The Chronicles of Martoushca of Peltarch
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@aa5f5b290e:
29th day of the first month. 12.
Most excellent diary,
War again.
Bugbear Ostromog has risen up against Norwick and conquered it.
Naturally my heart's duty is toward the people of Peltarch. Ostromog will have to march over my twitching corpse before he marches into this city. But to mess things up totally the other Marty is serving as one of Ostromog's lieutenants.
The other Marty, or the "Gardener", came from another version of Narfell where N'jast won the war against Peltarch. She waged a one woman guerrilla campaign against N'Jast occupied Peltarch. Fighting alone against the city she once loved gradually drove her mad … or something. I'm sure coming into a parallel world didn't help. It's obvious that now the other Marty is a bitter, twisted woman. I can see how she would end up in the place she is. War takes it's toll on a soul. So with another me running around nobody can be totally sure if they are actually talking to me or her. Total security risk.
Reporting to General Grag after the next session of Senate. Knife is sharp. Satchel full of sling stones. I'm ready.
@aa5f5b290e:
Dear diary.
"Ready"? Yeah right! Refugees flood in from Norwick, The old Sisterhood tents can barely shelter the ones who can't find room in the theatre or the temple, and then the refugees are fed poison. A keg is used to blow off the door of the Mermaid, and now a snow storm is brewing over Peltarch. I'm doing what I can, praying as hard as I can, but the war against Peltarch has started. We are fighting and losing battles but the soldiers are yet to march out.
I proposed to the Senate that I take leave, and that anyone looking like me be placed under arrest. That would be the best way to prevent the Gardener from feeding refugees more more of her filthy poisons. Slag. Senior Senator Thel rejected my proposal. Insisted that I stay in city hall. Yeah, because having each minor motion I put forward in senate be pointlessly opposed is the best way for me to serve the city.
I'm almost out of pipe weed. Frigg'n Ostromog.
@aa5f5b290e:
Diary,
My third day in enemy country. It's finally stopped raining so I can make a diary entry without the ink running.
Silvery Valley is now goblin central.
Ran out of food on the first day. Fed my rations to a family of Hungry looking badgers.
Hungry and cold.
The General needs the news about hostages and enemy forces in Norwick. So far I have the news, but I'm still trying to get my eyes on the gardener. Maybe she's eyeballing me right now? Could be creeping up behind me as I write this? If that's the case then she'll find this diary after she slits my throat. So Gardener Marty: Congratulations on besting me. If you managed to kill me then I bow to your superior cunning and skill in combat. You also have my pity. I know only a fraction of the bitterness that you have tasted through war and bloodshed. I can only imagine what fighting your war in your world would have done to your soul. And even now, as you plot against Narfell under your bugbear king, even if nobody else understands you, I do. I understand and my soul has compassion on you. I understand how you became such a bitter, twisted, sick minded mole. May my blood cry out against you. May you reap from what you sow. May you yourself feast on the poison you have fed to others. May your body fertilise and give life to the soil. May your blood make the grass grow. May your spirit be rejected by all fair gods while lingering in the fugue, to be snatched and devoured by demons, to be torn apart, feasted upon, digested, shat out, and re-eaten for the rest of eternity. And while your twisted soul passes through the digestive tract of demons forever, may whatever is left of your pathetic existence lament over what you became, and weep for what you could have been had you chosen a path of balance rather than one of corruption. Bitch.
I really need a smoke.
@aa5f5b290e:
Diary,
Back in the Legion tower. Just about to be teleported into Norwick on a near suicidal raid. I smoked the last of my pipe weed. If I die and my body remain in enemy hands, please know that I died fighting against tyranny. I pray that my service is acceptable in the sight of the Green Mother Sheela Peryroyl (bless her name) and all the fair gods.
Remember me fondly.
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@068a664465:
While out hunting I met with a wild hin man. He was a bit skittish at first, probably because I threatened to kill him but after things settled down we got along just fine. Turns out this name was Wompa (or something that sounds like that). It was obvious by his appearance that he's quite feral, and my conversation with him later confirmed that fact. It was good to speak with someone who lives in the wild. It’s such a different and wholesome point of view compared to the company I keep in the city. We shared points of faith and discussed the nature of the city and the wild before parting. I'm glad to have met him.
No dear diary. I’m not interested in him romantically.
Once I got back to the crafting hall I made myself a pair of fine leather trousers. I think they will go nicely with my new shirt, the one like Alexi wears. Quite sharp.
@068a664465:
After spending my day off hunting I got back to work opening letters and attending meetings and such. I love my work. Seriously I do dear diary. But lately I have found myself day dreaming about the woods.
