From the Journal of Shrowd Umbra

[Shrowd Umbra]

Tanal and Terringar have settled into their new surroundings and I have made my way to Port Hempstead, a coastal city built by merchants for merchants. I find it frustrating. The wilds are too over run with bandits for me to risk venturing far into them. What's worse is the animals seem intent on attacking anything and everything. I can calm them with enough focus but that is not always lasting. Once I have better equipment I intend to find the cause of this.

Finding a source of income is proving more difficult. The only person I could find with any interest in my abilities hired me to patrol the sewers. Bogs have their own beauty to compensate for the smell, sewers decidedly do not. Mushrooms and rat skins abound, hopefully I can begin making something useful of them. Another odd occurance. Sahuagin seem to have made their way into the sewers, possibly scouts. Had I been anything less than what I am, I would not have survived the fight. Credit to what Aerlin always told me, everything has a purpose including my heritage.

Medicine is expensive beyond my means. After a rat bite became infected, I spent the last of my coin in a local temple on healing. One would think clerics whom like to speak of their god's greatness would be more willing to demonstrate it. Perhaps though the mistake is in asking clerics of a mercantile god to aid me. I think in the future I will look into making my own medicines, nature has yet to cost me my arm as opposed to the merchants...

[Shrowd Umbra]

Earlier today I met a priestess of Toran along the road. She offered healing, surprising without asking anything in return. I would have preferred to pay gold as the old wisdom dictates free is the most expensive price. She pressed on until I agreed to accept some healing supplies, and refused to accept my coin. Perhaps I should locate a city dedicated to Toran, I know this merchant-ridden port is grating on my nerves.

Were the fact that it is a city not bad enough, the tools I require to make anything for myself are restricted unless I pay a 500 truth fee. I find the bandits along the forest road more honest than this practice. I personally think the merchants dislike the idea of competition in any capacity, though what threat a lone ranger poses I cannot say. They will not buy my materials, I cannot make any goods without their blessing... What ever ill fates that may come to these rotten gold-hoarders is well earned as I doubt I am the only one to face these troubles. No matter, a wolf is a patient creature and Tanal taught me well. I do hope he is getting on better than I am at this point.

My raids on the Kobold bandits go as well as can be expected. One on one my abilities and a little cunning even the field of play so I stand a chance. When all three of them join in well, I typically need to retreat before the worst comes about. I miss Tanal at times like this and the forrest creatures are so skittish as to be no aid. A ranger alone in the wilderness, Aerlin would laugh I think. I suppose it is a bit ironic. I used to keep a number of friends while at the monastery. I imagine Aerlin heard of them from the other monks more often than I did.

I have decided to focus the bulk of my energies on penetrating the creatures infesting the sewers so I can finish this job. I will be glad to put it behind me. Hacking apart rats ankle-deep in things best not dwelt upon is not how I want to spend my life. Still no information as to why there is a Sahuagin presence here, however minor it may be. It has given me the opportunity to test my skills since my arrival here and I feel I have reached a new level in my training as a Ranger. I am far from where I wish to be in my skills, but it marks the beginning of my journey.

Fortunate night, I met the man whom aided me in finding a hood on my arrival in the port again. A ranger of my own kind. With a fondness for wolves and raised by a kindly elf. I find the similarities perhaps a bit disturbing but then again, I have never met another Tiefling. Maybe we all want solitude, as much as a companion.

A dwarven and elven maiden made my acquaintance in Fort Vhal. My trip to scout for newer markets turned interesting further as a human male arrived, an older man by the look of him, and well used to his life as an adventurer. Seemed they all regretted the work that was yet to be done. Then another human, a wizard perhaps. He smelled a bit like Terringar. Then there was the man in the garish hat toting a weapon I've not seen the like of since leaving Tilmar.

We were ushered into a temple to hear from Reus Healer of Rofirein about the state of affairs. Seems I walked into the middle of a problem. While his church is hesitant to take a side, Reus has informed us that a certain Ms. Tomyris whom broke with the church has a squad of knights under her command. Were they released, Reus felt they could aid our party. They are currently employed in dealing with a gathering of bandits. Bringing the ringleader in would free their tied hands, so to speak. The squad numbers a dozen, how this is meant to sink a fleet is beyond me. I'll need to make sure I can leave in a hurry if need be. No city is worth death.

We trailed the bandit to a hidden glen and he was quite ready. The bridge was set with a number of nasty looking guards as well as friends not far behind. I did what precious little I could, playing scout though I think they hardly needed my aid. Between the dwarf, and the elderly man, and the chaos of the spells, little was left to stand. The pursuit from there went down a dried well into the lair itself.

The threshold was a blaze of rainbow colors. The mages deduced the nature of the magic in an explanation I'm certain Terringar might have liked to hear, but the lock was simpler still. A serries of riddles were answered and the wards fell one after another. I never was much for riddles or such.

From there we met resistance in the corridors beyond. Wizards behind barricades, runes that held deadly magics. While still playing the scout of the party I managed to alert the guards. Stone is so much more difficult to move silently across in my opinion. They didn't seem to mind, I think the fighters were actually anxious to fight. And a fight they had though all seemed to take it in stride.

The bandit leader holed himself up in the last chamber like an angry badger. I think most of the magics were thrown from our side, I just made sure to be out of the way reguardless. Flaming rocks fell about with balls of fire exploding, as though some abyssal portal had yawned open and returned its lunch. When all was said and done the bandit leader was trussed up like a show pig and taken back. True to his word, Reus put the squad at the disposal of the others. I took my leave then. I'd had enough of cities and bandits for one evening.

[Shrowd Umbra]

The raid on the kobolds was successful today though difficult. Given the risk and rewards, I have decided to look elsewhere for my income. This brings me to the point that I have exhausted all avenues of revenue I could find in Hempstead. Fortunately, I know the route to Fort Vehl.

The fort initially seemed just as bad as where I had left until I met a friar in a local graveyard. It seems the undead have made a presence here and he would like me to kindly deal with it. I relish the job. For one, the crypt smells a sight better than the sewer. Anything rotting has long since ceased to rot, leaving the skeletons behind. Those present a problem to my blade but not for a long. The skeletons are yielding more value on the market than rats ever did. I shall purchase a morningstar and solve the matter.

It is the nature of life to be complicated, but that makes it interesting. The guardian I ws to dispatch is immune to my weapons. His undead body is wrapped in dray bandages lending to an idea of mine, though it will require supplies. I have enough Truthes now to purchase a pair of Alchemist Fire flasks however I am uncertain if that is enough. Three more should suffice. If the monster proves more resilient than this, I will hire a mage.

Shadows and hell that thing is a monster! While scouring the crypt for anything I might make a profit upon it found me once more. I took the opportunity to try one of my two Alchemist Fires on the thing. While I did finally injure it, the injury was no where near as severe as I would have liked. I cannot possibly purchase enough fire to dispatch the thing, so instead I will need to purchase a crafting license and find a source of Fire Beetles. Their bellies have an ichor I am told that is the chief ingredient in Alchemist Fire. There is a cave system on the far side of the Taro River. I hope to find some beetles there, if not I will return to my maps again.

