Shadows of the Wolf - Dur'Thak

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak stood outside the town of Hlint musing to himself, "How long as it been since I've last seen a city. Let alone one that did not turn me away on sight." It had been a long time indeed. Nearly twenty years ago he had aided a neighboring fife in a small war in exchange for some ancient texts detailing Infernals, Tannar'ri and their ilk. The texts were unremarkable to many but carried one unique property; they catalogued the language of the infernals quite aptly. Dur'Thak was determined to learn the language and gain a greater perspective on himself. However, it was proving to be quite hard and many of the meanings continued to elude him. He had mastered the structure and could piece together various concepts to a limited deree using verbs, nouns, and so on, but the core primer to the language was still missing. Dur'Thak stood motionless, thinking of pulling the books out for for more intensive study. Then his thoughts were cut short.

Suddenly he heard a traveler screaming, begging for his life from some unknown assailant. Instinctively, Dur'Thak slipt into the shadows to address the situation.

Creeping quietly towards the sound of the comotion Dur'Thak could see a lone merchant beset by two Goblins.

Dur'Thak called upon the dark bloodline that has cursed him for so many years, blocking out all light and casting the goblins and their prey into confusion from the ensuing darkness.

This was Dur'Thak's specialty . . . He charged in, sword raised, striking the Goblin swiftly, unaware. With the creatures gurgling cry, Dur'Thak settled to the ground, listening intently for the second Goblin.

 . . . Snap . . . Dur'Thak heard the Goblin trying to creep away. But it was too late for the Goblin. Before he placed another hand to the ground his head had already rolled away from his shoulders. Dur'Thak wiped his blade clean on the creatures back and pulled his dark robes closer about him.

Dur'Thak released the darkness he had called to find a panic stricken merchant. Terrified, the merchant blurted out "T-Thank y-you!" and fled to the town of Hlint.

The first Goblin rasped heavily, his life pouring out steadily from the fatal wound. Dur'Thak settled beside him, readying his skinning knife. He said nothing as he maimed and dismembered the body, making the last few moments as agonizing as possible for the Goblin.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak looks to his journals, forlorn and dejected. The last twenty years of reflections on his life were nothing more than his quest to learn the Infernal language.

Dur'Thak set his broken quill to the book, writing simply, "Why?"

Such a simple question that for most of his life now had gone unanswered. Dur'Thak shook his head,  curling his tail about himself as a mother might hug a child. But here in the depts of the crypts he had no one but himself to speak with.

"And so it began with a simple request by an aging Egar. . . Earg . . Needless to say the crypt master. He sought an undead essence for some unknown purpose. As always, I ventured into the crypts alone. To seek out death and spit in its eye. But the endless masses of skeletons were proving too much. Twice I fled that cursed dungeon, with nothing more than my wits. Healed, once again, I snuck back to the depths. My tactics in the darkness were proving less than effective with creatures that lost their sight lifetimes ago. I had just snuck past two skeletons, or so I had tought, when one of the cursed dead rattled in his coffin and clamboured out to get me. The commotion brought the attention of his fellows who I had not yet taken down."

Dur'Thak's tail lashes about him violently, recalling the memories of the encounter.

"I charged at them, tired of fleeing. The first went down quickly. But as his companions charged, I was overwhelmed. The battle was not glorious by any means, a lucky shot disarmed me, and another nearly severed my head. I fell to the ground, looking on towards the skeletions, still hissing in defiance. Then they simply turned away from me, and all light faded."

"When I next opened my eyes, a lone human stood over me. I am most glad that the darkness concealed my nature, or he may have stuck me once more for good measure. But that was not the case. Freldo, Protho, and a dwarf whom I can not recall, soon befriended me. It was strange. Did they not know I was a Tiefling? That demon blood coursed in me? Either they did not care, or the darkness kept me concealed enough to hide an features that might turn them away."

"I still sought the essence of the dead below, and with their offer of help, I was in no hurry to dismiss them. They would be of use after all."

"The ensuing battles below were quite noteworthy. Armies of zombies, each with a ghoulish leader. Once we were overrun on both sides. And yet we prevailed." He grins wickedly. "And now here I am, the victor with the spoils. I returned the requested essence to the caretaker. Perhaps I will have some use for the myraid of skeleton knuckles I created. I should seek out a site to toss them . . ."

Liften his broken quill, Dur'Thak flips to an earlier page in hs journal, taking out a larger red bound book bearing various signs of Demons and their kin.

"Now, infernal: Friend 'KILTAHART' Foe 'KILTAHART' . . . the word is the same." Dur'Thak bends his nose further into the books, continuing his studies that were started over 20 years ago.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down to his journals once more, still trying to find some clues to his life's purpose.

"Hlint has proven to be a most difficult town. At first I expected rejection, hatred. I relished the idea of a possible conflict  . . . but some have welcomed me openly. Today I was greeted by and addled bard in the local tavern. Her name is forgotten to me, but she requested that I seek out a necklace of sorts. Lost in the forest east of the town."

Dur'Thak grimmaced, recalling the events.

"I set about alone again, only to find a group of wayfarers who sought my assistance. A Dwarf named Geddrin, and Freldo once more. We set ourselves deep into a lizard infested swamp. And we slaughtered them all. They swarmed at us, mad with rage, and each was cut down in turn. Soon, the swamp was filled with the bodies of the fallen. I relished in their gurguling cries."