I feel things are a little awkward between Ronan and I . I confessed that I found him attractive while under the power of a truth spell during the diplomatic meeting with the Hoarans. I don’t really mind. I mean, if before it happened someone had asked him “do you think Marty finds you attractive?” I’m sure he would have said yes. I’m sure he believes everyone finds him attractive? He is a comely man but his tall stature is dwarfed by his towering ego. Not that ego is a bad thing. Only bad when out of place.
There's another meeting tonight to discuss the Hoaran situation. I expect this one to go till sunrise as the last one did. I really need to find more coffee.
@068a664465:
Dear diary,
Seems like destiny has knocked on my door and dragged me off toward something that will either be for the greater good and salvation of these lands or my demise. I write this entry mainly so that should I fall in the woods struggling against this great evil I am not utterly forgotten.
While conversing with Elva in my office, I heard the voice of wompa in my mind. To be honest I thought I was going loopy, believing it simply to be some kind of hallucination caused by a lack of coffee and pipe weed. It had been all day since I had lit up my pipe. But the voice continued, warning me to take caution when next I hunt as a wolf had slain many in the wood. After dismissing elva I ventured south to find Sergeant Y’ndir. He is the best tracker I know and one of the most trustworthy soldiers in the Legion. Be it a daydream or actually the voice of Wompa I thought it best to hunt the wood lest there actually be a threat. Once I met Y’ndir I also encountered Belmar, Arlan and Sol. Seeing that we were all adventurous sorts we formed a party.
The woods were unusually quiet. Woodland creatures were scarce, and further south even the monstrous spiders that infest the region seemed to be hiding away. It wasn’t long before we were assaulted by a pack of wolf creatures. Having the appearance of a wolf and yet also possessing hin like traits, I instantly recognised the creatures as werewolves. As we fought for our lives I feared greatly for Wompa and his tribe. These hin now wolves were obviously the victim of one born under the curse of Lycantropy. This was no regular wolf we were hunting.
Once we were victorious over the packs that assaulted us, I heard the voice of Wampa in my mind again. It told me that the wolf could not be slain, and that only the shaman of his tribe know of the only way to slay the creature. I had to go alone though. He was distressed that I had brought a party of tallfolk with me, and told me that he would only take me to the shaman once they all left the woods. Well dear diary, getting the rest of the party to leave me alone in the woods was no small feat! I can understand their reluctance to leave. Were I in their position I would also have been very hesitant to leave. But after what seemed like hours of pleading, they grudgingly left.
Wampa emerged from the undergrowth, and bound my eyes with a fold. He led me blind thorugh the wood, clearly taking a staggered path so I would not know the location of his tribe’s camp. Once the blind was removed, my eyes were treated to a most humble and beautiful scene. The ghostwise tribe were obviously nomadic. They had no huts or permanent features in their camp. They lived in hide tents and bark lean-tos. While secretive, I didn’t detect any timidity about them. They were subtle, and yet noble and bold at the same time. The Shaman of the tribe warmly greeted me in the name of Sheela Peryroyl (bless her name). Naturally my heart leapt knowing that I was now speaking with another one of Sheela’s Green Children. We are so rare in these lands. I felt an instant connection with the woman, as well as with the rest of the tribe. I live in a land of manufactured things, within which the intrusion of the natural struggles to take hold. These folk in the woods, they live in a land of natural things, within which the intrusion of the manufactured struggles to take hold.
The Shaman wasted little time. She told me that the creature that now stalks their tribe is no mundane wolf, nor is it simply the victim of a curse. It cannot be slain by weapons manufactured. But Sheela Peryroyl (Blessings be upon her) had spoken to the Shaman. A tree had been planted by her who’s wood could be fashioned into a weapon that had the properties of silver, and which could slay the creature. She told me that she would use such a weapon to slay the creature herself, but she was bound by her duty to care for her tribe, and could not leave them unattended while out hunting for the creature. She needed a woman, a fellow servant of Sheela Peryroyl, to wield the weapon and destroy this threat. A champion. It was at that moment that I knew that destiny had brought me to this point. I have long believed that nothing happens by accident. Now I know it.
I was blindfolded and taken out to the edge of the wood. I don’t know where this will lead, to the destruction of the monster or to my own death or worse. But I feel strongly compelled, as if my life would be misspent if I did not walk this path.
Should I perish and my body be recovered, I would very much like (crossed out: for my body to be burried under Peltarch commons, and for an oak tree to be planted with my body.) No … I would very much like for my body to be recovered and to be raised to life again! What was I thinking!?
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@3541c528ce:
The commons were attacked again today. What’s going on dear diary?! Seriously, it seems like the more effort I put into bringing natures beauty into this city the more seemingly random destructive forces seem to pop right up out of the ground! If it’s not oozes one day its angry spirits or some other bloody thing the next! All my effort goes into creating beauty in this city so folks will love and respect nature, but after all my toil the exact opposite is coming about!
