3. Samson Swarthout: Chronicles of a Gentle Giant

Samson Swarthout: Chronicles of a Gentle Giant


  • OOC Note: Im about sick of writing Sam's journals in "Sam text." Im going to prose which should be more agreeable to the reader.

    Another snap of cold weather had rolled into the Nars, the yellowish-green grass slowly lightened as the snow began to dust it. Travel across the roads slowed, and even the Marauders ventured out less and less in the bitter cold.

    In the night, there was one who weathered the storm like a rock, huddled in his cloak, yet unlike the average wayfarer, his back was to the fire to preserve his precious night vision.

    Eventually the large being sat down, tired from standing, and edged his back closer to the fire so that the heat might push through his thick fur cloak and warm him.

    He thought in bursts, interupted only by the chattering of his teeth, which normally caused him to pull his cloak a bit tighter before releasing it again in thought.

    He pondered how Kanen had survived the curse which was meant to claim him, and how the Chosen could have survived. He chalked it up to the divine grace which had followed the Knight so closely. He was releived that the responsibility of taking care of Kanen's family had not fallen on his shoulders, as Kanen had requested. Not because he would have shirked the task, but because he dreaded how well he could have done it.

    A gust of wind blew by and his teeth chattered once again. Tugging again on his cloak, his thoughts shifted just as his eyes did across the open plains.

    His thoughts turned then to a woman's face, tears streaming and as if watching a silent movie, watched her full lips mouth the words, "I love you." His stomach turned in angst. He couldnt tell whether it was a blessing or a curse. He only knew that in that moment, he felt powerful, as if suddenly he knew more than he really did, could accomplish more than he really could.

    And then, a week later, his boyish enthusiasm was smitten upon the rocks of reality.

    "Ms Mellia," he whispered to himself, words lost in the rustling of the grass and moaning of the wind. He was fairly certain that she had not meant to hurt him, nor did Anakore deliberately seek to betray him. In fact, when he had challenged Anakore on the subject, he stated on his honor that Mellia had not mentioned Sam at all, and that their kiss had gone no further. Yet it had gone further. The weight of that kiss had cleaved the giant's heart, and the pieces lay scattered around the depths of his soul.

    Though he was no stranger to pain, even emotional pain, this new torturous feeling was something he was completely unprepared for. There was no battle he could fight to change it, no foe to challenge. It was the consequences of a decision made that could not be unmade.

    Ultimately, thinking back, he was amazed at how impotent this pain made him. In a blur, a daze, with unseeing eyes he sat not stood, on his hill. And as the bandit officer's arrow lodged in his shoulder, the poison took hold, he could not will himself to his feet to counter it.

    Sam had known the power of rage, anger and bloodlust in his life, and had used such emotions to will himself to accomplish acts well beyond what he believed he could accomplish alone. But the power of anguish seemed mightier. What emotions could drive a being to greatness, could also drive a man into nothingness.

    He thought how silly he must have looked, wallowing in his sorrow, oblivious to the battle that others fought around him in his time of weakness, holding a hill which was his but he lacked the strength to claim. Even the proclamation of love by Nadia failed to disrupt the stupor he found himself in.

    He regretted how he stared at her dumbly, in too much shock from Mellia to be more shocked by Nadia. Feeling scorned she had beaten him with her shield and even shot him with an arrow!

    Just days later Frolly Twosteps had visited him. He longed to hold her, his love for her running deep, and at the same time her worship of him driving him nearly to tears that she would worship one such as the beast known as Sam.

    With Mellia, it was good to be loved, worse to be hurt.
    With Nadia, it was sweet to be loved, heinous not to return it.
    With Frolly, it was painful to be loved so much, and be forever separated by views and race.

    The wind whipped around him, and the cold outside seemed warm to the cold inside him. He felt….

    Calloused.


  • NEW ENTRY
    Uh oh. Thats all Sam can write.

    Sam has been very worried about Mr Kanen. Found out so much about what has gone on that Sam does not even know what to do now.

    So- Sam made a plan.

    Yes. The Plan. And Sam… did not try to do it. Sam did not try to save Mr Kanen.

    Sam is ashamed of that. And.... Sam is happy. It hurts to be both at once.
    A girl told Sam she loved Sam... and Sam loves Mr Kanen.

    So.. now Sam is in the middle.

    Sam does not want Mr Kanen to die and would die to save Mr Kanen.
    If she loves Sam... would she die to save Sam?

    Sam must find another way to save Mr Kanen. Sam had to stop Sam's plan.. because if she loves as Sam does, she would have given her life for Sam, instead of Sam for Mr Kanen.

    Hold on Mr Kanen! Sam will not let you die. Just... need more time to think.

    half the page goes by unwritten before text begins again, as if the writer paused in long thought, almost a new entry

    Sam knows true love now. Have not felt it for so many years. And Sam might have to give it up... It hurts... it hurts bad. It took a long good cry to get it out.

    But then Sam thought about Mr. Kanen.

    Sam can not imagine what Mr Kanen feels now with Ms Seven and his little children. He knows he will die soon.

    Sam does not even have little children. Sam does not have what Mr Kanen has... and yet, Sam loves the little ones so much.

    Mr Kanen told Sam to care for them. And Ms Seven too. If he dies.
    Sam will. Sam will be a perfect paps for them. But Sam will not ever be so much as Mr Kanen. Not for his little ones, not for the girl that loves Sam...

    Maybe Mr Kanen was right. Sam should look after his family. Not get Sam's self killed.

    Things are so much over Sam's head now. Only Mr Helm can help Sam now. Aint got the littlest clue what to do now.
    Sam feels like a squirrel on a log in a white water river now.


  • Well. So much for Sam's notes. Lost a whole lot of pages coming home and can not find them anywhere.

    Coming home was hard. Things have changed so much. There are a few faces Sam still knows, but so many others…. Where have they all gone?

    Folks go over the hill, day in and day out. They do not know who Sam is. And no one knows why Sam stood there. They all call it Sam's Hill and they do not know why.

    Now maybe bandits are not what Sam should worry about anyway?

    In the Dalelands Sam found Red Wizards and Banites. Now that Sam is back, Sam finds them here too.

    Maybe Sam was supposed to go to the Dalelands and learn how to fight them and come back home and do it here. That is all Sam can think of.

    Some things just do not make sense to Sam.

    Lily was not mad at Sam for being gone. But Lily was not so happy when she saw Sam.

    Sam thinks Sam did a bad thing by going away.

    It is not so hard now for Sam to know why all the paladins are lonely.


  • NEW ENTRY

    The hill has been too busy. Have not had time to look for Ms Frolly and barely had time to visit Ms Mellia in Peltarch.

    Mr Kanen is not retired, but not sure what he does any more. The other day we had to save Ms Shane from cult fellows. He does not look like he is getting to old for this. Anyway, Ms Shane is safe and the cult fellows took a few good licks and best remember them for a long while unless they want some more.

    No one has seen Ms Frolly. Every day Sam looks under this and that on the way out to the Nars, hoping to find her. They say she tried to keep Sam's hill safe, but she's so small, Sam can not imagine how hard that must have been for her.

    The new bandits magic is terrible.

    Past couple of weeks they have been hitting pretty hard. Even threw another one of their war machines at us, but that one went down with a bit of fighting.

    What worries Sam is the Iron Horde. First it was just their scouts, one at a time. Now Sam is seeing groups of Iron Horde coming at the hill. If there is one group of folks that Sam will have a hard time keeping off the hill, it will be Iron Horde infantry. They busted through the gates of Xyra like Sam was a foot mat.

    Sam thinks that Callendal Mage fellow from Spellweaver is smarter than the bandits have ever been. Sam thinks he is the one using magic to send the squads at us. They can jump righton top of the hill anywhere with his magic.

    He probably knows right now how bad hiring on the Iron Horde will hurt us.

    That is, if he can afford them and wants to sleep comfortable at night with Banites as his bed fellows.

    The only good news is… its just the scouts. Least they dont blow up like the infantry when they die.


  • NEW ENTRY

    Found all of Sam’s old papers…

    the writer paused in long thought here, evidenced by several pen marks of sentences begun and stopped at the first sign of a letter

    Guess something should be put down. About all this. About all that. About what Sam can not bring Sam’s mouth to say when people ask where Sam has been.

    Ms Vroka was awful nice for keeping everything. Guess Sam should be nicer to her. It is not her fault she has bad blood, just like Sam can not help it. She does like Sam. Always has. But, she hopes for Sam, hopes Sam would be her one.

