3. The Book of Dawn

The Book of Dawn


  • Month 3

    First thing that happened when I awoke, ~Soliel~ came running to me, saying that the gates were under attack. When I went there, ~Jerrick~, ~Albryanna~ and a few others were preparing for the defense. Others arrived later, like ~Sir Mariston~.

    Several hordes of undead and demon attacked, apparently led by some kind of necromancer. We fenced off the attacks best we could. Skelletons, zombified animals, horrors, even gargantual zombies, a Vrok and bone wyverns met their demise in turn. The attacks lasted three days and three nights, so we had to take turns in the defense lines.

    There was a cloud of flying demons constantly menacing us with their presence above our heads, and what is more, I think they had something personal on me specifically. For some reason they kept scooping down at me when they saw a chance, but then quickly retreating when they saw I was free to act.

    At some point I had to retreat for a moment to offer my dawn prayers to Lathander, and they all took a dive onto me. They don't only interrupted my prayer, but they got me out of focus and sorrounded me. Fortunately after I yeled some of the people nearby at the gate could come to aid me.

    Eventually the attacks ceased. It felt weird, however, as if we weren't really being attacked to be defeated. It felt as if we were being tested. All in all, I hope we did not disappoint anyone, including the Dracolich, for its demise will be met soon.

    It was then when Mariston gave me the news about some old alliance with celestial creatures that he would call forth to aid in the battle against the Dracolich. He also told me that he could not take part in the assault, but asked me to please be a good representative of the Order, and that his honourr was with me.

    This left me rather torn, because while I am proud of being representative of the Order, I could not guarantee that, for example, the Yuan-ti wouldn't be present in the assault, which is banned by the Order. And as such, it was painful to have Mariston's trust in me while I saw a chance I could fail him. I admit I entered a moment of depression after that, but Jerrick dragged me to his house so we could speak about it.

    I did tell him that having Mariston's trust and honour pending on me, along with the aiding celestials, I could not see myself allied with the Yuan-ti. And that if I saw any in the battlefield, I would have to react to them in no different way than I'd react to the Dracolich and its minions. Jerrick patted my shoulder reassuringly, and said that then so would he. That, at least, brought a smile back to my face. ~Lorie~ arrived then, and we switched to a more friend and relaxed chat until I decided to go back to town to give them some well deserved intimacy time together. We don't know what will be the outcome of the incoming battle, so they should use any chance they have to do what… well, what a pretty man and a pretty girl who love each other do. I know I would, if I had such opportunity. I slipped one of those Wilting Flower shop rings into Lorie's pocket as I walked out hoping they would use it well, and bid my farewell with the fondness and love I hold for them both.

    Later on, I met Benji, the gnome I had been told about. It was a good chance to see if he was as good shot with the crossbow as they told me, so I took him to the archery targets. After some tests, I saw he really is good, so I trusted him with the two blessed bolts of the Morninglord that we found recently in the Lathanderite cache. The evening came along easily as people gathered around to speak about the various current news and gossip. I learned then from one of those conversations, that apprently sometime during my absence. a goblin wearing an armor identical to mine attempted to enter Norwick pretending to be me. I was shocked, but found kind of hilarious that someone would pretend to pass as me while being half the size.

    Apparently this goblin exploded when caught and submitted, before it could be interrogated. What is more, we were just talking about it when another goblin passed by, dressed as Roland. He was also put down, and also exploded, but I wonder what is going on with that.

    Another funny moment of the evening, is when Lorie arrived with a doll of herself. It was so adorable! The real fun started when she said "Tindra Statue, Terrorize!" and the doll morphed into a werecat while doing growl and purr sounds. It had me a good while laughing helplessly.

    After a while, a shady looking hin or gnome arrived to the Norwick gates offering people a trip to glorious treasures free of charge. This sounded rather suspicious to both Lorie and me, so while most of the people gathered at the gates followed without question, she and I decided to have dinner instead. And at that, we decided to assault Jerrrick's cabinets while he was out.

    Oh yes, we had delicious dinner, and exchanged some stories and had a nice evening all in all. I don't know if she realizes how important it's to me to share some time with people I love in the moments before Hell breaks loose, but I am sure treasuring her company.

    It became late and as usual I lost track of time, so when I was heading out, I thought perhaps staying the night at Jerrick's, and then I remembered his naughty thoughts a few days ago, when I asked him if Lorie and I could pass as sisters. So I propossed Lorie to play a prank on him as revenge - a delicious, hilarious prank. We schemed together, and decided on it. I can't wait for Jerrick to get home, tomorrow in the morning.


  • Month 3

    Back to Norwick, I decided to call on the aid of the Order to recover the Lathanderite artifacts. ~Sir Mariston~ and ~Lady Yana~ did not doubt a single second to offer their inconditional aid. I felt honoured to have allies like them. It is true that their stricter vows and narrower ways to perceive good and evil cause me many a headache, but it is nothing to hold against those like them who would give their very souls for a just cause. Those who have gone through Hell and back just to undo a wrong, to sustain ideals like Justice, Good and even Friendship.

    With them in our side, I felt like nothing could go wrong. So I appointed them to meet with me at the commonsin Peltarch at Dawn next day, where we would meet ~Ronan~, ~Albryanna~, and whoever those two would bring theirselves.

    I have to mention that I was incredibly happy to see again some of my old friends that I thought lost. I had the chance to have a talk with ~Maya~ and even ~General Grag~, who almost crushed me with one of his hugs. Fortunately I had my armor on. Had a friendly talk with them both, it felt good, because it reminds me of the values of friendship that are so important to reach a life filled with joy.

    After a good bath and a proper night's rest, I went to Peltarch and punctually Sir Mariston and Yana appeared. Ronan was already waiting there, on his own, and Albryanna arrived a bit later, with two more that would join, ~Lea~ and ~Thorn~. We went to see what ship had the Senator acquired for our trip through the Icelace Lake. What can I say… it definitely wasn't a war frigate, but once all of us got on, it seemed to sustain our weight - barely. The captain was a very lively and optimist lady, I liked her - she must have been Lathanderite too.

    Halfway through the travel, we entered an area od the lake with a dense white mist, and out of nowhere, we were victim of the assault of undead - they could have been some of the crew of some boats that had crashed in the past, whose souls were never properly sent to their patrons and now haunted other travelers in their torment. We had to deal with them unarmored, for none of us wanted to risk travelling clad in full plate if we were to meet the likely scenario of having to swim.

    We defended the boat successfully from the attacks, just before getting stuck in a reef, that besides, opened a hole in the hull. Ronan was quick to summon one huge water elemental to life the boat in a giant wave and unstuck us - which in turn caused it to start sinking as water entered the hull like an unstoppable torrent. It was then when we had to start bailing water as fast as possible, just to be able to keep over sea level. Which we were failing at, until Ronan polymorphed himself into an umberhulk and jumped into the hole of the hulk, blocking the sinkhole. Luckily we were close to land, so we made it to safety, and the captain said she would work on repairing the boat while we dealt with our affairs in the island.

    In the island reigned a complete and utter darkness, that even seeming unnatural. didn't appear to be magical either. However, no source of light pierced it and as we advanced shadows began to attack us - or more particularly, attack me ignoring everyone else while hissing something like "Sun... kill!". We managed to get through them and reached the monastery. No one came to greet us, and the whole monastery seemed to be long abandoned. Some members of the expedition think to have seen small shadows skittering behind objects and into walls.

    We reached an open hall, where a humanoid woman was awaiting. She did greet us, but said we had made a terrible error coming. She said that the children would be angry. Then Sir Mariston warned me to step away from her, as she was evil. The woman insisted - The shieldren would return at night, when the lord will come to meet his lady. As cryptic as this sounded, Mariston kept rpressing me to be cautious and the talk of "at night the children will come" made us believe that they were some kind of vampires. The lady herself was wearing a symbol of Lathander, but blackened and tarnished. It is then when we decided to strike down that woman pre-emptively.

    Still convinced that we'd find vampires, we made continued advancing. To our surprise, we didn't find vampires, but everytime a few of us separated from the main body of the group, they were ambushed by what seemed to be vicious, murdering children. After we managed to strike some of them down, we found they were actually gnomes, and wore symbols of Undler, the Crawler Below. Trying to asses the threat we found a library that contained a black book of empty pages at first, but making use of True Seeing we could read the hidden scriptures. It was a kind of schedule with a timeline for a ritual event, or celebration. The final parraphs spoke of the union of the Lord and the Lady would give birth to their daughter.

    We began then to put some pieces together. The Lord - that had to be Undler. The Lady could be no other than Shar, which in turn explained why those vicious shadows seemed to have something personal against me. Now remained to find the daughter, and banish her from the holy ground of Lathander, and from the face of Toril itself. We kept being attacked by gnomes that appeared from walls and vanished again, using a system of tunnels too narrow for any human to take.

    Eventually we found a secret door behind a bookshelf, that led to a stairway to the second floor, into a thin corridor. At the end of it, we found an aberration hard to describe. It appeared to be a hulking creature, without concrete shape, made of shadows and earth. Whatever was that darkspawn, we identified as "The Daughter". The aura of evilness it spred was nauseating, and it appeared to be incredibly powerful. Fortunately, we caught it in a very early state of its conception and it wasn't yet incredibly powerful. We charged with Sir Mariston on the lead, followed by Albryanna, me and the others - it was a long and demanding battle. The creatures threw its shapeless arms back and forth, knowing us over, ignoring our armor protections as shadows theirselves burned our skins. But eventually, when we were starting to falter, the dark god spawn was defeated, and eradicated.

    While we were still making sure everyone was fine, something seemed to shine in the back of the room. Inside a small chest, there were a few projectiles wrapped in blessed cloth, wearing the symbols of the Morninglord. Upon examination, they resulted to be very powerful artifacts, the finest projectiles I have ever seen. They had incredible power against undead, and possibly against the Dracolich itself as they could unleash thepower of the Sun itself upon whatever they hit. Sir Mariston conceeded me the privilege to keep them and use them as I saw best fit, being a sacred relic of my Church, each one of them. Which I did.

    In exchange for his generosity, I allowed the group to take anything they thought they could use from the stash of goods that those followers of Shar and Undler had amassed over the years from the Lathanderites that travelled to the monastery, along with an important sum of gold, of which I saw no part willingly. My gratefulness towards them was, and still is endless. Back downstairs, I proceeded to call upon Lathander's Light to shine once again upon the monastery, and recover his grounds, once Holy. As the blackened altar was cleansed, I could feel a how below and shiek above. No doubt we had made some gods angry today. So be it.

    The trip back was easy and quiet, specially as the Sun shone again, and the Icelace was lenient to us. I took my chance to write a missive to Cormyr, along with the navigation charts and rutters for the Church of Lathander to attempt to re-utilize the monastery, if they deem it appropriate. Meanwhile I am extremelly touched by the events. Seeing the House of the Morninglord desecrated and taken by Shar and Undler pains me awfully, but being able to get rid of that corruption and recaiming the place back to its rightful owner, the Morninglord, sent some tears of joy down my cheeks.

    I thank Lathander for granting me the wisdom and strength to overcome the challenges set before us, and for granting me so powerful allies, some of which I may call friends, and all of which I know I can rely on. Tomorrow the Sun shall shine again.


  • Month 3

    I am not one to believe in Fate. I've always thought that we have a saying in all that the world is, in all that we mean. However small we are, we matter. For better or for worse.