No beetles, just white ape-men in the mountain passes. Impassable to me. I widened my search further until I came across a pair at Stormcrest speaking an odd language. Fortunately they knew common as well and gave me some slightly confusing directions from one place I did not know to Silkwood. I feel confident I can find my own way, now that I know where to look.

Somewhere someone is laughing at my predicament. I snuck past the ogres patrolling the woods into Silkwood itself, apparently named for the very large number of spider-like creatures living there. Wounded, stranded and now sick after eating some bad boar meat. I think the fever is broken though. I will rest here beside a pond I have found until I am well enough to move onwards. Hopefully pressing north will find me in one of the towns listed on my map, or at least a road. I cannot believe I am wishing for a town, it must be the fever.

Never had I thought fortune would turn this way. I was forced from my temporary den by a pair of boars. Normally I would consider them dinner however my wounds were too much for a fight, so I left and was ambushed by a bizzare mix between a thorn bush and a wolf. I have fought a few like it before however, I was too injured to carry out a good fight. I managed to drag myself free once it thought me dead. The next clearing gave way to Folian's Vale, a gathering of those dedicated to Aeridin. Finally somewhere safe, I will rest and recover. I still need to find my way back.

Hlint is a short ways north as it turned out. The town has no one buyer any of my goods so it provides at best a place to rest and resupply. The good news is the local orcs make for easy hunting and carry a few Truthes on them from time to time. I may be able to make something out of this trip yet, even if I've yet to see a single fire beetle.

[Shrowd Umbra]

I pen this entry from the commons of the One Eyed Harpy, today's events were too quick to write as I traveled. Sona, a trader I did some business with in Wayfare, asked myself and Fehrien to deliver a letter. Something about tainted foodstuffs from Fort Homestead on another continent. We took a boat to Mariner's Hold and of all the people I should see, the black-cloaked scout from the other day. The one that took me to the far side of the Hammerbound peaks looking for Fire Beetles. He resented the nickname 'Scout' but refused to give me another. One can only wonder.

The delivery progressed well, and I may have a new source of Fire Beetles in Mariner's hold as well. What was odd though was the ambush along the way. It nearly claimed my life as well as that of the others. I still feel it was too coordinated to be completely random. Those bandits knew something was coming along that road though I doubt it was a simple letter. Perhaps the trade there has become too lucrative to resist. As I plan to return to Mariner's Hold, I should have ample opportunity to discover any links.

Returning to Vehl with a few beetle parts I encountered the Warden I met some time ago while helping to raid the bandit leader's lair. He was trying to converse with something he called a Wemic. A bizarre mix of human and feline traits. the beast seemed intelligent enough so I tried to converse. All I could really learn was that is was unwelcome in town, spoke poor common, and understood what a bow was for. I am unclear on the accuracy of the latter claim though. Where could such a thing come from is beyond me though it presents an interesting opportunity. If I never heard of such a creature while being raised by the Sisterhood, perhaps this Wemic's homeland has yet to hear of Tieflings. Maybe I am just romanticizing. I never removed my hood so I have no way to tell how a Wemic might react to a Tiefling. With something that large, I may want to be at a distance when I try.

Gathering Beetles is proving both time consuming and difficult. I lack Terringar's skills with alchemy so most of what I bring back goes to waste. There is reference to a process of imbuing weapons with silver however that does not seem a viable option just yet. I have never heard of Angelica Leaves or Crystal Rods. Ingots of Silver and Dust of Alexandrite are also rare. I will continue to look for beetles for now but if I am to hunt undead, I will need a permanent solution.

Good fortune in my travels. I discovered a cave while searching for Beetle nests. The cave is ripe with kobolds and goblins, as well as creatures so bizare they may not be of this world. It seems a great deal of trouble for the minerals there, copper and tin. Some traps use copper parts however so I will keep the location in mind. If nothing else, I can do my part against the goblinoids so their numbers do not overwhelm the surrounding forest. I think the local spiders may already have that job taken care of for now.

Fehriel will be my death. I was traveling with him and a lady friend of his when we stopped to acquire bandages for him. The only temple around was Torian so she was to fetch them. Fehriel gave a minor slip of the tongue, just enough to hint that maybe we shared in demonic heritage. At the walls of the Torian temple no less. I'm sure the Torians are nice and understanding, the one I met on the road is the only cleric to offer me healing at no cost, but I'm sure like everyone the Torians have their fanatics. I pulled Fehriel out of town and behind a building to explain his folly in very understanding tones. When his belle returned to see us stepping out of an alley, she thought the worst and being an illusionist fled very effectively. An hour long search of the countryside turned up nothing. And worse still, I fear he will do something foolish. He is too open and trusting of the world and it is going to get a mob after him, I'm certain. I will settle for the repute of a harlot over the death of a monster.

The world is so very strange to me, even now. Fehriel approached me in Wayfare about a goblin hunt. I needed to attend to my supplies in Vehl and Hempstead or I would have accepted. In his party was the Wemic I met outside of Vehl, and the thing spoke the language of animals as clearly as I could. I learned precious little more other than it knows what a Centaur is but not a horse. Also that Wemics come from far away. Clearly this is not the bard of her race.

[Shrowd Umbra]

I have finished my time of respite within the One Eyed Harpy. The monster of the Vehl crypt is undone though his minions yet remain. This gives me a second reason to return to the crypt, the first being my acquaintance of the Hardhammer brothers, a pair of dwarves in the market for the bones of skeletons. Since I usually scour the crypt for things to sell on the market I agreed to their more than fair price of ten truths to a bone. This will help fund my next endeavor.

Fighting the Monster of the Vehl Crypt has shown me the inadequacy of my own weapons. My shots are true but they failed to penetrate the monster's body effectively. I believe a compound bow will solve the problem however iron is still a problem. I will spend some time gathering up bones for the Hardhammers then travel north to investigate the possibility of iron mines. Whatever I do, I will need an Ox and the means to protect it. I know the safe paths however and am confident I can navigate my way anywhere.

Around a campfire I came across two fellow adventurers. We decided to deal with the ogres near the Gloom Woods and they were impressive in battle. His prowess was more fearsome than any bear while her skills in the arcane would have made Terringar stare on in awe. With her magic wound about me I thought myself invincible, and I paid the ultimate price. I ran ahead eager to end the next fight before the magics ran dry. I was overwhelmed and slain in an instant.

It is unsettling to feel cold void like that. It felt an eternity before I awoke again, a shadow of my former self. I wanted to finish the fight, empty the cave of its leader once and for all. They refused me to press on, actually using magic to stop me in my tracks. I confessed myself a fool, and rightly so. As I understand it she made a sacrifice to return me. Something I can never repay.

Our return was more cautious on my part, and triumphant. My recovery was full as well courtesy of a new device I was shown. A 'soulstone' they called it. It glows green which means it works I suppose. Odd trinket but warm to the touch. Terringar can probably explain a great deal more about it than I shall ever want to know.

