A Fellow's Journal

[Lord Dark]

*written in an unsteady hand and most words are spelt incorrectly*
 
 I've met several people for once since I have came out of my shell and they have became friends. I owe many thanks to Brandy, Magnus, Vanther, Beli, Buddy, Castor, Verideth, Sun, Caerwyn, Brun, Shiff and Riven. I can't think of everyone at the moment because there are so many. They have helped me endlessly and my shelfishness is decreasing everyday. I hate to see the end of a good days work with any of these people but looking forward to the next time we meet. I've decided to stick around instead of moving on like I did in my childhood.
 
 I am able to sneak around many creatures including lizardmen of the Black Dog Moors to get to the skull caps, kobolds at the camps near the cotton close by Hempstead and treants around Lake Palden for aloe. My skill in ridding furs of hair and fat has improved and I have started working with wolf and about ready to start with couger. I'm making an unsteady income of coin since I gather skull caps, wheat, and milk. I'm currently working on armor patterns for Shiff at 50 coins for one. Since I have all this money, I have lost a little of my touch for pickpocketing the local merchant and have resulted to the luxeries of knowing that the money I have is hard earned.
 

-Fellow

 
 *sitting in an ally way with a candle to write from on a rainy night scribbling quickly and most is spelt incorrectly*
 
 I was sneaking by the kobolds near Hempstead when one spotted me. It was a nasty bugger and it followed me to the entrance. I did manage to finish it off. I looked up and there was two men standing there. One was sort of shady and the other was holding an axe that was as big as I am. I do not remember it exactly but I remember a compliment. He offered to help me get the kobold leader's stick even though I did not need it. We went on ahead and I snook up to the shaman there and killed it with one blow. I have discovered many weaknesses in many creatures to strike at and do the cleaness damage. The man with the axe disappeared in blue light and the man blew on this wierd horn. The same man appeared, it must be the horn. We continued on and he gave me another compliment. We finished clearing out the rest of the camp and he let me keep the coin and the stick.
 
 We walked out and he asked what my profession was. I told him I like to mess with furs and was looking for cotton but it was all currently picked. He offered to show me another place outside Port Vhel. We ran into two people. One was a halfling lady like myself and was rather attractive and a man that looked alot like Verideth. She held out her hand to me, not knowing what to do I gave it a light slap that my family and I used to do when I was younger. She took offense by it. She told me to watch and she walked up to Ben (that is the man with the wierd horn) and she held up her hand and said a couple things. She then walked over to me and said that was what I should have done. I am no lady's man, I asked her to forgive me and let me have another chance in hope I can redeem myself. She held up her hand and the only thing I could think of was to kiss it. That was what I did and now I have new wisdom. Women are strange and should be dealt with carefully. I was rather uneasy around her not knowing what to do. I looked over myself making sure I was clean and proper not wanting to insult her more. I even tried to talk proper...not a thing I wish to do agian.
 
 We continued into Hempstead with Ben and Samantha or Sam (the woman who I was trying to be proper around) . Ben had to run to the banker and he left Sam and I alone...there was an uneasy silence. She asked a couple things and I replied properly. She asked why I was following Ben around and I said he was to show me where the cotton is. She said she knew where it is too and asked why I did not ask her to help me instead of Ben. I didn't mean any insult, the thought just never occured to me. So her and I went ahead and I apologized for the slap to her hand. I explained why I did it and she seemed to accept it. We continued and Ben caught up with us. Sam is a bit...stuck-up? she expected many things. I decided she was not for me. We keep on going and we met with a ranger that liked to carry a torch...a good way to give our position away to the mercenaries. He was a good fellow he turned out to be. Sam held out her hand to him and he didn't respond. I was waiting for another helping of the rough side of her tounge but she just shook her head. Ben left thinking we were alright since we have Castor (the man with the torch) and we continued. We arrived to the cotton near Vhel. Sam said she needed to rest and so we let her and I took my chance to sneak around to Castor and warned him of the way Sam is. She was rested and we went on. We cleared the mercenaries and I recieved the most damage on my left arm where I raised it to defend myself from a blow of a mace. It didn't break but the skin did. Sam did not offer any help so I took it upon my self and I did it alone with my right arm. The couger spotted us and Sam casted some magic I never seen. I love magic but the way she did it, I didn't care for it. I picked the cotton and Castor left, needing to take care of a task. I snuck up to the side of an unexpecting mercenary and I stabbed him in the back like any coward would. It killed him fast and Sam complimented me. I acted if I appreciated but I felt sick to my stomach. I do not enjoy killing anyone, but I had to or else it would have spotted Sam. We walked to the last camp and snuck on up to the elf ladies. Nice they were but still dangerous. Sam hissed at me like I was a fool to get back before they spotted me. Me? Spotted? Never. I walked up to her anyways and I asked what to do. Wait, she replied and she casted a fireball. Then before I can move she casted phantasmal killer that killed me not 2 days earlier when I was with Verideth and Vanther. It shook me a bit but Sam seemed pleased. Too pleased. I had my skins and cotton and and we left to the inn. We were almost there and she was walking close next to me. She called me "bold". Is that good? Or bad? I have no idea. I went into the inn and offered to buy her a drink. She wanted "Xeenite wine", of course, another worshipper. The ydidn't have it so I bought her a Hammer Bock, and i asked for juice and she semmed taken aback. I didn't want to drink and she didn't understand. She kept trying to persuade and I made excuses. She was at the point of to much and she tried to hug me or something. I stepped away and she slipped. She tried to grab my ankle but of course, I was to quick. I do not remember what she said because adreneline was pumping or something and I insulted her once more. She seemed to sober up quick and she stood up in front of me with anger across her face. She asked why I need help just getting cotton. She said I probably couldn't even fend for myself. I was thoroughly irritated and I asked what she wanted..."Fun and merriment" she replyed. She asked what I considered fun and I said my craft. I apologized once more for the insults and she said that maybe we could see each other agian. I said that maybe it will go better next time. I left and headed for Hempstead completely confused....
 
 I am no lady's man.
 
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*In a corner of the Scamp's Mug with the remaining stub of the candle he used the other night*
 
 I have helped that little girl in Krandor with the help of Beli. Retrieved Storan's ring.
 
 I recieved a bird from Beli asking help to get through the locked door in Storan's Crypt. I am a natural lock smith and I met up with Beli and we went into the crypts. There were many undead beings and the bodaks had gazes that I've had nightmares of. Beli did a fine job with clearing the mass of undead and we went to the locked door. I examined the lock and it had not changed. We went through and gathered the teeth and I asked if we could possibly retrieve the ring. We entered the room and Beli quickly handed me a Toran's dust. I knew what it did and a Bodak ran up to me with it's gaze. I managed to to use the dust in the nick of time. I was saved and we retrieved the ring. I still to not believe in divine beings, it was a stroke of luck that I used it in time. I commented on how my arrows did not affect them, and he asked me what bow I used. I replied that I had a hickory and he said he could sell me one of oak. We went back to Hempstead and I bought an oak bow from the Orc Basher's Guild. I also bought a "Gloves of Mischeif" and he lended me an extra pair of gloves that his brother, Buddy, recommended I can use to help on future tournament we're entering... Off the subject, recent update on the group, we need two people, one just entered. I'm sure we'll gather the remaining two poeple who wish to help us. I asked if Beli trusted me enough to lend me the fine pair of gloves. He said he's only lending them to me because Buddy will be there. That stung a bit. I haven't stolen anything in a good long while and he said trust is to be earned. That's a new goal.
 
 After we left the guild store, we made plans before that to head to Krandor's Crypts to get that little lass grandfather's ashes. We entered and evenything went smooth. Then we entered the bottom floor and it was pit black. Our eyes adjusted and there were traps everywhere with these twisted corpses. They swarmed Beli and he punched them in the gut, arms, face, everywhere. I was able to sneak past them to get to their other side and shoot them with my bow. I am able to damage them this time. After these were laid to their final rest, we continued in to more bodies. He found a rapier on one and he was kind enough to give it to me since he can't use it. Neither can I, but I promised myself that I'll try to sell it and use the money to buy more things from the Orc Bashers. We went into the last room and there was this lone dead thing in the center of the room. The floor was sunk in a bit and I didn't see the skeletons on the top level until Beli floored them. I found the ashes on the thing in the middle of the room and we managed to exit the crypts. I was never so glad to see light since it usually gives away your position, but after being in the dark for a couple hours, it was a relief.
 

-Fellow

 
 *The next day on a bench in the middle of Port Hempstead*
 
 My sneaking abilities are continue to improve. I am only spotted everyonce in a while. I am still looking for a way where I can hide from my enemies even when they have already spotted me. I'm am still looking but may be a while, I still need practice with the basics.
 
 My skill in furs are still at about the same level from where I left off last time. I still am collecting furs and silk. My total sets of leather armors reachied a total of three wolf armors. I doubt anyone will buy but I am still willing to try. My skill in poison making has improved. One of my boxes is almost half full with the little vials of green liquid. I managed to make one of the giant spider and several of the small spiders and ettercaps. I still have many items to sell including a box of aloe, silk, two of elderberries and about 20 armor patterns for Shiff. I still haven't seen Steel to sell him the skull caps. My income of coin has slowed and diminishing quickly on account of buying oils and acids for my furs. I think everything is going well lately.
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Once agian in a corner in the Scamp's Mug with a Hammer Bock taking sips at random intervals and a half eaten loaf of bread and bowl of soup also half gone*
 
 My new mates: Steel, Bayard, Ben. People to watch out for: Lairi and Sam.
 