I’ve begged the circle for help. Fadia answered, gods bless her. Not sure if any of the others will. After the slanderous campaign against me I’d be surprised if the entire circle wouldn’t be happy for my work to be totally undone. My heart breaks. If it wasn’t for Sister Fadia I feel that I would be utterly alone in this.
Blessed Sheela, mother of all that’s green, tender of crops and keeper of gardens. You see the works of your servant’s hands. According to your command and the strict warning of all the fair gods of nature I have carried out the work set before me in Peltarch. Behold the blasphemy against your will, against both the wonder of nature and the order of the city. Behold the abominations that have come to corrupt your shrine in the heart of the city. Cast your furious gaze upon your enemies and raise up your servants to deal with them according to your will. May they come to nothing. May their loins be cursed with barrenness and weeping sores and dire rashes. If they lack loins then may some other suitable affliction be cast upon them that is a fitting reward in your eyes.
@3541c528ce:
Dearest diary
I saw Rico today. We spoke. I can’t remember what about.
Looking at that man is like eating chocolate. Not just once piece – the whole box! It leaves your head spinning, your heart melting, and with a slightly nauseous feeling. He keeps taking out a special scabbard and handing it to people. He handed it to me once. I nearly fainted, holding that long object in my hand… I think he wanted me to use it on him? I just went a bit bigglty over the whole scene and handed it back to him telling him that it looked very pretty. He’s very pretty!
I read over a report today that said Private Elva disobeyed orders and attacked defenceless woodland creatures with powerful magic. Currently thinking up a suitable programme of correctional discipline to inflict upon her.@3541c528ce:
Dear Diary.
I’ve been making time to go underground to help out with mining expeditions. I see it as my duty to ensure tradesmen and miners are kept safe, and that the number of hideous creatures in the land – and under it - are kept to a minimum. The fact that Rico was one of the miners is pure coincidence of course.
Bane’s Bane told me that she needs to be reshoed. It was total rubbish of course. She was shoed just recently. She has her hopes up of getting together with a stallion down in Norwick. She is such a sad case! The stud she has her eye on is about twice her size. I tried to tell her that a horse like that would never go for a pony like her and that she was better off looking for another pony her own size. She never listens to me of course.
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19th day of the 10th month
@60fea15da9:
Gosh I love Peltarch.
I was taking time out to catch up on your gardening duties in the commons before helping Martain out in Ashald Park. I don't think he like it when I come in to "help out". Too bad.
This city has it's flaws, like any other place. But in Narfell the Jewel still shines. As tarnished as it may be this city is still a beacon of civilisation and reason in these lands.
The Order of the Divine Shield hopes to carry out open cut mining to secure stone for their building projects. They seem resistant to have their project overseen by a druid to ensure all things are done with nature's welfare in mind. I have also received word that druids of the Circle are banned from all their temples. Surely that is not to include me? I pray often at the temple of the Triad (may their will prosper). Surely I am not to be excluded also? No surely not. I will speak with Thel as soon as I can on this matter.
There is another me stalking the Rawlins. I have not met her yet, but I have heard tell of one like me attacking loggers. I am leaving for the rawlins to hunt her down. Hopefully I will be able to calm her down. If I know anything about her … which I imagine I do seeing that she is basically me ... she is probably confused. She's in a new land, like I was when I went to the past Peltarch to relive the War - a nightmare I was happy to wake up from. By the grace of the gods I should be able to get her to understand things, and to find a way for her to be sent home. Either that or she will simply see me as a shape changer and try to kill me. I'd do that. I better be ready for some biff. Lucky I know all of my own weaknesses.
If I don't return dear diary, be sure that my body is probably somewhere in the Rawlins south of the Misty Pond. I hear she is camped out there somewhere. I should return in a brace of tendays.
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@6ef85583e3:
Are dark times coming upon us again? I feel overwhelmed by bad feeling from time to time.
I'm doing my best to enjoy each day. If dark times are coming, best I take the opportunity now.
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@8a65dc37b9:
I return from my trip to Kara Tur. It was a most wonderful and illuminating experience.
The pile of unopened letters on my desk that has accumulated during my trip away fills me with dred. One at a time I guess. Sometimes I wish I could copy myself so we could get it done quicker. Only down side of that would be that we'd all probably end up procrastinating together. Not sure if we'd all get along either. I like myself but sometimes I can be a little critical of my own appearance. Not sure if I could handle being surrounded by women who were a mirror image of me. I think eventually we'd end up in a massive fist fight. Either that our it'd turn into some kind of perverse she-elvin group love session…
I'm not lonely. I have my horse, my cat and faith in my goddess! What else could a woman want!?
