Marion - Days 38 - 39

--- Day 38 ---

The day started out as uncertain as I'd expected, but at least now a path is clear for us to follow.

I had much concern over Hrogar and his actions, now that I had finally heard all sides of the tale. Although his actions weren't horrifying, I'm not certain they upheld the Paladin Code. They were not driven by malice or cowardice, but instead by a curiosity to observe and record. I'm sure if the gods stripped him of his powers, it would be due to inactivity instead of anything other.

This proved to be the case.

I'd already told Hrogar that I would go with his on his journey last night, and I reassured him of this fact this morning when I brought him some breakfast. Some of the paladins in our group, Alcander the most vocal of them, insist that this is only his task to do, and that no one else should interfere. I'm of the opinion that this may be a way for the gods to be testing us all, to see how we would help one of our own. It's my philosophy that we should help out how we can unless the gods tell us otherwise, instead of asking permission whenever we want to lend our assistance. The gods gave us thought and reasoning for this, we are their beacons and advocates, not their automatons.

I couldn't do much but sigh and cry at Arcadius' proclamation either, especially when he kept repeating that it wasn't my way and that I wouldn't understand. Questions went nowhere with him. What if I did want to understand?

I was making the last cinches in my pack when Hrogar comes to me with a vision. He says that it's becoming clearer, in focus... to somewhere we've already been before - the mines.

Oh, how I dread that place. It seemed that our group had been plagued ever since we first investigated that hillside. We've lost Paladins to other callings, we've had nightmares through our slumbers, paladins fighting out paladins... and perhaps it all leads back to this place. Hrogar went to tell the others, and they leaped at the chance to go back to the mines.

This has me a little bit suspicious, to be honest. Hrogar's first atonement would have probably taken us to another den of evil, perhaps even worse than this one, and they shunned the idea of accompanying him. Hrogar mentions the mines, however, and everyone is on board. I wonder if there's something else going on, or if their gods finally gave them insight. I'll still be on the lookout, however - I still can't forget the nightmares of the evenings.

--- Day 39 ---

It'll still take a while for the feeling of having a group leader to finally sink in.

I thought a bit about it while traveling to the mines yesterday and today, and I think Ryan's a fine choice to lead our group across the countryside. Originally when I came back with Hrogar to the group, Alcander was set to lead. I wasn't quite certain about this, and cast my vote for Ryan instead.

Admittedly, I believe Alcander is probably one of the strongest and toughest Paladins of his training level I've seen. With but a lion skin, a club and a bow to his name, his courage and skill on the battlefield are unparalleled. There's no one else that I'd want to protect me in the heat of battle, but I'm not so certain on the finer aspects of leadership, especially when he makes our presence known to all evil opposition in longbow range. I understand that there's a Paladin Code to uphold here, but they can't uphold it if they're dead.

Ryan's proved to be the most well-balanced of all the paladins here. He knows when to fight and when to parlay. He knows when we should use the diplomatic talents of Hrogar, the courageous acts of Alcander, the virtuous outlooks of Arcadius. Ryan looks at the world and seeks to understand how best we can fight the evil in the world, for how can we best fight that which we do not know the weaknesses of?

I cringe in fear as head back down into the mines. I know that I have the light of Kaladis upon me, and that he'll see me through, but it's hard to see his shining light from the dark depths of these caves.

We're not far into the caves when undead are upon us. I see most of my comrades awkwardly swinging at the foes, their swords ineffectively swinging through their targets. I muster up my courage through my Seal of Kaladis, trying to turn away as many of them as I can. In the next room, we've more undead to come and thwart us, but only after a bone-chilling voice comes from the walls themselves - it challenges us to try and cleanse it from the mines.

We're almost to the end of our rope - my memorized spells start to dwindle as I feel fatigued from turning - when a bright flash of light assaults my vision. I cringe and turn away from it, and I hear a cry echo through the cavern. The light dims down, and when I regain my vision, Arcadius is shimmering with a light afterglow over where one of the undead forms used to be.

We've still one left, though, and the paladins can't quite fight it off. My summoned creature has come and gone, the paladins have used all their healing powers to attack the undead. The will of this creature to survive is strong, I can feel its oppressive weight upon me as I raise my seal to it once more. I breathe in the light of Kaladis, and direct my seal to it again.

"In the name of Kaladis, the god of Vows and the sanctity of Marriage, I command you to leave this place!"

My will and the will of Kaladis pour through the seal, and I can imagine a beam of light striking out towards the massive undead. The willpower is formidable, but with one last push with th remainder of my faith, my god and I push through his defenses and strike his wicked core. He shrieks in terror and attempts to flee from the group, only to meet the unrelenting blows from Alcander and Arcadius.

My will spent, I sit down on the cold stone ground and close my eyes.

Ryan: Day 32-39

Day 36:
Well a lot has happened since I last had time to write in my journal, ah look that was day 32. Let’s see here we tried to burn down the tree and a ranger came out of no ware and started attacking us. At first we where thinking of negotiating with her, but it was soon discovered, by Alcander she was evil. At that point we had no other choice but to take maters in our own hand.

What followed was a bit of a blur. We first charged after the ranger. I must say I have a increase respect for using your terrain to you advantage. It took what seem to be hours to the base of the tree, which the ranger was up in. Everyone took a lot of damage as we approached and a few of us did not quite make it to the tree standing. Thankfully our cleric was able to keep get us back on our feet. With the advantage of the terrain no longer in favor of the ranger she decided her best bet was to flee. We tried to chase after here but unfortunately she got a way. I have a feeling this well not be the last we see of her.

Well after trying to chase her down we made our way back to the fire. The tree at that point had almost escaped, fortunately we where able to get the wall back into shape. My greats concern at that point was how where we going to be able to keep it contained. Already we tired and running on adrenalin. I think if were to have kept trying to keep the wall going we would have lost due to fatigue. This was when I came up with the idea of getting help from half way town. Some of our group went to the town, I not sure who I was to busy keeping the fire going.

With the extra hands we where finally able to make some progress. This is when people started discussing if we should continue on our plan of destroying the tree. Arguments broke out, which was to be understandable. We were all stressed and tired at this point. After listening to the debate for a while I remembered the ranger saying she could talk and control the tree. I thought why not use this to our advantage and get a ranger that we could trust to take the tree to a place where it could live and not harm people. The name Denvechen came to mind, he seem to be a good ranger that we met back in Ismer. This idea at first was just another log on the fire of the debate. It was not until the tree threw one of the logs like it was a twig that getting the ranger seemed like a very good idea.

So then Alcander and I were off to find Denvechen. We found him and convinced him to help us, I do not even remember what Alcander said to convince him I was so tired at that point. I would not be surprised if I was not talking straight. I do remember on the way back the ranger telling us some information on the ranger that we had meet. I will have to talk to him again to better recall what he told us. But any way what I remember is arriving and the ranger talking to the tree and the tree taking off. I also vaguely remember something about Hrogar being up in a tree. I am sure that will be one of the prime conversation pieces this morning.

Well I have already slept most of today time to go talk to my comrades.

Day 37:
Well talked to the Ranger today. Found out the name of the ranger trying to control the tree is Meric. He feels we will see her again. He told us a bit of were she tends to live and that our best bet of facing her is to make the raconteur on our terms. If she is able to setup the fight it will be a very diffluent one, which we have experienced.

I was disturbed to find out that I was not imagining the other day that I heard that Hrogar at one point was up in a tree. This is causing a lot of turmoil in our group, which is understandable. I am not sure I would fully trust him to watch my back. However, as much as I am concern now I am willing to allow him to prove himself again. Tomorrow should be an interesting day. It is time to sit down and figure out what needs to be done.

