What began as yet another boring day on the path to the what fate had laid before Donavan and Arrol with the rest of use as Associates in arms I spent most of my day thinking of ways to convince the band after this mission was ever over to explore a few interesting places on the world perhaps first Aglarond followed by Halruaa and finally on the even more exotic places like Kara-Tura, Maztica and finally Zakhara.
I had to admit my desire to see and even eventually see to the construction of gates to each of those locations to an obscure location I would one day build which would serve as my wilderness fortress often kept my mind busy. Of course perhaps centuries in the future I have always believed you have to always have a plan. Granted you can’t always plan for everything such is the concept of chaos theory so often I just plan for the worst but even then the limits of my power often still make that difficult which might actually what has led to me being what some might call unstable. Which I have found as Savaras taught both Caspia and I to remain unpredictable is to remain alive.
That night did not pass uneventfully for on the second watch on a night that was filled with starlight and yet another cold camp. Then again things did not stay cold one might say they heated up quite a bit. I was meditating during second watch not quite in a trance but to all intents and purposes it would look like it when the night’s excitement started.
Naiem and Invelous were walking around the camp when suddenly Naiem walked off and Invelous called out to him to inquire what was going on as he followed him. What followed was a quick combat where Naiem had turned upon him and using poison Invelous had rendered him helpless. He then commended to drag him back into camp and tie him up. Just as he had finished the task another Naiem came out of the forest from the opposite direction and said and I quote “What are you doing with myself!” I will admit I might have let them know I was conscious at that point and were it not for Naiem’s odd reaction. As it suddenly caused me to doubt the identity of the other Naiem or for that matter if it was a dark duplicate that Naiem had been keeping hidden from us the entire time and he also possessed a dark secret. Perhaps some remnant of their time on the Plane of Shadow but I could not be sure so I stayed at the ready as waited for the situation to unfold.
I will admit to parts of the story regarding the dark legacy that seems to be stalking the Associates seems both dire and confusing and I may need more time to confirm all of the facts. Suffice to say things with the Associates are not obviously as they would seem would be an understatement. For any who might now or in the future doubt me merely ask the temples of Mystra or Selene of Waterdeep. But back to our other Naiem who after everyone had been woken and had began to question the identity of the other Naiem while I rested I thought to myself I might have to actually get up.
I had to get up after all for within moments after Donavan had ten minutes to pray and prepare he cast a spell to enable himself to determine who of the two Naiem’s were telling the truth. Now let me say this for awhile there Invelous and Naiem almost came to blows and after Donavan told us that the tied up Naiem was the one resisting all bets were off for him. Of course the interesting thing about the situation was the fact that the each possessed all of the same items and even seemed to possess the same exact memories. It was obvious to me whoever had planned this infiltration was leaving nothing to chance and perhaps only the quickness of Invelous had prevented the Associated from being infiltrated. I had tried thinking to the other Naiem to see if he was going to attempt to contact me via my mind for otherwise I felt for sure that our newest associate Krolis was going to end his life.
There was soon talk of just killing him, tying up the other Naiem or even letting there be a fight it out to the death. All of which seemed interesting to be honest but finally Krolis and perhaps our Naiem took matters into their own hands and attempted to take his life. It was then that something very odd happened for suddenly Arrol jumped in-between them and moved into a martial pose and defended them away from their prey. It was not until finally Bolora became involved and wrestled him away that between Krolis and Naiem he was finished. At least he did not die tied up for Donavan had managed to slip in-between the combatants and release the other Naiem so he at least stood a chance. Not that I am saying it was much of a chance but it was better than just being slaughtered like a dog. After the death of possible imposter Donavan looked on with regret while Arrol screamed grabbed his chest and fell to the ground.
Perhaps I should step back a moment for in reality before the mortal combat had began I blame Donavan the Reformed really for Arrol had tried to convince us to time him up and take him back three days to the nearest camp friendly to Waterdeep. Of course Donavan refused and had countered with leaving him tied up to slip his ropes at another date and perhaps come after us again with a better plan. Hell Invelous had even offered to do finish the job right then or even afterward if necessary. I will say this I don’t call him Invelous the Survivor for nothing. In truth I was thinking of my sister Caspia’s warning and hoping when Invelous decided it was time to save his life I was wise enough to follow him.
We had at that time started to talk and I had risen now that a decision had finally been made and the Naiem who we believed was ours was alive. Not that it was not close for believe it or not as I had anticipated for a moment in the wild melee it was hard to tell which Naiem was which but such is the inherent chaos of the world I always say and only when the other Naiem began to rifle through the items of his doppelganger did I rise and finally begin to realize that enough was enough. So I had rose and not wishing to be near Naiem and his doppelgangers body I asked if anyone could move it near me so that it would be away from our Naiem. Krolis did so and I waited for Naiem to make a move and when he did I stunned him with my Wand of Color Spray.
I apologized of course but I wanted to examine the body myself without interruption and while I had already used my Wand of Detect magic at the insistence of Arrol to prove that their magic they possessed seemed identical I wanted to further examine them and confirm what Xavier had told me that they even smelled the same. Once I was sure that whatever had lay before me was either an alternate reality version of Naiem or perfectly created magical copy and not some creature I rose and spoke to the others in a joking manner speaking of the rabbit bone that was in both of the pockets of our two copies and made a joke about if we had known someone was going to go to so much work we should have give Naiem all of our equipment before we turned in for the night.
