What is happening to me?
The days blur in my mind. I am unclear what I am doing. I recall meeting a priestess of the Drow... unsure what transpired. We left the mines... why haven't we killed those damned criminals at the Caravanserai? Wait...
Ah...
Pelor wills mercy. I must follow the will of Lord Pelor. His path is forgiving, and I have lived a life of very little forgiveness...
I have been chosen.
And then?
Yes, we fought bandits, I remember that. More evil removed from the world, but there is so much more, and it is growing.
I can call the light of Pelor at all waking times now. It wells forth through my very spirit. The world seems a blur, while I have such strange and lofty thoughts. Of places far away? The realm of the Sun Lord? Or where then?
What has happened to Fflam? A black evil. What is he becoming? They SAY a spider? I wonder...
There is much the others don't understand, save perhaps Hrefna.
Or do I really understand?
Why can't I remember?
*A*
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Journal of Fflam - Day 62
We now know our path. I'm not sure Why I advocated returning to the mine, and despite every sign telling us to turn back, we didn't. We payed our way in through the Caravanserai for an exorbitant sum. We knew the drow had returned from below but still we worked our way in to where we were trapped inside by a priestess of the drow.
We now know our path. By her doing, I'm apparently turning into a spider. We go now to find the cleric of Thor, who has gone missing to the north. He should be able to cure whatever this is that's happening to me, and until then, his temple has given me an amulet that should slow the progress of it.
Even though it took Moradin practically spelling it out for us, we now know our path. I just hope I have enough time to get things right.
Hrefna's Calling, Day 62
After my last entry where the party had successfully defeated a pair of Driders--vile creations of evil Drow lords--my magic informed me of a humanoid in one of the adjacent chambers. It was revealed to be a Drow woman, sitting by herself. She clearly felt in full command of the situation, and was just resting comfortably waiting for the group to meet her.
It surprises me to see such clear signs of Drow this far south. Our War with them took place long before I was born, but our legends have them originating in our lands and--after the War--heading underground and into the wilds. They evidently have traveled a long way in that time.
From my training, the woman had all of the markings of a Priestess of a noble house. A snake whip, a mace, and a spider emblem, and the air crackled with her power. The legends say that after they left us, some of them were embraced by the dark goddess Lloth, and these rumors appear to be true. My homeland will be very interested in seeing this, and may wish to pursue these issues farther. At first light I'll send a message on the wind to my Master.
After meeting her we were waylaid by a group of bandits out in the woods. Shelré and Arcadius proved instrumental in defeating them, as the attackers had taken position in a group of trees. We easily dispatched them, and then headed into İzmir.
On the way back to town, Fflam started turning grey and complaining of sickness. The natural world avoids him now, creeping away as he turns slowly into something unnatural. We go forth now to find a priest capable of killing the sickness within him, and I can only hope that by the time we get there it will not be too late.
It surprises me to see such clear signs of Drow this far south. Our War with them took place long before I was born, but our legends have them originating in our lands and--after the War--heading underground and into the wilds. They evidently have traveled a long way in that time.
From my training, the woman had all of the markings of a Priestess of a noble house. A snake whip, a mace, and a spider emblem, and the air crackled with her power. The legends say that after they left us, some of them were embraced by the dark goddess Lloth, and these rumors appear to be true. My homeland will be very interested in seeing this, and may wish to pursue these issues farther. At first light I'll send a message on the wind to my Master.
After meeting her we were waylaid by a group of bandits out in the woods. Shelré and Arcadius proved instrumental in defeating them, as the attackers had taken position in a group of trees. We easily dispatched them, and then headed into İzmir.
On the way back to town, Fflam started turning grey and complaining of sickness. The natural world avoids him now, creeping away as he turns slowly into something unnatural. We go forth now to find a priest capable of killing the sickness within him, and I can only hope that by the time we get there it will not be too late.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Oda Day 59-62
Well the past few days have been interesting. We have faced spider/elf creatures, meet a powerful Drow, fended off some bandits and found out that an important leader of the Thor temple is missing. I must say there is rarely a dull moment with these paladins.
Do not get me wrong I enjoying myself. I am all for improving my skills and taking on harder and harder enemies. It is the best way to improves ones skills, but we have had some issues to. For one thing the Drow has cast a spell on the dwarf. I guess he is turning into a spider, which is one of the reasons why we are going to track down the missing Thor leader. With such powerful Drow mages I feel we need to grow and or be better equipped before we even attempt to take them on again.
On a side note, I need to get better at either killing or capturing all of the enemies we fight. Allow some to get a way is only going to haunt us later. Part of this is I need to improve me skills with my bow. I wasted to many shots when fighting the bandits. The next time a battle like this occurs I may not be so lucky.
Well anyway, we are off to try and track down this follower of Thor, hopefully we can find him quickly. I would hate to lose the dwarf; he shows promise on the battle field and no fear even if it means catching himself on fire.
Do not get me wrong I enjoying myself. I am all for improving my skills and taking on harder and harder enemies. It is the best way to improves ones skills, but we have had some issues to. For one thing the Drow has cast a spell on the dwarf. I guess he is turning into a spider, which is one of the reasons why we are going to track down the missing Thor leader. With such powerful Drow mages I feel we need to grow and or be better equipped before we even attempt to take them on again.