 My skills in tailoring has gone to a new level this soon in my life. I have made my first couger bag after three tries. I sold about 21 armor patterns to Shiff for 1100 coins and 19 skullcaps and 6 honeys to Steel for about the same amount. I think I am a wealthy halfling and am happy. I do not result to stealing (but somtimes...small items, nothing of value) things that I need to survive off of. My hiding in daylight is constantly improving, not able to get past the griffon that guards corn. Still searching for a technique to hide while being watched.
 
 Today, at about noon I guess it had been. I met Steel in the Scamp's Mug and sold him the caps and honey. I then went to Shiff and sold him the patterns. Before the trade with Shiff, Bayard came up and asked shiff if he has seen the "posters". I was scared, I stole a loaf of bread the other day and did not know if the baker went to the extremes to stop me. But it turned out that Bayard, Castors father or uncle I think, said he saw a dragon! I didn't completely believe him. I told him so but he kept with it. I am currently watching out for a copper dragon.
 
 After that little discussion...I think Steel camp up first, not sure, because I have a hard time counting to 1100... But someone was wanting platinum so he was gathering a group or something to go into the BattleHelm swamps next to Vhel. So Brun, Ben, Shiff, Bayard, Steel and I went down into the Swamps. Then we met Lairi...he's a butt to the heart it seems. But we needed the help. We continued and Lairi called for this rat thing. It ran ahead to a group of trolls and got killed quickly...then they headed to us. Steel stated it as "bunch of " *smiles as he writes about this* and I do have to agree. We went into the little cave area and the trolls swarmed us, Lairi, Bayard and I had trouble and a couple of us dropped quickly but either Ben, Shiff, Brun or Steel gave us enough potion to get us back to our feet. We continued and we went through this several times. Some of us dropping but being revivied a couple seconds later. We arrived to the platinum on the lower floors and Shiff, Ben and Steel slammed their picks into the rock. They carried most of it. They said something of a "hole" where a dragon used to live. That was some type of spark that sent Lairi into a mood to start insulting Brun. I don't care for him a bit. I'll have to watch for him and his two-sided sword. We entered the pit where the hole in the cieling led to. There was a flag and I went up to it to remember it...I don't remember what it said now. Once agian we went through the swarms of troll, two which ambushed Steel, the guy had it pretty bad...and the shamans kept casting this huge pillars of white light and dazing several of us. We learned to just run around the regular trolls and mob the shaman before anything else. Steel was spilling blood everywhere and I gave him my light blue potion. I was keeping it for an emergency but I thought he was well worth the loss. We headed out and we met Marec who was stranded in the swamp and we helped him out. He owes Steel a favor.... Anyway, we split the loot and everyone got a share of about 302 coins each though Steel turned his down. Now here I am bored and writing in this book...
 
 One thing that set me thinking was that Ben and Steel bashed on Shiff alot, I asked Shiff why that was and he said to not worry about it. Earlier before Steel came and headed out to the platinum, I think it was a half-orc, came up and started walking torward Shiff. His eyes never left Shiff and he had hatred all over his face..or what I could see of it under his hood. His arms were bare and the were the size of logs or my midsection if not bigger. I forgot to warn Shiff. I like Shiff fine, he seems alright.
 
 *looks up from this book and glances at the stranger walking in and heading to the counter and quickly writes a couple more things down*
 
 The group I'm in for that tournament is still incomplete, I will not write any names down.
 
 Note to myself in the future: this was written vividly because all the turning and and twisting passageways in the cave made it all...confusing, and adrenaline was pumping, hard to remember most of it. I'd do it agian for the most part.
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*written in the craft hall while waiting for a skin to cure*
 
 New mates: Iradril, Ell, Lance
 
 My tailoring has been getting better. I have made more couger bags and a few panther capes and armor. This has been consuming most of my time and I have been staying out of trouble for the most part.
 
 I am working day and night, hiding from creatures still working on my goal in previous writings. I am now able to sneak pass the trolls in the platinum cave in the Battlehelm moors. I went up there with Ell (cleric of Aragen), Lance (another Toranite *chuckles*), Iradril (...I forgot what he was but I know he casted arcane magics in armor), Castor and Bayard. Verideth and Sun were supposed to come but had other things to take care of.
 
 I volunteered as scout, bait and clean up since I knew I'd take that position up without volunteering. It may be lowly jobs but it's what I can do to help the group, I am glad to know people can trust me on the coin area of the cleanup. But scouting is more of a...highly needed jobs and I take up the title that day with pride. Only few minor things happened while we were down there, first was getting started... it was tough. People shooting there arrows ahead and drawing the trolls to come down on us like a hammer. Then there was the people following right up behind me. I had to tell them they can see where I am but not the trolls... That's another thing I'm working on, disappearing from everyone's eyesight not just the bad guys.
 
 Then we were resting and I think it was Bayard who brought up the dragon pit. I told them it was empty but spiders and a beholder. I was still thinking about when I heard something and it made me strike out in a random direction. I didn't realise I had my sword in hand and I ended slicing up Castor. I didn't believe I did that, I was dumbfounded and I used potion after potion to heal him and I went away from the group. I was afraid they make me go on my own back to the surface or they would kill me there. I did not know if I lost all my trust I did my best to earn from them. so many thoughts were running through my head, but they just shrugged it off...I was relieved but more careful in the future. I can be an overly sensitive male at times but I only dare admit this here, I don't think any one would let me live it down. I just never had any of this my whole life and I don't want to let it go. The world isn't suited for soft people. I am working on toughing up this very moment... *Checks to see if he has enough sewing needles and a new sewing kit* I do believe myself a coward at times...but maybe I'm not since I recognize that I am a coward. A coward is someone...*rubs his chin thinking of a definition* is someone who doesn't admit they are one, someone who doesn't admit that they are afraid. I am not a philosiphical man, I just think that common sense. I may have the definition wrong but that is my view. I'm am just a simple man who does not know where he stands with his emotions *laughs and starts to scribble it out but lowers his hand realizing it is the truth*
 
 I have gotten off the subject rambling on with the minor. We did not go all the way to the bottom. We had a formation we would resume when I had spotted anything ahead. That was to form a little pocket so when I hooked a troll (stupid things they are), I'd run around the corner and they would find themselves stuck. They only had a few seconds because Ell, Lance, and Iradril was up on them with the swords and Castor and Bayard with the bows. Of course I would be behind it closing the pocket so that it cannot get out. But this didn't go well at all times. We were ambushed once or twice, they caught us out of our line and most of us dropped but those with great endurance (mostly Iradril, Lance and Ell) threw out potions left and right healing those who dropped. We got out safely but never got to the bottom. That is what I remember from the constant adrenaline that creates a constant thumping in your ears and slows down time but is remembers everything blurred...Like this fur sitting in the acids here. The fur is well detailed when looked at slowly. Someone with really good patience can count every hair and write every detail, but the acid and salt plays as the adrenaline. When added everything works well but in the end it is all left behind and forgotten nothing but a soup of hair and fat. *ponders on if this comparison will work but then thinks it well enough* That is why I cannot write a detailed story about when I go out to do crazy things carrying FIVE platinum ingots *smiles remembering that he carryed so much weight*, that adrenaline is pumping like hormones in teenage days. Everything is then blurred. That is all I have to write about today.
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Written in a rented room in the Scamp's Mug*
 
 New people: Chaynce, Sallozzo, Im'tiau Wolf-Lover even though it was a cat, I know it's a wemic, Aerimor, and a couple halflings who I wish to know more, Tugs, "moster rock jumper", and Polly.
 
 I forgot to write about a fishing trip I went on with Sallozzo. I was standing in the crafting hall in Port Hempstead and a man walked up and started talking with me. I didn't think it unusally and enjoyed the company. He had skins looking for someone to sell to and I just made a few panther cloaks. I bartered for the skins and we made the trade. We went off to do our own thing and I was fishing carp at the little pond out of Hempstead aome time later and there was a woman and Sallozzo, I asked her her name, but it took her some time to answer because she was staring into the stars as if searching for something. I'd like to know more about her but it started raining and I told Sallozzo about this fine fishing area I went to before. We sailed to the area and went to this huge waterfall, there was trout, salmon, catfish, pike and everything. I was thinking it was someone's camping place because of a fire nearby so we lightened our load by cooking on the person's fire. We were soaking wet and we tooked time to dry off and we set out on our way.
 
