And Mists blessings be on ye!

[Wintersheart]

*Mumbles to himself*
I best be putting all these notes and thoughts down somewhere, can’t keep track of them all anymore.

The first man I met was a very friendly and helpful ranger named Peto. He helped me survive and he showed me Hlint and its surroundings. A good man.

I am confused. These southerners do not seem to appreciate Mist the same way as we do, most seem only to think of her as the dangers at sea, but forget the blessings she gives our land and the support she offers those who are oppressed.

I have taken to sweeping the local crypts. These southerners must not know the proper rituals when burying their dead, for they are all very restless. It gives me solace to put them to rest once again, but mainly because I seem unable to handle most other undead. It pains me to say so, but most undead are far more powerful then me, and I do not wish to waste my life away.

*upon dying the first time*
I died, but through the strange powers of the bindstones, my soul was returned to my body. As I came back to life I felt weaker than ever before, however after praying at my grave, Mist granted me my strength back.

*Upon reaching the fifth season*
I have always loved lightning – the beauty and the power. It is strange to me, but it seems few other share this love. When I see them strike I can the power racing through my veins and I feel alive.

A have taken to search the Broken Woods for undead. This seemingly endless horde attacks everything in sight. Luckily my companions and spells have been able to resist their attacks. Later when returning to Krandor I met a small girl, who had lost the ashe of her grandfather to some undead in the local crypt. I shudder at the thought of what these foul fiends me use these ashes for and I have set my heart to finding them.

I went into Krandor crypt, but I be no match for the undead residing there. Within minutes I was running for my life and only just made outside. It pains me these creatures are able to walk the land.

I am still not able to retrieve the ashes of her grandfather for the poor girl in Krandor. As much as it pains me these undead are just too powerful for m to handle. I have once again tried to request aid, but few seems willing to face these vile creatures
 
Aye, my wishes be granted. I joined a strong group of heroes and we went into the crypt in Krandor. They were much more powerful than I, but even then the undead fought back. After a hard struggle we retrieved the ashes and returned them to the little girl.


A cleric of Xeen has showed me the Dire Forest – it be a haunted place full of the restless dead. However his powers be great, for they were all destroyed.

A Behilit
Today as I was returning home from mining the drow – or so we presume – struck Hlint. Just outside the inn a behilit and a host of spiders was summoned in. Facing this demon I was sure it would be my death, but a group of dwarven heroes slew it. Later the same group was attacked by drow. Following the attack a group of us went into the grey peaks to investigate. Upon reaching the lair of the ogres, we found few and even the their chieftain was missing. This does not bode well.

Arabel
What a foul place! Never have I seen a place more devoid. Even Dire Wood seems peaceful compared to it. Screams ran across the streets and fiends walked openly. My blood boiled, but they be far more powerful than I. I have heard tales of the hells and the finds who reside there, but now I have seen it. If only the place could be razed and the poor souls set free…

Leaving Arabel we went into the surrounding country side and it was every bit as dangerous as the rumours told. I travelled with powerful companions and when made good progress until we me met spell hurling giants. I have often fought giants in Berhagen Mountains, but never have I seen them hurl spells before. Not just any spells, but spells of great power. Before I had cast any of my own I lay slain on the ground.


Blessed be Mist, I found an uncut emerald. I will try to sell it to raise money for a house for Geir, Skarp-heiden and I.

[Wintersheart]

I went up to the temple in Leilon today. I had hoped to search for clues in the temple to whom my parents migth have been, but when I reached leilon and the sea air filled my lungs the sea started calling on me. I have been away from it for too long. My strength is waning and my spirit is in turmoil. i have decided to sea if I can purchase or hire a small - possible rowing - boat and go up the coast. All this crypt dust have filled my lungs and where else can I clear it up?

When I am more at rest I shall return to search for more clues.

