The Journal of a Striker - Yo ho, Yo Ho! A Private Life for Me! (Chapter 2)

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Over the next few months and weeks, Shiff is seen constantly travelling back and forth between Haven and Fort Llast, usually in a wagon filled with various furnishings heading to Haven.  With his new baby coming in a few months, Shiff has found a new place for them to live, and has been making sure the place is in good enough condition to move into when the child is born.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

It was a warm fall night.  The leaves in the forest had already started their yearly change from bright greens to fiery reds and yellows.  He sat out side his home in Fort Llast, just enjoying the day, holding his few month old son, Drakus Voran, in his arms while Tyra sat on his knee, wanting her own time with her little brother.  Shiff smiled, and showed Tyra how to hold a baby, then had her lay her back against his chest, smiling as he helped her hold the big little boy his son turned out to be.

"Daddy, was I this heavy when I was wittle?" she asks with a warm smile.

"No honey.  You weren't, but you are now."

They both chuckles a little, Tyra, smiling despite the fact her "little" brother is almost as big as she is.  Valmara joined them a while later, taking a seat beside her husband.

"Mommy Look!" she exclaimed with excitement.  "Daddy let me hold Drakie."

Almost instantly, Drakus awoke screaming, and Tyra frowned.  "Aww..."

"It's okay, sweety,"  Valmara said reassuringly, taking Drakus out of Tyra's arms.  "I think he's hungry."

"Me too..." Tyra replied with a smile.  "Can I have some apple sauce?"

Shiff chuckled a bit.  "How about apple pie, instead?"

"Okay!"

With that, the family went back inside, to enjoy some pie and eachothers company.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff sat at his desk while the rest of the family slept, contemplating his future. The lights were all doused, the only fire lit being the one on the bed-side of the partition. He chewed on his lip, tapping the end of an old quill on the desk, the rhythmic beat echoing throughout the room.
 
 Novlar 18, 1422
 
 Has it really been 11 years since I ran into Hlint? It's doesn't seem that long ago that I was running around after old.... what's his name.... that guy in blue... Pyyran, trying to get him to teach me things about sword fighting. Now, I could probably beat him at his own game. Back then all I ever talked about was becoming some great swordsman to rival Cole Norseman, to be the best there ever was with a great sword.
 
 But lately, well, none of those old dreams seem to matter. I care more about my family now then whether or not I can kill an ogre by myself, or how many hits it takes to get to the center of a gold vein. I worry more about Tyra getting hurt outside while playing then if I'm going to be able to survive looking for trouble. Seems my life has calmed down a great deal.
 
 I still do those stupid things I've always done. I still charge into the midst of a horde of ogres, still go wild fighting monsters, though I know I can survive that now, it's not nearly as dangerous as it once was...
 
 Have I reached a limit? Is there nothing more to learn from all my fights, all my deaths, all the pain...
 
 I've seen the Soul Mother six times. Each time I see her I feel more like leaving with her, but another Mother keeps me here on Mistone, Valmara. Me and her used to face things back to back, side by side, swords in hands. Now... I go off on my own, while she is home with our kids. Sometimes I feel like I robbed her of her own dreams of being famous and world reknowned, like I used to dream. Maybe it's just fate, but I don't think it's totally fair, that she has to put her dreams on hold, while I keep climbing towards mine... I wanted to reach our dream together, as friends, as partners, as lovers. Maybe some day, when Tyra is maybe old enough to watch Drakus by herself, or at least Drakus is old enough to be left with Tyra and Grampa Voran, me and Valmara can work towards our dreams again, together.
 
 On another note, me and Kyle Pandorn ore trying to Organize a charity dart competition at the Stormcrest Shack. I'm gonna supply some of my old gear as prizes, and hopefully we can make some decent change for the charity Kyle is supporting. I'm just hoping people come.
 
 Other then that, I still make jewelry when I can. I still am not nearly as good as some, but I manage a decent business among those just starting out with their trips to glory. I think I offer the best prices around, too, but if not, I don't mind. I manage. I just hope that if I truly am done with my career as a warrior, that I can still hang oround as a Jeweler. Maybe I'll cut a diamond so well that one day they'll display it in some city as the "Dragonheart Diamond" or some nonsense like that... Maybe I can be famous that way...