@8a65dc37b9:
Balancing Military life with my civil and spiritual duties has helped me stay sane. Drilling a recruit or the danger of an excursion into hostile territory seems to release the frustration and anxiety that builds up in other areas of my life.
Bane's Bane told me that I felt lighter when I rode her this morning. Not sure if I am losing weight or if she is getting stronger. She's my best friend.
I haven't seen Telli for a long time. I really need to see her soon. We have plenty to do and to talk about. I also just miss her. She's great.
@8a65dc37b9:
I took note today that Corporal Val has been submitting excellent paperwork. Coincidently, she offered her assistance with my duties here in town hall. Could it be that Sheela has finally answered my prayers? To be honest a part of me would rather her focus not be diverted from the excellent work she is doing. As much as a blessing her assistance would be, Each moment she spent with me in my paper dungeon would be time robbed from her greater destiny.
I held a meeting with the cows out west today. As usual they feel anxious about the wild cats and the possible return of the orcs. I did my best to encourage them to make for the wall of the city if they ever felt they were in danger. I think some of them understood, but most looked as if they had difficulty understanding how moving within range of our archers would protect them. Babasnah said that the right side of her udder felt swollen. After inspecting her udders and casting a restoration spell on her, I let her know that it was probably due to her being late to her milking. She confessed that she'd prefer to be milked later rather than earlier because she didn't like the feeling of cold hands on her teets. I think secretly she believes that an enlarged, unmilked udder makes her more attractive to Hertwell's bull.
I put some extra time into the common today. The flowers are blooming nicely despite the cold. Some day soon I hope I will have the time to rescape the commons completely. I imagine that the gods of nature are only half pleased with the current state of my work here. Have mercy on me fair patrons of all that is green and good. Those living in this city will love and praise you yet.
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@1facc8639f:
The Struggle against the Drow is over.
The battle was bitter, and good men and women fell, but Norwick still stands and the bodies of the Drow army are now being piled up for burning. Nure, one of my sisters, fell to Drow magic during the battle. She has been raised, as well as the others who fell. I’m filled with that unusual feeling I always get after a battle. A strange mix of emotions – grief, relief, joy, exhaustion… but despite the pot of feelings churning away in my heart, nothing is sweeter than the post battle smoke. To me pipe weed will always smell like victory.
The spoils of the Drow were quite handsome. Amongst the booty was a suit of armor and sword, obviously stolen from a follower of Lathander, as well as other items of great power.
Some say that this was the end of the drow, their final push. Others are ready for another attack. Either way we can ill afford to let our guard down. The Hungry one, Eggbutt, and other sinister forces are still arrayed against the good folk of these lands.
@1facc8639f:
I tended to some saplings in the Rawlins before I headed north again. The tides of war will come in and go out. Towns and cities will rise and fall. But in my heart I know that the woods will remain and that things, no matter how fair or dire, are unfolding as they should.
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@a44999cbd9:
Uljas Belia caught me hunting naked today. I was utterly embarrassed! I tried to duck behind a tree to get dressed, but Uljas kept chasing me! It was good to see Bel and Uljas together though. I will admit that they seem to me like a horribly mismatched couple, but they both looked happy. Love can be a funny creature sometimes.
I made a dream catcher for Jerrick this afternoon. I also managed to craft myself a good suit of dark armour. Quite happy with myself.
@a44999cbd9:
A lot of people are still suffering form the Troblin affliction. I made sure the food box south of Norwick was full for them. And made sure our tents were still in good order. I can only imagine how horrible it must be to be away from one’s home because of such a curse. To fear a monster is one thing, but to fear being that monster…
This evening’s senate meeting went for much longer than I thought it would. Senator Ashald is quite a handsome man for his age. Not quite as dashing as Senator Ronan but he has his own kind of charm.
@a44999cbd9:
I wrote letters all day today. Now at the end of the day my wrist hardly has the strength to write this journal entry! I really hope John wins a seat in the upcoming election. Then maybe I'll be able to replace him with someone who can take dictation for me? He'd make a fine senator. A good counter ballance to the rest of us. The rest of the candidates are all fine enough sorts too. I've made up my mind to stay keep my hands out of the election and let the people decide on their new senator with out my influence. Better that way I feel.
@a44999cbd9:
War is coming!
The Jewel is sending a detachment of troops under Captain Aelthas to defend Norwick against the advancing Drow. I’ll be fighting in the ranks of the Legion, with some members of the Sisterhood by my side. The other sisters are preparing the tents, wagons and other supplies should we need to evacuate the town.