    Likewise, I do not believe in coincidence. everything happens for a reason, or as consequence of something. Something may seem coincidential, when we do not have the means to explain it, or the will to do so.

    However, sometimes these two come in conflict. How am I to explain, not believing neither in Fate nor coincidence, that just when I was merely standing by Norwick gates with Ronan, a hin would approach us speaking of the possible location of a powerful weapon versus undead dragons, and a possible lead to an ancient cache of Lathanderite artifacts.

    My eyes obviously lighted up, pondering the truth in the hin's words. However, I had to go to see for myself, and ~Ronan~ is the adventurous type, so it wasn't hard to accept the hin's deal. As in all deals, there was a condition we had to meet - apparently some other person had gone to retrieve the weapon and had not returned, and the hin wanted something he had. The last informations the hin had led to the Ashald family crypt under Peltarch. That could have been a bit of a problem, considering you normally need permission to enter a family's crypt, but Ronan said that as Senator he had clearance, so we went with that.

    ~Albryanna~ and a dwarf whose name I keep forgetting came along to aid. Once in the crypts it took some time to actually find the Ashald family crypts. I must say, those sewer systems and crypts are in a really poor state. If that was Cormyr, some heads would start rolling before a dawn. Undead creatures crawl and creep in there, including ghoul cultists and several walking corpses that did not receive proper burial. In the end we reached our destination, an Ashald statue which had the secret to a hidden passage - to reveal it, we had to activate a mechanism located in… in its crotch. Of course, of all people, I was the one in charge to pull the statue's intimacies, opening passage to an underground section.

    The underground section was damp, and flooded. Water at our waist level crippled properly our movement. Didn't make it better the fact that the place was infected by goblin sharks. We advanced best we could, taking some jammed doors along the way. The water kept filling itself with blood, both from the sharks and our own, which in turn attracted larger and larger numbers of them. I felt an evil presence growing worryingly too, and I feared that all that blood was also indirectly serving for some dark ritual. At the last door, the sharks that came attracted by the scentof blood were already counted by dozens, so I prompted Albryanna to open the passage while I tried to somehow keep them at bay. Albryanna managed to break through the last door and we followed, hoping the sharks would stay around the bloodied waters and not follow us immediately.

    However, as we approached what seemed to be an altar in the open chamber ahead, the evil presence kept growing, almost to overwhelming levels. I am sure a paladin would have been numbed by then, due to their more accute perception of evil. There was a body and a locked chest next to the altar, which we presumed were our targets, but right now my full focus was on the altar itself. In an attempt to discern the source of its evilness, a powerful wave of infernal energy hit my mind. Infernal, and bone-chilling energy. "It's bound to Cali-" I was yelling, when an explossion brought forth a creature with the rough appearance of a penguin. "...a." I finished stunned. The presence was hard to even stand, while the Hellish Lord asked out loud "Who has summoned me - it is you, Ashald?".

    Fighting would be no better than asking for a ticket to hell with no returning guarantee, but Penganus' words opened an opportunity. I think both Ronan and me thought of it simultaneously because as I was whispering him to pretend being Ashald, he was already speaking as such. The change of words was rather... humorous, considering the circumstances. "Penganus, oh my friend, please open this chest for me!" said Ronan, while the Hellish creature began to babble about his chest opening powers. "Is that all, Ashald? Shall I charge you the usual?" - "Yes, Penganus, I must leave now to have sex with some women. And a few men." replied Ronan. To my relief, a moment after Penganus was gone, and we recovered the "weapon" together with the hin's purse. There were also some navigation charts and maps that we took along.

    Before leaving, we thought of destroying the altar - it's no good having such under Peltarch, much less so if they are capable of summining Hellish lords. I performed the most powerful of my Hallowing rituals - twice. This had the desired effect... pretty much. Penganus didn't like seeing the altar destroyed, so we had to bat a retreat. In the way out, hellish creatures tried to cut our race. The whole cave system was rumbling and shaking and now we had a whole pack of Hell Hounds standing in our way. We managed to break through, destroying some and making the rest of them flee from the word of Lathander. We escaped the tunnels that collapsed a mere few seconds after we made it out.

    After we returned to the surface we took a look at what we had. The "weapon" seemed to be some gnomish contraption. It looked to me like a "cannon" of some sort, but it seemed quite heavy. I could certainly not hold it up by myself. Perhaps someone stronger. The instructions said soemthing like "point at the undead dragon creature, press the FIRE button and get away". I won't be one using that, that's for sure, so I let Ronan find someone who can use it the day we engage the dracolich. He knows much better than me the capable men and women of the land.

    The maps and charts led to an old monastery in an island, built by an expedition of Lathanderites that decided to stay in there. That was the good news, the bad news is that we needed the rutters, which apparently had been buried with its owner, the captain of the boat that was supossed to return, but had his ship crashed. So just when we were out of the catacombs, we had to head straight back into them.

    This was a rather short trip however. We didn't take long to locate the old captain's place of rest. I hoped for all that was holy that the rutters wouldn't be buried inside the coffin itself, for it would be unholy to profanate a resting place, and I would not see it done. Then the bad news, as we entered the small tomb the corpse of the captain immediately rose and attacked us. We had no choice but putting it to eternal rest. The good news is... we didn't profanate the place ourselves, and we did get the rutters.

    The state of those catacombs is disheartening. It needs a proper cleansing and it's overdue already. Perhaps I will offer my services to the city of Peltarch in future, when we have less pressing matters on the front.

    Back out again, we had all we needed for the next trip. We decided to take a rest and a well deserved bath, make preparations, and find us some extra allies for the trip to this island. Ronan also had to make some arrangements to get us a boat and a suitable captain, and that needed time. So I headed to Norwick, after bidding farewell to the three that came along into that trip of madness. I must admit I don't meet a Hellish Lord every day, so if nothing else, this was a story to tell to my grandsons, if I'll ever have any. I thank Lathander for guarding our souls in this day. May tomorrow be another sunny day in the lives of all humankind and its allies.


  • Month 2

    Last few days have been quite a mess. In all aspects. Lathander knows I'm trying my best to see things work out, but it is proving quite challenging. I hope to, in the end, be worthy.

    It all started with a group of Damarans being found operating in the Rawlinswoods under the command of Fiona Flamerule They refused to either explain their activities or withdraw their camp, even when representatives of both Norwick and the Circle of Quercatha Terr asked them to do so. They assured they had wards to prevent our assault and they were extremelly suspicious, to the point of thinking that whatever we'd say was a deception to get them into an ambush.

    Eventually +Lady Jens+ appeared in the scene which happened to be in command of the Damaran force. She was then accused of carrying a crime against the town of Norwick after ~Lorie~ and I pointed out that she had held the Herald of Norwick hostage and used her life as a trade coin to bargain with. Lady Jens was escorted to Norwick while the rest of us tried to explain to the Damarans that they shouldn't remain in the Rawlins, considering the threats they were exposed to. They disregarded our advice however, again claiming that we were probably preparing a set up. And so we left for the trial, where I was needed as witness.

    Though needed might have been an overstatement, as Lady Jens pleaded guilty, and there was really no trial. Lady Millern sentenced Lady Jens to ten years of service to the town of Notwick, be it as combatant, or as prisoner. The sentence was surprising, but then, I'm not a law-knowing person. I trust and respect Lady Millern enough to trust her judgement.

    Up to there, things were more or less alright. But it is then when we returned to inform the Damarans that their commander's leadership had been lifted to serve Norwick under a just trial blessed by Tyr, and when we arrived, it was already too late. All we could find at first was dead bodies, some of them rotting, others nothing more than bloody messes. And from the back of the island, a grim figure showed itself.

    It had humanoid aspect, but I couldn't tell much more than that. It reeked of undead, but I couldn't run any tests. This creature explained that it had done a favour to us by wiping the encampment and that now we were in its debt. It was then when ~Jerrick~ whispered to prepare to charge. He was going to do a countdown to 0, but just as he started, the creature… vanished? I think I sensed it casting a Greater Sanctuary spell. But there it was. Another creature, person or unidentified flying object that just vanishes in front of our eyes without allowing us possible response to their crimes. searching through the camp we found Fiona Flamerule, who at least we could escort to safety.

    Jerrick was extremelly annoyed by the fact that we could have avoided those people's deaths, and that once again some obvously evil creature just vanished in front of our eyes before we could react. I tried to cheer him up back to Norwick, but either I was too clumsy with words, or his frustration was beyond helping, and it ended with him snapping at me. I'll admit, this hurt me. Not because of him, but because I grow insecure whether I am capable to inspire possitive emotions in him. I should be able to lift his spirit, so that he can act with a clear mind on what he is - a noble soul with a strong leadership. But I couldn't. I guess eventually we kind of fixed the "missunderstanding" and he calmed down a bit, moreso when Lorie returned. It almost seems to me we are going to have to keep him around her as often as possible so she can soother his spirit. I think that what matters is doing your best with your best intention. The result is often a combination of many circumstances, some of which we fon't have any control over. As much as we can feel guilty, we must try to learn from our mistakes, take whatever lesson is given to us so that the future may hold better outcomes in similar situations.

    All in all, we three went out for a walk to show me the Druid Glen, where we managed to get him out of his foul mood. I admit I had quite a well needed laugh in there. We all did.

    Until out of nowhere, some topic popped up. It appears that some questionable individuals are spreading rumours about how much time I spend with Jerrick. While I am used to dealing with wicked ways of thinking, it did strike me that anyone could hint that anything between Jerrick and I would ever happen while he keeps a relationship with Lorie. It is in their own depravation that they, whoever they are, think that everyone else would fall the the same mundane temptations they would. And the worst of all, is not only thinking that, is gossipping about it and letting it whispered in the wind. Fortunately, the deep trust we have built with each other leaves no room for speculation amongst ourselves, which is what matters. Lorie is the one who seems to give it the least importance, and I am glad for that. If those rumours would make her insecure and made her problems worse in any way, I swear I'll hunt down whoever started them and deal with them personaly.

    At some point Jerrick left to have a rest, and Lorie and I just sat to have a chat. As usual, her company is golden to me. I wonder if they will also start rumours that I cheat Jerrick with her. I swear to my Lord Lathander that there are very few things that can fill my heart with contempt, but poisonous gossip around relationships based on mutual respect is beyond my scope of tolerance.

    Lorie and I talked a bit about several things, that don't really belong in here, though one that touched my heart, is when she told me the story of how Jerrick and she came to be together. It was a really beautiful story, filled with love and respect. The kind of story that makes me, sensitive and loving as I am, melt down to tears. I only regret I didn't get to know ~Feather~, because I would have liked to give her a hug, and thank her for being how she is. This I could do for Lorie. In the end, I meekly asked Lorie if my sporadic stance in her den could become something more habitual. She accepted my request. I think she was happy that she could have a new friend coming in and out of her home. Time will sure tell if being a bit closer to her makes her grow in confidence to overcome her fears. The very least, there will be someone nearby to soothe her sleepless nights, if there should be any.

    Eventually we decided it was time to get some rest, and when I was heading out of the Glen by myself, I found a group of druids and rangers storming into it. I was going to leave, but I was invited to stay, as a friend of the Circle. Apparently, ~Dwin~ had cut an elf's hand after a kind of snide remark, and all the druids and Wolves were filled with spite at that. It all seemed to come as consequence of a massive attack of undead at Norwick's South Gates, which I must have missed while talking with Lorie. In the end Jerrick asked all his druids and wolves to not take any immediate actions against Dwin, at least not until the Dracolich would've been brought down. That he would see no division in the forces of good, for that is what our enemies seek. His words seemed to almost come from my own lips, but his face was self-explanatory. Stone, grey, and square face, grim as I had never seen before. He stormed off again after a while, and I decided not to follow, so he could have some time for himself. Instead, ~Adriell~ came next to me, and we talked a bit on the way back to Norwick. I don't know Adriell very much, but she seems another noble, lovely creature that I am sure I will have the chance to know better in future.