[Shrowd Umbra]

My hunting goes well in Silkwood. I even found a route to Haven much faster than the roadways, or at least more appealing to the senses. The overlook in Haven was well worth the climb. Were the town not so devoid of any trade or artisans, I may have been tempted to stay nearby. As it is, I will remain in Silkwood between Hlint and Vehl. The best tools are in Vehl and Silkwood gives me all I need. Beetles for weapons, spider silk for thread. The fields near Hempstead offer cotton. I have been gathering it regularly for a new hood, my present is too heavy to be practical. Perhaps a dress as well. While my armor gives the image of a proud ranger, something to simply enjoy a stroll in the safe glens of the woods feels necessary. I fully intend to have it imbued with whatever powers of defense I can muster but that is for much later.

I have no idea who the goddess Lucinda is however I found her priestess infuriating. The woman spoke of Storan's Crypt, a crypt I recently investigated as a potential harvest for skeleton bones. I offered to accompany her to which she replied I would only slow the cleric's progress. I may not be a hero of legend and I may have met an early end in the Ogre caves of Gloomwood, but I feel that was a bit misstated on her part. Especially after I had already spoken of treading there myself. She can keep her charity potions and to the hells with her goddess. I've more important things to do than offer aid, be it small or not, to ungrateful wenches.

Were I anything but a Tiefling I would never accomplish half what I set out to do. I was harried in the forest by a pair of leopards. They started out wary as I tried to coax them, must have smelled my pack ox or somesuch because they chased me all the way to Mariner's Hold. Never one to be dissauded, I blinded them briefly with my power of darkness and ran into the forest. I have not seen them since and next time I may look into leopard skin boots. No, that is a bit harsh of me. A few names come to mind of those that would say my fiend blood is burning. Sometimes I do not wonder if that is why I seek out such dangers. I disagree but there is enough truth to make me sometimes wonder.

I feel inspired and perhaps a bit too currious for my own good. I met a Paladin of Toran today on my way through Fort Llast. He freely gave me holy water, even tried to make a few others unsuccessfully. We spoke at length about Toran's chosen selected to combat the undead. I must confess, I wanted that. To be chosen by a god for a great task, to know that someone valued me that much would be grand. Aeridin certainly can't look too favorably on me given I ignore his founding principle of do no harm. It is a fleeting dream though. My face may look human but I still wear a hood to hide my fiendish blood. The little halfling paladin was pleasant enough to me but to the Dark Elf serving in the temple he had nothing but contempt. I imagine I would have received his holy water differantly had he known the real truth of me. There must be some god who thinks as I do.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Death has never been far on my heels, I have even seen the void on occasion. Felt something in the darkness look upon me and turn aside in disinterest. I thought for certain I would remain this time. I was hunting in Silkwood as I often do, reading a letter from Terringar reminding me of his age and my promise to carry on his work. A great spider, a breed I have only ever seen at distance, descended upon me and knocked me to the ground with a bite from its fangs. I felt poison course through me as I tried to stem the blood. When the creature realized I was beginning to drag myself away, it lunged again. I remember a flurry of fur and feral rage launching into the spider, the howls and squeals of the two combatants. I turned to face the new aggressor only to meet my life long friend, Tanal. I was still poisoned but faithful Tanal kept me on my feet until we could reach the healer in Folian's Vale. He was swift to aid me, but just as swift to collect for his services. This one time, I did not begrudge him for the charge.

[Shrowd Umbra]

I met again the Torian Halfling Paladin, Lyr by name. I think he did not recognize me out of my usual green. I had heard of a pair of bounties upon the goblins of the Red Light Caverns, as well as rumor that the very caves housed bats. Ever eager to champion justice, Lyr offered me escourt and I, having seen how deadly those goblins can be in groups, readily agreed. We had the chance to meet Rose, a mute arcanist. We can only assume we have correctly guessed her name as she points to a rose in her hair.

With our forces gathered we pressed into the caves. I would have liked to travel deeper however Lyr warned there was something vile below us, able to steal life itself. I have felt poison and disease both but this stealing of life frightens and disgusts me. I felt satisfied with the treasures of the first two floors. The Red Light Caverns are not only spectacular in their unusual lighting but house veins of Greenstone, a gem that can be refined into a key ingredient for nearly every healing potion and salve. Lyr is right that the town of Hlint would benefit greatly from access to these caverns unmolested, but I still hold with the philosophy of Aeridin. To remove the goblins removes whatever purpose they serve. I strongly suspect their presence there applies enough pressure to the mountain Ogres and Giants that the great behemoths do not press south into the roadways. True I may be mistaken, but I am certain the eradication of even something as simple as a goblin tribe would hurt the world. Better to cull them so they are less bold in their activities instead.

With Greenstone from Hlint, Aloe from the fields of Hempstead, and Garlic from the deep of Silkwood I am able to make simple potions of healing fairly easily. I was surprised to find the instructions simpler than the Alchemist Fire and Acid I have produced as of late. Healing kits require a certain knowledge of venoms and diseases to manufacture, making them far more difficult to create. While not beyond my ability to try, I fear I would waste resources that were difficult to gather.

Shadows and hell, I lost my ox! The Silkwood cave has Copper and Tin veins, both key to the manufacture of Bronze metal. I know this from my forrays into the cave to explore earlier. They have a kind of cave bird with red tail feathers there, a blood drinking sort. Never one to waste a kill I plucked them bald intending to find a use for them later. It occurred to me arrows would use the feathers and that the kobold camp outside hempstead had the perfect wood for the attempt. With feathers and wood in hand I intended to mine the metals I would need for arrowheads, only to loose my ox and very nearly the lives of myself and Tanal. A stranger by the name of Tolin had arrived prompting the ambush but fortunately she brought strong magic to bear against the lizardfolk and drove them back before the worst could happen. I paid no heed to hiding my heritage until after the confusion of battle, I can only hope Tolin thought the magical darkness was conjured by the kobolds.

Tanal was able to make his way to Folian's Vale and the druidic healer there. My ox fell over on its pack, destroying all I had worked for since coming to Mistone. Fortunate I kept my three essences of Cure on me. Frustrated and infuriated my fiendish blood got the better of me. I took one of the leopards from the vale along and began the hunt to wipe out the caves. The leopard fell in the first assault and I may have too had others not come, Fehriel and his lady friend Emry in particular. Fehriel berated me for taking the leopard along to which I had a few heated words of my own. Why Emry chose to stay in a cave with two obviously angered Tieflings is beyond me. Perhaps she thought us in more control. By the time all was said and done, nothing lived. None of the kobolds, Goblins, or bugbears escaped my arrows. Every monstrous wall of ooze felt the lash of Fehriel's blade. Nothing was safe from Emry's magic. I look back now at the slaughter and wonder where my mind went. Much of me feels shame at having done such a thing after all the patient years Aerlin spent instructing me otherwise. A small part, I pray a very, very small part, cannot help but think it a job done well and lasting. I fear that little voice.

If those Hardhammer brothers do not appear soon I may have to find another use for these bones. My back is beginning to ache from lugging so much bone about. It also makes it difficult to mine properly, I have not attempted it again since replacing my ox. Perhaps they are just away for a spell, or have not frequented southern Mistone.

