The Vow
-
When I was young, I made a vow to make my parents proud. Indeed, I think I did when I worked for my former boss, Galib. But that came crashing down in one young man's twisted scheme. Although, in my parent's eyes I had done no wrong, too many other people believed otherwise. I had not broken my vow, but it was compromised.
Now I have taken another vow. This one is for more than the personal satisfaction of having my parents be proud. This is for the benefit of others as well as my very soul. For with this Vow, I am able to better serve Ilmater.
When my friend Kale brought me to the Citadel of the White Worm, I found in that place a profound peacefulness. Even when the Monks of the Yellow Rose were practicing their martial arts, they seemed at peace.
But now I am sent out on a personal mission from the Citadel. It is part of my training as well as my personal growth. I will strive to be the best I can and accomplish my task at hand.
This is why I have taken the Sacred Vow of Poverty.
-
It was an unexpected request, but one I could not ignore. The Masters back at the Citadel of the White Worm had called me back home. I had to comply.
Home…
For many years I had called the Citadel my Home. But it was not until I left Narfell that I really felt home sick. I had come a long ways in Narfell and had met many friends along the way. Friends who I would die for and who would die for me in turn.
With all of its dangers and enemies, it is not hard for one like me to feel the need to help the land of Narfell. From maurauding orcs to the un-nameable foes that lurk in the Underdark, Narfell is a place that has been ravaged from all sides well before I had arrived. It was easy to get caught up in the struggle for good over evil.
That is why I have now returned.
Home...
To a place where I can help those in need and put the skills that I have learned to use against the merciless foes that seek to destroy and pillage this harsh region of the world.
Home...
To where my friends are.
Home...
To Narfell.
-
Again, I have neglected my writings. Though in all honesty, I have been very busy. I continue to serve the Citadel of the White Worm and keep them informed on what is happening in the Narfell region.
Once again I am at awe with the changes that overcome this land. Norwick has been taken from its citizens. Bugbears blitzed the city and drove out the defenders. I have heard the Dwarven Hold was caved in. Many died and those that did not fight I have heard are slaves to the evil bugbears.
My travels of this land has shown me new places and friends a like. I have gone to crypts and dungeons and even the dreaded Underdark where horrible evils lurk in the shadows. I have fought deadly magic and twisted charms. There is much in these places that can kill a person.
But as I also mentioned there are friends as well. I never was good at making friends. I am not outspoken and perhaps tend to come off as dull or maybe even arogant. But many I have travelled with have fought toe to toe along side of me, healing my wounds and keeping me alive. Perhaps I have earned some friendship on account of my own actions, as I have ever tried to be helpful and do what I can for the good folk of the area.
I hope to help in the taking back of Norwick from the Bugbears. This Ostromog by all reports is a cagey foe and victory will not come easy. Though I may die in such a battle, it would be worth it for the sake of those whose homes were taken from them.
Though I continue to name the Citadel as my true home, I can not help but think of this place as a home as well. And perhaps even these people I am beginning to be friends with…they are beginning to be almost like family to me.
-
It has been some time since last I wrote. Ever in motion is this land of Narfell. One threat is dispatched, only to be replaced by another or even two as the case may be.
Recently the Hoarans have gone hostile to any that travel the Nars Pass. I do not know for sure why they have become aggressive and seek to harm travelers. I have heard that they are the decendents of brigands that used to wander the same roads years ago, the Eastlanders. How true this is, I do not know. One thing is certain, they are a threat to the safety of anyone travelling the Nars Pass.
The Shadovar is another possible threatening situation. They come from old floating cities that years ago fell to the ground. They have come to Narfell in search of relics and items that they may once again raise their cities into the sky. I have seen some mighty magic in my time in Narfell, but to raise a whole city into the sky? That would be a sight. Many seem to be against them, not wanting them to regain their relics, and it is only natural. Who would want a city of possible enemies floating above them?
