In search of knowledge

[scotcar]

What a strange town this is.  All manner or beings live here, dwarfs, elves, halflings and humans.
I am a little lost, not knowing what to do, where to start.  There is so much to learn and in some ways one path is as good as another.
Stupidly I left my mace and hood behind in the small camp I had made. A dream had addled my thoughts....
A dwarf showed me around and I was able to purchase a morningstar.
I joined a group of would be adventurers and went into the sewer after some rat-man beast who had stolen some records.  It was not pleasant.  Ishara (there is something strange about that one), Edward and Jennifer (uncle and very nice niece) with another who I cannot recall. Managed to retrieve the records and get out alive, although the spiders gave me the creeps.
Edward was kind enough to lend me his spell books and teach a few a few simple spells that I had learnt from my friend.
We parted company then I spent some delivering letters and trying to kill goblins, without much success.  I am still not confident about journeying outside of this town.


*Note, if you have any comments or suggestions on how to make this better, PM me

[scotcar]

I had a strange encounter today.

While venturing into the towns crypts I was rescued by a goblin mage and a half-giant.  We went on to obtain this essence for the undertaker, whom I do not trust.

I can make the undead flee, well at least the skeletons.  I keep collecting these knuckles but have no idea what to do with them.

I have been fishing a bit and trying to make wood.

[scotcar]

It has been some time since I have written.  I have not exactly learnt a great deal in some ways, but have experienced a lot in others.

I found the great library, well at least I know how to get to it.  Very interesting place to visit.  Ishara and myself also visited the Arcane tower, but did not find anything of interest.  We have been asked to join the Arcane Alliance, but I am unsure of what it stands for.  I need further evidence that it will provide me with knowledge and protect it for the future.

I have not seen Jennifer for some time and only saw her uncle once.  I hope that they are both well.  Ishara was turned into a gnome and I have not seen her recently either.

I have made some good friends, Brit a fine fighter, Sy’Ravenne a slightly psychopathic elven maiden whos one aim is life appears to be to kill everything with a slight possibility of being evil, Fifur a dwarf of a similar nature to Sy’Ravenne, Glokk a half giant of honourable character and several others that I journey will occasionally.  Tedulas, a necromancer and apparently leader of the group I am in, and Zeos (psychopathic mage of some ability) also travel with me regularly.  

I have spent a lot of time working on my crafts as I enjoy the experience and can learn to do new things.  I am getting itchy feet though and have a desire to explore further.  I have not heard from my parents.  I hope they are well.  

[scotcar]

Sy'Ravenne and I tackled the Haven mines, well the first level at least.  As usual I stood behind her showering the ogres with bolts and the occasional magic missile.  We collected a fair amount of minerals for crafting and I managed to kill an ogre while wearing only a robe and hiding behind my shield.  I am proud of that.  Most of the time I took every opportunity to avoid direct conflict and heal Sy'Ravenne.  Her skill is very impressive and she is much more controlled then previously.  I did place myself in danger sometimes, a little unwisely, by trying to heal Sy’Ravenne in combat and enshrouding her weapon in flame, she likes that.

Whilst crafting gems I ran into Brits teacher Nos.  He appeared to be a kindly, but gruff, dwarf.  Apparently Brit has said some good things about me to Nos.  That humbles me.  Sometimes I feel weak because all I can do is heal and use a small amount of offensive magic.  I know that I am getting stronger, but I doubt my own value sometimes.  Still I am learning crafting skills and from my friends, so the journey continues.

[scotcar]

Recently I have been concerned with the number of dark ones in town.  For the past few days I have not seen one, for which I am glad.  Although there appears to be number of goblins wandering around.  Some I have met before, like Tuk, but the others still make me nervous.  I almost attacked one last night but Kai told me he was a friend.  I was still not convinced.  My crafting has improved recently as has my skill with magic, although I need silk so I can make more bows.  Kit, a guard near Haven, requested that I obtain a number of weapons for her.  In return she gave me a fine helm.