Dur'Thak's tail begins to lash about wildly, excited by recalling the events.

"It was not long before the necklace was found. It reminded me of . . . home. The necklace resembled a trinket once given to me by . . . my mother."

Dur'Thak sits perfectly still, straining to recall.

"Even though the necklace felt so familiar, I can not recall what the trinket looked like. For that matter, I can not recall the faces of my family. In my mind I know them, but they are twisted and horrid. Like some sort of razorvine . . ."

Dur'Thak relaxes against the stone next to him, taking comfort in the unforgiving cold.

"It does not matter yet. Their faces are lost to me, soon their names will be as well. In time I might forget and be forgotten. . . I finally returned the necklace after some time to the bard. She began to thank me somehow, but I had already left. He thanks were meaningless. Soon I stood outside of the Wild Surge Inn, a strange desire to kill burning in my heart."

"I walked towards the pond, thinking to find a fish and feels its raw nourishment, but I was called aside by the local Tax collector. She spoke of a rat in the sewers who had stolen some sort of book. I cared not for what she had said, I was already halfway to the entrance to the sewers before she finished her request."

"I slipt in quietly, adjusting to the silent calm. The darkness and gloom was relaxing. I felt at peace . . . hunting living creatures in the darkness. Slowly I worked my way from each hall way, tracking a set of prints that were fresh and unusuall. My opposition proved simple. Rats and spiders. More rats. More spiders. I was growing frustrated and recklace till I came finally to a door."

"Now this was unusuall I thought to myself, a door, closed inside the sewers. I crept closer, straining to hear any sound. But it was quiet. Then, I became aware of a strangely colored tile before the door. I examined it closely, but I am not a piker. The trap was cleverly hidden, a set of spikes covered with weak clay tiles. I nearly laughed aloud, then jumped over, landing silently before the door. Carefully placing my shortsord in the lock, the door soon swung freely. Then I smelled it."

"It was some sort of stench, like wet fur and blood, that stood out against the sewers. And I could see them, their glowing red eyes in the darkness. A small army of rats surrounding one standing as a man."

"I let loose an arrow, felling a rat. The others charged, falling right into my trap. As they neared I summoned the innate darkness that swells within me. I hissed with a strange delight as I plunged into the darkness running straight past the confused mass."

"The rat-man never saw it coming. From the Darkness I burst, charging straight at him. He stood perplexed as I sank both of my blades into his body. I let him fall to the ground unceremouniously. Their was a sadness in his eyes, perhaps he too had seen the darker parts of the world that I have. But it didn't matter, I saw the book the tax collecter requested. He still clutched it tightly. As I lifted it he spoke poorly, 'please . .  my . . .friends . . . can not pay.' I ignored his trick and simply left him there. As I left his 'chambers' the rats ignored me, moving steadily to the smell of fresh blood."

"Upon returning the book I was granted a decent sum of coins. Good. I needed them to purchase more parchment so I could continue my translations of the infernal tounge."

"With the new pages in hand, I now sit again in my secluded home near the goblin caves. Perhaps this will be the nigth that I unlock the secrects to the infernal language. It infuriates me that after twenty years, I have yet to understand the core primer that creates the meanings to the words. Words and structure are often just not enough. I've enough vocabulary to fell an addled wizard . . . I wonder how fares Darthoriadin"

Dur'Thak shrugged, and continues his studies.

[Fatherchaos]

NOTE TO SELF: I have failed to pen many of my recent encounters, I must pay better attention to this.

Dur'Thak sits down with his broken quill once again, nearly blunted from constant use and excessive pressue applied during writing.

"I ventured from Hlint today, intent to leave the constant chatter of the crowds behind me. A dark road led through the mountains, and it felt the most inviting. I came upon Fort Llast. At first I skirted the perimiter of the outpost for some time trying to determine the nature of those who dwell within. Did I really leave the constant clamour of Hlint only to find its local twin?"

Dur'Thak pauses.

"No, this outpost seemed darker and more grim. Perhaps the rocky mountains and bandits that I passed through are a constant threat? No matter, I will enter the fort at dusk and fool those that I may."

 . . . . .
 
"At dusk I entered, taking care to keep my inquisitive tail carefully concealed in the failing sun. I was immediately beset by two individuals, whom had obviously seen my kind before. A mage named Daltron and another, but I forget their names now. They individually requested that I collect the body of a wisp and an oil in the grey mountains. I obliged of course, they offered a reward and I have no desire to dissuade hard coin. Luckily I was permitted to wander about the town, and so I did. I did not walk far however till I encountered yet another local. A grim faced guardsman who had held his sword for enough seasons that I was careful of my actions in his presence."

"I spoke at length with him of the various locals and Brigands. I have a need for fresh meat and spoils after all. During the conversation however he mentioned his need to increase the weapons cache. A small task it seemed. There were well armed bandits a days hike in the mountains."

"I set out shortly after to the bandit camps I had discovered yesterday. They were well armed and unusually organized. A headlong assault would be fruitless. Instead I waited till the guard began to tire. I called forth the darkness to settle over their weapons cache, taking care not to affect the camp fires. Quietly beyond sight I began to skirt away their weapons cache of bows, swords and ammunition. I placed them a distance away in a small cairn that I constructed. When I aquired the last bow however I was not as carefull as before. I kicked over a blasted pot of sorts causing a rather unwelcomed commotion. Soon everyone in the camp was roused, and quite dubious that the source of the sound was settled into the midst of a thick blackness. I released the darkness, exposing myself with a readied crossbow. The bolt struck true to its mark, nearly felling the stunned cleric. I loaded another bolt and fired at the closest merc then took off at full sprint. It was not hard to outpace the heavily armored Dwarves. A human nearly kept pace with me, and when enough distance was between us and the rest of his troupe, I dodged around a rock and took him by suprise. He was skilled, but soon dead."

