A Wizards journal - (Nex)

[errk]

A page from the journal of Nex Wintergaard –

I feel the essence of the weave growing inside me.  I'm no longer the whelp of a man I used to be when I first got here.  I’m finally learning that one must aid others in order to achieve common goals.  Despite my strength, I was foolish to believe that I would be able to alone cope with the dreadful beings that lurk just outside the city gates.  

But my teachings have just begun.  I’ve applied for a position in the Arcane Guild but I’m concerned of one of its founders, a drow elf.  I’ve had dealings with his kind in the past and experience tells me to be on my watch.  I cannot allow the powers of this guild corrupt the wizards within.  So far their doctrine seems sound, and I’ve already pick up a few new tricks that will aid me in my treks across Layonara.

Although not obvious to most, I believe that steel blades alone will not suffice if my visions of horror are correct.

I’m setting a new goal to be as helpful as I can with the recruits arriving in Hlint and strengthen the influence of the guild.  I realized that I must have the loyalty of many friends if I’m going to survive in this world of turmoil.

[errk]

I met Lia Di'makiir on the streets of Hlint.   She urged me to sign the contract that binds me to the guild.

I told her my concerns with the Dark elf..  and I think she agreed that we should be one our guard.
I feel confidant with her and Connor in the guild.
I must learn more of the drow, I can only remember what my father told me..  and that was to be careful.  But perhaps I should not let my prejudice rule.


..  I signed the contract.

[errk]

I’ve had the good fortune to get the aid of some elves in my pursuit for knowledge of the arcane.  One elf, Lalaith Va'lash, is sister of the one called Talan.  I’ve spoken with him before, but unsure of his motives as well.  I understand that he and the Dark elf have had dealings in the past.  Perhaps this will allow me to draw out more information about the Arch Magus and the council I now intend on following.  Unknowingly Lalaith has helped me get started with my scribing.  But more importantly, brought new inspiration and a sence of purpose.

Kayla Warcrest was a drow that I met in Hlint, I was surprised as how willing she was to help me collect the materials for my scrolls.  She too seemed glad to receive my aid.  Perhaps I must contemplate my concerns with the drow.  
..

  I’ve felt the powers within increase.  I journeyed with another elf, a wizard by the name of Elrend.  I’m quite sure he was not drow, but he did have some darker aura about him.  Together we could challenge some of the more formidable foes.  Some of which I would not even considerer confronting myself.  Our combined magic would take out even a large group of gnolls or earth golems, but alas, our confidence grew to high. A powerful beholder, hiding in the dark caves which we where cleansing of evil, abruptly ended our trek.

[errk]

Today I traveled with Lia to the Great Library.
We where in search of information about the five demon houses that where involved with the 'Maker' and what had happened to Luna.

But I would take this opportunity to question Lia about her ‘relationship’ with Xandrial and also tell me about more about Tath and the development of the Guild. Hopefully she would ease my concerns a little bit.
..
She did to some extent answer my questions..    Now I am even more at loss of what to make of all this.

*note added later*
Alas, we did not find what we where looking for.

[errk]

I have not seen Tath or Lia for many days, and have little opportunity to meet Brisbane or Connor.  The development of the guild still concerns me, but for now I cannot worry myself to much about this.  Currently I feel there is little I can do to affect the outcome of the guild.

I’ve decided to continue studies on my own for a while.  I’m particularly pleased with the development of my scribing.  Gaining access to the greater scribing stations was a delight, but I will have to spend many days and nights behind the desk to master this.
--
As I’m trying to figure out more about the background behind the feud of drow and elves, I have been learning more about them as well.  A few dark elves and common elves I have befriended have given me lessons in their language.  I must say I’m somewhat getting the hang of it and even starting to sense the dialects.  It would seem that most wizards in these parts are elves..
--
I met up with Deiwos again.  The master dwarf seems to be able to slice through giants like no other.  He seemed very pleased when I provided him with components for his bows, and even asked me to sell one or two back on Mistone.  This I was unfortunately unable to do.  I might not be the salesman I had hoped.  Despite this he offered me a retreat in his home as long as I help him with the materials he needs. – This I gladly accepted.

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The other day in Port Hampshire, after I finished indulgencing myself in the arts of scribing, I stumbled across Geir and the goblin wizard Bilviki.  Apparently this gnome had learned the whereabouts of a hidden dungeon within a mage tower near the Thalos river. I must say I was eager to follow and learn more of this hidden dungeon.

 With a few more companions, we travelled to Rilara and entered the Tower unknowing what to expect.  It took some time, but the goblin finally located the entrance to the dungeon and we ventured down into the depths.

I must say I spent more time studying the abilities of Bil more then paying attention to what was around the next corner.  He was very skilled in the arts of illusion and the use of the weave from this little one certainly impressed me.  I explained to him that I was too learning more of the arts of illusion, and had completed several scrolls from the knowledge I had acquired.  I hope to get a chance to learn more from this goblin if I get an opportunity to meet him again.

[errk]

The cooperation with the elves is paying off.  I have come to understand their language to the point where I can even read their books.  Our exchange of arcane knowledge is beneficial to all parties. Always keeping in mind to be careful around the dark ones.
 
I am a bit concerned how the guild views that I am working outside the ranks, but my gained knowledge will benefit the guild as well. As of late I have not heard much from the guild besides receiving some new scrolls from Tath. I’ve seen that the tower is finally erect, but is there something happening within the council that we are unaware of?
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*scribbled at the bottom of the page*
I have not seen Deiwos for quite some time.  Has something happened to him?   I must seek out Vigg ..

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I still have heard no news from the guild, so I have continued my studies on my own. I must be careful however as I tap into some of the deeper regions of the weave, uncovering both necromancy and fearful conjuring spells.  The other day I accidentally summon a greater shadow being at the very desk I was working.  The creature was ‘displeased’ and I had no control over it what so ever. It went on a rampage, leaping from bookcase to bookcase before I managed to unsummon it in the nick of time.  I cleaned up the mess, and hoped no one took notice of the incident.   I should be lucky it was not a demon or another abysmal creation.
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I’ve also come to terms with some of the master dwarves in the area.  Although a bit reluctant when it comes to the powers of the arcane, they have proved very helpful in collecting the minerals I need for my scrolls. Gloin, Noss, Vigg, Durin and of course Deiwos have helped me a lot more than I could expect.  I try to return the favor when ever I get the chance..

[errk]

The balance of power within the guild has shifted.
I just received news that Brisbane has left the guild and Rufus the cold one has been accepted.
I'm not yet aware of what position he will take, but I'm sure he will settle for nothing less then a seat on the council.

After speaking with Celgar and others, some of my fears about Lia, Rufus and Tath would appear to be correct.
I lack the power and wisdom to operate within the mist of these darker wizards..
I have decided to leave the Arcane guild and seek sanctuary with the 'Freelancers'.

Deiwos, Xiao and many others within this group have offered me protection and even a more permanent place to live.
With their aid, traveling on Dregar will not be as dangerous as before.