Collecting thoughts - Chea's observations
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Faerûnian Geography & Related.
Dear Journal,
Here's a quick run-down of Faerûnian Geography, at least of the parts that draw my attention the most.
Narfell lies in the Northeastern Part of Faerûn, as does Damara.
The Unapproachable East is a border region between the northeast Faerûn and east Faerûn.
Aglarond was a magocratic state in the southwestern-most part of the Unapproachable East with its capital at Veltalar. Most of its land was covered by the Yuirwood. Filled with magic and mystery, it was ruled by one of the most potent spellcasters of the Realms…
Northeast Faerûn is a remote area that begins in the cold, forbidding lands along the great ice sheets and continues south toward the northeastern shores of the Sea of Fallen Stars. It is bordered on the west by the mountain-hemmed land of Vaasa and stretches east to the vast steppes of the Hordelands.
Faerûn is a major continent on the planet of Abeir-Toril.
To the east of Faerûn, is border of a vast regions of steppe from Oriental lands of
Kara-Tur: Archipelago of Kozakura, Wa Empire, Shou Lung with Great Dragonwall, and other... i know that Ruri Hasegawa came to Narfell from Kozakura.South of the Faerûn, separated by the Great Sea, is the sub-tropical land of Zakhara, Land of Fate.
The western part of Faerûn includes Waterdeep, City of Splendors, home of Khelben 'Blackstaff' Arunsun, as far as i can remember. It's where Attentus filius Versutus was raised, in a Tower located near the City. i am not sure where Wethrillina filia Aelen was raised, but i know she had Unseelie Fey blood, blue skin and tormented past.
The nations south of Waterdeep and north of the Shining Sea, that border along the Sea of Swords. The west includes Moonshaes (Moonshae Isles) and Nelanther Isles.
Interior lands of Faerûn lie along the irregular western coastline of the Sea of Fallen Stars. In the north the Dragonmere arm of the sea extends far to the west, ending close to the Western Heartlands. To the south, the Vilhon Reach forms a second arm leading to the southwest. It's where we can find Cormyr, Chondath & other. In Cormyr, the city of Shade and the ruins of Myth Drannor both posed a threat.
North Faerûn stretches from the wide Anauroch desert in the west to the eastern edge of the inland Moonsea, in the northern region of Faerûn. It is a region of contrasts, with the forested Dalelands, the wastes of Anauroch, the coastline of the Moonsea, and the bitterly cold steppes of The Ride.
Located in Anauroch, North Faerûn, the magocracy of Netheril was one of the ancient human empires of Faerûn. Netheril was also the home of the most powerful wizard who ever walked on Faerûn, Karsus. The Netherese also created powerful artifacts known as mythallars, which allow mundane objects to become magical, dramatically changing the face of the Netheril Empire (or better said the face of the upper side of the empire, as Netheril eventually became twofold: the "have", High Netherese, and the "have not", low Netherese)...
... i should also read about Other Magical Empires of Old, when i have time... and about Elven Vampire Anabelle (a Dead Rose, she was Druidess before her Vampiric Embrace), Elven Druidess Elrien who took over care of Anabelle's Bear Companion 'Sherna', Elven Wizard Delawen, & Elven Cleric and Mage (as far as i can find information, so perhaps it's true and accurate), Luna Seleren;
... i know that Sherna, Anabelle & Elrien didn't respect Norwick Laws too much, often taking bear into within of the Town's Walls...
... Luna Seleren loved stories and was a great Storyteller, and almost an Attentus' lover at one point in their lives.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, 'a poor land-scribe'.
P.S. Mage is abstract term when it comes to magic-user description, both Wizards, Sorcerers and many other are considered 'Mages' by many. An 'Arcanist' is even broader term, for it includes Bards and many other.
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Recruitment, Land of Fate.
Dear Journal,
i've witnessed someone from Zakhara, Land of Fate, trying to get recruited into Cerulean Knight Ranks, while pretending it's a less altruistic service than in Zakhara, most likely.
@6fadef6b6e:
Name: Ihsan al-Rashid
Profession: Travelling minstrel
Arcane knowledge: Cantrips and first tier arcane spells as of this writing.
Military experience: Four years of service in the Zakharan military, basic martial training.
I write this letter to express my interest in joining the Cerulean Knights of Peltarch as an upstart bard and former soldier. My travels have taken me far and wide since I left the road from Zakhara, and I see myself eager and willing to serve in a force dedicated to the use of magic. The knights are a good opportunity to apply what I have learned in a more altruistic context. In turn, I offer my sword and my skills as a scholar, a minstrel, and a warrior to the knights. I thank you for the consideration
– Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st, a follower of Enlightened Energies.