    Hope. Damned if Sam has not hoped all of Sam’s life for this day. This day should be Sam’s Day, the day Sam’s whole life rose up to become. The peak of the mountain! Sam hoped for this day since Sam was old enough to know how to hope for something. From the beginning, Brother John was there, pushing Sam for this day, and Sam failed and failed. And now, Sam is getting close to fifty years old.

    Fifty years of waiting. The day has come. And Sam is sad.

    NEW ENTRY

    Helm protects Sam now. It is such a relief to know that Sam will never go through this again. It was not so bad when it was Tyr, or Helm pushing Sam to do what Sam could not do alone. But.

    Gruumsh instead of being written boldly with hate, the name is barely visible on the page

    Why did it have to be him? Why did he make Sam do all those things. Revenge? Sam hates him. Sam hated him then, hates him now, and Sam will find new hate to give him. Someday, somehow, he will suffer his deeds.

    Suffering deeds. The things Sam did. It made Sam see them. Terrible things, on people that did not deserve it. And now, Sam pays.

    Helm found a way. No one is left to Sam anymore. Those old friends, the ones Sam could run and hug, and love for just who they are… are gone to Sam now. Those that are not yet, just have not had the time to slip away.

    The first was Miss Frolly. She thought Sam was her god. But Sam was just her friend. Maybe she thingks friends ares good a thing to have as Sam does. But, when Sam, her friend, needed help… She said she did not try to help Sam. the pen trails off as if the writer lacked the strength to press

    Everyone in the temple said they all came to help Sam. They did it for duty. Was Sam not good enough of a friend?

    Sam can not stop asking- why?

    That is when the pain started. When Sam’s friends started to slip away. It hurts, damn it, it hurts Sam bad! Friends were all Sam had to live for. Friends were why Sam wanted to help Helm. But now, Sam has to watch for Helm and not those that Sam loved and Sam thought loved Sam back.

    Ms Frolly turned her back on Sam. Because she hates Mr Helm. a big tear punctuates this sentence

    Now Sam has to try to help her. Not because she is Sam’s friend, or Sam is hers, but because Helm wants it.

    Sam just wants to love her and be loved back. Like before.

    NEW ENTRY

    Next it was Ms Yurana. What happened to her!?

    She fought the Skulls and Sam helped her and we cried together for hours so many times as the fear of death was so strong on her. Sam helped her when she turned away from her god and was there when she found him again.

    Sam thought our greeting would be warm. But, it was cold and Sam could feel the meanness inside her now. It was such pain, to be so wrong. And now, Sam must walk the thin line that Mr Kanen and Mr Darian barely managed.

    Mr Kanen. He hugged Sam when he saw Sam. But Sam did not share it. Sam fought so hard for him and Helm. Sam rescued his little ones from fire and and fought Ms Melrus’s folks out of his house., saved his life when Mr Jubee would have taken it. Sam would have died for Mr Kanen. And then, when Sam was Taken- Mr Kanen retired.

    It hurt.

    Mr Darian. It let Sam see. Saw Mr Darian fight the orc, and lose. Saw Mr Darian stand up again. He was dead. Why he did not die I do not know. And then.. it made Sam see it cut him again. He died trying to save Sam and it made Sam watch.

    And it hurt.

    Mr Braeth. Sam used to look to Mr Braeth as someone Sam could trust, who did things for the good of all. But, Mr Braeth’s ways can not be Sam’s ways any longer. Mr Helm made that very clear when Sam tried to save a man from a sword he could not put down. A ‘soul stealer’ Mr Braeth called it. So, Sam cut off the hand to save the man. But the man fell down dead.

    Helm scowled and Sam felt it.

    And it hurt.

    Ms Scutum, Sam misses her. She is so busy, but she was always Sam’s longest friend. But her new job takes her away and Sam can barely steal a moment to talk to her, and never long enough to catch up.

    Ms Miiya. Sam still loves to hold his little happy elf. She is so innocent. She perhaps is the only one who does not care of the why behind what Sam has to do now. She still loves the way Sam used to love. Sam has to love with condition now.

    And that hurts.

    Ms Mellia, the pretty singer from Peltarch. She and Mr Darian were so close. She cried at his death, and could not understand Sam’s life.

    If she was loved by Mr Darian, then she is loved by Sam. It is not hard. Sam feels for her. Sam was there when her man left her, and knows what he was like. It was good for her to know Mr Darian. She needed to know a man like that, one that would not bring her pain. It must hurt her as much as Sam hurts to think about his loss.

    But now, she chooses another man and Sam does not trust him.

    Sam’s duty to Mr Darian, his love for her, and Mr Helm’s will. Sam worries how Sam will make the right choice.

    Soon, the only thing Sam will have left is Mr Helm. Either Sam will have only him, or Sam will fail him, and choose wrongly.

    Sam fought being Taken out of hate. Sam fought and was faithful to Helm because the enemy was so near. Now, Sam wants to love again. And everywhere Sam turns to love, it can not be.

    Sam knows what the Burden means now. Why the other paladins are the way they are. Sam was blind to it before. They are they way they are because they are lonely, their only company- their faith.

    The loneliness takes Sam, and Sam does not want it.

    Who will Sam find to be Sam’s friend again. It is as lonely as when Sam first got here.


  • For time-sequence continuity.

    http://nwn.black-flag.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8335

    For those interested on the backstory behind the backstory… this will tie up alot of loose ends.

    http://nwn.black-flag.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=22029#22029

  • ?

    TEASE! Boo!

    My god, Sam. I do so love your writing. Would that we had known each other from the start. Tsk. Write forever, Sam, knowing that I linger over every word.

    Well, maybe not linger…


  • Been too busy to take much more than a note here or there.

    Maybe if theres time to later, all these notes might mean something that can be writtie down. Half of it does not even make sense to Sam.

    {{aka… was too uninspired to write journals}}

    But to sum it all up. The bandits are not gone, Mr Atol is not gone, Rass is not gone. Mr Jubee is not gone, but at least Ms Melrus is gone. Oh, and Mr Kanen's lich is gone too. Too bad Sam did not have anything to do with getting rid of them. Do not know how Sam will ever prove to Mr Helm Sam can really be a paladin if Sam can not ever show him how Sam can help.

    But enough of blubbering, there is things Sam needs to write about.

    Today was a very scary day. Orcs hit Jiyyd very hard, saying they wanted food. We all decided to let them starve. If they were Blood Moons they would eat their own dead so Sam told them to do that very thing and go home. Guess they did not like that idea. They are going to get help and come back.

    They hit awful hard the first time. They will hit us harder next time. So... there are a few things Sam better get down on paper just in case.

    First, to be a Paladin. Saw Mr Helm in person! It was like someone hit Sam over the head again. Sam found it. Found FAITH! So, maybe soon Sam can take the Paladin's Test of Faith.... again. But this time Sam knows that Sam can do it. Sam WILL pass!

    And also, this has never happened to Sam before.... There are girls Sam likes, and some of them like Sam back. That is kind of a first, yes?

    But a little bad advice might have kind of ruined most of all that. In the end, there are still two girls that Sam can not stop thinking about. Ms Lily and Ms Frolly.

    Guess you can say Sam loves them both! So.. what about them should Sam write ... to say what Sam feels about them. Well, first, the one Sam thinks Sam loves more. That is- the writing jags as if the writer was startled

    The orcs are coming back. Must finish later.

    the writings are crumpled as if shoved into something very quickly

    hours later, the papers were stained with blood


  • NEW ENTRY

    Ran up to Peltarch to buy potions. Its the only place to get them. On the way out, Sam heard Ms Aspera tell Mr Ashan to get Sam and bring Sam to her.

    Tried to run but Lily was with Sam and she can not run as fast. Mr Ashan caught us. He told Sam to go with him to Peltarch but there was no WAY Sam was going to walk with THAT fellow.

    So it came to a scrap. Blasted magic. Mr Ashan cast a spell and Sam had to run.. then he cast more spells and Sam could not run anymore. It was over awful quick.

    Woke up in a jail cell. Mr Kanen got Sam and we had to go to a trial. Sam would have ran from any one else… but not from Mr Kanen.

    The trial was not fair. Ms Aspera was tricking Sam to say stuff that got Sam in more trouble. Then she took 1500 gold and said Sam had to get 100 whacks with a whip.

    One Hundred.

    Sam knows two things now. Sam hates Ms Aspera and Mr Ashan.... and Mr Helm kept Sam from yelping even once. Had to pray the whole time and it was awful hard to keep it up.. to... have faith? Maybe Sam had a little faith... enough when it counted maybe.