[Wintersheart]

We went on a hunt for a great flying beast killing the people on Rilara. A Wolfswood ranger had asked us, and it seemed a good task. Before we could find it however, we met a lone elf ranger who claimed to be chased by drow. He asked us to defend a river and not long after we were attacked by drow. This, the first of our fights was hard, but worse was to follow.

   After the first drow attack we met another elf. He told us how he had been part of a large party of elves that had been attacked. He did not know if his companions were dead or alive, but asked us to search for them. After some consideration, we agreed. Sporadic attacks came as we went deeper into the forest.

   We found the main battleground and it was littered with corpses. We buried them after some prayers and reflection. This part of the elf tale seems true a least. We followed some trails, but ended up back at the battle site. Then disaster struck, while crossing a bridge they caught us. Tightly packed we made inviting target for their mages and before long we had taken casualties. After a desperate struggle we were victorious, but on the ground three friends lay slain. Hali was able to raise Lucky. Then as the danger had passed the two elves turned up, they must have been powerful for they raised Geir and Ryn.

   The elves were both friendly, but I can’t help being a little suspicious of them. They always seemed to show up JUST after the fight. I can't shake the feeling that we were used and the word “bait” keeps appearing in my head. While I don’t mind killing drow raiding parties, I do mind being used. Still as far as what I know all they told us were true, so perhaps it is wrong to be suspicious of them.

    After our return we found out the drow had killed the beast.

[Wintersheart]

*in the temple of Leilon*

I raised someone from death today. While hunting giants in Berhagen Ryn fell. I prayed to Mist and she granted me the power to raise him. Ryn it seemed did not have Mist in his heart and she took a heavy price of me for raising him. Asking Mist to raise someone who didn't have her in his heart was not easy, but it seems friendship to carries its price and I doubt I would hesitate to do it again. I will stay here in Leilon to ponder upon this.

On a side note, a soulstone would have helped. Ryn had forgotten his and it makes little difference now, but I hope people will buy them, for their price in gold is but a token of the price we pay when they don't.

[Wintersheart]

The sale of the emerald has gone well and Geir, Skarp and I now have a house. To finally have a house of my own is fantastic. The deed is in my name and I have taken the biggest room, perhaps a bit selfish, but on this I am sure Mist will forgive me. We still need much furniture, but that will come. We couldn't get one in leilon near the temple, so I bought one near Blackcastle. Perhaps one day I can live nearer my goddess.

Also, the congregation of faithfull is nearing. I have discussed it with Yashilla and we have decided I will go. It is paramount that we make sure the voice of Mist is heard as we have certain fears.

Lately I have taken up alchemy and I am preparing for infusion. I am still very much a beginner, but hopefully I will improve soon.

On a side note. Bruenor seems to have gotten more sensible or should I say carefull. He has always been effective in combat, but recently in the Grey Peaks I noticed he now consideres strategy carefully, but perhaps I just never noticed...

As always I have been busy sweeping the crypts,  hunting in the Broken forest and cleaning up Dire Wood. This has made me ponder whether I should seek further training in fighting the walking dead. For now however I don not wish to do so.

[Wintersheart]

Helped a few young ones with Geir yesterday, its not the first time, but it made me think back to when I had just arrieved. Peto helped me greatly and I just hope I can give other new comers the same reception.

[Wintersheart]

I have joined a quest and not just any quest, but one that takes place at sea and by the sea. It seems a ghost is haunting Leilon and it is connected to a monstrous shark named Big L (Lasher). We were unable to book ships passage yesterday, so we will return at a later date. Ah but it feels good to be out at sea again.

 

[Wintersheart]

Yesterday night I went to the congretation of faith. Much of concern was heard, but nothing I wish to put down here in case someone should steal my journal.

[Wintersheart]

I went on a quest to find out what happened to the elves we rescued at Delwin river.