"It wasn't long before the Dwarf caught up. I fired two bolts into him as he approached. Finally he fell, leaving only the cleric. The man ignored his companions and worked his magic to seal his stomach. It didn't help him much when I sunk two blades into his back."

"The rest of my work was easy. Gathering the weapon cache I had made and delivering it to the guard in Llast took only two trips. With my task done, a new helmet and a few coins richer, I returned to Hlint and made camp outside the town."

"It was not long until a strange pestering man arrived and constantly blabbered on like a clueless primer about my Tail. Such absurd questions asking if I could move it, and so forth. If all of Mechanus slid to Xaos, he would certainly be the cause. He seemed to be more aware of the nature of fiends than I am. Immediately he demanded that I teach him the language. I attempted to trick him, saying some absurd comment in Elvish, which he unfortunately spoke. In the end, he seemed quite irritated that an abyssal born could not speak the fiendish tongues. And I quote 'Sheesh, you don't even know infernal.' What a pestering blight of a human. I hope he dies in some horrible manner, hopefully caused by me."

The word Caldiir is written in large red lettering, with depper slashes than most.

Additional notes translating various Infernal words, and a few abyssal ones, are penned.

[Fatherchaos]

*** A series of pages appears to be ripped out, rather violently. No trace is left of what the pages contained. ***

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down quietly in his accustomed spot in the dark forests surrounding Hlint. Many thoughts weigh heavily on him.

"Today I was conscripted by a local guardsman. He sought the ears of the local Goblin tribe, proof that their numbers have been diminished. I accepted without trepedation, a chance to kill Goblins and profit for my own benefit felt like a chance to breath. But something else lurked in my mind that I did not realize till the deed was done."

"I fell on them quietly, picking off their outside guards. A quick bolt here, a well placed garrot there. Soon, I was at the heart of their camp. I used my customary tactic, killing some of their own at the edge of their camp. As the others charged to avenge their fallen comrades they became lost in the darkness I had summoned. It was easy to creep behind the camp and catch their shaman off guard. His head was taken quickly, then I plunged into the darkness and felled the remainder of the disorganized rabble. As I slew them, I took a perverse pleasure in their deaths. Something brooded within me that kept me hacking at the fallen long after they had passed."

Dur'Thak breathes deeply. . .

"When the emotions passed, I found my skin was hot beyond reason. It nearly burned my armor and hissed against the calm wet night. Apparently the blood within me is stronger than I imagined. When I roamed the Hive of Sigil, I never felt such disdain for life. The upper wards, the outer ring, everywhere I traveled for over forty years I had never once felt like I do now."

Dur'Thak stares into the distance.

"I recall certain events on my time in the planes. The words of the fiend who spoke with me in the Iron Spit inn of the lower wards. 'You are both cursed and blessed clueless one. Deny yourself and it will take you. Focus and control it and you will maintain your . . . elven natures.' He continued on a diatribe of Gods and the Bloodwar, and how I would someday march on one side, but he was nevertheless a memorable fiend. He hated me, I could feel it, or at least he hated the blood he smelled within me. But we traveled as friends for a while. Something was different in his nature. He said that he had endured the Bloodwar for so long that he had finally found himself. But he was outcast due to his . . . well not pacifist views but he certainly had a different bend on things. But I digress, for Nath'Ni'Dreth is well beyond my reach since the Dragon summoned me."

"I have denied who I am since I have been summoned here. At every moment I fight what is in me. Perhaps Nath was right and I should instead focus myself. Perhaps."

"Eventually I returned to Hlint, with the requested ears. The guard was thankfull and paid well for my efforts. Too bad I can not find other ventures that pay well for the mutilation of others . . ."

"With the new coin I had I decided to try my hand at crafting gems and other objects for magical purposes. My progress went well enought till I overheard a conversation from another elf and the fur trader who had a near constant presence in the crafting halls. The fur trader requested a rat pelt, and I just happened to have many. I called to the elf, thinking him a woman to give him the pelt."

Dur'Thak laughs . . .

"It turns out that the Elf was instead a male. I have been gone from my kin for some time to make such a mistake. He stormed out after a typically elven response. It was hard to hide my laughter at my mistake, perhaps I will see this wo-man again soon."

Dur'Thak closes his journal and pulls out his books regarding the Infernals and Fiendish languages and continues his studies.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down, oddly content.

"Earlier I was conscripted by the fur trader to collect various pelts. One such pelt was that of a jaguar. He described a spotted cat, and after speaking with many locals I found that such a creature roamed near Valensk. Traveling there was no small feat, as it took a long time to travel in a concealed fashion through lands I did not know."

