shall wage strife”

Deeper into the dungeon they went
Time Dougal talking to his father spent
He must keep Dougal alive he said
“Heal me father” he bade as he strode ahead

The band of heroes forward strode
Soon they enter would the lich abode
Then suddenly in an flash of light
Alconn the wizard was gone from sight

They did long and hard for him search
More undead towards them did lurch
They once again did enter the fray
Dougal a prayer to Dorand did say

For long they fought their way onward
For the lich’s head was the reward
Then in a room of stone they stood
But alas things did not look good

The lich behind a chasm did stand
On a throne of onyx so grand
It did at them laugh so icy cold
And made with hand a gesture bold

On podium not far in light dim
A skeleton raised axe so grim
Before it Alconn still did lay
Looking lifeless and ashen grey

The Lich began to to them speak
But words were only for the weak
So Dougal thought as he it charged
While the lich fast a spell discharged

Dougal his hammer did then sling
And though the air it did fast spring
Skeleton did the hammer feel
As its head toppled to its heel

Dougal brave across the chasm leapt
But at jumping he was not adept
In the air he then down did look
And he his mind to Dorand took

For a wall of many lights there was
And Dougal knew this pain would cause
“Father! Father!” he loud did yell
As he though the wall of light fell

The pain was great and so very strong
Even though the fall was not that long
Dougal felt his body impaled
His armor to protect him failed

“My father Dorands might you shall feel”
He yelled as he stood on his heel
Through the light he would have to climb
The lich should answer for its crime

Dougal through the wall did then crawl
Greater pain he could not recall
But alas his friends he had to save
And to put the lich in its grave

He saw battle mighty unfold
Magic filled the air with cold
His friends did fight the lich hard pressed
But Dougal he knew he was blessed

He charged the lich with all his might
Grabbing a sword dropped in the fight
As the sword the undead thing struck
Dougal heard not someone yell duck

Sir Althars shield Dougal did hit
As Dougals sword the lich hard bit
He slumped to the stone floor cold
As the last of battle did unfold

The lich was beaten in a flash
Dougals hit did it almost mash
But alas he did that not see
His skull was almost spilt in three

They then raised Dougal once again
But it had put on him much strain
He was not as he was before
And the marks of pain he still bore

They quickly left the undeads lair
Dougal did blankly at them stare
He could not a thing remember
His mind was a dying ember

But then a flare lit in his eye
Father I am here he did cry
He ran so fast that he once slipped
And he was from sight of friends ripped

Others searched the chasm dark and deep
One did even for Dougal weep
But nothing did they find of him
As the light of day did grow dim

Some say in times of strife and war
You may see a dwarf covered in gore
His armour and helmet is cracked
Only his hammer seems intact

You will not hear him any words speak
No sound from under helmet antique
Except when he to battle rush
Then he will break his stoic hush

Behold,
I am Dougal son of Dorand
I am the hammer that crushes evil
   on the anvil of good
Behold me,
And know thou have done wrong
   and thy time has come