On a side note, I need to get better at either killing or capturing all of the enemies we fight. Allow some to get a way is only going to haunt us later. Part of this is I need to improve me skills with my bow. I wasted to many shots when fighting the bandits. The next time a battle like this occurs I may not be so lucky.
Well anyway, we are off to try and track down this follower of Thor, hopefully we can find him quickly. I would hate to lose the dwarf; he shows promise on the battle field and no fear even if it means catching himself on fire.
Alcander's Fantastic Voyages: Part 4
Heracles has heard my prayers and sent me a sign. Finally.
My father has more pull with my order than I would like. It seems he spoke sternly to whoever ordered me held, so that I could leave this fortress and go see my city again. I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but my father insisted on it. He said that he hoped that Heracles might show me a sign in this city, as he had before. It seemed as likely as anything else.
So I wandered. I had nothing to wear but the skin they had provided me, that wretched thing festooned with jewels. But the order had provided it, so I wore it.
It did not stand out as much as I might have feared. It seems that many of the knights have taken to wearing such skins, not won in battle but made by slave girls. I made it deep into the city before I was recognized.
I had wandered near to one of the inns, where I used to spend far too long at dice and drinking. One of the whores there recognized me. She knew me from before, but she had heard stories, now. Of my dealings with the Tarrasque and that pack of lies, but also of my inappropriately enthusiastic behavior regarding some of her fellows who had been at the party. I wished to hide my face in shame, but I only walked away. Not before some others of my old crowd had recognized me, and believed that I had returned to my former state of sin.
It would be false to say that I did not flee. I may have run. There was no enemy I could fight, there.
I found a marketplace, far enough away that those present spoke only in vague rumors of debauchery at the fortress. I watched a bard, who said he had a story for me.
He told the story of a noble knight, who was falsely praised for deeds he did not commit, and then brought low by the fornicators who played at being his masters. He spoke of a knighthood that had lost it’s way, become corrupt, and how that noble knight made use of the reputation his masters had made for him to overcome their dastardly grip upon the land.
He was an unsubtle fellow. I asked him if he also asked the cleric for potions that would cure the genital ailments of his “friend.” He laughed and took that to be a sign that I was not as stupid as I had been made out to be.
He told me that he might be able to help make the story true, and gave me the location of a cleric who might help make it so.
I found that cleric. We spoke long of the Heracletians, of where they had gone astray, of what I might do to help correct it. He helped me see Heracles’s true path for me.
I am no longer of the order, for the order is rotten and has forgotten the face of the gods. I am released of my oath to obey them, for they have forgotten their oaths to obey Heracles himself.
The order is fouled, and it must be destroyed.
And I will become the order.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Various Excerpts From the Journal of Hrogar, Over the Last Few Weeks
Tonight, we rest before fighting what seems to be a very powerful creature. It appears to have once been human, but that was likely a long time ago. He? appears to have drowned long ago, and was then twisted by evil forces and brought back as a truly horrible monster.
While the world would no doubt be better off without this creature, I worry that we will find this enemy too great for us. We seem to be much better at releasing evil upon the world than we are at finishing it off. But Alcander is the type to ignore such possibilities, and will no doubt forge on ahead with his plan to attack the creature. I fear he causes more problems for the world than he solves. But alas, we can only do our best to clean up the mess he leaves behind.
------Later------
We survived the battle with the drowned monster, but just barely. Thankfully, our new companion, the Samurai, was able to finish off the beast before it finished us off. But truly, this was a close one.
Afterward, we continued our search of the underground labyrinth, and discovered a number of imprisoned creatures, including some Druegar and a family of Drow. We released all that we did not detect as evil, although it was risky just looking in on some of the creatures.
However, it is the Drow that bear the most noting. One of them seemed to be the Matriarch of the Family. She explained that the labyrinth was a base of a rival family of Drow, and had captured her as well as her son and daughters. She asked for our assistance at some point in the future to aid in fighting the evil Drow that were her enemies, and had been conducting the evil experiments we witnessed, and are likely responsible for much of the evil that had more recently taken over the upper level.
Arcadius agreed, although I am not sure he should have been so quick to do so. He seemed enamored by her nobility. I’m not saying we should have necessarily refused, but as my mentor drove into me countless times: “Choose your battles wisely.” While these Drow did not register as evil, I am hesitant to trust them, as the stories of the race of Drow are not exactly comforting. I fear that agreeing to help will pull us into a war that is not ours to fight, and may end up having unintended repercussions. I will have to consider whether I can join my comrades in such a venture.
------Later------
We have received a notice from our king to return to the Druid grove, and examine that area further. Apparently, the black trees have gained the notice of the King, and he has asked that we continue our investigations of that problem.
Thus it seems that our quest into the depths of the earth shall end for now. As part of the reason we went back there was to aid in my personal atonement, I wonder if this means I am ready for the ritual. I will have to meditate on this matter for some time, as I must decide where I am going, and what I wish to do with my existence. Until I am fully committed to whatever path I choose, I fear I am not ready to take that final step.
Alcander and Kenneth have left to take the body of our friend and leader Ryan back to his family in city of origin, and taken Marion with him, as she no longer seems to be of sound mind. I pray that she will find peace and clarity once she returns home.
But providence seems to have supplied us with new allies that may be able to help us: Shelré, a Ranger, and skilled fellow by the name of Mr. Tupper.