Day 38:
Well after a lot of heated debates we decided to help Hrogar. His path to proving himself has him going back to the mines. At first I was concern that he did not know what he needed to do. I was going to suggest that we keep writing to him and help him when he discovered what he needed to do. I am happy to see that his path lies on one that I knew we needed to deal with. If his path did not lead this way I think the group might have split. This would have been a shame.

O there another interesting thing came out of our meeting. The group has appointed me the leader in times of battles. One thing we learned, from our encounter with the ranger Meric, is during the heat of battle debating amongst each other only leads to indecision and injuries. Perhaps if we did not sit there and debate we could caught Meric and not have to worry about her attacking us down the road. Also it might have saved us from almost dividing the group. Thankfully it seems like we should be able to get past this.

Well getting back to being a leader of the group. I am very honored that my comrades feel that I am worthy of leading them. Having put their trust in me, with know really so little of me. This is a big responsibility for me and I will have to work hard to prove my worth. Well off to bed, we head out to the mine tomorrow.

Day 39:
Well we are just outside the mine. The bodies that we forgot to burn are missing. We need to remember to follow throw on things we had planned. I am sitting here on watch with Hrogar. He seems a bit distant. Hmm o crap …….

Well sorry about that a bunch of rats just came out of the mine. Well now that everyone is up it is time to go into the mine. I think over the next few days after taking care of the mine issue I need to talk and learn as much as I can about my comrades. For if I do not know them how can I think of leading them.

Journal of Arcadius - Day 40

(hastily scrawled note)

Much dispute, things to be discussed, we agreed to go with Hrogar on his penance. Ryan now our leader, which is good. To the mine we went. The minions of death were there. Lord Pelor granted his strength and guidance. I was at once both there in the mine and yet far away, standing before the brilliance of the sun. It seems I rose in the air. It was like a dream, yet more awake than I have ever been. Pelor's light shown through me. Death and darkness swept away. I dropped and slept, yet in light not darkness. All is clear now, and calm. There is much to say but now is not the time. Pride and wrath no more. I am calm. Pelor guides me.

*A*

Alcander: Day 39

Tonight, we camp outside the mine. Tomorrow we go in and face whatever evil lies beneath the chains.

I fear it, still. That thing that drives men mad... it is a fate far worse than death, I think, to lose one's mind. It is not a warrior's death.

Still, I am glad of it. If there is one thing to be learned from the tales of Heracles, it is that we are at our greatest when we have a task to set forth to, something to strive for. When the path is clear, so are men's minds, and this path is a clear one.

Yesterday, the path was not. Our party was on the verge of split. Hrogar's treachery led his gods to demand penance from him, as is right and proper. He thought it would lead him to Point of Origin. A fine quest for him, I am certain, and I felt he should go. It is only by seeking one's forgiveness from the gods that one can find the light of their sight again.

But for some bizarre reason, there were those among us that felt they must go with him, and profrane his quest by their presence. It is a strange thing, to me, to try to rob a man of his penance, but they insisted. Our cleric would have gone with them.

The gods light shined upon us, and the way was made clear. Hrogar's god asked him to descend into the mines and face the evil there. While a simple journey is one man's quest alone, this quest is surely great enough that the glory might be shared, and his absolution might still be found. It may kill him, but at least he shall die safe in the arms of his gods, and not dead in their sight.

As for the rest of us, we shall see what evil lies in this place, and we shall test our valor.

It will be a mighty battle.

Excerpts From The Journal Of Hrogar

The Morning After The Dream (But Before the Vision):

Hmm.

Journal of Arcadius - Day 35

At last I have time to write again, and I am dismayed at what I must record.

***

It is a tale of confusion and good intentions gone awry, and of worse, as we shall see. We explored the ruined town near Izmir, fearing it to be connected with the evil, unnatural trees and other recent dark happenings. The town indeed had a large tree of some sort at its very center, surrounded by a vast network of thorny vines.

The vines were quickly revealed to be evil, mobile and blood-drinking. After some discussion, we decided to set fire to them in a dual attempt to uncover what secrets might be found in the town itself, while ridding the world of their vileness. However, they proved to burn very slowly. We camped in the mountains, leaving the fire to burn overnight.

However, our time there was not a peaceful one. Among our adventures were an encounter with a young, and, praise the gods, reasonable Silver Dragon, and an attack by thorn-covered plant servitors of, we surmised, the tree. The Dragon revealed to us that the tree was carnivorous and mobile like the vines, but was more like a beast, driven by hunger rather than the will to evil, and strangely that it was not the master of the vines but rather their prisoner. Truly, we are tested in many ways.

When we returned to the town, however, we discovered to our dismay that the tree was gone - yes gone, and our fire had somehow burned in a path straight to where it had been. There was much discussion of this, and worthy consideration of our own possible guilt in bringing it about. We had no doubt put things in motion, but someone or something had bent that motion in their own direction. As it is said in my country, a plan left half finished ceases to be one's own.

We went into action with admirable alacrity, fanning out to warn the local towns while hoping to find where the tree had gone. The tree made itself known soon enough, attacking the waypoint village with its thorn servitors. The townspeople had, with an industriousness and purpose reminiscent of the folk of the Five Rivers, built a palisade and mounted a defense. Our arrival, as trained, heavily armed warriors, improved the situation immensely. Still, some had died, and we must reflect upon whether this blood is partially on our hands. For, as we shall see, while not directly our doing, we unlocked a door that was opened by another.

It is my belief that we should atone for this.

On the following day we went hunting for the tree, based on guidance from the villagers, and found it without great difficulty. Our initial plan was a wise one; to build a ring of fire around the tree and then gradually close it inward. The tree, being mobile but still a thing of wood, was greatly vulnerable to fire. We spent a day collecting firewood, including large logs, and built a suitable ring. Certain of our companions strayed too close to the tree and became entangled in its tentacle-like roots, but we were able to extricate them.

Then our troubles truly began.

***

We lit the fires, and as night fell, the tree began to stir. It unleashed its servitor creatures in an attempt to clear a path through the burning ring. We in turn countered, pushing logs back into place. They, being plants like their master, suffered greatly from the flames. Still, they strove with all their ability, and kept us in stalemate. For some time it went on like this, until Shaft was struck by an arrow!

And not just struck, but shot in the back, from a high and hidden place, in the most cowardly and unworthy way. At first I fancied it was a reappearance of the mysterious and seemingly magical arrow traps we encountered in the ruined mine, but then the fog was lifted from my mind and I realized we had a foe lodged in the trees nearby.

Soon thereafter, she announced herself, a ranger and self-styled protector of the wilds (Certain views here in the North continue to amaze me. Who of good conscience "protects" the savagery of the wilderness, which is ever a threat in fang and claw, to the detriment of good and humble folk who wish merely to till the soil, or bring forth its buried riches, and to live? - but I digress). She demanded we leave this place. Being of good and stout heart (except for one, as we shall see) we refused, for innocents would suffer if we abandoned our task.

Hrogar and I then questioned her as to who she was and why she was here. She told us she had released the tree - using, as we surmised, our fire as the opportunity - because it was a thing of nature. It apparently would listen to her requests, and we asked if she could prevent it from eating those with minds and souls. She mockingly asked why she should care. Still, I foolishly continued in the hope that she might be reasoned with, as did Hrogar. Useless attempts at negotiation went on for some time.

It was then that Alcander appeared, returning from his mission of warning. Praise be to the gods, he arrived near her position, and was able to locate where she was. He also used our gift of sight to reveal that she was truly evil, and not merely callous. Still, I vainly thought we might convince her to leave, with the tree. The ranger refused to guarantee any sort of protection for the innocent, and at most she had said she would guide the tree to some other region, where it might prey on the folk living there. That we do not know those people does not obviate our guilt at their deaths under such an arrangement. Thus, there was no reason to bargain with her other than protect our own lives - a most unworthy goal indeed for Paladins! A darkness seemed to creep into my mind and across my eyes.