We got approached by a stranger in the docs in Port Hampshire. He told us much but yet very little; only enough to lead to where he wanted us to go. The elves – it seems - had sought refuge in a thieves guild in Karthy and he wanted us to find out what then had happened. He warned us to be aware of the strict laws in Karthy, but honestly I can see no reason to uphold a law protecting a den of thieves. Still since we did not want to risk being caught by the authorities we decided to do it quietly.

One lead was to find a halforc forger in the swamps, so the brutal *slashed out* Brue and Sands’ group went there and after fighting our way through hordes of trolls (vile creatures) we finally found him. He required a step price for the passes, but I bribed the halforc with 33 gems (it seems a high price, but it was worth it). He gave us three passes and with those we returned back to Karthy.

Upon returning to Karthy Geir’s group told us what the owner had said and since it was clear from this tale the owner could not be trusted we decided to send in three people to scout the building. After much deliberation Geir, the desert man from Leilon and I was chosen to go in. After much sneaking – and nearly dying from traps - we found three bodies, but five swords. This suggests there are at least two more either dead or held somewhere. The elves had all been stabbed and were left undressed, so they must have been searched. Since our spells were running out we decided to leave the building (we more or less ran out). Outside we joined our friends and went back to Port Hampshire.

In Port Hampshire we decided to copy the map and although I would preferred us to keep the original, it was decided to hand it over. When the stranger asked us questions about how many elves I held my tongue about the five swords, but someone blurted it out. Later I asked the stranger to identify himself and he claimed to be a member of the Mistone Alliance. He flashed  scroll of some kind, but offered little else of evidence. I don't trust him, but the others accepted him and did not agree with requring more evidence of his standing. *Mumbles* to trust a piece of paper *shakes his head*. I believe we have been used twice now and this bothers me. I will continue to go along, but I hope I can convince the others, that we should try to lead rather than be led at some point.

We decided to investigate the map location as soon as possible.

This whole business stinks more than a barrel weeks old heerings.  

// excellent quest - very exciting to sneak around wanting to kill the thieves, but having to restrain oneself. Very tense.

[Wintersheart]

I have been told the others wish to fish for the shark on date were I am engaged on Church business, this saddens me, but little can be done. I hope they will take care and not speak out against Mist.

 

[Wintersheart]

*ramblings*

Yesterday geir spoke words that struck my heart. I have to consider how my words are percieved more carefully. Still Geir and Skarp have proven good friends and we share our home, friends should be more honest than strangers and I will try to listen to his words.

I am growing weary down here in the South, I wih to return to Krashin sooner rather than later, I will have to save up some travelling money and prepare supplies. It will be good to see father, mother and sisters again. To hunt in the wild, feel the wind and know the cold once more. Geir and Skarp wont return with me.

*Thinks* I keep returning to the question of the Soul Mother - I wish I knew more of her and her powers. She appears to hold godly powers and yet not be a god, and her designs on this world confuse and slighty scare me.

[Wintersheart]

The mad gnome
or the play of Maave and Smee

Returning home from Port Hampshire
I ended talking with others in Hope.
One by one more friends turned up
and the gathering grew.

A circle was formed and tales were told.
Out of the forest a darkness grew,
The dead were restless,
as were the living.

Behold, a gnome asking for aid,
mad no doubt he spoke with fever.
Wood, sand, clay and candy he needed,
for children had eaten and broken.

Bruenor ran off to chop,
friends he with him took.
All in one I dare say,
as mad as the gnome.

We went to the desert
and Sands to the river
For water he needed
to clay make. // bad line any suggestions?

Young master Remy,
a follower of Mist,
was lost in the desert
with no sight of sea.

A manticore pierced his heart,
but it was filled by Mist.
The sands flew out
and water back in.

We returned to the gnome
and a stage was prepared.
The tale to be told
Was Maave and Smee

A dwarf came on stage,
then a woman.
It seemed he was a captain
and she was a pirate.

The tale was told,
but not without ado.
An elf it seems
took it for true.