Shelré seems reasonable enough, and we could certainly use her knowledge of nature and the forest. Tupper may also prove useful, although his skills have not yet been fully explained or witnessed. He claims to have been sent to aid us, but has not been fully clear on what he is capable of. But I’m sure we’ll learn in time.
------Later------
We have finally returned from the grove, and there is much we have discovered. With the aid of Shelré we’ve been able to get further into the area we discovered under the fountain in the Druid grove. It seems to be their living quarters and general place of refuge. Within this area, we found another portal to the sunken city, and this time we went through and did some investigation of the area.
In the realm that the portal leads to, we found a cave by the sea that the sunken city lies under. Within the cave we found a curious creature, one that claims to be quite old. From what I can tell, she is not entirely mentally sound, and may have multiple personalities within her mind. There appear to be at least two primary personalities, one of which, if not friendly, is at least willing to live and let live, and enjoys the company of a number of “undead pets”. The other personality (assuming they are not in fact two identical looking creatures) is a much more dangerous creature.
But what we eventually learned is this: the more dangerous one claims to be behind the planting and spreading of the black and evil trees. Her only reason given was that she likes them. She also made mention of another who seems to be involved. A creature that sounds like it may be similar to a shark in appearance, and whom the more friendly personality was afraid of, or at the very least did not like. We were able to make our leave from the more dangerous personality unscathed, but from her speed of movement, and other observations I made, she would appear to be a formidable foe indeed.
After going back through the portal, we closed it off in a manner similar to closing the one in the underground labyrinth. We then left the Druid grove, and found we had been gone from the world outside the grove for some time longer than we had expected. We then returned to the inn to consider our next move.
At the inn, I met a mage, by the name of Hrefna. After speaking with her of our recent endeavors, it seems she wishes to aid us in our quest. We can most certainly use one with arcane knowledge. But I wonder what her true goal is in joining the group. She seems to be hiding something, but I know not what. Her actions and intentions bear watching in the future.
------Later------
We have gone back to the labyrinth, and this time I intend to do a more thorough inspection of the areas we have already examined. I suspect there are secrets there still that we have yet to uncover. However, first we must get through the various monsters that have re-inhabited the area. It seems the Drow aim to retake their laboratories. Oda, our Samurai friend, has proven himself to be a most powerful ally, though, having finished off a Drieder swiftly and almost single handedly. Most impressive.
------Later------
After doing some further searching in the labyrinth, we met a Drow female who appears to be one of the leaders in the group that was conducting the dark experiments in the labyrinth previously. It turns out the two Dreider we fought were the two Drow of the group we fought earlier and had escaped. She is most certainly quite powerful, and I don’t much like her sense of humor. We will no doubt have to deal with her at some point, but I suspect we will have to grow stronger first. My brief experience with her, however, makes me suspect that helping the other family of Drow may be a better idea than I had first thought.
After leaving the labyrinth, we met a fellow admiring our horses, which we learned afterward was in fact a member of a band of thieves. The thieves attempted to rob us in the woods, but we quickly and soundly defeated them, only their leader (the one we had met earlier) escaping us. He should hope we never meet again.
While the world would no doubt be better off without this creature, I worry that we will find this enemy too great for us. We seem to be much better at releasing evil upon the world than we are at finishing it off. But Alcander is the type to ignore such possibilities, and will no doubt forge on ahead with his plan to attack the creature. I fear he causes more problems for the world than he solves. But alas, we can only do our best to clean up the mess he leaves behind.
------Later------
We survived the battle with the drowned monster, but just barely. Thankfully, our new companion, the Samurai, was able to finish off the beast before it finished us off. But truly, this was a close one.
Afterward, we continued our search of the underground labyrinth, and discovered a number of imprisoned creatures, including some Druegar and a family of Drow. We released all that we did not detect as evil, although it was risky just looking in on some of the creatures.
However, it is the Drow that bear the most noting. One of them seemed to be the Matriarch of the Family. She explained that the labyrinth was a base of a rival family of Drow, and had captured her as well as her son and daughters. She asked for our assistance at some point in the future to aid in fighting the evil Drow that were her enemies, and had been conducting the evil experiments we witnessed, and are likely responsible for much of the evil that had more recently taken over the upper level.
Arcadius agreed, although I am not sure he should have been so quick to do so. He seemed enamored by her nobility. I’m not saying we should have necessarily refused, but as my mentor drove into me countless times: “Choose your battles wisely.” While these Drow did not register as evil, I am hesitant to trust them, as the stories of the race of Drow are not exactly comforting. I fear that agreeing to help will pull us into a war that is not ours to fight, and may end up having unintended repercussions. I will have to consider whether I can join my comrades in such a venture.
------Later------
We have received a notice from our king to return to the Druid grove, and examine that area further. Apparently, the black trees have gained the notice of the King, and he has asked that we continue our investigations of that problem.
Thus it seems that our quest into the depths of the earth shall end for now. As part of the reason we went back there was to aid in my personal atonement, I wonder if this means I am ready for the ritual. I will have to meditate on this matter for some time, as I must decide where I am going, and what I wish to do with my existence. Until I am fully committed to whatever path I choose, I fear I am not ready to take that final step.
Alcander and Kenneth have left to take the body of our friend and leader Ryan back to his family in city of origin, and taken Marion with him, as she no longer seems to be of sound mind. I pray that she will find peace and clarity once she returns home.