Then, praise be to Lord Pelor, whose light clears all, I saw that my subtlety and calculations were but the path the wickedness, for we could not in good conscience let this thing go while under this ranger's power. I fell to my knees in prayer, seeking Pelor's guidance. As I did this, some of our party were already, piecemeal, charging forward toward where we now knew her to be, ready to lay down their lives to protect the lives in the towns below. I rose and followed.

One in our party, however, had other plans.

***

Hrogar, even as battle was being joined, continued to try to negotiate - and without any bond given from her, gave the ranger his word that he would not harm her or her allies. What madness! Of that much I was aware as I charged forth, other things I would discover later.

The battle was fierce, for our foe, may the gods curse her wickedness and cowardice, was in a lofty perch in a tree, and from there rained arrows down upon us. As the winged serpents of A'zimish they were, striking with great effect while for some time we could do little. Alcander with great and worthy bravery, climbed the tree under a storm of arrows. He lunged forward intending to bring her back to earth along with himself. Alas, she dodged and he fell gravely hurt, with her still on high. Others of our party shot arrows at her, but we clearly lacked her deadly skill with the bow. I arrived, threw a spear to no effect, and then climbed the tree. When I reached the top, she, again showing herself to be a coward as well as a villain, lept off and fled through the forest. We gave chase, but eventually lost her in the darkness and underbrush.

We regrouped ourselves, nearly all gravely wounded, to find that Hrogar had neither joined the battle nor done much to tend the fires. In fact, the plant servitors were beginning to break free, but Fflam, who had been the first back, was slowing their advance. Working together we were able to restore a kind of stalemate.

What Hrogar HAD been doing, he did not say, and we had no time to spare for questions or argument.

Alcander proved the greatness of his spirit once more by racing back to the waypoint town. His purpose was to tell the folk there our situation and beg for their aid in burning the tree. In the meantime, we had a very uneasy night.

***

The next day a very tired, but unbowed, Alcander arrived with the townsfolk. We had a great deal of work, but thankfully a larger number of people.

Lack of organization had been our near-undoing in the preceding events, and I resolved to provide some. It was strange, once I began giving orders, how naturally it came. Though it has been years since I was in my homeland, the training of my youth as a Guardian came to the fore. I long ago gave up trying to explain the differences between our class of Guardians, may they be ever be rightly guided, and the capricious "nobles" of these lands, with their private armies and their vainglorious squabbles over power. Still, it is best to be mindful of such things, for in wielding power pride would be my undoing. May the hard-won wisdom of those who went before serve as lessons. May the guiding light of Lord Pelor, who leads without vanity or craving for glory, show me the path so that I be not tempted to light the way with the fiercer flames of my own spirit.

I now see Lord Pelor in my mind's sight even while about and working. It drives back the darkness that also grows, and this is good. Something is happening.

During the hard work of keeping the fires going, and contracting the circle, I had a strange and worrisome exchange with Marion, the cleric of Kaladis. She came to me arguing, it seemed, that we should abandon our efforts to destroy the tree, because it was not evil, and instead pursue the ranger. At some point later Fflam the dwarf had similar things to say. The discussion quickly went ill.

I see two sides to this.

On the one, I did not and do not see any wisdom in their suggestions. The whereabouts of the ranger are completely unknown, and we lack the skill, I deem, to find her. As for the tree, though it is not evil, it was still a grave threat, and had to be dealt with then and there. For truly, though the soldiers who invade one's land may not be evil, do they not seek to kill, steal, and destroy? The beast of prey is not evil either, yet allow it to live and it will devour one's livestock and perhaps one's family. Though a destroyer be not evil, those it seeks to destroy still deserve protection - and if not that, for what do we Paladins even exist?

On the other hand, perhaps my replies were harsh and tinged with pride or arrogance. The dwarf seemed unmoved, as one would imagine from his stern folk, though I found it strange that he would even broach the question. Marion, however, reacted in a way that I do not understand. She can be quite fierce when she is of an opinion, yet she seems a gentle soul underneath, and does not sustain that ferocity. I may have hurt her feelings, and it may be best if I speak to her. Alas for the wisdom of reflection, ever after and never before! I am reminded of the Parable of the Moonlit Well of Ramekht.

In the end, the debate was for naught, for once the flames got too close, the tree, with titanic strength, effortlessly picked up an entire flaming trunk and threw it many, many feet out into the forest. We put out the resulting uncontrolled fire and realized we needed a new plan.

Fortunately, a way was found. There is another ranger, who is sometimes in Izmir, and is of a better reputation. We dispatched a party to ask for his help, and some days later they returned. THIS ranger was by all accounts someone to be trusted, and he agreed to to take the tree deep into the wilderness to a place he knew of where there was much game and no people.

Let the wilderness deal with its own, and stay far away from the humble and innocent!

And so it was done.

***

Now I must come to that which I truly regret to write.

The reason for Hrogar's silence was revealed. When we finally had time to spare for
discussion, Fflam asked him, simply and without accusation, why he had been climbing down out of a tree while the rest of us were returning from the fight.

We stopped, stunned. Hrogar promptly launched into a long and venomous speech accusing the rest of us of all manner of transgressions while attempting to justify his own actions. The speech had a whiff of practice about it, like something prepared, in secret, during the preceding days.

In the short but furious discussion that followed it became clear that Hrogar had:

*Given his word foolishly to an evil being without any concern for the consequences to others, including his own comrades even then under attack.

*Failed to do anything at all to help us, even that which would have been outside of his oath (which granted, once given was his bond).

*When the situation started to look bad, climbed into A TREE to save his own unworthy skin, leaving us and the innocents in the towns nearby to their fates.

*Lied, through omission, about the matter, keeping silent until Fflam, thanks be, forced him to speak.

*When his attempt at deceit was revealed, behaved in a most malicious manner, unbecoming of a Paladin, or a friend.

It was immediately apparent to me what must be done. Then and there I rejected him as a comrade, for he has proven that he is unworthy of trust or honor. Alcander reacted quite strongly to his self-justifying insults, and I feared the two might come to blows. Some of the others remained silent, while one or two were perhaps forgiving. I regret, however, that I do not agree with them. It would be best if Hrogar left our group, and Paladinhood, and followed some path where the cost of his ill choices were not lives.

***

For my part regarding the matter, let this be recorded, using the old formal style of my country:

Hrogar of Point of Origin, claimed a Paladin -

Once an ally, you have betrayed.
Through your deeds you have proven unworthy of trust.

Once a friend, you have insulted.
Through your malice, you have proven unworthy of trust.

Once a comrade, you have lied.
Through your deceit, you have proven unworthy of trust.

Henceforth, you are no more to me than a stranger in the street.
As duty requires, you shall have of me what they shall of me, but nothing more.

As I have spoken, so I have written, and so it is sealed.

-Ar-Khadesh of the rightly-guided lineage of Dehret, called Arcadius in these lands, Paladin of Pelor.

***

Finally, it must be said that our lack of organization and leadership is causing us
difficulties. I would step forth, but two things concern me:

*Leadership or command as I learned it is very different from what is expected here. In my homeland those who hold command expect to be obeyed without hesitation, and if there are questions as to their fitness to lead, or the concordance of their decisions with the law, they are handled afterward, when there are no risks to inaction. These people of the North often expect to be led via persuasion or flattery, which while having another kind of merit, does not come naturally to me.

My years of apprenticeship as a Paladin were years of obedience, not leadership, and recent experiences have shown that the habits of my early upbringing could easily come to the fore. This I think would create strife with the others.

*I fear for my own inclinations toward pride, which could take me down paths at variance with my duties as a Paladin, and particularly one of Lord Pelor, praise be to him, who eschews even vainglory allowed by some of the other deities. Such pride could easily be nurtured by the role of leader. Let me not be wrongly guided!