    Mr Ashan was kind of mad that Sam lived. Not sure what to think of it. It did not seem fair, but Sam survived it and now Peltarch can not touch Sam. Sam paid the toll and is still here. Sam will catch them with their guard down, sometime.

    Evil folk can not hide behind laws forever. And there's no law in the Nars.


  • NEW ENTRY

    Met another dragon. Called itself Rass. Worst meeting ever. It cornered us on the hill, wanting gold. We gave it.
    Sam almost had everyone off the hill but then Ms Tiger came back to get Sam. …

    Wish Sam would have known then what Sam found out later, but we did not have time to finish our talk before that blasted dragon came. It blew fire... it was not a nice way to go.

    Sam has a present for that dragon this time. Hope the dragon likes all 4 of its feet where they are... attached to its legs.
    But Lily does not want Sam on the hill anymore, and have to say, do not mind having a reason to leave it be.

    NEW ENTRY
    Mr Kanen's family is in trouble. We put out a fire inside his house one day. His kids were safe.

    A while later Sam an Mr Kanen helped a dwarf paladin, Sir Mirit. We went after bugbears and Mr Kanen had to duel one alone, without help. When is he going to learn he needs help sometimes?
    After that we went to Peltarch and some common thugs tried to kill us. They almost got Mr Kanen, but Sam was able to knock down enough that they didnt have time to do it.
    Then we talked to some fellow named Set. He was not much of a talker either. Had to kill him too. We took his armor, it was the nicest set of armor. Sure wish Sam could have had that armor. Mr Sir Mirit gave Sam Mr Set's axe. It was a really nice axe, but it was a little axe and not something Sam wanted so gave it back.
    At least Mr Sir Mirit gave Mr Kanen enough gold to replace all the potions we had to use that night. Was a close thing, it was. Mr Kanen and Sam almost did not make it through that night.

    NEW ENTRY
    More dragon sightings. Its almost like that Rass knows Sam's got a plan. Its a secret plan but if that dragon comes back to the hill its gunna know pain, just like the pain it gave to Lily.

    NEW ENTRY
    Sam's an outlaw again. It always happens in the big cities. Someone does not like Sam's blood and wants to make a stink about it. Guess arguing with a judge was not a good idea. How was Sam supposed to know this Aspera elf was a judge?
    Anyway... got thrown in jail for that stupid hat law they have. Then little Sasha let Sam out and we both ran away.
    Ms Aspera put 3000 gold on Sam's head. What a witch. Wish she would have stayed dead when Mr Kanen killed her the first time.

    Only good news is Lily. She is the one thing in the world that makes waking up worth it. No matter what happens, or how bad things get Sam can always have someone to look forward to seeing now.

    NEW ENTRY
    Finally met this Mr Jubee. He was asking about Mr Kanen, but he was not friendly about it. Sure found out why. Mr Kanen walked up on us and then Sam figured out who this fellow really was. Mr Kanen sure does have a knack for picking bad fellows for enemies. We fought. Sam could not even hurt him. He put Mr Kanen down in just a few swings and ran away. Sam could not chase him far because Mr Kanen was dying on the ground.
    At least Sam did not lose another paladin. Ms Seven and the two kids were safe in Peltarch. Guess that made Mr Jubee mad.

    NEW ENTRY
    Cursed Orks hit Jiyyd again. No idea why, but we fought em. Nearly killed Sam AND Lily. After Lily went to bed, Sam and a few others, like Mr Bruno went south and scuffed them up pretty hard. Then they ambushed us as we left. It was a good ambush... they won.
    Woke up in Peltarch again. Having friends is good, but Sam lost all the gold and alot of Sams stuff got lost in the fight.
    Starting over is hard, and getting that farm seems further away than ever.
    Guess Sam will spend more time on the hill and sell bandit stuff for a while.


  • since the first great battle of Sam's hill when the war machine struck Sam in the head, his writing degraded dramaticly

    NEW ENTRY
    Been about four months now on this hill. In the beginning, defiance, to take this hill away from them was special. It inspired others.

    Inspiration gone.

    Had enough of the hill. Had enough of all those folks expecting Sam to always be on that hill. Tired of killing folks day in and day out. Heard a rumor they want to talk, but do not know how to talk well enough, and no one will go with to talk FOR Sam.

    Feel sick standing on it anymore. What is going to happen? Stand, wait. They attack. They die. They get buried. Folks come by and say good job an move on. No one asks… Tired? Hungry?

    They just ask why is Sam not on the hill?

    Only Mr Kanen, Ms Eo, Ms Clandra, and Ms Yura know how Sam feels. Rest do not care.

    Wish they would just put down the swords and go be farmers. Then Sam could buy a farm too.

    NEW ENTRY
    One of Sam's best friends is in big trouble. Can not write about it in case the bandits get these papers. No one trusts her but Sam, and she can not trust anyone else. I hope she lives through this. Sam can not help her where she goes.

    NEW ENTRY
    Aint seen Ms Miiya in ages. Guess Sam scared her off too.

    Least Sam has Mr Kanen now. He's all the family Sam has. It took forever, but finally Mr Kanen trusts enough to ask for help. Ms Seven is polite too, but very quiet.
    Sam and Mr Kanen did a few things together and its almost like helping Mr Darian again. Mr Kanen is younger, and more hot headed than Mr Darian, but he still worries just like Mr Darian did.

    He finally got his Holy sword! Sam's awful proud of him. It took him alot longer than Mr Darian, but Mr Kanen is alone. Mr Darian was always in the big cities, talking with the Order all the time, getting told what to do... Mr Kanen just has to figure everything out himself and that must make it a lot harder on him. He's still poor as dirt, just like Mr Darian, so its good that he finally is letting Sam help him. Just the other day he needed potions and Sam felt bad for charging Mr Kanen for them, but someday Mr Kanen aint going to have the money and Sam will just forget that Mr Kanen owes anything.

    Aint no way Sam's going to lose this paladin too.


  • http://nwn.black-flag.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8335&highlight=

    (Inserted to keep chrononology straight)


  • NEW ENTRY

    Alburn is tough. Ms Velaria's techniques are sound, rooted in proven techniques, but she is more merciful than she ought to be. The Alliance is not strong enough to ever hope to fight through the bandit lines and reach their soft interior. We NEED the information he has. So we can slip past where they do not expect and hit them where they do not want

    He is breaking, but slowly. We need another victory, and soon. They say that fame is fickle, and the reputation of the alliance is a kind of fame. Without constant victory, the people of Narfell may soon lose faith in the Cause. That would be the end of us.

    Mr Bruno has been a great addition in some ways. His exploits with simple kegs are not enough to curb his insatiable desire to destroy things. The Alliance gives him a reason to blow things up for a good cause for a change. Together, we might have put together a plan to destroy the bandits forever in Narfell, but that is not something for a mere diary. Should Sam die and these notes fall into their hands… No matter if a thousand bandits lay at my feet, the Plan must not be revealed. Oddly enough, the Alliance needs more people to join the Cause, and the hope this plan would inspire would certainly give the masses the hope they need. But at the same time, only one traitor could steal that hope from the entire land.

    Barron Alburn is a key...
    Mr Bruno might be a key...
    and Velaria is the key...

    So now Sam has to protect three people. The failed rescue attempt made by the bandits surely shows how afraid they are that Barron will talk. By some divine power, Mr Bruno and Sam prevented his rescue, and with any luck it will take the bandits months to replace the officers they lost.

    Ms Velaria's plan is bold and will work but will be so difficult to lead.... I wonder daily if she has the strength. She seems so frail. After all, she is a performer, an actor, and never been a soldier or anything of the sort.

    And Mr Bruno... can he be trusted? A single accident could remove the Alliance in a blaze of glory. And when that blaze faded from the horizon, there would be no more hope.

    The Cause stands on the brink of success or failure.

    NEW ENTRY
    Ms Vel still working on Barron. Nothing yet.

    Had to do something... so... named a hill after Sam. Sam Hill. Just north of Norwick, just south of the Norwick-Jiyyd crossroad.

    Going to hammer a sign there later, and its going to say:

    This is Sam's Hill. Bandits will be killed on sight. Wayfarer's may rest by the fire for all those on Sam's Hill are protected from harm whenever the fire is lit.

    It is a lot of killing. Sam dont like it. But Ms Vel thinks that just by having Sam stand on top of a hill, with a fire going is enough to make people think the Alliance CAN make a difference.

    They smile alot. Wonder if they think its funny, or if it really matters.

    Its going to take all day tommorow to bury these bodies. The first week, the bandits tried to take Sam's Hill away from Sam. It's still Sam's Hill, and the bandits probably dont like that much. Guess they'll be coming back later.

    They are going to need more bandits next time.