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Icelace Beach, Spelly Rituals.
Dear Journal,
Managed to look at the Cerulean reports again.
There seem to be Snow Goblins, Giants, White Dragon by name of 'Ky' & Adventurers presence mentioned on the Icelace Beach, near the Menhir Stones… but not only such...
There are Menhir Stones not only in the Icelace Beach but spread across whole of Narfell, forming the Ley-Line Network.
Ley-Line Network was discovered by Spellweaver Mage, perhaps Isaac Hamilton. Perhaps reports are still available at the Keep.
Snow Goblins sacrificed other tribe Snow Goblins, slitting their throats.
There was reported red blood splashed across the Menhir Stones & Red Pentagram perhaps...
There were battles with Snow Goblins & Monster(s), with use of magic, but perhaps not only magic.
There was magical activity at the Menhir Stones.
In Narfell, Menhir Stones come in groups of three of such, forming a triangle at base, not far from each.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st.
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Anheim's Quiet.
Dear Journal,
Will i survive without Anheim?
He's strangely quiet…
-- Yours, Chea Allin.
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Proper Spelling.
Dear Journal,
what is a Proper Spelling, a Grammar?
do i know it?
perhaps in a way.
if every Thought, Word & Action is considered, basics of Arcane Theory & Proper Rituals are added… can we call it a Grammar?
i can't, for i am not as a Literate as many...
but perhaps if someone can do it for me, for us, i'd care and return a Favour if i could, and i will if i can.
if i know.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, an artist without too many tools.
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Unclouding Mind.
- A talk in Peltarch Commons about Clouded Mind… -
Dear Journal,
Fighting against clouds that obscure Mind, for loved ones, for myself, for friends, for allies. Peltarch included.
Using magics, spelling, words, gestures... and more...
It's like a scene, a theatre of a life, where gods judge & decide if i am worthy of that privilege, of affecting a change in our direction.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st.
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Soul Entropy.
Dear Journal,
i had insight, related to putting a 'Drop of Limbo' into Oscuran Soulwell in past by me.
there will be 'Entropy of Souls', perhaps.
–-
what is a Soul? there are varied opinions, depending on a Philosophy or a Religion.
for me it's element, root of life, something immaterial, energy in a material body that makes it alive, different from dead or undead.
basicly that, even if necromantic spells pervert this.
Spirituality is what deals with such energy fields around bodies, such as Souls & Spirits, i think.
what is an Entropy?
it's randomness, it's decay, it's a measure of such as well, perhaps more...
is insight related to telepathy?
perhaps... i'd call it an 'artistic sense', which i have or possess at this moment at least...
what is insight?
when a thought appears in Mind, it can be observed.
then it can affect me, my emotions & other thoughts, affecting how i react, think, talk, do... sometimes i am carried by such, sometimes i have purifying experiences when ideas clash too violently, sometimes i react on emotions, with mind, body, perhaps speech.
in such cases of purifications & other experiences that are not very pleasant or harm, Mantras do help to transform Mind's state now and in future, in a next cycle... it's called seeding causes, sending energy, etc...
-- Yours, Chea Allin, a witch.
P.S. i do not wish to be Necromancer, but i'll do anything for Enlightened Love.
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Beach, Necromancy, Ogres.
Dear Journal,
Beach Necromancy is related to Ogres, Both as Necromancers and as their victims, Ogre Skeletons, perhaps more.
Ogres Gorge Cave was investigated by Shesarai Foutopolis and others, who is now part of Cerulean Knights, 1st Star.
Could not gather thoughts enough to go through all reports, but it seems that their Necromancers tap into the energies and Magics of Menhir Stones, part of Ley Line Network in the Area, which were used in past as means of transportation (teleports), and energy source for N'Jast Golems/Undead called Armatures.
Ley Line Network was Discovered & Investigated by a Spellweaver Mage, perhaps Isaac Hamilton that lived in times of Wethrillina Aeliath & Attentus filius Versutus, more or less.
Menhir Stones have capability to defend themselves magically.
i think i read about a mention of a light shooting from a Menhir Stones towards the skies, as a result of recent tampering and Ogre Necromancy & Other Rituals. Mind is too clouded to see through reports clearly, perhaps later will be able to see more, knowing magics of this land.
– Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean Star 1st, an Arcane Advisor, Investigator & Researcher.