Perhaps it was the stern rebuke of Arrol at our callous actions after a death without reason that could have been prevented but suddenly I realized the evil in my past actions and where normally it might not bother me especially since I had been travelling with the Associates for some reason it did and I no longer felt comfortable in my own skin and I knew what I needed to do. If we were truly going to embrace the path of the light then it was time to embrace that side of myself that was truest to my noble heritage which I called Kas the Generous.
Finally I had risen from my long slumber where I had been buried when Caspian felt that my voice would have only accelerated our demise but now that the light was shining upon the Associates I felt finally that I might speak and my voice would not bring about my own doom. Finally the voice of Kas would be heard and if I had heard correctly at least two of my proud reformed Associates would stand with me against the darkness that threatened us it seemed almost at every turn. I realized I definitely had my work cut out for me. Well let us just say that Artuliak Kas of the Elven Army was ready to serve and sustain.
Caspian Thorn
The Real Deal Durothil
Monday, December 26, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Kythorn,15,----)6/15/---
Another day filled with sketching and mapping with the only thing really exciting happening was interesting information coming from Donavan and a literal ghost story told by Arrol. It seemed that I was not the only one who had trust issues it would seem. For as Donavan had hidden from his fellow Associates so had Arrol and he both hidden the events that had led to Niam being possessed by a Shadow Amulet dedicated to Shar.
To being during dinner Donavan had shared with us that we were on a mission to acquire and amulet called the Amulet of Light which could be used to destroy the power of darkness. Not only that he informed us we were heading for crypts where we would have to acquire different items from various crypts in order to access and perhaps even assemble the said amulet. Not only that but we might very well encounter Barbarian Tribes that we were as he had been instructed to attempt to at all cost avoid hostile contact. I could perhaps say more on the matter but I had chosen to not share any of my words with my Associates.
Donavan of all my companions had decided to inquire into my silence and I did to answer him without offending him. I basically told him the truth I am a loving, flirtatious and fun loving Sun Elf and that he and the rest of the Associates were basically cramping my style. I continued to inform him that I could chose to hold my tongue and would continue to do so until I found something that regardless of how I said it would be important enough to involve someone’s life so that they would care less about how I said what I felt I needed to say. There was really nothing more really between us to say on the matter after that.
Arrol also chose that night to tell us the story of Lord Z and of his temptation and eventual corruption by Shar. To make a long story short he informed us of that during time the Associates stopped the ritual a number of important things had happened. First in order to stop the ritual Donavan had been required to attempt to channel the dark energies that were being summoned away from their intended targets being the children. Now it would seem they were using a number of mystical rune stones to channel the power and while Donavan had been preparing to make his attempt and perhaps even sacrifice his life a Paladin of Tyr who had travelled with them offered to make the sacrifice for the children in his stead. Somehow both Invelous and Niam were drawn into the stones into the very plane of Shadow. Arrol while Donavan was still in his preparation to redirect the dark magics had said that he would save them. It would seem that once on the other side they had encountered shadow versions of the remaining members of the Shar cell up had attacked them once they entered. It was at that time it seemed that a dark force not doubt Lord Z had been offering to take them back to the world if they allowed him to share their body. It seemed that Invelous even near death would not take the deal and Niam even managed to resist the pull of the Shadow Lord Z. Arrol on the other hand felt he could make the deal and then manage to control Lord Z since his friends lives were in danger so he made the sacrifice. Looking back in a way the same could be said for Donavan for in taking in the dark magics he had only hoped to save the children not have those very energies he had consumed exert the will of Shar over him and force him to destroy the Paladin of Tyr and any other witnesses that he felt might betray him.
Arrol had also included the existence of a amulet of darkness that had somehow come into the possession of Niam which may have been effecting him subtly without his notice. He and alluded to a time when Niam had lost control of himself and had to be subdued. If that were not enough I was beginning to believe that the holy sword of Tyr that Niam had begun to claim as his own was a sign of a much bigger problem one that I would have to keep an eye on lest I just stand by and watch the greed overtake him. I realized that he was in a more serious predicament than he may have realized for while I will admit I like most Sun Elves worship all of the Seldarine my patron just happens to be Erevan Ilesere and it made wonder if Niam realized that if he did pledge himself to some Deity then if he were to ever die his spirit could go to any Deity who had a claim and might even make it impossible for even the most powerful of magics to claim. If he was not careful he just mind up being a Demon Lord’s or Devil Prince’s pawn.
I had to admit it was a rough situation and if they had been Elf children perhaps I might have been willing to make a similar sacrifice. On the other had to hurl myself to another plane to attempt to save people who had gotten themselves trapped once again if the Elves. So even I have to admit that both the intentions of Donavan and Arrol were good and sadly that was their problem they tried to resist the temptation when in reality I have found to even to attempt such a thing only sets up disaster. Trust me I know I have studied the mistakes of many lost cultures and they almost all say the same thing. When you trust in the power of another more than yourself or allow greed to consume it does exactly that I only have to look at the Drow the former traitors or dhaerow as they were once known. I realize that then as now not all Drow were bad but let’s just put it this way when Corellon Larethian had to become directly involved it should have taught all the races a lesson. Sadly the to the Elves shame we do not speak of our greatest failure which almost claimed with the Drow the Sun Elves as well. I pity those who do not study history which is often when prefer to look to the future and the next good time.