    NEW ENTRY
    the usual charcoal stump appears to be pressed much lighter, as if the writer were so unsure of his words that he could not press them down with boldness

    Where does Sam begin....

    There is an elf girl. Ms Miiya. Sam likes her. Have not liked a girl this much since Ms Nara....

    Probably this will end bad for Sam. It always does. Ms Miiya is so sweet. Met her in Jiyyd once and we talked for a long time. She giggles and laughs when Sam says funny things and she is so cute. She does not even seem to notice Sam's blood.

    Dont even know what to write... just kind of rambling. Been on this Hill for two straight days and have not slept. Keep hearing bandits, but they are not there.

    Trying to stay awake... trying to keep this Hill safe so people can stop by Sam's fire. But keep thinking about Ms Miiya. Wonder what she would think if she knew Sam sits on top of a hill all day long now and waits to kill people.

    Sam feels like a bandit.

    Ms Miiya never comes up this way by herself. She came by once, but that was with Mr Damarcus. Mr Damarcus is a good fellow, but Sam does not trust him. Ms Miiya is just so... so... innocent. Mr Damarcus.... aint.

    How does Sam talk to her? Ms Scutum gave Sam some good advice... cant remember what it was...

    Its getting close to noon... Its hot... I stink... tired... at least there is a lot of food and drink. Bandits are going to change shifts soon. Maybe knock a few down Sam's hill and go catch a nap in Norwick... so tired...

    Maybe dream about Ms Miiya...

    Sam aint that lucky...


  • Sam woke up, having decided to spend a night in a real bed in the Regal Whore. The previous day's capture of Captain Barron Alburn had left Sam's back somewhat sore, as Sam had lugged the heavy bandit from his den all the way to the Alliance Arms Inn.

    As was usual on any given day that the mighty half-orc felt like adventuring, he visited a few of the local stores for supplies. As Sam was a veteran fighter, skilled with virtually every weapon made of metal or wood, everything had its place.

    He carefully tied his medicine bags with quick release ties along his belt. The handles of his many throwing axes, were placed into loops across his torso for quick access. Sam could deftly slip them from their loops and hurl as many as two before most targets could even close the distance with him. With Sam's great strength, even a small rock was a formidable weapon if he could hit with it.

    The streets of Jiyyd were quiet, and that was how Sam liked it. Even though it was still early morning, the tempo was not likely to pick up. He set off to Norwick, to satisfy his urge to talk to someone and perhaps do a good deed.

    Passing west of Jiyyd, through orc land, Sam couldnt help but stray from the path a moment to exact a little more revenge on the orcs. They fell easily, and their meager belongings soon filled Sam's pack. When Sam reached the Nars however, he spotted a group of three in combat with a Faithful bandit warrior. They dropped it easily before he could get there, nevertheless, he check to see if everything was allright.

    Robyn, Marcus and Skyla all stood over the fallen body of te Faithful.

    "We're fine," Skyla purred as if it were as easy as sweeping kittens off a table.
    Sam shrugged, about to return to his path to Norwick. "Okee."
    "Well, we are on our way to Peltarch, Sam, if you care to join us."
    Sam hefted his bag on his shoulders, it was quite heavy, but then Skyla offered a solution.
    "By way of the Gypsy camp you mean." Sam grinned. He could sell his treasure there and continue on to peltarch and hopefully sell anything he picked up along the way past the gypsies.

    The foursome set out, and only ran into a few bandits along the way. They were overmatched.
    Sam bid the couple, Marcus and Robyn, on their way for a dinner date in Peltarch to wait for him while he sold his items. He huffed quickly past Skyla, sauntering into the camp past a group of people conversing near Gypsy Pass to sell the crude Orc equipment.

    On his way back he passed the group again… but this time, he could see their faces!
    "Ashan!" Sam whispered to himself harshly. "An Mr Aabi!" Sam couldnt beleive what he saw... Mr Aabi, in polite company with Ashan the Banite murderer.
    Sam realized he was alone, in Alliance colors, within sight distance. There was no escape save the way he came, so Sam put his mighty legs in gear and propeled himself as quickly as possible past them, trying to avert his face so as not to be recognized. Even Sam was not so unwise as to realize his yellow and black armor would attract far more attention than he was prepared for!

    He reached the couple and raced past, shouting "Ashan's back dere! C'mon!" They too quickly joined him in a sprint back into the Nars and away from the cursed Banite and the camp.

    When they reached the road they ran into the familiar, friendly face of Bruno Galpen. Sam quickly recanted the events and soon Bruno was heading to Peltarch too. Someone had the bright idea to let Bruno lead the way. Perhaps the group thought he knew a safe route.

    He didnt.

    In no time the group was surrounded by the fiersome bandit dogs, untrained bandits, Faithful, and officers. Fortunately Marcus kept knocking the enemy weapons from their hands, and Bruno put a severe pounding on them with his mighty hammer.

    In no time, a dozen bodies littered the Nars, some still groaning from their wounds. The couple felt safe enough to continue alone.

    "Whutcha tink 'bout checkin on da gud Captin eh, Mr Bruno?"
    Bruno grinned in response.
    "Okee den, off ta da Inn."

    The two large half orcs trotted towards the Alliance Arms Inn. It was late afternoon.

    They arrived at the Inn, bout an ale apiece and wandered down into the AAI's dungeon to check on the captured bandit captain. He was asleep, curled on the floor.

    Sam chuckled and said, "Watch dis." He ran out of the room, to fetch a pail of water, which he splashed onto Barron's cell floor.

    "Why do dat?" Bruno asked.

    "Cuz whin Ms Vel gits back tonight, she gunna freeze dat water... so's dat feller kin be tucked in gud fer bed, eh?"

    Bruno chuckled mightily. It WAS cold down there. Perhaps some freezing had already been going on?

    The two orcs returned to the top floor for another ale, rest, and they treated each others wounds as best as their skills would allow. Bruno, apparently not quite the skilled herbalist that Sam was. Quaffing another ale each, with one in hand as they walked outside to sneak home in the waning light of evening, they opened the door and went outside, Bruno trailing just slightly.

    (As if two mighty half-orcs could walk out a door side by side!)

    Sam dropped his ale abruptly.

    His hand went to his weapons instinctively.

    Stretched out before them, just outside the gate of the Alliance Arms Inn courtyard, was more bandits than either of them had ever seen in their lives.

    "TO ARMS! TO ARMS!" Sam hollered, but, frozen in fear, he blocked the door. Either that or Bruno was still stumbling into the door frame behind him.

    Sam let loose a rapid, accurate volley of 4 axes, each one striking a bandit square in the face, taking them down instantly. Before he could reach for another axe, two Faithful's came crashing down on him, and a female bandit officer, with her poisoned dagger in hand, working her way behind him.

    "Mr Bruno!! Get out here!" Sam didnt know who to swing at first. He swung blindly, mostly in fear, unable to take stock of the reinforcements pouring through the gate. Suddenly, Sam looked up. Both Faithfuls were dead and the assassin lay mortally wounded at his feet, crawling away, but there was no time for a victory dance, already the gate was breached and more bandits were surrounding him.

    Sam found himself encircled by Officers and Faithfuls, each one he knew had the capability to kill him outright. He backed towards the door....

    .... and bumped into Bruno! Bruno! Thank Helm, Tyr and Torm all at once for good old Bruno! He had summoned a mighty creature to fight for them, and the threesome pushed the bandit hordes back to the gate.

    The bandits were well organized, and as Sam finished with his last fight, he charged in to help Bruno with his, as Bruno was vastly outnumbered. Suddenly he felt a vile dagger sink between the armored plates of his back, and the pain of the poison sucked his strength from him. He staggered back and tried to deal with these new, hidden foes from the shadows.

    "Ach... grrg... Kint hold 'em, Mr Bruno!" The clashing sounds of battle and bandit warcries caused them both to yell.

    "Go in! Ah gots's em!" The wounded Sam welcomed the opportunity to leave the battle, and quickly retreated inside.

    He downed several of his medicine pouches for poison, and eventually felt the threat diminish, but the effects were still on him. He quaffed potion after potion to regain is strenth.... and waited... and waited.

    It seemed like an eternity, but it was only perhaps a mere 20 seconds, but Sam could not wait for Bruno to come inside.. not while he fought alone outside. Suddenly, all fear left Samson Swarthout.

    Sam got angry.

    With a mighty roar, he crashed through the door into the courtyard and screamed at the top of his lungs, "Yuh AINT Gunna git 'im back!"