    We spotted Jerrick by Norwick's inner gates with ~Thorn~ and someone else, having a quiet chat. I was glad to see he allowed himself to be sorrounded by friends and hopefully lift his spirits better than I'd do. I think I am going to take a little distance from him, because I love him, and I think I'm hurting him lately. And specially because I love Lorie, and even though she seems unaffected by the twisted rumours that we were told about, I do not think I could stand if she came to suffer because of it and make her life even more difficult than it already is.

    After a few moments talking with Adriell, I thought I'd go get some rest myself, and on the way back, Jerrick was in the same place as before, so I asked him for a good night hug, and try to gauge his humour. He instead insisted in escorting me to Lorie's then. I noticed along the way that he was overly protective, or filled with contained rage. He struck down goblin and vermin alike with Lightning almost by merely pointing at them and dispatched furiously any goblins that got close. I was afraid to say anything, I don't really know why, but I felt like he wasn't in for much conversation. When we got to the den's entrance, he accepted my good night hug, but at the moment that I pressed my body against his, I could feel like he was trembling. Once again, I was too afraid to ask, so I prefered to remind him that whatever happens, his druids, his wolves, and those that aren't druids nor wolves like myself, will stand by his side. I think this time I did manage to stroke his soul a little bit. I was glad for that. I shall pray for him tonight, so that he can find the Joy he deserves.


  • Month 2

    I feel better again. I could sleep some in the end and awoke with the nice smell of the breakfast that ~Jerrick~ had prepared for ~Lorie~ and I. Delicious breakfast, I must say, nothing like the Inn's charred bread I've been having lately.

    Back to Norwick, it wasn't long before things started happening. Some fireworks were being shot in the forest. While originally some pointed at this being possibly ~Adriel's~ traps, it resulted to be a mere Bugbear party, celebrating something. Some of us scouted ahead, following the steps of Adriell and ~Dash~, but after discussing we decided to grant them armistice. Back to the gates, the celebrations soon ended and the woods went quiet again.

    Not for long, however. Apparently a human hunter came from northern lands and by the description he had spotted a party of cloaked dwarves and some bigger hulking creatures. Our suspicion led to the worst case scenario, duergar making use of umberhulks to dig out gods-know-what, or even to make some tunnels somewhere. Being duergar, one thing was sure: It couldn't be good.

    So an expedition was set to investigate. Upon reachng Mintas, we had to cut through some enraged dire beasts, and reached a fresh opening into the mountains. Once we descended, surprisingly we found that the tunnels were infested with bugbears. They attacked us on sight, and we responded with lethal force. Going deeper into the tunnels we found what we were really looking for - a duergar camp. There were around a dozen duergars, led by a priestess.

    Making use of some advanced tactics we assaulted the duergar impecably, putting a quick end to their wickedness. "Almost too easy" was the general sentiment, when looking through the fallen duergar we found that they were nothing but a scout camp. The bulk of whatever force they had brought was still somewhere, in those tunnels.

    At that point, we were starting to feel weary. It had been a long trip to Mintas, through dire beastlands, through some of the best trained and equipped bugbears, and the duergar scout cap, that was dealt with brilliantly, but not without a cost of effort and time. We decided to press forward, however. After a few more waves of bugbears, we reached our destination - there was an underground harbor in an cave opening, and a force of duergar that outnumbered us in probably a 5:1 proportion was setting guard on a black vessel loaded with smuggled goods.

    We traced a plan of attack again, consisting on using a large earth elemental and some of our best armored warriors as bait to gather the bulk of the duergar force, and then hit them with area spells. Even though the plan worked moderately and we made a powerful initial dent in their forces, we were soon overwhelmed by the duergar forces. A good number of their heavy warriors held a strong line against us while their casters and crossbolters were decimating our lane.

    It happened again. Such as when I saw the undead dragon, I lost myself. I tossed myself into the duergar lane, making a break only out of brute force and dashed towards the casters that were inflicting so much pain. It is then when I heard ~Ronan~ "Go girl!" as he imbued me with his celerity spell. There was no stopping anymore, I muttered my prayers on my charge, and when I reached the caster and crossbolter camp, there was no room left for mercy in my heart. Furiously batted my warhammer left and right, crushing duergar bones and skulls like a panther crushes twigs when rampaging after its prey. I lost control of myself, stopped seeing, stopped hearing. I just… felt. Thump, thump, thump, thump. Thump after thump, it wasn't too long before I could only see a circle of duergar bodies around me. By that time the others behind had also done a magnificient job at dealing with the overwhelming mass of melee duergar fighters. I panted, body rushed in adrenaline still, heart pounding so hard that I felt my armor constricting me.

    Then I looked back and saw the carnage of many more duergar bodies scattered all over the place. I glanced at Ronan, ~Grog~, Jerrick, ~Horlanim~ and the rest of our party who had also finished a good portion of the duergar. Specially the armored ones, that were twice as sturdy than the ones I dealt with. I felt proud to be standing next to them.

    After my moments of frenzy had passed, we began to search the boat and found that they had been trading goods with the bugbears. To our surprise, these weren't common goods. We even found a shipment of Mithral Ores, which we decided to take to put to good use. Then we proceeded to burn the vessel down. Hopefully that would be a setback for the duergar forces in the land.

    It was then when we decided to exit the tunnels from the other end to see where they were getting those supplies from. And we ended in front of a fort, that others adressed as Three Spine Fortress, if my memory does not fail me. We began to take enemy fire from the battlements of the fortress, both projectiles and spells, and so we returned fire. We heard louds bells from inside the Fort then, and we decided to retreat. We wren't too far into retreating when literally an army of the best geared and trained bugbears was after us. That force we could not hope to defeat without our own army, so we pressed everyone to run to safetty. Ronan, Jerrick and me took the rearguard to cover our allies retreat, and a force of the rushing bugbears reached us. We held our position and slowed their advance, and once we put down a few of them we withdrew ourselves. We ran across the cliffs of the area, tending to those that were being shot by th Bugbear archers in their retreat, picking them up and helping them out. Jerrick even spotted a prisoner near the cliffs, that we rescued, too. I did not understand very well why was that prisoner there, but Jerrick seemed too sure and we were too pressed by the incoming bugbear army to even care about making any questions.

    Finally we reached some tunnels that seemed familiars, filled with hobgoblins taht we just blitzed through in our retreat, to end in the Rawlinswoods. A few minutes later it was only goblins in our path to safety, which I think would have been smarter to just get out of they way. I will never understand those little reckless creatures.

    And so we reached our destination, Norwick's South Gates. The same place we had parted from. ~Lorie~ and many others were there to see us arrive bloodied and exhausted. I thank Lathander for pairing me with such formidable champions in the missions I have taken part of so far. It is them who will decide the future of this land. I feel but humbled next to them. And is for that reason that I will have them present in my prayers.

    ::The page turns here, although the new page seems to have been written as continuation of this one::

    Once at the gates, Lorie and Jerrick walked away and Ronan and I, amongst others, stood by the gates, having a relaxed chat, reviewing some sequences of the battle we had just lived. Ronan's impressive spells, Grog's bugbear-splitting swings, Jerrick's relentless assaults, and so on and so forth.

    After a while Lorie returned and Ronan, coincidentially, had to leave, so I thgouht I would bring the cat-girl somewhere quiet for an important chat regarding her problems. She was willing for such, but she wanted to stop by Norwick's Halls first to request a meeting with Dwin in regard of the Druid Circle. She asked me to come along, which was a good idea, considering I too need to meet Dwin in regard of the Divine Shield.

    To our surprise, inside the Hall there was a damaran priestess, or paladin, by the name of Amellia Jens, that I had previously seen at the South Gates issuing some orders to a few armed men with foreign armors. It turns out that she had held the Norwick ambassador captive and demanded of Lorie to reveal the location of the Black Leaved Tree as a ransom for the ambassador's life. Lorie denied the knowledge of the location of the tree, and stated that even if she knew it she wouldn't reveal it. The Damaran lady seemed to have a personal grudge on Jerrick or the Druid Circle itself, as apparently as per her words, they caused the death of her husband. I noticed that for her being a faithful of Ilmater, she was carrying her burden very badly, and pointed this out to her, while warning her that if she killed the ambassador, the tribunal of the Triad would be informed by me personally. After a few moments of banter in which she admitted that she'd gladly fall from grace to see her husband avenged, a Damaran mage that was next to her, simply touched her shoulder without saying a word, and ported them both away, liberating the ambassador.

    The ambassador herself didn't seem to know anything of what had happened, as if she had been held in trance. All the better, to be fair, it saved us some explaining. With that, Lorie headed to the offices with both meeting requests, the Circle's and the Order's, while I waited outside. It was while waiting that I got to know Tojan a little bit. She is adorable to start with, and she regards Lorie as "her pet". This made me laugh, because I have the feeling she really means it. She refers to me as "Sunny". I have to admit, I like the nickname. And trying for her to call me Rith would be futile anyway. I retaliated nicknaming her Sparkly, which she doesn't seem to mind.

    Had a curious talk with her too. She loves "Dark Kitty", but she misses "Kitty" very much, too. She still keeps some grudge on "Dark Kitty", but she has "almost forgiven". She thinks "Feather" and "Fang" are the reason for "Dark Kitty" didn't die out by herself, and so she's glad. And so am I. We were talking about how "Feather" left suddenly, leaving "Fang" and "Dark Kitty" to be together, when Lorie returned, and that was the end of our chat. Lorie took the chance to send Tojan away to deliver a message to the Circle.

    Lorie and me walked on to our private chat, which was decided to be held in her den. I have to admit, she lives in a beautiful place, even given the lack of Sunlight. The crystaline waters, the natural rock formations, the scent of something that is just natural. The biggest surprise was deep inside, in Lorie's chamber, where she has a natural hot spring. Having been all the day battling duergar and bugbears, there was no way I could resist to ask her if I could use. She smiled and said we could talk while taking a bath, so we got into our bathing suits and did so.

    I had a long talk with her. There were some things we hadn't spoken about the first day that she explained me her story, because she saw me shocked and overwhelmed by the information I had been revealed. She told me the rest of it, the deal she made with a Fae, which has her deeply troubled. Once again, I felt quite helpless not knowing how I could make it better for her, but to me it will be enough for her to know that I will be there for whatever she needs. She knows my words aren't void, and hopefully she will find strength in having found friends that would do anything for her, without asking anything in return.

    We talked a bit in depth of the possbilities she has. A problem is that she doesn't know herself what she really wants. She is still deeply burdened by guilt. She is very noble and very humble, and I guess that is what brings me so close to her. I offered her insight on some possibilities and possible outcomes, for her to consider. Perhaps she will meditate over it, and find what she really wants. Then we will do our best to see it done.

    After that, we relaxed a bit, and spoke of lighter mooded topics. We ended up having a laugh, and an enjoyable evening all-round. In the end, it was getting late and I was needing to retire for my prayers and catch up on some rest after the last few adrenaline-pumping days. She offered me her old room inside the den, which I accepted honoured, and then we gave each other a fond, sister-like hug. And it is here where I am writing all this from. This place has a peculiar smell. It has me aspiring its scent, I like the feeling of it. It is time I lay down for bit, for tomorrow will be a new day. May Lathander grant us love, so that we can keep sharing it with those we care about.


