Journal of Ferdinand Locke
-
_Things seem different since my return home. Balthazar has some how replaced Jario at the helm of the Black Lotus. I have heard rumors that he has yet shown his face in public. To my knowledge he has yet to show anyone his true form. I am wary of this, as for all I know he could be a dragon, demon, or some other form of greater evil attempting to use Oscura as a base for their machinations. Rumors do tell of Vladimir and Creg being among the supporters for this man, perhaps they know more then they care speak about.
The Keepers have also taken some blows, as I am told Kence Boneguard has left the city. It is not pleasing to hear the grounds on which he left. The Tribunal at times I find can be quite inadequate when dealing with the surface towns. Oscura sometimes makes itself an easy target by attempting to walk on egg shells. A path that must make us look weak to outsiders.
I have however discussed Dar'lith with a few persons of interest, perhaps we shall see if the combined efforts in research and experimentation will bring us down a successful path. I can only pray that it shall.
I also must remind myself to move some wealth around to once again re-establish an attempt to solidify the Orcs of the Iron Chain Clan a place within Oscura where they can organize themselves and pray to their Gods. The letter I sent to the Tribunal what seems like decades ago must have been lost in the shuffle of paperwork, perhaps a renewed meeting with the Orc leaders is required so that we might work something out and bring it forth to the Tribunal for discussion.
Lastly, I have begun preliminary discussions in the formation of a Shadow Network to begin functioning within Oscura, I believe I have spoken to the proper individual to run such an organization and it will only be a matter of time before it is up and running. The information gained from such a group will be invaluable in learning of trade routes, hostile movements, as well as perhaps removing people who are unwanted or seek to harm Oscura and her interests._
-
We are departing for Oscura tomorrow morning. I picked up the ring for Ahmose late last night, as she slept soundly.It is a beautiful ring, I think she shall be impressed, it has a Mulhorandi design to it, and a few magical properties.
-
Aranhur has offered me a position within his company. It would be a position of leadership and Ahmose tells me it is a great honor to be offered such a position. I will have to discuss this with her and think on it deeply. I have already been gone quite some time from Oscura, and I still wish to propose marriage to Ahmose, should she accept her position on me entering into a war in her homeland may change. On the same token however; it would also be a great honor to her for me to do this, and it will also give me a better understanding on the leadership of men, tactics and experience in war fighting that I fear I shall not get if I return to Oscura.
-
_I returned to the magical shop I had visited a few days ago, The merchants remembered me immediately and we began discussing the events from the other day. I explained to him who I was, and why I was visiting Skuld, I also inquired to him about the possible purchasing of a set of his and her rings, I explained to him that I had wished them to have some magical properties, and be ornate and exquisite enough for a set of nobles. He took down some notes on the request and told me to return in a tenday.
After the ring discussion, our conversation shifted toward trade, I informed him of my families business in Oscura, letting him know some of the items we are able to import and export. In turn he discussed some of his export and import suppliers. I mentioned that perhaps our two businesses could work out some form of trade agreement and that he should send an emissary to speak with my brother or father in Oscura, He seemed to be interested but would have to discuss the matters with his business partners before giving me a straight answer._
-
A page is removed
-
Most of the wounds sustained in the skirmish have healed up properly, the past few days have been marked with much conversation with the representatives of the church of anhur, as well as guard commaders. They have spoke in detail to me the ongoing struggle they have in dealing with these small Untherite pockets of resistance.
-
A charcoal sketch of Ahmose and Ferdinand takes up a page within the journal.
-
_I awoke early one morning to explore the market district here in skuld, the markets were near chaos when I arrived, as people went about their daily routine. I found a shop that deals in magical trinkets and entered speaking with the merchants at great length, perhaps I will be able to secure some trade while on my trip as well, no doubt Maximillian will be happy to hear if I am succesful in such endeavors.
The shops contained many unique items and wares, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly, until at least I became involved in what I guess could be explained as an attack by the Untherian fighters. I was looking at some ornate pottery, when not three hundred or so yards from me did an explosion of fire engulf part of the market, alchemist fire vials I am told had been jammed into a wooden cask and detonated. Countless commoners were killed by the explosion as it was set off as a Mulhorand guard patrol walked past. Shortly after the explosion armed men sprang forth from the shadows and began attacking the remaining Guardsmen while they recovered from the initial shock of the blast. I felt compelled to help, perhaps to impress Thoths old friend, or perhaps my job as a keeper somehow played a part in it. I quickly whispered a few prayers and rushed to the melee. These Untherian men fight with odd weapons, Falchians, Khopesh, Kukri and Sickles, there were some bowmen as well, I whispered some prayers and targeted two bowmen in the distance, they were engulfed in a ray of negative energy and fell to the ground. I then brought my blade to bear against a large man wielding two Khopesh, his style was unfamiliar to anything Ive ever faced and I was immediately put on the defensive. I quickly studied his patterns and movements gauging the best time to strike, as he was going for a high strike I was able to give him a stern kick to the chest knocking him off balance allowing me to finish him quickly. I heard the groan of one of the Mulhorand Guardsmen and ran over, whispered a prayer and healing magic washed over him, helping soothe the burns and gashes that previously marked him. With my aid we were able to repell the remaining attackers, killing all but one, a few other patrolls eventually got to the attack location and were able to detain one of the Untherite's. When they initially came on scene they attempted to detain me as well, but the man whom I had saved spoke up and I was released and escorted back to the estate.