 We met up by wayfare some time later and he said he was going to clear out the "goat-men" or satyrs. We went and it went badly. Wolves were biting at our heels and the goat men and their roars and singing sent me asleep and made me afraid. The almost shot us down but I overcame the fear and we ran out, no big deal right? Sallozzo requested I take a note and money to someone and retrieve a helmet and try agian. He got his helmet and it casted that tree-skin that everyone has....I haven't gotten it yet since that blasted woman won't take me seriously *scowls in frustration*. Maybe now she will. We went back to the forest and he casted his tree-skin on himself and I and we went in. We were doing good until they roared and that was too much for me. I went running and left Sallozzo behind. He got killed and I was killed shortly after. I realized when I ended up at the bindstone that right before I died, a woman sort of...appeared to me and it seems she took a piece of me away. This is the second time this has happened...Sallozzo saw the same thing. He said this was the seventh time she has appeared to him. He said a few more times and he may not come back...that frightened me. I do not wish to leave forever and never come back. But I must be carefull now on...
 
 *sometime later responding to the last statement*
 I wasn't carefull. I recently got done talkign with Steel about not getting the skull caps he wants, I went down to the swamps and I was doing good at sneaking past all the lizardmen.
 
 Off the subject, I talked with Sun before going to the swamps. I told her what I was going to do and that I am searching for someone to teach me about hiding. My goal is yet unreached. I have been taking the time before I go anywhere, to study the enviroment. I have became interested in the shadows even though they are simple themselves, but what they can do. I have seen somoene use them to their advantage, yet not as casually as a common thief that I once was. My attention is drawn to them at random times when hiding and I try to use them to my advantage as well but I do not..."flow" with them like I've seen once before. Sun pointed out two people who may be able to teach me but I am hesitant about asking. She said Alatriel and Brian. I have never spoken to either one of them but I am eager too none the less.
 
 Back onto the subject. I was walking past a huge lizard man with a crossbow as big as myself. I thought he spotted me and I struck out but I never did much to him. He aimed a few bolts and they peirced every time. That was the second time I fell in one day. The woman didn't come.
 
 Another time I wasn't careful, I was with Lance, Chaynce (who helped me get to my rock in the swamps...he casted magic in armor as well), Polly, Tugs, Aerimor, Marec, and a few other people. We were helping Marec getting that little lass's grandfather's ashes once agian. We were in the ceremonial chambers and the dead archer's in the back shot me down. I dropped quickly, and no one got to me in time. I fell and gratefully, the woman did not come to me. In total, I fell three times in a couple days. I was embarassed, ashamed and glad I died because my head was in the clouds, I thought to highly of myself. I thought I was invincible but those deaths reminded me that I am mortal and I need to watch myself. We exited the crypts and we were splitting the money and I walked up to Chaynce and started to speak with him about something only Lance, Chaynce and I would know about. Aerimor had to say he heard what I was saying. I turned to him and said that he didn't hear anything because I didn't say anything. He replied that I shouldn't start an attitude with him. We argued and everyone stayed back and I didn't mean to start anything. I don't enjoy conflict with anyone. I took the time to take a breather and sayed we would have to try agian after we've calmed down. I have figured he is a twin of Verideth but he is more....calm and settle from what I've seen of him. There attitudes are so different, I don't see how they were raised together. I do want to try to earn Aerimor's trust along with everyone elses'. That is all I have right now to write about.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*written hastily in Prantz waiting on Sallozzo*
 
 I am here today in Prantz because Sallozzo wants to show me where the corn and jaguars are. I'm a bit hesistant since this is new grounds and I have read the rules here that the "Deep Lord" or Rael has set up. You can do nothing here without getting jailed for at least a year. And NO thieving? I mean dang, come on, that's no fun is it? Well, I found the corn by myself since Sallozzo went off somewhere to run an errand. I almost walked up on these little mushroom men. They seemed dangerous so I sort of...went on to the corn and jaguars. So far, the jaguars are my second favorite feline animal I kill for the furs. My favorite is panthers since their furs are the smoothest black and they just...hide anywhere it seems. Anyway, Sallozzo finally came back and we went back to Mistone.
 
 Something happened a few days before that I forgot to write about... This man, when Chaynce helped me get my grave and heading to Krandor since Lance is helping someone there, there were black vines everywhere from what looked like somehting a goblin summoned. We ran up to the closest hill where a scout usually is, and there was a man that looked about ready to drop and everything. I ran up behind the goblin and stabbed it in the back and it died. The man did not thank me or anything. I figured I was doing the right thing by helping. I asked if he would have appreciated more if I just came up behind him and killed him the nand there instead of the goblin. He just ran off without responding.
 
 Later some days later, I'm updating myself on everything that has occured, I came out of Silkwood forest and Sun, Melissa, Marcus and Mykah were up on that hill where a witchdoctor usually is and I asked if I could join them. They said sure and we went all the way to the bottom but had a setback. Mykah fell and I could not get to him in time and Marcus was dealing with to many goblins to heal him. Melissa made us invisible and something that made us run faster and we headed out to wait for Mykah. Mykah arrived and only him and myself went in this time but invisible and we retrieved his grave. I've grown a bit of a bond with Mykah after that little incident and getting to his grave. I'm eager to get to know him agian.
 
 Shortly after, some shady fellow came up and we chatted with him a little and his name was...Niloc was it? Well...we did chat and had some minor discussions about me being little and something another. Then Marcus and Melissa went of to eat at the inn... nice pair they seemed. I'm still waiting for that "charm". that is all I have right now.
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*written hastily*
 
 I sailed to the Dragon Ilse yesterday for some random reason. I stepped off the boat and there was Caerwyn, Amanda, Aerimor, Verideth was there. I greeted everyone like any gentleman would and I greeted the women like I should have...I'm learning. Shortly after arriving, Elgon, Polly, Tuggin and Marcus arrived. We talked to the dock keep and he said a elven ranger woman of the name "Elyse" ha disappear with 4 other people into the forest... We found out that a small group got sent out for them and they did not return as well. A young elven, not a bad looking lass, walked up and said she was close to Elyse. She joined us and we continued to bombard the Head Guard that was in front of the gate with question. He gave us thee answers and we were on our way. We were out of the gate and decided to check a house that was nearby the woods. I'm not for sure if it was the wizards or not...it wasn't warded and wasn't very well locked but the door had a slight...glow? Iana slipped a wand up her sleeve but Caerwyn and myself caught her. She wasn't very smooth on the wand but she snatched up a necklace off the bed before anyone could notice it gone... I was impressed and what got me agian was the fact that we were all looking at her...and she disappeared... She has my admiration but I still did not completely trust her.
 
 We went out into the forest following her voice and Caerwyn spotted a little peice of fabric...a switchable where you can flip the whole robe or clothing inside and the seams are clean and it looks normal, just different colors or patterns. Something a wizard would wear. We didn't ponder too much on it, a few...I think they were "renders" charged us along with basilisks and "owlbears". They were freaky things with a beak like an owl and a body like a bear. Someone said they were not native to this area. Elgon, he's a really good tracker, usually in his pig form *chuckles* knows how to search for scents and everything. He came up on the ruins of this building following a scent of herbs. I believe it was either Verideth or Aerimor who leaned up on what seemed a solid wall but fell right through and hit his head on the other side. This was new and Iana casted something that allowed the walkk to disappear. tugs searched for doors or anything and I searched for traps and doors. There was a crack up inside it...too staright for a regular crack and it had a latch halfway down. I pulled on the door and it grinded open. It was well lit inside and we went inside.
 
 Inside there was an old blind man. He said he was the butler and that his wife, also blind ran the house when his mistress was out. We went inside to talk to his wife and we noticed statues everywhere, about three or four of them Amanda has been putting her knowledge about magic through the test through all this and it has came in handy tremendously. Verideth came to me in his cat form and sort of pulled on my leathers as if telling me to come. I followed him to a door and it turned out to be rigged with a trap. I didn't know this but Aerimor had some skill in locks and traps and safely unlocked and detrapped the door. The maid said aerlier that her mitress held chickens and pigs and other livestock in the pantry inside. So when we opened the door, basilisks (the "pigs") and cockatrices (the "chickens"). they had this gaze, not as bad as a bodak, but still bad that turned me to stone. I do not know what happened after that since I was a statue myself but for a short period and my memory is blank from then and to when I was flesh agian and saw the room ahead was cleared. I went inside and there was traps everywhere and I triggered (that I am ashamed to saw) and Marcus went up to this door triggered the trap and opened the door and this huge basilisk came out. It must have been about TWENTY times as big as me. All I remember is it comming up beside me and sneaking a few bites on me and that's all. Everything was black, no woman to try to tear me apart I am glad to say. When I opened my eyes (some unknown time later) I remembered where I was and I rolled up to my feet with my sword in hand and and looked around. No basilisk... I was relieved. I don't know what happened but it turned out Polly spent a long time nursing Verideth, Amanda, Caerwyn and myself back to health. I'm glad she did that since thise woman with snake hair came out of this portal and started attacking us. We came on her like a hammer! She didn't know what hit her. We found about three vials and about seven wands on her. I thought maybe the vials were antidotes so I went up to one of the statues and I poured one on her and.... nothing. The statue was just...wet. I handed the wands to Amanda and she said noone of them would help. Someone was searching the desk and found scrolls. I don't know who it was but they should be thanked tremendously because the found scrolls that would return the statues back to flesh. One person was Elyse and the other was the wizard. The other two was saved as well. The fifth...wasn't in the house I'm afraid to say. that is the end of that story I'm afraid to say as well. It was hard and dangerous but I couldn't have picked a better group to do it with.
 