As the curtain fell
the elf was no more.
The beast in his heart
had taken its form.

 //thanks Sakura for showing us some of the new creatures, especially the pot bellied pigs. Oh I wish I could have one walking outside my house (Blackford Castle 171 if any is reading this).

The desert both fascinates and repels me. It is a barren place devoid of Mist's blessings. It is crawling with snakes, scorpions and manticores not to forget the all present ogres. Truly a sight of the world as it would be without Mist.

//Microsoft office believes the fearsome manicure killed Remy

The hunt for Big Lasher
// A shark named big L – Reventage be brave! *grins*

I returned to Leilon only to realize the others had not yet set out and so I decided to join them. After some discussion we managed to secure a boat and a captain and out we went.
In the early morning hours we reached a shallow sea. The captain launched two boats and rowing we went.

We waded across a sunken island; craps of all sizes swarmed the place. the cold water made our actions harder, but I took comfort in being in the realm of my mistress. As we neared the entrance of a cave sharks attacked wounding and maiming our group.

The blood of the wounded drove the sharks crazy and over the next few hours they made frenzied attacks upon us. Darting in between the reeds they took us by surprise again and again, and as the day turned to night many a friend had fallen. Still we drove forward into the cave. By nightfall I managed to secure a few hours sleep on a kelpie mat and so taking turns to guard and rest we somehow managed to make it though the night.

I did not know why then, but something about the cave made my blood boil and the rage fuelled my spells. Mist continued to grant my requests as we took more and more casualties along our way. Jacchri alone I had to raise no less than three times.

As we came close to the final chamber symbols appeared on the walls. They were too worn to read, yet they filled my heart with dread, no less when Bil spoke and said they were of elven script. A dread had taken hold of my heart and Mist felt far far away.

The sharks continued to strike, picking off stranglers as we made our way to the final chamber. Writing – clear this time - appeared on the wall as we entered the lair of Lasher. It was, as I had feared, a temple of the cursed elven pond dweller. My bones grew less weary and my heart rejoiced, when I knew for certain the task ahead was Mist’s work.

Out of the depths the monster rose and made its way straight for me. A shark of huge proportions it lunged at me and I felt my life drain away, the blood of my veins returning to the sea. A sadness filled my heart when failed I had, but Mist it seems still had work for me and my wounds closed in front of my mourning comrades. We rose to battle once more and finally the great beast lay dying, its blood mixing with ours as the clear waters turned crimson. As the beast died a change came upon it and it is place an elven woman appeared. She was dead, but he eyes looked at peace. Not wishing to leave her here I carefully lifted her body up and carried her out. The huge shark was replaced by a body as frail and the heaviest burden rested on my heart.

My heart tells me she was a priestess of Shindaleria, but even an enemy as her deserves rest in death and so I bid the captain stop when we reached the deepest waters. I wrapped her in my new cloak and gave her back to the sea. My prayers went that her mistress treat her better in death than she did in life.  

We returned to Leilon and since then I have not seen the ghost. I hope he can rest now, but I fear that his slumber will always be light.

The whole story reminds me of the legend of Carocsa and I have a nudging suspicion that if she was not Carocsa then someone similar. I have decided to investigate the legend of Carocsa more closely and follow this disturbing link between Shindaleria and sharks.

[Wintersheart]

The sad tale of Patricia and Claus: love unending, love unyielding

This tale be too sad and beautiful for me to do justice and so I have decided to ask Geir to tell it. Perhaps I can add a few notes of my own or help him.

*note added later*
Geir have asked me why I did not take her to the temple of Ilsare, surely the goddess of love would have looked upon our request with favour. I told him, for me as a servant of Mist, I could not ask Ilsare for what Mist had denied me; but I did not tell him that what my heart also spoke. The gods themselves – Ilsare more likely than not – had already written their fate in the stars and no amount of pleading would bring them back.
Their life may have ended, but their love did not and so Ilsare triumphs over death once more. Their tale, though sad, offers a beacon of light in the long night.