    With a second wind, Sam jumped in to save Bruno, who was completely surrounded by officers and faithful. Sam concentrated on keeping the enemy off their feet so Bruno could land accurate hammer blows to their prone skulls. In no time the two half- orcs defeated another dozen of their elite. The bodies were so thick that everyone stumbled across the courtyard turned red-stained battlefield.

    Opening the gate to press into the enemy and return the offence back to the Alliance, they spotted what looked like at least another forty bandits coming at them.... the second wave. Bruno and Sam looked at each other, panic, anger, and resolve to do their duty all in their eyes.

    "Inside!" Bruno screamed. Sam didnt need to be told twice! The two hurriedly raced inside, panting, leaving bloody footprints all across the tavern floor. The bartender, even in his fear, scowled at the mess that they made across his floor.

    "Dey tuk Sam's stenth, Mr Bruno... poison."

    "We's goin back out. Give's us a bit." Bruno began casting spells in a quick desperation. There was no holding back. Bruno cast a strong strength spell on Sam which restored the giants devastatingly strong muscles, and even enhanced them. Bruno summoned his mighty beast to aid them one last time. A few more spells and the two looked at each other again.

    There would be no more retreating.

    With a raging yell, the two charged out the door and slammed into another half dozen officers and faithful, knocking several off their feet, careening into each other. By this time the enraged Alliance men worked together in harmonious union, concentrating their efforts and cutting the bandits down one after another.

    Despite the Alliance's fiece defense there were just too many, too strong. Bruno suddenly stepped to the side a moment and called down lightnight from the heaveans in a fantastic display of eerie blue destruction.

    "Dis's da end!" Sam cried out, thinking that the bright light that blurred his vision was the light at the end of the tunnel.

    But the sounds of battle were still with him, and his sword arm still swung. Bruno called down another volley which so weakened every enemy in the courtyard the two finally managed to rapidly they push the bandits back to the gate.

    "Sam, hold gate! Me's gunna check's Barron. Make sure dey's aints gots him's!"

    "Yuh!"

    Bruno dissappeared, his dastardly creature went with him.

    Suddenly Sam was alone.

    He peeked through the crack in the gate and saw more bandits reinforcing. He sighed.

    "Sam's gunna die tuday," he muttered. Backing away from the wide gate, he placed his back against the door to the inn, hoping Bruno would return soon. The lull in the battle was disconcerting. He stabbed his hand and a half sword into the ground where it would be waiting for him. What WERE they doing out there!?

    Organizing.

    Sam had his last few axes ready, to decimate them once they opened the gate, and sure enough they poured through yet again like water.

    "Rah! Rah! Rah!" Sam threw his axes in a pure, seething anger, the kind of anger only orc blood can muster. He reached down for another axe- they were close now, Three more stumbling or fallen from his axes.

    But there were no more axes left in Sam's little loops. There was no time to unsling his bow. He grabbed his sword.

    He charged.

    This was it, and Sam knew it. Hurling himself into the last fray the bandits scored hit after hit. Sam turned and stumbled away towards the door, quaffing his last potion in a desperate attempt to keep his feet. Where was Bruno!?

    The potion was a fine brew, and Sam turned, suddenly revitalized. Completely surrounded and nearly blind from the blood of his enemies streaming down his face, Sam didnt even notice when Bruno appeared from behind him. Bruno raced past, peeling several attackers from Sam and crushing them instantly under his hammer.

    Near death, with his attackers at his feet, Sam paused a moment to watch Bruno charge into the fray with renewed vigor. Bruno smashed opponent after opponent, pushing them back to the gates. Ultimately, even Bruno's assault was stalled and Sam lugged himself over aid his comrade.

    He heard a tinkle in his pack, and realized he still had some small potions he used for others, but the time for holding back was long gone. He drank everything he had, and it wasnt much.

    Together, side by side, Bruno and Sam smashed the last of the Bandits against the gates, like waves of the ocean smashing a swimmer against the rocks.

    It was over.

    The two leaned on the gates, looking at each other, covered in gallons of the bright red human blood they had spilt. At least they were uniform.

    Sam tried to laugh it off, "Too bad we dint haff a keg eh, Mr Bruno?"

    Bruno chuckled, more strongly than he felt, but anything to break the tension was welcome. Unfortunately, Sam had to restore it.

    "Guess we gutta luk out da gate an see whut else dey got left eh?"

    Bruno sighed tiredly, "Yup. We's do." He paused. "Here we's go." Bruno kicked open the gates revealing the Giantspire valley.

    One lone Faithful stood in the distance, praying for strength.

    Leaning heavily on their swords, Sam and Bruno waited patiently.

    "Aw... c'mon! Sam's tired! Dunt make us walk over dere!?"

    The Faithful was obliging and he charged , Bruno's hammer knocked him into Sam, who practically fell on him, knocking him down. Again, Bruno's hammer crushed another skull.

    NOW it was over.

    "Barron still down dere?" Sam's words were loud in the quiet silence.

    "Uh huh," Bruno panted.

    "Tink we kin git dat ale now?"

    "Uh huh."

    Side by side, Bruno and Sam drug their weapons behind them, exhausted, completely spent.

    Resting finally on the stools, a trail of blood tracked into the Inn, Bruno asked one final question.

    "We's nut's cleanin' dis mess up's, is we's?"

    "Nuh uh."

    **OOC Note: I dont know how many bandits we killed. Ive never killed so many at once EVER! Thanks to Bruno and BIG thanks to SeraPhaine (perhaps other unkown DM's? ) for running something so.... SCARY! holds onto his precious 1k RPXP over cap


  • A PROSE SUMMARY

    Vashere's offer was indeed great, and Sam took up the cause with his usual full purpose. He escorted the great leader across Narfel many times and as always they reached their destinations safely.
    However, after the festivities at the wedding of Breath and Lilliana, Vashere came under attack by goblin assassins and elites. Vashere came away alive, but not unscathed.
    Unbeknownst to Sam, it was the last time he would see Vashere as the Regent.
    Vashere relinquished the Alliance to Velaria Scrye.

    Dark days followed for the Alliance, and even Sam often felt embarrassed to bear the 'bumblebee' armor, but his commitment to the cause never waned. He wore the armor wherever he went, knowing that even if he were the last of the Alliance to stand, more bandits would fall to his hand, if only in retribution for the loss of his friends.

    "He Who Lurks in Shadows" continued his work, alone for several weeks, waiting for word if the Alliance would be reborn.

    Eventually that word came, and Sam pledged himself to Velaria Scrye, as her personal guard, just as he had for Vashere, with the same warning that should she ever stray from the path of good, Sam would be her enemy.

    During those weeks without a leader, Sam had a number of adventures of note.
    L o f Ilhutie was taken and released by the elves, and Sam was overjoyed with his return, but still felt a deep sense of guilt that the elves did not consider Sam to be part of the trial, for he DID share some of the blame.
    The little halfling, Scutum, Sam's first real friend in Narfel was taken hostage and Sam patrolled the Nars alone looking for her, facing down archers and faithful warriors alike with a tenacious resolve that only He Who Lurks in Shadows could have survived. Whether divine grace or sheer dumb luck guided Sam, he survived and Scutum Hedges was rescued.

    Shortly thereafter, the orcs raised their ugly head and assaulted Jiyyd proper with an overwhelming force. The defences fell quickly and only a last ditch effort by those drinking in the tavern repulsed the first invasion. Sam ran desperately for norwick to get helm, and even as he left, he could see the sky above Jiyyd red with the burning of the structures, the sounds of battle raised anew. Upon reaching Norwick he found Norwick already mobilizing to come to Jiyyd's aid.
    The counterattack was broken into two parts, Kanen leading an assault on the South gate, Sam found himself on the western gate.
    At the designated time, both elements assaulted the gates. Sam found himself blocking the gate to prevent the orcs from pushing them back. Only with sams great size and strength was he able to hold them in place, sometimes finding himself toe to toe with two crushers at once. He swung his sword for his life, for his town, and for the lives he knew would be lost of he slipped from his precarious position at the center of the gates! This time, Sam would die before he let another beloved home be yanked from his grasp by URKS!
    Eventually the strike force prevailed with stunningly few casualties. Sam found himself exhausted, covered in the dark blood of his foes, but still standing. Several Crushers, Snipers and even a destroyer lay broken near him, his comrades cheering loudly about their victory, but Sam… Sam sauntered into Jiyyd and took a nap someplace quiet and out of the way.