But providence seems to have supplied us with new allies that may be able to help us: Shelré, a Ranger, and skilled fellow by the name of Mr. Tupper.
Shelré seems reasonable enough, and we could certainly use her knowledge of nature and the forest. Tupper may also prove useful, although his skills have not yet been fully explained or witnessed. He claims to have been sent to aid us, but has not been fully clear on what he is capable of. But I’m sure we’ll learn in time.
------Later------
We have finally returned from the grove, and there is much we have discovered. With the aid of Shelré we’ve been able to get further into the area we discovered under the fountain in the Druid grove. It seems to be their living quarters and general place of refuge. Within this area, we found another portal to the sunken city, and this time we went through and did some investigation of the area.
In the realm that the portal leads to, we found a cave by the sea that the sunken city lies under. Within the cave we found a curious creature, one that claims to be quite old. From what I can tell, she is not entirely mentally sound, and may have multiple personalities within her mind. There appear to be at least two primary personalities, one of which, if not friendly, is at least willing to live and let live, and enjoys the company of a number of “undead pets”. The other personality (assuming they are not in fact two identical looking creatures) is a much more dangerous creature.
But what we eventually learned is this: the more dangerous one claims to be behind the planting and spreading of the black and evil trees. Her only reason given was that she likes them. She also made mention of another who seems to be involved. A creature that sounds like it may be similar to a shark in appearance, and whom the more friendly personality was afraid of, or at the very least did not like. We were able to make our leave from the more dangerous personality unscathed, but from her speed of movement, and other observations I made, she would appear to be a formidable foe indeed.
After going back through the portal, we closed it off in a manner similar to closing the one in the underground labyrinth. We then left the Druid grove, and found we had been gone from the world outside the grove for some time longer than we had expected. We then returned to the inn to consider our next move.
At the inn, I met a mage, by the name of Hrefna. After speaking with her of our recent endeavors, it seems she wishes to aid us in our quest. We can most certainly use one with arcane knowledge. But I wonder what her true goal is in joining the group. She seems to be hiding something, but I know not what. Her actions and intentions bear watching in the future.
------Later------
We have gone back to the labyrinth, and this time I intend to do a more thorough inspection of the areas we have already examined. I suspect there are secrets there still that we have yet to uncover. However, first we must get through the various monsters that have re-inhabited the area. It seems the Drow aim to retake their laboratories. Oda, our Samurai friend, has proven himself to be a most powerful ally, though, having finished off a Drieder swiftly and almost single handedly. Most impressive.
------Later------
After doing some further searching in the labyrinth, we met a Drow female who appears to be one of the leaders in the group that was conducting the dark experiments in the labyrinth previously. It turns out the two Dreider we fought were the two Drow of the group we fought earlier and had escaped. She is most certainly quite powerful, and I don’t much like her sense of humor. We will no doubt have to deal with her at some point, but I suspect we will have to grow stronger first. My brief experience with her, however, makes me suspect that helping the other family of Drow may be a better idea than I had first thought.
After leaving the labyrinth, we met a fellow admiring our horses, which we learned afterward was in fact a member of a band of thieves. The thieves attempted to rob us in the woods, but we quickly and soundly defeated them, only their leader (the one we had met earlier) escaping us. He should hope we never meet again.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Journal of W. E. Tupper, Day 57
Day 57
Breakfast found us with another head to count. This one's a wizard named Hrefna, a "diviner." She's yet to prove the exception to the rule that any wizard that insists on being called by their specialty is as stuck up as a rattlethrust on the null gear. (You don't tell them that, mind.) Couple that with me suddenly remembering her deity from my two-week Religious Equality lessons (one of the gods of alcohol, I think) and that she didn't like that aspect of her god being publicly discussed, and our acquaintance did not start off warmly.
I am beginning to wonder about the turnover rate in this operation. Moreover, they're too accepting of new members. Either of the two recent additions to our group could be infiltrators sent to mislead or betray us. Hell, I could be an infiltrator for all they know.
Went out in the morning to talk to the city seneschal as part of an attempt to garner official (and more importantly, military) support for a plan to lock down the grove. After talking to him for 10 minutes, he threw me into an asylum for the insane. Now, admittedly, this could be partially attributed to a few slip-ups on my side of the conversation. That said, this was the act of a man who is distinctly and undoubtedly derelict in his duty. He has willfully ignored abnormal circumstances that have hindered the execution of his duties and the duties of his guardsmen in an area of the city explicitly under his jurisdiction; namely, the failure to ensure the timely patrol of a suspicious public park from which the very menace to Point of Origin was spawned. Also he is a dick.
Arcadius was nice enough to spring me after that, though he tried to steer me away from talking to anyone else. I have the feeling that it will be some time before I live this down. Shell talked the seneschal into posting a guard at the front gate of the grove. It's slightly better than the finger-up-the-arse that he had maintained before, and likely the most help we're going to get out of him.
Once everyone met back up, they decided to roam the city asking around about current events. Since I was apparently off of my game when it came to social manipulation today, I figured I would go to the marketplace and buy some fresh supplies instead, as well as acquire a few things I had recently found myself lacking.
Evening consisted of gossip swapping, sword discussion, and the trading of various visions of doom between the more astrally inclined among us. Only thing that sticks in my mind from all of it is the rumor that all of the orcs have left town. Even the ones that live here? Hmm.