//Special thanks to Tolin and her DM friend for rushing to my aid that night. One Ox Pack is enough for me.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Arrows are more difficult to make than I had thought. After failing at that I began a trip to Silkwood for supplies. Goggles was on the way, a friend who helped me in the Ire Mountain pass before. Together with Vinden the wizard and Unther Hardhammer we met a trio of Wardens and made a trip to the Spider Caves of Silkwood. The Wardens were a bit out of their element I think, they guard the roads, or as the dumb one put it, they were the bosses of the roads. I figured him new and gave him a few sharp words. I have fought alongside Wardens before and Lyr a paladin of Toran. I felt he dishonored their god and church. One of the first Wardens I met was in their number, an elven woman with good sense but perhaps a little too much dedication to military ranking for my taste. I cannot stand the thought of one holding sway over my course in life. I think the Sisters of Rebirth felt the brunt of that when I was a girl.

The Wardens fell back at the cave mouth, a carrier falcon with a message of impending threat to Mistone. Goggles, Unther, Vinden and myself agreed to investigate, only to see a large gathering of adventurers outside Blackford castle. The captain there charged us with traveling through Whitehorn to Kheldell, a little forest town on the coast. I had trouble in the woods and awoke in the town itself. There we were to board a ship as bait and wait below decks for pirates to board us. The slaughter that ensued was what one would expect of a party bearing three wardens, two clerics, a druid, a wizard, Goggles and myself that I can recall. We were much akin to an army.

Upon taking the ship we found a map leading us to explore the mainland. I had the pleasure of scouting away from the group, a job I very much enjoyed. It gave me a chance to throw my hood back and feel the night air in my hair. The orc encampment north of us we planned to lure out by setting a signal fire and ambushing from the south. The idiot Warden tried to 'save' Goggles who was in charge of setting the fire. The idiot gave away our position then his commander tried to defend his subordinate's actions, never mind one of our clerics, a cleric of Toran ironically enough, fell in the conflict. Fortunately Unther Hardhammer found a scroll of raise dead among the orc camp.

The others fell back to the coast while I scouted about. Sure enough, I found a straggling archer spying upon us. I tried to pick him off but without Tanal I could not stop him. He gave a good chase but escaped. There was nothing to do but return and set up a signal to the Kheldell navy. After giving our report we pressed on west to seek out the orc encampment. We found them, and I found a side way to ambush them from. Their encampment didn't last long and it led us to a cave.

I strongly suspect the others took a lion's share of the plunder. The group turned out to be nothing but a band of raiders. Raiders with giants for allies and cockatrices for pets but still just raiders. By now the damnable wardens were getting intolerable and impatient. I think the female of their group was the only one with any good sense, or any sense of shame for that matter. Maybe it is just my imagination though. I shall have to speak with Lyr when next I see him. Surely she is the rule of what a Warden should be, and her fool companions the exceptions.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Another grand day out with Fehriel, Feral if you ask the two goblins I met. Friends of his. At first I thought it a bad idea, the goblins nothing more than fools among their ilk. They were a druid and ranger, as keen to the forest as I. I have to wonder if I am not too judgmental myself. A serious flaw given my fiendish blood.

We traveled to the moors east of Hlint to do battle with the lizard king there. I thought the Goblins insane for their revelry but it was catching. I soon found myself howling in battle with them. Not the war cries of Red Cavern goblins but the pure howls of elation and joy that come with a hunting pack. It was glorious! I feel myself changing towards a side of me I never thought of before. I like to stalk and hunt, hide and shadow. And I'm good at it. I feel as though it's a part of my dark nature yet unexplored, a piece of me drawn to shadows yet not evil. Simply different, as a wolf differs from a dog. I have no words to explain this feeling but it feels right.

I was so caught up in the elation I left my hood down. I loved feeling the wind in my hair and best of all, I think hardly anyone noticed my horns in the dark. We were caught up in battle. One of my companions, a half-orc noticed. He said he liked them, something I've never yet heard. It struck me dumb on the spot. He was memorable to me not so much for his ferocity in battle but how he walked. He bounded like a ball almost, bouncing from side to side. It helped the image little that his armor made him look rotund and squat for his height. As comical as watching him run was, he was willing to share the spoils and offered to use his own Alchemist fire on another's weapon freely.

It is odd that of all I have traveled with, Goblins, half-orcs, and tieflings would make me feel so at ease, at home. I like the Torians well enough but I must always question how far their friendly demeanor goes. Will they turn on me if they know the truth? I will wonder but never press the issue. Not without some good distance for a head start.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Gnolls are bizarre things to my mind. They behave much as any other beastial race, finding a resource to hoard needlessly and taking joy in dominating others through violence. South of Haven however I have found the strangest behavior of these Gnolls yet. A large gathering of them is residing within a clearing of licorice plants. I have no idea why they would guard such a plant. Terringar's notes suggest it is best used for spells of speed, something Gnolls do not value nearly as much as savage strength. I think it far more likely they are there to aid the ambushing force my pack assaulted today. The hunt was made all the sweeter by the recovery of a magic bracer set from the shaman. I had to run to Hlint to have the items identified properly. Apparently they are a left over bit from a group known as The Scouts. While I know the function of the bracers, a most useful item for my lifestyle, I have yet to determine how to use this power. I will not rest until I can properly wield the bracers. I am also going to become a scourge to the gnolls. Not only do they infest the iron mines I require access to, but now they have trinkets I want.

Spellgard was a sight to see. A coastal city on the edge of the Spirit Dunes. It is apparently home to the goddess of magic's clergy and as such houses a school for magic. I wish I could have entered. Since studying the material's Terringar has sent I can see the potential value of studying magic, yet it will require much dedication. A contact within the school would help my learning I'm sure. They value the pursuit and protection of the Al'Noth above all else, perhaps a tiefling would not be so askance?

[Shrowd Umbra]

My raid against the gnolls failed rather miserably. The smaller party had nothing of value and the large party overwhelmed, despite my best efforts, wounding Tanal and his friend. I know now how to draw them out, make them thin their numbers. When Tanal is healed, they will pay tenfold.

Unther, and I think her name is Fluer, had gathered with others outside Vehl. I recognised Mor Eastleaf, a paladin of Vehl's local diety. Seems he wanted to question Sallaron, one of the men I met in my first grand adventure from Vehl. I thought about hurling darkness as it seemed the paladin wanted a fight, a statement that should be more unlikely I would think. Sallaron simply vanished before anything came of it. Despite all he's done for Fort Vehl in the past, the home of Mor's faith itself, the paladin would turn on him in a heartbeat. I find that disturbing. One should remain loyal to one's allies, not turn upon them arbitrarily. Worse than a thief as a thief turns predictably.

He proved useful in a raid upon the Vehl crypts as did the other paladins. Some half-dozen men of the cloth descended with me to aid a struggling pair of adventurers with the mummy of the crypt. I could hardly keep up with their magic. It was a fever like I felt the night in the swamp. I howled and ran and fought the undead with such lightness in my heart. One of the others, a Rockhead Howling Wolf, was of like tendencies it seems. A dwarven bard with an interest in the Al'Noth.