  • ::Rith's writing has returned to normal. Her traces are again long, flourish and elegant, with a noticeable femenine touch. There have been a few days missing in the diary where she had not written anything, but also probably because they were mostly uneventful days. Her general way of writing seems to have shifted less "business-like" and a bit more personal and where she would explain to the detail some of the events she was involved, now she seems to almost merely list them and give more importance to smalller details. She also stopped tracking the day in which she writes and doesn't order the events precisley in the order they happened, but more in the degree of importance she gives to them::

    Month 2

    It is alright. We talked to ~Lorie~ today, ~Jerrick~ and I. She had one of her nightmares, but she is alright, she is stronger than she thinks she is. I have been a fool to become overprotective. Possibly scared her away from me a bit too. What good am I if I am the one reminding her of her problems with my mere presence? It is not going to happen. I will wait patiently until Jerrick says it is the moment, and help him. However, I also want Lorie to know her options and decide for herself. Perhaps the possibility of bringing ~Tindra~ back and returning her her own life would put Lorie at ease, help her to leave behind remorse and sorrow. After a small talk with Jerrick last night I somehow feel like he does not want ~Tindra~ to be released. Probably he feels it would end bad at some point. Perhaps he fears losing Lorie. I do not know. It is not my place to say, and Lathander knows I want the best for the two people that are dearest to me in this moment. They will choose and I will be there, supportively. Because that is what friends do.

    It is quite ironic however, that when Lorie woke up she was burning hot and a moment after we found out the forest was ablaze. An omen? I do not know, but the Rawlinswoods problem was some fire elemental invasion. There were too many people in there, many very inexperienced, so the ones that had seen some more battles had to double our efforts to not let anyone fall. Thankfully, the druids saved the day calling forth a rainstorm while a few of us shielded them from the swarming elementals. I almost choked to death, though, as did many others. The smoke became dense and thick, unbreathable. I must have collapsed at some point and woke up minutes later next to the druidic stone, Lorie and some others. It brought me memories of days old.

    Speaking of days old, just before that I had the chance to meet ~Kara Willendt~. It is a face that ringed a bell somewhere in my first novice days in Narfell, but the memory was so blurry that I probably made a fool of myself trying to guess. Turns out she was close with ~Kanen~, the great legend of those times. She also opened herself to explain her story. It was insightful, and at some points dramatic. But what good story isn't? In turn, Jerrick and I also shared a life-changing story to be even. I felt Joyful at the mere fact of being able to spend a morning just sitting over a tea and having a chat, isolated from all worries.

    Worries that were more during the next night, when the forest grew still and our scouts found out that a small undead army was getting ready to march to Norwick. We took the pre-emptive strike approach. Charged forth, tearing rotten flesh and bone. Scores of Zombie Gargoyles, GhostWolves, Corrupted Goblins, a dozen of Bone Wyverns and evena couple of gartantual zombies fell in our way. We stopped at the tunnel entrance to the Lost City, for we were really not ready for that. The very least, the foul creatures noted that we won't fall so easily.

    *On the way back we even had to face a bone dragon. Thankfully ~Mariston~ was there, and him and Ronan made a formidable shock force, so the creature wasn't a menace for long.

    That coward excuse for a Dracolich sent some thrall afterwards to boast of how we had fled, before exploding in a bloody pulp. That creature is pathetic, and it will meet its retribution.

    Reminds me that ~Ronan~ had a special plan for the Dracolich. I brought him in for a chat, earlier in the day, and he did not want to tell me his plans. "The least people that know it, the better" - he said. I do not blame him. I know all too well how rumours spread and how anything you say can compromise a mission. I wish he trusted me, but I can not demand that from him. At least, I got the answer I was looking for. He has a good soul. Or so I think at least. He didn't tell me, but I'm getting to figure him out.

    I wonder what's up with him and that girl, ~Gina~, running some kind of competition to see who gathers first the pieces of some artifact - a sword. I must admit it is something that ocupies the least of my worries. I did advice Gina to not let herself be bullied by Ronan, as I would advice anyone to not give in to mere fear. But ultimately, it is up to them both to reach an agreement and I will not see myself involved, unless there is a good reason for it.

    ::This entry seemed to have ended here, but a few lines below there are new writings, in a fresher ink than above::

    I felt it again tonight. When in front of the undead dragon, all I felt is "Bring it on". I am not even a good close combat fighter, and I felt rushed to charge the creature furiously. I think there is something wrong with me. As much as I love the feeling and the liberation it offers me, the overwhelming explossion of colourful emotions, the fearless determination and almost feral instinct, I believe I must put a control to it, or it will be the end of me.

    My body is changing, I can not explain why. There are times when only touching my own skin makes me shiver. It is as if I had no skin, as if I was touching my very soul, gently kissing my inner emotions with a subtle stroke. Later on tonight, even Jerrick noticed I was overly tense, out of proportion. He helped me relax even though I tried to stop him. His hands have a great touch. An incredible touch. My body keeps overreacting to all stimuli, and while it is immensely pleasant, it has me immensely worried too. After the shoulder massage my muscles gave up, and I fell into the contrary, an utter and total relaxation. Jerrick spotted this and allowed me to stay and sleep downstairs, at his couch, while he walked upstairs with Lorie.

    And here I am, writing this instead of sleeping. I need to learn what is happening to me. The problem is that I am not sure if I want this feeling gone. May Lathander grant me wisdom to find the best outcome.

    //This section was originally in the journal, but it was replaced. I'll leave it in just for storytelling sake, but does not belong to the journal. This fragment of text was replaced by the parraph marked with *//

    ::At this point, the traces are sharper, more aggressive. The ink is thicker, as if the quill is being pressed harder against the page::

    I was thinking to myself "I'd like to see that Dracolich, look it in the eye" as we travelled back to Norwick, when my wish was granted. It came up to just a few hundred yards from the South Gates. I saw Jerrick shooting arrows into the fog and I followed him. Yes, there it was. Holy Light of Lathander, how have I been waiting for this moment. I said my prayers on the run as I came to the aid of Jerrick, tightened my gripon my warhammer and shield handle. "Lathander have mercy" I muttered when the creature came into sight through the thick night fog. And then it was gone. Flew off.

    I drew two conclussions.

    One, I am not afraid of it. I saw it now, and it did not frighten me. It did not make me wish I wasn't there and it did not make me lose control unreasonably. Without fear as a weapon against the likes of me, the creature will have no chance. I know this now.

    Second, I saw some of Jerrick's shots peck and pierce at the creature's defenses. It can be hurt. And if it can be hurt, it can be killed.


  • //Had to make a new post, because it didn't fit all in the same. The post above and this one are written the same night by Rith, so they make sense one with another for time-wise logic and also the phrasing, tenses, and certain references. To make it clear, she wrote the last 4 days of her journal in the night of the 4th, as she explains ICly in the NOTE of the previous post//

    ::Rith's writings on this page aren't as usual, her traces aren't so long and thin, so elegant. There are signs that she's often stopped writting a word midway and continued later. Sometimes she has even scratched off a word and replaced it with another. There are even a few whole sentences scribbled off. This is specially common around specific words, specially names. Her wording in general is more flat, less descriptive, and much less lively than usual::

    Month 2, day 2

    And this is today's entry. It's almost Dawn and I haven't managed to catch my sleep. I have been all night, ever since I left the Wolves Den, in front of my prayer books and this journal. I can not find words to fill this page, and I do not know how I would like to fill it. But I suposse I will start from the beginning.

    The morning came already rainy, almost as if advancing that the day would not be the best of my life, precisely. However, I did take part in the archery contest and Lathander smiled upon me, grating me victory. It did not matter in any case, for it was a healthy and sporty competition where every participant was worthy winner. Being first or last is just a matter of listing. I did receive a bag of fireworks as reward. I will have to try them. Some other time.

    When I was done with the contest, ~Lorelai~ congratulated me, and a moment after ~Jerrick~ beckoned us over to tell us something. It is one of those things I can not write down yet, to avoid it being scried, or compromising the information if my journal gets stolen.

    After a short talk at the inn, we went to the safer - and quieter - Wolves Den. We sat there and began to talk, telling Lorelai about our past days adventures near Jiyyd, and at some point of the afternoon, I asked Lorelai if she wanted to continue telling me the story she began, to which she responded with an affirmative nod.

    There is no point on writing what I was told, and I do not have the heart to do it. Such cruelty. Such unfairness. Such…

    I can not do this now. I must research, I must help her. I must not fall asleep. There has to be something, some book, some prayer, some ritual.

    Do not worry, Lorelai, you will find Joy. And we will try to find Joy for Tindra too. It is my duty to bring Joy to the hearts of the people. No. Enough with the duties. I just want to do it. I must do it. You are my friend. Stay strong, girl. It is not your fault. You will not be left alone.

    ::The bottom right area of this page, which is blank due to the actual writing being quite short, seems as if rugged or sweated, as if Rith had spent literally hours resting her arm on the book ready to write, but without actually writing anything where she trailed off at "Such…"::


  • Note

    I'll have to apologize for having neglected this journal the last few days. Truth is, it has been very busy days from beginning to end and I have barely managed to get time to sleep alone. In addition, I've been recently revealed something that shocked me and has had me brainstorming helplessly.

    I will write about it all, and although I may have to do so in a bit of a hurried manner due time constrains, I promise every point will be given enough consideration. Also, since I'm writing about days past, some details might be forgotten or a bit blurry in my own perception. I will attempt to be as accurate as possible.

    Month 1, day 29

    In this day I was as usual by the South Gates of new Norwick keeping watch from the hill nearby that I've grown to like as my own, when suddenly I was "assaulted" from behind. I lost my footing and was on my way to fall down the hill when the creature that caused me to fall, a large armored tiger with barkskin, just picked me up and pulled me back. This was obviously ~Jerrick~ with one of his jokes, that then proceeded to play the sorry cat, which didn't quite cut it considering he was over three meters big and probably weighted ten times my own weight. I did play along and pounced at him to catch his tail and tickle his belly, but then he swatted me away like a little fly and almost tossed me down the hill again. I of course took it as what it was - a playful druid not measuring his shapeshifted strength. I must admit I have grown fond of him, his jokes, his tantrums and in general of sharing time with him. He always comes as a breath of fresh wind, in constant evolution. I thank Lathander for guiding me to make his acquaintance back in the day. That could have not been a coincidence.

    After the little game, in which he pretended again being sorry for misstreating me and taking advantage of my declared weakness for felines, we just had a healthy laugh, and began to talk a little about everything. It then occured to him that I might want to visit what remains of Jiyyd. Being Norwick as quiet as it was, this struck me as a great idea. And so we departed to camp at Heroes Bluff and prepare for a trip that he promised to be exciting. If only I had known how accurate were those words. If I wanted excitement, we sure hit the right spot. I was told to prepare versus fiendish creatures from quasits to balors. And so I did. After sharing with each other some of the most powerful gifts from Lathander and Mielikki, we took the boat to Jiyyd.