"I eventually reached Valensk, and found the location of these spotted cats. I felled a pair with some difficulty and returned with their pelts only to discover that I had collected the wrong skin. I felt a strange urge to behed the fur trader, like something sinister awoke within me. It passed, and I set out again to find the same blasted pelt. The second journey to Valensk took nearly half the time, as I had become familiar with many of the pitfalls in reaching the town. I then searched for the different yet simliar great cat. Again there was a pair and I felled both. As I did my stomach rumbled. I had not eaten in nearly two days, how odd that I would forget such a necessary activity. Regardless, I feasted on the remains of the Jaguar. The raw meat was delectable, I will certainly have to hunt more of these as my stomach demands."

"At last I returned the Jaguar pelt, was given some gold for my efforts and instructed to hunt down a Brown bear. So be it."

Dur'Thak puts away his journal and continues his studies of infernals, reciting some Dwarven words as he goes.

[Fatherchaos]

"I recall a particularly interesting request that I completed some time ago. I finally ventured to the Swamps near Hlint to hunt down a Wisp. The bogs were overridden by lizardmen. I spied them for a few days, trying to discern how I might pass through their village. On one perculiar day I returned to Hlint to resupply my bolts and other provisions where I overheard a group of individuals bent on collecting the same essence. Obviously, I could not pass up such an opportunity, and requested if I could venture along as well. The group was quite willing and within minutes we set off back to the Swamps."

"I had never seen such an efficient massacre. We slaughtered the lizard folk one troupe after another, and quickly collected the prized wisp essence. While there I also met with an elderly hag requesting skeleton knuckles. To my luck I still carried the mass I had collected some time ago. Apparently I provided so many the old hag matched my donation with a magical ward against undead. The luck of it all. . ."

"I carried it with a few others and returned it to the keeper in Llast. Each was given a full share of the promised reward. Who am I to argue with hard coin. But something else also peaked my interest as well. I watched the local mage perform a few ingenous feats against a marauding orc. His arcane castings were impressive, and I felt drawn to learn more. In time, perhaps I shall. In the interim I must continue my studies, I can feel that I am close to fully understanding the fell language of the Infernals."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down disgruntled, hissing and lashing his tail rapidly, obviously agitatedly.

"I have been lax in scribbing my thoughts for for long time now. I have ventured  around this cursed place for over two years now. Twenty-six months to be precise. I have years to pen, so I must recall all events clearly, less I recall them inaccurately."

"First I must document my adventures with Gloin. I was inticed by Alymli Gnald, who requested that I aid his kin. I did so willingly, and soon found myself embroiled in a bitter war beneath the surface. It was a pleasure to slay the foul Drow and their kin, and I obtained much wealth before I reached the surface."

"Before the war began, however, a great speech was given by an elder Dwarf. I understood nothing, having long since abandoned my studies with Tarsils. Alymli translated well for me. I requested his further service to aid me in learning the language of the Dwarves. He obliged without reluctance, as we had fought on the field of battle many times. I suspect this is the best way to earn the trust and frienship of any Dwarf, but no matter."

"We fought many beasts . . giant spiders . . and finally a summoned Balor. I felt . . . great hatred and sadness. I hated what I saw . . and sought to strike it down for the taint that fuels me. And at the same time . . . I was saddened that such a great being was bound to the service of a pitiful Drow . . ."

"I will think on these words later. A magnificent suit of armor was found by me on one of the fallen creatures in the dark depths. A good quality Iron it seemed. I have yet to figure how to wear it and bend the weave to my will at the same time . . but in due time I shall. Luckily, I also managed to collect an Iron Handaxe, of good quality. This has been immediately put to use."

"The war concluded well, and we were all greatly rewarded for our efforts, Gloin most of all. But Gloin's victory carries a great marker for me as well. For on that day I began to study the Arcane weave. Somehow, I was drawn insatiably towards the weave, but I suspect it was over eagerness."

"I went to Fort Llast and spoke with the local magi who I had seen perform before. He was quite willing to part knowledge to a neophyte, and in a few weeks I was producing foci well before he had anticipated. The mage mentioned that perhaps the weave carried naturally in my blood, given my abnormal heritage. curiously, he mentioned that perhaps I was more than a common tiefling, but in fact a true half demon, for my father was Balor. I have nothing to refute this, and I do not relish the idea. Perhaps it was the magical work of my Mother who quelled much of the blood within me. I do not know, and I have little chance of knowing in a short period of time. Admitably, I carry more traits than the common tiefling, and at times my mind seems clouded and dark, as if a part within me stirrs."

"What was most perculiar, was when the Magi taught me to pull forth a familiar. Apparently a creature bound by spirit to the mage, reflecting in some way a part of themself and their truename. To my dismay, and apparently no surprise to the mage, I was granted an Imp. I have known these creatures before, and typically they are of fiendish blood. This one however, was a unique specimen, and was born of abyssal heritage. A sign of things to come perhaps?"

"Nix Styx is a wily specimen, but also a fount of knowledge. It was through him that I began to have formal study in the infernal tongue. I had studied others, and my books have proved themselves time and time again, but a speaking mentor teaches intricacies that no book can impart. Nix makes me long for home though. Strangely, I do not feel a desire to return to my place of birth, if in fact I was born there. Only a deep longing to step foot amongst the planes again. Even the chaosblighted cage of Sigil seems comforting."

Dur'Thak calms some, and his writing becomes softer and clearer.

"I have made great strides on all fronts. Alymli has taught me much of the Dwarven tongue, Nix has refined my knowledge and we converse easily on simple subject matters. And my progression in the Arcane is rapidly taking shape."