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff stumbles into the living room, dreary eyed and rain-soaked, dropping his pack and bags by the door.  The house is quiet.  Not even the usually tip-toes of the girl Nemo sneaking about for snacks can be heard, and tonight, even the crickets are silent.  He sighs.  It had been months since he spent a day at home, and weeks since he's even been home long enough to hug his children.

    A fire was still burning in the main rooms fireplace, still dancing with life inside the glowing embers which lit the room with a pale orange light.  Kneeling down before it, he took the poker in hand and began stoking the fire, small flames leaping up with renewed strength.  Then he saw her, curled up in his big arm chair, wrapped in a purple cloak that she used as a blanket, a small teddy bear's head poking out from under her arm.

    "Hey sweet heart," he whispered to her as he knelt beside the chair, his arms crossed beneath his head.  "Daddy's home, sweety..."

    Tyra awoke slowly, her eyes blinking at the dark silouette the fire turned Shiff into.  "Daddy?  Issat you?"  She rubbed her eyes softly, clutching her teddy bear tight to her chest.  Then suddenly her eyes grew wide, and she jumped up, the purple cloak falling off her shoulders as she leaped off the chair onto her father.  "Daddy!"

    "Aww honey..."  Shiff caught her and pulled her into a big hug.  "I missed you so much..."

    "Blazes, Son...  Can't you evah come home and not make so much God Forsaken noise..." groaned Voran, who had been sleeping on the couch.  "And why always in the middle of the bleedin' night..."

    "Aww I'm sorry Dad..."  Shiff said apologettically, holding Tyra happily in his arms.  "I wish I -did- get home sooner..."

    "You're  darn right you did..." said the six foot tall woman, who despite being in a night gown carrying a baby boy, looked about ready to turn Shiff into a pancake.  Valmara and Shiff looked at eachother for a long moment, then they both smiled warmly, Shiff approaching to wrap her, and their son, in his arms, with Tyra smushed happily in the middle.  "What am I going to do with you..."

 "Just don't make me sleep on the couch..."  He said with a grin, as they all settled down in the living room, despite Voran's protests, to be with Shiff.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff sits at his desk late one night, in a house thats slowly losing its furnishings.  Not because of Shiff being in some sort of debt, but due to he and his family moving to a new home.  He takes out his black book, opens it to a blank page.

Oclar 2, 1423

So much is going on...

Tyra and Drakie are each a year older now...  There birthdays were exactly two months ago...  I gave Tyra a brand new, thinker gold chain for the Locket Rose gave her.  I even added little golden flowers to hang from the chain around it.  She was so happy she couldn't wait for me to change it, in fact she hit me over the head with the box that same day to remind to fix it.  She's my little angel, I couldn't say no.  Rose brought her a magic flower pot, which I thought was both sweet and cliche since Rose always brings her flowers.  Rose said that any flower planted in it would never die, and grow big and strong.  Rose even brought some Rose Bulbs to plant in it...  Tyra hasn't left it alone since Rose taught her how to take care of them.

Drakie is now one...  but I hardly remember his first year...  I was barely home much...  Val was even shocked I got home in late Jular to be home for their birthdays.  I bought him home some nice furrs from up north to line his crib with But...   Val had gotten a nice wool blanket from Elohanna and Amireana bought him a little suit for him to crawl in, so he didn't really need them...  

I felt like I hadn't been a good father but Voran took me to the side and gave me a talking to about doing "the Man thing" and providing for a family.  I felt a little better after that and spent the next week cuddled up with Drakie and Tyra to catch up.  Drakie still seems to still feel awkward when he's with me, but when he smiles at me I feel so much better.  I love him so much.  I love both my kids so much...  If something happen to them.......

We are moving to Haven as soon as the hosue is ready...  I'm kinda scared about moving there....   Especially since...

Me and Val spent a night there after moving in some furnishings.  It was alright, but she got up to relieve herself and I woke up screaming...  She knew what it was...  She said I looked like a ghost, pale, sweating, panting...  She rubbed my back and we went back to sleep, but I knew that moment living there wouldn't be easy...

