3. Journal of Ferdinand Locke

Journal of Ferdinand Locke

  • N

    _It is official, Ahmose and I have been joined and are now husband and wife. I do not even have the words to describe the feeling of happiness and jubilation that resides within.

    The wedding night was spectacular, and a night I will no doubt remember for the entirety of my life. Time will tell if we succesfully sowed the seeds to have a child. I anticipate that within a few tendays we shall see signs. Perhaps I shall be required to hire on a full time priest to watch over her in my absence. I am certain her family knows of many mid-wifes who can aid.

    I depart for Oscura, early tommorrow morning, a Detachment of Mamluks will stay behind and I shall travel on my own. I am growing more familiar with the land and should be able to make it back to the port at Skuld with little diffculty.

    Over the next few seasons I will likely be travelling from Sekhrum to Oscura quite often. Ahmose and I still have much exploration to do, with ourselves and the old ruins._

  • N

    _We arrived in Sekhrum a few days ago, our trip was uneventful and we reached Skuld with little difficulty. Ahmose and I travelled under escort and made it to her families estate in a few days time.

    Since arriving the pace has been hectic, we have had slaves setting up for our wedding, a detachment of Mamluk guardians have also been providing protection for us to ensure our safety, thou I think they are here mostly for Ahmose's sake. I have been brushing up on my Mulhorand so that my vows may be given in her native tongue. So far so good, I am uncertain yet if the Baron or Max will arrive, im certain they will use magical means if they wish to attend our ceremony.

    In the few lulls, Ahmose and I have walked the ruins, and spoken on much. We both have decided that we wish to begin our family, and we will aim to have our children as soon as possible. We have discussed options on raising them, a few ideas have been tossed about. I had mentioned that if we have a daughter that she perhaps attend the Bardic College back near Home. We shall see how everything works out. I personally hope for a son, I intend to raise him as my father neglected to do for me.

    I am eager with anticipation to get on with the service, there is much I have yet to accomplish back in Oscura, and will likely be leaving Ahmose in Sekhrum for a while to study.

    We are to be wed in only a few days now._

  • N

    This will be my last journal entry for a while as I depart once more with Ahmose for her homeland of Mulhorand.

  • N

    _I thought I would continue on with my reflections on those I've encountered in my time and write my thoughts on some fellow Oscurans as well as some surfacers I frequently encounter.

    Quelcoth Darkmoon
    One of the more powerful Clerics of Oscura. Quelcoth more or less leads the Banite congregation within Oscura. The Banites always seem to be up to something, however it seems things often go wrong for them. I wonder the cause of their failings? Is it lack of support, Low level minions? perhaps leadership? Even with the stigma of being a follower of Bane, I find him to be a valued ally. He quietly goes about his business and rarely if at all disturbs the peace within Oscura.

    Creg Fester
    I know that Creg has carried a torch for my Ahmose for quite some time. His intentions to betray my trust as a friend to attempt to steal her heart does not sit well with me. But I simply must hold faith in Ahmose that she shall stay true to me. All that aside, I have or at least had always thought Creg to be a friend. He is skilled in spells which manipulate the mind, its a shame he does not see himself as a Peacekeeper. His talents would work well during interrogations.

    Allanon Leonsin
    A long time Cleric of Bane, I remember hearing tales of his exploits on the surface when I was a child. I have spoken with him a few times, he seems to have wisdom in his words, but he seems to be a sad man. Perhaps his years of service have changed him or perhaps I just dont know him well enough.

    Gina
    The polite Gina, her manners impeccable, her martial skill unquestioned. I am not quite certain I buy into her politeness however; I think there is more to her then she lets on. I have never thought to sit her down and intrude on her past or what her goals are, perhaps I should have spent more time with her when I imprisoned her for suspected Demon possession. Maybe I should stop being paranoid, I guess its entirely possible that She COULD actually just be this way because its who she is.

    Jay
    A shame what happened to Jay, I traveled with him on a few occasions, always thought highly of his skill with a blade. His mouth could use the occasional shutting up, but one learns to ignore that aspect when you are watching him rip apart your enemies one by one. Perhaps our paths will cross again, perhaps not.