Dur'Thak closes his journal and retrieves his books on the Infernals and Fiends. He scans pages and translates faster than he has ever done so before.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down, hidden silently amongst the trees. A few squirrels stare at him from the distance but do not approach, unsure of what to make of him. Both freind and foe they feel within him at once . . .

"Cursed creatures, they constantly stare at me from the trees. I do not seek them as a meal, but still they flee as I approach!"

Dur'Thak stares directly at one of the squirrels, hissing slightly.

"Once I could feel their hearts and thoughts, now it is clouded, and no stronger than a whisper in a hurricane. No matter. I must continue to scribe my deeds lest they be lost to the confounds to distant memory."

"I recall events with the fur trader, still claiming that his wife has succomed to some great illness. He sends me after pelts near constantly, each larger and more difficult to find than the last. At the end of the cycle, he had me seek a Brown Bear. I traveled many lands, and yet did not find a single creature. Only Black Bears did I find. He claimed the pelts would not do. In frustration, I asked those native to the town of Hlint, many had no idea, till I happened upon dear Geddrin. Ever has he been a faithful friend since we first met. Such is the nature of those proven to Dwarves I suppose. Regardless, he was able to direct me where I must go. Into the dark woods of High forest."

"I traveled there, only to realize that I had been so close to finding my prey. There I found a single bear. It was a most difficult fight, but with the aid of Nix, the bear fell. I returned full of belly from the bear meat and pelt in hand. Again the fur trader asked me for the same pelt. Did he seek to make some construct of fur larger than a Dwarven Hall? But it did not matter, he paid well for my services."

"Again I traveled to the distant land, only to find that not a single bear roamed that forest. I traveled deeper, till I came upon what resembled a bit of my first home. No one wandered the forest and it was eerily quiet. I sought the door of one abode, without answer. As I left, I thought I heard the door open, so I returned and knocked again. Then, I was approached by a cruel woman, claiming servitued to Kiva or some such. She spoke against Nix, and claimed me to be a burgler. At which point I informed her that burglers do not knock upon the doors of their prey. She did not seem to like the explanation and continued to demand that I send Nix back to the nethers. To appease the horrid woman, I left her rotting homes, and sought back to the forests."

"Apparently the sodding piker followed me. For when I next found a brown bear, she befriended it before I could fire a bolt. Then she accused me of slaughtering all the bears of the forest. Indeeded I had felled one, but only bones had been left, for I took all meat and fur. As she blamed me, the bear became enraged at my presence and attacked."

"I give Nix great credit, for as I fended off the beast, he clevery stung it from behind. The woman calmed the creature and it lumbered away, dying. Then she allowed me to fell the creature, and as she wispered soothing words, I sank my Katana into it."

"As I did so I felt a great sadness, and a dark lust. Apparently I have not lost complete touch with my elven nature, for I did indeed feel sad to kill such a magnificent beast. But those thoughts where rapidly overrun by my desire to tear its flesh apart. I had to remind myself of my purpose. Pausing, I almost asked for forgiveness to whatever tree spirit my parents had worshiped, then I swiftly set about my task of gathering the meat and fur."

"The strange woman was overwhelmed by my actions and fled. I left some meat for her, and sent Nix to inform her of such. Then I left the cursed forest . . ."

"The fur trader granted me a boon of a well crafted bear fur cape. I will use it to replace the one that has served me for years and is too road worn to hide my nature. The new cape is sturdy and should last me some time."

"I was lucky to catch Geddrin after gaining my new prize. We sat and talked of old times together. I suggested that he should seek his brothers, for they may yet still live. He was appeased by my idea, and apparently decided to do so. In return, I willingly told him of my past, dark as it is. When all the shadows where given light, we moved on to other matters."

"And other matters I must indeed say, that Geddrin is a fine teacher of his Dwarven tongue, when I can understand it."

"My progress with the master of the Dwarven language has progressed well, and already Geddrin and myself converse on small choice topics. Though my ability is limited . . . Nix continues to prove the ever willing teacher, taking great pleasure in using chalk and boards and wearing a strange square hat. No matter, daft as he acts, his mind is still quite efficient."

Dur'Thak closes his book and continues to study under the tutlage of Nix.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down, content and oddly relaxed, with the smell of fresh battle about him.

"Today I repayed the the horrid woman of the forest, slave to Kiva. She blamed me for the deaths of the Bears, so I sought those who had done the fell deed. They were not hard to take during the night, so accustomed to hunting beasts, they trembled and fled as I hunted them. It is always easy to leave a crossbow in the back of fleeing prey, so unprotected as it is."

"I collected their heads, mutilated, and piked them near the bones of the bear that I skinned. There I left a note of my attentions affixed to the head of one of the foul elves."

'A favor granted, a favor returned. These are the remains of the two poachers who have decimated the bears. They truely felt the pain your honey-lovers felt during their last moments. A family of Bears lives to the south with cubs. Seek and protect them as you have tried.'

"As I left the note friends of the poaches tracked and assaulted me. They missed their mark, and were unprepared to fight one such as myself. Plunging them into darkness, I hacked them down mercilessly. One fell into the river, and I had to pull him from it to take things of value. Nix was most helpfull, poisoning one of the archers who was just about to stick me with an arrow. Ahh, that was a good day . . ."

Dur'Thak looks up and chats with Nix casually, using simple terms in the Infernal language. For the first time in years he does not open his books on the fell languages as his day ends and night deepens.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits, writing in an alternating script of slashed common and crude infernal.