Our troupe pressed on north into Gloomwood, a place I have never liked much. My newfound magic is helping though. The deathmist zombies that once were immune to arrow and copper now fall like any other. We drove deep into the forest and found another Zamin beast. With the paladins and clerics along though, the fight was hardly a fight. Much like watching ant swarm across a deadly spider. The beast was short lived.

On our way to Silkwood we paused at the Kobold encampment. I required aloe and the others had no qualms about thinning out the bandit population. Seems they were in the process of defending against Goggles already. I gave her my aloe, she was there first. She agreed to join us though not without convincing one of the halflings she was a nightmare to fear. She is deadly in battle but I would hardly call her fear itself.

We arrived in Hlint. The more senior members decided to leave for their big game hunting. I would of liked to have gone along but a promise is a promise. I took Milo, a little halfling druid, to Silkwood instead. While hunting beetles we came across none other than Lyr, apparently chasing a goblin thief. We pursued to the copper mine thinking he may have fled there. With the cave emptied we turned south again, enjoying a nice meal of roast boar and blackberries. Lyr declined, insisting he had to eat a diet perscribed by Toran himself or something. I cannot look favorably on any god that denounces the value of good berries and cooked meat. In our discussion it was decided to look into some honey in the southern forests. I must say, it speaks volumes when a paladin like Lyr can sneak better through a forest in his clanking armor than the Wardens could in leather boots.

A body was found by the pygmy pool. Milo says their wolves are called Thornies. Our pleasant trip turned dark with the discovery of the corpse and very human looking footprints in blood. A bit of serching about and we found little. Lyr insisted we take the body to his temple and I agreed. I hope the Toranites don't flood the woods with their people though. Wardens and Paladins are not meant for Silkwood I am convinced.

[Shrowd Umbra]

I love to travel and apparently Milo does as well. I had heard of a call for adventurers in the city of Lor so asked Milo to guide me across Alindor to the city of Katherian where we could buy passage to Lor. We left with much time to journey so Milo took me sight seeing as only a Druid can. We first went to the city of Stone, a gnome settlement cut into the cliff walls of a gorge. The water streams down in cascades all around to a river below. We climbed down to the island in the river and I even swam the rapids to another island further out. The fish were teeming like nothing I have ever seen there, I may have been able to snatch one by hand! Milo did not do so well in the water, I thought I might have to fish him out by hand.

The local goddess of Stone is Beryl, the Goddess of Gems. I normally do not have any appreciation for gem cutting or jewelry. The only gem I hold of value is Greenstone for its restorative properties. The cave that was the temple however was sparkling with a thousand rainbow hues along the walls. Each gem in the rock was expertly cut to shine like a star. It was a medley of craftsmanship and natural beauty I have never seen before.

The Sun Castle I have heard stories of on occasion. Milo wanted to see the lake and I wanted to stay hidden. We stealthily crept past the ominous looking structure in the dead of night, keeping well away from anything that might be too inhabited. The lake was almost worth the risk but not quite. I never intend to return.

Wolfwood forest was beautiful last time I saw it and this time is no exception. This time I was not running behind a guide but seeing the sights for real with Milo. They have a large grove of beehives and Almonds there as well as the famed Wolfswood Rangers. It was good to be there again and better still to learn a little of the dangers around. There is a hill of Giants we slunk around but on the other side was Glass Lake, a placid expanse of water that gives me nothing but serene feelings. I even had the chance to befriend a white stag there. Even Tanal's fur is not that soft, though I'm sure he'd think that detail frivolous for a hunter to consider.

The rust river is home to Panthers apparently. Ever eager to try new prey I took a pair of the hunting cats down with Tanal. Enough to get a bit of leather and food without hurting anything grand. I may try it again next year. Rust river though is near to Tiger territory and becoming lost there can be an ugly end.

Highpeak Lake was worth the hike. The island in the center glowed with some blueish light I could not explain. Neither could Milo. He said this lake is where the elements come together to be in balance and then he took me to tour the local temple of the elements. Each of the four temples was dedicated to a different element. Earth was a deep stone cut temple. Air was atop the mountain peak itself where the winds could carry you up higher still. Water was an underground lake cavern and fire was a dungeon surrounded with lava. Milo thought it was a bit hot but my Fiendish heritage kept it tolerable for me.

We finally arrived in Katherian and purchased passage to Lor. The trip was rougher on me than Milo, I think only meeting new people ever gives him reason to pause. Upon arriving in Lor I began inquiring about Captain Grant, the man who posted the call for adventurers. The local tavern said he was out of town, sailed up to Hurn. I had time enough left to enjoy myself but to travel across a continent neither I nor Milo knew? We caught the first boat back to Katherian and ran for all we were worth towards Mariner's Hold. I remembered the way, mostly. Milo saved me from two wrong turns towards Tiger territory. Milo also found a shortcut that got us around the Giant's hill in Wolfswood. In our haste though Milo was attacked by a Griffin. I had lost my senses, I wish I hadn't. A bit of Darkness might have ended it sooner. Lola came to his aid but was struck aside. I don't think the Griffin killed her and her attack bought Milo time enough to run. Wounded, we finally reached Mariner's Hold and booked passage along the coast of Mistone to reach Hurn.

I thought Lor a seedy looking sailor's port, Hurn was worse still. The tavern was a ship's hold of a beached vessel. All sorts of adventurers gathered there and I was proud to recall many of them. Argali the dwarven warrior I met in Vehl so many seasons ago. Emry and Fehriel always. Julius the warrior I aided in Vehl's Crypts. Toni the elf I met in Silkwood's copper mines. I also had opportunity to meet Lance, a paladin of Toran and friend of Lyr. I don't think he suspects my heritage. Also a man that liked to be called Snaggy, also friend of Lyr I believe. Maybe not. Goggles made a late appearance as well with her usual air of mystery. Sophia, a woman I'd only met on the roadways and heard of in passing seemed to be flitting about from man to man.

I don't judge others until I've had a chance to meet them fairly, as a rule, but her whispering was carrying on in my ear until I had trouble hearing the captain. I think she's of Ilsare but I called her something along the lines of 'Xeen Wench' or some such. She can keep her secrets so long as I don't have to sit through them. I think I may have made an enemy of her. Hardly worried though, she's more a courtly lady I think and I'm a ranger. Doubt we'll see too much of each other. I did get a few thanks for telling her off like that so not everyone enjoys her games I would assume. I'd just as soon avoid the whole hornet's nest myself.

The captain gave us two stories in between much laughing and wit, and a few witless comments. The first told of Hangman's rock, a little known pirate port off the coast of Dregar. I'd have loved to go but the captain lost the silver token needed to visit and live. Seems his Parrot, Paxia lost it somehow. I think the bird's hatched from a cracked egg. Toni and Milo wanted to 'rescue' it but I insisted the thing was only good for making hats. The other story was of how his ship got its name. The Mermaid was named after the captain's lost love, a mermaid that fell in love with him as a young man. He turned her down saying it wouldn't work. I think he didn't know what to do with half of her. Some years later the captain was seen through a terrible storm by her singing and named his first ship after the maiden. Sadly though, she apparently threw herself into the rocks bereft without him. I think given that story, I'll live long and happy without any man to fawn over and cause me to be thrown willingly upon rocks.