    As we crossed over, the first thing I noticed was the spookiness, and the atmosphere charged with all kind of energies. When I shifted my sight to see into the Weave, I saw incredible chaos, ripples and fissures everywhere. It almost seemed like some of the planes I had visited before, with some smaller and some larger energies drifting here and there without control. I had the feeling that anything could step out of nowhere any minute, as Jerrick warned, from a quasit to a balor and anything in between. This put me on guard. What didn't help to ease me was the fact that the gong used to call the ferryman had some scribbles, possibly carved with claws or talons, warning "we hear it too".

    As we advanced I could perfectly recognize the frame of the old Jiyyd walls. I coul recognize some of its buildings as Jerrick looked at me and put his finger on his lips, asking me to keep quiet while he attempted to track any creatures in the area. "This is the real deal" I told myself. "Lathander is with me. This is what I want. This is what I've been trained for" repeated inside my head, when the druid stated - "about half dozen of quasit" - to which I grew confident and expressed that we would handle at ease, just before he continued talking - "a few fiendish warriors, at least a couple of flying horrors, and possibly a greater creature." I regretted almost instantly I said anything, but I nodded with determination as we advanced. We met first a group of quasit that began to launch magical attacks on us, which our magical resistance spells repelled. In retaliation we charged. Jerrick drew towards him a couple of the creatures, while I rushed past to face a few others. That fight was over before it began as I called upon the Holy Word of Lathander, which exorcised the vile creatures out of our plane. Meanwhile, Jerrick had already dealt with the creatures that he had picked off. We smiled at each other, recognizing the great coordination and swift job, while some fiendish warriors and a winged horror attacked next. Once again we moved fast, shuffled ourselves between our enemies like two minds acting in one will - the creatures had no chance, again ceeding before the mighty Light of Lathander and the swift strike of Mielikki.

    Now we knew what we could do together, and we walked on more confident. Nothing stood in our way. Our blood hadn't even been drawn so far. Until we found a summoning circle that reeked of evil. Jerrick thought he could deal with it, so I let him use Mielikki's grace to cleanse the foul device. He called upon the Forest Lady and the skies opened as a column of fire and light struck down… just the second after a large outsider made its way into our plane. The portal was destroyed, but a towering Hezrou had already stepped through it.

    I think I heard Jerrick cursing when the Hezrou immediately spotted us and began to speak its foul tongue. I prayed to Lathander to allow me to champion this challenge for Him when a rift opened near us, bringing forth a succubus. I understood that the time for hesitation was past, and charged the Hezrou. Jerrick interpreted perfectly my charge and covered my back, engaging the succubus. It was then when the first of three or four Unholy Words hit us. But we stood true and determined. I felt my heart racing with unending courage as I felt that Jerrick would not let me down. The momentun built by my charge found successfully the skull of the creature, which I hit flat with all of Lathander's might, just to find out that I barely chipped its thick skin. Gritted my teet, glanced back briefly. Jerrick was bravely holding himself against with the other tana'ri, even after he was blinded by the Hezrou's spells. I glanced back ahead to keep avoiding the powerful attacks of the towering fiend, while it kept punishing us with Chaos Hammers and Unholy Words. It was all futile, for our determination was fierce. The fight continued and the creature had at some point engaged me in full melee. I was having a hard time to break through its extremelly thick skin, so I thought I had to try something else. I called forth one of the less divine prayers, but one that often does the job. I could feel the creature's puzzled look when the earth cracked open below its feet and a dozen of sharpen blades emerged. Two blades impaled its limbs, creating huge gaping wounds that streamsed out its fiendish blood uncontrollably as the creature cursed me in its foul tongue. That was just before one last blade drillec clean through its skull and cracked it open. The Hezrou dropped dead in front of me as I quickly glanced back to aid Jerrick, who was just turning to me with his blades dripping in succubus blood, and the succubus' corpse discarded behind him. I let out a breath of relief as Jerrick grinned. "Silly druid" I thought without telling him. I just grinned back at him. "Silly priest", he probably thought without telling me.

    We marched on with that victory on us, because I was curious to see the hamlet of Ormpur and what had become of it. On the way we found numerous undead, but I have to admit that after our previous encounters, it all felt like dealing with a mundane chore. The undead fell by the scores by our blades and our mere presence, until we reached Ormpur, also infected by undead. Undead that again were felled with no mercy, other than that which we offered to their tormented souls, delivering them eternal rest.

    While exploring we found a hidden path into a forest clearing, which we followed to find a perfectly kept tower. We were both amazed and as usual, making use of our cautiousness we decided to break in to explore it. We found everything was in place - chairs, bookshelves, tables, even a huge bedroom with a royal sized bed and study on the second floor. There was a locked door in that level that we of course could not allow to remain locked and after trying several means to open it, I decided to once again use the Blades. What can I say, subtlety is not my specialty. The door cracked open, being completely empty to our disappointment. Perhaps it was some kind of cell? We couldn't know but we did have a rest in the huge bed - each on our side of it - before starting our journey back. We gave the tower a name for future reference - The Tower of the Glorious Tiger Rider. Our motivations to give it that name, I'm afraid don't belong to this journal. Perhaps if it becomes relevant, I'll explain it sometime in future.

    Month 1, day 30

    In the morning, we departed after my prayers. We meant to just take the quickest way to Norwick and avoid fighting the wildlife, but such is fate that we strayed and ended up in some kind of plagued swamp. Jerrick didn't seem to know where we were, so we took a few steps into the swam to see if we recognized any of it from times old, just to be greeted by a fiendish troll. This enemy was formidable. It could withstand a large amount of damage, regenerated very quickly, and was incredibly strong. After a fight for which were not prepared, we brought it down out of pure brute force and resilience. ~Jerrick~ and me looked at each other. "Jerrick, we are not prepared for this" I though, but I did not say. "Rith, we should head back" he probably though, but he did not say. A grin in my face, and a grin in his. That's it, we entered the heart of the swamp. Aside from a couple of oversized vermin, the rest of it didn't look very dangerous, until in the middle of it all, we saw their chieftain. I'm afraid, that the troll chieftain saw us too, and issued his kin to attack us at once. Two shamans, two fel trolls and the chieftain himself charged all at once with both spells and brute force. I remember then feeling trouble, but I remember pressing my teeth together and standing my ground. I also remember Jerrick's back touching mine. That was all we needed. We stood in two-man phalanx, while Jerrick put down their shamans, I engaged the chieftain and did my best to guard against the attacks from my left flank, coming from one of the fel trolls. When Jerrick slain the first shaman, he aided on striking the chieftain. At this point another fel troll joined the melee on Jerrick's flank, the other fel troll in my flank started breaking through my guard and we were badly pinned in position while a shaman kept raining doom upon us from a distance. My heart started racing, I felt perhaps we would not live to tell the tale. Then I felt Jerrick's back against mine, once again. Again the feeling of not being alone filled my heart with courage as I explained to Jerrick what I was about to do. "Jerrick, as I count three, jump out of the way towards your right." - he did not question me, and he did not hesitate. "One, two, three" - My prayer was completed, Jerrick jumped aside at the very second that a row of blades erupted from the earth, decimating the trolls. I glanced towards Jerrick with a victorious look in my eyes, when I felt a lash on my back. Another lightningbolt hit me, probably the tenth or so, and this one finally ate through my elemental protections. I was still focused on Jerrick when his eyes opened wide. "Run, Rith, run!" he yelled. I did not question him, I did not hesitate. I ran.

    While running away I took a chance to look back. Several more trolls of all kinds emerged from their lairs angered by the slaying of their chieftain. I reached into my belt and picked a peculiar potion of red bubbling liquids I keep for such ocassions. I think Jerrick liked my idea and did the same. As we fled, I think I saw all kind of spells and throwing weapons passing us by the shoulders. I remember being exhausted physically, bleeding and totally spent in Lathander's grace, and while racing towards the boat with a score of trolls after us, I felt an unstoppable urge to laugh at the situation. I couldn't stop, it was beyond my control. I chuckled loudly to the point of almost running out of breath. I don't know what Jerrick thought of me, but a moment after he started laughing too. We reached the boat in laughter, exhausted and out of breath as we jumped in and asked to be taken away, just in time to evade the trolls' fury. We spent the whole trip commenting on what had just happened with a light spirit. I remember at one point looking into Jerrick's eyes and thinking "crazy druid" as he returned the look, his eyes screaming of "crazy priest". We did not tell. But as many other things we do not tell, we knew it, and so we began to laugh again.

    All I can say to the sisters that pick this book up in future to learn of my experiences is that I felt free. When I looked a death's face, I felt that I had the right to do so. I do not know. I sometimes feel like I crave for freedom, for expanding my mind and my body beyond. This, you won't find in any holy books. But the feeling of breing unpredictable, unique, wild, instinctive… the feeling that you can choose is a wonderful one. I do not why, but ever since I spend time with Jerrick and ~Lorelai~, I feel this side of me emerging more and more obviously.

    Lorelai...

    Month 2, day 1

    I spent the night at the Wolves den, courtesy of Jerrick, that also invited me for dinner the night before, after our perilous adventure. We had a relaxed chat, talked about everything a bit. We talked a few things about his love relationship, which then I didn't understand, but at the time of writing this, I do. If only I had known. I was extremelly unfair to him, but I guess he took his particular revenge later.

    In the end, after the friendly and open-minded chat we travelled to Norwick, where I finally found ~Mariston~. Or well, he found me. I was delighted to see him, it had been such a long time. I greeted him as I do with those that are dear to me, a fond brotherly hug. He said that he had received my letter, and invited me over to the chapel of Lathander to have a chat about it.

    The chat was friendly and relaxed, though Mariston does seem invaded by worries. He admitted that his political implications keep him off his duties with the Order of the Divine Shield more often that he would like, and that as such he'll be forced to step down the Grandmastership. He confirmed all I already knew. He has not given in to corruption, not even by a little. He is still the proud and honourable man I met many years ago. He did admit that the political situation is dire in Peltarch and he needs to put full focus on them, so that other more shady senators don't bring doom upon the whole land with their foolish and greedy decissions. He also acknowledged that the popularity of the Order in Norwick is very low, but he confessed me a few secrets which I can't even mention in this journal incase it's stolen. Secrets of a bunch of heroes that will never be able to take glory for their sacrifice, because sadly, it must be that way so that the safety of many innocents can be maintained.

    After this, Mariston assured me that the Order of the Divine Shield will aid norwick with the Dracolich in whatever they can, full resources head on. It was then when I was satisfied and told Mariston that I would be honored to renoin the Order, even as a mere squire if it needed to be so. He gave me a smile and shook his head, saying that was really an improper rank for someone such as me. He didn't hesitate to immediately knight me as the new High Chaplain of the Order, or so to speak, the spiritual leader. He said that Daisy would be the new Grandmaster and invited me to use the Order's instalations in Peltarch at my own discretion, along with inspecting some artifacts to the Morninglord that are stored in the vaults.

    This all adds to my already numerous duties. But it is a role that I accept for the greater good. May Lathander guide me.

    Later in the day, I went with Mariston, the scond knight of the order ~Yana~, ~Ronan~, and another warrior called ~Wren~(?) on an expedition to the deep Rawlins to put to rest some of the elven spirits in the area. Some goblins and bugbears tried to stand in our way, but they were dealt with swiftly, and our mission, accomplished.

    I finished the day at the Inn in Norwick, where I saw an announcement for an archery contest the next day. I though it could be fun to take part on it. But then, I needed some rest.


  • Month 1, day 16

    One month and half after I arrived to Narfell it's a day to underline as the day I first came in evident touch with the forces fo the +Dracolich+. After taking ~Ronan~ with me for a small survey on what he knew about the creature in which I learned very little, we returned to Norwick just to find that there was a horde of skelletons and zombie rats at the town's gates.