"This was a most interesting course of events. Having ventured from Hlint I encountered Alymli and a large troupe of his companions. Apparently a fiendish spider had settled in the sewers when I left the rat-man to die, poor filthy creature. Most curiously I felt the presence of another . . . planar born. How odd it felt, it was as if there was a slight tingling sense that told each of us to the others presence. Something dark in me hated her, and I know not why. In time I found that she may have been fiendishly gifted . . . I suspect that something in our dark heritage quarrles, for the hate I felt, though it scratched at the back of my mind, was more primal than any desire I have known . . ."

"But, that is not what I must remember. I ventured with Alymli's party for some time, apparently they sought some sort of spider slayer. Many had no idea where to find him, so the planar born and most of the Dwarven folk split to search. Knowning the wisdom and kinship of the Dwarves, I followed with them. Right they were, seek the spider slayer in the cave where spiders grow. Having found the Dwarf I sent Nix off to send word to the foul Tiefling. We met in Hlint and made our way into the sewers. The fighting was intense, and I have never before seen so many arachnids, but with the aid of the Spider Slayer we soon cleared the caves."

"Afterword I sought the Tiefling woman as an aid in helping me learn the language. She was . . . less than helpfull, but did give me some insight to the nature of the pronounciation, as I listend to her. She taught me a word Nix had spoken quite often . . . Yirk vdt. In time, I found that Nix had indeed tricked me, for the term did not mean thanks master at all, as I had suspected, but pike off instead. I sent Nix back to the planes for that. In time I will summon him again . . ."

"With some luck I found Geddrin. Always the willing teacher, he continued my lessons on the tongue of the Dwarves."

Dur'Thak shuts the book and pulls out his book on the infernals, asking Nix to assist with various pronounciations.

[Fatherchaos]

"Nix was particularly irritating today, offering a song that he could not explain. I pen his words to study in detail:

'Shadows of Wolves
Dusts of Light

Clouds the mind
Unable to take flight

From war was borne
In war will be saved

Lost his name
Lost his home

In the planes all is same

His soul be dead
On the dark road he treds

Once elven
now Demon

All is made clear as ash turns to fire
and fire fordges strong will'

"Nix could not explain the words, nor why he knew them. Obviously, much of this reflects my past, but to what end? I was pondering this as I walked through Hlint some time ago, Nix conversing at my side. As I passed the Bank I was assaulted by the foul slave to Kiva. She demanded that I banish Nix at once, as if she had the power to tell me what and where to walk. I denied her order, and left her to her own poisons."

"Nix on the other hand had ideas of our own. As I rested further down in town, he set off on his own. He would not tell me what he had done, but, the slave of Kiva, known to me now as _Emerald_"

Dur'Thak slashes at the page as he writes the name, some deep anger boiling within him.

"Many gathered round us, taking both sides yet none. The one known to me as Ranewin said that she had helped me on many occasions, and that I should now disband my creature in repayment for the help. Help she gave freely and unrequested for! I will remember her, and make certain she does no such thing for me in the future, less I be given debts never named till such time as the person finds it useful. All gathered spoke that they would subdue anyone who attacked the other. . . Lies, all of it. . .  Emeraled tried many things to rid the town of Nix, till finally she attacked. She batted nix heavily with her club. And as she did, none came to my aid. Obviously I could not attack the foul woman, too many were on her side, speaking as fiends of neutrality till their prefered side can be taken. I covered the city in darkness and fled with Nix in my arms. He was alive, but badly beaten. We hid in the craft hall, an unwise move, but I left him in a corner to recouperate for a while as I worked the fordge to quell my anger. After a time, Nix came to his senses and decided to keep a distant eye on the foul one. I bade him to be cautious, and continued to work the forge."

"As I did, I smelled the acrid scent of burnt leather and steel. My smock was fine, and no fire could I find  . . . Till I noticed my armor. My skin had heated to such an extent that it was burning my armor, but not seriously enough to ignite it. This had never happened before . . . I stood bewildered as a coal smoking from a fresh fire, and as I lost thought to Emerald, I cooled."

"I soon deduced what had occured. Such anger welled within me as to cause some reflex internally. Abyssals are known for their, firey apptitudes . . . Apparently when such deep seated anger takes me my Abyssal heritage boils within, so close to the primal emotion I felt, and takes shape by clouding my mind, and now, nearly bursting me into flames."

"As I cooled, and admired my bodily handiwork, Geddrin found me. He said that he had given Emerald quite the tongue lashing for what she had done, and as he had done so, demons appeared in the town of Hlint. I of course, was blamed for them appearing in the city . . . Demons defending demons such as they said. He bade me to follow and set the record straight, less I be tainted forever in the eyes of others. I cared not, but realized the wisdom of his advise."

"We traveled to the city square, but none were found. The city had emptied, odd as it was . . . Geddrin and I spoke for a time, and he continued his lessons."

"When we parted Nix was in no mood to teach, still frustrated as he was, so I returned him to the planes and set about my own studies. I have now made many sucessful inroads into the language of the infernals. Nix's aid has been infallable, my studies of those unwilling to teach has provided keen insight, and on the day of the encounter with Emerald I learned a key component to the language. Anger and chaotic thoughts seem to focus the words. Surely, one can be understood, but to truely be fluent, one must 'give in' to the language. My encounter with Emerald gave me this insight as I practiced, her foul face still fresh on my mind."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits, pleased with himself.