Sy has been acting strangely recently, flirting with all manner of men.  I hope she knows what she is doing. I would hate for a friend to get hurt.  I think she tried to flirt a little with me, I played a long but am not good at it.

I must confess I was a little cruel to a man who called himself Wolf, and a goblin.  I must quell this meanness that sometimes arises in me.  It may prevent me from learning from others if I pre-judge them.  The goblin did smell though and Wolf was arguing with Sy.

I must collect more silk soon and make more bows.  I also need to make more healing potions.  I am running short again.  And I need copper for rings.  So much to do...

[scotcar]

One of the most successful trips to the Haven mines occurred today.  We had a large party of seven, including Brit, Sy, Kai, Sheu, Ty and Monshira.  We also met an orc; well an adventurer turned orc, in the lower levels of the mine that joined with us.  He was able to cast powerful magic and rebuked me when I healed him.  He said he had a spell ready for that purpose and did not need my help. To say the least, I was a little miffed.

My one objective of the journey was to obtain some coal from the depths.  Brit and Kai were able to mine some for me.  With such a strong party I felt very safe, in fact I had to do very little during the entire journey except to heal the occasional person and collect any treasure we found.  I did make a mistake with my calculations when dividing up the coins at the end; I forgot to keep a share for myself!  But to be honest, the coal that I was given means more to me than money.  I can now practice building crystal rods.  I may even succeed!

Sy was oddly quiet, although she did flirt with Kai a lot.  Some of their talk, even in jest, troubles me.  To me, discussions like the ones they have should not occur in public. Maybe I am a little prudish.  Ishara, whom I have not seen for some time, once told me I should relax more.  But words are powerful and I feel what they say and mean maybe quite different.  Especially since Kai is married. The empty flirting I see and the innuendo seems tacky.   Maybe it is because I have never found someone that made me happy like my first love that I feel this way.  Maybe I still expect everyone to have the same values as me.  I need to broaden my mind further, record knowledge and not pass judgment on it.

Writing of my love, it feels like an eternity since I saw her walk away.  No letters have I received, maybe she is best forgotten as she has surely forgotten me.  Neither have I heard from my parents.  I miss them, but I assume that they are safe.  I have to believe that.  

[scotcar]

I had my first attempt at crafting a crystal rod, and failed terribly. It looks like I will have to dig up more sand now.  I spent the next while making some choking powder, alchemist fire, acid flasks and collecting silk for bow strings.  I have quite a collection of staves and planks to turn into bows and crossbows.

I ran into Sy and Thjord who were on the way to the Haven mines.  The trip was going well, until we were jumped by a group of ogres.  Shameful to say, I cast invisibility upon myself and fled.  I was so overcome with guilt that I returned to watch Thjord running and hiding from the ogres while a battered Sy fought on.  Even though I knew it was a potential death wish, I decided to heal Sy and risk breaking my invisibility spell.  I was amazed that it held.  I then rushed to Thjord and healed him several times as he ran.  Then was struck and fell bleeding.  The brutes of ogres continued to pummel him  on the ground and he died even though I tried to heal him.  It is not something that I will forget soon.

Battered and bruised Sy and I headed back toward the surface and were met by Ranewin and the ghost of Thjord.  We returned to the site of his demise and went deeper into the caverns.  Again this foolish action nearly lead to our deaths.  Several times I charged into the fray, morning star and shield in hand, slaying ogres.  Something I would never have dreamed that I could do.  I was proud to fight along side Sy and Ranewin, shoulder to shoulder, dealing out punishment to those that threatened my companions.  My only wish is that I had time to don my leather armour, as my robe offers little protection.

At the surface we divided our spoils and I headed back to town to work on some minerals I had gathered (Sy carried them for me, she is such a dear).  Kai was also working on some gems and gave me some of the cut ones.  Although costly, I will attempt to polish them.  I have quite a collection of them.  I love the way they sparkle.  I returned to Sielwood to gather more silk, fighting with renewed confidence and suffering a minor ailment as a result.  I took my frustrations out on the goblin surface camp, slaying them all.  Have I been around violent types too much?  I fear that my innocence has been striped from me.  What am I becoming?

