Author Topic: Balthazar Woll (Read 4319 times)

Stug3 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2007, 03:41:17 PM »

I have done little but think about Vymetal and my parents. Thankfully I have no contracts to fulfill as I would undoubtedly default on delivery. I have become consumed with the thought of vengeance, everything else is inconsequential. I have barely eaten or slept since leaving John's home nearly two weeks ago...

Stug3 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 28, 2007, 03:46:09 PM »

I've scouted Vymetal's home and business for nearly a week now, his schedules and habits run like the tide; accurate and predictable. The same places at the same time day after day after day. It has became almost a child's game to track him through the city; I can turn a corner just as he appeared on the street then casually stroll from an alley one step behind him without looking. The only place he has any security is his home; two large men loiter around his front door and two more around back. His house is modest nothing too big or opulent; in fact it reminded me of my parent's home.

As being neither a skilled rogue nor assassin I would not be able to take him at his home. I could take his men with little trouble but a clash on the street would bring unwanted scrutiny and disposing of four, perhaps five bodies would be too time-consuming and subject to discovery by a passing sentry or watch. Not to mention the lock that is most assuredly securing his door; his men? No problem, the lock? No chance. Snatching him from the street or perhaps the Leringard Arms may be the best course of action. He spends several hours at the Arms every Freas evening. Being a rather busy night at the Arms I could go relatively unnoticed amongst the evening crowd. He tends to drink rather heavily while there and I doubt he would even acknowledge my arrival. A bit of poison mixed with invisibility potion in his drink might do the trick; incapacitated and invisible I could stroll right out the front door with him and no one would be the wiser.

I can hear the gossip now.

Did you hear poor Mr. Vymetal has vanished without a trace...
That nice merchant fellow?
Yes, he just disappeared!
Nobody knows what happened to him?
Everyone is talking about it, no one has any idea..

Not quite so my dear....

Stug3 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 08, 2007, 01:18:05 PM »

I will take Vymetal at the Arms on Freas evening. Securing the required supplies was laughably easy; these lean times have increased the power of coin ten fold allowing it to buy not only supplies but silence and anonymity as well. I thought the purchase of poisons might raise a few eyebrows or at least some questions. Fortunately hungry mouths ask few questions.

Everything is in place. I have a plan, I have the tools and I have his routine but do I have the fortitude to see this through?
How far am I willing to take this?
Do I have the stomach to do what may be necessary?
What am I willing to do to get answers?
What will I do with him when I have all the answers he can give?

I cannot simply release him as he would know my face as well as my name. I doubt he would simply let it go after being abducted and tortured, what do I do then? Can I so easily go from an easy going nomadic gatherer to kidnapper, torturer and finally to murderer in one awful step?...

Stug3 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 08, 2007, 01:18:59 PM »

Simply releasing him is not possible, I have not come to this decision easily nor have I dismissed the ramifications. I still hear the cries of the wounded from that long ago ambush, how long will I hear Vymetals pleads and screams when I am done? I feel sick at times when I think about what I may be forced to do if he will not offer up answers readily. If I am discovered during the abduction I will be assured of a lengthy sentence. If his murder is traced to me I will receive a much shorter sentence, followed by a similarly short drop at the end of a rope...

Stug3 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 08, 2007, 01:20:11 PM »

My plans have been delayed...

Word from John sent me to Hurm in search of information. Securing passage from Leringard to Hurm was not difficult; it did however prove to be problematic. It would seem I had arranged passage with the only crew who could not find the end of the world if they sailed off it.