"I am nearly caught up with all events I would pen to recall for a later time. To this end, I recall events some time ago . . . I was under hire from the local post warden. Two of them in fact. Each sent me ridiculous distances to deliver simple notes . . but, that was what I had been hired for after all. During one such venture I was instructed to pass beyond the shores of hlint to a location known now to me as Point Harbor. From there I was to deliver a note to some burgeoning farmer."

"I also met one now known to me as Morgana Fey, a reluctant creature telling me some addled gibberish that I could control my ultimate destiny. Yes, my ultimate, but not final destiny. For that is bound to the final moment of death, which I do not control, nor does any addled power."

"The events that followed were most fortunate. With luck I found this addled farmer, gave him his note, and by chance, had found the remains of his dead cow bessie. Purely by accident I had slain the overgrown Griffon plauging the area."

"Needless to say, the information and return of the collar carried it's own rewards. Two planes with one soul, eh? Nevertheless, I could not resist the temptation to explore the lands beyond. In time I came to a location known to me now as Casterly Castle, and a small outlying farmstead along a lake."

"It was there, with great luck, that I came across Geddrin. He spoke that there was a matter that he had been hired to do and was just on his way to complete it. Scarecrows had become possessed by some force and were plauging a local farmer's crops. Odd."

"I assisted Geddin without second thought. Few do I call friend such as he, so he need only request my sword or spell for it to be delivered. The battle  was . . amusing. We made short work of the creatures and returned for our reward. Ahh, hard jink, the universal form of thanks for all planes apparently."

"It was relaxing to finally communicate with Geddrin on a rudimentary level in Dwarvish. I had never taken to know the minds of Dwarves, but must now profess that they are clear spoken and deep of thought, when not using the foul language of the human stock."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak stands writing against a fallen rock, full of puzzlement.

"Some days ago I met one now known to me as Saren. She was an elf of sorts apparently, having left her home. I spoke with her at lenght of events that I have yet to share with others."

"Perhaps it was because when I came upon her, I saved her from her own ignorance. Surely she would have gotten herself killed had she fought with the orcs as she did. I merely set into the Orcs to fill my own latent hunger. She came to know my thirsts, as I describe them, or better put, the thirsts that I feel from the dark fire within."

"I must be more careful in the future. I spoke at lenght, perhaps out of some deep longing to return home to the outer ring. No, not directly to the great forests of the outlands above Arborea . . . such would be a swift fate. But the hive or even addled xaos would give me greater meaning then this . . . "

"Perhaps . . . "

Dur'Thak trails off, penning no more words.

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak stands against the trees, still puzzled over some other event that he has yet to pen.

"I recall other events that were most profitable recently. By sheer luck, I was attempting to form a small band to take down a rogue Bugbear chieftan who had taken it upon himself to play the role of warlord. Little did I know that such events would extend so far. . ."

"At first I encountered a few. Renji, Rollie, and a few other names that I have yet to recall specifically. And yet, in a matter of hours during our conversation our numbers swelled inumerably."

"I must admit, the feeling of knowning that I had formed a small army seemed somewhat familiar, and greatly satisfying. But I had not done such things till this day, so I suspect it was some deep seated memory that my kin had once spoke of."

"In all cases, we set to the bugbear chieftan directly. Our numbers so large, and apt in war, I could not consider this a war party but more of a force of extermination."

"We slaughtered every last one of the Bugbears, and I had the pleasure of taking the leaders head."

"I think I will fashion a helm from his skull, but I leave that to later events."

"Upon returning to Point Harbor, I was able to speak at lenght with Renji and the one now known to me as Sin. A powerful mage, most admitably. I must seek his knowledge in the future."

"It was after the events of the war that I spoke at lenght with the one known as Mathilda. She did not understand the strenght of emotion, having decided to turn from it as some enlightened being. Commendable, but ultimately foolish. True, I wrestle with darkness within, often to my great loss and frustration. But, her path can not be mine. Too much am I ruled by dark thoughts that whisper when all sound has faded . . . Still, she is puzzling and I find her words strangely interesting."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits around his camp, nervously mulling something over in his mind. Various hand drawn maps are strewn about, drawing connections to a strange un-named forrested land.

"A plan forms in my mind but I fear to pen it . . . especially after recent events. Too many darks do I list in explicit detail. Should these journal's ever be captured, I most certainly would not be on the pleasent end of Oblivion."

"Untill that time however, I will continue to pen such events as I can. Some time ago I assisted a fairly large group of individuals in stopping an unusuall grouping of Gnolls and Minotaurs. At the heart of their union there seemed to be some sort of strange melody . . ."

"I sent Nix high above the camp to investigate. Sometimes he can be most usefull . . . He returned with information that a great host of Minotaurs, Gnolls, and other creatures gathered. It was his guess that the music emanated from within an unadorned wagon. He began to explain things in further detail, but our small band was then ambushed by a band of Goblins. They were organized, mounted, and armored . . . certainly not the Goblins I know."

"We prevailed with superior force. Many of the Goblins fell before they could even realize that they were dying. It was a satisfying battle, but that did not last long. For soon I tasted magot and dirt."

"It was the plan of our troupe to rush headlong and overwhelm the Gnolls within. For a time, it seemed that we were winning, as we made our way deep into the camp. Then came the stomping of hooves."