That rest of the night passes uneventfully which I felt was odd considering but then again we so far had remained lucky. It was I felt only a matter of time but either way I was prepared and on guard and my wand and my sword were as I had learned in the military at the ready.
To being during dinner Donavan had shared with us that we were on a mission to acquire and amulet called the Amulet of Light which could be used to destroy the power of darkness. Not only that he informed us we were heading for crypts where we would have to acquire different items from various crypts in order to access and perhaps even assemble the said amulet. Not only that but we might very well encounter Barbarian Tribes that we were as he had been instructed to attempt to at all cost avoid hostile contact. I could perhaps say more on the matter but I had chosen to not share any of my words with my Associates.
Donavan of all my companions had decided to inquire into my silence and I did to answer him without offending him. I basically told him the truth I am a loving, flirtatious and fun loving Sun Elf and that he and the rest of the Associates were basically cramping my style. I continued to inform him that I could chose to hold my tongue and would continue to do so until I found something that regardless of how I said it would be important enough to involve someone’s life so that they would care less about how I said what I felt I needed to say. There was really nothing more really between us to say on the matter after that.
Arrol also chose that night to tell us the story of Lord Z and of his temptation and eventual corruption by Shar. To make a long story short he informed us of that during time the Associates stopped the ritual a number of important things had happened. First in order to stop the ritual Donavan had been required to attempt to channel the dark energies that were being summoned away from their intended targets being the children. Now it would seem they were using a number of mystical rune stones to channel the power and while Donavan had been preparing to make his attempt and perhaps even sacrifice his life a Paladin of Tyr who had travelled with them offered to make the sacrifice for the children in his stead. Somehow both Invelous and Niam were drawn into the stones into the very plane of Shadow. Arrol while Donavan was still in his preparation to redirect the dark magics had said that he would save them. It would seem that once on the other side they had encountered shadow versions of the remaining members of the Shar cell up had attacked them once they entered. It was at that time it seemed that a dark force not doubt Lord Z had been offering to take them back to the world if they allowed him to share their body. It seemed that Invelous even near death would not take the deal and Niam even managed to resist the pull of the Shadow Lord Z. Arrol on the other hand felt he could make the deal and then manage to control Lord Z since his friends lives were in danger so he made the sacrifice. Looking back in a way the same could be said for Donavan for in taking in the dark magics he had only hoped to save the children not have those very energies he had consumed exert the will of Shar over him and force him to destroy the Paladin of Tyr and any other witnesses that he felt might betray him.
Arrol had also included the existence of a amulet of darkness that had somehow come into the possession of Niam which may have been effecting him subtly without his notice. He and alluded to a time when Niam had lost control of himself and had to be subdued. If that were not enough I was beginning to believe that the holy sword of Tyr that Niam had begun to claim as his own was a sign of a much bigger problem one that I would have to keep an eye on lest I just stand by and watch the greed overtake him. I realized that he was in a more serious predicament than he may have realized for while I will admit I like most Sun Elves worship all of the Seldarine my patron just happens to be Erevan Ilesere and it made wonder if Niam realized that if he did pledge himself to some Deity then if he were to ever die his spirit could go to any Deity who had a claim and might even make it impossible for even the most powerful of magics to claim. If he was not careful he just mind up being a Demon Lord’s or Devil Prince’s pawn.
I had to admit it was a rough situation and if they had been Elf children perhaps I might have been willing to make a similar sacrifice. On the other had to hurl myself to another plane to attempt to save people who had gotten themselves trapped once again if the Elves. So even I have to admit that both the intentions of Donavan and Arrol were good and sadly that was their problem they tried to resist the temptation when in reality I have found to even to attempt such a thing only sets up disaster. Trust me I know I have studied the mistakes of many lost cultures and they almost all say the same thing. When you trust in the power of another more than yourself or allow greed to consume it does exactly that I only have to look at the Drow the former traitors or dhaerow as they were once known. I realize that then as now not all Drow were bad but let’s just put it this way when Corellon Larethian had to become directly involved it should have taught all the races a lesson. Sadly the to the Elves shame we do not speak of our greatest failure which almost claimed with the Drow the Sun Elves as well. I pity those who do not study history which is often when prefer to look to the future and the next good time.
That rest of the night passes uneventfully which I felt was odd considering but then again we so far had remained lucky. It was I felt only a matter of time but either way I was prepared and on guard and my wand and my sword were as I had learned in the military at the ready.
Kythorn,14,----)6/14/---
It seemed even without being guarded by the powers of Lord Z we could still have a good night’s sleep in the wilderness. The only welcome difference of course was the welcome sound of nature. Don’t get me wrong just because I like to be clean and proper on occasion I am still and Elf and in the wilderness or in the city I feel comfortable. Now bored out of my mind perhaps but comfortable which actually was a very small comfort when you really think about it.
During a day filled watching Niam hunt as we travelled which left us eating rations as Donavan was a slave driver was not lost on me. So while he had fresh meat I had to deal with magically flavored reconstituted ration stew. Don’t get me wrong it was excellent but do you think I shared any with the others nope I did not as they did not deserve the pleasure of eating my cooking and it was not my fault that between Donavan and Arrol they could be nicknamed the Temple Wreckers. Now that would be a good name for an adventuring company but I figured I would stick with the Associates instead as I could find more impressive introduction lines regarding the Associates.