That bloodshed was not enough for me, so I entered into the caves.  I had just slain a goblin when a voice called out “Wait”.  A figure stepped out of the shadows and questioned me how far I was going to venture as he wanted some bat skins.  I was a little hesitant, but he convinced me to continue.  So on we went.  I would engage the goblins directly while this figure would skirt around the side and stab the unsuspecting goblins.  Not as honourable as direct conflict but very effective.  We gathered the skins and returned to the surface where we hunted down a goblin scout to fore fill a quest he was on.  In town we parted ways, and I returned once more to the craft house.

Three other interesting things occurred.  I met a man on a hill just west of town.  He was quite a shot with a crossbow, slaying goblins with single shots.  I was leaving him to his sport when a falcon attacked him, slashing his throat with a talon.  I quickly shot the falcon from the sky and healed the man.  As he was thanking me a goblin snuck up and tried to stab him in the back.  I killed the goblin, saving the man again.  He thanked me as I left.  I hope he is still safe.

Secondly it appears that Sy has fallen in love with the elven maiden Ranewin!  This is somewhat of a shock to me as she showed so much interest in the men around town.  Corsan apparently had feelings for her and was heartbroken, throwing down a sword she had given him.  Sy cruelly ran off laughing.  Corsan was devastated, I tried to consol him, but he left for the inn to drown his sorrows.  During this encounter I noticed an orc enter town and skulk behind the wagon master, heading towards East Side.

Having little else to do, I returned to the craft house to find the orc talking to an elven maiden.  I confronted the orc, who was very well spoken.  The elf appeared somewhat gullible and sure of the character of the orc.  After a somewhat heated discussion I backed away, to work on my skills.  Later I returned to the hall to find the orc speaking elvish.  He is not what he seemed and I questioned him again.  The pesky elf kept interjecting, I wish I could have cast silence on her.  I am sure the orc is more than he seems and the name he provided is false.  I will have to watch him around town.

[scotcar]

These have been some of my darkest days for some time.

It started well enough, I met a young mage in the crypts and helped him kill some skeletons.  Using the knuckles I had found I tried to craft a potion but failed.  I was returning to the crypts and ran into Angela, a friend of Sy.  We both had some letters to deliver and decided to journey together.  Sy snuck up behind Angela and then ran off.  I thought that she was going to say something but she didn't.

Our journey took us from Fort Lhast to Port Hampshire.  I needed passage to Rilara so that I could deliver a letter.  On the outskirts of Port Hampshire we were attacked by griffons, slaying both of us.  I awoke in Hlint, heavily burdened, to find Angela waiting for me.  Luckily a man increased my strength and we proceeded to return to Port Hampshire and our graves.  I collected some gum on the way and cast invisibility on us, allowing easy access to the graves.

I found passage to Rilara and spent the next few days starting some minor quests and avoiding monsters.  I found a temple to Aragen, where I prayed in the peaceful surroundings.  This trip was one of my most exciting for some time, pitting myself against the unknown, living off the land and learning of new places.

As I could not find the town where the letter needed to be delivered, I headed back to Hlint.  On the way a farmer that had a problem with scarecrows pleaded for my help.  Three of the creatures were quickly found and slain, but apparently they were not the ones he was after.  Searching the fields by the house, another three were located, and engaged with little regard.  I was quickly overwhelmed and found myself back in Hlint.  This is the first time my pride has lead me to such foolish actions.  A time of reflection is needed, maybe an extended period of crafting will settle me.