"Massive bull men charged us, which I latter came to *know* as Minotaurs. Needless to say . . . they slaughtered us for all but a few. I felt the sting of death, as I foolishly attempted to stand ground for those whom I came to aid. A mistake I will not repeat twice . . ."

"I feel into darkness for a long time, and did not feel the call of the 'Soul Mother.' I thought, for a time, that perhaps I was set free finally. A chance to pass back to the outlands . . . perhaps back to even my beloved Arborea. But nothing . . . . only a strange foul whisper that I could feel but not hear."

"In time, I awoke to the aid of a wandering Druid. He told me to flee, and I did as he said. His magic had returned me to life, and I had no intentions of testing myself agains the grip of the Soul Mother a second time."

"Wiser from our failure a few of us decided to sneak directly into the camp and assault the source of music directly. I was not one of the chosen few, and remained behind with the others to guard the escape, should our plan succeed."

"And it did, beautifully . . . The source of the mischief was an odd Violin. I was drawn to it . . . I could smell the stink of the planes on it . . . could feel it reaching for me. But I could not hold it, nor could I persuade the holder to release it to me."

"The item was then rushed to a temple for keeping nearbye. Apparently, it would be destroyed . . . Such a waste."

"On the return trip home, Geddrin spoke with me for a time. Ensuring that I had not forgotten his teachings, and had indeeded developed a bit more than he had hoped. Though I still lack the ability to describe the eighty or so descriptive terms for various alchohols. Odd that they would need so many words to describe the same thing. Geddrin reassures me each word means something slightly different, but I have yet to *know* the difference . . ."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down, admiring his armor.

"I must admit . . . the armor that I had been coveting for sometime has proved invaluable. Certainly, I had obtained it some time back . . before I was strong enough to bear it . . ."

"It is good that I hoarded this little treasure. At first it proved most restrictive to cast in. I have slowly adjusted however, and movement almost feels natural. Rarely does it restrict me so much now that I am unable to cast, but that is a risk I now bear."

"I have not called upon Nix for sometime now . . . I am concerned that if I gate him in too often, I may find myself in an unwanted circumstance."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down outside the Great Library, a great host of
information still swelling in his Brain.

"I must stop all this incessent reading for a time. So much have I
poured over since I found this 'Great Library.' There is much more to
learn. . . I can not believe that such a great host of darks remains
unguarded."

"Aside from this, I must pen a few events before they fade into the
darker parts of the turn. A while back Rhynn was acting most
distressed. I had still only known for for a short time, but her great
frustration was intriguing."

"Apparently she was dealing with some inner turmoil after some barmy
power peeled and tossed her. Kora as I came to know the name. After
some discussion, she spilled out that she wanted to loose sight,
hearing, everything. A sensory death she called for . . . good think
she never talked with a senser. They would probably allow an illithid
to feed upon them just to know what it was like to be a snack. About
as bad as the Xaosects . . . but those are other matters."

"I offered Rhynn a bit of comfort by blocking out the light. It was
comforting to sit there silently in the Shadows. But my abilities to summon the inky Darkness are not very strong, and in time it faded."

"I spoke some words to Rhynn to comfort her, offering her what little wisdom I have to offer in regards to these dark matters."

"And then . . . she prompted me for the oddest question. That being if she was one of the blighted lighters. It was a simple task I thought, either she knew that she was one, and could sink into the light as I do the darkness, or she most likely was not. She could not call forth light as I do the shadows so I set about another test. In my experience, when ever I had come into contact with a lighter, a burning crawling sensation occured. Often such points of contact became . . heated. I had her extend my hand to catch some of my blood then out of curiosity. Nothing could reveal more than that."

"As the blood cooled she claimed it was still warm. I must admit, that does not bode well for her then. But perhaps the blighted taint is faint enough that it will not have an undue affect on her. Unless of course, she seeks it as I do."

"I parted words with her in the end, offering one of those foul smelling 'roses.' I have seen them cheer human women up in the past, and apparently it had some effect on the berk."

"Strangely . . . I wish her luck in her endeavor."

"Geddrin and a few of his folk were headed to Dregar that day, we conversed in Dwarvish momentarily, as best as I could, but neither of us had time to burn."

"Ultimately, I set out on my own to hunt in the broken forest. Such a peacefully spiteful place."

[Fatherchaos]

Dur'Thak sits down, barely able to contain himself, his tail lashing about wildly.

"On this day I came to truely understand a part of Rhynn, entirely by accident I must add. The power mad creature, Kora, apparently appeared on the heals of some barmy shifter. Needless to say, she has a debt to repay and must find a way to kill this creature in the planes."

"After a lucky discussion with her, I found that she will be venturing to Arborea. . . Of all the places in the ring. I am a native born to the outlands above Arborea . . My own kin considered themselves Arboreans on many occassions. My elf kin at least, if they are indeed still kin."

"But finally, a chance to make it off this burg! Back to the ring where I belong and I can find a way to hide from this taint . . . No . . . I will return to Arborea for other reasons. Though I can barely admit them to myself."

"I go there to die."

"It has been my long held belief that if I were to die in Arborea without commiting a crime, my soul would pass to that plane. Do I dare try it? Leave all this torture and shadow and hunger behind?"

"I will see. If they head to Arborea, I will . . . go under any means. Not even Nix will know the dark of my plan . . ."

"Arborea . . . home."

Dur'Thak trails off, his mind lost in distant thought.