It still haunts me...  Even when I'm far away in Stone, ot in Prantz visiting my God Parents, or just in Val's arms in Fort Llast....  That shadow...  that blood...  still drips into even my most wonderful dreams.  Am I ever going yo escape it...

One day...  I'm gonna gather those willing and put an end to those Gnolls in those caves...  I'll make them pay for my suffering and all the other suffering they have caused....  I WILL!  they will die at my hands....  ALL of them.....  ALL OF THEM!!!!

He gets up and leaves the rest unfinished, running outside to vent his rage and sorrow.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff sits outside his home in Haven, keeping an eye on Tyra and Drakie as they fed the chickens.  It was one of few days he got to just sit at home with his family like this, but today Val was at market, getting things for dinner and the house, and Voran once again disappeared with his lady friend, so Shiff was left alone with his kids.  He didn't mind, in fact he was elated to have them both to himself.  A few hours later, after Tyra showed Drakie how to make Shiff worry to death by hiding in the wheat field, and after Drakie, with a bunch of corn meal in his pockets, got chased by the chickens, Shiff ushered them home and put Drakie down for a nap.  Tyra came to help, holding her's and Drakie's Teddy Bears and giving them to her little brother.  Drakie however seemed to want Tyra, cause he hugged her instead, and she hugged him back giggling.  "Drakie!  I can't take a nap with you!  Hehe we can play later."  Shiff smiled.  He was so happy his kids got along.

He went over to their couch to sit with Tyra.  He was suddenly tired, and wanted a nap himself, but Tyra wasn't going to let him get off that easily.  "Daddy, are you okay?"  Tyra had always seemed very perceptive.  It made him smile just thinking about the time Tyra, at age two, instantly warmed up to Tegan when she was pregnant, even cuddling with Tegan Baby-belly.  "I'm fine sweety..." he said as he picked her up and sat her in his lap, hugging her.  She smiled and turn around to kiss his cheek.

[INDENT] It was when her two brilliant violet eyes met his he felt a pain in his chest, thinking about two conversations he's had with two of his friends, Rose and Quill.  One a Toranite, one a Berylite, both his friends.  

His heart sank as he faked a smile to Tyra.  How long had he thanked Beryl for the gift of his daughter, for the gift of Valmara's Love.  Was it not one of her gems that won Valmara's heart and gave color to Tyra's eyes?  And yet had he ever truly followed in the ways of the Deep Mother.  He thought kindly of her, of course, and prayed to her most of all for the gifts she gave him, but he could never agree with her methods 100%.  Shiff was raised a Toranite, fought like a Toranite, and even if he hated the God, he respected his ways.  But it was not that which bothered him, it was the trouble it caused Rose.

Rose, most likely Shiff's best friend.  He loved her like a sister, and was happy knowing she adored him as a brother, but Shiff's faith in Beryl caused her pain.  As a Toranite, Rose was near forbidden to aid Shiff with Toran's blessings, despite how un-Berylite-like Shiff was and despite how close Rose and Shiff were.  Rose hated not being able to aid her brother, and it wasn't until recently Shiff realized what bothered her.

Shiff had to make a choice, either the Gods or his family and friends.  But what was Shiff to do.  Abandon Beryl?  Beg a God he had cursed, taunted, and ridiculed for years for forgiveness?  Did he even really believe in the Power of the Gods, or did he believe more in the power of the person itself.  He had to talk to Valmara about it.
[/INDENT]He smiled and kissed Tyra back.  "I love you."  Tyra smiled brightly and snuggled into her fathers arms.  "I Love you too, Daddy..."

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

To say that Shiff was just angry, sad, and worried when Omer told him Valmara had been attacked and infected by a were-beast, would be like saying the sun is only a dim light in the sky.  He had been staying home for a while, making up for time away to his family, and thought the -one- time he let Valmara go off somewhere without him that she'd be fine.  Tyra and Drakus hid as their father yelled and made a mess of the living room in his rage of emotions, and Omer was about two inches from having a serving knife impaled in his side when Omer interrupted Shiff.  He didn't blame Omer for anything, of course, not even Valmara, but he felt responsible himself even if he had no way of preventing it.