Ahmose of course was not too pleased upon hearing this, I tended to my wounds and cleaned myself up, it seemed I would have to make amends for my actions._
-
_Dinner went well. I believe I did a well enough job impressing our host, especially as I am an outsider, I did my best to speak purely in the Mulhorandi tongue and seemed to be able to do so flawlessly and without relying on my prayers. Many tales were shared during the meal, old tales of Thoth, the past, present and future of Mulhorandi politics as well as a few rumors, They spoke much of the problems that were occuring with the remaining factions of Unther. How small networks of Untherians still resisted the might of Mulhorand, and often caused trouble and even chaos within the cities and countryside. The man was a priest of Anhur and was a commander who routinely fought against these insurgents. His stories of battle and tactics I found extremely interesting.
I in turn, have passed on a few of my adventures and tales with him, my travels with the various nobles, my duty as a Keeper, I told him that I did not have any formal training in tactics or large scale war fighting though, that I was too young to be part of the N'jast war that occured in our lands. He laughed at such claims, saying that he fought his first battles as a youth. Nonetheless, i think it was an entertaining evening. Ahmose spent most of the eve with a few of her female friends, I have no idea what they could possibly be discussing, but I did catch the odd gaze in my direction._
-
_We have arrived in Skuld, this city is amazing, its architecture un-rivaled. It makes the surface towns of my homeland seem so insignificant in comparison. We were quickly met by a friend of Ahmose, a striking women who would likely draw quite a few suitors back home in Oscura. I remembered vaguely Louis asking me to bring back a local for his "pleasure" but I think I shall spare this women the kind of pleasure Louis may have had in store for her.
Our belongings were quickly packed into a carriage and we were escorted through the cities bustling streets. I've never seen so many people, it is as if the entire population of Peltarch scurried about this very street. Merchants peddling wares, curious buyers perusing items, sneaky cutpurses lingering in the shadows, guards patrolling the streets sternly. An orgy of activity seems to go on through this vast city.
We arrived to the estate which we would be staying, a grand place, with fountains and ornate carvings and architecture, lush green plants lined the outer wall giving it a truely exotic appearance. Our room has a large bed, two beautifully hand crafted armoires and a dozen plush silk pillows for sitting, it walks out to a pool of water that seems to be magically enchanted to always stay warm. I would seek to have such exotic luxuries transfered to my home in Oscura as they are amazing.
Ahmose has mentioned that we are to have dinner with a friend of her fathers. She is beckoning me to join her in the warm pool, I guess I would be foolish to not accept._
-
_I have discussed Dar'lith with Ahmose, she was not impressed with the news, as she generally frowns upon Necromancy. I explained that I myself never dabble in Necromancy, and that the animation happened by chance. I explained to her that whilst I was preparing the body to be committed to the ground, I prayed to my lord, I prayed for Dar'lith, to try and reach his soul. I explained to her, that somehow, someway, perhaps a cruel prank, or perhaps a sign from my god, but Dar'liths body arose from the granite slab he lie upon. It spoke to me, was able to reason, able to carry on as if he had never perished. I told her how his skills had not faded, that he still was able to wield his katana with precision and skill which he had prior to his passing. I told her that I have kept his return secret, to all but her. That I do not really know how to handle such a thing and that I wished time to determine the proper course of action to take in respects to his animation.
I told her that as time went on, I began to see benefits of such a creation, or abomination as some might say. But Dar'lith in his new form, requires no food, no water, no sleep, he is the perfect warrior, able to stand guard with vigilance in which his god Helm would even admire. The bandit attack was the first I seen him truely tested in combat since the animation of his body, and he seemed able to perform well enough. I am uncertain if his body will begin to decay, or if there are ways to prevent his reflexes from slowing. Perhaps my father or maybe even Louis du'Lorraine would be able to assist with such studies. I had thought, if Oscura could raise more soldiers such as Dar'lith, it could augment our forces quite well, giving us Soldiers who are easily controlled, logistically require no food, water and will never tire. I can only dream of the possibilities.
Of course much must be learned of the current situation, and this is how I explained it to Ahmose, if in time he simply reverts to a mindless undead creature, then I shall simply have him destroyed. But one can not be hasty in making such decisions. I think even she understands that if it can better Oscura then we must see it through.