-Fellow

 
 *few minutes later after realising something*
 
 
 What happened to Iana? She needs to teach me a thing or two.

[Lord Dark]

*Yet again in the Scamp's Mug with leftovers sitting beside a slowly burning candle*
 
 Here I am, yet agian, safe and sound after the day journeys. Today, was interesting yet the same. I gathered the same things and did the same stuff. I made two more cougers bags and made some molds that I was going to try to sell but ended up just throwing them away.
 
 I met with Buddy at the camp area outside the Red Light Caverns. He complimented me on my entrance because he did not see...because I was hiding. I told him I was getting better and I'm still searching for someone to teach, tutor, or instruct me on how to go to the extremes points of hiding. The shadows have been "reaching" out it seems. Not physically yet, but mentally. My thoughts are on them often but I do not know how to work with them.
 
 Back to the subject, Buddy complimented me and asked if I would teach him how to hit where it hurts and do the most damage. I started him on traps and how to search for him. I explained that most of what little "pranksters" like myself do involves common sense. Such as, as Buddy pointed out, finding gold in a cave where there is only copper. I told him that is more than likely a trap or extremely good luck, but to go with the former. Also, say it is a fine spring day, the trees are green and the plants that are around are new as well, and you come up on patch of leaves, green but yet still on the ground and (it wouldn't be the season for trees to be shedding their leaves if it's spring)...it's probably hiding a trap. Or..in city areas, people place traps indoors in and on thier chests to keep their valuable safe or on their doors to trigger some spike or electrical trap maybe. I told him to search for wires and things out of place. Just be smart and calm about it all and keep focused on what you're doing. But what he wants was to learn where to hit hard and do maximum damage. I told him there's common sense too. What controls the body? The head, strike at the head. How does the body get air? The lungs, pierce the lungs (I did not tell him all this but will do so next time). How does the body get blood? Through the heart and arteries. My method may not be the most affective or true...but it's what I aim for and that is what gets the job done. They may not be the prettiest or the nicest but the world is "kill or be killed". I do not take pleasure in hurting anyone even though that is the way I may act. I do what I can to do the most damage to end the fights quicker but also to cause the least amount of pain (I'm sounding like a TORANITE! *chuckles*).
 
 I also showed Buddy this move I like to call the goose neck...I did it on Vanther (I did not mean to hurt him, he's a good friend and he's a monk so he's used to bodily pain) and I do not know if I explained it right but all in all...it's to get the person's arm behind his head. This was something I learned from a few street urchins when I was younger. The person has to be on his stomach, you twist the arm around up to behind his head but in a way where his elbow will not bend. I believe it locks up the shoulder and the fingers are in a position to where it looks like a beak...and the muscles sort of buldge out so that the arm looks curved and looks like a goose neck. I'm not the best at explaining this but it is effective once you understand how it works and know how to execute it. I know some moves but prefer to stick with a tiny sword since it's easy to carry, conceal and to fight with and since most people and creatures in the world use weapons...why fight empty handed? I'm not a monk. But this move was just something I knew and thought to add...even though I have no idea what it has to do with traps, hiding or sneaking in attacks...
 
 Vanther has came back from his fishing trip, it was good to see him again.
 
 That is all I have today to write about.
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*In the Scamp's mug, prefect place for a scamp*
 
 A whole big bunch has happened since the last time I wrote. I've been slowing down on my tailoring since I bought this belt from Drexia...can't use it yet but it was costly at 5000 coins and a box of aloe. I have given up my poisons since it is a sad way to end someone's life...I realized that by talking with Aka' ashi Horseteaser...She's was the first wemic I've seen but I've met up with another but he was in cat form... I met Skully along the way when we heading to Silkwood forest to help her get some fire bellies. Skully was in a heck of a mood. Said he was wanting revenge since people doesn't prefer him over some people...blaming the elves and humans. We were out side Hlint when Skully and few more people came out. He ran into the caves and a paladin told us to report Skully to the authorities...he must have done something bad, he was acting out of character. I heard he killed a few drunks in the Wild Surge Inn...not sure if it was true, haven't seen him since.
 
 I met another wemic few days later, believe her name was Pristine. She, Elgon, Van were heading into the crypts of Vhel to retrieve the dust. Pristines wields a HUGE sword. I didn't like fighting in front of her to much was afraid she'll end up slicing my head off.
 
 Few days later, I was in Fort Wayfare. Buddy, Van and Niloc were there along with three more people. Rit, Rank and Nom. Later arrived Oma, Sun and Pristine and Razeriem. Rit was acting like he was a military leader or something. He'd make Nom and Rank march around like they were actually doing something, always saluting. A village to the east I think needed someone to help clear out goblins and undead people and things and they also needed a new faith. Why need a new faith? I believe the only reason why people need a god to rule their life is because they are too afraid to do so themselves! I'll never tell Sun, Verideth, Buddy, Beli, Shiff, or anyone else I can for what I think of their gods. It's their life, they do what they please.
 
 Anyway, Rit would say "Front and Back order" and Rank will get in the front to "watching yur front sur" and Nom would walk himself to the back always having Rit say "ten paces back" and Nom would run 20 paces back. Of course, they were Toranites, big surprise huh? *cracks up laughing but stops as a maid spills a tray of drinks* They were a nice bunch of Toranites though. Well, several clerics stepped forward and gave their say on the matter of the faith for the village, one of Katia, Prunilla and Toran.
 
 After the long while of the clerics talking on about their faith for a couple hours, we were on our way. We had to choose a leader, which ended up being Buddy. Took hours to do just that. I was thinking we were done for.
 
 We arrived in the village and talked with the chief, he said the goblins were east I think and the undead were north east. We headed after the undead since the village would take care of the goblins. I was told to go scout along with Niloc, and there were tons of werecats not far from the village. We started off bad, Nom always rushing ahead and drawing the attention of the enemies. I was thoroughly irritated by the way Nom was but I tried my best to keep my temper under control. We found the cave and we went in. There were ghouls and skeletons and they casted fireballs. Alot of them, and killed Niloc twice. Mostly because Nom rushing ahead, I said we should just let him do the work, but we helped anyway.
 
 *tries to hurry up and finish so he can get something to eat* I am sorry this is so vividly written, but I'm hungry at the moment.
 
 Anyway, we went into the one hidden area and I found a potion of heal and gave it to Buddy since he does all the fighting and Niloc found a bar of steel...Something valuable? Sure was, we entered another hidden place with two portals and and Niloc place the steel onto the big one and htis undead thing came out, maybe a human, not sure and we killed it. It was done! Glad it is over and we exited through the other portal. The villagers were safe and were deciding between Prunilla and Toran as their faith, hopefully not Toran.
 
 All that I have so far...
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*Up on the rooftop of some rich merchant*
 
 Here I am, taking in the scenery. The smell of the chimney brings back memories of my childhood always jumping roofs and through dirt clogs down onto people...
 
 *sits there a few minutes and begins to write agian*
 
 Few days ago, I taught Buddy agian. I taught him sneaking and pick locking and few other things. First we worked on sneaking, he was easy to see but was getting the idea down, I told him practice will help. I told him not to step on the ehole sole of his foot since it leaves a big print in the ground, but on his toes where there's less surface area inprinting on the grass. I then showed him how I did it and let him try to spot me. Told him it took a "trained" eye to spot me. *grins* Someone spot me? Me? I think not! I'd put a shadow to shame. Anyway, we worked on some lock picking up in Storan's... Creepy place, but we needed somewhere where we can practice without getting caught and into trouble. I should him how to use the lock picks and I did it once and was glad nothing heard us behind that door. I handed him the pick and told him that it's basicly random movement inside the casing, but after a while, you'll start to recognize the different types of locks and you'll automaticaly know where the locking mechanism is. Once agian it take practice. He did good and got it opened but I think the bodak and such heard us and we went scampering out. It was dangerous but where's the fun in safety? Sure I like to be cautious and I get all paranoid but doesn't mean I have fun once we get down to wherever we're going.
 
 I'm pretty tired now...think I'll climb down and find somewhere to sleep. This is all I can think of to write.
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*pauses before writing*
 
 Today has been very depressing, I do not know what is happening to people around here but it's spreading like you wouldn't believe. I was coming out out of Silkwood with tons of hides and beetle bellies, and I saw, people call her Elohanna, laying on the ground dead and past a few trees Jaelle, also laid dead in the middle of the fields away from Hempstead. Arkenon and Aerimor were just standing there glaring at each other. Arkenon casted something that brought down lightning onto Aerimor and he ran up the road a little ways and shifted into a gargoyle. I later found out that that was is form for anger. Anyway, Aerimor and a mephit battled it out with Arkenon and they lost. Aerimor returned to a bindstone and I didn't see him agian.
 
 I went for help at the local temples and no one responded to what I said, they sort of...shrugged me off. I guess asking people of Shadon was a good way to waste time. I guess Elohanna returned to her bindstone or was raised, because when I arrived to the fields Elohanna, Elgon, Arkenon, and I believe Caerwyn were around Jaelle. This big large woman, another story I'll write about later, came up and raised her. Arkenon did not like this at all but let her do it anyway. This one lady by the name of "Sil" did not want Jaelle back to life because she was a Mistite. I keep telling people that gods are no good, they only bring bad news and friction between people, but...I can't control them on what they believe, I won't mess with it.
 