I suggested returning to the only other known coral gateway, so we're heading back to the mine tomorrow to see if Rann has reestablished a link to it.
Just remembered that I had promised to send Stuart a progress report at two-week intervals, and because of… events I am overdue on the first one. I'll make sure to write it after checking up on the mine.
Breakfast found us with another head to count. This one's a wizard named Hrefna, a "diviner." She's yet to prove the exception to the rule that any wizard that insists on being called by their specialty is as stuck up as a rattlethrust on the null gear. (You don't tell them that, mind.) Couple that with me suddenly remembering her deity from my two-week Religious Equality lessons (one of the gods of alcohol, I think) and that she didn't like that aspect of her god being publicly discussed, and our acquaintance did not start off warmly.
I am beginning to wonder about the turnover rate in this operation. Moreover, they're too accepting of new members. Either of the two recent additions to our group could be infiltrators sent to mislead or betray us. Hell, I could be an infiltrator for all they know.
Went out in the morning to talk to the city seneschal as part of an attempt to garner official (and more importantly, military) support for a plan to lock down the grove. After talking to him for 10 minutes, he threw me into an asylum for the insane. Now, admittedly, this could be partially attributed to a few slip-ups on my side of the conversation. That said, this was the act of a man who is distinctly and undoubtedly derelict in his duty. He has willfully ignored abnormal circumstances that have hindered the execution of his duties and the duties of his guardsmen in an area of the city explicitly under his jurisdiction; namely, the failure to ensure the timely patrol of a suspicious public park from which the very menace to Point of Origin was spawned. Also he is a dick.
Arcadius was nice enough to spring me after that, though he tried to steer me away from talking to anyone else. I have the feeling that it will be some time before I live this down. Shell talked the seneschal into posting a guard at the front gate of the grove. It's slightly better than the finger-up-the-arse that he had maintained before, and likely the most help we're going to get out of him.
Once everyone met back up, they decided to roam the city asking around about current events. Since I was apparently off of my game when it came to social manipulation today, I figured I would go to the marketplace and buy some fresh supplies instead, as well as acquire a few things I had recently found myself lacking.
Evening consisted of gossip swapping, sword discussion, and the trading of various visions of doom between the more astrally inclined among us. Only thing that sticks in my mind from all of it is the rumor that all of the orcs have left town. Even the ones that live here? Hmm.
I suggested returning to the only other known coral gateway, so we're heading back to the mine tomorrow to see if Rann has reestablished a link to it.
~
Just remembered that I had promised to send Stuart a progress report at two-week intervals, and because of… events I am overdue on the first one. I'll make sure to write it after checking up on the mine.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Oda Day 57-58
Day 57
Well I attempted to help the group today buy gathering information about a list of different issues they are trying to solve, but I feel like I have failed them. As valiantly as I tried to get information from the people they seemed reluctant to talk to me. Some would not even say a word to me. I must say there are so many differences between our cultures. Back home I would be in my right to strike down these people that show such little respect to me, but I must remember my teachings and remember I must learn to work with cultures I feel are so foreign to me.
The only thing that cheered me up today was a great discussion I had with Arcadius that evening. We talked about several things including weapons and battle tactics. It is interesting to see that he comes from a land not so different from mine. Perhaps that is why we seem to get along so well.
Another thing that Arcadius and I have decided to do is to train and test our different combated styles against each other. I am honored that he wishes to learn more of the way of the Samurai. I have not meet many people in this land that care to learn about other lands tactics and fighting styles. This proves to me that he is very wise for his age. A warrior should learn as much as he can. Knowledge is the best way to improve ones skills.
Day 58
Well we have decided to go the mine again. So far nothing of great interested has happen today. We should make it to the mine tomorrow.
Well I attempted to help the group today buy gathering information about a list of different issues they are trying to solve, but I feel like I have failed them. As valiantly as I tried to get information from the people they seemed reluctant to talk to me. Some would not even say a word to me. I must say there are so many differences between our cultures. Back home I would be in my right to strike down these people that show such little respect to me, but I must remember my teachings and remember I must learn to work with cultures I feel are so foreign to me.
The only thing that cheered me up today was a great discussion I had with Arcadius that evening. We talked about several things including weapons and battle tactics. It is interesting to see that he comes from a land not so different from mine. Perhaps that is why we seem to get along so well.
Another thing that Arcadius and I have decided to do is to train and test our different combated styles against each other. I am honored that he wishes to learn more of the way of the Samurai. I have not meet many people in this land that care to learn about other lands tactics and fighting styles. This proves to me that he is very wise for his age. A warrior should learn as much as he can. Knowledge is the best way to improve ones skills.
Day 58
Well we have decided to go the mine again. So far nothing of great interested has happen today. We should make it to the mine tomorrow.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Journal of Arcadius - Day 59
Strange Doings
Following our explorations of the druid grove, the caves beyond the gate, and the other curious events that followed, we should have been poised to accomplish new things, but instead we found ourselves wondering how next to proceed.
I had a strange vision the night after, and wrote what I remembered of it. May Pelor give light to its meaning, for the thoughts, so significant to me at the time, quickly fade!