Omer took Shiff to the place of "young" Elf maiden's named Randi.  Shiff had met her at least once before, and despite not having gotten along with her, he was nice as could be.  The woman was taking care of his now dangerous wife and he couldn't thank her enough.  Val on the other hand he wasn't to kind to, which wasn't wise.  Val nearly killed him when he started blaming her for not being more careful, which he only did out of love, but he picked a bad time to be Mr. Protector.  He left that night scared, not of Val but for her.  He loved her, and did not want anything bad to happen to her.

He would come back over the next few days to see her when he could, though he did not know what to do to help his wife, yet...

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Ever since Shiff returned home with Valmara from Huangjin, thats more or less where he has stayed.  Having nearly lost his wife to the disease-like curse of lycantrope, he was not about to run off on some adventure again, and was quite happy not to.  He had always been out and about, missing much of his children's childhood, and regretted not being a better father for them, but they forgave him quickly.

He did not count the days at all, thoughts of adventure farthest from his mind.  Instead he spent time with his children, wrestling or having mock sword fights with Drakus, or helping Tyra with her school work.  Sometimes, when Tyra is free, he helps her with her bow, trying to help her with her aim and stance, even though it is not what he'd want to teach her.  Despite that he does spare with her on the rare occasion she does pick up the sword her Grandfather made for her, happy to know that she'll at least know how to use a sword properly.

He still works on his craft, though not as eagerly as he once did.  With his faith in Beryl fluctuating as it was recently, he tends to make simple, mundane jewelry for the citizens of Haven, making the coin he uses to provide for his family despite the wealth he acquired as an adventurer.

The rest of his time is spent with his wife, on strolls through the woods, or horse back rides along the shore, whatever gives them time together.  

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

...  However as Valmara's wounds healed, and her strength returned, Shiff found the call to adventure once again nagging at him.  Though his heart had settled down in the home in Haven, Shiff was still too much of a free spirit to remain there indefinately.  So one night, he kissed Val's cheek, and those of his son and daughter, and packed his backpack with his gear and went back out, getting ready to once again spend more time abroad then at home.

He'd been to the last Council Meeting, he knew things were going on in the world that weren't good, but he had already stuck his nose to far into some evil madman's business to want to do it again.  Hiding his family was not something he'd endure again.

One night though, things were different.  He didn't bother going looking for it, but since the Council was planning to act, he knew he had to help.  Something about Vampires, Ashes, Threats, and Demons.  All things Shiff had been hoping to avoid since last time.  But he got involved.

During it though, many things happen.  Elohanna was murdered by the Vampires, Shiff saw Krys snap for the first time, and Emwonk came back into Shiff's life.

The Vampire now though is dead.  Elohanna is recovering.  Emwonk actually talks to Shiff.  What's next for the Warrior...

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff had just got home moments before Tyra came in the house all dirty.

"What were you doing that got you all dirty?  You said you were just going for a walk!"

Valmara calmed him down though, and took Tyra up for a bath.  He sighed and put his things away, happy for a little while to not have to stress.  As much as he loved his Daughter, ever since she started being friends with Trouble, Tegan and Sallaron's son, he's been stressed out every time she's come home with a bruise, scrap, bump, or even just dirty.

After putting his things away he sat down on the couch, where his son was playing with some of his toys.  "Hey Daddy...  Look what Trouble gave me!"  He bit his lip and sighed as he noticed Drakus holding out a small bow and a set of tipless wooden arrows.  Drakus was very excited as he showed his Dad how he could shoot the arrow a few feet before he ran after the arrow and brought it back.  Shiff smiled.  For whatever reason he wasn't worried about his son's safety like he was Tyra's, mainly because it was his son, and much like himself at that age Drakus was a tough little guy.  But Shiff also knew that Tyra would beat up Trouble if he hurt Drakus.

With a grin Shiff pulled his little son into his lap and ruffled his hair.  "Ohh!  Daddy!  I'm gonna get you!"  Drakus mumbled.  He hated it when Tyra ruffled his hair and the two started wrestling, much to the amusement of them both.