[scotcar]

I am trapped in the void! Maybe this is my punishment for my new pride.  I can not pray to Aragen, I cannot do anything but wander lost.  I am complete, but lost.  Aragen hear me!  I hope he can.  Oh my god lead me from this place, use your knowledge to guide me!  At least I have my notes that I have gathered.  I will read them to pass the time, if there is time to pass.  Aragen will lead me from this place.  Although I may of failed him, he has never failed me.  I must try to concentrate, but my mind wanders.  Focus on Aragen, focus....

[scotcar]

I heard a voice!  it must have been Aragen.  He told me to remember who I was, where I was.  I did as he asked.  It was hard, they void kept draining me.  I closed my eyes for a moment thinking of Hlint.  I heard birds and felt warmth.  Is this a dream.  Opening my eyes, my heart soared.  Aragen had led me back!  How could I ever doubt.  My faith is stronger than before, I must dedicate more time to my god and knowledge.  My pride has gone, all that remains is the comfort of being loved by Aragen.

[scotcar]

I have kept to myself these last few days, avoiding any unnecessary fighting.  As a result I am feeling a little more settled.

I had the disturbing news that Kai's wife has been killed.  It must be very hard for him, although he is already searching for new love.  I, of course, believe that he should morn for a longer period; however he often appears to be driven by lust.  Apart from that, he is a good man.  I also learnt how to make polishing oil, and can do so readily.  Making the oil is also an enjoyable experience and much less expensive.

I met a young druid and showed them around, very pleasant young lady and quite talented.  Hopefully she learnt a lot from the experience and has kept out of trouble.

Since I wrote the above I had a very interesting experience.  Brit approached me and asked if I was his friend.  He looked troubled and a little confused.  I responded that I hoped so as we had saved each others life a number of times.  It turns out that the young elf from the craft house is Brits beloved and he wanted to make sure that I didn't hate her!  I responded that I thought she was a little naïve (which upset him a little), but also that maybe I was too harsh as well.  I did warn him though of human-elven marriages and how the end result can be quite painful.  He is resolute though.  At that point Ireth (Brits beloved) approached.  I apologized for my earlier actions in the craft house and she was gracious enough to accept.  We then had a very enjoyable chat, often teasing Brit but he seemed to enjoy being the centre of attention.  It is the happiest I have seen him for a while.  

I also feel the need to tell him to forget what I said earlier, as they do look happy together.  But then again, I have given him the knowledge, it is now up to him as to what he does with it.  Brit, Ty and I then went copper mining as I need metal for rings. By the end of the trip we had a considerable amount which Brit smelted for me.  He then said I should try to work in bronze, an alloy of copper and tin.  I told him that I had just thrown some tin away, it made him somewhat angry.  I also mentioned that I threw some amour patterns away, which also made him angry.  We have now come to an arrangement where he obtains copper for me and I make patterns for him.  I am happy with that.  I truly enjoy Brits friendship and making him angry made me fell like I had let him down.  I hope to rectify this.

Since that time I have focused on making rings, which I now have quite a collection of.  My gem stockpiles are running low, so I will need to hunt for some more.  Sometimes I feel that crafting never ends!  I also met the orc again and apologized to him as well.  He was kind enough to accept and I can now put that behind me.  Although I feel that there is a story about that orc.

[scotcar]

The past few days have been very busy.  Some time ago Brit suggested that Master Argos, a dwarf that he knew, could make fine weaponry.  By chance, I ran into a dwarf matching Master Argos description in the craft house who indeed turned out to be that dwarf.  Master Argos agreed to make an iron flail for me (my bronze morning star is too bulky) but he needed iron first.  So Master Argos (a fine weapon master), Shar (a half-elven thief it appears) and myself went to the Haven mines, a place which I no longer fear.  After successfully mining, we were returning to the surface when we ran into Jet, on route to do his own mining.  He seemed capable of looking after himself, indeed I know how finer warrior he is, so we continued to the surface.  On the surface, Shar felt uncomfortable about leaving Jet down in the mines by himself.  So after some discussion and storing of ore on Shar’s ox “Boris” we returned to the mines.  We were dismayed when we discovered that we had tarried to long, as before us was evidence that Jet had perished in the mines.  We waited for some time, collecting some ore and returning to the surface.  Master Argos then proceeded to the smithy to work the iron.  Unfortunately, he did not have an oak staff handy, so a trip to the Broken forest was required.  The trips was basically uneventful, except for the slaying of some undead.  On return Master Argos requested that I make some clay moulds for him.  While digging up the clay I also obtained some sand to turn into glass for a crystal rod I was planning to make.  Once Master Argos had all the components he proceeded to make me a fine light flail.