We debated our course of action, and in the end spent a day searching for more information around Izmir. Walter Tupper (and may I be forgiven for misstating his name, in my prior post, as the insulting word in my language) had an excellent idea to visit the Seneschal, since he is not a Paladin and was not yet widely known as our associate. Perhaps, he said and we agreed, he could learn something useful and even alert the authorities to what was happening at the heart of their city.
Instead, I am still unclear how, things went very, very wrong.
Somehow, he inadvertently convinced the Seneschal that was a madman and was committed to the local madhouse. We retrieved him at the cost of 10 gold coins, for which he reimbursed us. For the remainder of the day, and I would say the one after, he acted strangely - saying nonsensical and sometimes ill things - for example insulting the god Thor in front of his very clergy! What happened to this man? Was he poisoned, drugged, cursed with some unknown magic? It makes no sense. Then again, something similar happened to Marion. Perhaps it is the shadows of evil that stalk these lands in this time. Regardless, I hope that Tupper is now cured.
Shell Ray the Ranger and Revna the Mage remain mysterious figures to me. It is clear that Revna (is that how it is spellled?) is from the far North and is a follower of gods such as Thor. She seems to be of a people akin to our friend the Priest of Thor, who has it seems gone missing. Both Shell Ray and Revna are people of the woods and wild. So strange to me an my land! Oda, on the other hand, is clearly a man of great honor and dignity, and his land the same. Should I ever have the chance, I would like to visit there, for it seems like a land where people behave with proper dignity, and each knows their place. Not identical, but yet much like home!
Shell Ray, in turn, visited the Seneschal. Perhaps because of his earlier agitation, he reacted in exactly the opposite of how we might wish - closing off the grove to all and guarding it with soldiers! Thus, we have undone our own intentions.
Lacking any clear plan or better ideas, we decided to return to the mines. I'm not sure it was the right course, but we shall see. We found the main way shut - bricked and mortared such that we could spend days trying to get through. Instead we paid a large bribe to the accursed dogs of the Caravanserai to let us through. Truly, I struggle with this, for at times I think justice would be served by slaughtering them like the villains they are, yet I fear this would not be in accord with the will and mercy of Pelor, so I refrain. I think that Oda at least feels as I do, and for good reason... but would it be right?
In the mines we found much repair and cleaning had been done. After some exploration, greatly aided by the divination and scrying powers of Revna, we came to battle with horrors of the underdark - creatures known as "Driders" that are associated with the Drow. They were fell and powerful foes. Oda, for his part, seems to surpass us all in skill with the sword. His many years of disciplined training shone forth in this battle... it was a sight to behold! However, the rest of us are now capable of feats we thought beyond us, not but two months ago. We have advanced greatly in our skills and powers in a very short time.
Perhaps, despite our errors and failings, the gods favor us after all. Truly I believe I am growing stronger in the light of Lord Pelor, honor be upon him. As I drew apart from the others for a time to write this journal, a strange thing happened. It is dark here, but I have spells of light from Pelor. In order to have enough light to write, I thought of casting one. Without actually doing so, in fact, with nothing more than the thought, light appeared in my hand! Good and great is Lord Pelor, may he bring justice and mercy to the world. Wondrous is that which he works through his servants!
May such light illuminate our way.
*A*
Following our explorations of the druid grove, the caves beyond the gate, and the other curious events that followed, we should have been poised to accomplish new things, but instead we found ourselves wondering how next to proceed.
I had a strange vision the night after, and wrote what I remembered of it. May Pelor give light to its meaning, for the thoughts, so significant to me at the time, quickly fade!
We debated our course of action, and in the end spent a day searching for more information around Izmir. Walter Tupper (and may I be forgiven for misstating his name, in my prior post, as the insulting word in my language) had an excellent idea to visit the Seneschal, since he is not a Paladin and was not yet widely known as our associate. Perhaps, he said and we agreed, he could learn something useful and even alert the authorities to what was happening at the heart of their city.
Instead, I am still unclear how, things went very, very wrong.
Somehow, he inadvertently convinced the Seneschal that was a madman and was committed to the local madhouse. We retrieved him at the cost of 10 gold coins, for which he reimbursed us. For the remainder of the day, and I would say the one after, he acted strangely - saying nonsensical and sometimes ill things - for example insulting the god Thor in front of his very clergy! What happened to this man? Was he poisoned, drugged, cursed with some unknown magic? It makes no sense. Then again, something similar happened to Marion. Perhaps it is the shadows of evil that stalk these lands in this time. Regardless, I hope that Tupper is now cured.
Shell Ray the Ranger and Revna the Mage remain mysterious figures to me. It is clear that Revna (is that how it is spellled?) is from the far North and is a follower of gods such as Thor. She seems to be of a people akin to our friend the Priest of Thor, who has it seems gone missing. Both Shell Ray and Revna are people of the woods and wild. So strange to me an my land! Oda, on the other hand, is clearly a man of great honor and dignity, and his land the same. Should I ever have the chance, I would like to visit there, for it seems like a land where people behave with proper dignity, and each knows their place. Not identical, but yet much like home!
Shell Ray, in turn, visited the Seneschal. Perhaps because of his earlier agitation, he reacted in exactly the opposite of how we might wish - closing off the grove to all and guarding it with soldiers! Thus, we have undone our own intentions.