One last note. Perhaps Dar'liths animation has to do with how he perished, the shadow creature was quite the malevolent spirit and perhaps that has some cause to his animation. Perhaps I shall seek an audience with Lucidious Corvance, he seemed to have an interest in that encounter and perhaps he is wise in shadow magic and the benefits or drawbacks it may have._
-
_I've never quite witnessed such a thing as sailing on the open seas. I mean I have made the brief travels from Oscura to Peltarch, and on a few times braved the Icelace with the Black Sails. But never have I experienced the seas such as this. The air is warm and the water has a different smell to it. Our ship sails with great speed as it heads on its course. I am told that if the weather keeps to its current pattern that we shall arrive in SKuld in the next few days.
The ship itself has only a few passengers. This suits my desires as it allows me and Ahmose to enjoy eachother. Our room is nice enough, nicer then I had originally hoped at least. The bed is large enough for two and the sheets are of expert quality from Kara-tur. Our meals have been satisfactory, but far from the delicacies Ahmose promises me upon our arrival in her homeland. During the last few nights we have discussed our futures, it is my hope that she holds the same desires, for I hope to propose marriage to her upon our return to Oscura.
While not quite yet fluent, I believe I have mastered the Mulhorandi language enough now to be succesful in her homeland. She is a skilled teacher, and she will make a fine mother to our children. I wonder sometimes what paths they might take and if we would choose to stay in Oscura or raise them in Mulhorand._
-
_We've arrived to the port town that will take us by sea to Skuld. We did run into a bit of trouble on the way however; seems some bandits had thought to lighten our purses. Luckily Dar'lith was able to spring into action and deal with the brigands with little trouble. The bandits did manage to slay one of my houses guardsman. Traven was a good man, and I had gotten to know him quite well during our travels. We buried him in a copse of trees and I performed a brief service to send his body to its eternal resting place.Luckily Traven leaves no kin behind.
I have found a captain willing to ferry us to mulhorand for a fair price. I will be sending the majority of the men back to Oscura, some will continue on with us of course, some of Ahmose's Mamluks will come to ensure her safety,The rest of the men will return here within a few tendays to awair our return.
Ahmose has questioned me on Dar'lith upon his appearence during the bandit attack, As far as she knows he was resurrected, although I think she doubts my honesty in such claims. I have done my best to quell her curiosity But Ahmose is far too intelligent to follow the charade for long. I will likely discuss this matter with her at some point as her opinion matters to me, I know of all the schools of magic she is less fond of Necromancy, but perhaps I can convince her of its periodic uses,
Our ship shall depart in the morning, I intend to take Ahmose out for a nice dinner if one can be found in this backwater town. She deserves a fine meal and a warm bed after putting up with the rain, mud and cold._
-
_Its been a few days since I last had a chance to write in my journal. Our travels have been hampered by poor weather. It has rained for the last few days causing most of the trails and paths to wash out. This has caused our wagon to slow a great deal. Ahmose and I have entertained ourselves reminiscing of old stories and adventures of our pasts. She is a remarkable women.
I am told by our wagon driver that we should soon be reaching a port where we can secure a ship to take us to our destination of Skuld. This is good as the nights have been much cooler as of late and the dampness caused by the constant rain does not help much. Although one cant complain much, as this weather has caused Ahmose to attach herself to me in attempts to steal my warmth.
I have been wondering what goes on within Oscura, this is my first time away from home and perhaps I just worry that when I return it will not be as I left it. My friends and enemies no doubt gain strength in my absence, it would serve me well to have hired more folk to keep an open ear to what is occuring while I am away. Perhaps with further backing of the noble families I can attempt to start up an intelligence operation._
-
_Well today is the day, the first time in my life that I will be leaving my home in Oscura for an extended period of time. The timing for my journey comes at the perfect time, my Brother has just wed his long time girlfriend and much attention is currently focused on he and his new wife. This gives me the perfect chance to slip out of the city with Ahmose and start our little adventure together.
The first day of our trip was pleasent and uneventful, we spent most of the journey with her teaching me more of the Mulhorand tongue. I think I am beginning to learn it quite easily and Ahmose is a fine teacher. It is my hopes that I will be able to speak it well enough to not embarass her upon our arrival in Skuld.
I find it is nice to be out on the open road and take a much deserved break from my work as a Keeper. The last involvment I had in regards to the Black Lotus investigations left me feeling sick to my stomach. This Balthazar goes against the Cruentus Pactus in his efforts to overthrow Jario, It is my hope that soon I will be granted an audience with him and gauge his true goals. If they mirror my own, then perhaps I shall continue to aid him in his attempts, however; if his intentions will cause my own plans to falter then I will have to find a way to stop him.
Our small contingent of guards has been doing a fine job thus far in ensuring the trails are secured for our caravan, I will have to remember to compensate them well if they continue their fine work. Also Dar'lith has been performing well, he has been shadowing us thus far, and he seems to have retained most if not all his skills. however; I still look to find other ways to increase his prowess. Perhaps I shall speak to Father upon my return, he has a mastery of such creatures and could perhaps give me sound advice on this matter.It seems supper is nearly complete, so I shall end my entry on that note and enjoy my first meal on the road._