    In the time that followed, Sam spent quiet hours in Jiyyd, only occaisionally venturing out to bring terror and destruction on his most hated enemy, the orcs. What little he could scavenge from them he sold and worked his pocket book until he had enough money to buy a farmstead on the outskirts of town.
    When he approached the town's leadership, he was told, "Nothing is open at the moment, come back next month." And so he did.
    And the next month... and the next.
    Sam's frustrations to put a roof over his head were mounting and he started spending more time, in a bit of depression in the dark recesses of the Jiyyd cave, in the little cavern far in the back where no one would notice him.

    In time, with plenty of it on his hands, Sam restored a bit of his spiritual strength and ventured out once more to just 'check on things.'

    He ran smack dab into Velaria, who immediately recruited him to assist the Alliance on a mission of great importance.
    "We are going to capture Captain Barron Alburn, Sam."
    Sam shuddered. That was one foe that Sam dreaded indeed.
    A small Alliance strike force set out from Norwick to see to the task. The fighting was intense and brutal, but thanks to the blessings of a generous cleric, the presense of Bruno Galpen and several others, the Baron was subdued and hogtied.
    Sam carried him to the Alliance Arms Inn where Velaria had him thrown into the small dungeon.
    The interrogation of Captain Baron Alburn had begun, and the Alliance's first great victory against the bandit horde was complete.


  • NEW ENTRY

    Been a bit busy lately. I have not spent much time with Ms Dani as I'd like, and in fact I think she may be angry that I have been so busy.

    The truth is, I have not been THAT busy. Besides working for hours to learn how to make better weapons and armor, Ive done very little that I could not have set aside for some of my friends.

    That is bad, Sam, bad.

    NEW ENTRY

    I could write about saving a werewolf with Mr Damarcus, Gatsu and Ms Cala and Ms Elissar, but what would be the point? We did it, at the cost of two others who we could not save.

    I was to knock the creature down and restrain it while others force fed it the herbs to counter its disease, but instead, as I kept them down, they fired their bows at them until they perished. What was the point of a rescue where the rescuees are slain?

    My memories of Nara are still too close to my heart apparently. Ms Elissar gave me a kiss for the help and I could not stop the feelings of guilt I felt. Then later in the pub I won a moronic drinking constest where the loser had to run around the town naked greeting everyone they met. That was good fun and for the sake of his dignity I will not write his name- hopefully he will not remember his insane antics as he ran around the town.

    I won a date with Ms Elissar from the contest.

    There are so many lovely young women here, and yet- what has been taken, cannot be given again. Will I grow old here and die, without ever finding love? No, I guess I will not. I found love once, and she is long gone, perhaps never to be found. Will I ever love like that again?

    At least, in Norwick I told my tale so she would understand and this foolish game of pursuing a date is over.

    NEW ENTRY

    The Alliance it is.

    I had just finished escorting Ms Scutum to the Bandit cave because for some ill begotten reason she had decided to aid two barbarians, both named uthgar. We routed the bandits, and the barbarians got whatever prize they sought. I managed to do some quick mining. I am almost ready for copper now.

    No sooner than I returned, but Mr Budo asked me to take him to the Alliance Arms Inn. After returning from the bandit cave alive, with all in tow, having done a fair bit of mining as well, I was in a generous mood again and began walking that way. Mr Arah came along as well, though why I do not know.

    As it turned out, Mr Budo is the 'Secretaire' of the Alliance and spoke with me some about their purpose. I find myself more and more listening to what they say, beleiving their purpose.

    Eventually Mr Vashere came to speak with me. He spoke of his desire to unify the towns against the Bandits, and I recognized him as a leader willing to go the distance for such a cause. Unifying the towns under a common leader is certainly something that appeals to me. Perhaps with a wise, benevolent leader some of these stupid laws can be repealed and perhaps I can even walk the streets of Peltarch without a helm without fear of being thrown in jail.

    He claims to be a former paladin of Torm, the diety Mr Darian claimed I followed most closely. This intrigued me, as did his story of why he is no longer a paladin, and I can say I can not blame him for his actions. I would have done the very same thing in his case.

    He asked for my aid and eventually, with more of his ideas presented, I accepted. Then something most interesting happened. His offer seemed great, but ultimately he promised the very thing I long for most- the chance to put down the blade and live life humbly and out of the way of the rest of the world as a commoner.

    Until that day comes, I must see what price must be endured between now and then.

  • D

    So I don't forget…

    Cap reached. Congrats. 😉


  • NEW ENTRY

    Where to begin…
    First, I lost my stump and I had no intention in writing in blood- a cursing act if ever there was. Certainly my life and times are not worthy of such a religious act as recording it in blood. I spent too much time in the Nars to fetch a new one, but now that I have a working pen, I will try to recall what I can.

    NEW ENTRY
    Bitten by a werewolf. Thanks be to those rude dwarves for this new sword however, it pierces their thick hide well enough, but not quickly enough for me to drop it before its jaws closed on my arm. I didn’t think anything of it. A bad mistake.

    I was escorting two younger folk from Jiyyd to Norwick and I remember fighting off bandits and telling them to run the rest of the way to Norwick, we were only about half a mile from the gate. My next memory found me on the ground by the North Gate, beaten soundly with several wounds and… NAKED!

    My brand new Peltarchian plate armor was gone. This deeply confused me. But I thought the magic of the well probably had something to do with it. I was aided by Ms Jenna who healed my wounds, but the suspicions of the townsfolk were upon me so I left town as quickly as I could. Out on the Nars I found the remains of my armor, the leather straps torn through and the plates flattened, as if my size had outgrown my once fine armor.

    I caught a caravan to Peltarch to buy new armor., and with it in hand, spent the day collecting orcish wares to sell in Jiyyd with Mr Lof Ihutie. He is a fine companion, odd that an elf would be so friendly to me, but welcome in any case.

    That very next night, I split that set of armor apart at the seams as well, and when I awoke, naked again, Mr Orock and a very paladin seeming woman named Laurana were standing over me. It would seem Mr Lof and I had become infected by these werewolves and had even attacked Mr Hugh, the wandering monk. I hope he harbors no ill of it, it was not my doing that we attacked him. He quickly made his escape and I wonder if I bit him in that state and he too is now in jeopardy of turning.

    I daresay I am lucky to be alive, Orock wanted to kill me on sight, but the paladin stopped him.
    “I –AM- Dawnsister Laurana of Lathander!” She spoke in the most annoying of paladinly proclamations, “And I will see you cured!” It was a great relief to know and I placed myself into their care. She honored her word and Mr Lof and I were cured.

    It is fortunate that my ‘relationship’ with the Jiyyd healer, Ms Vroka is so favorable, or we may never have gotten the belladonna we needed.

    NEW ENTRY

    Made yet ANOTHER trip to Peltarch to get new armor. Expensive. Im going to die penniless.
    I hate that town. I cant even sell things there anymore. Ms Lucia almost arrested me for ‘smuggling.’ I think it’s just another snobby way for Peltarchians to hoard their money from the rest of Narfell.

    I tried to get a drink there, even wearing a damned helmet and they refused to serve me. Im going to beat the tar out of the next Peltarchian that tells me to cover my face or refuses me service. After I am done with them THEY will need a helmet to cover THEIR face! Then they can enjoy themselves all they want in that blasted city.

    NEW ENTRY

    I went touring abroad with Ms Scutum, Ms Lilli, Mr Orock, Mr Bram, and one other half orc. My tolerance of those like me increases somewhat, but I wonder if I can ever grow to trust them fully. I still remember Orock stating clearly he wanted to kill me rather than cure me, but he did give me a very large shield and a pair of boots, so perhaps he was wishing to make amends.

    On our tour we visited the remains of a once great city, now crumbled and overgrown, possessed by undead. My marksmanship with the bow increased somewhat as we shot them down, wave after wave. Eventually, so many came out of the ground that we escaped through the city gates into a place I have no desire to tread again.

    I met my first Orcish Heavy Sniper! At least I didn’t have to pull that mighty bolt out of my leg- it passed straight through! I limped quickly away, fearing what would happen if I took one in the chest! We also fought against their mages before we escaped back into Jiyyd, tired and breathless from the run through their territory.

    In all- it was exciting, but all we gathered from the experience is knowledge of where NOT to travel in the future!

    NEW ENTRY
    I have been recalled from death by a bandit. How odd that I’ve been hunting them down in retribution for the loss of my friends yet they saved my life. Naturally they left a mark on me which will greatly shorten my life until we retrieve some cursed item for them.

    It started with a huge battle against the Bandits with were-creatures fighting along side of us. Something else I cannot understand, why anyone would choose such a life.
    We entered a dark, bandit infested and heavily trapped cave. It didn’t take long for me to find the most powerful trap in the place. The damage it did left me weakened throughout the rest of the journey. I suppose I would have never gone if Ms Scutum and Lilli hadn’t been there. I knew it would be too much and now I pay the price.