    Dar'Lith
    As I write this entry, I look over to the husk of Dar'lith, just standing in the corner like a furnishing. He will obey whatever command I say, with no questions, he will carry it out to the best of his ability. In his current state he shall serve me forever, but nonetheless I still wish sometimes that he was more of a conversationalist. Dar'lith was a good man, perhaps too good to get mixed up with the likes of me. But he did sign my contract sealing his fate, he knew the risks.

    Val Kyrie
    A talented bard, I've only recently been blessed with encountering her and her songs. They have inspired me enough that I hope to commission perhaps some work from her in the future. I have even thought that perhaps I shall speak to Ahmose about sending one of our children to the college to learn under her. Oscura needs more music and arts.

    Aelthas
    Learning that Aelthas of all people is a blooded of Oscura, has truly caused confusion in my mind. Add to that the revelations passed on from Elendel that he is in fact a werewolf on top of that, and I find myself wondering. As a Peacekeeper would I protect him as a blooded? To my knowledge he does not hold a residence within Oscura, and from all reports he rarely visits. Do my duties extend to this "Blooded"? Can he even be considered as much? The Tribunal must have some reasoning for allowing such a loose interpretation of what it is to be Oscuran & blooded continue for so long, and I have to trust that they know what is best for the city. After thinking on it, I am still uncertain whether or not I would aid him if he required it. The Tribunal really needs to release a list of all those who are Oath bound to Oscura. Most Keepers were unaware he was even blooded._

  • N

    _After thinking about those whom I serve with as a Keeper, I thought I would write down some anecdotes on my opionions and feelings in regards to them.

    Senria Shivarn
    A dangerous women indeed, she has often followed me for hours with out me even noticing. Chilling if you think about it, how easily she could end someones life, Perhaps that is why she is in command of the Peacekeepers. We have spoken little as of late, and I am unsure if our visions of what the Keepers can be or how we can be utilized are the same. She has my respect as a warrior and leader, and it seems many on the surface hold her in high regard. That fact however is one that I am unsure I completely understand. Perhaps I should spend some time learning more of her past, maybe that will give me more insight into understanding her.

    Drelan Ashire
    Drelan is a man with many connections, such is to be expected as the Captain of the Black Sails. I have always enjoyed my discussions with him and hope to learn what I can from his experience in leading men. Lately however he has been in a mood. It seems as if he questions my loyalties, or at the least my motives. I'm not exactly certain why, I have my thoughts. I guess I shall just wait and see what becomes of this, I hold him in high regard and I do not wish to dissapoint him. Perhaps I subconsiously look to him as a father figure, The gods know my Father was not very dilligent in raising me, perhaps that is why the Tribunes current displeasure with my performance does not sit well with me.

    Vidar
    The grizzled veteran, he is a man of few words, but a wel trained warrior often speaks with his deeds rather than his words. He would make an excellent candidate to train young soldiers. His harshness and girzzled demeanor would likely instill a bit of fear and discipline.

    Shemaright
    An odd women by all accounts. My interaction with her has been minimal, perhaps its for the best. From all accounts it seems as if she and Louis would perhaps get along well, they both seem to have odd behaviours. I heard some stories about her from a man she apparently was involved with named Riku. Some odd tales indeed. Nonetheless she no doubt offers something to the Keepers.

    Elendel Baenre
    Elendel, Rumors say he is Drow, I often wonder if the rumors are true and wonder if it would effect my opinion of him. I believe that I would accept him for what he is, afterall he has taken the Blood Oath and also has pledged his blade to the Keepers and thus seems to be loyal to Oscura. He is an excepionally skilled swordsmen and seems to have few peer. He is also resourceful and seems to have many connections and allies. He is however much more difficult to manage and even control, not like you can control Elendel, perhaps I should say contain. He has made life for me difficult as of late, his few outbursts and run-ins with the Tribune have placed me in akward situations. I can only hope that his value as a weapon for Oscura outweighs some of the headaches that associate the ego that accompanies it.

    Sogar Ag
    Sogar is quite reckless on most accounts, but he is a very capable warrior priest. I have only worked with him on few occasions and his penchant for destruction was quite the sight. I am unsure if he has motivations or alterior motives about being a Peacekeeper, im more inclined to think that he just likes to destroy things and cause chaos on the battlefield. A powerful weapon indeed, and a value to Oscura.

