The Chronicles of Iradril Arkenrahel

[Asmodean]

I have been remiss in my journaling as the sunshine on the surface is blinding!  After finding my way out of the Underdark, I found myself facing a dragon that told me of some serious events that have occurred on the surface.  He really didn’t have much to say, so I left him and headed towards the town of Hlint.  Another drow had apparently come to town the same day I arrived, his name is Owen Lokiar.  After a brief introduction, we decided join forces.  He is an ostentatious one and rather brass, but he does have a excellent voice and does attract the women.  

We bought some equipment from some merchants.  I was in need of a sword and found a very nice bastard sword.  I like the job it does!  It destroys those nasty rats in the sewers quite well.  

After spending way too much time fighting the rats, we happened across a nice lady who wanted us to recover her necklace from a cave in the Sielwood.  After receiving our first job, we headed straight for the Sielwood.  BAD IDEA !!  We did find a camp of gnolls and some lethal wildlife.  After getting roughed up by the gnolls, a single lone deer came out of nowhere and ran me through with his antler !!!  TO THE BINDSTONE I WENT!  

Now, I not only have nightmares about the brutality of my kind, but also of wild game charging me and mutilating me.  The lady at the Inn was flattered but distressed to hear Owen and I attempted to find it so quickly.  She suggested we ask a lady at the courthouse for something more befitting our expertise.  I tried to fall asleep, but images of deer kept me up half the night.  Once again, the lady of my dreams came to my rescue and surrounded me with an invisible barrier…I was safe from the deer.. and I found the comfort of a good nights rest.

[Asmodean]

I awoke the next day, and found my friend Owen ready to see the Lady at the Courthouse.  It seems that some tax papers had been stolen, so Owen and I decided to get them for her..  RATS!!  I know they can multiply quickly, but right before my very own eyes?!!  After several excursions into the sewers, we finally got her tax papers.  

I have been noticing that my nightmares are substantially less frequent, and my slumber is more peaceful.  The beautiful lady comes quite frequently now, glowing with an amazing aura.  

After spending some relaxing time trying to catch fish, Owen and I went to look for something more exciting to do.  We happened across the Undertaker of Hlint, who required the essence of some being in the crypts.  The crypts are a little more to my liking than the sewers, since the skeletons seem less numerous than the rats!  One nice thing about these excursions, we are making some nice money!!  I have noticed since leaving the Underdark, the light on the surface is extremely bright.  Whenever I come out of the crypts, and even the sewers, I am blinded while my eyes adjust.  I am just glad it doesn’t cause any physical harm!!  

Today, as Owen and I were walking through town, we happened across a newcomer much like us.  His name is Tha’Azail Neverborn, a cleric of … Aeridin I believe?  Owen gets along with him alright, but whenever Tha mentions something of his god, Owen cringes!!  

Oddly, I did not dream or have any nightmares tonight.

As Owen, Tha and I were walking about the town, Owen caught a glimpse of a beautiful elven woman…  again.  If I had a gp for every woman he’s stopped to talk to, I’d be rich!!  However this time, I’m glad she caught his attention.  Her name is Eylianna and she is a delight.  After I said hello, I could tell I was cramping  Owen’s style!  He took it in stride though.  Anyway, come to find out, Eylianna mentioned that she was a sorceress and followed the teachings of a goddess named Lucinda.  Entrigued, I asked her about Lucinda and she told me about her.   I mentioned that I had a woman who came to me as a dream during my nightmares.  After hearing my description of her, Eylianna thought it sounded like Lucinda!!  Finally a name for the woman who has brought me peace!  

Eylianna was curious that Lucinda was visiting me in my dreams, so she cast a spell on me.  I guess the spell revealed something about me to her, since she said I had the Light in me.  ?  Just then, a great light appeared and some being of light appeared and had me kneel.  Amazed, I dropped to my knees.  The being then tapped me on my shoulders and disappeared.  Afterwards, Eylianna suggested we go to the Temple of Lucinda at Blackford Castle to pay homage to her.