    Apparently some sort of deal was worked out with their leadership, but I don’t know yet what that was. If we do not find some ‘orb’ they desire, then I will most likely die quite early from whatever magic they used to return life to my body.

    As Mr Darian used to say: This doth not bode well.

    The good news is my friend Ms Dani has returned and I am enjoying the simple pleasure of helping her get on her feet. It seems she has had as tough a time as I. Finally I can return some of the kindness given me, to another.

    NEW ENTRY

    Norwick be damned!

    I have tried my best to contribute something wherever I go, but it seems whatever I contribute in that blasted town of Norwick comes back in my face.

    This time I was walking from Peltarch and as I crossed into the final stretch of the Nars I swear I spotted that super criminal they all speak of, Ashan the Banite. I have no love for Banites surely, but perhaps I’ve taken more of his reputation to heart than I thought. I saw him, his minions and I ran for my life!

    No point in being a dead hero, and I swear even if I could run Ashan through, I would be tried for murder in Norwick!

    I sounded the alarm in Norwick and quickly enough the city mounted a defense. I stood near some of the militia watching how they would handle this threat when I saw an elven woman, a spell caster by her light clothing and its designs.

    I shook my head to clear it… I’d been looking at that spot idly for no reason when she simple appeared on the city side of the wall and began… ‘slinking’ (the only word that makes sense) along the wall.

    I brought this to the attention of Mr Lof who nodded to me and knocked an arrow to cover me. Rather than run the risk of her getting off a spell within the town limits (we were all standing so near the well) I bowled her over promptly. Instead of howling with injustice an assault, she stood, a flare of fire in her eyes and I knew she meant to do harm to someone. Just then Mr Lof’s arrow struck her back, mortally wounding her. Her body vanished almost before it hit the ground. Very strange that woman.

    Naturally the dwarven militia and some strange elf were upon me in seconds. Mr Covah called me a murderer. In his eyes, all he witnessed was me killing some woman with an axe. I think his eyes are going bad. I never swing an axe and I did not kill that woman. I would have much rather knocked her to the ground and sat on her, but alas she was too lithe and ready for battle when she somehow crossed the north wall.

    I allowed myself to be arrested with Mr Lof, placing my faith that what is good will prevail.

    Our trial was with the Mayor of the town. I was fortunate to have made a new friend, Mr Azrael. A member of the Alliance. I am beginning to think the alliance has more level heads than this militia ever will. Apparently Mr Azrael is a man of great importance for he interrupted the trial to lend his words before he was ‘dismissed’ by the mayor. I don’t know what weight his words had. Several other spoke on my behalf as well. Even Mr Covah could not summarily prosecute me as a murderer, for even he knows my nature, but he did try to see me in shackles no less. I suppose he was just doing his job.

    In any case, despite the things said about me and Mr Lof, I felt deeply afraid for my position. Mr Lof, being a member of the militia would have more freedom of action, and he is an elf- rarely are elves persecuted these days. However, I felt that it would be an easy thing for the mayor to ‘pin the blame’ on me and have me locked up for the rest of my days.

    I felt that some credibility had to be added to the perceptions lent by the others as to my character. I am still embarrassed that I did it; appalled that I stooped so low as to lean on a title for my defence, but as it would seem, known character accounts for very little here.

    Mr Darian was right long ago when he said to me, “The day may come when who you associated with, and who you are known by will mean all the difference between life and death, regardless of WHAT you are at the time, Sam” And he was right, even from the grave, he was right.

    For the first time in my life, I- begrudgingly- gave my full name and title. Something I have never done of my own accord, but… if I had not? I fear I would be decorating wall irons in the jail.

    Sir Samson Swarthout
    Honorary Member of the Order of Tyr
    Honorary Member of the Order of Helm

    a drop of ink as if the pen had paused under the titles

    Words. Just words. I’ve thought them in my head a thousand times trying to learn their meaning, their significance. Paladins rise and fall and they are all FULL members of these orders. So what does that make me? It has been so long since I spoke with a member of these orders except Mr Kanen, but before I start on him…

    Whether or not it was my pledge on the honor of those titles that I acted in the defense of the town or the words of those who spoke on my behalf I don’t know. The mayor simply felt it was rash actions of a city already on edge in the stresses of an impending attack. We were dismissed from his court, but despite his mercy, I have had enough of Norwick. I traveled immediately to Jiyyd and I intend to stay there, Norwick be damned!

    NEW ENTRY

    I was going to write about Mr Kanen…

    It has been a long while since I have had purpose in my life. The faithful among the bandits are just as steadfast in their beliefs as the day I began my patrols of the Nars pass. The Alliance begins to look more appealing, but I still know little of their activities or plans. I only that I would follow several of them because I feel they are good at heart.

    Everyone knows Mr Kanen is a paladin of Helm, and I thought perhaps that I could find my old path, walking behind a paladin and doing things to help people under a paladin’s guidance.

    I have met several Paladin’s of Helm in my days, and I have come to one conclusion. Humility is not one of their virtues. Twice I have approached him, pledging my aid, and twice he has brushed me off like grass stuck to his behind. I now deeply regret losing those pins so long ago. Perhaps if I had worn them they would not have been lost in my bag when I was thrown overboard the Monkey’s Nuts so many years ago. They probably fetched 5 gold each with a pawnsman like Frago somewhere. If I had them, perhaps Mr Kanen would treat me differently, but quite obviously he believes nothing I say.

    As it is, my trouble in Norwick certainly has me branded as a trouble maker and probable murderer, and now it is unlikely I will be able to lend my aid to any worthy cause.

    About that suspicious elf woman. One of the Troffs told me I now must make retribution for her death by recovering a bow from some place called the warrens. Apparently it lies beyond the bugbears even. If the bow is not received, the brother of this woman plans to launch an elven attack against Norwick. I find it odd that an elf would demand a material item, rather than discuss it with me or Mr Lof in person.

    The Troff was with an elf, I did not catch his name but he too, how characteristic of him, accused me of worshipping Gruumsh! How ignorant of him. How damned insolent. I nearly crushed the life out of him for thinking it! If not for Ms Dani and the Troff I certainly would have pummeled my hatred of Gruumsh into his thick headed elven skull the likes of which he would remember for the rest of his long crippled life!

    For his quick judgement I wagered him that I would fetch this bow if he accompanied me. If he is so noble that he can peer down his nose on one of my blood then he certainly is so noble that he would simply for the righteousness of the deed, also lend his aid. We will see.

    NEW ENTRY

    Nothing has happened of late. I am trying my skills as a miner and a smith. The tradesmen in Norwick are generally a friendly lot. I have escorted several to the bandit mine so they can mine to their hearts content, and I guess it spurned a desire to do so myself. Perhaps that, and the fact that I was charged 2400 gold for a decent sword…. I’ll make a far finer smith than any dwarf and a far fairer merchant!

    Perhaps farming can wait. I could certainly see living in Jiyyd and becoming the finest blacksmith of the city. Perhaps by making swords rather than wielding them, I can buy a spot of land and forget about the woes of the world.

    We will see. I suspect that the smithing will only be a hobby, and I will ever always succumb to the urge to inflict pain on these bandits for killing my friends.

    NEW ENTRY

    Mining and smithing is far too dangerous. I escorted Mr Lanz, Mr Emerus, and others to the bandit cave so they could mine in peace. We had no troubles until we reached the Baron's lair. As we quiety readied ourselves by the door, suddenly the Baron burst forth with all his minions and a horrific battle ensued. In the chaos I was shoved deep into the passage way and suddenly the door closed!

    I was face to face with TWO faithful and several bandits and their wenches. I swung like a madman, picking off the poorly equipped bandits first, then bowling over both Faithfuls just long enough to get in a quick draught of one of my finest potions. After a moment or two, I was standing over a pile of bandits… all bleeding and moaning on the floor of the cave, but I could hear a battle raging outside the door. I kicked the door open long enough to see the Baron scattering our party like flies and I swung at him once, and he at me before the doors closed in our faces.
    I had to again drink a potion, then opened the door and tried to bowl him over so we could subdue him with our weight, he was too resilient even for MY weight and we stabbed each other again before the doors closed.

    Another potion. I opened the doors in a rage, finally knocked him down and whether he was shot by one of the elves or it was my sword taking his head off, I dont know nor care... he fell. But around him were 4 of our formerly happy miners, all in great need of aid.

    We left quietly, I carried three of them on my shoulders. Thank goodness for Mr Lof's deep pockets, we restored them all, but Mr Emerus and Mr Lanz are quite weakened from their wounds.