It seems odd to me that the Drow advance would be so obvious and up front. I feel that the attack against the south gate, the attack that everyone expects, will actually be a feint. But maybe they expect us to expect it to be a feint? If we expect it to be a feint then we may thin out our defences to make sure we aren’t flanked, and they may spearhead us. I guess we just need to be ready for anything. I’ve prayed to Sheela (bless her name) for the power to see through their darkness magic, and for the grace to heal.
@a44999cbd9:
I march south to war. If this is my final entry then you will know I fell defending Norwick against the Drow. I guess there are worse ways to have your life end. Personally I would prefer to go out defending others than struggling to cling onto my own existence. So if this is goodbye dear diary there are some final things I feel you should know. I have hidden a treasure beneath the city in the sewers. It is well enough hidden to evade even the keenest eye, but a detect magic spell should be able to find the magical ring I hid with the booty. I put this gold aside in case I fell on desperate times. If you have any love for me and find this boon please spend it for the good of the city. If not then enjoy your ill gotten coins you filthy cur! Of the rest of the gold I own, half I leave at the disposal of Martin the gardener for the beautification of the city… and for a new pair of trousers. He really should get himself a new pair of trousers. The other half is to be left at the disposal of the soup kitchen in the docks. The rest of my stuff … well that's mostly junk. Do with it what you will. Except that medal I won during the war. I'd like to be burried with that around my neck ... if my body is found with a neck still intact that is.
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@65adf5152e:
Dear diary.
I actually ran out of coins today. Happened when I tried to buy some bullets for my sling in the market place. It was quite embarrassing. I checked my pot back at my tent and I noticed that I have also run out of food. My weed supply is okay, but you can't eat weed. It was humiliating to take charity from Private Val … but I guess it's good to be humbled sometimes. I now have an egg and a parcel of dried meat. That should keep me going until my next pay comes in.
The guilds are in an uproar. I fear they have been stirred up by Whyte. I expected some disharmony over the fact that trade with Oscura has been temporarily suspended until we can negotiate a new agreement with them, but I fear that whyte, not succeeding in his attempt to gain power by a position on the senate, but be trying to gain power by stirring up civil unrest.
Well may the gods protect us. I spoke privately with Shannon. Partly because I wanted some legal advice, but mainly because I look to him as a spiritual leader of sorts. He's a servant of Tyr. Hopefully I have Tyr's favour, and he will grant me and all the senate wisdom in this dilemma where principles are at war with a lust for coin. I do pray to the Triad from time to time actually diary. I love and serve Sheela Peryroyl, but for the work of the sisterhood I trust in Illmater, for strategy I trust in Torm, and for fairness in our city's economy I trust in Tyr. I really love visiting their temple too. Daisy is lovely. I buy her healing potions. She's also very pretty. I'm not a lusty elf though. I don't fancy her or anything like that. I just think she's nice.
I caught Hammerhand standing right on top of the flowers in the common today! The weight of his massive, platemail clad arse almost totally destroyed them! I cast a healing spell on them as quickly as I could. Hopefully they will be okay. Oaf. Sheela grant me strength!
I met yet ANOTHER elf who can't speak common the other day! I can't count the number of elves I've met over the years who can't speak common! So many elves simply refuse to speak common, but that's more an issue of poor manners than of poor learning. Meeting him gave me fresh motivation to kick off those common classes. I'll do that as soon as I feel that Peltarch isn't heading for a civil war. I think averting civil war should come before such things.
Bane's Bane likes to dance. I taught her a few steps. Now we are both bards!
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@eff34671b4:
Dearest and most excellent diary.
There simply aren't enough hours in a day. Seriously! I heard a pair of mages in the commons talk about a lich who could cast a spell that stops time. Bloody lich! I need a spell like that! Honestly - I'd give anything to be able to make time stop for a while so I can catch up on things. Problem is I probably not use the opportunity to get my work done. I'd probably just find a new way to put things off.
A lot of the Druids have left the Legion. This has caused me a great amount of distress. Initially I was thinking "do they know something that I don't!?" Turns out that Isendel has been a total goon. Calling them feral worshipers of evil gods or some nonsense. Even refused to heal them when they were wounded! Legion heal each other. Simple as that. He needs a good butt kicking. I shall give him a piece of my mind next time I see him.