Of the others, I think Alcander would happily take leadership. Though he is truly courageous and honorable, I distrust his impulsive and wrathful disposition. I seem to recall that his lord Herakles had those very weaknesses as a mortal. He is also, as I have mentioned in the past, woefully impractical. Hrogar, may he leave with good grace, was in certain ways inclining toward becoming our leader, but he has proven unworthy. As for the others, I have not seen such inclination, though perhaps Ryan's calm demeanor and steadfast courage would translate into the qualities of a good leader.

Alas, I must rest.
Pelor, honor to you, give me guidance.

*A*

Vision in the Night

Your group stands on a mountain together, facing out toward the sea. It is the middle of the day, and sprawling out below you are İzmir and--in the distance--Point of Origin and then the ocean. Birds are singing around you, and there's not a black or carnivorous tree to be seen.

Visions flash before you. A group of Duergar toasting their success in taking over an abandoned mine from a group of kobolds. A giant tree, sitting in the center of a dying town, shrouded in mists. A young silver dragon, its scales gleaming in the sun. A painting of a wolf, running through a field hanging on the wall of a castle. A female ranger, emulating the predatory aspects of nature, stalking her human prey in a most dangerous game. An orc shaman, casting bone lots to read the future. Paladins you don't know sitting around playing dice in a tavern one evening, talking about what other good deeds they may perform after having saved the tanner's daughter.

The visions fade.

Darkness sweeps across the landscape, cloaking the once bright world. No natural darkness, the noonday sun is swept away as the darkness speeds along the ground until all that is left is the faint outline of a ring of fire in the sky. The stars are visible overhead, but their visibility is muted, less than they would be in a natural night.

The smell of salt water washes over everything, and a deep sound can be heard echoing off of the mountains. Similar to a whale but deeper, darker, more sinister. The sound causes the very mountains to shake, stirring the things that live there.

Dark things. Ugly things. Unwholesome things.

Trees--once healthy--twist and turn black and decrepit overnight, their leaves blowing away with even a slight breeze. Shadows and undead come up from the depths of the earth.

The visions return. Flashes of clarity in a sea of confusion.

The last remaining inhabitants of a town being caught as the ground beneath them wells up with thorny, bloodsucking vines--hapless bystanders or, perhaps, sacrifices to keep a tree from interfering with a plan. Their screams can be heard for miles, but there is no one around.

A pack of wolves fleeing.... something. Sounds not unlike those made by a dolphin can be heard in the distance.

A painting of a creature too horrific to exist, with tentacles, a beak, and an exposed brain.

An adult dragon, once silver, now grey in color... the last of its life fading out of its eyes.

A duergar's face as he stabs his compatriot in the stomach, all trace of humanity, of sanity, drained from his eyes. The smell of fear and piss thick in the air. A dark shadow flickers in the background.

The paladins standing up in the middle of the night, a blank look in their face, their souls sucked away. Leaving without bothering to get dressed, without alerting anyone--apparently transparent to the surrounding townspeople.

The shaman, lying by the side of the road, all signs of life faded from his eyes. People shuffling by, without a single spark of humanity in them, not even noticing.

The ranger, running for her life as if all of the demons in the multiverse were chasing her. Her face streaked with blood.



The visions fade again. You wake up around noon, drenched in cold sweat.

Marion - Days 33-37

--- Day 33 ---

I was concerned about the paladins when I didn't see them arrive back at Waypoint, so I decided to meet them in case they had gotten into trouble and needed assistance. One of the guard volunteered to go with me, but I assured him that I would be safe, and that he was needed more at his post.

The journey took most of the day, and the weather was pleasant and mild, which was anything compared to the temperament of the party once I had arrived.

I could hear the voices of Hrogar, Alcander and Arcadius long before I could see them, their fevered shouts and accusations booming across the hills. One would ridicule and belittle the other before returning the favor, sounding more as rabid animals than law-abiding men. The flames and smoke from a ring of fire encircling the tree cast the three into shadow, their outlines of fire casting them more as demons than angels.

I saw that many of my friends were hurt, so I started looking at and tending to their wounds. They kept discussing what had happened, and what they should do to get rid of the massive tree that was now in front of them. According to the paladins, the female ranger that they encountered was clearly evil, while the tree didn't show signs of evil at all. I started asking if we should go after the true evil instead of the tree, and I was quickly berated and cast down by Arcadius. I started defending myself until I heard my voice crack, and with trembling lips, cast my eyes downward and continued my healing.

I silently tended to the wounds of my comrades, trying to tune out the hatred and fervor that swirled in the air and plagued my mind. I was almost done when I heard Arcadius state to Hrogar that, basically, he was dead to him.

This tore me so much inside... I couldn't believe that I was hearing this from Paladins. The same person that I thought would protect me, and whom I gave an enchanted sword to, was now degrading and tearing down a fellow Paladin for whichever reason. I'm still not sure what Hrogar did to earn such ire, but from how Arcadius was talking, perhaps he killed another lawful good person in the day that I was away. I dare not ask what Hrogar did, I'm sure the others will tell me in time.

---

It was a bright spring morning in the gardens of Point of Origin. My hand lay comfortably in Xavier's as we strolled along the blooming flowers. Paladins and clerics tended to these gardens on a daily basis, and the ever-present aura of righteousness and good permeated the area. It was truly a blessed space, and one that I loved sharing with my beloved. With myself i a lovely spring gown and Xavier in his white common clothes, we looked as angels in the clouds.

A child was running towards us, tattered clothes on his back and a loaf of bread in his hands. Behind him must have been a cadre of Paladins, shouting orders and warning the child to surrender and stop. The child staggered on a loose rock and fell at our feet, his blue eyes wide in worry. The paladins stopped at his trembling form, telling him to get up and face his punishment.

Without his sword or armor, Xavier stepped over the boy, placing himself between the Paladins and the boy. He demanded to know why this poor boy was being chased through the garden. The 'crime' turned out to be one of stealing from a local merchant, one that the boy had done repeated times. It had been routine for them to toss him into a jail for a couple days, thinking that he'd learn that such actions were unacceptable. This never stopped the boy, and he would be back within the jail in hours. As time progressed, the paladins expressed, the boy had learned sneakier ways of stealing from the honest merchants, as well as even starting rudimentary lockpicking.

Xavier stood his ground, however, and said that they would not take the child away today. He gave the paladins a gold, and told them to return to the mechant with coin in hand. The paladins stared him down, as if he had allowed a great evil to be left off the leash, then uttered a word I dare not write down here as they turned away.

Xavier and I brought the child to the clerics, explaining the situation that we had witnessed. Once the boy had been fed and reassured of his safety, he wept as he told of his fate. He had contracted the plague, and his parents tended to him night and day, only to contract the disease themselves. The child, now well and able, tried to take care of his parents, but they both succumbed to the infection. The family trade stopped, the child only a few years into his apprenticeship - he knew only the basic skills of harness making, not enough to sustain his craft. It was only after selling and trading all the family's possessions that he turned to stealing to stay alive.

After much searching, Xavier and I found another home for the boy with another harness maker. The family was pleasant and ecstatic as could be to have another son, as well as a budding apprentice. We check back regularly, and when we do, we see a lovely family and a warm home.

---

I worry very much for the paladins, for I see all of them slipping and stumbling on their way. They're starting to behave in ways that we've been taught not to act. When we see someone in trouble, we're to assist them. If we see a great evil that is destroying life, we deal with it. The paladins should know this more than I, as they have a much stricter set of vows than I do.

They're treating Hrogar like he's an evil to be vanquished. Instead of realizing that he had done something arguably wrong and then helping him, they're belittling him and then stating that they'll no longer help him. How is this good? How is this virtuous? How can browbeating a fellow paladin help him return to his vows, or eliminate the 'supposed evil' that he succumbed to in the first place? When a diseased person is brought in for care, we take care of them and cure the disease, we don't berate him and tell him that he was wrong in contracting the disease in the first place!