The journey to the temple went quickly, I was so excited.  I think Owen was trying to woo Eylianna..  but I didn’t pay much attention.  Eylianna knew that the temple was in Blackford Castle, but Blackford is huge!  We decided to split up to look for it and wouldn’t you know, Owen found it.  I knew he was good for something!  After praying and meditating, I was again gifted with a spellbook.  I am anxious to start learning of the Weave.  I am so glad I made it out of the Underdark.  My life is much better on the surface.  The constant in fighting and such of my people is sickening, as well as their lust for destruction and murder.  

We headed back towards Hlint and went on into the Goblin Wasteland to collect some goblin ears.  Eylianna could only aid us indirectly, as the quest was ours and not hers.   We were able to manage to get several ears off the little devils and turn them in.  

I still have a nightmare every now and then, but for the most part, I dream of the beautiful woman.  It seems she is whispering to me…. I think she is trying to instruct me on how to use magic.  

Since Tha’Azail had come to town shortly after us, he had not had the chance to get the essence for the Undertaker.  We ended up entering the crypts with him again.  Boy do I wish he was there to help us earlier!  Those walking bones fear his god’s power, so I can walk right up and chop them apart, those that he doesn’t destroy outright that is.

I think I will rest and have Lucinda visit me in my dreams again.

[Asmodean]

Well today, Owen and I went out to the Goblin Wasteland to get some goblin ears for the quartermaster.  This would be easier if they stood a bit taller, so my blade wouldn’t strike their heads as much!  It seems only one out of five we kill, we can get an ear from.  We had gone back to the campfire to rest, when we happened across…. yet another person that caught Owen’s eye.  Well, I do need to study my spellbook.  I haven’t quite got the knack of things yet and I really need to work on it if I’m to be able to cast any spells!!  

As I was reading and listening to Owen talking, a priest walked up and asked for some assistance in the Crypts.  Hopefully the idea of adventure would be enough to draw Owen away from his conversation, so I suggested we help this guy.  

These crypts are much easier to get through with pious folk.  Once we got back into Hlint, Owen saw someone in need of conversation again, so I returned to studying my spells.  This time I think something must have happened to Owen in the crypts.  He seems to be talking to animals now.   Not really paying much attention, I kept my nose in my studies.  

Hooray!!  Owen finally tired of talking and so I convinced him we should seek out more ears for the quatermaster.  Once in the wasteland, we noticed a cave and decided to go in..   What a great idea that turned out to be!! Eylianna was in collecting greenstones.  Well, now Owen has an “in” with Eylianna since he’s into gem crafting.  

I excused myself and headed to the inn to catch some rest and reflect on my newfound knowledge.

[Asmodean]

Well, after spending some time reviewing my spellbook, I decided to head into town and ran into Owen.  On our way out of town, we ran across some people just outside of Hlint.  I remember seeing a boy running around and thought it was very odd for one so young to be out of town.  Since the town has been the target of recent raids by Drow, he became frigthened and ran back in town.  We continued on to the Red Light Caves and shortly found ourselves …….. back at the Bindstone.

To make a long story short, the Captain of the Guard came over to us and asked Owen to leave.  I stood there for a time while Owen and the Captain went back and forth over why he had to leave town.  Being Drow myself, I understand some of the mis-givings of the surface folk towards my kind, but we have only done good things for the town of Hlint.  After a time I decided to reveal I was Drow as well.  I could only take being lumped together with my evil bretheren so much.  While I may not like most of my kind, and the horrors of their ways still haunt my dreams at times, I am learning I have a place and I am worthy in spite of everything my people have done to the world and each other.  I owe Lucinda at least that.  

Well…  bad idea I guess.  The Captain about went through the roof when he realized he was looking at TWO Drow !!  Needless to say, we ended up leaving town.  Owen was rather upset.  He wants to be accepted by people and when they put him down, he takes it personally.  


While we had a bad time in town, we did happen to run into someone willing to help us return to our graves.  I couldn’t believe it, but we were helped by a fellow Drow who was a Paladin of Lucinda!  I can’t believe it, it seems Lucinda is really watching over me.  

It’s been a long day, I will spend some time reflecting on where Lucinda is trying to guide me.  