    We joined in the defense, just before two wyverns appeared. I regret not running some experiments on them while they were live, but they seemed quite a threat and there were many other warriors around that could fall in combat. I can tell by Ronan's frustration that the creatures were immune to most if not all of his spells. I can tell too that in addition they were very resistant to physical damage, or at least to blunt weapons. I engaged one of the creatures in direct melee combat, a role I am not extremely fond of but that proved to be the most efficient given the circumstances. Even though a great deal of my warhammer's impacts seemed to be absorbed, I noticed the shockwaves opening small cracks on the creature's thick scales. I tried to strike in the same point with every swing until one of the large scales cracked open, and using that vulnerability the beast was struck down. Ronan's Haste spell and the elemental creature he summoned as a distraction helped a great deal, too. By that time, other warriors had already sorrounded and overwhelmed the second beast, jumping on its back and seizing it to its death, and so we had to mourn no losses.

    I was taking a sample from these beasts for later study, when someone nearby pointed at a figure in the forest. It was a fiendish humanoid creature, with tail and wings. It came with arrogant-like attitude and I had interest in interrogating it, but Ronan attacked it the very second he saw a chance, and some others got carried away and joined in. I suposse whatever information I could have gained from such a fiend would not be trustable at all, but I had hopes that its own arrogance and self-confidence would betray it, revealing something useful, anything. In any case, I took also samples from the wings and the tail of this creature, to study at a later time. This creature seemed to be a sort of lieutenant, as when it was brought down, the attacks ceased.

    I retired for the day after the situation seemed under control, in need to study the samples I gathered and commune with my Lord Lathander.

    Month 1, day 17

    Since Dawn time I had an urge to go to the South Gates and make sure that the night had been quiet, considering the past day's events. To my relief, nothing worth mentioning had happened while I rested. However, I spotted ~Jerrick~ in the area, and reminded me that a few days ago he had invited me for breakfast, and before he could tell me anything we had the unfortunate encounter with the representative of Malar. Perhaps he just wanted to have a friendly breakfast, but perhaps he had something to talk about with me, and he really wasn't given the chance, so I offered him to show me around the forest and having a friendly talk, which he accepted. It turns out that he had nothing to tell me, or so he said. I see something in Jerrick's eyes however. He was way more distant than usually, like in introspection. He did tell me that some things ocupy his mind. The Malarites, the Dracolich, Tindra and some woman who wants him dead. I prefered to not dig more into him at this time. I will eventually figure him out, and offer whatever help I can.

    I took the chance, however, to ask him about his previous encounters with the Dracolich. He seemed to remember very little, other than being flat out defeated in the defense of Auril's Altar, and seeing how it chased Rass' and Sharn's whelp shrugging off every attack that was thrown at it. This does not help much, at the contrary, it raises my concerns on whether the creature can be brought down physically, or at least forced to retreat.

    After the conversation in the Rawlins and the talk about the Dracolich and its minions , I noticed my supply of Arrows of Eternal Rest was running low, so I mentioned that I didn't know my way to the Temple of Kelemvor anymore. Jerrick admitted he also needed arrows, and offered himself to lead me there. When we arrived to the location, I couldn't help to notice that there were still traces of the old road to Jiyyd nearby, which brought great nostalgy into me. I mentioned this to Jerrick, all the heroes that gave their life selflessly, all the spilled blood that could not be just forgotten. He then led me to a hill that had been baptismed Heroes Bluff, with a statue and a plate of praise to those that gave their lives in the defense of the just and the innocent. I couldn't help to shed my tears. Not tears of pain or sorrow, but tears of a deep sense of respect towards the fallen, and a sense of pride for having had the chance to know personally and call friends some of those heroes. I trust their Lords keep them in their highest esteem, wherever they dwell in their afterlives.

    After a few moments in which Jerrick showed himself very understanding with my feelings, he admitted he had affairs to deal with and we needed to part ways. I just demanded a hug from him, for I needed it in that moment as much as I need to see each Dawn. That comforted me and set me on my way back to Norwick, this time on my own.

    Month 1, day 18

    Early in the morning I went to the South Gates of Norwick as it's becoming an habit already, to make sure that the night had passed without major problems and offer some prayers to the night watch. Seeing things were quiet I sat by the hill in meditation, and when I opened my eyes a few moments after, I saw ~Tindra~ sitting next time. I felt happy to have her around, as ever, as we began to talk about mutual concerns. After a bit of talk, I admitted that I don't fully know her story, other than the rumours back in the day. In fact, I thought that her were condition had origin in an infection acquired by one of the creatures that dwelled near the roads east of Jiyyd. She denied this and immediately I asked her to please tell me what really happened. She seemed a bit concerned, and mentioned a couple of times that she may be one of the reasons for ~Jerrick~ may be troubled, and then warned me it was a very long story. I value Tindra's friendship immensely, and no lengths of story would ever bore me, so I accepted her warning, and asked her to proceed.

    Paradoxically, when she had just told me about some conflicts regarding werewolves near both Jiyyd and Norwick, and a were friend of hers with dual personality, Norwick alarms sounded at the attack of a bugbear warband. As much as I wanted to keep listening to Tindra, we both had to take position near the ledge and aid in the defense. The defense wasn't easy, some of the bugbears were sturdy and dangerous, specially their casters, but the defense was even more fierce. During the fight I saw a figure that towered over every other. If my eyes were not deceiving me, that was ~General Grag~ himself. I did beckon him between waves of attacks, but obviously the situation was a bit hectic. The bugbears ceased their attacks a few moments after, but unfortunately Grag wasn't to be found anywhere then. I believe to have heard that he was in a hurry back to the Legion headquarters. That made me a bit sad, for I really wanted to feel his crushing hug once again. But I bet there will be more chances for it.

    Once the situation calmed down, I inquired Tindra if she felt like continuing her story someplace quieter, and she accepted my invitation for a dinner meal at the Grapevine Inn. When we finally settled down with our dinner and she began her story, when she hadn't said two sentences ~Dietrick~ appeared behind us with his sword as big as himself, asking if we could aid in rescuing someone that had been dragged to the crypts. Again, my heart was torn, because I itched to hear what Tindra had to say, but I was being requested aid against undead, to rescue an innocent soul. That is a request I may simply not deny, ever. The story would have to wait again, as I had Tindra help me wear my combat armor and we departed to meet the others at the crypt's entrance. The descent was easy and uneventful, until we reached a hall with six doors. Then the dark forces down there unleashed, multiple undead, ghouls and even armed wights swarmed us. I called on Lathander's Holy Word to keep the assaults at bay, forcing the creatures to flee, but they were really too many. Everyone in the group fought bravely and fiercely - sometimes borderline stupid, like ~Clayton~ that even after we rescued the hostage and repeated to exhaustion to flee the place, he kept standing around and allowing himself as easy target for the foul priests' spells. Once and again he was held magically and we had to interrupt the evacuation to rush forward and hold the a defensive line from the overwhelming assaults until he could break lose. We all almost fell there to protect him. Fortunately, he finally understood the dire situation and headed outside, while ~Quelcoth~ - the Banite - and me, closed the doors behind us. Once we reached the surface it was almost morning, so I took the chance to call on the Morninglord's mightiest glory and cover our retreat with a divine Sunbeam that seared any of the undead forces that were still following us, and disuaded the rest from keeping on the pursuit.

    Only then I noticed that we had one fallen between us, and it is why I don't feel comfortable having to take front line roles. I totally missed it, and I felt a charge in my conscience for it. Fortunately, Tindra had heroically leaped over the body in her were form and dragged it out while we were retreating. Otherwise, I'm afraid those crypts would soon have one more undead minion to deal with. Once we reached Norwick I asked Tindra to bring the body to the chapel so that I could try to contact its soul and make them whole once again. Along the way, I saw Clayton, and I couldn't help to reprimand his previous attitude that endangered us all with a backhand on his cheek. Lathander forgive me for losing my temper, I should be above such emotions and I know it.

    Being exhausted as I was I wasn't in very good physical and mental condition, and still had a demanding ritual ahead of me, as it is a Resurrection, that literally drained me off any of my remaining strength. However, the person was happily returned to life with all his worldly possessions intact.

    I then glanced at Tindra, and I think our thoughts met in a point where words were not needed anymore. My eyes told her "Yes, I want to hear your story" and hers told me "Yes, I want to tell you my story" but both said "but now I just want to collapse on anything soft enough to sleep over". And so we did, almost no words, just a friendly goodbye hug and the promise of meeting again to finish what was begun. I'll have Tindra in my prayers tonight, as I will have the brave souls that aided in the crypt mission. May Lathander bring them everlasting Joy.


  • Month 1, Day 6

    The last week has been quite quiet. I feel that familiar yet strange feeling of hangover after the chaotic experience in the tunnels below Norwick, in which the vile necromancer was slain. I guess it has to be so, but I grow impatient to advance in my research of the +Dracolich+ menace.

    Norwick still has enough things to keep its defenders busy, however. I can not fathom what happens in this land. I suposse it could be a remnant, a subtle wake from ancient times when there was a world-changing war over these same terrains where dragons, demons and chaos-wielding mages disputed each other for domination. Or perhaps it's just that a mad god chose Norwick as playground. The… abnormalities that I get to spot at Norwick's gates often puzzle me and never stop doing so. I try to not give them importance anymore, because it comes to a point where they become routine. And fortunately there are many brave warriors always ready to thwart any attempts to bring down this modest town.

    What can I say, at least the constant banter with ~Ronan~ keeps the light mood in the atmosphere, which I welcome. I do wonder sometimes if I go too far in allowing both him and myself to fall into nearly childish argumentations, even though they are acted, it could bring a wrong impression to mere bystanders. If I am to inspire Hope and Courage in the hearts of the townsfolk, I am probably not making myself a favour when being seen in a game of fake flirts or showoff with someone who is well known by his flirting and showing off. I ask Lathander to grant me wisdom so that I may find balance in my actions and so that even if I am seen as close and friendly, I can also transmit correctly the values of the Morninglord.

    During one of these strange assaults, this time by Fire Elementals of unknown origin, ~Thorn~ approached me seeking counsel regarding a personal matter. The elf is concerned about a person he holds friendship with, but that keeps pulling him away from his loved one, and his life itself. This person demands of him much more than he can give, and when rejected, sulks in depression. I told Thorn to state clearly to her what he can give and what not. He is afraid to hurt her feelings, and he can't take watching her cry. But he will have to make a choice. The degree of involvement of two people in any Love or Friendship relationship has to be mutual, because if it's not it withers and eventually the relationship bases itself in aggression and blackmail. If that happens, not only that beautiful relationship will die forever, but it will generate another of contempt and despite. He needs to explain to his friend that he can only dedicate her so much time in his life, because he has other compromises and duties. I pray to Lathander so that Thorn's friend can understand his words and accept his honesty as token of mutual respect, and so they can carry on in a beautiful relationship of eternal friendship.

    On other news, I've managed to reach someone at the Phoenix. I will keep that person's name in my head alone for now, but I found this encounter possitive. That person pointed me to another which I will send a letter immediately, so that hopefully we can arrange a meeting. Similar letter as the one I already sent to ~Mariston~, but I am yet to receive his answer.

    I must push my research and attempt to expand a bit my relationship with the locals. I am eager to touch their hearts as I am eager to allow them to touch mine. May Lathander grant me charisma, so that I can fill people's hearts with joy, and so that they can fill mine.