 Few hours later, this villager walked up and started talking about the city council and the Silverguard. Mostly politics, things I'm not good with. He talked with Caerwyn, Brun, Katrien I believe and Treana. I left not to long after that. Aerimor didn't return and hope Verideth doesn't become like that.
 
 *writes a few more minor things about crafting, card games and winning alot of money*
 
 This is all I can think of at the moment, I'm pretty tired and want to sleep the next few days out and let things cool down...
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*wakes up from a bad dream and decides to write through the rest of the night*
 
 I forgot to mention some things from my earlier writing. The one large woman lives in a house close to Hempstead. I was heading for some silk or corn or whatever it was I was heading out for when Arke, Elohanna, and Omer, I think, was looking at the house. There was a statue with it's head on fire earilier, from what I heard it's a symbol of faith for the god, Pyrotechon or something, and it was agianst Arke's goddess, Grannoch. He smashed it and the lady was upset. The woman stormed out and through lightning bolts and ran back inside. She didn't come out, but Elohanna put some pie and bread on the front step and the woman opened the door really quick and snatched up the bread and pie. She was a tricky woman indeed. Hour or two later, she came out and I was surprised she could fit through the doorway. I don't know if it was muscle or what but she was rather large. She started throwing fire into her yard always saying, "Stay off my property". But she was the same woman who raised Jaelle. What she said to Arke afterwards was that she wanted her statue replaced in five days. Glad it wasn't me who smashed it, I wouldn't be able to carve anything out of stone.
 
 *lays his head back thinking*
 
 One more thing, this lady, never got her name still but I owe some things to her, is letting me rent a room so I can store some of my armors and hides. I'm surprised she'd let me considering that I'm a halfling. She made plain that I wouldn't keep my hands if I stole anything. I wasn't going to anyway because I need the space and I don't need people on my back. The price is to keep a huge chest full of glass for this ranger man who uses alot of it. My ox packs are pretty full with it and I accepted the offer of the room and price.
 
 That's all I can think of, think the bad dream has left me..
 
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*sitting in the middle of the scamp's mug in a well lit area, looking out for anyone suspicous*
 
 Earlier today, I was running into the Ony Eyed Harpy up in Port Vhel when I met Sariel. I we were talking about how he dressed as I did before I went off to still something or before a fight. I replied "this is Vhel" and I said I prefered Hempstead because of the rich merchants and how easy it was to snatch a few gems off one. Most of the people I know knows that I've stopped on all the stealing and I'm not like I was few years ago. No I have money, tons of food and some fine valuables and I don't plan on throwing all that away.
 
 Back to the story, the innkeeper...forgot her name, butted in that the interest on the gems would be my head or something. To smart off, I said the only reason I didn't steal anything of their inn was because they had nothing worth stealing. She replied tartly that they never have any paying customers and the old bugger, Wheezer, replied with the same thing. Then this drunk came over and stumbled on top of me saying something like "You've gone to washing your clients? You've shrunk one!" That struck me hard. My size doesn't bother me anymore but that brought back memories from hells in my past where I've got caught statching something off of someone or was caught cheating why playing dice and such. Not like anyone couldn't afford to lose some extra coins, because i only played with wealthy people. *grins* But that sent me over the side quick and I started insulting him and I calmed him boy once or twice... He asked if I was to young to be out by myself and calling my pipsqueak and someother things that most street urchins knew by the time they were five. Then he nodded to a couple of his buddies...my hopes of getting out quick and safe were dieing quickly. Couple of these half-orcs, always half-orcs, got behind and in front of me. This was no regular inn struggle. They carried axes! I mean come on! In an inn? Your'e supposed to use fists or little daggers but flashing huge axes the size of me and taller? A long sword would have done better, it's easier to store and conceal! All I had was my little shortsword that was tucked in my belt underneath my coat. I said they were lucky I gave up poisons else I would be packing several vials of it. They came after me, hit Sariel upside the head knocking him unconscious, I cvouldn't keep my I on both, they saw every move I made so I couldn't sneak in an attack without leaving the other 90% of my body open. One smashed my lip with the hilt of his axe and the other used the flat of his axe to drive me into a darkness.
 
 I woke up, everyone was calm once agian, Wheezer and the inn keep came out from behind the counter and threw water onto us to wake us up. My eye was black, lip busted, mind wrenching headache and I needed to feed the chickens. See? I feed chickens like some farm wife! But they bring in a lot of money. Sariel and I left after making sure no one followed. We talked for a few minutes making sure we were alright. I said I was growing soft and told him he wouldn't be seeing me act like that agian. I'm not young like few years before when those jokers would have been tossed aside like rags after I was done. Having all these nice things and gathering garlic and eggs instead of fighting or jumping roofs just to get a heel of bread for supper is slowing me down some. But I've met people and this sort of life is working out alot better than being a street rat. I was quick to insult instead of trying other options such as sweet talking or bluffing or outright ignoring the drunk. My pride got a hold of me and I was over confident...like always! *grins, take a drink from a mug and sets sets it down to write more*
 
 Few hours later, I was in Hempstead talking to Shiff about. This woman came up complaining how the drink she had was worthless...I think she was trying to drown some problems. I told Shiff to be careful and that was how I got my black and and busted lip was because of a couple drunk men. One drunk woman counts for more than a couple men. She was talking about someone named "Twist" and how he did something with her child or human or something! *rubs his temples getting a headache* Anyway, I told shiff...I've been seeing a pattern on how people started to rampage because they're "passionate" about something, that she may turn out like Aerimor and lashing out at people. That was evidently the wrong thing to say. The woman got ticked off and saying through grit teeth that I had no idea what I was talking about and tears were swelling up in her eyes...I felt bad at accusing her of something like that. I was still a little shook up from the scrapple Vhel, I afraid of how she was saying the drink was worthless and always drinking more. I was afraid she was really going to get up and try to hurt or kill me. Shiff said that it was probably time I go, I was halfway to the crafting hall by that time. I made a couple more bags and I went to the Scamp's Mug where it is alot more lit and more people with their head still halfway screwed on. This is where I stop and I rent a room and make sure no one can get in.
 
 That's all I have that there is for me to write about...
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

I have truly experianced what it is to fight a "shadowdancer" to a certian point. There quite a few people around the pond outside Hempstead, Shiff, Alatriel, Elohanna, a panther (I think Aerimor, not sure), Pristine came later, and a few others including a dwarf whose wife is having a child and Drexia. There was this drow that was there too, I think she is insane. She kept talking about a "Cat Witch", I'm not sure if she's talking about a goddess or herself...
 
 Few hours later, I kept thinking of ways to apologize to Alatriel but people were making it so I couldn't have her complete attention. This woman came up and wanted to buy the panther for 20,000 gold! Alatriel didn't want to sell the panther so the woman kept going up to about 50,000! Alatreil still refused which started me thinking it wasn't an ordinary panther... The woman went off in a huff and Shiff told me to follow her, of course? Who else? *mumbles about being a tool* I followed her, past the gates, past the fountian until I was right on top of her. I went to the left at a slower past, hoping that I was just going to the Inn. I turned around...and she wasn't there! I pressed myself up to a wall hopeing that she was thinking that I always wore black leather and always snuck around. Doesn't everyone else think that of me since I'm a Halfling? Why would she be any different? I think she knew what to look for. I went over to behind the steps and looked around. Nothing. I waited for a few minutes, nothing else. I didn't see a thing. She reappeared and tried to grab me. But as usual, I was not caught. Who can catch me besides another scamp who's been pranking longer than I have? (This is what I have been calling myself, a prankster. A scamp, joker anything but a common rogue. What makes me different from the other's is that I do not go out, to assasinate someone, I no longer steal for comfort, I am a hard working little man.) She did not catch me, I ran back to the group, Shiff had to go work on something since everything was well. I went straight to Alatriel since I know what she is. She knows more about the shadows than the others around us. I told her about, she was concerned and asked her if she can spot her. She said it didn't work like that. Why not? She is like that woman, why can she not know what to look for? I know the basics of hiding, I can spot most people hiding, why can she not look for the woman? This is why I want a teacher to teeach me the shadows, so I can know "why" Alatriel cannot see that woman. I don't know if she has known the shadows to long so she knows what to look for, or if the woman is better and no one could spot her. I do not know, I do not mean to criticise Alatriel.
 