That night during first watch I had also found the time to discuss the Seldarine with Niam and I found out that in reality he was one of the lost tribe. A member of a band of Wild Elves who had truly went native during the Retreat to Evermeet. It was a sad to have found yet another Elf who had lost his way but I also realized it might take a great deal of time before he learned to abandon the ways of the Humans and their Greed. I hoped that it did not get him killed before he had time to see the light of the Seldarine. During my rest period that night I said a prayer to Rillifane Rallathil the Elven God of Nature and asked him to look out for us and let our aim be sure and true.
During a day filled watching Niam hunt as we travelled which left us eating rations as Donavan was a slave driver was not lost on me. So while he had fresh meat I had to deal with magically flavored reconstituted ration stew. Don’t get me wrong it was excellent but do you think I shared any with the others nope I did not as they did not deserve the pleasure of eating my cooking and it was not my fault that between Donavan and Arrol they could be nicknamed the Temple Wreckers. Now that would be a good name for an adventuring company but I figured I would stick with the Associates instead as I could find more impressive introduction lines regarding the Associates.
That night during first watch I had also found the time to discuss the Seldarine with Niam and I found out that in reality he was one of the lost tribe. A member of a band of Wild Elves who had truly went native during the Retreat to Evermeet. It was a sad to have found yet another Elf who had lost his way but I also realized it might take a great deal of time before he learned to abandon the ways of the Humans and their Greed. I hoped that it did not get him killed before he had time to see the light of the Seldarine. During my rest period that night I said a prayer to Rillifane Rallathil the Elven God of Nature and asked him to look out for us and let our aim be sure and true.
Kythorn,13,----)6/13/---
I awoke at dawn once again to the see Xavier looking at me as if he might very well say are we really going on this mission. I actually laughed a bit as I began my normal routine which would take an extra hour that morning as I was planning to change spell as we were soon to be on the road and out into the wilderness. To start while my new items as well as my magical backpack were now cloaked from magical detection something I felt always wise to do when staying in an Inn even if its name was the Safe Haven. Now of course I would have to start dealing with the issue that would start to occur after the fourth day of our journey. That was of course the time the magical shields would start to fail and would need to be restored.
It was quite surprising to see all of the Associates awake and already downstairs eating and ready to travel. What happened next was I felt a blessing from Erevan Ilesere for even as we had all sat together for breakfast and were discussing the reduction in our number but someone would arrive at our table looking to possibly join us. The new arrival was a big and burley Human who stood around six feet four and had to weight over two hundred and forty pounds honestly to look at him I would be hard pressed to lift him. He wore proudly a holy symbol of Gond a Human Deity of Craftsmen and Craftswomen and was named Krolis. Donavan informed we were headed for the Moors to investigate some ruins seven days south. Oddly he seemed to be perhaps a warrior if the massive Warhammer was any indication but when asked by Donavan about his skills he had boldly answered a Fighter or a Healer whatever you might need. Interesting I had thought but then again no one else seemed to mind a new addition and even seemed to welcome him I guess shamed Clerics like Donavan and dismissed Wizards like Arrol could not really be choosers.
So on foot and believe it or not we moved out on foot and believe me I had considered summoning a horse but I was did not plan on going out of my way to stick out. I would leave that to Donavan, Arrol and our newcomer Krolis. I also decided I would dwell within my own mind for in truth among the others I did not truly find companionship. Don’t get me wrong I was more than willing to show them loving and kindness since I did not have to trust them to do that but what were they doing for me. Nothing that’s what absolutely nothing and I could already feel the boredom of the trail setting in so I used the time to observe our journey and sketch while making my own map just in case.
We would make camp that night after twelve hours of travel and we would also set three watches. Arrol, Krolis, Niam, and I on the First, Niam and Invelous on the Second, and finally Bolora and Donavan on the Third watch. In reality they had seemed to forget that Niam was a non casting Elf so could technically take two watches but I did not. Also in reality unless I needed to rememorize any spells I had cast the night before I still only needed four hours rest. So in reality I was actually on the second watch as well with Xavier on the third while I slept just in case something were to happen and my dear Associates neglect to wake me. Like I have said before I did not really trust them but I vowed to try and find out what was the issue with the greed that seemed to possess Niam.
It was quite surprising to see all of the Associates awake and already downstairs eating and ready to travel. What happened next was I felt a blessing from Erevan Ilesere for even as we had all sat together for breakfast and were discussing the reduction in our number but someone would arrive at our table looking to possibly join us. The new arrival was a big and burley Human who stood around six feet four and had to weight over two hundred and forty pounds honestly to look at him I would be hard pressed to lift him. He wore proudly a holy symbol of Gond a Human Deity of Craftsmen and Craftswomen and was named Krolis. Donavan informed we were headed for the Moors to investigate some ruins seven days south. Oddly he seemed to be perhaps a warrior if the massive Warhammer was any indication but when asked by Donavan about his skills he had boldly answered a Fighter or a Healer whatever you might need. Interesting I had thought but then again no one else seemed to mind a new addition and even seemed to welcome him I guess shamed Clerics like Donavan and dismissed Wizards like Arrol could not really be choosers.