If we ridiculed everyone that steps slightly from the path of righteousness, vowing that they are dead to us and denying assistance, it will only be for a few miles until no one walks the path anymore.

It's our duty and our vow to help out those who have dedicated themselves to the light and righteousness.
We pull out daggers that have cut us, not push it in farther.
We create stretchers for those who have fallen, we do not step over them.

This is the way of the paladin, and it strikes me with such great fear that I must remind the paladins of this way, when they should be paragons of these virtues. I've been praying to Kaladis for insight into helping the paladins understand the law-abiding and contractual obligations that they have made with their gods.

--- Day 37 ---

I haven't written for days, I've been too exhausted. We've finally returned to Ismir, and I'll write some here before retiring for the evening.

We've finally allowed the tree to go somewhere that it should hopefully cause no harm. With the helpful suggestion from Ryan, we went to visit the ranger that we met while in Ismir. He told Ryan, Alcander and I about the evil ranger that the paladins met, as well as her motives in the woods. We discussed the predicament about the moving, carnivorous tree, and he had agreed to come with us to see what he could do.

Upon chatting with the tree, the ranger assured us that he had told the tree of a place where it could go far from here, where it could live without harming human settlements. I'm relieved that we could find a resolution here, since I'm not certain that the paladins would have survived if they confronted the tree head-on.

I get the impression from the other paladins that the way we resolved the tree issue was not as honorable as they would have liked, but I honestly couldn't have seen it going any other way. When they talk of destroying the tree, I remember them saying that it had never been evil. I believe it was used as a tool for the evil ranger's purposes, nothing more. We don't crusade against wolves, which are also carnivorous beings that have been known to occasionally attack humans. We instead defend against them as need be - we realize their neutral standing in the world. To condemn a carnivorous tree or wolf as "evil" seems hypocritical in the face of a nice lamb stew simmering in the cauldron.

I also wonder how much the Paladins will forsake in order to vanquish what they believe is 'evil'. They almost gave up their lives to a non-evil tree in their hubris, which deeply disturbs me. We must be careful of our lives and our bodies, because they're not just tools of the gods, but *gifts* from the gods. To throw away such a gift so carelessly would be to insult them greatly - for if we toss ourselves into the bonfire of evil heedless, how can we help vanquish the greater evils of tomorrow?

I pray to Kaladis for wisdom and insight.

Alcander Journal Day 36

By the gods, I am tired.

The tree is gone. Moved away to calmer pastures where it can devour unsuspecting deer and what have you like a proper predator, and not prey upon humans. We fought a long, hard battle with it, and I hope that it has learned some degree of respect for humans.

It appears to have been let loose by a female ranger, a vile creature who will strike my comrades from behind without qualm, hide up a tree rather than face us in honest combat, and flee rather than face a noble defeat. It will be no surprise if she tries to kill us again, having been defeated this time.

We fought well, though our chances were slim and the wise told us we should leave this evil alone. For three days I have not slept, and I have nothing to say of my comrades but that they held the line as well as they could, given the nature of the battle.

To fight a battle at night against superior enemies who have flanked you is a dangerous thing. It is a miracle that we made it out alive.

I can't help but think that we might have done better, though, if we had but had a leader among us. Of course, it seems natural that this should be myself, as in every instance my fellows have discovered (often later, rather than sooner) that my path is the wise one, the most just. But if they would follow any among us, it would likely be better than our current path, where many of us shuffle about in uncertainty while others nearly die.

I am not certain that I myself could swear obedience to such a leader, though it might be necessary. I have written to my superiors to ask their advice. But if it is allowable, I think I must follow any that we choose. To die in battle is a glorious thing, but to die a disorderly, shuffling mess simply because no one is man enough to make a decision is a fate too awful to consider.

After the trials of the last several days, I believe I might be willing to follow almost any paladin of our party. Any except Hrogar.

Alone among my comrades, he showed himself to possess not only indecision, but cowardice. While we battled, he shouted over us to make a pact with an enemy that had assaulted his brethren, and from behind, no less. He spent a battle hiding in a tree rather than face the enemy with his comrades, and then had the gall to declare that it was for the greater good.

But cowardice alone would be merely despicable, and he is beyond that.

He claimed that the will of the gods is merely "luck," and that their will is unimportant. What, then, is the point of being a paladin at all, if not to enforce the gods' will? What purpose is there, even, of living if all of existence is merely randomness, and the gods can be mocked openly?

I believe that we must choose a leader, but it must not be Hrogar. And if he will not be a man and follow whoever we choose into battle, I will not weep to see him left behind.

Marion - Day 32

I pray to the gods when I see the paladins disappear over the hill, but there is no time to worry on such matters, for there is much pain and suffering among the town guard that I must help alleviate. 

I've never done triage of this size before. Before this day, we'd have the occasional sickness spread through the town, and there's only so much one can do to heal such diseases. In those times, I'd only need to prevent or cure a disease and then heal any damage that was done, and I'd do this with other clerics at the temple. I would then go to the major sources of water in the city-state, purifying the water that was routinely drawn. I was rarely fatigued, since there were plenty of clerics around to help, not to mention paladins. 

My first patient came early in the morning, brought into the temporary infirmary via a makeshift stretcher. The man was babbling incoherently as he clutched his stomach tightly. He grimaced in pain as his two fellow soldiers set him down, then rushed out to their posts. I reached for a bucket of heated water that I had purified, rinsed some pieces of cloth, then started cleaning around his wound. I calmed him down enough to finally see the wound, peeling his arms away. 

The cut went far into his belly, almost piercing the skin of his back. His intestines were hanging out of his torn flesh, oozing blood and partially digested meal onto his uniform and the cot. Dirt littered the cuts, turning into a reddish mud. I clutched my own stomach, nauseated from the sight and the stench, and ran out of the tent. 

I felt so embarrassed as I knelt over, throwing up my breakfast on the side of the road. A guard rushed over, overly concerned, and helped me up while asking questions. I felt myself blush as I told him of the scene in the tent, but he was reassuring - he'd told me that the same happened to him many years ago on his first watch. I asked him what had happened, but was stopped by the pained look in his face. I didn't pry any farther as I came to my senses again, knowing that the man on the cot desperately needed my help, lest we lose him to the afterlife. 

With my stomach empty, it was considerably easier to see the sight again. I started cleaning out all the mud and fecal matter from his body, cleansing the area of all disease and poisons. I then carefully arranged his organs and skin back to their proper places before clearing my mind and focusing on my healing spells. Pouring my energy into my right hand, I concentrated on the healing power flowing out of my hand and into his body. My eyes were closed so tightly that they hurt, my brow furrowed with wishes and desires of rejuvenating life. 

A loud gasp emerged, and I jumped back, startled with the sudden noise. The man on the cot was alive and breathing, his eyes wide open in shock. He looked to me, and started whispering. 

"I'm... I'm alive," he gasped. 

I held his hand in mine - his life force had returned, his hand warm and full of energy. 

"Yes, you are. Do you know where you are?"

He nodded. "I'm in Waypoint, I'm a member of the city guard."

"Yes, that's correct. Did you need anything to eat or drink? I can get one of the guard..."

He squeezes my hand tighter. 

"No, I'm fine. I just want to lay here for a while, will you stay with me?"

I nod, pulling up a stool and sitting by his side. 

"The guards thought that they had lost you," I tell the man. 

"I thought I was lost myself. I only saw a blur before the being attacked me. I swung at the blur, but it was too fast for me, and it tore open my belly," he whispers as he looks down where the grievous wound used to be. All that remained now were the last remnants of mud and the bright pinkish/white of new flesh. 

"Don't worry, you're here now. What you desperately need now is rest. Even though you're mended, the skin and muscles are new and will need time to regain their strength."