    Aidyn
    The quiet killer, I know little of her past, or how she was trained, but she has a charm to her and an innate ability to gather information like no other. She often shows much affection towards me, I am not certain if its her ploy to gain knowledge from me, or if her feelings are genuine. I try to keep my distance from her at the moment. I love Ahmose, I do not need other women clouding my mind, especially ones whom I fear I could fall prey to. I will try to send her on missions that take her from Oscura for extended periods, perhaps that is safest.

    Brynden Blackwater
    A bit cocky perhaps, but he is talented nonetheless. He will become an excellent tool for Oscura should his training and skill continue to improve. He has already proved to be useful in pairing with Gabriel, their familiarity with eachother allows them to work in tandem to complete tasks well. I would like to see them perhaps start to look to other members and to work with them as well. Blackwater does have one weakness, women, and his unwillingness to harm or kill them. This could at some point cause issues, but we will work around them when they occur.

    Gabriel Delacroix
    A bit rough around the edges, calls it like he sees it. A good quality in a suborinate. He will no doubt have no qualms about speaking his mind, a good quality. He and Brynden have impressed me with their work thus far. Gabriel doesnt display much leadership potential, and he follows orders with minimal questions. He and Brynden both seem loyal to me, I should start relying on them more to undertake some of the more day-to-day operations, especially when I depart.

    Orin Taismos
    A young aspiring mage, he shows great promise. He is the only current Mage within our ranks and I can only hope he is prepared to endure the heavy work load he will no doubt be facing. At this time we will be leaning on him heavily for Divinations, enchanting and aiding the front line warriors during battle. He will also be required to hone his skills to defend against arcane threats. I have asked that he report to Spellweaver Academy to learn what he can, once he has completed that perhaps I will ask Creg or Louis to spend some time with him as well.

    Victor Croft
    The Junior priest of the Keepers, Croft has impressed me with his prowess in combat. He will no doubt be in high demand when I depart for Mulhorand as the other recruits will seek his aid. I hope his likely devotion to his god does not often interfere with his duties as a keeper. He has not allowed it to effect his duties thus far which is good. I myself have learned to balance the two and I can only hope he manages the same._

  • N

    _As I prepare myself once again to leave Oscura and visit Mulhorand, I thought it would be wise for me to reflect on some of my Relationships with the other Nobles of Oscura, I've known them most my life but it is strange how in Oscura,it always seems as if you truly never really know someone. There are of course exceptions to this and not everyone who calls Oscura home is self serving or scheming. Where shall I start, perhaps with those I know the best.

    Ahmose Hetempet Sakhmet
    She means the world to me, she is a rare beauty of grace and intelligence. Her knowledge of the world around us never ceases to amaze me. Her bookish nature and aversion to adventuring suite my needs fine. For she seems to know just what to say and how to calm me after long and often dangerous duties are taken care of. Her goals seem to align with my own, we both seek to better Oscura, to improve its place. She would make a great ambassador for out city, if only the Tribune would realize this. She has shown a great compassion and I believe she will make a great mother, I pray that we shall have a large family. My only concern is that she has a curiosity of the Soul Well. While learning the secrets of the Well would be immensely important, I fear I am not willing to sacrifice my wife's mind in order to achieve such a thing. I will have to work to keeping her busy for the time being. Perhaps that if anything is a reason to have children soon.

    Vladimir Kursk
    Ah, Vladimir the ambitious one, some might say overly ambitious and at times I tend to agree. He does not like his place in life as the second son, he seeks to one day take control of his fathers business. I am not quite certain I foresee Vladimir running and operating the family business. I always pictured Vladimir leading armies and men. It is one of the reasons I always pushed for him to join the Keepers, he does show good leadership potential. He has however made a few judgment errors in the folk he associates himself with at times, and is a bit more outspoken on the surface for my liking, perhaps with age it will calm the bear down or perhaps he just needs to find himself a strong women.

    Louis Du Lorraine
    A shrewd man, Louis displays a great mastery of the arcane arts and is quite the entrepreneur. His families allegiance to Bane and the black network are important and powerful connections indeed. At times I find Louis most difficult to read, perhaps that is the cost of learning the weave. He had some form of relationship with Gina that to this day I still do not quite understand. He also I fear, has a deviant side when it comes to his women. He has also spoken in the past of performing odd surgeries on himself and others. Truly there is much that goes on in his mind that I am not privy to.