So on foot and believe it or not we moved out on foot and believe me I had considered summoning a horse but I was did not plan on going out of my way to stick out. I would leave that to Donavan, Arrol and our newcomer Krolis. I also decided I would dwell within my own mind for in truth among the others I did not truly find companionship. Don’t get me wrong I was more than willing to show them loving and kindness since I did not have to trust them to do that but what were they doing for me. Nothing that’s what absolutely nothing and I could already feel the boredom of the trail setting in so I used the time to observe our journey and sketch while making my own map just in case.
We would make camp that night after twelve hours of travel and we would also set three watches. Arrol, Krolis, Niam, and I on the First, Niam and Invelous on the Second, and finally Bolora and Donavan on the Third watch. In reality they had seemed to forget that Niam was a non casting Elf so could technically take two watches but I did not. Also in reality unless I needed to rememorize any spells I had cast the night before I still only needed four hours rest. So in reality I was actually on the second watch as well with Xavier on the third while I slept just in case something were to happen and my dear Associates neglect to wake me. Like I have said before I did not really trust them but I vowed to try and find out what was the issue with the greed that seemed to possess Niam.
Kythorn,12,----)6/12/---
Then next morning I awoke at dawn with my plan set in place I would head to the Pantheon Temple of the Seldarine for I had a High Priest of Corellon Larethian and his quite attractive daughter to see. Quite the beautiful apprentice if I do say so myself and to be honest I knew I would find it truly hard to keep my mind on the matters at hand after I had arrived. But then again I was one of the fortunate ones really and a former member of the Seldarine Espionage Division. A former Artuliak or Lieutenant actually in the common tongue but I had already done my active four years of service and let us just say the rest is classified and leave it at that for now.
I arrived at the Pantheon and noticed that I of course had already been replaced but that also meant that the person sitting at the desk was none other than to my good fortune Caspia. I was thankful that she was able to slip away for a little break for using our own personal language to fill out my report was a much more enjoyable endeavor than having to write it all down. Caspia had told me that she had heard of the strange events happening around the Temples of Selene and Mystra and had obviously hoped that I was not involved.
I reality I was able to and I of course held nothing back from Caspia as we each had memorized spells to read each other’s thoughts which was a requirement of Savaras of course. Where Savaras was at the time was anyone’s guess but we still had a job to do and in the end our efforts were to aid the Seldarine well that and increase our own power of course. I wish things could have as smoothly for the rest of the day but alas I still had to make a report and requisition supplies for the coming mission.
Well perhaps it’s a good thing I am in reality a noble of rank but sadly not privilege as that was a right I had given up when I left Evermeet so many decades before. Suffice to say I had to deal with everything I needed being marked up in price as for the moment it had literally nothing to do directly with the fate of the Seldarine. So while I had budgeted for a number of impressive items to bring along I had to forgo the Mobile Brace, Drogue Wing and the Crystal Caltrops I almost had to forgo the magical Longsword but in the end the over two thousand gold I had hoped to keep in reserve was spend and I was once again as we shall say broke. Easy come easy go as Caspia was fond of saying which she would follow up with if you can’t take it easy then take it any way you can.
So I would return to the Safe Haven Inn by the afternoon with the plan to learn Shocking Grasp from the scrolls I had picked up along with a few books on elemental magic that Arrol had requested I pick up with funds he believed I still was in possession of. I will admit I was not in the best of moods as the Wand of Cure Light Wounds, Wand of Magic Missile and the magical Longsword had literally left me after all was said and done around one hundred and thirty gold pieces of which ten of which I knew would be going to Hollyella Taletreader as I knew there was no way that Caspia would risk being seen by any of the Associates. She honestly had shared with me to watch them all and to consider them all lower than the snakes in the grass and to survive at all costs and return to her. As it was my choice for my new spell would change to Life Bolt. For as Donavan had mentioned that we would be facing Undead and that he felt the spell might very well come in handy.
Also for the record Arrol once again after a day sabbatical away from magic failed to learn the spell he was attempting while it was simple for me to learn Life Bolt. To be honest I truly felt it might be easier to command the undead then try and kill them at first but then again the life bolt could be cast in to the midst of my allies if necessary and not harm them. I was also a good way to tell if someone you were talking to was undead.
I know what some might be thinking my last night before what had so far sounded like a death mission and I was spending some of my limited resources on a Moon Elf Bard. Well of course I was lets be serious just because the Associates were a bunch of stuck up pompous fools I was one laid back Sun Elf and worshiper of Erevan Ilesere who knew how to party.
I arrived at the Pantheon and noticed that I of course had already been replaced but that also meant that the person sitting at the desk was none other than to my good fortune Caspia. I was thankful that she was able to slip away for a little break for using our own personal language to fill out my report was a much more enjoyable endeavor than having to write it all down. Caspia had told me that she had heard of the strange events happening around the Temples of Selene and Mystra and had obviously hoped that I was not involved.
I reality I was able to and I of course held nothing back from Caspia as we each had memorized spells to read each other’s thoughts which was a requirement of Savaras of course. Where Savaras was at the time was anyone’s guess but we still had a job to do and in the end our efforts were to aid the Seldarine well that and increase our own power of course. I wish things could have as smoothly for the rest of the day but alas I still had to make a report and requisition supplies for the coming mission.