Shar had been mining gems, although she had run out of polishing oil.  I offered to show her how to make the oil, which she did with some measure of success.  It turns out that Shar does not have a good memory and writes things down in a book.  I told here that Aragen would approve and she asked me who that was.  A discussion about religions resulted, and it turns out she is a follower of “The Runner” although not fully devout.  She is also troubled as she loves a dwarf, and as she is a half elf, the situation is eating at her.  I suggested that maybe her God will help to provide an answer.  We then parted ways.

With the glass I had made I was able to create a crystal rod.  Since I had the other components, a visit to the wizards tower with the intent to enchant my new flail was in order.  I knew that I basically could not fail; unfortunately that is what happened. I was dumbstruck.  Distraught, I fled the tower and into a fight where some orcs were chasing a man cutting wood.  Slaying the orcs made me feel somewhat better, and following a brief chat, I wandered back into town where I ran into Brit.

Brit asked me to be his best man, to which I agreed.  Brit is a fine fellow and being his best man pleased me.  Ireth joined us and we chatted about the wedding.  I also gave Brit two exceptional rings I had crafted, in case he did not have any.  If by the wedding I can make better ones I will do so.  I am so looking forward to it!

[scotcar]

Today I read a note at the inn that upset me a little.

Brit and Ireth have married!!  Apparently they could not wait for a future date and wed at the first opportunity.  The prospect of being the best man for Brit had made me happy, and showed how much he respected me as I respect him.

Still, it is their day and not mine and I truly wish them the best.  I hope they used the rings I gave them, if they have not I don’t want to know.  It would have been my first wedding here and a great opportunity to observe all that attended and how marriages were arranged here.  I could have also recorded the proceedings of the day for future records.

As long as they are happy, I am happy.

[scotcar]

I managed to catch up with Brit and Ireth today to congratulate them personally on their marriage.  They used the rings and appeared very happy with them, this humbled me.  It sounds like it was a fantastic wedding.

I have the feeling that Brit felt a little bad about the timing, so he took me mining for copper and gems.  We ran into Ireth and Shar on the way back and had a good chat although Shar had to leave.

With all the copper Brit gave me, the next stop was the craft house. Brit came along as I had a number of armour patterns and some tin to give him and offered to dig clay for ring moulds. While they did that I managed to make a basic ring and went to the temple to making healing potions.  On the way back to the craft house, I ran into Kai and asked if he knew about some good leather armour and he promised to show me some.  Mine is serviceable but not ideal.

Brit was waiting at the craft house and had made some moulds for me; unfortunately they were the wrong ones.  Still I welcomed his help.

Sy appeared and I found out she was going to marry Kai.  I am happy for her, but I thought that she was interested in other females.  Although a good friend, she confuses me somewhat.  Still as long as she is happy, I am happy.

The only other thing of note is I have started to investigate renting a room at the Leilon Arms Inn.  I hope that this will allow me to collect more items of note and store the items that I have made and do not want to discard.  I have a fine collection of rings but no market.  Maybe I need to make better ones.