I was quite angrily and unceremoniously disembarked in Lor of all places. Lor I was to find is as far as you can get from Hurm and still be on the same continent. After trying to get back to Leringard from Lor only to find no captain would make the trip I was forced to make the trip on foot. After several unsuccessful and more than one nearly fatal attempts to reach Hurm I gave up. I spent nearly a month trapped on Dregar, with little to do except harvest corn. I had just about given up the hopes of ever getting off when I came across the grave of a regular customer; Malor Lucredious. With the obvious evidence of his presence I kept my eye open for him as I believed he could help me reach Hurm. I was not disappointed in this belief as he maintains a residence in Haft Lake, which I was pleased to discover, contains a portal of some sort. He was gracious enough to allow me access to this portal and I was soon on my way home. Although my time table has been disrupted it should not take long to get back on schedule, much to Mr. Vymetals regret...

Stug3 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 13, 2007, 02:30:36 PM »

* Bloody fingerprints line the edges of the following few pages*

It is done

Stug3 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 13, 2007, 03:01:10 PM »

* Bloody fingerprints line the edges of the following few pages*

It is done

Stug3 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 13, 2007, 04:10:36 PM »

* Bloody fingerprints line the edges of the following few pages*

It is done

Stug3 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2007, 04:21:25 PM »

* Bloody fingerprints line the edges of the following few pages*

It is done

Stug3 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 13, 2007, 08:30:17 PM »

*Bloody fingerprints line the edges of the page*

It is done...
Thankfuly the words spilled from Vymetal faster than his blood or he would have bled dry long before he finished talking.

I know the entire story; that it has come full circle to this conclusion seems fitting if not inevitable. Beginning well before my birth, I have none the less become the central character; a character both good and evil.

Thirty years of bad blood have paved the path Vymetal and I now stand upon. Thirty years of envy and dissagreement. Thirty years of scheeming, planning and waiting, waiting for that perfect moment, that ungarded moment...that quick opportunity to slip the blade deep.
My father and Vymetal were more than just businessmen and more than just competitors; closer to opposing Dietys really. The Toran and Corath of the shipping industry it would seem the way Vymetal spoke. Just as a war between dietys would wreak havoc, the war between my father and Vymetal albeit on a smaller scale was not without death and destruction.

Considered less than reputable; Vymetal made his fortunes in the back alley and tavern deals he made with anyone for the right price. Anything, anywhere for anybody as long as the coin was good. Charging robbery prices, blackmail and extortion were just a few of his services. Always trying to drag my father into his scheems only served to expand the rift between the two.

A little back story seemed to make him feel justified in what he had done and perhaps he thought I would be lieniant with him as he portrayed himself the innocent victim.

While he still had his hands Vymetal was a little reluctant to speak of what happened to my parents; not so much afterward...

These were the answers I wanted, the ones I had to have and the very reason he lay dying at my feet. I did not expect to find he was responsible for the ambush that took my eye all those years ago. It seems I have him to thank for the man I have become. The irony that he created his own executioner so many years ago nearly made me laugh out loud. A plan to steal the shipment of weapons and supplies was agreed upon over a pint, information passed and money exchanged. A few days later men died screaming while Vymetal counted his profit. With the weapons in the hands of the enemy it was only a matter of time before some would be recovered and my father charged with treason.
By his own admission it worked better than he had planned. The populace exhausted and fearful reacted swiftly, even Vymetal was surprised by their actions; angry mobs tend to be unpredictable.

My parents were able to get away before the house was set alight but they were picked up by Vymetal's men and taken to his residence. They were eventually killed and their bodies dumped into the sea. Shortly thereafter Vymetal was to realize his dream of beating my father and possessing what he had wanted for so many years; the aquisition of the company and its extensive client lists. Money and the fortitude shown by my father to challenge Vymetal at every turn had sentenced both of them to death; it just took thirty years for the sentence to be carried out.

I removed his eyes because I wanted to...his tongue because I had heard enough...and finally his head because I wanted him to stop gurgling and die.

I left him unburied in the forest; Ravens and worms need to eat same as men...