    Perhaps I was not meant to be a miner after all?

  • D

    Reviewed. XP Pending.


  • _He Who Lurks in Shadows crept cautiously along the remains of the Old North Wall on a dark moonless night. His eyes, one of the few benefits he appreciated from his orcish side, were keenly adapted to nights when ordinarily it was so dark a human couldn't see their hand in front of their face.

    In a crouch, moving slowly so that his armor would not clink and jingle, he reached the crumbling end of the wall and peered around in a crouch. Far off on the distance he could make out a few human forms, two sitting, one standing, all facing towards the road leading north to Jiyyd.

    He hefted a throwing axe in his hand a moment and judged the distance… "Too far," he thought. Silently he circled them at about 150 yards until he was behind them. His wary gaze did not focus on them, he knew where they were, instead he picked his steps carefully, his heavy frame would shatter twigs and even small logs. He also gazed often, sweeping 270 degrees to keep track of his surroundings. As he edged into range he noticed another silhouette, standing partially hidden near a tree and as he stopped. He sniffed. The pungent odor of urine filled his nostrils.

    Him first, he thought. Moving as quickly as he dared to within 50 yards, he brought the axe far behind his shoulder. Squinting into the night, he judged the range, and could tell this one was a magic user, his thin clothing betraying his role. As the man finished his business with the tree, he turned slightly, presenting a frontal target as he secured himself.

    The axe was stayed just long enough for the man to regain his dignity before it crashed into his chin, cleaving it in half and burying itself into his neck, completely sealing the airway. The impact knocked the man unconscious instantly, and he pitched backwards without so much as a twitch. The wound itself did not kill him; he suffocated to death unconscious as the axe blocked the airway.

    "Did you hear that?" The voices carried from the other three as the wind changed again, blowing towards the giant shadow skulking in the darkness.

    "Damned fool probably passed out again," from the seated male.

    "He said he had to 'go.'" A standing female.

    "Probly meant 'e hadda git another li'l nip in if ye ask me!"

    "Let him sleep it off- we dont need him. 'ell, no one's comin' down this road tonight. Too dark, and they know we're out here. They'll come out with their precious gold tommorow morning at the earliest," the man bemoaned."

    The woman seated next to him cursed. "An' it'll be somebody else's shift then!" She muttered something incoherent, then said, "Oo, da 'ell is makin' up these shifts!? I git the night shaft all the time. I got 'BILLS' ta pay y'know!?" Her hands gestured strangely and it was apparent she meant personal debts, perhaps wagers.

    The standing woman coo'd slightly, her speech was more refined than the seated woman's. "Oh... I know." She smiled and giggled.

    "Who?" Said the man dryly. "I'd like to know too. I've been stuck out here more than my fair share as well. I'd like to know whose in charge of planning these little things. I know it aint Denakin, he just relays for someone else. The sod we have to give up a cut too."

    She smiled down at them as she stood behind them and turned her back to them coyly, reveling in the slight power of her knowledge, "Oh, no... its NOT Denakin at all, dear. Its-"

    THUMP. Her body gave a spastic twitch and her chin dropped to her chest to see a metal handle protruding from between her breasts- the axe head having cleaved her heart in two. She crumpled to her knees, staring at the handle, tears welling in the corner of her eyes from pain, shock and the knowledge that only seconds of her life remained.

    The other two jumped to their feet quickly as the mortally wounded woman turned around, face filled with panic, as if one of them could aid her now. She continued to twist around towards them and fell on her side face down, legs still tucked into a kneel.

    "HELLS!" the man cried out. Another axe sung through the air, an invisible missile of life stealing devastation seeming to materialize from nothingness in the deep, dark night.

    A dull thud and a sharply exhaled breath from the force announced the arrival of this axe into the other woman's soft stomach. It was thrown with such strength that it broke her lower spine after it traveled through the soft organs.

    She too crumpled to the ground quietly.

    The male bandit, still having not seen the attacker, knew not where to attack, so he blindly ran for the tree to provide him a bit of cover while he tried to see his enemy, still hidden in the protective covering of the depths of this night. He felt the chill of the air as he ran for the tree, the terror and cold raising goosebumps on his arms. Just before he reached it he stopped short at the sight of the mage with a throwing axe imbedded into his face.

    That sudden stop saved his life.

    His halt meant that the thrower's lead was off, and the axe glanced off his forehead, throwing him to the ground. Stars exploded and the man writhed on the ground with the pain of a fracture to his skull. Blood dripped freely from the deep wound to the scalp. The bandit kept his presence of mind and disciplined himself to lay still, as if the axe had indeed killed him.

    He steadied his breathing to slow deep regular breaths, squinting his eyes hard with the pain and relaxing them enough to see through the blood.
    The night stars granted only a tiny bit of light, but he could hear something moving towards him. It was large, with heavy footsteps. As if materializing out of thin air, a great beast strode forth on two legs, a mighty shield on its arm and what looked like a greatsword wielded lightly in one hand. The man saw for the first and last time... He Who Lurks in Shadows.

    Reaching slowly for his short sword, still wracked with pain from the wound on his head, he looked to where the eyes should be. He saw a pale blue reflection from them, as if lit up from the inside, but the rest was a giant, black silhouette. His hand stopped moving towards his sword.

    "No... please, no!" He begged. He could only hear the silent breathing of the shadow, as the bluish eyes stared down at him with... sadness?

    "Please... spare me!" He pleaded, suddenly beleiving he might actually be spared.

    The bandit realized it was not a god or a demon come to claim him, but a brute of incredible size and proportion. It sighed deeply, almost tiredly.

    Then it spoke.

    "Surry."

    Its voice was deep and resonating, but softened and quiet. As if capable of a thunderous volume, but reserved and timid.

    Gripping his forhead, to keep the blood from running into his eyes the fallen bandit pleaded further, "I have a family! I am just trying to feed them!" It was a lie, but he doubted the creature would know that.

    The creature shuddered a moment, as if a sob wracked the massive bulk.

    A long silent pause broke the stillness as the creature thought.

    "Yuh...." A longer pause. "So did Sam."

    The man blinked as more blood trailed into his eyes and he never saw the swing that separated his head from his body.

    He Who Lurks in Shadows looked up and turned around to scan the area a full 360 degrees to look for more bandits that may have been missed. His eyes spotted somone on the road-

    He started. A surreal visage stunned him. Shocked and unable to speak for a moment as he watched a lithe female running down the road in the distance, too far to be madeout clearly but... It could not be! His heart lept for a moment! Was it Narawien? His lost love from before Narfell?

    He took a step towards the road, and then another. It was not Narawien, but rather Lilliana and Scutum at her side, running swiftly down the road towards Jiyyd.

    As he moved closer to see them more clearly he stepped on something. It was the outstretched hand of the first bandit woman, axe still in her chest. He looked to her face and it stared back at him with a frightenly familiar countenance.

    It was Safinaz.

    "Where were you, Sam?" She accused. Shock and spiritual agony struck him like thunder. His mouth opened to answer but another female voice stopped him. It was Nourjehan's.

    "We needed you, Sam. Where were you when we needed you?" He turned to see the other bandit woman with the axe in her belly, clutching it, but it was Nour's face that he saw.

    "Where is OUR Justice, Sam, or has Tyr abandoned you?" This voice was male, the familiar voice of the Paladin Malek Terebrae, and it came from the recently cleaved head. It had come to rest, staring at him accusingly.

    He Who Lurks in Shadows backed away, terrified and confused, mouth working silently to answer, but the conflict of emotions and confusion of these events were overwhelming him quickly.

    "How, Sam, could you have served Helm for so long and fail to be there for us? Where was the Guardian when we needed him?" It was the final taunt, the voice of Darian Stalwart coming from the fallen mage now speaking with a wide, gaping split in its mouth._

    Sam awoke with a scream of terror.

    Instantly he curled into a ball on the sleeping mat provided by the inn. He wept silently until morning, shaking uncontrollably and rocking back and forth. His sobs were heavy with greif.

    It was all a dream. Just a dream he tried to tell himself. But the similarity to the night's events and the realism of the faces and voices mixed in the dream gripped his heart like a cold gauntleted hand inside him.

    Images of everyone he had known in his life, Brother John, David Stalwart, and all of his friends he had made in his lifetime haunted him behind his closed eyelids. The haunted him, because they were all dead.

    They haunted him for the remaining hours before dawn.

    "STOP!" He stood and gripped his head tightly, as if to squeeze out the visions in his mind.

    He stumbled out of the inn room, eyes red and puffy, fiercely eager for the feel of bright sunshine on his face.