After a while they stopped, Drakus laying on his Dad's chest worn out as Shiff held him with an arm.  "Yer tough Daddy, but I'll get you one day," he said with a loving smile.  "I hope so Drakie, but yer not big enough yet."

Hours later, after Shiff helped his kids to bed and read them a story, he sat with Valmara for a while, chatting about things and cuddling.  After a while Valmara got ready for bed, and Shiff went to his desk.  He sighed in frustation at first, seeing a bit of a mess of ink on some of his papers, but he then smiled, because it meant Tyra was writing in her journal that he gave her.

Getting some hot water he cleaned up his desk as best he could and sat down to write in his own.
[INDENT]Decilar 20, 1427

Some strange things have happen lately.  Well, not that strange.
I was sitting in Port Hempstead, chatting with an elf, and this
really annoying couple, when this little girl yells out, "I'm gonna
be an adventurer and go kill kobolds and get rich!" or something
to that effect...  My heart nearly stopped.  I dropped what I
was doing and ran after the girl and caught up to her outside the
gates.

Seems the girl, who's name I found out was Mary, is from a poor
family of just her and her mother.  She wanted to be an adventurer
and become rich because thats what she had heard you could do
as an adventurer.  She seemed so determined too...  I'm afraid to
think of what could have happen if I wasn't there, and that couple
didn't help by trying to encourage the little girl.  Thankfully her
mother came by and brought her home.

Thats when I saw a chance to try making a difference.  The first
thing that ran through my mind was "teach her how to fight" but....
I couldn't.  And I knew I shouldn't.  But then it hit me...  Jewelry!
She was young enough, only seven, and she seemed like she had a
lot of energy.  So I offered.  I told her mother Laura, that I
wanted to offer Mary an apprenticeship to learn how to make gems.
Mary seemed excited, but her mother was nervous for obvious
reasons.  She didn't really know who I was and has no reason to
trust me.

Well, has a reason to trust me now...
I was fishing by the Pond outside Port Hempstead when Laura kinda
crept up on me.  It was nice to see her and she asked me if I was
still offering to teach little Mary to be a jeweler.  I said yes and
we went back to the Scamp's Mug.

That's when I saw something I wasn't going to let stand.  Roderick,
the Innkeep at the Scamp's, was...  Making Laura "serve" some guy
more then just a drink...  I couldn't do much, but I had a plan.  I took
Roderick into the other room after some deceiving and knocked him
around, telling him not to screw with Laura anymore, before I got the
guy off her.  He listened, and for his sake he better not try anything
with Laura ever again.

I told Laura I'd be back in a week or so to check on her and Mary
and talk about Mary's apprenticeship.  I hope when I go back,
everything is alright.

[/INDENT]

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff came into his house, a seven year old laying nearly lifeless in his arms.  Shiff didn't even look at anyone as he walked through the house into the children's room.  Without words he layed the young girl on the bed, went off to find one of Tyra's little night gowns, and without thought changed the little girl into it and tucked her into the covers.  She instantly curled into a ball and shivered, and Shiff sighed.  It wasn't the cold, it was the drugs and alcohol in her system.  The young girl was Mary Sampson, the girl Shiff was to teach to make jewelry, but the circumstances that brought her to Shiff's house were not what the should have been...[INDENT]Bloody Hells!

If Roderick did anything to them... I  swear I'll wear his guts for garters...

I went to check up on Laura and Mary only to find them both gone.  Salles and Roderick both said Laura had been killed, and Mary sold to some good looking gentleman.  I feared the worst when he said she was taken to Katherian...  When I got there though I went straight to the slavers.  I had a gut feeling thats where they brought her...  But I couldn't find anything out...  I stormed off cursing until I saw the Xeen Temple, and my heart sank.  If she was in there I was afraid of what might be happening to her.  That was not a place for a child, but sadly thats where she was.  After some convincing...  Talking...  I got one of the priestess to bring over a young girl they said they had just started training.  It was Mary.  I had to get her out of there, so I just picked her up and carried her out.  I think the priestess' where just stunned, they didn't try to stop me.