Stug3 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 14, 2007, 07:59:42 PM »

I have left Mistone for the time being.
It has been weeks since my talk with Vymetal and I have moved my operations, so to speak to Dregar. I do not feel I am under any suspicion for the unfortunate disappearance of poor Mr. Vymetal, nor does there seem to be any indication that anybody is looking. Since I was erroneously dropped in Lor I have become quite fond of the area and even purchased a house in Haft Lake. I never thought much about having a place to call home again but it seemed the right thing to do and my mother's necklace now hangs above the fireplace. Sparse as it may be it still provides a place to get out of the rain; it is odd to have a roof over my head after being in the open for so long, I still sleep on the floor but that will change in time.
The weight of not knowing what happened to my family has lifted; learning what I did from Vymetal was truly awful but knowing the truth is better than not.

I have little difficulties living with what I have done...

Stug3 · « **Reply #31 on:** November 16, 2007, 02:04:50 PM »

I have not written a thing in this journal in more months than I can recall. The days slipped by turning into months and few notable events punctuated the time, none noteworthy enough to waste time or ink by putting them here.
With the months of wandering behind me I once again find myself in the familiar routine of collecting the abundant resources that have returned with the sunshine. I had forgotten the feeling of accomplishment that a pack fit to bust brings me. Such a simple pleasure, so easily forgotten and so sorely missed.
On occasion my dealings with Vymetal have come to mind and I wonder if things could have or for that matter should have turned out differently. The passage of time has smoothed over the rough edges and I hardly recall the entire string of events. Not to say I have forgotten what transpired, only that I have a reduced view so to speak. I have wondered now and again if my chosen approach to handling the situation was . no not so much correct but as justifiable? Have I a stain on my soul, perhaps a scar.? Have I sacred my soul as surly as the ax did my face? Can just retribution be handed down only by those following a just God? If you have no God or yours is dark is it only murder then? When my days come to an end will what ever God claims me look upon my scar? And when they do will all of the events unfold before their eyes as it did mine? Will they see my actions for what I believe they were or will the clarity granted only to Deities reveal a different narrative? Were I before a God of light would I be judged unworthy and cast from their domain upon this judgement? If it were a dark God would I then be given entry on this same act? Is a man who claims no God capable of dispensensing justice with good conscience or are these rights reserved solely for Justicers and Paladins? Can I clense my soul with a few prayers and some incense as easily as I washed his blood from my hands?
Should I be allowed such a simple act of penitence...

Stug3 · « **Reply #32 on:** November 16, 2007, 04:20:58 PM »

Trouble seems to finds me in even in the most unlikely places, namely the Craft Hall!
I received a message from Tegan (the only person I would use the word friend with) that I was carrying several boxes of goods that she had interest in, so I immediately made for Hemp to deliver her request.
Admittedly I spend as little time as possible within the walls of any city and thus I am not as familiar with the twists and turns of the streets as most, adding that to the length of time since I was last in Hemp I became ridiculously lost. I eventually had to send Rufus off to find Tegan and deliver my note informing her of my plight and requesting directions from my current location to theCraft Hall. With her help I was with much embarrassment able to arrive at the craft hall. As usual she was working at the tailoring tables but this time she was not the one hard at work but another, who went by Lex (or was it Lexx) and Sall who I can only guess is Tegan's other half. My usual lack of social skill made itself readily apparent as I was once again relegated to short sentences and poor math skills while figuring the total cost. (it would seem I am better suited to listening than taking part in conversation, not surprising with the little social interaction I have). My initial price was a bit high but we eventually came to a mutually beneficial agreement; a hefty sack of coins, two lion bags and tow elemental resistances, one fire and the other eletrical. The bags are particularly handy to a pack rat like me. The powers imbued on the bag reduces the weight of the items carried within them allowing me to carry much more than a standard box would. Tegan has furnished me with all the bags I currently carry and anytime they are offered I am glad to accept them from her.
The trouble arrived in the form of a wild and rapid dart attack on Tegan by what I can only describe as a figure, as I saw little details other than the darts zipping past. There was talk but being outside the group I have little knowledge of past attecks, reasons for such or even a possible assailant. With the current situation unfolding and my distain for being confined within city walls I said my farewells and departed for the openess of the counrtyside.