    Ekmen Kyzanos
    The hunter, quiet and cunning. Our families have been at odds for decades and while I hold no ill will toward either brother I cannot help but think that they bear grudges. Ekmen has a unique skillset for Oscura, I have pleaded with him in the past to offer his services to the Keepers. His tracking skills and scouting skills would be a boon to us while we patrol the caverns and caves that surround our city. Perhaps he just wishes to be a free spirit, that I can understand as sometimes the weight of my duty feels as if it is crushing me.

    Monshar Kyzanos
    The shadow, I know little of Monshar, except the time he and I both battled a shadow entity to nearly our last breathes. He is a priest of the shadowlord and as such you never will likely learn much of him. I had also hoped to entice him into using his skills to aid Oscura. He likely commands a network of thieves and spies, or at the least has access to such assets.

    Zazamoukh II Sakhmet
    My future brother in law, Zazamoukh is a good man, an aspiring spellsword of Anhur if my memory serves. It has been long since we last spoke. It seemed at one point that our friendship would rival that of our brothers. We went on quite a few adventures together. He was even planning on joining the Keepers. Then it seems he just became to absorbed in his studies. He gave his blessing and support for Ahmose and I to be wed, perhaps that is good enough. He never seemed much for words after all.

    Zenais Komnenos
    I have always felt sorry for Zenais, she lives her life as if it is not her own. She seems to be seeking nothing but a husband, but it is plain to most who spend any time with her that she seeks more than that from life. She seems to be a nice women. Her and I shared a few discussions within the Coppers over the last years, seemingly she seems to have been confined to her estate. Perhaps the incident with her brother has caused her parents to be over protective.

    Gabriella Skovhus
    I know little of Gabriella, and she knows little of me. A relationship I think we can both live with. She is cold. I shall feel remorse for the man who falls for her charms.

    Lazlo Darkhaven
    His sister married my brother, I can't say that it has helped improve family relations. But he seems an aloof adventurer, so perhaps he is away traveling the surface. Other than our childhood I know little of the man Lazlo has become.

    Valeria Darkhaven
    I know little of Valeria, perhaps its for the best all accounts point to her seeking a husband. Perhaps her and Kursk would make a strong pair.

    Perhaps in time I can add to these reflections, only time will tell. I think that if I have time I shall do the same for some other people who I know well. Perhaps the members of the Keepers and other Oscurans._

  • N

    _Ahmose and I have decided to travel to Mulhorand again, there we will have a wedding in her families tradition. It is unknown to us yet whether our families will be making the journey. In my case I know that the Baron is likely to stay close to home. He never does stray far from mothers grave after all.

    The space from Oscura should do me well, it has gotten quite suffocating recently with all the commotion Elendel has stirred up within Tribune Ashire. I seem to be lost in the dark on this one, Elendel is a hard man to pin down, far too wild to be controlled by force. I believe he is a valuable tool for Oscura to have, but he needs to be dealt with a certain way. I can only hope that my superiors see the value and are able to use the weapon rather then have it turn on them instead.

    The Tribune has questioned were my loyalties lie, or at least that is how I interpret his visits. I have no intentions of obstructing the laws of Oscura, If the Tribune decrees that Elendel is an enemy of the city then he shall be known as one. I do hope that it doesn't come to that however.

    The time I spend with Ahmose, I never take for granted, and this upcoming trip will likely make it even more difficult for me to return. Oscura seems to be so fractured, if we could only work together we could become so much stronger. Perhaps I fight a losing battle and should cut my losses and focus elsewhere, there is definitely plenty to be learned in Ahmose homeland, and much to be gained. So should I bury my aspirations to make a difference in Oscura? perhaps for the moment at least, in the mean time I can focus on starting a family._

  • N

    _The day of Union fast approaches, I have been asked on many occasions "Am I ready?" or "Am I nervous?". Of course I am ready, as ready as one cane be. I have known Ahmose for many years and I have always cared a great deal for her, joining our lives in marriage is but the first few steps in a much longer journey, our families both grow stronger by this marriage and perhaps with added strength will come the added strength which we can then use to take the steps ensure Oscura's continued growth and prosper.