Well perhaps it’s a good thing I am in reality a noble of rank but sadly not privilege as that was a right I had given up when I left Evermeet so many decades before. Suffice to say I had to deal with everything I needed being marked up in price as for the moment it had literally nothing to do directly with the fate of the Seldarine. So while I had budgeted for a number of impressive items to bring along I had to forgo the Mobile Brace, Drogue Wing and the Crystal Caltrops I almost had to forgo the magical Longsword but in the end the over two thousand gold I had hoped to keep in reserve was spend and I was once again as we shall say broke. Easy come easy go as Caspia was fond of saying which she would follow up with if you can’t take it easy then take it any way you can.
So I would return to the Safe Haven Inn by the afternoon with the plan to learn Shocking Grasp from the scrolls I had picked up along with a few books on elemental magic that Arrol had requested I pick up with funds he believed I still was in possession of. I will admit I was not in the best of moods as the Wand of Cure Light Wounds, Wand of Magic Missile and the magical Longsword had literally left me after all was said and done around one hundred and thirty gold pieces of which ten of which I knew would be going to Hollyella Taletreader as I knew there was no way that Caspia would risk being seen by any of the Associates. She honestly had shared with me to watch them all and to consider them all lower than the snakes in the grass and to survive at all costs and return to her. As it was my choice for my new spell would change to Life Bolt. For as Donavan had mentioned that we would be facing Undead and that he felt the spell might very well come in handy.
Also for the record Arrol once again after a day sabbatical away from magic failed to learn the spell he was attempting while it was simple for me to learn Life Bolt. To be honest I truly felt it might be easier to command the undead then try and kill them at first but then again the life bolt could be cast in to the midst of my allies if necessary and not harm them. I was also a good way to tell if someone you were talking to was undead.
I know what some might be thinking my last night before what had so far sounded like a death mission and I was spending some of my limited resources on a Moon Elf Bard. Well of course I was lets be serious just because the Associates were a bunch of stuck up pompous fools I was one laid back Sun Elf and worshiper of Erevan Ilesere who knew how to party.
Kythorn,11,----)6/11/---
The next morning came sooner than I had hoped for I had planned on getting more sleep for while it was by my record the seventh day but I could actually consider it shot for Donavan had interrupted me to seek out the fate of Falcon. I was slightly upset for while I knew due to Xavier’s insistence that it was time to get up I let him know that he had disturbed a very pleasant dream which had involved Falcon, Hollyella Taletreader and my Sister Caspia Thorn. Suffice to say since I was up I figured I might as well get the day started.
I was downstairs enjoying my bowl of fruit and oat’s which I was washing down with a cup of coffee when I was shocked see a broken looking Arrol and Donavan making their way down the stairs to the common room. Donavan had asked for a few table to be placed together and asked the others and I to join them. He told us simply at the makeshift breakfast table meeting that Arrol like he had turned a leaf and now sought redemption and asked that as we had hoped we were giving him to offer the same chance to Arrol. Seriously I had to admit whatever Kal’Rath had gotten the Associates into which eventually had eventually claiming a price from almost every member was quite impressive. Perhaps what was even more impressive was the varied assistance they were receiving against Shar and her servants.
Donavan obviously not wishing to discuss the matter in the common room had invited us upstairs if we wished to know more about the situation that had occurred. Once upstairs the others actually remained silent so it was up to me to inquire. I would find out that Lord Z was in reality a powerful twenty foot Shadow Demon Servant of Shar. Well at least I now knew where those voices were coming from but I am a pureblood Sun Elf descendent of the noble House of Durothil and the Sun Elves knew the price for seeking powers from the darkside. There was much wisdom to be gained from the Crown Wars of the Elves and the fall of the Drow and is truly quite sad that many Humans and other races lack knowledge of it. If they had it might have saved them. I am sure Kal’Rath would have learned from the histories of his people the Halruaan descendents of the Netherese but I doubt he was learned or old enough to have really appreciated much less have bestowed any wisdom he might have had on to his fellow Associates such a shame really.
The rest of the day would pass and since Donavan had handed a map he had acquired to Niam to study in preparation for our journey the next day I figured I might as well turn in early for once as I had a full day the next day and I wanted to be started on my way at dawn. I will admit for a moment I surprised that Donavan had been hesitant about me needed another day and for a moment I almost thought I saw that old dark gleam in his eye when he had in end relented and said one more day and then we are leaving with our without you. My way out had been provided but in truth I was a bit vengeful for Shar had claimed the lives of so many of the Associates and a part of me felt it was time to step up and help tip the scales for once. Perhaps it had been the look of disappointment in eyes of the High Priests daughter and the way I had felt the presence of Kas trying to escape but I of course had not listened.
I was downstairs enjoying my bowl of fruit and oat’s which I was washing down with a cup of coffee when I was shocked see a broken looking Arrol and Donavan making their way down the stairs to the common room. Donavan had asked for a few table to be placed together and asked the others and I to join them. He told us simply at the makeshift breakfast table meeting that Arrol like he had turned a leaf and now sought redemption and asked that as we had hoped we were giving him to offer the same chance to Arrol. Seriously I had to admit whatever Kal’Rath had gotten the Associates into which eventually had eventually claiming a price from almost every member was quite impressive. Perhaps what was even more impressive was the varied assistance they were receiving against Shar and her servants.