  • Day 30

    The shadow attacks have ceased. The last few days we haven't had any, which seems to confirm that we eradicated that threat for good. I pray to Lathander for it to be so.

    Today started as a good day, continued as a disaster and ended as awesome. I believe it's the single day where my emotions have ranged almost from one extreme to the other in constant variation. It does make me wonder if I should try to moderate myself so that I don't fall into attitudes that many would call improper. I do wonder sometimes if I am not making a good service to my Lord Lathander by acting without premeditation and sometimes out of whimsical instincts.

    The case is that ~Jerrick~ invited me for breakfast, which I accepted delighted, and had a private talk with him, involving those topics which I was keeping off this journal for now, but that I will mention now. Firstly, lady paladin ~Kara Du'Monte~, and what she has become. I know I was never Kara's best friend, but I loved and respected her. We shared undead and demon hunts, risked our lives together in the names of Kelemvor and Lathander. I still keep a set of robes she gave me, which I treasure as a precious possession. If she had passed away I'd understand for that is the course that life must follow, it has always been so. My condition as chosen of Lathander is getting me used to see those I loved aging around me. But this is a different case. She has become a hellish creature, an "enemy". It is such an insult. That someone who gave her life for others and travelled through Hell and back to protect innocents, has now become one of them. It is not fair. I ask Lathander to give me insight to understand why that could happen, for I alone may not. The very thought that I may become myself a similar aberration frightens me. Would I also accept my new condition in what would be a macabre twist, a mock to all that I have ever been, to my very fundaments and beliefts? Would I live condemned to exist as an enemy of all I ever loved and lived for? I'll shake those thoughts off me, for they bring only sorrow to my heart.

    I also understood as per Jerrick's words that she kind of retains her old self deep within, and even though her nature is evil and she is bound to a greater power, she can be approached in conversation. I begged Jerrick to allow me to see her one more time. To say goodbye to her. I need to look into her eyes, and try to see what's behind them. And give her my honest sister's farewell. I will not try to harm her in any way unless she asks me to and I hope she does not harm me either. I beg to my Lord Lathander to understand this will be the only case in my life in which I will stand in the face of a fiend and not attempt to strike it down.

    After closing that topic until he can contact the ex-sister of Kelemvor, the topic switched to the current state of the Order of the Shining Phoenix and the Order of the Divine Shield. These topics are very delicate to me. The first, because I had the fortune and the honour to be one of its first members under the command of eminences such as Amissa and Call, and eventually even led the Order for a short time. Back then we held the highest standards and people looked up to us. Jerrick told me nowadays… it's quite different. I believe he may be biased for it is in our nature to be biased, as much as I am myself. But I've heard from many mouths already in my short time here that the people's opinion on the Phoenix now ranges from disdain to spite. When I ask why, the folks are quick to point out that the most notorious member, a mage of shorts named ~Aramuil~, is a prime example of arrogance and stubborness. The townsfolk have nicknamed him as "Aramule". I must find a way to contact him and find out by myself. While I trust Jerrick more than anyone else at this moment and his word does weight in my soul, I also know by my extense experience dealing with people that it's best to forge my opinion about people by myself, and not based on townsfolk gossip.

    The other organization we spoke about, the Divine Shield, touches me more personally, if that's even possible. Not only because this order also was looked up to for meeting the highest standards and compromise to protect the innocent and bring joy to the people's hearts. But also because it was my dear friend Shane and myself who founded it to shine our Lords' principles over the land of Narfell. Love, Justice, Compassion and Vigilance, ever united, ever victorious. And once again, what I hear tears my heart to little pieces. Apparently word has it that ~Mariston~, the young novice knight we once embraced as our own child, is now the leader of the Order, and is nothing but blinded by political power, paying no mind to the real issues of the land, and denying his aid to Norwick and the imminent menace of the +Dracolich+. While I had doubts about this Aramuil in the Phoenix, I did know Mariston, and I would not believe that until I see it by myself. All my atempts to locate him have failed so far, but I have to persevere. I need to find him and sit him at a table with me, so that I can look at him in the eyes and see that all those rumours are false. I know that they are false. Or at least I want to believe so. May Lathander give me wisdom so that I may recognize the truth when I see it.

    Changing topic, it was then precisely, when we were talking about the Divine Shield, that a hooded figure entered the tavern asking for Jerrick. He also looked... feral, and definitely not friendly. My druid friend concealed himself behind the furniture and began to listen in to the hooded man's conversation, so I understood this as trouble. I don't know what got over me in that moment, bit I instinctively walked towards the hooded man and presented myself as Jerrick's friend, offering the hooded man to deliver me whatever message he wanted delivered to Jerrick. The hooded man declined my offer and insisted in seeing the Alpha Wolf no matter what, at which poing Jerrick appeared behind me ready for battle. If anything my stupid actions allowed Jerrick to prepare for the worst, but my judgement failed again when I saw the opportunity to attempt to Hold the stranger in place so that he could be interrogated at a disadvantage. My prayer wasn't strong enough however, as I was taken by my own foolishness, but the hooded man did notice that I tried something harmful and said that we'd meet again. With that, Jerrick managed to drag the man upstairs, to have a private conversation in which I was excluded.

    Being an overcaring person as I am I waited by the door trying to listen to what they were talking, and specially trying to make sure I'd hear any combat noises to break in and help with what I could. After a long while both the hooded man and the Alpha Wolf walked out in a kind of friendly manner that relieved me, but when the first man left, Jerrick broke in furious anger, and unleashed this fury against the inn's walls. This was when ~Tindra~ appeared, and Jerrick told us both what was going on. Apparently the priest council of Malar had decided they would extend their hunting domains to Narfell, and this hooded person came to ask for permission to do so. The Alpha Wolf declined their request and foresaw this would end in bloodbath in both sides, including innocents. While we tried to soothe Jerrick, he decided to go to the Wolves grove to offer a sacrifice to Mielikki so that the bloodshed and carnage could be stopped. Mielikki accepted his sacrifice in a ritual that I found fascinating after which armor-less Jerrick seemed much more relieved and light mooded.

    The rest of the evening was beautiful. Both Jerrick and Tindra invited me over to their place for tea, which I of course accepted delighted. We had a friendly talk about many things, most of which don't belong to this journal. At one point of the evening, a majestic white stag appeared, bringing a new armor for Jerrick, black and green, and as far as I could tell, it was a very fine gift. Mielikki is ever generous, and often reminds me of Lathander, which in the other hand it's only normal, considering how close they are. I didn't tell Jerrick, but I thought red looked better with his hair colour. I guess fashion does not matter as much for a protector of the wilds, and I sometimes hate that I give in so much into vanity. What can I say, I'm still a young girl. Or at least I look like it.

    For a moment during the evening, Jerrick and Tindra sat next to each other, and I thought it was so beautiful to watch mutual love and respect from a short distance. They are both so filled with energy, and when they are together I can feel the scent of something that is meant to be. I must admit I felt jealous, in a healthy sense of the word. I hope their love will be eternal, and I will pray for that tonight, so that my Lord may aid in nurturing their relationship.

    We finally decided it was getting late and we had all had an intense day, so we parted ways after a fond hug. I thank Lathander for these new friendships, for now I am sure I won't give up on the pursue of my goals until I see people like them safe from all harm.


  • Day 23

    Yes, this is old Norwick alright. I just returned from aiding to repel a goblin attack. They came by the hundreds and same old types that I've known. I truly don't know what drives those little crazy creatures to come at Norwick's doors, but I suposse some things we really don't need to know either. Just accept them as they are, and act in consequence to ensure the safety of the innocent.

    In the evening I met ~Fadia~ and ~Thorn~ both of which I had already spoken to. They seem like nice company. I will enjoy having this many friendly and lovely allies nearby. I thank You for it, Lathander.

    Day 24

    Shadows, shadows and more shadows. I have to admit that this night's attack was rather weak. In the deffense, there was a druid of Auril which name I can't remember (probably because he never introduced himself) that at some point of the night, decided to beg his goddess for an unforgiving winter upon Norwick and the Rawlinwoods. That seemed to have something to do with the cease of the attacks from the shadows, which I can't explain myself, considering that shadows are cold creatures and totally unaffected by cold weather.

    In the other hand, the cold became unbearable. My elemental protections did just fine to block its effects, but plants, animals and even humans started freezing. It wouldn't take many days before we'd have the infirmary filled with frozen corpses, and the whole Rawlinswoods transformed into a dead tundra. I do not understand what does this druid understand as "balance", but as soon as I saw the dire effects of the weather I called upon the Morninglord to shine gloriously and bring warmth upon the land. He responded almost immediately to my heart's delight, and so balance was restored. No casualties had to be mourned that I know of. It strikes as ironic to me that I have to act as druid, to prevent a druid from acting as a tyrant. I considered that perhaps I am missing the bigger picture. But I can't afford to dwell on that possibility. I thank my Lord Lathander for granting me the wisdom and the strength to restore balance and harmony amongst all living beings.

    Day 25

    Today ~Ronan~ and ~Jerrick~ appeared by Norwick, and something made me feel like it wasn't going to be a normal day from the start. I can not explain, it was an inner feeling that told me that day was to be remembered even when it had just started.

    Soon this feeling started confirming, when a strange incident happened by the South Gate. A man, apparently heavily diseased, demanded the town of Norwick to deliver a plagued guard to him, to avoid the plague spreading. He also mentioned that this guard had slept with his lover, and that is how he was contagiated. It all seemed bizarre, but the guard agreed to willingly go with the stranger, which returned a few moments after to deliver the guard's severed head. This angered some of the bystanders, who proceeded to follow and try to capture the murderer, but he suddenly vanished into the yellow fog that seemed to acompany him.

    This left me kind of shocked and I couldn't make any sense out of it, but I had to forget it quickly, as it wasn't long before Jerrick mentioned that he wanted to explore the crypts and he could use the aid of a Dawnbringer. My heart filled with joy and a strong sense of responsibility, for I would have my chance to do what I have been trained for during decades - seeking and destroying undead aberrations.

    The expedition left at dusk, hoping to find whatever creature was manipulating those shadows in the works. The opposition was quite strong, but we had a strong group. I felt like in the old days, the thrill of adventure and the nervousness of a novice sister in her first mission. We cut through the undead creatures with no mercy other than that which the Morninglord offered in granting eternal rest to the suffering souls.

    Midway through the catacomb-digging, Norwick alarm bells sounded so strongly, that it could be heard from our position. Quickly we rushed back just to find that the town itself was being swarmed by shadow creatures. In our absence, they had broken in and only a small contingent fought bravely to defend the town center. When we merged with the defense forces together we managed to resist the attacks until they gave us a break, which we used to follow traces of the procedence of the threat.

    I was tending to the wounded while I heard screaming from a hill nearby, apparently a few members of the group had found an underground entrance. I got there just in time to see how they used several resources to dig a hole open allowing passage to the underground. Nobody hesitated. Even though it would have been adviceable to go in a smaller group due to the narrow nature of the tunnels, and even though that place smelled like death itself, no one wanted to wait behind.