    Am I nervous? Perhaps a bit, but definitely not as nervous as the first time I communed with my Lord and embarked down the path of the Clergy. I wonder how marriage will compare? As my connection to my Lords Divinity grows stronger, I find myself filled with many different thoughts, Are these thoughts even my own? perhaps my Lord whispers to me? Which duty will consume me most? My Faith? My marriage? I like to think myself capable of walking the fine line between the two. But gods can be demanding, and wives even more so. Will my future wife understand? These secrets I hold within, they eat at my core.

    These are the times I wish I had more of a father, The Baron seems to distant, almost alien to me as a father, his sadness consumes him and I do not even know how much humanity remains within him, and Father even holds many secrets from me. It seems those rare occasions when I seek someone whom I can trust, to confide in there is none to be found. Perhaps my greatest fear is following a similar path to that of The Baron.

    It is a lonely existence when one has secrets indeed._

  • N

    _I write this entry as I sit in the "Mud pit" as Gabriel likes to describe it. As I look around and see the rain pouring down I cannot say I can argue his description much. I have signed up for "Fight Night" the monthly event held in Norwick. This is only my second time to ever attend such a thing, I am not quite certain how it will end.

    It does gather quite a crowd. Some familiar faces and ones that I do not mind seeing time and again. I am sitting near Ashe and Val, both women have been teamed together, some fantastic thoughts seem to be running through my mind as I look at the two of them playing around in mud. Perhaps its to be expected to have such thoughts, especially prior to my wedding.

    ::Some mud is smeared into the page::

    Seems the Commander has arrived for the evenings festivities, I wonder how her deliberation in regards to the incident Elendel and the Tribune had are going. Perhaps if she has a moment I will ask.

    My original partner for the events has bowed out, his replacement Uljas, I have traveled with this man on a few occasions. He has his own odd set of moral codes and I dare say his fighting style is nothing like my own. But he is a more than adequate tool and perhaps a few blessings will increase his combat skills. Perhaps it will be an interesting evening afterall._

  • N

    _The engagement party is complete, many old friends, many new friends were by to celebrate in our upcoming union. The party was going quite well, the Bard that was hired performed in the background and the guests chatted amongst themselves.

    It was not until Tribune Ashire arrived that the parties mood took a turn for the worse. Apparently some form of argument had occurred between he and Keeper Elendel. From all accounts, Elendel was somewhat in the wrong, lying to the Tribune and then fleeing from the incident. It is really no surprise that authority and discipline do not go over well with Elendel, but he is a great asset to the Keepers and to Oscura, there must be a way to reign him in at times.

    I took time from my own party,in an attempt to dissolve this conflict and it seemingly did little good but detract from the evening and upset my fiance. I've sent my report to the Commander, hopefully she will have answers. I am quickly learning that I cannot do and solve every problem on my own. I will have to start relying on the men I've recruited. MY men, hopefully one or two amongst them will stand out and show leadership potential.

    And in only a few more days I will be getting married. I will be returning on a honeymoon to Mulhorand with Ahmose. She has land holdings in a small village near the ruins of a place called "Semkhrun". She tells me this place used to be full of those skilled in Divination magics. Perhaps we shall be spending some time investigating these ruins in search of long forgotten lore.

    I've yet to speak to her of this yet, but I also hope that while we are away we might conceive a child. I think it best to start the family young, for it is far safer and likely for her and I to safely have children now then to wait and perhaps face complications.

    I wonder how fatherhood would change me? Would it cause me to go off course? or would it simply strengthen me? These I guess are questions for another time._

  • N

    _So much is going on, its a maelstrom of activity and I feel as if I am in the center, quietly watching as everything unfolds. Sure I find myself getting swept up in it periodically but I always find manage to return to safe footing.

    In the past Tenday, I have managed to lead a patrol through Ettin lands, Battle a Kelemvorite Paladin and scour the ruins of Jiyyd for artifacts left over from a large battle of the Blood War.

    Professionally, the Keepers are really starting to take form, soon the Recruits will become full fledged members and we will be truly able to support Oscura as we should. Socially I am getting closer each day to marriage to the most Beautiful women in all the lands, together we will achieve so much and personally my research goes well and I am receiving helpful aid from what most would consider unreliable or unsavory allies.