I continue to hold his hand as he falls asleep, retiring to his dreams. 

---

The man doesn't rise from his slumber until hours later. In between healing minor wounds from other members of the guard, I rest a cool cloth on his head and listen for his heartbeat and breathing. Upon awaking, he immediately reaches for a mug of water that I set by his cot. 

"How are you doing," I ask as I check his wound and head cloth. 

"Really thirsty, but I'll be fine," he says as he finishes the mug.  

"I think your wounds will be fine, I can help you to your home if you need assistance," I offer. 

He nods, then sits up carefully, nursing his stomach.

"That would be wonderful,... um,... what's your name?"

"Marion."

"Ah, Marion. Beautiful name. I'm Gregory. Listen, I'd like for you to join our family for dinner tonight."

"Oh, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to impose," I start stammering.

"Nonsense, it's the least I could do to repay you for saving my life."

---

"And that's why Kaladis watches over marriage ceremonies. When two beings make a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together, we consider that to be one of the most important promises that a person can make. Without the sanctity of that promise, families and communities would fall apart. It's what helps mothers and fathers take care of their kids, just like how your mom and dad care for you."

Korina, Gregory's eldest daughter, sat on my lap near the fire. Hines, her younger brother, was nursing from Gregory's wife, Alyssa. I had started telling the story of Kaladis and the Knot Binders after a savory meal of roasted quail and bread. Gregory offered a small amount of mead during and after the meal, and I accepted it graciously, remembering my short yet memorable times with Prudence. 

"So you do marriage ceremonys then, Marion," Korina questioned. 

"Not yet, but I will in time. I'm still learning the ways of Kaladis as well as being a cleric. I'm currently questing with a group of paladins. By going out into the world and helping people, we can learn more about our world, ourselves, and our relationship with the gods."

"Will you be the Knot Binder at my marriage, Marion," Korina giggles, her eyes bright with glee. 

"Once you're old enough, sure. You'll be able to find me at Point of Origin," I smile at Korina. 

"Are you married?"

"I will be soon, Korina. My betrothed is a Paladin, off on his pilgrimage into the world. Once both of us are back in Point of Origin, we'll be wed."

"Do you miss him?"

I bite my lip, fighting off tears. 

"Every day, Korina. Every day."

Marion - Days 28 Through 32

-- Day 28 --

Rotanna and I are continuing on our way towards where the paladins are, provided that this rod is working correctly. It's been many days so far, and the weather has been pleasant thus far. I'm actually quite surprised and pleased that I found another cleric on such short notice.

We walk over a hill, when we see a large tree surrounded by some vines. The rod points directly towards the middle from where we stand - I sigh and question as to if the paladins would go to such a place without clerical aid. We decide that it would be easier to skirt these rather vicious looking vines, during which we discover that the paladins haven't gone into the vines, but are in the distance. I wonder what's been at the vines, however, as it looks like some of them have been burned.

It's over the next couple hills that we discover the paladins. They're a little worse for wear, and Rotanna and I tend to their wounds. It's been a while since I've healed such serious wounds, and I feel tired and drained from the efforts. I lay down to sleep, thankful that I can now have a peaceful sleep, with paladins keeping watch during the evening.

-- Day 29 --

The darkness is piercing, draining all color from the landscape. Dull grey tufts of grass are all that's present in this barren wasteland. I'm wearing my cleric regalia, with the Seal of Kaladis embroidered on the tabard. I see a figure crouched in the distance. I rush forward to help, but I'm walking through water. I can't get to them fast enough - they stand up, writhing in pain. Dark shadows encircle the figure, swirling in the mists.

I'm almost there when the shadows intensify, spinning faster around the man. He's wearing paladin regalia, I can't see the symbol from here. He starts screaming louder as the shadows speed up. I recognize the voice of the man screaming - it's Arcadius.

--

I wake up in a cold sweat, with the morning finally here. I look over to Arcadius in passing, and he seems to be a bit shaken. I wonder if he's actually healthy or not, these dreams have persisted for a while and have me worried.

The paladins have told me that they tried burning the vines around the gigantic tree, and they wanted to check on how it was progressing. When we arrived, the tree that was there the day before has simply vanished. The fire appears to have burned a straight path towards the tree, not straying from its path as a natural fire would. I approached where the tree used to sit, and dry, old knawed bones lay where roots used to be. All the paladins seem greatly distressed - they've said that because they've started the fire, they're responsible for letting the tree go.

In the back of my mind, I wonder if this is actually the case. They did set the fire - which was smouldering and rather lackluster when I saw it the day before. What if it was another fire source that set the tree free? I'm not sure if magic directed the fire - I tried to detect magic, but I sensed no magic auras.

I'm not certain where the tree has gone - a path leads to the woods, but then disappears. I'm wary of setting forth as of yet, since I still used more healing spells today.

-- Day 30 --

I'm shaken awake early in the morning by the group - they've heard screams in the night, over the hill. Only a set number of paladins decided to investigate the screams: this includes myself, Rotanna, and three of the paladins. We travel in the general direction of where we heard the screams, only to find a carcass on the road. The trail continues down the road, and I'm not certain of continuing without the rest of the party. We have three who decide to follow the trail: Rotanna, Fflam and Kennith, while Alcander and I return back to camp. I should be able to follow Fflam with the rod.

It's not until much later that we catch up to the three who went forward. It seems they have lost the trail, intrigued by an area of silence that they encountered along the way. It's here that Hrogar discovered the lair of a dragon. I didn't go far into the cave, being in awe of the massive entity before me. His metallic scales gleamed almost as brightly as the pile of accumulated treasure at his side, and his booming voice would shake the scales of my armor and set me on edge. I couldn't help but be impressed by the majesty of such a creature, and especially impressed by Hrogar's diplomatic approach in conversing with the dragon.

In the case that the tree has gone ahead and attacked a city, Alcander and Ryan have volunteered to be runners, alerting the towns of the possible danger that they face. The rest of us, in the meantime, will be going to another town that's fairly close to where the tree was before it was set loose.

-- Day 31 --

I wish that these nightmares would stop - each time that I look over at Arcadius, he's praying. I'm not sure what could be wrong with him, and he hasn't said much about it. I do hope that he's ok. Paladins are tough personalities, but they can be proud as well. I'm afraid that I'm timid as well.

We arrive at the town, which is definitely up in arms. The guards have told us about creatures that have been attacking them all evening. The paladins have started to rest while waiting for Alcander and Ryan to return, and I've volunteered my services to the town guard to heal those wounded in combat. They seem pleasantly surprised at my arrival and my services.

-- Day 32 --

The paladins have decided that they're going to pursue the tree. They've taken my flask of alchemist's fire to help their efforts. After thinking about it, I figure that my skills are of more use in the town instead of going with the paladins on this venture. I can't in good conscience leave this town, which would leave them without a cleric while still being attacked by creatures. I wish the paladins the speed of the gods and for their safe return.

Excerpts From The Journal Of Hrogar

We have learned some disturbing news this day. We met what appeared to be a young Silver Dragon (I rather wish I had gotten it’s name), and it informed us about the recently missing tree. Apparently, the tree is a carnivorous plant, and the evil blood-sucking vines that surrounded it were there to keep it from escaping and wrecking havoc. Interestingly, the tree itself is not evil. Still, now it will likely try to find the nearest settlement where it can sate its hunger.

We were gravely mistaken about the nature of the evil vines surrounding the tree. There are two lessons my mentor frequently tried to teach me which I feel have bearing on this matter:

1.) “Mistakes happen, and you must learn from them. Those who do not learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them.”

From our mistake, I have learned that just because something is evil doesn’t mean it’s not serving the greater good. And just because something isn’t evil doesn’t mean it’s not out to get you.

2.) “An act, once done, cannot be undone. But it may yet be mitigated.”