Donavan obviously not wishing to discuss the matter in the common room had invited us upstairs if we wished to know more about the situation that had occurred. Once upstairs the others actually remained silent so it was up to me to inquire. I would find out that Lord Z was in reality a powerful twenty foot Shadow Demon Servant of Shar. Well at least I now knew where those voices were coming from but I am a pureblood Sun Elf descendent of the noble House of Durothil and the Sun Elves knew the price for seeking powers from the darkside. There was much wisdom to be gained from the Crown Wars of the Elves and the fall of the Drow and is truly quite sad that many Humans and other races lack knowledge of it. If they had it might have saved them. I am sure Kal’Rath would have learned from the histories of his people the Halruaan descendents of the Netherese but I doubt he was learned or old enough to have really appreciated much less have bestowed any wisdom he might have had on to his fellow Associates such a shame really.
The rest of the day would pass and since Donavan had handed a map he had acquired to Niam to study in preparation for our journey the next day I figured I might as well turn in early for once as I had a full day the next day and I wanted to be started on my way at dawn. I will admit for a moment I surprised that Donavan had been hesitant about me needed another day and for a moment I almost thought I saw that old dark gleam in his eye when he had in end relented and said one more day and then we are leaving with our without you. My way out had been provided but in truth I was a bit vengeful for Shar had claimed the lives of so many of the Associates and a part of me felt it was time to step up and help tip the scales for once. Perhaps it had been the look of disappointment in eyes of the High Priests daughter and the way I had felt the presence of Kas trying to escape but I of course had not listened.
Kythorn,10,----)6/10/---
When I awoke of course I was alone but it was in such a relaxed state that truly felt like just laying there and dreaming for the rest of the day. But alas I had yet another session with Arrol to prepare for but what was odd was that Xavier was in the bed looking at me and seemed worried as he looked to the door. That’s right I had remembered that Arrol had a little altercation with the Enforcers of Tyr the night before. So I rose cleaned up with a simple cantrip dressed for the day and went to head downstairs but as I reached the door I saw a note underneath it.
The note was from Arrol and it informed me that Donavan and Falcon had decided to leave without us. The note had continued to inform me that he was held up within Donavan’s and Falcons former love nest. So with that being said I took a few moments to clear my head as thought about the death of the Sage which was when I realized that as Donavan was not longer the Destroyer and while Falcon might have remained the Fierce they may have also fallen victim to Lord Z and his minion Arrol the Swift.
I had put the thought out of my head as I had already realized that I had decided to take payment from Arrol and either way I was paid so I would keep my thoughts to myself for while I did feel that I still owed Donavan and Falcon if they had chosen to cross Lord Z then they were on their own. For their sake I could only hope that they had not tried to cross Lord Z for it they had they would have really been asking for it and only a fool could not have seen that. Then again Donovan was now the Reformed and only time would tell it he had paid the price the ultimate price for his redemption.
I was enjoying breakfast when I saw someone coming downstairs who resembled Arrol and I thought to myself while Arrol might very well be Swift it has also been shown that he was not the brightest. Almost as if on cue a man in walked in wearing a black cloak with the hood around his face and uttered a word that stunned from what I could tell everyone in the Inn. All I was able to make out was he and another woman who joined him taking Arrol away and departing as I came back to my senses.
Suffice to say it seemed that whatever had happened the night before Lord Z and Arrol had run into a little more than just the Tyr Enforcers. You could have heard a pin drop after that but I figured well at least I had been paid for my services in advance. So I had decided to stay in the common room and contemplate my coming actions. For the way I not saw it my associates had now been diminished to only Niam, Bolora, and Invelous. Looking back who could have also been a wild card who might very well have found a way to implicate Donavan, Falcon and even Arrol without their knowledge. Seriously after all if I had seen anything it was that Invelous and I were moral chameleons and survivors and what better way to rid oneself of the competition then to use them against each other. It would have been a vicious stroke of genius to be sure one I was not quite sure he was capable of but I was not willing to underestimate him so I would keep an eye on him as I did the others.
Ironically I was actually quite surprised to see a somewhat sober Donavan return to the Safe Haven Inn common room in the afternoon looking for the Associates. Ironically he confirmed he had not left town. It was also interesting that he was along and with his shadow Falcon and asked first I and then the others to accompany him to his room. I know what you might be thinking but alas not the group was not heading to his room to shall we say relieve a little stress. No Niam, Bolora, Invelous and I were called up to his room to discuss the very exciting evening the night before that I had missed in the skilled company of Moon Elf Bard Hollyella Taletreader whose very name brought pleasure to my mind and almost caused me to phase out of the coming conversation.
It would turn out that Donavan the Reformer had turned Arrol and Lord Z in to the Watch of Waterdeep. The consequences of his actions were I was soon to find out quite severe. Not only had he died and been brought back to life but there was further loss of life at the Mystra temple. That was not all the High Priestess Selune had been slain as well as everyone who had resided in the temple the night before. Obviously the mind reading Lord Z had paid a night time call upon Falcon and Donavan who had been spared by the arrival of the High Priestess of Selune herself who it seemed had already held Arrol downstairs but she was somehow outmatched by the power of Lord Z. No doubt I deduced by members of the Order of the Blue Moon a not exactly secret order dedicated to both Selene and Mystra if you go back two incarnations is suppose. I mean any intelligent person had to admit when you came right down to it Selene and Shar were jealous siblings bent on the destruction of the other. Getting in their way in my opinion would never be a bright idea.