 The woman appeared when I was talking with Shiff. I ran behind Shiff because I've seen him fight. The woman asked what I was frightened of! Of her of course! Something I cannot track, something I cannot trace! Someone who knows the shadows, and knows how to use them! She could sneak behind me, slit my thoat, and run! She's was invincible it seems. I did not know her full potiential until later. Pristine was there, the woman wanted her. She has a thing for felines. She paralyzed Pristine and Shiff's ring I think it was, did not work for her. So...the woman is a shadowdancer and a mage. She did not stop with her wanting of Pristine, someone asked how she would carry it off, she replied that she will summon something that could haul her. Omer came up, tried to paralyze her or something, it failed, the woman turned and cast something that caused a huge woman to appear, with a scream so loud, so unbearable, I felt like laying down to die. Omer was unnaffected, he went off. The woman smirked and ran off. I didn't see her agian, thankfully. I fell endangered, like cat and mouse. She is a woman, a powerful shadowdancer and and a experianced mage. Who would not be afraid of someone with those three characteristics? I am...I'm not going to tell anyone that though. *grins*
 
 That is all I have to write about.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*looks back to his earlier entries and scribbles out a sentence*
 
 I have decided to take up my poisons once more. The creature that I use it on...does not have much time left since there is usually three or more people (including myself) on him, but it is fast enough. I especially need them when I am on my own, they may have intimidated the orcs in that Inn fight I was in or would have gave me at least an edge in fighting on my own since I am not that strong, I need to put my enemies strength onto my own level. Only way I htink I can achieve that is to use poisons. I have thought long and hard about it, but I think I need them. I will never use them on one of my friends, family or the innocent, only people who decide to try to beat the  out of me.
 
 *few minutes later of thinking of something else to write*
 
 I have gotte nthe five iron nuggets I need to make the iron reinforced armor that on one of the recipe cards. I'm looking forward to it. I know I have a big chance but I'd like osmoene to cast the magic to help me even more so I have a gauranteed chance on making it. A half-orc in Hempstead (didn't know they were allowed in now, but this guy was pretty friendly to me) , I determined him that by his accent and size, walked up to me and Lance and just sort of looked at me. He held my poster asking if I was Tod who was purchasing the iron. I got all excited and he said to meet him in Hlint. I ran all the way there...tiring run it was, and met him in front of a house. He led me inside and held out the nuggets, we made the trascation, and he even offered me a portal (thinking because he saw me struggling with the weight). I thought I almost felt a goddess smilling down onto me....almost. I'm going to wait a bit until I can find someone to help me before I make it.
 
 This is all I can think of...days been pretty boring actually.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*written by the Goblin Wastlands' campfire*
 
 These last few days have been interesting. I have been talking with Pristine more than others. I was helping her with getting malachite and greenstone with Im' tiau. We got the gems with little trouble and we headed to Hempstead with our bags full. She was heading to Vhel but asked if I could do a favor for her. She wanted to talk with Trent about the kobold stick she needed to turn in but she could not go in according to Hempstead laws. She tied a rope to that collar she alway wears and hands the end of the rope to me. She recieved the collar in an arena that chained her agianst gladiators or some other competitors. Not sure. But she has never tried to get the collar off. I sort of held the rope, not feeling right. I told her I'm not into having a slave or escorting one through town to the docks but she insisted it would only take a few minutes. I asked her if anyone would truly believe I could keep her immobile if she was to try to get away. I felt twitchy knowing I could get in deep trouble for doing this. We headed straight to Trent and he sort of looked at me like I was crazy... I felt crazy leading someone that's about three or four feet higher than myself. He was hesitant on accepting the stick as if Pristine would try to strike at him or start rampaging... We headed out and as soon as we were out of sight of the gate guards I dropped the rope. She apologized about making me uncomfortable and held up the coins and bag she got from the stick. Felt better knowing that it worked and no one was suspicous. I do not wish to repeat something like that.
 
 All I have at the moment to write about.
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*In a corner at the Scamp's Mug*
 
 I have made the Iron Reinforced clothing. I'm am wearing it under my coat at this very second. It's nothing more than a tunic with iron in it. It's so soft I could sleep in it! It was not cheap, costing me over thousand coins for the iron and other materials. I have made two "Boots of the Arachnea" and which I sold one to Buddy. It takes several materials including ten ettercap silk glands, two bolt of flexible cloths which consumes about six spool of spider silk. That's almost half a box of silk just for two bolts of cloth! Then I had to make the padding and buy the enchanting oil. It took quite a bit. I have been making dire badger leathers and then placing them in those chests that Jennara told me to place robes. I'm hoping I'm making some type of contribution for the people who need them. I was in their situation at least once and I never had anyone give me anything. Hopefully i'm making it easier.
 
 *Few minutes after swallowing a plate of food*
 
 I went into the Storan's crypt to collect the spotted mushrooms. I was twitching like mad knowing that if I kicked a pebble or sneezed or anything, the bodaks would come down on me like no tomorrow. I went in and grabbed a few of the little mushrooms. I was felling good and got a little to cocky. I kicked a pebble and one of the shadow fiends saw me and I ran out before any of the others saw it following me. It hit me a little but I ended up killing it with great difficulty. It sapped my energy on hit and I needed to rest before I did anything else. I walked all the way out and fell asleep on the crypt's stone steps and went back in. I was fresh and new and could hide from anything. I unlocked the door and when I stepped in...a bodak saw. He had the gaze but I ran out of range before it could see the detail of his pupils. It chased me all the way back to the road to Hlint just about. I was terrified it would catch an unweary traveler but it went back to it's hell hole before anyone got to the area. I had enough and decided to sleep the rest of the day.
 
 *after a few more minutes of thinking*
 
 I went to drop off some oils in my chests in Hempstead and Pristine, Im'taiu, Amanda and Trouble were in the middle of the road. I greeted them and we talked. I gave Pristine her a new bag since I noticed she was having trouble carry all the gem minerals our last trip into the Silkwood and Red Light Caves. She thanked me and we chatted somemore. She has done well with the gems she mined and asked what materials she need to start making the rings. I replied that I'd tell a friend of mine that could supply her the ore and molds. We chatted more and Keppli, Caerwyn, Buddy and I think it was...Jaelle? And...Raz? I know alot of people but not everyone. We babbled on. Pristine, Im'taiu, Buddy and Keppli chatting in animal with Trouble's monkey. Im'taiu and Pristin chatted in their own language and I think some talked a bit of Elven, can not remember since so many people were talking at once. Trouble wanted to do something such as clearing out the trolls in the swamps. Amanda made sure her dislike of swamps was made clear so I guess that was ruled out. Pristine asked if we knew where to find Vukus' oil. We talked about the Brech mountains and the Hammerbound argued which ones Vukas may have lost her oil in. We finally agreed on the Hammerbound. We all headed there. We went in and had a great time, clearing out the masses of ogres without trouble. We got to the area where the ogre had the oil and someone summoned a huge bear... What happens when someone summons a huge bear? The bear charges off! It brought all the ogres down onto it. It was a mess but no one died thankfully. We then headed up to the giant's fort. It was pretty intense with all the huge sword and their ice arrows and their huge rocks. I almost fell when we entered because of those giants and thier giant cross bows and their giant bolts... One of their bolts is the size of my arm! But someone kept throwing potions on me and keeping me alive. I'm surprised they could hit my head since it's not much smaller than the rest of me. The last guy turned into a panther or something with barkskin and I could never hit it. We had difficulty but it kept casting magic with animal language and guess it was working to well for him. Once we clear the whole fortress we mined the platinum and iron. I asked Buddy if I could possibly buy some of the platinum and he agreed to it. That takes care of having to buy platinum when I wish to make platinum reinforced clothing. Well...that's about it all the way to the part where everyone leaves... It's not fun when people do that but I guess it has to be until we do it agian.
 
 I guess it was only Im'taiu, Pristine, Keppli and I that was left chatting. The wemics and their language and Keppli and I trying to understand a word they were saying. Kepplie caught her name spoken a couple times and asked why that was. She asked if they were talking bad about her but Pristine answered. The answer shocked both her and I! More her than me. Pristine sort of paused before she said what it was and I knew it was going to be something big. She said...that Im'taiu likes Keppli, she what's wrong with that? It was when Pristine added "more than usual". *pauses, grins and bends down to write more* You should have seen Keppli's face. She was so stunned. I never knew how it felt to have someone chasing me...besides an angry inn keeper or something... But I know how it is with the awkward silence and not knowing how to react...I tried to make it easy with making a slight joke in our own language. Few more awkward moments.... I tried to change the subject, it worked. Keppli headed off, and we decided to go to the red light caves to get a couple ears to turn in. Im'tiau had to go and do something...hopefully not to chase Keppli! *laughs and quietens down as he wakes a near by sleeper* Pristine and I talked and talked. I guess I finally got her bored and she had to do some errands. Well...these days are interesting.
 
 Romance in the air surrounding everyone one but me...I think there's some power in being single. *chuckles quietly to himself* That whole mountain trip, Raz and Trouble were both flirting, hitting on or courting, whatever it is people call it these days, with Amanda and Jaelle...I'm thinking they were ready to fry both the men. *grins*
 
 That's all I have to write about...
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*written in sloppy handwriting by lamplight*
 
 I am quite tired lately. I have been doing alot with alot of people. I have taken a few trips to Dregar a couple groups. Among those were Ferrit, Jilseponie, Ben, Steel, Double, Nak, and some others. The group wasn't this big until we meet at a crossroad where this little goblin man was selling some really nice pair of gloves. They were sitting around a fire and I believe it was Ben who offered for them to join up with our. We continued after getting ourselves partially aquainted with each other. I was told we were going to the Misted Village to someone that sells great items. No one buffed each other, no one used their magical helmets. The only thing that was close to magic was Flynn's singing. They did not tell me that the place was swamped with bandits. We went up a little lifting cage and camp apon a house with a little trail leading up behind it. They said this was where they hid. I got lost a little ways in and I snuck down to the second floor. They were down there thankfully. I do not know how well the bandits know how to see people hiding and was afraid they would sneak up on me sneaking. The place was clear all the way to the group and found they were alright. Doesn't seem they missed me so much, I guess it was the size of the group.
 