The raid on the Kobolds went better than I ever dreamed. While leaving I met a warrior of grayish skin whom had come to do the same. He was selling the Aloe for coin, a waste if ever there was one. I noticed though his hood was worn a bit too much like mine and sure enough, he was a horned Tiefling same as me. He introduced himself as Lorn and was rather tight lipped about his past. He fought valiantly though and we dispatched a number of kobolds that I had simply used stealth to pass. Emry joined as well though she didn't know Lorn yet. I wish I'd gotten more from him. He's no ranger, perhaps just a fighter? He knows nothing of Alchemy either. I think him perhaps wary like a wolf meeting a new pack, and why not? I've spent a good deal of time with Torians and others.

Milo, Julius, and Toni came to rescue us just as the Kobolds regrouped. With their aid we broke the flanking and ended them all. I with Lorn hadn't had to leave then. I'd have liked to have him on the next adventure.

A map was found on one of the bodies leading us to the Ire mountains. Our motley little band fought through the Gnolls up past the watchtower to discover an ant colony had newly placed itself there. A giant ant colony will empty a continent of food to feed itself then spread to other lands. I know not where this group came from but we fought our way to the hole and stemmed the flow with one of Emry's fireballs. Having Emry, Toni, and Milo using defensive magics was a boon. At first I tried to keep to my wolves and arrows until I realized that for once, I was the senior fighter in the group. Always I have had others to rely upon for strength of arms, and usually when I fight alone I am soon in the losing end. This time I had to step to the forfront with Julius and Tanal. I think Tanal was confused with the spells and caverns. He turned on Emry mid-way and would not relent until I boxed his ears soundly. I think he was startled but anything less than an iron fist to discipline a wolf is folly. Emry will be slow to forgive him and with good reason.

Beyond ants was a nest of Spiders with one of the biggest I have ever seen. I would call it a queen if I did not know better. Whatever the monster was I made sure to cut out its venom sack once dead. A rare kill shouldn't go to waste. Just as the map predicted, there was a treasure chest in the back of the cave. How the Kobolds got it here I have no idea. I suspect someone else put it there and the Kobolds gained the map through some raiding. Whatever the story, I can never know. I have a nice amulet of Barkskin now to protect me in my fights. My first magical item. I had to roll Julius in dice for it. He was a gracious man about it though and I promised him my aid if ever he need it. Only fair given the prize I claimed. If Gnolls have magic items and Kobolds have maps, I just may be tempted to declare a lasting war upon both. I can never turn down a chance to travel.

[Shrowd Umbra]

When I was a small girl, before even Tanal knew me, a bard came to the monastery where I was raised. I was forbidden to see him, a traveler paid to have a loose tongue with stories to tell. I would just be another tale to him and the way of life there threatened. I kept hidden but not away. From the shadows beneath the stairs I watched the monks gather around. They offered him free room and board for a night but the bard insisted on giving them a night of song and tale to repay the kindness. It was the first time I heard stories of heroes and their travels to distant lands. The monsters they slew and the deeds done were fire to my imagination.

And then he told the story of a Champion of Toran who traveled long and far in the dark ages to seek out a bandit king, a man of dark magics and tricks. Deep into the desert the paladin rode, facing dangers of both treachery from his quarry and the sands themselves. Eventually in the ruins of a lost city the bandit king was cornered, the paladin challenging him to a last duel. The bandit agreed and they fought in the grandest part of the entire tale. I was enamored even after the paladin unmasked his dead for to reveal the man to be a Tiefling. I stole away to my room before I was missed thinking only of the brave paladin and how grand a hero he was. It never occurred to me then that I should grow up to play the villain.

A spark of that night is with me still. I am not satisfied with living in Silkwood all my days hunting spiders and beetles. I want to try for things legendary even if I am the only one to know the tale. It is for this reason I am frustrated tonight. A man named Idoran was assaulted by his own shadow, a curse from a dragon he claims.

Dragon. Just the mention of it sends otherwise brave adventurers to hiding, and with good reason I'm sure. We all know they ruled the world before us, but they fell! A mortal challenged them and raised an army to beat them, so why not again? I tried to tell the others that every hero and heroine was a mortal same as us and they agreed. Still they thought me outrageous for wanting to best a dragon and break the man's curse. Even Lorn thought me loony I suspect. The man finally softens himself a bit in my company and then thinks me loony. Well, I can see why but nothing is invincible. Even the gods themselves are capable of death are they not? I am not suggesting we rush headlong but at least an attempt. At least give it a chance. I cannot be the only one who fell in love with that Champion of Toran as he rode into battle.

The Kobolds are getting better organized, or were. They massed together and blockaded themselves. Sent a small party to strike against us as well. Maran and Fleur helped me to dispatch the initial wave, and quite a wave it was too. They had archers posted and reinforcements as well. When we investigated the main camp we found it fortified! Tanal was severely injured, still recovering no less. Idoran had to aid us in breaking up the camp's fortified state as well as dispatching the kobolds from their reinforced positions. Archers along the high road were my main targets. I'm pleased to report Terringar's daze spell worked well on the little beasts. I'll have to remember that tactic in the future. The day was saved and I have new stores of Aloe to show for the effort. If only my luck held with this Shadow business. At least Idoran was willing to talk to me on the way to his inn about my ideas. I think them sound, I think he at least listened. If there's a way to kill a dragon, I want to find it. Better than than die the ignoble death.

[Shrowd Umbra]

I have a newfound respect for paladins that lead their people. It is not an easy thing to do. To be an alpha among wolves one must simply be strong of will and willing to be a little rough. Leading adventurers is considerably more difficult. They are each used to fighting in their own way and deciding their course of action. They are unused to a pack mentality that is so prevalent in wolves. It makes it difficult for they to work together.

The gathering was in Fort Wayfare, Gnolls were massing into a fortified army in the Ire Mountains. Many adventurers had answered the call, a number of them friends and acquaintances of mine. Once the situation was explained, the fort official left it to our hands what to do. Chaos ensued while everyone argued over what to do. Rather than waste my time letting things sort themselves I stepped up to try and organized the group. Tyra spoke up as well, to be expected for her but it is odd. She was satisfied with working under me, at least on the surface. With Tyra heading the Fighters, Maran working among the healers and Druids, and Rissa coordinating the Wizards and Sorcorers we set out. It was not easy keeping the group moving together but I think they picked up on it quickly. One thing that can always be counted upon is the adventurer's knack for survival in dire odds. These odds were dire together and impossible without teamwork. Of course halving two or three half giants flanking Tyra's blade helped.

The Ire pass was quiet. We found little until we ascended to the Watch Tower of the Gnolls. There we met with fortifications and catapults. We also pulled together and marched our way into the tower itself. The battle was incredible. The magics hurled on our part was incredible. Lightning and fire ripped into the ranks of the Gnolls. The ferocity of our fighters surpassed even the savage Gnolls. It likely had something to do with the large number of wards Maran's druids placed upon us.