[Asmodean]

Owen and I have spent a couple of days trying to get pelts for Johan.  We eventually found someone to help us get boar pelts from the Sielwood.  We then went after some cougar pelts.  I have been trying my hand at spell casting, but I find that I am having limited success.  I try casting while in battle, and I can’t seem to get my spells to work all the time.  It is very frustrating as I am expecting it to work.  I’m just glad I have my sword to back me up when the spell doesn’t work!!!  I can’t figure out why I was given the ability to use magic, when I can’t seem to wield it all the time?  I need to ask Lucinda about this in my prayers.

When we got back to Hlint, we ran into Tha’Azail.  We decided to try to get the head of the goblin leader for the wagonmaster.  Luckily we hired a mercenary to help us, who only asked for a share of the loot as payment.  With his help, we were successful and I daresay a little better off !

[Asmodean]

Owen and I went in search of brown bear, when we happened across a lady named Kahna.  If only Owen’s bow rang as true as his other senses, we’d be invincible!!  Anyway, after some talking, she decided to help us with the brown bears.  A friend of her’s named Squee also came with us.  

We were able to get one pelt when we stumbled across a large tree-like creature.  I should only say here that I wish I would have bound my soul a little closer to where I was when I died..  it is a long trek back.

I did stop by the Temple of Lucinda on the way back and said a short prayer asking for guidance.  I was concerned of my attempts at wielding magic, since many times the spell fails.  I speak the words correctly, but I have started to notice that when I fail, I had not done the correct gestures.  I do find it easier to cast when wearing my robes, but I truly can not wear those in battle !  

After revisiting the site of my demise, we happened across another brown bear.  Elated that we had what Johan needed, we returned to Hlint.  

ANOTHER BROWN BEAR PELT ? !!   You have to be kidding?!  

A tidbit of good news, as we happened across Eylianna again.  I believe Owen is besmitten.  

[Asmodean]

Well Owen, Tha and I went after some more bear pelts again.  We were looking around just north of where the bears roam and unfortunately ran into several nasty BUGS.  Spiders AND beetles!!  Nothing quite like getting poisoned then impaled by those large beetles !  Our trip to the bindstone was swift.

We happened across a couple people that were willing to help us, but things got rather interesting from that point.  

My friend Owen has recorded in rather good detail what happened next, so I will belay giving more than is necessary for my telling.

It would seem that the mere mention of undead moves Tha’Azail to action  While not exactly being our direct concern of what was going on with those gathered here in town, the fact that undead were involved compelled my friend to try to assist them in any way he could.  

So here I find myself in a situation.  I have been returned to the bindstone and I have not had time to fully recover from the incident.  My friend is asking for my help as he goes with these other people towards some major undead entity that has put one of these good people under a geas.  Well …  THERE THEY GO!!  Rats!!  I am SOO encumbered, I can barely move.  I stop by the trash can to try to alliviate myself of some weight.  I believe they are quite far away by now.  

I follow along trying to keep up, but they move so fast.  I know not what I can do to help them, but I am loyal to a fault to those few I call friends.  After reaching the pit that this undead supposedly resided in, I finally catch up to the rest of the group.  

After going down and down and down, I find myself thankfull that some creature hasn’t come from behind and picked me off.  The others are one level down and I am still walking these creepy halls alone.  

Once down to the final chamber, everyone is locked in cages except myself, Owen and Remiel.  I find that quite interesting.  I could tell Owen was rather frightened, but he had not grown up in the Underdark.  I am not saying I’m fearless, but rather, I am familiar with a certain amount of evil.  

I feel this creature was weak at sometime in it’s past as, eventhough it was powerful enough to slay us where we stood, it used shadows and stealth and didn’t make itself readily seen.  Perhaps it did have something to fear since it felt the need to surround most of the party in bars.  He could have at least shown himself.  

Regardless, the only way it would allow the others to leave was to swear an oath to never come back or to not allow anyone we were travelling with to come back.  I said my oath just the same, although I was never trapped exactly, I didn’t want to leave Tha’Azail down here.  

After everyone had sworn to not return, we headed out.  If this undead creature wanted us to stay, he should have just kept us in the cages, but instead it tried to kill us all with his minions on the way out.  He also activated a great number of deadly traps.  