Speaking of handing out pieces of my mind, I gave a bit to Jerrick today. He left the Legion. I was very upset so I searched him out. I found him in Norwick. I'll confess that I was cranky and hurt so my words probably came out in a way that wasn't all that helpful. Before the conversation was over he had picked me up and pinned me to a wall. I don't mind being roughed up by the likes of him to be honest. But what did upset me greatly was that when Kara Du'Monte came into the conversation (don't ask me how dear diary! Can't remember) the whole town of Norwick seemed to turn on me! I was warned "never to speak ill of Kara" One Norwickian even threatening to beat me if I ever said anything bad about Kara Du'Monte … Can you believe that diary!? Is it me who is out of line? I did my best to put myself in their shoes ... but if they ever loved Kara then why does her betrayal of that love not hurt them more than it hurt me! Any affection or respect I ever had for that women vanished the instant I could see that she was a pawn of devils. She lied to all of us. She earned our respect then stabbed us all in the back. How is it that people still love her? Even Dwin gave me a stern warning never to speak ill of Du'Monte! Even told me to leave the town! I can't even remember saying any strong words about her! I guess it shows their true colours. Kara had many pawns during the war - people in the right place at the right time. I was unaware of how Loyal Dwin was to Du'Monte up until today. Very shocked and utterly disappointed. Maybe her spirit is in the land still? Maybe her spectre is plotting its revenge and engineering our destruction - dividing us so we may be conquered? Or maybe I'm just being paranoid again? Maybe Kara wasn't all that bad? I mean sure - she did turn a lot of innocent folk into undead soldiers, make pacts with devils, kill a lot of my friends, and launch a crusade to destroy the city I love ... but maybe If I can just look past all of that I'll be able to see Du'monte as the wonderful person she really was? But like they say at the stables, it isn't how you start a race that counts but how you finish. Kara may have started well but she finished very very badly. I'm not even convinced she was ever good. Her whole life was probably a lie - an attempt to get behind our guard so she could dominate and destroy us.
Someone stepped all over the flowers in the commons again! Honestly - people really need to watch where they are going.
Still trying to get a new hall up for the Sisterhood. Seems like I am hitting an invisible "Anti Marty" wall with that. Maybe We should just put up a tent for now? Not a very good shelter but it would probably do the job until we have a real hall up.
I've been looking for a new assistant. I love John dearly, but he's a bit of a sea monkey when it comes to helping me around the office. And I don't like the way he keeps looking down the front of my blouse. Well okay maybe I don't mind it all that much but I really need more help around here. I also need another woman I can share my feelings with. I can hardly speak with John on that level. His feelings are dominated by his loins.
Ronan is quite handsome.
Marie has become quite the little home maker! I am very happy for her. Honestly dearest diary I am! I'm not bitter or jealous at all! I mean ... sure she has everything I ever wanted for myself, and is now utterly happy ... despite the fact that she married a total goblin of a man ... And I'm not bitter that she never goes out with me any more because she's so busy making her home. Why should that make me bitter! I'd be a vile person indeed if I wasn’t TOTALLY HAPPY with how her life has turned out! Why would it ever make me feel bad! I mean ... I have a good life right? Sure - I am constantly struggling and toiling on projects that will never earn me any praise. But I am happy. I'm not lonely. Seriously dear diary I'm not. I mean I worship a goddess of love and romance ... but I don't need anyone else to validate me! I'm a strong, independent, strong woman! The fact that I have no one at all in my life who would even lament my passing should I perish ... that's no big deal.
I killed a lot of Kobolds today. I did it to fulfil my civic duty - to keep Peltarch safe. I didn’t do it because I was unhappy. Why ... that would be silly. Making them suffer just to make me happy ... what kind of a sick person would I be if that was my motivation!
I ran 10 miles today! Celebrated by eating cake.
I just took a look at the large pile of unopened letters on my desk ... They fill me with the urge to go out and smoke in the commons. I really shouldn't put things off but paper has become like salt to a slug for me. I really need to find a good assistant.
I have a new apprentice - Dana. She's great. Other druids don't seem to like her. They don’t really like me much either though. Maybe that's why I ended up with her? Anyway, I'm very grateful for the chance to have some spiritual input into her life. I wonder if she knows how to file paperwork? Maybe I could teach her!?
I love smoking weed. Makes me forget the crap for a little while.
Bane's Bane told me that she'd like to eat sugar more often. I told her I'd not feed her sugar as its bad for her teeth. Our relationship seems to be strained ever since. She's the best pony in all the world. Maybe I should buy her a special treat! Maybe a turnip? Yeah she'll love that! I really love Bane's Bane. Sometimes I feel that she's my only friend. Appart from all those people who really love me ofcourse!
I painted my toe nails this afternoon. Not really sure why. The pile of unopened letters is still on my desk.
Just got back from a pretty long meeting. Very tired. I have a lot more work to do now. I wonder if that hemrod sells that Time Stop spell on a scroll? I'll check tomorrow morning.
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RANDOM ADVENTURES:
Toe to toe with an elite Kobold…
… kobold second best.
LEGION! Hoo RAH!
Solo … and Marty comes out second best.
Politics
Moments before the Glabrazu tosses Marty over the fence.
Hag making supper for kobolds.
Dinner time for fish people.
Marty
Bane's Bane!