Well no one ever said Donavan was very bright but to move on he had inquired if we had seen Falcon and was determined to find out his fate. So it came to pass that we became involved with the Harpers but not exactly on a first name basis I might add. We eventually made our way to crypt where one hundred bodies lay unclaimed the night before and Falcon was among them. A Priest stepped forward to bring him back to life and I recognized a spell to raise him from the dead but it seemed that Falcon had flown into battle for the last time as he did not answer the call to return to life. I will admit to a moment of sadness for while I did not trust Falcon I had loved him and so I had sang a silent song to one who has helped to save my life and had been slain due to his loyalty to Donavan the Reformer.
The rest of the day passes somewhat uneventfully and I concluded my night wondering what might happen next for as far as I knew the fate of Arrol was still to be determined. All I knew as I did not see him return before I turned in for the night, was that I was sure knowing the Associates as I was coming to know them it was bound to be interesting. Who knew I might just end up feeling inclined to right a report for the Pantheon after all.
The note was from Arrol and it informed me that Donavan and Falcon had decided to leave without us. The note had continued to inform me that he was held up within Donavan’s and Falcons former love nest. So with that being said I took a few moments to clear my head as thought about the death of the Sage which was when I realized that as Donavan was not longer the Destroyer and while Falcon might have remained the Fierce they may have also fallen victim to Lord Z and his minion Arrol the Swift.
I had put the thought out of my head as I had already realized that I had decided to take payment from Arrol and either way I was paid so I would keep my thoughts to myself for while I did feel that I still owed Donavan and Falcon if they had chosen to cross Lord Z then they were on their own. For their sake I could only hope that they had not tried to cross Lord Z for it they had they would have really been asking for it and only a fool could not have seen that. Then again Donovan was now the Reformed and only time would tell it he had paid the price the ultimate price for his redemption.
I was enjoying breakfast when I saw someone coming downstairs who resembled Arrol and I thought to myself while Arrol might very well be Swift it has also been shown that he was not the brightest. Almost as if on cue a man in walked in wearing a black cloak with the hood around his face and uttered a word that stunned from what I could tell everyone in the Inn. All I was able to make out was he and another woman who joined him taking Arrol away and departing as I came back to my senses.
Suffice to say it seemed that whatever had happened the night before Lord Z and Arrol had run into a little more than just the Tyr Enforcers. You could have heard a pin drop after that but I figured well at least I had been paid for my services in advance. So I had decided to stay in the common room and contemplate my coming actions. For the way I not saw it my associates had now been diminished to only Niam, Bolora, and Invelous. Looking back who could have also been a wild card who might very well have found a way to implicate Donavan, Falcon and even Arrol without their knowledge. Seriously after all if I had seen anything it was that Invelous and I were moral chameleons and survivors and what better way to rid oneself of the competition then to use them against each other. It would have been a vicious stroke of genius to be sure one I was not quite sure he was capable of but I was not willing to underestimate him so I would keep an eye on him as I did the others.
Ironically I was actually quite surprised to see a somewhat sober Donavan return to the Safe Haven Inn common room in the afternoon looking for the Associates. Ironically he confirmed he had not left town. It was also interesting that he was along and with his shadow Falcon and asked first I and then the others to accompany him to his room. I know what you might be thinking but alas not the group was not heading to his room to shall we say relieve a little stress. No Niam, Bolora, Invelous and I were called up to his room to discuss the very exciting evening the night before that I had missed in the skilled company of Moon Elf Bard Hollyella Taletreader whose very name brought pleasure to my mind and almost caused me to phase out of the coming conversation.
It would turn out that Donavan the Reformer had turned Arrol and Lord Z in to the Watch of Waterdeep. The consequences of his actions were I was soon to find out quite severe. Not only had he died and been brought back to life but there was further loss of life at the Mystra temple. That was not all the High Priestess Selune had been slain as well as everyone who had resided in the temple the night before. Obviously the mind reading Lord Z had paid a night time call upon Falcon and Donavan who had been spared by the arrival of the High Priestess of Selune herself who it seemed had already held Arrol downstairs but she was somehow outmatched by the power of Lord Z. No doubt I deduced by members of the Order of the Blue Moon a not exactly secret order dedicated to both Selene and Mystra if you go back two incarnations is suppose. I mean any intelligent person had to admit when you came right down to it Selene and Shar were jealous siblings bent on the destruction of the other. Getting in their way in my opinion would never be a bright idea.
Well no one ever said Donavan was very bright but to move on he had inquired if we had seen Falcon and was determined to find out his fate. So it came to pass that we became involved with the Harpers but not exactly on a first name basis I might add. We eventually made our way to crypt where one hundred bodies lay unclaimed the night before and Falcon was among them. A Priest stepped forward to bring him back to life and I recognized a spell to raise him from the dead but it seemed that Falcon had flown into battle for the last time as he did not answer the call to return to life. I will admit to a moment of sadness for while I did not trust Falcon I had loved him and so I had sang a silent song to one who has helped to save my life and had been slain due to his loyalty to Donavan the Reformer.
The rest of the day passes somewhat uneventfully and I concluded my night wondering what might happen next for as far as I knew the fate of Arrol was still to be determined. All I knew as I did not see him return before I turned in for the night, was that I was sure knowing the Associates as I was coming to know them it was bound to be interesting. Who knew I might just end up feeling inclined to right a report for the Pantheon after all.
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