We must work to keep the tree from continuing it’s predatory ways. Whether this means destroying the tree, containing it, or at the very least, following it and warning any and all towns of it’s approach, we must do what we can.

((Note: Quote 2 is blatantly taken from the character “Dinobot” in an episode of “Beast Wars”. I make no claim to having originated it.))

Ryan: Day 29-32

Day 28
Marion finally made her way back to the group and brought another ally with her. This is a great thing, because things have been rough without having the clerics around. In truth I was concern how many more battles we could survive with our clerics missing, but with our comrade returning I am filled with renewed faith.

You know it is a beautiful full moon tonight. Nights like this remind of all the full moon nights I spent out on the sea with my father. I missed those days. I am starting to miss my family this has to be the longest I have not been with at least one member of my family. I will have to write them next time I am in town. I just hope I will make them proud; they have done so much for me I would hate to let them down. Well my watch is over time to go to sleep.

Day 29
My comrades and me went to check out the vine town again to see how the fires where progressing today. We were shocked to find the tree was missing, but what was even more disturbing was what we found under the tree. There were tons of bodies, which looked like the tree was feeding off of.

My greatest concern is that we have failed in taking the necessary precautions. We should know better then to not keep a watchful eye on the tree. We were so concern with keeping ourselves safe that now we do not know where the tree has gone. I hope no one well get hurt due to our inexperience and mistakes. Well no need to worry about it anymore, I will just have to make up for my mistakes and find out what has happened to this tree. Well anyways, looks like the next shift is ready to take over.

Well I did not get much sleep tonight. Someone heard some noises and woke the entire group. Alcander and a few others are going to go check it out. I am definitely noticing some tension between our group members. We need to work this out; because if we are fighting amongst each other how do we plan on dealing with forces that push us to our limits.

Well back to the noises, I have decided to stay with the group that is staying at camp. So many times now we have heard noises that have lead us away from the true danger. Not to mention so many groups have been hit and robbed by acts like this. I am hoping they just try and attack the small group that remains.

Well the suns seems to be coming up and nothing has happened at camp, but Alcander has made his way back and has told us about a creature that was attacked by something just down the road. He told us that the new cleric, Kennith and Fflam have continued on to try and find what killed the creature. So time to pack up and try and catch up to the group, hopefully this is a lead on what has happened to the tree.

Day 30
I only have a short time to write today. Have not found the tree, but we did find a dragon. He told us some interesting news about the tree, things such as it eats humans. This is why I must make this short. Alcander and I are going to run ahead to Leadville and warn the town while the rest of the group make their way there taking turns resting in the wagon so they are ready for what ever we must face. On a side note there does not seem to be black trees in this area. We will have to look into this after taking care of this human eating tree.

Day 31
Today has been a taxing day. Alcander and I made it to Leadville only to find out that they have seen nothing. So after giving them a warning and suggesting they prepare incase the tree comes their way we headed back to meet up with our comrades. Once meeting up with them we decided the next logical place to go was half way town. Upon reaching the town we found out they have been attacked. We have offered our services to help protect the town. I would write more but I feel sleep is calling for me I am so tired from running all day. Hopefully we will not be attacked tonight so I can regain my strength.

Day 32
Well no attack last night. Now that I am feeling refreshed I will suggest we go looking in the woods for the tree. Hopefully it has not moved on. I would hate to have lost it track of the tree again.

Well found some more time to write in my journal. We found the tree. You might be wondering why I am writing in my journal when there is a tree to be dealt with. Well it might have to do with the fact that I was just LIT ON FIRE! How you ask well apparently the tree has the ability to grab a hold of you if you get to close. This in itself does not explain how I managed to light myself on fire. What happen was in my attempt to escape the arm, which I will mention came out of the ground, broke the alchemist fire I had on me. So as I sat there trying to get free now with pants socked in alchemist fire I panicked. As I was freeing myself my pants lit on fire and I kicked my feet around trying to get my pants off, which for future reference does not work and ends up doing more damage then good. Thankfully my friends kept their cool and put the fire out. After some healing I decided to take a breather. We are going to try and light the tree on fire soon, hopefully things go well and we can all celebrate tonight. Well looks like everyone is ready.

Journal of Arcadius - Days 14-16

We have been exploring an accursed and trap-filled underground complex, a ruined mine of some sort that seems to have been more recently occupied by a gang of outlaws or other such villains. Whoever they were, they clearly met a bad end, as much was left unfinished, as if suddenly interrupted.

I do not understand the impractical attitude of certain of our companions, particularly Alcander, regarding the valuables abandoned here. What virtue is there in being penniless, hungry, and ill-equipped? How does this help us achieve our mission? For as they say in my country, 'all things grow from a grain of wheat'. Even the mightiest and most noble may be felled by inattention to basic necessities, and all their worthy goals brought to nothing. I am reminded of the tale of Musheret the Peasant and Ar-Dahun the Guardian...

***

What has happened? We encountered a shadow, a sort of minor undead if I understand correctly. Our clerics promptly drove it away, but before doing so, it attacked, and I alone was struck. Though not outwardly wounded, I felt the very cold shadow of death upon me. Since then I have felt drained somehow. This creature of evil is not said to be among the mightier of its foul kind, yet it has wrought some change in me.

We have been in other fights and I do bear wounds from them, and seeing my pale countenance, the other seem to believe that I am gravely injured, but it is not so. In truth something else is wrong, it is as if I have lost strength from my arms, and a darkness has grown in my heart. I am troubled, and must reflect. Strength and wisdom are found anew in faith. I will seek guidance from lord Pelor.

Day 28-31 from the journal of K. M. Bailey

Day 28
Last night on watch, had the tar beat out of me by plant monsters. Damn embarrassing to be so nearly defeated by what amounts to overgrowth with aspirations. Met up with Marion, John and a priest named [Rachel] in the afternoon. Mostly spent today pulling thorns out of ourselves.

Day 29
Returned to the dead town, found that the giant tree was taken, or to have migrated, either way it's gone. Burnt path leading to where it was, a pile of corpses in the center of town. What the hell? Full moon last night may have something to do with it, but my biology instructor always said there's no such thing as were-trees, or something like that. Got my sword back at any rate.

Day 30
Last night on watch, heard a noise in the woods. We set out to find what made it. Found splattered animal remains on the road with some sort of sound-dampening field nearby. Tried to track whatever it was, failed, until Marion found the cause: a young dragon in a cave. Turns out it had been hunting. It told us that evil druids had trapped the tree in the town with the bloodsucker vines. Also confirmed that the thing is carnivorous and likely to head to the nearest human settlement, which can only be Leadvilleton. Dear gods our meandering today led us away from the town and the thing is a day ahead of us on top of that. Pelor guard and protect they people of Leadvilleton, for we may be unable to.

Day 31
Been riding through the night, stopped to rest the donkey. Alcander scouted ahead, said Leadvilleton is safe. Setting out to the waytown.

Found the waytown under siege against a horde of plant monsters. Runners to Ismere say the city is safe. We're setting up to defend the waytown.

Day 32
Last night, I dreamt of Pelor warning me of a mortal struggle that Arcadius may, or will, or must face near the dead town. [Rachel] had the same dream. Very troubling. Does this mean we should return, or stay away?

Marion chose to remain in town to heal and ward the locals. Alcander is… elsewhere. The rest of us set out to find the tree and kill it.

The rest of the journal is currently blank.
Note: I don't actually remember what Rachel's character's name is, in case that wasn't obvious.

Journal Entry: Before Sleep in the Way Town

Heracles help us, what have we done.

It seemed so clear. There was a great city of evil vines, and a great bloody tree in the middle. The tree was the source of the evil. We had to get in. We had to find out what was in the tree, what evil it bore. Whether it was the same evil that beset the mines, that started the plague.