Right now I'm trying to get Mary to rest.  She seems to be all messed up...  the Xeenites prolly gave her their drugs and wine...  I just hope she's alright...
[/INDENT]

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

A short entry lies written after then two concerning Mary and her mother in a hastly script[INDENT]Seems this Vampire problem won't go away.  I accompanied a mob to
collect a Vampress named Veira from the Silkwood cave the other night,
supposedly in exchange for peace.  So we go there, find Veira tied up
and she starts saying that the one who attacked Elohanna and also
betrayed Veira, Laura, was doing something that would make her extra
powerful.  But then she starts egging Quantum on to kill her, making
some crack about his daughter or something and he destroys her.  Now I
don't know if anyone knows whats going to happen...  It's really
annoying and it is a pain, but I'm hoping this Laura will just leave us all
alone now...  But If not...  

[/INDENT]

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff smiles as he walks through the house, seeing Mary poised over a two books with a quill in her hand.  He peaks over at her so as not to distract her and smiles as she is copying down the history of the Jewelry craft into her notebook word for word.  Continuing through the house he see Tyra and Drakie playing with Mongrel, the Mongoose, and Valmara mending one of Tyra's shirts (for the hundreth time).  She smiles up at Shiff, no words necessary at the moment as Shiff eventually arrives at his desk, into which he collapses.  He looks at the papers there, various notices for taxes and goings on in Haven, until he notices something that wasn't there when he left.  A small box, a scroll case, old and dirty but solid.  He tilts his head, looking it over as if he recognized it, until he reached out and set it in his lap.  Across the room Valmara gave him a smile, which he returned with a curious tilt of his head.  Flipping up the latches that kept it close, he opened it slowly, cautious of anything popping out of it.  It wouldn't be the first time Tyra and Trouble left something for Shiff to open that had a squirrel or a mouse inside to jump out and startle him when he came home.  But instead of a rodent, a scroll rolled off a stack of paper into his lap, and as he looked back up at Valmara as if to ask something he unconsciously unrolled the scroll and looked down to read it.  He instantly smiled up at Valmara, and reclined back in his chair with a content sigh.  It was an old scroll from when he was younger, during the time he had been training with Pyrran to become what he called a Striker.  He grinned rereading the rules of the Striker, and sighed knowing he had still, after all this time, never learned not to rush in.  He then set it aside, grabbing the next scroll.  He opened this one quicker, paying more attention to the scroll then the ruckus Tyra and Drakie were causing in the other room.  He let out a hearty laugh as he read the lines of the old song he wrote for his wife, and though she was now chasing after Tyra and Drakie as they tried to get Mongrel out of the rafters, he looked over to her with a loving smile.  He pulled out other random scrolls, setting them aside, till he found an unrolled scroll at the very bottom, face down and in poor condition.  Just from looking at it he could tell it was stained with a violet color in spots, as well as being crumbled and bent in places.  Reaching inside Shiff pulled out the last later and turned it over, and the look on his face went from one happiness to one of sadness.  Leaning back in his chair, he rereads the sad letter that he wrote after he returned from Prantz, having barely saved his God Parents at the cost of his friends' blood.  A tear rolled down his cheeks then, and he sighed.  He glances over to his old iron sword, hanging on the wall waiting for him, remembering how he once swore he'd never wield it again.  He then suddenly took a depth breath and sat up straight.  His eyes turned back to the words and look of determination came to his face.  At that moment he resolved he would never again show that kind of weakness, never again think that he could not achieve what he set out to do, and never again give in to failures, only stand up tall and face them knowing he would not do so again.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff comes in from the night, helping a weary woman inside.  They walked slowly down the hall, his arm around her as he held her up.  The woman was Laura, no not the Vampire that had been harassing his friends, but the mother of Mary, the young girl who he had rescued from her own helpfulness and the Xeenite Temple.  He had been carrying for her for a while now, but now it was time to reunite the family.

//TBC

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff came into the house bloodied and battered, but standing tall.  His sword still stained with the gnolls blood, he leaned it against the statue by the door, and sat down, armor and all.  He looked as if he'd seen a ghost, and to him he did, many of them, fur covered and sword bearing, all out to kill him and those he travelled with.