 We came apon a room and someone said there was a trap door but they could never spot it. I believe it was Jilseponie...not sure, but someone spotted it and it led to a halfling that looked even more crafty than usuall... but he had some nice items. He said that one blade sucks the life out of your enemy healing yourself while another helped you hide and spot people. The regenrating sword was about thousand and the other was about eleven thousand. He showed me to a chest, somehow knowing that I use traps while alone. He showed me his deadliest one, it had the the most horrible, jagged spikes I have ever seen. The trigger it self was frightening. The going price was about thirty-thousand coins. I left the shop empty handed, I didn't bring any coin... Well left the Village all together in a well enough condition.
 
 *Doses off but shakes awake*
 
 I was with Daniella, Lance and Olmae clearing out the Red Light Caverns. We did well enough, no deaths. We exited and split the loot and Olmae left. We were at the fire and we fell asleep. I woke and Daniella did as well but Lance didn't. He was shaking, in a cold sweat and thrashing around slightly. He placed a hand onto his sword hilt and Daniella tried to calm him. He pushed her away to unsheath his sword and I flipped my wrist and a dagger flew to my hand. He woke all of a sudden in a daze. He asked where he was, looked around and looked at my dagger. He seemed afraid. He mumbled something like "I swear, I didn't kill her" when he pushed Daniella away. I was ticked, and afraid that he was truly going to hurt one of us. I was tempted to strike at him to disable his sword hand but... he was Lance. I could never hurt Lance. He was fully awake, and I told him I was about to do something and the only thing that kept me was knowing he was asleep and no really... looking to hurt us. He said he wouldn't be able to live he harmed Daniella or I. A falcon arrived. It said Brian was at the Toran temple waiting. We arrived and it seemed Brian did not expect anyone to be with Lance. The only thing I know of Brian is that he killed Elgon and is slightly crazy.
 
 I was going to a trip with Amanda, Caerwyn and Tugs when Elgon was standing in the middle of the road. He kept talking to someone that I couldn't see. I believe him being killed by a family member shook him up to where he is... insane? I felt sorry for him, I don't know how he is faring at the moment.
 
 Anyway, I looked for a direct route out when Lance asked if he was planning to harm anyon else. He said, "I don't know." He is really no one that you would want to mess around with. Lance started talking to him about a Quantum and how he is offering him a place to stay and the whole nine yards like most Toranites do... I figured nothing will happen and I left. I don't know the significance of writing this down... just something to fill my pages.
 
 *Sleeps lightly and wakes up after a few hours. Pulls the book into his lap and begins writing half asleep*
 
 Amanda and I went down to Mariner's Hold to help out a couple farmers. We were heading to Thorn River when we came apon Keppli, Ben and Chakar. We greeted them like any civilised people and said they just came from a gold trip. We invited to come along to help the farmers. The first farmer said he needed help with....scarecrows. Chakar and Amanda had to cast a spell that made us more...reckless? It made us not afraid of those pumpkin eyes... I collected a bundle as proof.
 
 Chakar said he needed silk and we past the Ranger's Vale and into a forested area with grass that was as tall as myself. Their were huge blue snakes everywhere. There eyes were as big as my fist! Thier fangs, as long as my shins it seemed. But they were no problem for Ben and Chakar. Chakar led us to a cave and we entered and were attacked by a bunch of dire spiders! My poison crafting has gone pretty well. I have been making dire spider poison but I still cannot put it onto my weapons without it slipping off. The thickness and texture is different than ettercap or aranea.... I tried my best to skin the spider's sacks quickly without being seen. Amanda saw me collecting them but she seemed alright about it. We continued back into the back of the cave, and down into a little whole. We came apon what looked like a nesting area. The floor was covered in...wolf skins. I don't know how wolves got into a spider den...but it was the "Wolfswood" cave. It forgot about it and exited. Amanda gave me the sacks at the campfire away from the others. I don't really want Keppli to know she goes around with someone that uses poisons when no one is looking. Ben saw the exchange and asked if it was for poisons. But he asked it in the cant that I used to use with local thieves. It surprised me. I replied "yes" and he got all upset. I said it was for bad guys and he said he isn't the nicest man in the world. I swore I'd never use them on anyone that was close to me such as himself, Keppli, Tugs whoever that was willing to give a bit of themselves to care at least a bit of my well being. I don't consider friends something that is light, it's something that's keeps me going this far into my life. We kept nodding in the cant and Keppli noticed. She asked why we were nodding and we just sort of...let it go. Ben said it was a misunderstanding.
 
 I was sitting by the fire and Ben sort of sat in front of me which lead him to be between me and the fire. I said he's blocking all the heat and he sort of whispers to me that I should go over and set next to Keppli, and that she'd keep me warm enough. I just looked at him and glanced at Keppli, that deserted me of all confidence of knowing women. I'm like a boy entering puberty with as much experiance of women I have. I may fight well enough, I can dodge giant boulders and fire balls and arrows wizzing by my ears but the thought of being with a woman...just dwarfs all those. I don't see how other men can act natually around women. I've seen Raz, Marcus, Trouble, they're all at home when playing around with females. I just can never bring myself to hit on one of them. I'm no lady's man...
 
 *lays back agianst one of the pillows on the bed, thinking*
 
 My skill in tailoring has gone to a whole new level. I was making a panther cape today, I was in the "groove" and was daydreaming. I lifted up the cloak and examined it. Beli showed me a superb cloak couple months ago, and said I'd get good enough to make such a fine cloak like the one he had. The cloak I was holding looked like his, except the detail was different. No one could make the same details but I've been studying the shadows alot more than I have before. I realised that was what I was daydreaming of. The borders of the cloak... blends in better than all the other panther cloaks I've made. More like a shadow. It is my prized thing I have made so far. More than my first couger bag even my first pair of spider boots.
 
 That's all I have today... I'm really tired.
 

-Fellow

 
 *closes his book slowly and sets it aside. Blows out the light and falls quickly asleep*

[Lord Dark]

*sits down in the middle of the road somewhere and begins to write*
 
 These days have been interesting like the last few have. The crafting merchant lady finally sold me an advanced crafting certificate. I don't know what I was all worked up about though. I went into the hall...and not to many people were there. They had a list of ingrediants for things to make such as a belt of cunning, or lion bags and what not... it all sounds like things I could never make. I may have a small chance at a belt but that's it... I'm starting to think that I may not be half as good as I thought.
 
 Before all the crafting business started, a big group, I mean big, was heading to Dalanther. I thought I would tag along since I know Storold slightly and my renter but that's about it. We arrived in Dalanther and it was raining. Just...raining. And this confused looking man ran out of no where and started freaking out how it was raining. I guess it had to do with Mist or something but the man slowed down... and Miss Gala, (she doesn't prefer to be called "Miss" but...it doesn't matter in here. I've been spending to much time with Lance and Miss Daniella...) I think that was who it was, stepped up to him and asked why he is shouting and running and making a complete show of himself. He said it was raining. No big deal right? But he said he lost his "magic hammer" because of the rain. He said that it can make new armor look old. I was thinking this guy was completely nuts or something. But then he said an evil halfling man ran up and took his hammer. That got my attention. Of COURSE, he was going to say a halfling...why not a goblin? Why not a dwarf or kobold? Because it is ALWAYS us halflings that get all the crappy attention. Once he said that, the whole group looked at me. I held my hand up to show I didn't have anything and I think that satisfied them...but I wasn't happy. But the guy sayed he looks exactly like Sall...just shorter. I think he took that offensively and I sayed that is a compliment since us halfling look so good. Sall (I think he actually looks like Trouble's older brother or relative from what little bit of face I saw under his hood) found some tracks and followed them to a "Willow's Weep". He searched, asked a guard or two and a halfling ran past us without waiting for people to move. I groaned saying, "That is the that gives us a bad name". We ran into Dalanthar once agian and he wasn't there. We went back into the mountians and searched and searched. I heard someone yelling and looked along the edge of a mountian where there was a small trail running along it. There was Sall and the halfling running behind him punching the living...whatever you wish to put in... out of him. I wondered why he was using his fists but he was doing a good job. He'd punch Sall once and he would be on the ground trying to get up with the halfling on his chest knocking the snot out of his nose.I let him get past but the others blocked the passage out and he looked really ticked off...I tried to calm him, talking a bit of our own language... offering him a bottle of "Firewood Lager" I think it was... *takes out the empty bottle and looks to see if it has anything attached to it that can hint at the name* And if anyone had a pie, him and I could split it in half and talk all these misunderstandings. Grohin, I'm not sure aboutall these names ,gave him a slice, left me out of a slice too, and we talked it all out. the whole time,I think Sall was scared of the little man. I would be too if I tried to tie someone down and they got out and started to be the out of me. But Trith or someone...found a hammer in the waterfall a little ways back and we went back to Dalanthar and all was happy and dandy! Thank's all I can really remember...
 