P.S. Mind is clouded due to Spells, i think.
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Gnoll Attack.
Dear Journal,
Despite scarce warnings of scouts (i know at least of two), there was little of Gnolls' counterattacks.
Generals seem to 'have a blast hunting the occasional gnoll by the towers'.
About two dozens of gnolls were later repelled by our forces, but 'it's fairly clear now that gnolls have successfully surmounted the obstacles erected by the frost giants. Constant patrolling will be needed to keep them in check'.
– Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st.
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White Dragon, Giantspires & Coldstones.
Dear Journal,
White Dragon seems to be connected to Rasuil Delagim, a known adventurer.
While at least Rasuil claims that Dragon is not hostile, at least few of others do doubt it.
White Dragon appeared in Giantspire Mountains next to Peltarch, where Orcs & Giants live and ordered "new Spellweaver" Mage by name Maria to perform ritual on body of an orc, which perhaps was foreseen by vision of a Cerulean 3rd Star, Jonni Aelthasson.
Report i read (written by Inquisitor Damien Meynolt) says: 'The spell caused a strange blizzard like wind movement that headed South East from the location, which I theorize was headed for the Coldstones'.
Coldstone Mountains area of Jiyyd & Ormpur was covered in snow, and full of undead & other monsters, some of such usually not found there.
It seems that for an experienced and well-equipped fighting adventuring group they are not a match.
– Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st.
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Difference between a guise and disguise.
Dear Journal,
What's the difference between meanings of words 'a guise' and 'disguise' ?
i have such intuition and unconfirmed insight that they differ subtly.
'a guise' is artistic, uncovered, uncorrupted and spiritual, and is often used in a play with words such as 'a guise of Illusion'.
'disguise' is more material, plain, distingushed, recognized, perhaps not so pure…. often used in combination with words 'under disguise of his clothes'.
Perhaps there's more of meanings and differencies, perhaps much more.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, an insightful witch.
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Necromancy on the Beach.
Dear Journal,
Cerulean reports mention something about 'necromancy on the beach' and about white dragon wandering under a guise of Illusion in our City, in Peltarch.
i think i should investigate.
– Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean star 1st.
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Gnoll Recon.
- An invisible scout, part 1. -
Dear Journal,
i've been scouting gnolls invisibly as per Cerulean orders.
i've been able to see that they come from woods near Oscura.
i've been able to find a prominent one referred by others as 'Burka' more or less, perhaps a leader.
i've been able to steal this leader's tuft of hair for scrying more or less - was dextrous enough to do it unnoticed with my invisibility spell, and other spells.
– Yours, Chea Allin, Cerulean Star 1st.
P.S. a little later i've been able to scry upon Gnoll Leader using stolen hair, tarot deck, and a Clairaudience / Clairvoyance spell. At safety of our modest Cerulean HQ... then wrote a report.
- An invisible scout, part 2. -
- Tuft of Gnoll Hair recovered for Magical Observations. -
- Scrying in 'Cerulean & Defenders HQ'. -
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Martial Training.
- Wolves and goblins killed by Chea, with a flaming staff in melee combat. -
Dear Journal,
can i kill a wolf or other lesser opponent in melee?
yes, i can. Snarling wolf with ease, but a Ghost Wolf - not at all.
i've just completed Martial Training exercise near Misty Pond area, near Howling Woods.
Exercise proved that i can kill lesser opponents in melee, with aid of spells. like a Cerulean Knights' member should.
– Yours, Chea Allin, cerulean star 1st.
- Resting after fight at Grapevine Inn. -
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Entrances.
- Under Oscura, a Lizards' Cave near entry. -
Dear Journal,
i've gone under and near Oscura but not so deep.
to kill few of the Lizards, too rich to survive.
Oscura entrances and fascinates me again.
many died in these caves before, mostly to their priestesses and mages.
they go deep into the Underdark, full of monsters and dangers.
i passed this time, alone can't go far without dying.
– Yours, Chea Allin, a witch.
P.S. later i've sold heavy junk that i found on lizard bodies. spell energy lasted only for three of these. i've kept moderate curative potion i've found as well. then meditated at Coppers to regain spells.
- Oscura's Entrance. -
- The Raven Rift's Entrance - further into Oscura, Forgotten City. -
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Jiyyd.
Dear Journal,
Jiyyd is a place that was once a farming town to northeast of Norwick, not very far from it.
After N'Jast War it is reduced to the haunted ruins.