( I will keep my eye and ears open for anything that might be helpful)

Stug3 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 22, 2008, 01:50:54 PM »

Again I find myself lacking to keep events in this book current....

I have begun to adventure regularly with an odd group of individuals; Grim the sullen Dwarf, 'Green' an Elf ranger and what I can only geuss is a Half-Orc named Mukh...or something close to that, he mostly just grunts...
this 'Ragtag Circus' must seem odd... A stumpy Dwarf, a willow-thin Elf, a one eyed fighter and a hulking behemoth...just need to find a goblin now. The circumstances of our meeting are truly beyond me, we just sort of 'found' eachother and after a few terse words and one fatal incounter ( Grim and Green ) put our differences aside and banded together for adventure and fortune. We are an odd lot to be sure but we get the job done well and the topics of conversation that come up are something to behold and I look forward to our next adventure with as much interest as I have of our past exploits.
As I wave goodbye to my solitary ways I feel little regret.

Stug3 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 22, 2008, 02:03:19 PM »

I realized I have not updated my order totals in quite sometime.
When I read these I now know why I never have time to adventure with others...

UPDATED

12 bx Almonds
14 bx Grapes
21 bx Angelica Leaves
11 bx Walnuts
26 bx of Salt
56 bx of Silk
46 bx Elderberries
200 bx Corn
77 bx Eggs
400 Alchemists Fire
200 Acid Flasks
250 Fire Beetles
200 Bombardier Beetles
9 bx Purple Mushrooms
8 bx Dire Boar pelts
4 bx White Mushrooms
61 bx Skeleton Knuckles
6 bx Raven Feathers
33 bx Garlic
14 bx Blackberries
3 bx Cocktrice Feathers
38 bx Comfrey
66 bx Aloe
12 bx Cotton
28 bx Cranberries
11 bx Lion Pelts
9 bx Hill Hound Pelts
21 bx Apples

Stug3 · « **Reply #35 on:** March 10, 2008, 05:04:26 PM »

I have been traveling much lately, yet I have not so much as collected a single nut, berry or piece of corn. Odd that I should find myself straying so far from the habbitual practice of picking up every piece of anything I come a cross. For years I have relentlessly and singlemindedly picked up everything in my path as I speculated on the market for goods... I do not think I have squandered those years as I have made a fine living, I have a place to call my own, weapons and armor to save my skin and untill recently a sizable vault account, now virtually empty. *what appears to be a tear stain on the paper* The need for new equiepment has seriously depleted my funds but I could go no longer without new stuff...
I have ventured out with many fine folks, to many places, some worse than others and with varring degrees of success. A few of the newest cohorts were Caerwyn and Fianon, two aspiring 'scroungers'. We had been on a few expiditions together but never had a chance to really talk...I was invited with them as they sought a more direct route throught the forrest. Caer did an excellent job of leading, his directions clear and his tactics simple. When he had doubts (which was few) he had no trouble defering to the more seasoned of the group for advice how to proceed. After a short detour to the desert to help a nice lass named Hanta we met on the road, we were back on track for the Silkwood. I showed them where to find garlic, what kinds of critters lurk in the darkness there and somr tips on how best to handle them. With garlic in hand we retired to the fire and spent several hours discussing the 'finer' points of collecting. I tried to pass on as much I know of the subject and any advice I could think of. Off the top of my head the three biggest discussion points were
1. Collect by contract only;
'Freerange' collecting has several issues and each presents its own problem. The biggest is a surplus of goods on hand, those goods now need to be sold 'on the street' and what you do not sell right away take up valuble space and increase weight.
2.Keep your eye on the market hall;
Stay current with the prices.
Get a 'feel' for what is in demand
See who needs things the most often.
3.The price of your goods;
Everyone wants top coin for their work but do not gouge your customers. Know the lowest price you will accept.
Comodity cost vs time cost (how difficult is it for YOU to gather the product) and adjust accordingly.