Lacking any clear plan or better ideas, we decided to return to the mines. I'm not sure it was the right course, but we shall see. We found the main way shut - bricked and mortared such that we could spend days trying to get through. Instead we paid a large bribe to the accursed dogs of the Caravanserai to let us through. Truly, I struggle with this, for at times I think justice would be served by slaughtering them like the villains they are, yet I fear this would not be in accord with the will and mercy of Pelor, so I refrain. I think that Oda at least feels as I do, and for good reason... but would it be right?
In the mines we found much repair and cleaning had been done. After some exploration, greatly aided by the divination and scrying powers of Revna, we came to battle with horrors of the underdark - creatures known as "Driders" that are associated with the Drow. They were fell and powerful foes. Oda, for his part, seems to surpass us all in skill with the sword. His many years of disciplined training shone forth in this battle... it was a sight to behold! However, the rest of us are now capable of feats we thought beyond us, not but two months ago. We have advanced greatly in our skills and powers in a very short time.
Perhaps, despite our errors and failings, the gods favor us after all. Truly I believe I am growing stronger in the light of Lord Pelor, honor be upon him. As I drew apart from the others for a time to write this journal, a strange thing happened. It is dark here, but I have spells of light from Pelor. In order to have enough light to write, I thought of casting one. Without actually doing so, in fact, with nothing more than the thought, light appeared in my hand! Good and great is Lord Pelor, may he bring justice and mercy to the world. Wondrous is that which he works through his servants!
May such light illuminate our way.
*A*
Alcander's Fantastic Voyages: Part 3
Many things have been made clear to me. Many dark things. Things I would rather not know. Things within myself that I must look harshly upon.
My own father has betrayed me, I think. But no worse than I have betrayed myself.
I was not lied to. They did bring me my father. He made many things clear. Things that perhaps would have been best left unclear.
The Heracletian Knights are not, it seems, looked upon highly in Greece these days. We were great and noble warriors against the Monotheists, but it seems some believe we have outstayed our welcome. There have been rumbles in the senates and councils and oligarchies of some of the more distant citystates that the Knights ought to be disbanded, that they control too much wealth and too much power. Distant, as I said.
The order has responded by disbanding those governments, and taking the cities. And, it seems, they want my father to assist them. He has great pull, and many ships, and they have promised him exclusive export rights on any number of goods for his assistance.
It would be good, I think, to have those who follow the path of Heracles in command of the cities. Many of them are unruly and villainous places. To have those who could root out evil at it's core could be a potent thing.
But I cannot approve of my father's role in all this. To participate in such an enterprise for greed: what good would that do? I owe respect to my father, of course, but it seems he is nothing more than a crass profiteer, riding on the coat tails of paladins, no better than the likes of Hrogar. I cannot support such aims, and so I cannot support him.
And so I told my father, that I could not take a knighthood that was offered to me only because of my father's wealth, for wealth itself was against the teachings of the order.
He laughed at me, and I was angry with him. Now I know why he laughed.
I was taken after that to a fete in my honor, to try to sway me. The food was fine, and I was commanded to drink wine. I did, though I should not have. I do not know what manner of things were added to that wine, but it was far more potent than it ought to have been.
The rest of the night was a blur, but I remember too much. I remember my commander ordering me to partake of more wine. I remember finer food than was proper. I remember being put in finery far above what befitted my station.
I remember women, being brought out in finery that surely cost more than it covered. I remember gambling, being ordered to play the dice games that brought about my downfall, and I remember...
To say that it was an orgy would surely not do the thing justice. There were men, surely, as is only proper. But the women did not remain covered for long. And other, stranger things. And all of it I was comanded to participate in.
I swore a vow to obey my superiors, and so I did. I obeyed them again and again, encouraged by the wine and whatever else they fed me.
And in my obedience, I broke every other vow I was called upon to follow.
And now I sit in my cell, my head pounding, the morning light too bright. It is all I can do to pray to Heracles. Pray to him for guidance. Pray that he will show me what I must do in the light of this, this mockery of his laws.
I believe that the law of Heracles ought to be the law of this land.
I am no longer certain of the law of Heracles is to be found among his order.
Heracles, have mercy on my soul.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hrefna's Calling, Day 59
The Paladins, seeming lacking in anything better to do, have decided to retrace their steps to some form of Drow Laboratory. This place is evil--an entire hallway in the complex is warded against scrying, along with several of the rooms. Before heading down I cast runes to see how the future might manifest, and the result was not pretty. Halgaz, Isa, and Pethro came up, indicating that there is not much to learn for us down this path, but we are probably were to make our situation far far more complicated.
Still, when we entered the lab, I was surprised. The place has a faint but distinct smell of sea caves, and yet we are a long way from the ocean. In one room there is a mural of ancient underwater city, the likes of which are not entirely familiar to me, but for which I have seen illustrations in old books writing of the myths of the Reindeer Tribes. I do not know what this portends, but it cannot be good.
I am now beginning to understand why Óðinn felt it necessary that I join with this group. They are a formidable force to be reckoned with, at least on the battlefield, though there seems to be a bit of a problem in getting them onto the field of choice with all of their weapons pointed the same way.
First impressions:
Tupper means well, but seems to have some sort of communication issue. He went in to talk with the seneschal and, while I wasn't scrying that meeting so I am uncertain on the details, managed to get himself committed. Thankfully it was a fairly small fee to get him out this time, though it is probably best if he stays out of the Seneschal's way.