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@9be4ec2254:
7th day of the 2nd week of the 11th month.
Dearest and most excellent diary,
Just returned form a rather long and tedious session in Town hall. To be honest I am stunned at how many senators seem to be in the pocket of Oscura! Still… I must trust that things are unfolding as they should. They are elected officials just as I, and I shall not let myself become bitter about being on the losing end of any vote. I shall have faith in democracy…. Oh bugger that! What are those baffoons thinking!? Oh sometimes I’d like to kick some of those orc witted dopes right in the tenders!
Tomorrow I shall take a few moments out of my schedule to catch up on some gardening around the city. Yes I think that will cheer me up some. The beds could use some attention after all.
@9be4ec2254:
8th day of the 2nd week of the 11th month.
Most wonderful and excellent diary.
Today has been a trying day indeed! I arose early to tend to the flowers in the commons only to find them trampled again! I have an earnest desire to move the flowers closer to the wall but my instinct tells me that they will fare no better there. Why cant people watch where they are going! Honestly, I have in mind to set up some spring loaded punji traps around those flowers! That way the blood of the clumsy will help fertilise the flowers to make them beautiful again… hmm ….
Half way through my paper work in town hall and I discovered I was totally out of pipe weed. I purchased some from the market, but as one would expect the quality was poor. My desire for weed refreshed my concern for those living down south near the Rawlins. I must hurry the city’s preparations in order to be able to accommodate any refugees fleeing north. To be true I think about the folk down south often. Imagining what may become them when the hungry comes upon them robs me of sleep. I only hope they have the wisdom and humility to evacuate before it becomes impossible to do so.
Oh my way back from the Market I bumped into an odd fellow. A half human orc by the looks and smell of him. Called me a “runt”. “Runt” Indeed! I had in mind to punch him in the privates to show him how much pain this “runt” can dish out … but I managed to compose myself. One must be a lady after all! Besides, I’ve found that half human orc folk are of t prone to speaking before they think. It’s not like I have never done the same. Caught up with Senator Ronan in the commons. He is a handsome one … for a tallfolk I mean. I don’t think I could ever date a tallfolk again, and definitely not a fellow senator, but I must confess that I occasionally find his looks distracting. And besides he belongs to another. I must be getting lonely. I really need to head south again to get some more pipe weed.
@9be4ec2254:
9th day of the 2nd week of the 11th month
Dear diary. I left early by boat to sail south down the crack to the township of Norwick. The trip up the river was lovely, a nice chance to relax and take my mind of the troublesome thoughts of yesterday. I met some adventurers by the fire near the Grapevine inn. The defences of the town are being bolstered, but I don’t feel that it will be enough. I got changed into my armour and ventured south toward the Silver Valley. Along the way I was unfortunate enough to witness a pair of goblins attempting to make romantic advances toward a badger. It didn’t end well for the goblins. I should state at this point that I really don’t like goblins.
It was a blessing to be in the valley again. Despite the impending danger of the Hungry One’s advance the spirits of the good folk in the Valley seem to remain high. I’m not sure if this is because of our kind’s inborn bravery in the face of dire peril or if it was because most were unaware of how horrible the fate of the Valley is should the Hungry One’s forces breach its defences. I purchased a good supply of pipe weed and managed to speak with some of the folk there. Hopefully the council got my letter. With luck and the favour of the gods the Valley will be able to escape the trouble coming.
The return trip north was nice. The sun set as the boat made its way down the river. Would be nice to have someone to share sunsets with. I smoked a lot of weed during the trip. When I returned I did my best to catch up on the paper work that my trip south kept me from completing. I am in town hall now as I write this. I expect I shall be here for most of the night. Smoking my pipe should keep me awake.
@9be4ec2254:
10th day of the 2nd week of the 11th month.
Dear Diary.
GRRRR! What a day! I must have fallen asleep at my desk while smoking. I awoke to find my clay pipe broken and that it had made a mess of some of my paperwork! I donned my armour and head out into the western foot hills before most were up. I killed as many orcs as I saw, and then ventured into their cave and killed some more. I lost count of the orcs I slayed this morning. Killing so many orcs did make me feel a bit better. The sun was just rising as I returned to the city.
I will miss that pipe. It will take me a while to find another like it. Someone suggested that I roll my weed up in paper and smoke it that way. What nonsense! Folks will think I was a sailor if I did that! Not that I don’t have a soft spot for sailors mind you … I just don’t fancy the idea of being counted as one of them.
After returning from the slaughter I bathed and resumed my duties at city hall. My assistant John seems to be incapable of performing the simple list of tasks I set for him! Honestly, is it really that hard to arrange letters in alphabetical order according to sender? He had it all messed up… if he even attempted the task at all! I doubt he did actually. I get the feeling that he would rather do “more important thing” … Fair enough I suppose. Still… I do like my letters arranged in order. It makes my letter reading duties feel less chaotic. And where is he anyway? Off chasing some wench I would imagine! Honestly ….