I will definitely not make that mistake again.  I hereby promise to not be an embicile and stray too far in a place I can be killed in instantly.  I trek back from the bindstone and await the party near the top of the great pit.  It took them such a time that I was able to fully recover from the effects of the bindstone!!  

We bid farewell to the rest of the party and then I took my leave as I had not had a good day and needed time to reflect on things and study my spells.

[Asmodean]

Tha’Azail and I went in search of a will’o’wisp so I could take its essence to Darian in Fort Llast.  After a successful trek through the swamp we got it.  On the way back to hlint, we came across a group of people forming up to go to Haven Mines for some gemstones.  We took our time and made it to the 3 level,  fighting ogres and berserker ogres.  On the way out, we were jumped by a group of Berserker Ogres and several of us died.  Those remaining had to fight and fight to get out.  I really must try to ask Lucinda for some guidance.  I tried casting in battle again and failed.  

I took the essence to Darian and got the last weapon for Lietenant Jursen in Fort Llast, who gave me an awesome helmet.  Also gave Johan his last pelt… and got a cool cloak.

[Asmodean]

Tha’Azail, Owen and I were sitting in Hlint today trying to figure out where we should go next or what to do next.  We had to find the oil that Juanita lost when her horse took off near the Grey Peak Mountains.  We started out on the road to Fort Llast and went north into the Grey Peaks.  We were planning on going into the entrance in the side of the mountain right on the border of the mountains.  When we got there.. we noticed someone walking around.  He was wearing robes and had a large staff.  For some reason Owen let loose an arrow, but it didn’t harm him.  He didn’t really take notice of us and kept walking around.  I knew by his looks that he was well beyond any of our abilities.  He kept looking around and studying the surrounding area.  Owen moved a little closer to him, when the person stopped abruptly and turned to face us.  He said simply “Leave or Die.”  After the Arindor incident, I quickly moved away and tried to get my companions to do the same.  Owen’s curiosity is without bounds… usually… and this time is no different.  He actually turns around and goes up on a small hill to see what this stranger was up to.  I go with him for some reason and watch him and the stranger.   We moved back off the hill a moment.. and then went back again.  When we returned, he was gone.  Just vanished !

Owen couldn’t let it drop, so we went back to Hlint to find someone that might know who this stranger was.  Since no one was around, he asked Ragrian the Bard for information.  She didn’t know anything about the stranger, but we did find out that the entrance was to Storan’s Crypt.  I don’t know who it could have been, but I know he didn’t look friendly.  Needless to say, Juanita’s oil will have to wait.

[Asmodean]

*The wind and snow blows inside as an armored figure wearing a blue cape quietly opens the door.  After closing the door behind him, he pauses.  A couple minutes pass as he just stands there facing the door.  He lowers his head and slowly lifts off his helmet.  He turns to walk down the corridor cradling it under his arm.  As he turns his eyes fall on the first door of the hallway and linger a moment.  After a couple minutes, he lets out a small sigh, turns and proceeds down the hallway and stops a few feet from another door.  Another few minutes go by before he turns to his right and walks up to a third door.  He doesn't stop at this door, but rather turns the knob, enters and walks directly to a bookshelf.  From the top shelf, he pulls down a plain leatherbound book, opens it right there and begins skimming through the writings.  

After reading each entry a few times, he looks up from his desk and rummages for a quill and some ink.... *

Owen, Tha and I were on the continent of Dregar a couple weeks ago.  That is the last I saw of both of my friends.  I think Owen is still alive, but his whereabouts are unknown.  Unfortunately, I do know where Tha'Azail is, as the Soul Mother severed his last Strand on that night.  I will miss him.  

*minutes pass as he stares at the wall, lost in thought*  

I guess one fortunate aspect is that I don't have to try to figure out what to do with his belongings, as he didn't have much....   being a priest and all.  I guess I will hold onto Owen's things for now.  They might come in handy at some point.  I hope to hand them back to him someday.  I don't much feel like writing anymore.  

*In an immaculate, perfect hand*  

Tha'Azail Neverborn, called home to Aeridin.... Freas, Janra 6, 1409..... approximately 6 AM


The dawn was especially beautiful that morn.... Thank you for summoning the sun, Tha...  I will be sure to watch you aid Aeridin every morning, even if I do have to squint against its brilliance.