As a mark of respect for the unknown elf, Patrica and Mark, whom I have all buried in my cloaks, I have decided no longer to drape my armour in one. The colours fade, but their memory shall not. One day I shall once again be wearing a blue cloak folding like the depths of sea, for life to must go on.

[Wintersheart]

In the past few months I have take part in many quests, but in the confusion of life I have not noted my experiences down. Our involvement with the elves seem to have found it's conclusion though perhaps an aftermath will still show up. We managede to assemble the barrel with tap and cup and so we found a ring of great power. We will have to decide who to give it to, but I would suggest either the Sielwood Witch or Morakken. In the course of action we broke into the thieves warehouse in Karthy. Someone's spells of invisibilty failed and it turned into a bloodbath. We were only a few, but we managed to slay them all. A bloody end but not one I neither regreet nor feel remorse for. Slaying that nest of vipers felt good - even though their cursed posion nearly brought me down.

Coming to the aid of the Port Hampshire authorities I took part in a hunt for a master werewolf. After hard battles with many fallen we cornered him and his mistress in a cave deep in Direwood. For this I was most gratefull as I had been bitten and infected with lycanthropy. The curse seems to have worn off now *scraches his ear with the paw* and hopefully I shall not become infected again. Allthough it is misty like a dream I still remember the anger and hate I felt.

Geir held the Storryteller's Night. Reef, Kali and he gave an excellent performance. Reef told a tale of a cook counted twice - it nearly made me burst out "oi ye counted the cook twice", but I decided against spoiling the grizzly tale. I believe Reef to hold Mist in esteem though perhaps not worship her. Kali sang and played a tale of the fall of Port Hampshire. It was most beautifull. Geirs tale of three brothers was the last though in no way the least.

Someone - an elf off course - recently called me human with clear contempt in his voice. I looked into his eyes, but in his arrogance he was unable to see the depth of the ocean in them. It seems elven pride is deeper than the sea though I have to say this elf looked shallower than the realm of Shindaleria.

The soulmother has taken part of my soul now. A golem made from dragon bones killed me as I was exploring Hurm. I was wearing greater sanctuary but it saw straight through it and before long it had caught me. I believe this is a sign from Mist that I should rely more on my own skills and abilities rather than spells or items. She is a hard teacher but teach you she does and so I have decided not to pray for a return of the soulpart.  

I seem to spend more and more hours crafting. What started as a hobby is becoming an obsession.

[Wintersheart]

My life stands at a crossroad and neither path is clear. My search for my roots is underway but so far it has revealed nothing and thus I stand before this juncture not knowing my past. What the search reveals may well decide my future.

I have been mining in Haven and near Fort Velensk with Skarp. We work well as a team, his axe and strength, my flail and spells. Burr – or thumper as he is now known by some – has also proven to be a staunch – if at times unpredictable – ally and he has joined us in the Raven Company. Once Geir returns from his travels we shall be complete.

Recently I made a trip to Krashin with Nossyla and Argos. They are good friends and neighbours and it is always an enjoyment to fight by their side. Their style is careful and intelligent, taking one step at a time and keeping close. In this they fight much like Fenrir and like him they succeed where other – more rash – fail. Together with us I am sure we could accomplish much.

Mist has granted me service of a celestial warrior and I have come to view him more as a friend and inspiration than a guardian. He is a most noble creature in deed and appearance - an inspiration to behold both on and off the field of battle. Knowing what I am he has agreed to teach me celestial and I am most eager to study the divine language. Difficult it may be, but at least this path I have no doubts about.

[Wintersheart]

I was adventuring with a group of friends under the leadership of Dorena when I summoned my celestial friend to protect us. Some elven mageling called HIM an IT and started saying IT is dangerous. He is a divine warrior and she an elf dares call him an it. *grumbles* As if elven blod can compare to divine!