I had my lunch break in the commons today. Found the flowers trampled again. Furious! I really must replant them against the wall when I get a chance… and set those spring loaded punji traps… (that’s a joke dear diary. I would never do such a thing … unless I really felt that I needed to … )
Spent the afternoon mingling amongst the folks of the Docks District. It’s odd really- I grew up here and most know me, but now that I am a senator my relationship with the community seems to have changed a lot. Was to be expected I suppose. Still I don’t think I deserved for that sailor to spit on me. I almost flew into a rage but managed to compose myself. Maybe he just didn’t see me? Yeah, I’m sure that was it. I must seem very small in the eyes of most tallfolk. He obviously had no idea I was there. Will take a while to remove the stain from my blouse. He must have been chewing some kind of orcish tobacco? Delivered some potatoes to the soup kitchen.
I spent the evening writing letters. My wrist is cramped. I still have many to write. I feel lonely. I really miss my pipe.
@9be4ec2254:
1st day of the 3rd week of the 11th month.
Took the morning off today. Woke up at my desk again. I was unable to get the stain out of my blouse. Furious. Searched market place for new blouse and new pipe. Found both. Felt better. Stepped in puddle on corner of market and Tidus street. Walked for a while with boot full of water. Cranky. Visited swamp to kill kobolds. Felt better. Had lunch in commons. Saw Celebring. He was good.
Went back to work. Returned a lot of letters. Attended meeting. Argued. Voted. Lost vote. Cranky. After the meeting I tried to read up on the legal issues surrounding border movements and land acquisition. Taking a break now to smoke and write in diary. Tired.
@9be4ec2254:
2nd day of the 3rd week of the 11th month.
Dearest and most excellent diary!
Woke up at my desk again today.
I took two guards with me and went on a “diplomatic” visit to the undertown of Oscura. I failed to meet anyone important, but I hadn’t made an appointment so that came as no real surprise. I did manage to come across a pipe weed vendor down there however. I am very keen to try out the new weed. The vendor said it was very exotic. I wonder if it’s from Karature? I shall smoke it tomorrow once my current pouch is spent.
I left the guard at station in the Undertown and continued past Oscura into the underdark. I thought it good to do some scouting on behalf of the Legion while I was in the area. I encountered a group of fish people. I quietly moved amongst them, killing them one by one. They are vile, demonic creatures. I really don’t like fish people.
I really must speak with Sister Marie tomorrow. I miss her dearly, and there is much I need to speak with her about. She is more than my right hand actually – I’m not sure what I would do without her. It will be good to take my pony Bane’s Bane for the run south too. Poor girl has been in the paddock for a while now. I think she’d enjoy the ride south.
@9be4ec2254:
3rd day of the 3rd week of the 11th month.
Dearest diary.
What an odd day!
I woke up at my desk again. As is my habit I began the day with a hearty breakfast followed by a pipe. As soon as I was done smoking I felt very light headed. Then a flight of pixies appeared and began flying around me! I chased them down the corridor of town hall and out onto the street. The street seemed to wobble though, as if it were made of marshmallow! I called to the good guard Lisa for help, but she said she couldn’t help because she was in love with me. Her head then turned into a massive sun flower. This made me feel a little awkward so I ran away, and then found myself standing on top of the Legion tower. My new pipe then said to me “Martoushca Leaffall, you are the queen of all you can see.” The pipe then kissed me on the cheek and said “Hail to the queen”.
“But I am no queen!” I replied. “I am a servant of the people!”. A pair of eagle’s wings then sprouted from my back, and I flew right across the land, over the Rawlins, over the Icelace, over the Giantspire mountains and then toward the sun. As I flew closer to the sun Lathander touched my wings. They burnt to a crisp and I began falling back to Toril. I landed in the common, right next to the sundial. I checked the sundial and discovered that today was my birthday. The pixies who were still flying around me began to sing “Happy, happy, day of your birth! Happy, happy day full of mirth!”. One of them slapped me and I woke up at my desk.
I can’t believe that I had forgotten that today was my birthday! I should go buy myself a present. As soon as the beholder blocking the doorway of my office falls asleep I shall! In the meantime I think I’ll light up another pipe. I must say that the weed I found in Oscura is of a very fine quality. Very smooth. And it told me that it likes to be smoked!
@9be4ec2254:
4th day of the 3rd week of the 11th month.
I woke up in the middle of the study in my underwear. I had trouble collecting my thoughts so I read over my diary entry for yesterday. What the hells!? I’ve decided to take the rest of the day off.