    With all this going on, One would think I should be happy, satisfied, excited, why then do I find myself wanting yet even more? I must reign myself in, if I over extend myself I will become vulnerable. Especially with the Tribunes warnings of someone keeping an eye on me. Perhaps I should seek an audience with him, or perhaps with Lucidious, he did extend his aid to me in the past, perhaps he can help me once more._

  • N

    _I spoke with Tribune Ashire, he had some words which bring up concern. He did not go into details but he suggested that I was being watched. Without many details I can only speculate on what this means, or the motives behind watching me. Perhaps I will move some assets around to see what they can uncover.

    Immediately after our discussion however; he did mention that he had been impressed with my luck and gave me a few words of advice as I led a large group to investigate that location of an old Temple. A Temple to Myrkul, Hidden deep in a forest. Within was many ancient and old artifacts that date back perhaps to the Time of Troubles. I did what I could to ensure each item was kept in the hands of Oscurans, but some did get claimed by surfacers.

    The findings will undoubtedly aid me in my research, perhaps I will have to visit a few of the other libraries in the region, but I will not tire or waver in my duties._

  • N

    _I find it difficult to stay my hand long enough to even write this entry, for I am filled with far too much joy and jubilation. I found the courage and dropped to one knee to propose to my now future wife, Ahmose. We have yet to decide on a date, but do plan on having a small engagement party, perhaps within the Mithril Mug. We have yet to decide on whom we will invite, most likely just our closest friends and family.

    We have decided that we will have our ceremony done the traditional Mulhorand way. My familiy dates back to the times of Arnath, yet I do not feel that our culture has developed any traditions in the ways of marriage. The mulhorand culture is so rich and ancient, and I feel that it will honor her and her family to carry on this tradition as we become husband and wife.

    Perhaps in the near future we shall discuss the future aspects of children, I for one would be eager to have a child, but we shall see. Ahmose has much she still desires to achieve, perhaps with our families joining and the possible power gained from it, she will gain favor in the eyes of the Tribunal and they will listen to her requests to be an Ambassador of our city._

  • N

    _Another women kissed me last night….An elf, Aidyn, we had only just met. I did not return the kiss, but I cannot lie to myself, a part of me wanted to. This kind of weakness cannot be tolerated. I will do what I can to distance myself from her, perhaps then I will build a tolerance to this her "charms". Besides what foolishness, when Ahmose and I are happy together. Perhaps I should take our relationship to the next level, I have carried this ring in my pocket far too long. I think I shall call on Ahmose shortly.

    I must head to the Monastery soon as well, to inform them of a series of new recruits who will be spending the upcoming month there training. If they are successful, the Peacekeepers will be able to operate at a level not seen before. Then perhaps we can begin doing some good for our city.

    Back to my studies, some of the tomes delivered by Quelcoth have been of use, and I think that shortly I will have some kind of idea at where to start._

  • N

    _A succubus attempted to woe me yesterday, I focused my mind on thoughts of Ahmose and managed to block the foul enchantress from my mind. The look on her face as my blade slid between her ribs was priceless.

    This Izakiel character, I am finding myself more and more intrigued at the aspects of learning more about him. Currently he seems more then content to harass and torment Norwick, and that is all fine for me. I do not intend on getting too involved with their issues, but if I can learn any tertiary knowledge on his history in Oscura, studies of the well and so forth, perhaps then the knowledge can be sold to the southerners for a price.

    Brynden has been given the information he needs to become a successful keeper. I hope he shows he has what it takes in the coming weeks. His training at the monastery will be difficult, but I am certain he shall endure, just as all those before him have. He brings a friend with him from his homelands in Neverwinter, Gabriel Delacroix, a warrior. He has also expressed an interest in the Keepers. I have given him similar briefings on what is expected, The two will provide an added boost to our ranks, and if they both prove competent enough they will allow for us to begin more serious operations and tasks.