The tower was taken but it was only the Gnoll's advance position. We soon found ourselves under siege and with good reason, they had discovered a diamond vein in the mountain there and we intent to reclaim it. Our spells began to wear thin. The healing came to an end and we began taking wounded. I tried to organize a defense that would allow our healers to rest but there was no use for it. Tyra was shouting orders contradictory to mine and the group was beginning to wear thin. We had to pull out from the fort. Several were reluctant after the bloodprice we paid to take that bit of ground. With no dead and many wounded, I wanted our losses cut before it turned regretful.

Wayfare we resupplied and rested for the next venture. Grovel brought up his earlier point that he could talk to a shaman of the Gnolls. He wanted to try it again by capturing and I think torturing a Shaman. I readily agreed. I also agreed with a half-giant named Arke that we should take the desert road in. It wound around back behind the Ires and would lead us up to the Gnoll camp without having to go through the tower. I pulled Tyra aside to sort out the command issues and got a quick plate of food, I'd forgotten to store up any before and spent four days fighting in the mountains on an empty belly.

The desert is not a place I like. No water, intense heat. Tanal would not have withstood the heat in his fur I think. We became strung out along the desert way, Rissa got ahead and away from us and paid the price. A nest of miserable little scorpions attacked us. Two of the buggers were the size of a horse cart! I myself was running from a pair of the smaller ones, I recall my last attempt to fight them off well. Fortunately one of the party had the ability to raise Rissa from the dead though she looked a little weak for it.

With the desert road crossed we laid into the back of the Gnoll army like a storm. It wasn't long before the call to capture turned to a call for blood. The extermination was absolute though the Gnolls tried their best to fend us off. With the camp claimed I soon found the plans of their operation while the rest of the party found all the loot. I am a bit resentful that after all that trouble, I missed out on claiming a magical bow. I strongly suspect Scout had no real need for it but fair is fair. The one bit of treasure I found was rolled for and given to the party. The gold was equally distributed, a nice sum but paltry compared to the work involved.

All in all it was a good venture, and an enjoyable experience. As a girl I loved stories of heroes, especially the paladins that led others to victory. I feel I have gained something of that after such a long journey. I now know what those paladins that lead endure, and it is a difficult burden to bear. Yet somehow I found it rewarding enough to still seem worth while. I think many of them knew I was Tiefling and followed anyway. That by itself makes me glad, even if I did not walk away with that magical bow.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Where to begin? I suppose with Wayfare. The official caught me in passing and thanked me again for organizing the adventurers. He thrust upon me my choice of four fine bows, it was not easy. I settled on the Oaken Longbow, a compound one at that. I still have yet to develop the proper pull to use it in a fight but it is an instrument of beauty.

Then Ni'haer, the elf I always refer to as Scout, thanked me for casting my Darkness across the Mariner's Hold guards. I suppose I did save his life at that. He handed me a fine Rapier made of iron, insisted it was a better ranger weapon than the longsword. I could have made a debate of that point, but it would have insulted him I think. It was a fine gift as well.All I could do in return for his trust in me was to return the same trust and tell him my true name, Aekimi. I know not why I felt the need to give him that. Most of the monks referred to me as 'child' or 'girl' when they needed something. I never really felt attached to the name my parents left me, not even a family name to know. I must wonder now who they were to leave me with the sisterhood.

Wayfare was again the site of a gathering, this time to track an old man's lost deer. White stags at that. I had the chance to work with Caerdyn, an experienced tracker. A few times he asked me to check his sense of the tracks but eventually we both gave up, the snow was too heavy. Fortunately we found the first missing deer at lake Nox but lacking other leads pressed on to the druids of Whitehorn to ask them. The head druidess seemed to know about the old man Kris, and the deer. Apparently they do this every few years.

The information led us to Black Ice Isle, a land I have a deep respect for. Especially given the size of their bears. I wish I had been more experienced before attempting that pelt, I ruined it. Pressing through the Bugbears brought us to more of the White Deer. I should mention they like singing and dancing but only when it is good. My lack of talent nearly spooked them away.

The next place we looked was far to the south, the Brach mountains. I have never been able to penetrate those passes due to the yetis that infest the land. Our group however made good headway to the dwarven city there. I found the sight lacking but then I've never had an interest in stonework much.

The deer were beyond the city, a bit close to some of the nastier yetis. I saw one the size of a giant with tusks like spears. I am thankful to any and every god that held that thing back from noticing us collaring the deer. The last of the deer flew off (A feat I still find amazing despite all the magic I have cast myself) and we returned to Wayfare for gifts of all things. I received a fine set of bracers from Kris, not nearly as nice as the ones I took from the Gnolls. While I would dearly like to sell them, I know I could use the coin, perhaps they'd be better as a gift to Lorn.

Met with Storold again in Hempstead, still a wretch of a town. Gave me the chance to meet Amanda, and to see Sophia again. The woman is like a spider. Amanda though I find to my liking and I was eager to help her mine Sapphires from the isle of Krashin. THe goblins there were something alright, more than I could take with my pack perhaps. Perhaps not. Having Emry, Julius, and Lorn along was helpful. I think they were a bit put off that I shot three winter wolves they intended to sneak past. The pelts were good and the meat kept us fed. I plan to make a fine cloak of those wolves, maybe return to hunt more if I ruin this attempt.

I spent the next few days traveling Krashin, enjoying the wilderness. They have no roads, none at all. No travelers or merchants, just wide open white. I nearly stayed rather than return to Hlint. I found Julius and Emry again though, and they offered me adventure in Dregar. I was not fully impressed by the mushroom people, they light on fire too easily. The Bugbears were more of a test, nearly took Emry down as well. The scenery was lovely, and the Forest of Fog was clear of fog that day. Fortunate given the rumors I have heard of that place. I have thought about giving a bronze helm I found along my travels to Lorn but... He is like me, he wears hoods. Of course his always falls down. Maybe strapping on something like Goggles's helm would help. Or maybe I should just hand him the bracers. Both?

[Shrowd Umbra]

I gave him both though he clearly has better resources than I. Lorn gave me half a box of Aloe, and later a pair of rings to help with my agility. Where he finds such things I cannot say. The man is as silent as a ghost then moves to do the most unexpected things at times. I find it more and more difficult to focus on my sojourn to Dregor. I have not even begun to seek out a new location for my alchemy there, or resources to create my healing potions. Not that I am having much luck. Most of the material I gather goes to waste. There ought to be an easier way to make these things.

I may just kill him. I may just wait until he falls in over his head and step in to finish the task. I may just very well set wolves on him and skin that louse-ridden bear of his. The absolute audacity of Fehriel is incredible to fathom. I should have expected as much from a ranger that suggests destroying swampland for crops. He should know even after draining swamps make poor fields. The arrogant, selfish, son of an ogre harlot thought he could lay claim to me! In front of Lorn no less, not that I am worried. Lorn knows me better than to think me some Xeenite toying with him.

The bloody fool lurked about in the shadows of Red Light to grab my backside after a fight. Had I known it was him I would have used something other than Alchemist Fire to find the troll-lover. As it is I made a point to shun him and publicly show my affections for Lorn. If that does not get the point across I'll skin his bear, and maybe him as well. Except that would send him to a bindstone... Perhaps I can just take off a leg and cauterize it with a torch.