[scotcar]

Today was well worth it.
I made a decision to complete one of my outstanding quests, well a parcel run really.  The first parcel had to be dropped off in Fort Hope to a man called Larry.  The second one had to be delivered a little further south to a man called Curly.  As I passed through Fort Hope a second time I ran into Sy, or rather a shade of her.  She quickly recovered and I asked her to travel with me, to which she agreed.  Not only did she take me to the destination so that I could find Curley, Sy showed me around some of the other sights, which for some reason included battling a number of monsters.   It was a good thing I had packed a number of healing potions.  The next parcel was to Mo, an easy trip and once completed we headed back to Hlint.  We took a wrong turn and ran into a group of ogre berserkers, which slowly overcame Sy.  She fell, telling me to flee with her last breaths, as the ogres rushed towards me, so I turned invisible.  
Rushing over to Sy I found she still had a pulse and I healed her.  She was so angry with the ogres that she cut them down in moments. I healed us as much as we could and we continued on our way back to Hlint.  Travelling with Sy again was very enjoyable and I was amazed at much she has improved as a warrior.

[scotcar]

What a rewarding few days I have had.

I joined with a large group of adventures and travelled south of Haven, through the desert visiting new and interesting places.  We encountered goblins riding spiders and worgs, snakes scorpions and manticores.   Unfortunately most of the group had to leave, so a smaller party of five went on to the Berhagen mountains.  I had not been there for some time, the golems there are truly frighting.  Garnet fell, slain not by a golem but by a fireball that one of our wizards had cast (Victor also fell but I was able to heal him in time).  We waited until his shade had returned to us and pressed on.  Unfortunately I became separated and lost from the others.  It was terrifying being lost in those mountains by myself.  Casting invisibility I fled, although I have a feeling that the golems knew I was there and followed me some distance.

Panting I was standing by the gates of Fort Velensk when some adventures came running past.  I had seen Tim around town but had never spoke to him.  After a short discussion, Kavil agreed to take me into the party, apparently our destination was the Dire Woods.  

While on the way to the woods we were set upon by mercenaries, mainly Halflings and dwarves.  Tim slew many but could not prevent them for attacking Kavil (who nearly fell) and myself.  In the end we were victorious, sounded by many bodies that littered the hillside.  Kavil scolded Tim for not preparing appropriately before charging off into the fray.  Tim appeared to be suitably apologetic.

The Dire Woods deserved the name.  Spectors and bone golems charged us in great numbers.  Tim, protected by many wards from Kavil and myself, carved a path through them.  Even still, on some occasions I was forced to protect Kavil with my shield.  Kavil’s magical ability was truly impressive.  I would like to learn more from him.

We fell back from the woods, deciding to tackle them from the other entrance.  Only then was I informed about the spiders that lurked there, I hate spiders.  Again Tim proved to be great warrior, although both him and Kavil were poisoned.  We slew many spiders and proceeded to an area where there were giants. Rodlin joined us at this point, a ranger of some skill with a bow.  The giants were engaged, falling to Tims blade, Kavils magic and Rodlins bow.  I assisted where I could with minor spells and healing.  I now realise how much more I need to master.

The group agreed to assist me in trip to Rilian so that I could help a farmer there and deliver a message.  With their company, the tasks were completed including a cow rescuing mission.  The group wanted to go after some gold; I assumed that they meant coins, but no, they were after mining a gold vein.

The hideout contained not only a gold vein, but also a group of bandits who were not happy at our visit.  The fight was progressing well, until Tim fell (I could not find him to heal, it turns out he had fled to the entrance).  We managed to kill the bandits allowing Rodlin to mine.  Leaving the mine we heard sounds of battle where Tims shade was fighting a bandit.  The weakened shade fell, but this time I was able to help Tim and the bandit as slain.  We decided to return to Hlint and other destinations.

Back in town I ran into Master Noss.  We may have a business deal in the near future.  I am glad as I respect him greatly.  Maybe some of Brits views have rubbed off on me.  Tedulas was taking a large group mining in Haven and I tagged along.  Master Noss warned me to be careful as it could be dangerous.  The expedition was going well, although too many of the members were charging forward (Master Noss joined us to keep a cool head).  We reached the iron deposits where Fifur had an argument with another member of the group.  While Fifur was distracted, a large group of very angry ogres attacked and killed him.  A number of other adventurers also nearly fell.  Master Noss and I were kept busy healing.  We left the caves and waited to ensure that Fifur’s shade reached it’s grave.  Then Master Noss and I returned to Hlint.