Wolves, Undead, Scavenger Bandits, and other similar folk, undead and animals.
Since months, after a pack of blink dogs appeared there, there was nothing special in this unwelcoming but usually not the most deadly part of the Narfell.
Recently, 'the weather near Ormpur seems to be getting colder, even though summer is approaching. Snowing is not uncommon, though it should not happen during summer', they say.
Ormpur lies past Jiyyd.
Ormpur is undead infested ruins located in the very dangerous Ormpur Woods, full of dire animals, perhaps undead or ill.
Ormpur is another important site on the 'Map of Old Narfell'. Dangers and rarely magical treasures, that usually bring only a trouble.
– Yours, Chea Allin, loremonger and scribe.
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Aftershocks.
Dear Journal,
i've heard this at Inn:
'Several small tremors have hit Narfell, Norwick all the way to Peltarch have felt the shaking from the quakes. Although no major damage was reported, several engineers are getting some extra coins the past few days to make sure houses and businesses are structurally sound.
Rumors begin that the dwarves have delved too deep and everyone will soon collapse into the ground and grow a beard, some say the quake was caused by Leanna, that scatter brained daughter of Mystra, others say the ancient Narfell Empire is arising from the earth and soon demons will flood the land and enslave everyone while the whips of their demonbinder overlords muahahaha behind them..
Others say it was just an earthquake.. but who knows?'
–-
What worries me most is that ugly and cruel side of my former teacher's morality seems to show that way.
Attentus used to talk with demon to protect his first more or less true love, Ruri Hasegawa. He was also quite overlordish and tyrant when it came to ruling the Spellweaver Keep at times of his misery and glory.
if not appearance of Wethrillina Aeliath he'd never change i think and it would be even worse.
after that he changed and died at some point as a good person, and some people seemed to miss him suddenly.
magic fails too often, when it's needed most - he used to say.
-- Yours, Chea Allin, former student of a demonbinder overlord of the Spellweaver Keep in new Narfell.
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Properly.
Dear Journal,
What is 'proper'?
Anything can be proper in my opinion, but if it is too stiff, it is not.
i don't mind formal evenings and such occasions as long as there's a good style - even if they are properly improper. As long as people won't harm others.
Informal occassions are often also quite enjoyably proper - if the good style is preserved somehow.
Picnicks are not proper in my opinion in most cases, i should mention.
– Yours, Chea Allin, properly improper party admirer.
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Hazy Memory of a Sacrifice.
Dear Journal,
My tormented past is hidden from people.
i'll report to you something though, of how i was destined for Selune for an extended time of service.
i do not remember everything but when i was fairly young and vulnerable, we were thrown into strange realm with other Narfellian adventurers.
One perhaps a Paladin plotted to take advantage of us, while we were trapped in a dark cave of unknown evil. it was cold, we had no means of escape and spiders started to crawl from the dark pits to devour us…
A being from outer realms of evil origin appeared trying to make us slaves, entrap us and abuse... Perhaps a Paladin started to make bargain we didn't ask for... ignoring our means.
I didn't wish us to remain trapped in that hell forever as servants of this devil or demon perhaps.
despite my doubts and vulnerable emotions after mental tortures of Loviatar Arcanists, i prayed to Selune, sacrificing myself with a dagger to her so they are set free - in a call for aid.
Selune's Powers manifested, i wandered for a while in Lands of Fugue's Mists, to be called back to Narfell and i felt obliged to pay debt to Selune.
When i told this more or less to Val Kyrie, powerful Bard and Paladin, she did handcraft for me a holy amulet and symbol to Selune and Mystra.
'Holy Symbol of Selune
Handcrafted by Master Songstress, Val Kyrie, this holy symbol is made of platinum and set with a Moonstone on the front and a Spellcrystal on the back.
The amulet itself is circular with the Moonstone cut into the shape of a gibbous moon. The moon is surrounded by seven small stars, a symbol shared by both Selune and Mystra. When the moonlight catches them, they reflect the silvery light of the Moonmaiden in a dazzling show of wonder that allows the wearer to channel her holy grace.
The Spellcrystal on the rear glows slightly with a reddish tinge whenever the wearer turns it to the front and accesses the weave, showing the bond it has to Mystra.
Due to quality of it's construction, this amulet can be enchanted and still act as a Holy Symbol.
Base Item: Amulet
Weight: 0.5Special Properties:
Material: Platinum
Quality: Masterwork'-- Yours, Chea Allin, follower of Enlightened Energies and various other mental and spiritual disciplines.