 *picks a few dandelions and flicks the seeds off, thinking*
 
 I was in Hlint and I came apon the....south...maybe east..west? gate... There were guards everywhere and Miss Daniella, Raz, Aersthir and some others were there. I asked what was happening and Miss Daniella replied that Hlint was being attacked by the goblins. MY blood ran cold because I know how dangerous those goblins are becoming since they started protecting their greenstone viens and copper with traps. We listened..and we listened and I heard alot of fighting coming over the walls. We ran out, just the guards stayed behind and Steel and Miss Sil were out with Raz and Olmae and few others and were fighting some heavily armored goblins, goblins on spiders and magic castors. I ran out of the gate an to the left, I saw the soul mother *pauses*, looks like the soul mother reaching down to grasp at a soul. That frightened me. The fight was soon over, most were dead before got out and some were almost about to drop. Elgon came later, as did Caerwyn and Aeronn. Miss Amanda and Miss Jaelle came before we left the walls actually.
 
 Sort of worried about Miss Jaelle..and the condition she was in. I mean..a man was hounding on her when it was just me and Aesthir at the campfire in the wastelands... I don't know why, but he made me feel defensive with the way he was eyeing Miss Jaelle... She said he wanted to bed her and that he was staying to get "directions"... Well, he was getting ready to get some directions but not to a port, he was going to have to ask directions out of the void if I gotta hold of him. And I would be hoping that he didn't bind himself to a bindstone... But all in all, I'm not sure I could've handled him and I'm sure Miss Jaelle's motherly instincts would've kicked in and she'd throw a lightning storm his way. I'm sure she would've been able to handle herself even if we were not there, she's a woman anyway.
 
 Anyway! Back to the invasion. The ground was littered with dead goblins (what sight to see) and we were taking turns resting. Raz and Miss Sil ran off into the caves and were getting hurt and Raz ran up. I thought he was in the cave but he said he was brought back by the bindstone. He didn't look happy so I followed to make sure he was okay. He got to his little rock and I heard a mass of armor and what sounded like legs scratching on the floor. I snuck up with the cover of the wall and counted how many there were... I was amazed and suprised I didn't cry out. They looked like one mass of flesh and armor. There was well over 20 goblins with about eight of them riding spiders. Everyone arrived and we butchered them all! I was so scared since I know I probably wouldn't have been able to get out if anyone died... There was a shaman that was looked like a ghost but I've seen Raz and Miss Amanda use it, but we were gathered when it was in it's badger form and we were trying so hard to hit it. I figured we'd be able to since there were so many of us but the goblin was just too good. I pulled out a dust and hurled it as best as I could. It was a rainbow colored dust and it brought down a ray of light that preists and priestess use. They call it "Hammer of the Gods". But I just call it a god or sky dust. That did it well enough and it killed him and we were all worn out but we kept on pushing. We couldn't sleep because the goblins were not sleeping were they? No, there weren't. We cam to another gathering of the spiders and a overlord was standing behind them. We killed those in front and went after the overlord. He wasn't moving so we took that to our advantage and killed him. Miss Sil and Miss Jaelle weren't happy because one of them casted a holding spell that kept him in place... I didn't know, it's a goblin so I killed it. Just to finish this up quickly, we found the new overlord of the other overlord and he didn't attack us. He just stood there looking at us coldly. He pulled a lever beside him...and he slit his own throat. A big pile of rocks fell neatly into place behind him and Miss Sill tried to amplify her voice with a bit of magic and a big boulder fell onto her, pnning her down. I tried to lift it... but what could a little man like me do to move a huge rock off someone? Elgon ended up turning into a big bear and lifting the rocks with someone puleld her out. She looked fine but her legs were smashed, pinch, slightly crushed... So Miss Sil road on top of Elgon in his bear form. We got out... the town was saved! It was alot more exciting when I was there instead of thinking back to it and writing it down...
 
 Think that's all I have at the moment.
 
 

-Fellow

[Lord Dark]

*In Fort Llasts temple of Toran*
 
 I went into Storan's crypts with Miss Gala, Miss Alaltriel and Raz. Nothing that wasn't too hard. Miss Gala warded us a whole lot and it helps unbelievably. She'd go in and cast a few spells and the undead people would fall around. Was a great light show with the surrounding gloom. The whole time, Raz was going at it with her, complimenting on this and complimenting on that... get's old after a while really but Miss Alatriel promised to go skinny-dipping with him agian if he'd stopped... He didn't want to stop I could tell, but we were almost done so why not take it?
 
 Hitting the dead creatures where it would normally kill an alive creature doesn't work but Miss Alatriel would pull a shadow or two around her and disappear from sight. I was impressed and was planning to ask right before she left if she would teach me. Writing the end of how we killed Storan and everything isn't too exciting so I'll skip that.
 
 We were at the road leading away from or to Fort Llast when we started talking about Muhk and we argued... well I did mostly because I know how it is to be stereotyped and seen as a freak of nature and to be looked down apon becuase of my race or looks. So naturaly, I feel I have to defend him even though I barely know him. I've argued on and on with Lance, Miss Daniella, Raz and a highly ranked Toranite with a deadly gaze, Miss Anne Ravenwind. They'd give anyone a horrendous (big word, note to self, it means horrible) migrain. They point out all the facts needed to either condemn or save Muhk... they all look to see him hang in the town square. If they are so blood thirsty... doesn't that make them like Muhk? Muhk seemed alright to me but I've only talked to him for a hour or two and that was over the price of iron.
 
 I was tired of the subject and Raz started in on Miss Gala and her sister, Miss Sil, and Miss Sil's sister, Miss Ayana (I'm still being around Toranites to long... with all the "Miss" but it's a sign of respect and I'll more than likely use it for now on... ) and how he's going on a date with with Miss Ayana and is nervous about it. There was alot to it but I don't have the best memory. Miss Gala said if Raz was going to start pursuing her like he does every other woman around then she'd have to start on her dark magics. Raz asked if she was going to start wearing dark leathers while she's casting and I offered to make her some. But I remember something Trith said to a woman about having to get her measurements so I tried it.. Raz grinned and so did Miss Alatrial and Miss Gala... guess they didn't think I could hit on a woman once or twice. Miss Alatriel warned Miss Gala that I'm after her and such but it's not like that... she does look rather fine in armor but I'll keep that opinion to myself. We talked about how if I was a woman, men would be coming sailing across the world just to catch a glimpse of me, I was joking and everything and they know I was too. I said that would never really happen, no woman has really looked at me with even in the least of desire, I doesn't bother me much and something triggered for me to tell those before me that I have never kissed a woman. Raz looked like he saw... the most horrible thing possible before him with the way he looked at me. Of course I talk alot of smack saying I'd get every woman from the corners of the world and can move mountians and that I'm so strong but they know I'm playing. I can't really move anything let alone lift a rock that fell on Miss Sil like most people can. But I started to walk off and to find something to do so I don't have to listen to everything they were thinking of saying when Miss Alatriel said that I guess I didn't want a kiss since I decided to go off and hide. I turned back to her not knowing what to say, I think I was to late for one if that was what she was hinting but I said I'll take one willingly. Raz warned me that she's not the best of kissers that I wouldn't miss out. She sort of agreed with him but I pointed out that if I've never kissed any one, then how would I know what's good or bad and what I do or do not like? I knew that would trap her... I figured she'd dissappear before I could even ask if she could teach me shadows. But she just grinned and gave me a kiss, nothing to extreme, but not just a peck, not sure if she was playing around or joking. Didn't know if I was to kiss her lips or if she thought I was a child and was going to kiss my cheek. I had no idea what I was doing. It was over too soon really. Kissing holds alot of emotion, figured that's why Trith, Raz and Chaynce are trying to get one every now or then. Maybe I'm just thinking to much of it? But hey, it's my first kiss, it was pretty good.
 
 I asked for another for the trip back home and she declined, and Raz said to keep at it to wear her down. So I asked agian for one on the cheek, but yet agian she denied saying it's a one time deal. Yes, I was dissapointed but no need to keep at it to irritate her. She started to dissipate into the shadows and I didn't know where she was. I called out to her asking if she has any time to teach someone something. Raz took it the wrong way, and headed off to give us time alone. He left and I asked if she could teach me to dance with the shadows like she does. She sat down and asked why I wanted to learn the shadows. I never thought of it, they just interested me. I said that I would rather be a help to a group than just running away when things got bad, maybe I could bandage someone up real quick before they lost to much blood or hopefully be able to jump across that boundary of light and shadow to get in a couple of strikes to finish whatever it is that's hurting us. For once, I would rather be the brave hero instead the one that runs away. I don't know if I want to learn for good or for selfish reasons. I feel like I can almost reach out and touch one of the shadows in the corner but they never respond. Miss Alatriel explained to me that she is still new at the dancing and that she may not be able to teach me. I didn't know if it was me or what, but it stung a bit. She said she learned from a halfling as well and pointed me to a group that may be able to teach me. She also explained that I may have "it" in me but some people don't. I'm worried I don't have whatever "it" is that is needed. I'm going to search for those she pointed too. I seriously hope I have it in me.
 
 That's all I have.
 

-Fellow