My training has taken me to new areas of dicipline I never thought I would find. My dear friend Vash has helped me find ways to train that have tested both my mental and physical capabilities. With every passing day I feel more at peace with my existance and more able to cope with the things life throws my way. I would say that things are coming along nicely, though I will continue to say also that there is much yet to learn.
-
Much has happened since I last wrote. From demon cows to the girl changing Thorn into a stone chicken, things have been interesting to say the least.
The demon cows we fended off after they came continously out of a gate that formed just outside the Norwick South Gate. Many people rallied to fend them off. As the last cow died, you could hear the sounds of mooing coming from the gate.
I do not know who the girl is for sure, but she is like a child with her new found powers. I do not think she intends to do harm, but her powers are amazing and it is only a matter of time before someone does get hurt. I was not there when she turned Thorn into a stone chicken but I saw the results of her handy work. On a different occasion, a balor came after she had left. He seemed to only want to talk with those who were there, but Ronan seemed to have a childs moment of his own, and began throwing magical attacks at the thing. Of course the balor did not like it and began attacking putting many people in danger. It was such a hasty and poor decision from one who is supposedly in high reguard throughout the land. Only my extensive training saved me from certain death that day.
On that note, my training is coming along well. I have spoken with Vash some more and he has given me much insight on how to proceed with my training, both the mental and physical apsects. I have learned to control my hunger and thirst and no longer need food or water to survive. Sustenance it is called, though the few I have talked to about this do not believe me. I do not care, I am not trying to earn honors or congratulations by impressing anyone. I merely continue to train to better myself physically and mentally.
-
It is funny how differently I am treated by different folks. Even those that I have written about previously that showed genuine concern for my well-being have recently given me the cold shoulder. Is it that I remain a poor homeless person in their eyes? Or is it that I am not outspoken and in their face? I do not know and should not care.
But I do care. Being accepted is something I think all of us want. I have tried my best to help defend the gates in attacks and have gone out of my way to give medicine bags and potions to those who have been injured. Yet I still am mostly ignored.
This is not the case with everyone. Vash has become a good friend and mentor. His wisdom has helped lead me down the correct path in my training. For this I am grateful. From him I know I can expect a warm smile and friendly hello.
Speaking of my training, it goes well. With Vash's help I have learned to defeat most of the goblins I have faced. I have also been able to successfully meditate under waterfalls through his guidence. Natural diseases no longer affect me and I do not need food to sustain me any longer. I have come a long way, yet the road ahead will still be a tough trial. I am glad for the challenge.
-
Stop and listen.
I wonder how many people tell themselves this?
My teachers at the Citadel often said that if you just stopped and listened, there was much to be learned.
So as I sit near Norwick's south gate, I often find myself just listening. From personal crisis' to region-effecting events, there is talk of everything near the south gate. Those affected by the badger curse continue to stay outside the walls their. Talk of Izakiel, drow and the creatures of the Rawlinswood persist as do many subjects unrelated.
I have yet to meet the lord chancelor of Norwick, but by listening to him on the few occasions I saw him, I am at a loss for how this city survives. I hope there is more to him than I have seen, but from my perspective, I see a dwarf that rules with his pride, not for the good of the citizens. His handling of the Messanger spirit some weeks ago hinted of this greatly. As I said, I do hope there is more to this dwarf.
This is so different from my homeland where Gareth Dragonsbane is King. The good of the people are always foremost in his thoughts, as comes to be expected of a paladin as he is, and not just the king. Is Ilmater himself guiding him? Perhaps
Is the chancelor of Norwick similarly guided? It is an interesting question.
Are the other towns in Narfell ruled similarly? Are they worse? I can not say. I have yet to venture to the underground city of Oscura or the walled fortress of Peltarch. I will make a point to find out.
-
My training is coming along, albiet slowly. I am now able to withstand the extremely cold and rainy weather of Narfell without any ill effects. The many times I meditated in cold downpours has paid off.