We didn't let it loose, but it's small comfort. We would have. We were simply less efficient than whatever set this thing loose.

And if it's creatures that we met are any indication, it's not even evil. Whoever heard of a walking tree anyway, but it's still not much smarter than the wood it is.

It's not evil. Just hungry.

And we have let it loose near a great city that already thinks poorly of Paladins. How shall we look them in the eye, knowing that we would have unleashed this great beast on them, that would eat their children and destroy their city?

Whatever lives this tree destroys, they are on our souls as surely as if we had let it loose ourselves.

We have to destroy it. It is the only possible atonement for what we would have done.

I can only pray to Heracles that the dragon was wrong, and that we are strong enough for the task.

We must be. There is no other choice.

Excerpts From The Journal Of Hrogar

I grow increasingly worried about Alcander. He displays a number of qualities that I know to have caused the downfall of many a Paladin: pride, arrogance, and worst of all, troubling signs of fanaticism.

In my youth spent in a boarding school in City of Origin, many of the other children were the offspring of Paladins. They were there to be trained, so that they might follow in their parent’s footsteps. Far too frequently, I saw, my fellows would push each other around and brawl, trying to prove ones might over another. Or they would get into bragging competitions, trying to declare one’s superiority because of higher birthright, or other equally unimportant qualities. Often they seemed more intent on proving their superiority over their fellows, than they were on preparing themselves to help the greater good. And I noted, with dismay, that these tendencies continued on from the early days in school on into the later years as we went through our final training before becoming Paladins.

And frequently, due to my inherent frailty of body, an affliction I have dealt with since birth, I found myself the frequent victim of such bullying.

Admittedly, it was good for me, I suppose, for it is due to such experiences that I eventually developed my ability to talk my way out of problematic situations. This is also why I carry a bastard sword, for I found that with bullies, “speak softly, but carry a big sword” tends to work wonders toward convincing them that a reasoned solution is the better option.

I asked my mentor once if such problems went away once one finally became a Paladin and grew wiser with years. Surely, the adult Paladins had matured beyond this pointless boasting and macho displays. Alas, he told me, it never seems to go away. Far too frequently, it seems, Paladins become more obsessed with glory and fame than they are with the righting of wrongs and the protection of the innocent. The quest for greater titles and prestige tends to be one of the greatest pitfalls Paladins succumb to on the path of righteousness.

This is part of the reason that the mentality of Alcander troubles me so. His obsession toward proving how “manly” he is seems little different than the boasts of the bullies. While it is important to know one’s strengths and limits, and some pride at one’s own strengths and accomplishments in only natural, one must be wary of having too much pride, and of losing sight of the true goals.

On a related manner, Alcander has been increasingly harassing us for our interest in gaining resources for the eventual improvement of our equipment. While he’s correct that one shouldn’t become wholly dependent on equipment, to forgo such things entirely seems equally unwise. As is so often the case, a balance must be found and maintained. Refusing what tools we have available to us may some day mean the difference between victory and defeat in our duties. Better to use any and all reasonable resources we can muster, than willfully forgo a potential advantage in the battle against evil. To do so, seems to me, to be immoral.

However, I feel it is incredibly important to make the following point: I do not think that Alcander should necessarily follow my example. It is quite admirable to avoid excessive ties to material objects, and truly, greed is another pitfall on the path to righteousness. As I said, it all comes down to a balance. And knowing where that balance lays is not an easy thing to determine. While I suspect this is unlikely, I may find in the future that Alcander is closer to the proper balance point that I am. And if I see evidence of this, I will likely alter my habits accordingly. He has his path, as I have mine, as the pacifist cleric Markus had his. This is how it should be. There is no one path to righteousness, and thus we must each decide how we go about following our varied callings.

This leads me to the most troubling trait I have been recently noticing in Alcander: his increasing tendency to harass the rest of us for not following his example. His philosophy seems to be that everyone should follow his path. When one starts believing that their path is the only acceptable path, they are on the ledge of fanaticism. Of all my mentor’s teachings, this was one of his most important: “Fanaticism is perhaps the most dangerous trap a Paladin can stumble into. For it blinds one to what is truly good and evil. Fanatics can perform the most terrible, the most evil deeds, and declare it to be necessary for the good of all.” So many times have Paladins fallen to vile deeds, all the while certain that their actions were just. It is as the sages tell: “The path to darkness is paved with good intentions.”

And especially does this seem to happen in conjunction with religious beliefs. I know of one Paladin who supposedly justified his actions by saying: “Kill them all, for the gods will know their own” and then went on to murder men, women, and children, all the while believing that he was acting as his god wanted. This is the primary reason that I choose to not worship any specific god. Better to pay modest homage to all of them, than to declare specific allegiance to any one of them.

Interestingly, I get the feeling that Alcander has seen the kind of suffering that this can bring. On a few occasions, I have heard him malign the so-called “monotheists”, or worshipers of a single deity. Truly, this sounds exactly like the kind of fanatics my mentor warned me about. Those who are so certain that their path and their deity are the only true path and deity; that they force others to convert to their own path, destroying any who resist. It would be tragic misfortune if Alcander were to end up becoming effectively the same as those who it seems caused so much pain and misery in his homeland.

However, I still have hope for him. In time I will try to convince him of the error of the philosophy that there can only be one path to goodness. Hopefully, I’ll get through to him, before he becomes that which he himself loathes.

Alcander: Days 25-27

Day 25

Two men on watch this evening were magically put to sleep and their money was stolen. Though it was a magician that did the deed, I cannot help but believe that this is also a message from the gods. It is money that makes a warrior drowsey. To be alert, one must have nothing.

Day 26

They bought a cart!!!  As though systematically looting and loading everything onto an ass (by an ass, I would add if I had less noble intentions) was not bad enough, now we must be stuck with a cart. Are we to be Paladins, noble fighting men, or are we to be a pack of bloody merchants, no better that peasants, stuck guarding a load of useless shit instead of fighting evil like we were called to do.

I can see now why Heracles was prone to rages. I must calm myself.

At least the cart gives the bard somewhere to ride.

If only we had a few more bards, it might keep the imbeciles from looting.

Day 27

Ah, glorious battle!

Though my companions may sometimes be led astray, they are still Paladins, and together we are mighty!

We found a city of great evil, you see. We are slowly burning it down, but it is slow going and hard work, since the vines are not as flammable as we might like. Also, they have a penchant for drinking our blood that is most dishonorable. But Prometheus does not suffer for nought. We use his gift, slowly but  surely, to push them back.

In the night, though, the vines put some of themselves into human form and attacked us.

And a glorious battle it was! We were outnumbered, attacked without warning by creatures that, although the gods do not consider them evil, seemed intent on our death. And that is evil enough for me.

Many of us fell, to be healed by the hands of the gods only to fall again. The bard proved to lack the martial spirit and ran away, but returned as though sent by the gods to save us in the end. Fflam proved that though he may be poor of aim, he is stout of spirit! He threw flame upon the vegetable enemy, though he could not keep out of it himself. Ryan and Arcadius fought nobly side by side! Ryan seemed nearly protected by the gods, with attack after attack narrowly missing him. Arcadius, though punished for his greed by an inability to move out of the way of his attackers, took his pummelling with honor, and gave it out as good as he recieved! Even Hrogar proved to have great manliness and nobility in him, once I reminded him of how it was done!

And Kenneth... I am sure will make a fine Paladin someday. First he must learn that it is better to nobly stand against the enemy than to nobly fall down. Though without his stout assistance, surely the enemy would have rained death upon those with better aim, and we would have perished.

Truly, it was a glorious and noble fight. I can only hope that the gods will allow me to meet such glorious battle again!

In a week, perhaps. Though I am, of course, more than willing to meet in noble battle now, I will admit that it would be fortuituos if I could feel my legs again, for it is difficult to fight without them.