    I have also put forth a few ideas to Commander Senria, I hope that I get her support and the support of the Tribunal, for it is time that the Keepers were given the proper tools to do our ever important job._

  • N

    _Death came so close today, it makes me wonder if its even worth it. I have so much that I must accomplish are the small things worth dying over? Are they worth not seeing Ahmose smile one last time? Two Dangerous trips in under a ten day, one to battle Drow, one to cleanse a desecrated Sharran Temple.

    Both threats to Oscura, I guess the little things ARE important when I really think about it. If im not going to stand up and fight against them who is? The patrols also allowed me to make some new acquaintances so I guess all in all it was good that I stuck my neck out once more.

    Brynden Blackwater, this is a name I hope to hear more and more, an ambitious young Oscuran, I have offered him a position within the Peacekeepers. I hope he will accept and successfully pass Commander Senria's interview, for we desperately need men and women to serve. There are many who hold great stake in Oscura, yet they are too selfish to offer their blades to defend it, unless they have a stake in the outcome.

    I guess I shall continue to scour Oscura for young impressionable warriors in search of work, in hopes that they will become future heroes for Oscura. It was a long days work, and I can think of nothing Id rather do then visit with Ahmose, perhaps the next few days will not be so hectic and we can spend some time together._

  • N

    _Things seem different since my return home. Balthazar has some how replaced Jario at the helm of the Black Lotus. I have heard rumors that he has yet shown his face in public. To my knowledge he has yet to show anyone his true form. I am wary of this, as for all I know he could be a dragon, demon, or some other form of greater evil attempting to use Oscura as a base for their machinations. Rumors do tell of Vladimir and Creg being among the supporters for this man, perhaps they know more then they care speak about.

    The Keepers have also taken some blows, as I am told Kence Boneguard has left the city. It is not pleasing to hear the grounds on which he left. The Tribunal at times I find can be quite inadequate when dealing with the surface towns. Oscura sometimes makes itself an easy target by attempting to walk on egg shells. A path that must make us look weak to outsiders.

    I have however discussed Dar'lith with a few persons of interest, perhaps we shall see if the combined efforts in research and experimentation will bring us down a successful path. I can only pray that it shall.

    I also must remind myself to move some wealth around to once again re-establish an attempt to solidify the Orcs of the Iron Chain Clan a place within Oscura where they can organize themselves and pray to their Gods. The letter I sent to the Tribunal what seems like decades ago must have been lost in the shuffle of paperwork, perhaps a renewed meeting with the Orc leaders is required so that we might work something out and bring it forth to the Tribunal for discussion.

    Lastly, I have begun preliminary discussions in the formation of a Shadow Network to begin functioning within Oscura, I believe I have spoken to the proper individual to run such an organization and it will only be a matter of time before it is up and running. The information gained from such a group will be invaluable in learning of trade routes, hostile movements, as well as perhaps removing people who are unwanted or seek to harm Oscura and her interests._

  • N

    We are departing for Oscura tomorrow morning. I picked up the ring for Ahmose late last night, as she slept soundly.It is a beautiful ring, I think she shall be impressed, it has a Mulhorandi design to it, and a few magical properties.

  • N

    Aranhur has offered me a position within his company. It would be a position of leadership and Ahmose tells me it is a great honor to be offered such a position. I will have to discuss this with her and think on it deeply. I have already been gone quite some time from Oscura, and I still wish to propose marriage to Ahmose, should she accept her position on me entering into a war in her homeland may change. On the same token however; it would also be a great honor to her for me to do this, and it will also give me a better understanding on the leadership of men, tactics and experience in war fighting that I fear I shall not get if I return to Oscura.

  • N

    _I returned to the magical shop I had visited a few days ago, The merchants remembered me immediately and we began discussing the events from the other day. I explained to him who I was, and why I was visiting Skuld, I also inquired to him about the possible purchasing of a set of his and her rings, I explained to him that I had wished them to have some magical properties, and be ornate and exquisite enough for a set of nobles. He took down some notes on the request and told me to return in a tenday.

    After the ring discussion, our conversation shifted toward trade, I informed him of my families business in Oscura, letting him know some of the items we are able to import and export. In turn he discussed some of his export and import suppliers. I mentioned that perhaps our two businesses could work out some form of trade agreement and that he should send an emissary to speak with my brother or father in Oscura, He seemed to be interested but would have to discuss the matters with his business partners before giving me a straight answer._