Entry #1:
I have just arrived in Hlint to meet my associate Willy the Black. After a long time in hiding I think it would be wise again to join the people of a town close to Leilon. I still declare that city proudly as my hometown, despite my sketchy past there and my long period of voluntary exile. People change, and we are all wormfood in the end anyway. Generations have swallowed my secrets, and I am too old to reside on them still. As far as anyone is concerned, I am a stranger searching for the same gold and pleasures as any other travellor. My first day I got no word in town from Willy, and I sufficed to gather my thoughts at the inn over some ale. Three days later I awoke from a daze on the inn floor and I could not remember much, but there was some gold waiting for me with the bartender and a note unsigned. There was no blood on my sword and no arrows missing, so I feel calm that this time it was without incident. I have been known to have these blackouts, and they scare me with their increasing length and frequency. I decided then that if I am not going to meet my business associate right away I should show myself around town. Hunting with the bow soothes my nerves and keeps the darkness away from my soul. I entered the crypts, and the creatures there were like none I had ever seen. In there, luckily I met two very skilled adventurers, and I discovered it was much better to travel to these dangerous places in the company of others.
Entry #2:
It happened again. Damnit! I need solace from this soul-stealer before I wake up in blood, mine or others, or worse I could not wake up at all. I thought I could relax for a bit, but I really need to get back out there. The only thing that helps is concentrating on my bow, and in my desperation I have improved my aim somewhat. I still have not met Willy the Black, although one day I think I did when I received a bag of gifts from an unknown stranger who appeared as only a formless whisper. It was payment I think for my training, but I cannot be sure. I have done some training, fitting up with a fellow by the name of Czukay. I had heard stories both great and terrible of his doings within the town, and to meet him in person I did not know what to think. He seemed to be completely out of his mind, carrying a lantern full of blood like some sort of portable shrine. He seemed to take life and death very lightly, but I can understand the thought of being caught in the grip of insanity since I have have been relying on my bow to keep my own mind clear for the past few weeks. Instead of fighting it, he seemed to just flow with it. He has a friend Farros Galdor, a bard who admittedly also wakes up in odd places days later with little memory. With the amount of ale he drinks, though, I'd hardly be worried it is incurable. He is quite an accomplished lute player, and his songs fill me with strange feelings of power, protection, speed and the grace of a panther. He craves the spilling of blood for almost no reason like Czukay, but he is a natural born leader and protective of his companions while travelling.
Entry #3:
I continue to ask around for Willy the Black, but I have not yet seen or heard anything from him. People who do know him refuse to tell me where to find him, but I give the occasional message that I am travelling to the hills, the desert or other outskirts. For money, I no longer need it as much and have placed some savings in the bank. I have made frequent trips to the hills in the last few weeks in the company of Farros, Czukay and also Skabot Redwolf. Skabot is known by nearly eveyone in town as a skilled sorceror and a great person to know when one is in danger. He speaks commands to the weave like other people have regular conversations, and I sometimes wonder if he converses with the weave more than the real world. Hrothgar, Alice, many other interesting people I have met also along the way. I have noticed my aim is gaining step with my consciousness. There has been little break in the spilling of blood, and I have not had one blackout for quite awhile now. I do not want to become like Farros and Czukay who crave killing monsters like others crave food, but for now it keeps my mind clear and does a good deed for the nearby towns keeping giant and ogre clans away.
Entry #4:
I have started to notice myself blend better in the backgrounds around me, almost like I am one with the rocks and bushes. You could say it may be weak to always require the protection of others, even if they are rocks, but it is more of a comfort than a fear. I was one time deep in the mines with a party whose leader had more love for the orcs than other party members. Even filthy orcs have enough honor to protect their own, and I could not use my deadly aim on so many orcs without a skilled fighter. So when I managed to finally find my way out on my own with only the help of the mountain walls and the dust which was good enough to remain silent, I realized my true calling. I have heard of a skill called shadowdancing when I was in the circus. An old associate, who will remain nameless as he does not wish to be found, had once bought some poison darts from a fellow who could drop out of sight and sound when you were looking right at him. With such a skill, there is no danger but only completeness with the natural world. One travels as the dust, the waves and the trees and is left alone to meditate. They become what is around them, and they travel as such. This would allow me to sharpen my bow skills with perfect concentration, without having to watch over my shoulder for monsters. I have started by practicing footwork, tumbling and dodging skills. This will keep down noise. The next step is to practice moving about in the trees, which the goblin wastelands and the sielwood forest make excellent practice.
Entry #5:
I have ceased my search for Willy the Black. Possibly he has been around me this whole time and simply prefers to follow my progress from afar. I have found myself frequently in the company of the same party, and some newcomers I have only recently met. Farros, Czukay and Hrothgar are doing a lot of mining, transporting entire mountains of iron- it seems- to the city for use in making fine weapons. Czukay is also mining and seems to collect he worst parts of his kill for use in making stew. Well, I suppose it's a delicacy to some - although I'm probably not cultured enough in cooking to understand how anyone could eat that. I have asked about trying my hand at gem crafting, and I may start that hobby soon. A few blackouts, but they have mostly been quick and only caused by intense circumstances. I was hunting spider silk recently with Angelique Nightshine, a friendly traveller and skilled fighter, when I was stung by a strong poison and once again felt the grip of the same spirit I had so long forgot. It only lasted a moment, but it reminded me why I have to put all of my thoughts into the only thing that matters. I must keep my mind clear, must continue to meditate on my bow and focus on blending with my surroundings. As my skill grows greater, it is even greater fear that I may black out again and horrible things will happen. I must continue to hunt to make sure this never happens.