    The expedition advanced fiercelly through the tunnels, dealing with all kinds of shade creatures, some of considerable power that would make the already powerful shades look like mere peons. Battle after battle we dug our way to the heart of the tunnels, and located the necromancer in a summoning chamber. What happened there was as terrible as epic. Powerful shades of the highest ranks swarmed us by the scores, yet every living person fought bravely. I saw dwarves, humans, elves and hin alike, injuried and exhausted beyond the point where you'd wonder how they could stand, and they didn't only stood, they kept in the heat of the fight, in the face of their enemies to their last breath. Many of our allies passed out due to exhaustion and bleeding. One of the least experienced heroes even fell unfortunately, a girl by the name of ~Soliel~. That did nothing but rally us to make an "all-or-nothing" last push when we were worn out, when we had no force or power neither magical or divine to go on, when all we had left was our will, when the best of us was wounded beyond recognition and all our healing resources were long spent - it is then when a fierce charge brought us through the last line of defense of the necromancer, and the vile creature was slain.

    The altar was destroyed. The necromancy books, scrolls and vile reagents used for summoning, burned. Our wounded were tended, and the fallen girl's soul was brought back to her body.

    I can not express how I feel now. I feel an increasing affinity for the land that I once called home. And somehow, I am starting to forget Cormyr again. I miss my friends, my sisters and my brothers. And I wouldn't be honest to my Lord Lathander, if I said I don't miss my loved ones, the ones I had to leave behind once again to come here. But I feel fortunate today to be here. I have gained many allies, some of which I start calling friends. Some of which I am sure I will treasure, respect and love.

    Today was glorious, and so it was because Lathander was with me, with us. I am yet to know if this had anything to do with the +Dracolich+, I presume it doesn't, but Norwick today rests easy. The people know that they are not alone, that they never were. That they have right to have Hope, and that they have right to feel Joy in their hearts. That many brave warriors and their gods are here to watch for their safety. That we will make this land a better place to live. And that today, Good triumphed over evil, because it is the only possible result and it will be the only possible result as long as we exist. May Lathander, my Lord, shine our paths.


  • Day 17

    There was a different threat today. When I arrived by the gates a hobgoblin horde was sieging the place. They were organized in the sense that they had barricaded part of the forest and set some catapults. The boulders had decimated the gates once again and at that point they sent the bulk of their small army.

    Hobgoblins are still hobgoblins. Luckily enough there was a force big enough to deal with them. I have to admit our offensive was rather discoordinated and we were losing our flanks and breaking our formation constantly. We didn't have to mourn any casualties, so I thank Lathander for that.

    Some of the fighters decided to drag the catapults to the hills near Norwick to use them in our favour. They resulted to be quite efficient and eliminated enemies in groups of tens. I just hope the druids don't find out they have been showering their forest with boulders.

    Day 18

    I decided that with the gates broken, I should keep vigil until the crafters could provide a new set. The morning came with rainstorm. Curiously enough, this rainstorm was rather hostile, and more than a few lightningbolts were grounded nearby. One of them landed on the archery target by the gates, to its owner's desolation.

    Even though I attempted to make him come to sense and get out of the lihgtningstorm he refused to. A moment after, he recieved a direct hit which sent him charred to the ground, but luckily he was still in time for divine healing treatment. After that, some more bolts landed nearby, without major consequence.

    I went to have a rest after that, as I had been awake for 28 hours straight. Managed to get back just by dusk time just to notice that the shadows had returned. This time some different types were present, shadowfiends, and even shades. Thankfully, Lathander was with us and we managed to set a strong defense. The shadows barely posed a threat but the shades were a different thing. Once again, we lacked a lot of tactical sense and our line of defense kept being broken by the flanks. The power of shades to appear behind our lines didn't help either.

    I tried to give some instructions during the battle, but some younger and heated warriors couldn't help to break the formation and chase the shades into the dark after I repelled them with the word of Lathander. All in all, we managed to find the source advancing as a block. A mage and senate of Peltarch named ~Ronan~ got in possession of an onyx stone that was being used as focus for necromantic powers and emanating shockwaves of negative energy. Although I would have loved to take a sample for investigation, it was decided to destroy it on the spot, as it was extremelly harmful to even come near it without the appropriate protection.

    Talking later with Ronan he mentioned that he already obtained another of those onyx stones that seemed to be inactive, and when asked he allowed me to research and scry on it. I am well versed in necromancy and undeath, so I hope all these years of studies reveal any results. It could even be related to the +Dracolich+ in some way. I will have to find out. May Lathander grant me wisdom so that I may succeed.

    Day 19

    Once again I had to rest during the day, fearing for the welfaring of the town after dusk. Again stood vigilant by the gates, and again a strong force of shadow minions sieged us. I noticed they grow stronger and more numerous every passing day. It may have been random, but we struggled quite more this time. The number of shades was overwhelming, over a score in total, though fortunately they didn't all attack at once.

    Once again the fervent defenders got theirselves carried and chased fleeing shades into the darkness, breaking our formation and weakening the structure. I did my best to keep everyone on their feet but near the dawn, a young girl named ~Cara~ strayed too far and was engulfed by shadows. When I arrived I just got to feel her dying breath. It made me furious, and I made sure that shade that caused it suffered Lathander's immense holy retribution. At Dawn and after my morning prayers I was able to locate the soul of this brave girl in the Fugue, and by Lathander's grace I brought her back to life. Her soul was scarred, however, but she will recover.

    I have taken the decission to make a guide about how to deal with shades, and pin it on some public billboard, or near the gates. I can't allow people to lose their lives due to missinformation.

    I will start doing so right now. And when I am done, I need to start research on the onyx stone. I wish the attacks on Norwick gave me a break, but Lathander willing, I will manage. May He grant me strength to carry out my duties.


  • Day 8

    Today has been an eventful day, and one that confirmed all which I was sent here for. Firstly, the townsfolk rumours spoke of undead sightings and attacks. Some dared to speak of a +Dracolich+. Further investigation opened some leads, possible activity originated in the deep forest, in the underground crypts, and even in a place all too familiar to me - the Lost City.

    I finally managed to get ahold of ~Jerrick~, which I had been pointed to as a notorious personality to speak about the matters, but just when I was establishing a conversation with him, about a score of shadows appeared near the South Gates of Norwick. They were dealt with quickly, but they did nothing but confirm that something is stirring in here. Jerrick himself brought a cart filled with dead bodies of what seemed to be the origin of those shadows. After performing a Ritual of Sending to allow safe passage to the poor souls into their patrons' domains, the druid agreed to have a private chat with me.

    Along came ~Tindra~, the cat lady I knew many years ago. It is a relief to me to see that she is accepted in society, and even allowed to use her feral form within the town walls. It is a step forward towards tolerance, that back in the day many weren't ready to take.

    As the conversation progressed, I learned many things from Jerrick. For the investigation purposes, he indeed confirmed the presence of a dracolich which may be acting on the will of a greater power, or simply someone that has an upper hand on it. This is a terrible foe that will require the best of efforts to eradicate, so the best I could do is act carefully, and take one step at a time. I learned other things from the druid, less terrible but more disheartening, all of which I will keep off this book for the time being and store only in my mind. Those matters touch me personally and I must try to isolate them not to compromise this mission's success.

    I was pleased with the interaction with both Jerrick and Tindra. They struck me as honest and blunt. I couldn't wish for more than that. I do hope I also caused a good impression in them, though I fear I may have lost myself for a moment in there, due to the above mentioned personal references.

    All in all, my main focus is the undead infestation, and ultimately, the Dracolich and whatever may be influencing upon it. I mustn't stray from this path, for the Greater Good. May Lathander shine upon my soul and may He guide my steps.


  • Day 0

    As usual, Rith awoke before the Dawn, so that she could welcome it. Not knowing very well how the past events could have altered the landscape, she finally managed to find a perfect spot in the area near the ferry and the farmlands, on a hill facing the East, with the calm waters for background. She felt filled with joy and decided that this would be for now her new place of spiritual attunement and prayer. And so, as every morning of her life, she whispered her prayer.

    • "Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all humankind and its allies."
      "Perfect thyself, and guard ever against pride, for it is a sacred duty to foster new growth, nurture growing things, and work for rebirth and renewal."
      "Be fertile in mind and in body. Consider always the consequences of thine actions so that the least effort may bring the greatest and best reward."
      "Wherever you go, sow seeds of plants, tend the growing things you find, and plant seeds of hope, new ideas, and plans for a rosy future in the minds of all."
      "Whenever possible, see each Dawn."

    _She stood still for a few more long minutes, staring at the horizon. As every morning, the emotion to see a new Dawn overwhelmed her. As every morning, her eyes became teary as she acknowledged how fortunate she was. And as every morning, an utter feeling of satisfaction filled and eased her, making both her mind and body ready to face even death itself, if that's what it took to see every word of her prayer fullfilled.

    As she walked back to the inn and laid the heavy tome on a desk, she had the chance to glance over a scroll containing the summary of her mission._

    @6656d8ae36:

    Phase 1 - Assess the threat.

    Locate our agent, Dawnbringer Arguyle.

    Our agent Thierulf Arguyle was sent initially to scout the area and confirm the rumours, but he hasn't reported back. Attempt to locate him or discover what fate he faced.

    Survey the townsfolk for information related to the threat.

    Gossip and rumours work well in small towns. Mix with the townsfolk and attempt to receive information regarding the threat. Possible sightings, or even personal testimony of a farmer could be valious information.

    Approach possible leaders or notorious characters on the matter.

    Approach those who are seen as leaders, whether they are political, ideological or militar nature. Seek counsel with them and explain your motives. They are most prone to have the most accurate and useful information on the threat.

    Offer inconditional support and cooperation.

    It is our Holy Duty to see undead banished from the face of Toril. It is what we do and do it best than anyone else. Offer your honest and inconditional support so that you may see it fullfilled.

    Phase 2 - Pre-emptive measures.

    Strengthen the presence of the Morninglord in the area prior to the conflict.

    Attempt to gather the exisiting followers of Lathander, and have them work under the Morninglord's banner. Make sure you're sighted often and recognized as Dawnbringer. Earn small victories so that your sole presence can foster hope in the hearts of mere bystanders.

    Tend the townsfolk both physical and morally.

    It is our Holy Duty to tend the wounds of those in need under any circumstance, but specially in this situation, do not let anyone come to fatal harm in your presence. What is more, do not let anyone fall prey of fear, panic, dissidia or desperation.

    Minimize the impact of the undead presence in the area.

    Be vigilant, be first to respond to undead threats, or hunt them in the sorrounding areas. Everyone must know what you are there for. If possible, avoid the townsfolk even coming in sight contact with undead creatures. It could cause a terror crisis and have a negative impact on the operation.

    Phase 3 - Seek and Destroy.

    Locate and isolate the threat.

    Learn where does the heart of the threat reside. Be it with scouting or scrying missions. Do not adventure yourself into death's maw without knowing exactly what you are facing and how to destroy it.

    Seek allies.

    If what you are facing is anywhere close to what we've been informed, you will need all the aid you can get. Seek allies of good among the locals. Use your influences both as Dawnbringer and the ones gained with your past deeds and most importantly, they must know your intentions. You only seek to fullfill your duty eliminating a threat to the innocent, and an insult to life itself.

    Strike Force.

    Make sure that everyone in the strike force is correctly informed about what they are facing. Explain every possible weakness of your foe and instruct those that will acompany you in what is possible. Offer moral support and allow them to feel that the only possible result is a victory. Likewise, allow yourself be advised by those that master arts beyond your knowledge. Scouts, strategists, arcanists…

    Rith sighed as she finished reading the orders, asking herself why did a lot of it sound so business-like. - "I'll put the heart in it then" she told to herself as she set the scroll aside to continue writing in her journal.