He's not sure why he did it, but he was once again drawn into going into Haven's mines.  Coming across a group of young adventurers wishing to decend into their depths, he was compelled to go with them, and keep them safe.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff came home one day, looking a bit annoyed and bewildered.  He had just spent a day running through a cave, filled with Bandits, getting killed, just to retrieve a ring for a Ilsarian Cleric...  But that wasn't the end of it...  He had also found some piece of an ancient poem, something the Ilsarian Priestess was researching, if you can believe that.  But having promised to help, he sat in his chair, deep in thought, trying to think of how ridiculous  the next task would be, all for a piece of paper.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Shiff comes home one day, looking inspired.  Its an odd sort of inspiration, not in the artistic way, but a way in which he seems to think he has an idea.  For over seventeen years Shiff has been a warrior, a Striker, and for all that time he has learned and grown better as a warrior, better understanding his place on the field of battle and the various ways one can achieve victory over an opponent.  He has seen the various ways the Weave can be used in battle, the many ways it can be used to set traps and scatter hordes.  He has watched as Dwarven Heroes stood firm in the face of danger, and the way they seemed as if they were themselves walls beyond which no foe would pass.  He has watched the trickery and dexterity of Master Fencers and cunning Rogues as they danced and spun around their enemies, cutting them to ribbons with precise strikes.  He has watched the barbaric rage of simple minded brutes, charging into the fray as they bellows brought only fear to those unfortunate enough to get in their way.  He has seen great servants of the Gods; Paladins, Knights, Priests and Priestess, bring forth wonderous powers and blessing of their Gods, holding back the darkness and saving those who succumb to it with the power of their faith.  And he has seen those who know nothing of battle, only the will and tenacity to fight and win for the single purpose of survival, live and die over nothing more then apples and coins.  The only thing he has not yet seen is true war, and the horrors it brings.

He sits at his desk, and from withing takes out not his journal but a blank sheet of parchment and writes across the top...

~ ~ The Art of War ~ ~
~ A Strikers Guide to Battlefield Tactics ~

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

It was an interesting request. Shiff had never actuall been hired before. He more often then not just waltz into a job needing doing. And the last time he was hired was not exactly what one would expect from a person who used to call himself a mercenary. Selling Ships from under the nose of their captains wasn't exactly the selling point of his reputation. But none the less, Shiff had received a letter from the Steward of House Vaelen of Brelin request his services in protecting some "very precious items" in route to Spellguard from Port Hempstead.
 
 And as usual, Shiff started trouble. From the beginning Shiff was curious what exactly was being transported, and the Steward Selena did not help her situation by avoiding Shiff's questions every time he asked what was in the crates. Nor was the fact she seemed to think she could just order Shiff killed if he decided to look on his own. But despite being rather angry with her, and entertain thoughts of just leaving her in the desert, Shiff did what he was asked to do... Only question now is what happens now that the items are delivered, and if it will be good or bad...

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

If there was a word that could better describe what Shiff had recently gone through then ridiculous, this narrator does not know it...

After arriving at Spellguard with Steward Selena's mystery cargo, Shiff was angry, to say the least.  Threatened with death if he had tried to open one of the chests, and generally angry at the seemingly deceitfulnesses of Selena, Shiff decided to just find an inn and get some sleep, but upon waking he thought to search for where the cargo might have gone.  It was night when he started looking, and with Valmara and his friend Starr in tow, he wandered through the richer part of town for a while, before preparing to leave the city, but was stopped by a local guard.  A little annoyed to begin with, Shiff was not what you might call courteous to the guard.  Starr however, tried a different approach.  Being the crafty gnome that he was, he got the guard to tell him that wherever the cargo ended up, there was little chance of anyone getting near it.  With that, they left, but that was only the beginning...

A few miles down the road from Spellguard towards Haven, Shiff and his friends came across three shady looking men, all armed, standing over the body of a young girl.  Shiff just stopped.  He knew he had to do something, but Shiff being the ox that he is was not quite quiet enough, and as soon as they spotted Shiff, and it started.  Shiff drew his sword, Val her's, Starr his mace and the fight began.  When it ended, two of the men were dead, one clinging to life, and the girl was supposedly dead.  But then everything turned upside down.