I have continued my lessons with him, but it is a difficult language to master. Perhaps I can find some books to help me? I will search for Ozy as he seems to have knowledge in these matters, but perhaps a go-between would be prudent. I still remember how eager he seemed to get samples of my blood, something I shall not willingly give away - curse or no curse. Perhabs Geir can help in this matter?

[Wintersheart]

Today I went vampire hunting, with a group I shall not name here, arriving at the nameless dungeon we met another group and decided to join forces. The others were led by Tarradon Duval, a paladin that intrigues me. I took the opportunity to observe his fighting style and it seems tempered. He is not what I expected a paladin of Toran to be (or rather feared) and this leaves me with a bit of hope for his congreation of faithfull. We went deep into the dungeon slaying many vampires, but were ultimately unable to pass the doors leading further down. I am sure we shall return.

I continue to be amazed by the proves of my celestial friend. Today he and I slew an entire camp of gnolls, their blood cleansing their filth of my homeland. While he charged the brutes I was able to revel in the fury of Mist striking them again and again with lightning and hammers. One of the beasts tried to run, but I cut him down fleeing. Ah my blood sang today!

[Wintersheart]

I have had som busy weeks since I last wrote.

A group of children was assailed by something evil. It drained their life a leech drains blood. We were ablet o help the children though one died. He was resurected - a decision I do not find wise. Perhaps he shall recover, but had we let him sleep the long sleep he could have been playing in the fields of gods. Sometimes death is not the worst fate. Tracking the assault we found a strange symbol in Direwood. Rufus and Ozy among others examined it, but I do not believe the stold everything. Time shall tell us what they hide.

In releasing on of the children I used myself as bait and I still carry it inside me - time will show how that affects me.


My celestial friend continues to amaze me - as a warrior, teacher and friend. I have much to learn from him.

[Wintersheart]

Much has happened lately though not all I wish to add to these pages.

Our long sojourn with the elves and drow have ended. The ring has been given to the Sielwood Witch - following a suggestion I made long ago - a mistress worthy of the ring. I asked her for a boon and I received the greatest of all... a kiss! Still in a bliss she produced a ruby necklace of great beauty and we drew lots for it. Needless to say the luck she had bestowed on me remained and in the game of chance I rolled high. Blessed twofold by one such her is an honour only rarely bestowed.

I have become involved in what we would call a feud back on Krashin. The Eldarwens it seems are engaged in such with a djinn - a creature of great power and greed. I am now bound by the side of Eldarwen in struggle, but it has left its mark in me. Strangely Ozymandias seemed to react almost furiously to the suggestion that this was indeed a feud. Bah what does these southerners know of true honour or proper feuds.


I have continued my studies of the celestial language under the tutorship of my celestial friend. It is hard but not impossible. I plan to ask Ozy for help and visit the great library for dictionaries and grammars.


I am working hard to make Burr, Skarp, Geir, Sharhar and hopefully soon Reef (when I find him again) follow Mist. Skarp especially intrigues me for he follows her in deed though not in his heart. He seems angry at the gods and blames them for the deeds of men. I shall continue my endeavours to convince him to respect in his heart what he respects in his doings.

Geir I hope was impressed with the Glory of Mist he saw when two servants worked in unison to destroy the Bone Dragon. Even though we did not succeed, the display was great.

Reef I hope will listen to my words, for the gods need hear our prayers these days.

[Wintersheart]

Yesterday I helped Jacchri obtain a flower that saved the life of his mother. It seems his family is under attack from a foul necromancer who has killed his father and nearly killed his mother. Now Jacchri has come to his attention and will have to face his fate sooner rather than later. Dorena, Luna, Reef, Geir, Skarp and I stand ready by his side.

*ponders awhile then continues*
It turns out his mother speaks celestial and she has agreed to help me in my studies. When I have need I can return and ask her questions. This will be a great help in my studies.