I have made a good living from my collecting but it has cost me in return i have few friends but I am rapidly (more so than I thought) finding good folks to travel with and even some I regularly have as companions. Perhaps my solitary collecting days are over, what will I do now........

Stug3 · « **Reply #36 on:** March 10, 2008, 08:39:50 PM »

I almost forgot.....FINALLY I can scratch out the Bugbears near mariner's Hold. Been trying to get that off my 'to do list' for YEARS! tried a few times on my own, got pretty far too. Tried with various parties but they mostly ended up dead and I had to fight my way out alone...I was able to convince an OLD friend of mine to help me out with it and with her help we mopped the floor with them Bugbears. they was so scared of her powers that they R.U.N.N.O.F.T and we walked out of there just as pleasent as a day in the park...

Stug3 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 10, 2008, 08:50:07 PM »

Another thing of note... I beat Shiff in the arena.
Well sort of...I was wearing ALL my gear.....Shiff....well, he was wearing...pants...
We went again but this time he had a hammer and I DO remember him swinging it in my direction...
The floor in the arena is quite exquisite, I inspected it closely for quite a while...I think one of my teeth may be on the bottom of his boot...I don't recall swallowing it.

I need to get it back... Now I sometimes make a funny whistling sound when I talk.

Stug3 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 11, 2008, 02:13:47 AM »

I bumped into Tegan and Shiff's wife in Crest Hills, they had been exploring a cave. I had been there a few months before but it went very badly for me. I was once again forced into an introduction with the Soul mother when some sort of demon used my face to wipe off something it had stepped in earlier that day...
With her usual pizaz she gave me the strength to repay that big ugly bastard for his hospitality...If revenge is best served cold, than a good old asskick'n is best served piping HOT!

Stug3 · « **Reply #39 on:** March 11, 2008, 08:27:59 PM »

Rufus has been unable to contact anyone for the last few days, so I once again find my self running on my own. Not complaining though, been a busy few weeks. Lot of Giants lately...seems everytime I turn around one a them big brutes is headed right for me. I wonder if I got too close to a female and now I smell like a good time...might have to bathe...(its only been a week though). Being tired of Giants and looking for a treat I set off for some Troll hunting...Way too much fish and bear meat lately, been hankering for some Troll headcheese. So I set off, all giddy with the thought and would'nt ya know it things got a little dicey...

So there I was...all buffed up and ready to rush this particularly large Troll. I throw on a little extra speed from my belt and I'm off...and as I'm hurtling at this brute outta nowhere I trip over a root. What followed was an unmitigated disaster...I loose my sword as I go head-over-heels and land sprawled in the muck with my helmet turned sideways so I'm looking out the ear hole. (NEED TO FIX THE CHIN STRAP SOON) All that noise totaly blew my chance at sruprise and that big fella was looking like he was all about a little canned Bal for breakfast. So here I am...no sword...my helmet on sideways and with only my shiled still in my hands trying to brace for collision. Not a mere twenty from me and closing fast that big sucker went and found his own root! WHOP right in the mud and he slides right up to where I'm standing. Now I'm thinking I MIGHT get outta there with my skin and about that time he starts to make a move to get up...
Like I been struck by lightning I jump up on his back and commence to wallop him about the head with my shield...now I dunno if you have ever struck something meaty with YOUR shield, but it made sort of a hollow BONG everytime I hit him. The insanity of the situation coupled with that sound, I just sort of lost it and started to cackle uncontrollably...

I can only imagine what it would have looked like...A man covered in muck...his helmet on cockeyed...standing on the back of a prone Troll...beating the stuffing out of it with his SHIELD...and all the while cackling like some demented witch from a childs story...