I am beginning my next phase of training as well, though at first I did not know how to proceed. I am happy that I happened upon my friend Vash and asked his advice. He has given me tips on how to proceed, and the course that is laid out ahead of me will not be easy. I am to begin doing my meditations under extreme conditions, for when I am able to block out my surroundings in those conditions, then I am truly at peace with myself.
I have found a waterfall that will help me with this training. When I can meditate beneath the cold, pounding water and be able to block it all out, then that phase of my training will be complete. I am determined to pass this test and move on.
Perhaps then I will be of more use to the people I am beginning to get to know around here. There was a drow attack on Norwick the other night and I found myself utterly useless. I thought to try to help by running healing supplies and bandages from the Temple to the battle, but even getting that close to the battle was too much of a risk. I can barely take on a goblin, much less a drow.
But the fighting aspect of my training will be improved upon later. First I must master control of my mind and body. Then will I be read to master the techniques of fighting.
-
There is a lot of fighting in this place they call Narfell. Everywhere I turn, there is another fight to be had. They even have Fight Night. It is held regularly and contestants enter various contests to try their skills and/or luck. I decided to join one night and was paired with a woman named Sabre. We took second place in a two on two hand to hand fighting match. Though this should have been a place where I excelled, I could not do much to weaken our dwarf opponent who ended up taking both of us out of the match. Still I am glad to have met Miss Sabre and partake in the event. I won a potion which I am still trying to give to someone in need.
Which lead to another encounter I had. I offered the potion I had won to a wounded elf that came in the south gate of Norwick. I am alarmed at the hostility the elf showed me for offering to help him. He took one look at my ragged clothes and without knowing me or my story proceeded to stereotype me. He assumed I was a drunkard who had partook in too much drink and that I was offering him an alcoholic drink. I assured him that was not the case, but he mocked me instead with a sarcastic thank you and bow. I simply smiled and bowed in return and offered the potion to someone else. He said something as I was turning but I did not feel the need to pay attention to the fool after the schene he made so I let it be.
Another instance of fighting occured at the opening of some acadamy I attended near a place called Hero's Bluff. There was also fighting games included in the ceremony there. I joined one team battle where the king of one team had to make it to the bluff while the other team had to take him down. I heard our team won, but I was taken out early and had to wait in the circle wounded and bleeding until they came back. Even then, it took over an hour for them to return and they had started a new game. I am beginning to see why my masters at the Citadel always taught that patience was a virtue. I am trying my best though.
I suppose the fighting is a natural occurance in these wild parts, as it is in the Bloodstone Lands where I come from. One must be able to fight to defend himself from the many evil monsters in the wilderness of both places. The honing of skills through competition should not be a surprise to me. Our Order has always held similar skills competitions, but the only difference, there was no prize for the winner.
Though I see many similarities between Narfell and home, there are also differences. Differences which I must become accustomed to if I am to survive.
-
Last night I met Rain, Val Kyrie, Brendal and Vash. I am amazed at the hospitality shown towards me. There was concern expressed at my lack of boots and I was offered more than one pair by Rain. In exchange for some gold I had found, Rain did give me a potion to heal the wounds I acquired from some fairly vicious pigs to the south of Norwick's gate. What the potion did not heal, Val fixed with her sweet musical voice.
Vash though is a kindred spirit. He has also taken a similar Vow. He is from Cormyr where he said he was a member of the Broken Ones of Ilmater. We talked for some time, as well as listened to those by the gate talk as well. Vash is convinced that the people of the Norwick area are wierd. I do not want to jump to conclusions as they most likely view us the same way.
After parting ways, I went up to the ridge where I have been staying. As is my routine now, I step through my kata techniques, then finish with meditation. I am slowly learning to disreguard the rain that seemingly never stops in these parts as it washes over my entire body. Eventually it will become unnoticed by me.