Emry told me of some ceremony she and Julius are undergoing. I find the concept a bit unusual but then I never paid much mind to civilization other than to not be taken in by it. Seems she and Julius want to make their affections public and she has asked me to hold flowers for the ceremony, as well as help her get ready. I think some Silkwood Silk would make a fine dress, and maybe it will let me take out my frustrations with Feral's foolish actions. It makes Emry happy so I do not really question it. I rather like the way Lorn and I celebrate our time together instead.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Silk gathering for Emry's dress goes well, I'm nearly done. I even had some spare time to put together cougar leathers. I find it adds a little extra mobility from my usual leathers, I plan to sell the old. I am still irate over my loss with the banking system. Those silks were not easy to come by, not to mention I lost extra silk padding as well. At least I have replaced that.

In a fortunate encounter, I learned Tod Fellow was one of the Shadowdancers I have heard of. People able to twist the shadows about them to vanish. This is the stealth training I have sought. The ability to vanish from a foe's sight and strike again from a distance. Tod has never taken a student though, I gather a sense that he is not that deeply immersed in the training. I suspect he lived as a rouge for a time before coming into it, and relies on that training for much of his considerable skill.

He did give me the name Alatriel, an apparent master of the Shadowdancer Art seeking to surpass another, The Viel. The Viel is the supreme Shadowdancer, the best of the best, I am told. I intend to match them both, if I cannot surpass their skills. An ambitious and foolish goal most would say, but that drive will propel me in my training, or so I hope. Alatriel has a house in Hempstead fields, I shall visit her. Though Emry is a dear friend, I cannot pass this opportunity. Perhaps I can gather the silks tomorrow.

[Shrowd Umbra]

Alatriel is both what I expected and not. She is a sharp-minded woman with a keen eye. She is also with child. I suppose I expected someone in black with daggers always at the ready. She bid me remove my cloak and hardly seemed phased at all by my heritage. Not that I have often received mistreatment for my horns. I suppose I expected a little more reaction than casual acceptance. Our first lesson went well I think. She asked the obvious questions, why I wished to learn and why I thought myself worth her time. I hope my answers were less than obvious. I spoke truly and I think that had she found me lacking, I would not now be looking forward to the next lesson.

Her condition makes it difficult to have anything prolonged in the realm of training. She must have gathered a few enemies in her time as an adventurer, it seems odd she would be so vulnerable in her home like this. Then again perhaps she is not as prone as she seems. After all, she did survive to achieve a measure of skill in a dangerous line of work.

We spoke of shadows and their nature. Also we spoke of the dangers facing those that would rely on stealth. I was pleased to hear that I already knew of, and possesed one of the means to counter those that rely on stealth. My life as a Ranger has better prepared me than I thought however there is one area I must improve. Stealth obviously but I also need to focus on my mobility. Much as I am loathe to admit it, my training with the Longsword was a waste, I need to practice the rapier more, hone my finesse with light weapons. More importantly, I need to achieve more mobility in combat. Alatriel says that is a requirement to learn what she can teach. Hiding, moving softly, and tumbling are all integral to the training but I have developed those well enough on my own that I am not worried. I think I may be ready in two seasons, perhaps less depending on circumstances. For now I learn under Alatriel. If Aerilin could see me kneeling and paying proper attention in a building I think she would laugh.

Lorn took me into the mountains near Llast. Wondrous peaks that I had only ever seen the beginnings of alone. The others gathered with us were an impressive bunch, especially the cleric Hedessa, a servant of Xeen it would seem. She fought with spells as well as her whip, all while keeping us protected and healed. The woman was something to watch, that is for certain.

Lorn was as much a force as any of them, charging up against the largest giants I have ever laid eyes upon and walking away the victor time and time again. At first when he told me to stay behind I agreed, thinking I could pick a few off with skinning knife and sword should they stray too far. Seeing them firsthand hurl boulders larger than myself prompted me to follow his advice to the letter. The only real mishap was when a few of them broke our ranks. I am proud to say I not only held my own but took at least two down in melee. It was enough to make me howl with hood down among the peaks.

The Hammerbound peaks are impressive to behold. The giants have crossed the valley with wooden bridges, large and sturdy to us but likely hair raising to the large folk. The peaks reach up so high into the sky that the warmth of the world is left behind. Cold winds blow as fiercely as Krashin's own gusts. I was disappointed when we finished the final encampment of Giants and the party opted to turn back. AT least the walk down the mountain was not dull. The giants quickly regrouped from our accent and launched three surprise attacks against the rear of our party.

I died again, a still chilling experience. I am glad I brought a soulstone with me. I could not repay Hedessa had she lost herself for my sake. I trailed her into Storan's Crypt thinking to speak with her in private. All was well and fine, I let her lead with a fair distance and she was a force of nature among the shambling dead. One of them turned its gaze my way and caught my eye. It was the most hideous thing I have ever seen, beyond imagining or description. It was as though all the life and light of the world were gone from its eyes, and that nothing welled up inside me until I fell into it. My next memory was awaking to the smell of wine soaked leather armor and a very cross Lorn. He can trail too it would seem, though he was a bit late. He did not ask why I followed her and I was happy for it. He has his secrets, I will keep mine.

No not kill him, I will hamstring him in the wilds one day and watch him crawl home. Fehriel not only has no idea why his actions anger me but thinks me to be the unreasonable one. I called him a Fool, many times. I think perhaps much of my anger is that he was my first friend in Mistone, and the first tiefling I have ever met in my life. I had hoped he would better understand what it is to have someone treat you as a nothing. As it is he apologizes just to apologize. Probably still thinks himself clever for that. I should just hunt him down and be done with it all.

My leatherworking goes well. Milo gave me a pair of wolf pelts and some tanner's acids in return for a little leather work. He's still not used to the feel of his armor but I think it'll suit him well. I took down a pack of wolves myself to add their pelts to the ones Milo gave me and finished a set of Wolf's Hide armor for myself. It needs more work still and I will have to learn to wear such exotic armor. I still need to practice more with that new longbow. At least the Worg armor came out well. It does wonders against goblin weapons. I think my greenstone and salt raids are going to simplify incredibly in the near future. I heard there were some Worg packs near by my crafting facilities. Just a bit west. I traveled there once and was chased out again by the denizens, but that was seasons ago. I will finish my White Stag work then see about some sturdier Worg armor. Wolves indeed, I'll show them a real Wolf pack.

[Shrowd Umbra]

//I've been away for a while from the world of Layonara, and it's a trend that will continue for some time yet. I cannot say how long, I still do not know. I have always held that life comes before games and in this I must practice what I preach.

Thank you all for the best experience I've had with this old Neverwinter Nights game. It was one of the best MMOs I've had the chance to play. If I could, I would have stayed and walked the world a little longer. I still wanted to sail north beyond the Bear's Claws after all!

Until I can return, Shrowd and Tanal have withdrawn to seclusion. They hunt through the forests together, and visit Terringar for her promised lessons. The Tiefling's ambitions have been curbed, for now. When I get back, expect she'll not surrender or lay down for any army of dragons. Shrowd will never give in to her adversity, and neither will I.

~P. Nym