I feel that I have made great progress recently, although there is still some way to go before I well feel that I have accomplished something.

[scotcar]

Today was going to be spent on crafting, however a concerning matter was brought before me.

It appears that Ireth has done a rash and foolish thing, even though the intentions were honourable and noble.  Apparently Sy was slain in a battle and Ireth offered to pay her debt to an avatar of an unknown god.  The breadth of the debt is unknown, but it appears that Ireth has been promised to captain of Blood called Dougal.  Although not an evil man, he walks the balance, madly swinging like a pendulum, doing great evil and good.  For a former paladin, Dougal appears to have lost his way, and struggles within himself.  Could he be saved?

Apparently the avatar wants Ireth to spy on him, but why the need to train as an assassin.  Something is not right.  Who is the avatar and why cause Ireth to do what could be an evil act?  It makes no sense that the powers of good do this.

Still, I was very angry that Ireth would do this to herself and Brit, to take a debt without knowing what it entailed. I always thought she was a little naïve and rash, but I could not say that to her.  She has become a dear friend after all.  I am concerned for Brit though.  I have not seen him.  Ireth said that he would find me if he needed to talk.  She also said I should help another, a brother of hers, through this time.  Oh how I longed to provide a solution.

The only aid I could provide was to visit the Great Library with Ireth.  I think that Ireth was a little overwhelmed with the books located there, where as I found the place soothing.  I was able to focus on the task at hand, to research Dougal.  To find out who his lost love was, what drives him and what can be used to turn or fight him.  There are so many books, many not related, but even in those not directly refering to Dougal there may be single gem of information that needs to be brought into the light.

Ireth left me to my task.  I hope that I can find the information that I need.  I may have to return to Hlint to buy more provisions.  So many books, and I do not know how much time I have…..

Oh Ireth, how could you do this to Brit.  How could you do it to all of us that care for you.

Sy, why did you have to be so reckless?  I thought you were becoming more sensible.  I hope that you realise what pain and suffering you have caused.

Pendar sat back, rubbed tired eyes and cast another light spell to illuminate the tome before him.  A pile of books on history, religion and famous personalities surrounded him.  Sitting straight in his chair to stretch his back a little, he opened the black leather bound book.  A feeling of evil radiated from the pages, sending sensations of burning up Pendars fingers.  Wincing, Pendar kept reading.  Even the darkest books and provide light he thought.  I just hope I have enough time….

[scotcar]

It has taken me some days to come to terms with recent events.

My search of the library failed to discover anything.  Dejected, I headed back to Hlint.  Shelu and Morgina (I think that was here name) were discussing love, as women tend to do, querying why I had not found a woman.  I avoided the question, saying that all the good women were taken and was glad when a party decided to visit the Dragon Isles as it ended the subject.  

Amongst the party was Ireth, wife to my good friend Brit and whom I had been undertaking the research in the Library for.  She was a little hesitant on accompanying us, but we convinced her that it was safe.  Everything was going well until we reached the battle fens, then all hell broke loose.

The lizardmen of the fens ambushed us, slaying many of the group as we were not prepared.  Ireth was surrounded and fighting bravely.  I made her invisible and beseeched Aragen to heal her.  She must have failed to notice that she was invisible as she kept fighting, dispelling the magic.

Then tragedy.  Aragen granted my prayer, I placed my hands on Ireth and felt his power flow through me.  She screamed aloud in pain, shocked I stepped back only to be hit from behind.  Before the void claimed me, my last sight was of Ireth, crumpled over on the ground, oozing a green liquid.  My only conclusion was that somehow my healing spell had gone wrong and killed her.