Suddenly Selena shows up, screaming "What have you done!"  Apparently the "thugs" where "agents" of hers, who had supposedly captured and attempted to kill a "witch" supposedly disguised as the little girl.  Well only seconds later did Shiff find out Selena was right, as the girls body vanished and a "witch" appeared on a cliff over looking the scene.  The witch "thanked" Shiff and his friends mockingly and would have killed Selena if Shiff and his friends were not there.  With the witch vanishing in a ball of fire, Shiff and friends were left with trying to save Selena, and the one "thug" still clinging to life.....  //not done

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

The Nine Alleys
Techniques for Attack and Defense

While most versed in the art of combat may find this chapter reflective of something they already know, understanding the use of the Nine Alleys is of great importance to a warrior.  The Nine Alleys are in essence all of the "possible" means by which a warrior can strike an opponent, and while they might seem elementary, they are worth learning.

To begin, I suggest one stands in their usual training and practice area, using your weapon of choice.  For those who prefer to handed weapons, such as glaives, axes, great swords, or mauls, please note that these basic instructions are given assuming the practitioner is using a single handed weapon.  Be sure to adapt the style of each movement to the natural way in which you wield your weapon.  

Note the instructions refer to the "blade" when instructing how to make each motion.  Please substitute this with "head."  (for axes; hammers; mauls; etc) or "end" (for staves; pole arms; spears) depending on your weapon of choice.  Also, all instructions are written with the assumption one is right handed, however all Alleys are the same for left handed styles.  Those using two weapons do the same general movement with each weapon.

[LIST=1]

• The First Alley
[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

• The Motion : raise the blade of your weapon over your right shoulder, and swing down across from you to the left side of your waist.
  
  
• Application : Attacking shoulders, the neck, slashes across the chest and body.  Good for smashing shields when using heavier weapons, and also for attempts at disarming.  Try to use this in conjunction with Alley Three or Six for a good One-Two attack against shieldless opponents.  Also good as a block, if striking an enemies weapon.  Be sure not to miss, though, or you will open yourself on your side.
  

• The Second Alley
[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

• The Motion : the opposite of Alley One.  Start the blade off your left hip, and slash upwards towards your right shoulder.
  
• Application : Preferably used as a block or a recovery attack, but this is largely dependent on the weapon.  If you attack or miss with Alley Five or Alley One, use this to deter your opponent from advancing on you as you recover.  If your weapon is a double headed weapon, this Alley can follow Alley One, especially affective if you use Alley One as a Feint.
  

• Alley Three
  • The Motion : raise the blade of your weapon over your left shoulder, and swing down across from you to the right side of your waist.
    
    
  • Application : Attacking shoulders, the neck, slashes across the chest and body. Good for smashing shields when using heavier weapons, and also for attempts at disarming. Try to use this in conjunction with Alley One or Five for a good One-Two attack against shieldless enemies. Also good as a block, if striking an opponent's weapon. Be sure not to miss, though, or you will open yourself on your side.  If your enemy wields his weapon on his right (on your left) you can also attack his weapon arm, disabling him for capture or a easier kill.
    
• Alley Four
  • The Motion : the opposite of Alley Two.  Start the blade off your right hip, and slash upwards towards your left shoulder.
    
  • Application : Preferably used as a block or a recovery attack, but this is largely dependent on the weapon.  If you attack or miss with Alley Six or Alley Two, use this to deter your opponent from advancing on you as you recover.  If your weapon is a double headed weapon, this Alley can follow Alley One, especially affective if you use Alley One as a Feint.  If your opponent wields his weapon on his right (on your left) you can also attack his weapon arm, disabling him for capture or a easier kill.  Strike upwards towards the hand hold of the weapon, and you might even be able to cause your opponent to drop his weapon.
    
• Alley Five
  • The Motion :
• Alley Six
  • The Motion :
• Alley Seven
  • The Motion :
• Alley Eight
  • The Motion :
• Alley Nine
  • The Motion :

//Unfinished