I returned from the void, visiting my grave with the other members of the party.  Ireth was not amongst them.  I could not fine her, although her grave was still standing there, as was a pool of shimmering green liquid.  In a daze I followed the others to Fort Velensk, to take a ship to the Isles, knowing that I had killed Ireth instead of helping her.  

We had barely set foot into the Dragon Isle forest when a treant attacked us.  Slaying the creature was hard, but our warriors were more than capable.  We journeyed a little further in and were set upon by more of the creatures, as well as a tribe of mutant humans that were easily dispatched.  As the forest thinned out, a small drake dove from the skys, killing one member of the party while the others hacked at it.  To my personal relief Kai appeared out of the forest, bolstering the number of swords in our group.  Apparently Kai has changed his ways and is in love.  I will have to meet this new woman of his, she must be amazing to change his ways.  He joined us, which was fortunate as we stumbled into a cave full of minotaurs.  We hacked our way through the cave, but did not find anything of interest.  For all the blood that was spilt, it was a poor reward.

Returning to the surface we found that mushroom creatures had surrounded us.  Kai again proved his abilities by slaying many of the mushroom men, even as they spewed forth spores to confuse him.  By the end, we were the only things alive.  Continuing on, we encountered more treants, with members of our party leaving us to return home.  We took a small boat to some mountains where many harpies attacked us, killing Ranewin.  I could not believe that so many of the foul beasts could be found in the one area.  Kai left to help guide Ranewin’s shade back to us.  As we approached the grave, we were again attacked by the screaming creatures.  After some fierce fighting their corpses littered the ground, like leaves after a storm.

Eventually we came across a satyr that taunted us and then attacked.  Morgaina became afraid and would not go on, however we convinced her to do so.  We swam across to a small island where some steps lead into the dark.  Hesitantly we ventured down as Kai told us that there were drow and worse about.

Inside, all we found were various were-creatures, that was bad enough without encountering drow.  Exhausted, we returned to where the captain had set us down, to find that they had been killed.  With no choice, I settled down to wait for the next ship to arrive.  All the while, knowing that Ireth had died because of my actions and that Brit was likely to fly into a rage and kill me if he should find out.

[scotcar]

Brit is extremely distraught.  I slapped him for his self-destructive comments.  Brit angrily stormed off into the mountains.  Still, it did not stop me from acting foolishly and trying to convince him to protect me against gnolls, something he used to do without hesitation.  He just stood there and watched while gnolls fired arrow after arrow at me, before turning and walking away.  How could he do that to a friend?  Feeling light-headed I fell as Shar killed the last gnoll. As I lay on the ground feeling sorry for myself Shar used her last bandages to heal me.  Angry, I staggered towards the gnolls but was stopped, Shar had no bandages left, it would be wrong of me to leave her without the ability to heal herself.  We then talked for quite a while about our pasts and her feelings towards Master Noss.  Shar moved close to me and looked under my hood.  She called me Storm Eyes, it sounded beautiful in elvish, I was very touched.  After removing my hood, we talked some more.  Shar now knows that I am half-elven, something most people would not be aware of.  She questioned things too close to my heart and I avoided the answer.  She left, but I am sure that she will question me again.

Still injured I walked into town, refusing to heal myself.  Ireth was there, as was Fifur.  Explaining what had happened to Ireth I then acted like a fool, lying on the road so that people would walk over me.  Kind Fifur used items to protect me from damage, although at the time it made me very angry.  He even lay on the ground beside me, sharing in the pain, well until he fell asleep that is.   Oh Brit, why have tou done this to your friends.

[scotcar]

There has been an influx of new people into the town.  Guiding them around town is a bit of a chore, still, everyone needs help.  It also gives me some understanding of who they are.  I can learn a great deal by watching.

Crafting still brings me joy, although gathering the materials can be tedious.  Scribing is very rewarding, but not all materials are readily available.  Shar and I have spent some time together, two half-elves one more lost than the other.  She touched my face; I drew away.  No-one has done that in such a long time.  I do not know the meaning of the touch, I do not want to dwell upon it.  I wish to forget.