Arcadius is a Paladin of Palor and is from a land I do not recognize. We have gotten travelers in the past who bear a superficial resemblance to his race, but none of his specific culture. I do not know what this "land of the five rivers" is that he speaks of, but it sounds like a harsh place wholly lacking in the natural and untamed beauty of our lands.
Oda is one of the most amazing swordsmen I have ever seen. We have warriors in Romsdahl who are a sight to behold on the battlefield, who are capable of ignoring great injury and inflicting tremendous damage in battle. Some are blessed--or cursed--by Wod and will work themselves into such a fury that they will bite their shields and be unable to tell friend from foe. Oda possesses none of this fury, but what he lacks in obvious passion he makes up for in iron discipline. I am uncertain of what to make of this combination, and will be keeping my eye on him in the future to see what I might learn and bring back to my homeland.
Hrogar I met only briefly, but seems to be the brunt of many jokes. I wonder what a "Honest Hrogar's Emporium" is and why the others mock him for it?
Fflam is one of the Dwarves, but wholly unlike any of the Dvergar we have encountered in my homeland. For one, he is much too short and seems to lack any skill at fine crafts. I do not quite know what to make of him, though to be fair I am not sure he knows what to make of me either. He seems to be accident prone, and is the first one through the door in times of trouble, leading to an awkward situation when he ran headlong into a Drider's web.
This leaves us with Shelré. I do not know what to make of her as yet. She has evidently proven herself very useful to the group, but also seems to have some ulterior motive in her actions. Time will tell what she is trying to achieve.
That is the group the Raven Lord has seen fit to place me with. We'll see what things they can accomplish in the future.
Still, when we entered the lab, I was surprised. The place has a faint but distinct smell of sea caves, and yet we are a long way from the ocean. In one room there is a mural of ancient underwater city, the likes of which are not entirely familiar to me, but for which I have seen illustrations in old books writing of the myths of the Reindeer Tribes. I do not know what this portends, but it cannot be good.
I am now beginning to understand why Óðinn felt it necessary that I join with this group. They are a formidable force to be reckoned with, at least on the battlefield, though there seems to be a bit of a problem in getting them onto the field of choice with all of their weapons pointed the same way.
First impressions:
Tupper means well, but seems to have some sort of communication issue. He went in to talk with the seneschal and, while I wasn't scrying that meeting so I am uncertain on the details, managed to get himself committed. Thankfully it was a fairly small fee to get him out this time, though it is probably best if he stays out of the Seneschal's way.
Arcadius is a Paladin of Palor and is from a land I do not recognize. We have gotten travelers in the past who bear a superficial resemblance to his race, but none of his specific culture. I do not know what this "land of the five rivers" is that he speaks of, but it sounds like a harsh place wholly lacking in the natural and untamed beauty of our lands.
Oda is one of the most amazing swordsmen I have ever seen. We have warriors in Romsdahl who are a sight to behold on the battlefield, who are capable of ignoring great injury and inflicting tremendous damage in battle. Some are blessed--or cursed--by Wod and will work themselves into such a fury that they will bite their shields and be unable to tell friend from foe. Oda possesses none of this fury, but what he lacks in obvious passion he makes up for in iron discipline. I am uncertain of what to make of this combination, and will be keeping my eye on him in the future to see what I might learn and bring back to my homeland.
Hrogar I met only briefly, but seems to be the brunt of many jokes. I wonder what a "Honest Hrogar's Emporium" is and why the others mock him for it?
Fflam is one of the Dwarves, but wholly unlike any of the Dvergar we have encountered in my homeland. For one, he is much too short and seems to lack any skill at fine crafts. I do not quite know what to make of him, though to be fair I am not sure he knows what to make of me either. He seems to be accident prone, and is the first one through the door in times of trouble, leading to an awkward situation when he ran headlong into a Drider's web.
This leaves us with Shelré. I do not know what to make of her as yet. She has evidently proven herself very useful to the group, but also seems to have some ulterior motive in her actions. Time will tell what she is trying to achieve.
That is the group the Raven Lord has seen fit to place me with. We'll see what things they can accomplish in the future.
Journal of Arcadius - Day 56
(written in an odd-looking, but recognizable scrawl)
Strange visions...
Another place, distorted time
That which should be dead, acts as if alive
Things from another realm, another world, a place of horror
Two sisters
Or two faces of the same?
Madness all the same
Good and evil
Light and dark
Sun and moon
Land and sea
Noonday sun and morning mist
But which?
What was, and should be
What will be, and should not
They gather
What do they seek?
Do they know?
What is it that I see?...
Strange visions...
Another place, distorted time
That which should be dead, acts as if alive
Things from another realm, another world, a place of horror
Two sisters
Or two faces of the same?
Madness all the same
Good and evil
Light and dark
Sun and moon
Land and sea
Noonday sun and morning mist
But which?
What was, and should be
What will be, and should not
They gather
What do they seek?
Do they know?
What is it that I see?...
Journal of Fflam (in dwarven)
Day 56. At least, that's what it appears to be. Time passes differently inside the druid grove. we go inside for a day, and find that a week has passed in the city surrounding it. Whether this is some magic the druids have set up, or some effect of the evil inside, I do not know. I can't imagine why anyone would want time to pass more slowly for them.
I don't understand the druidic ideal, anyway. How does one recieve divine magic from belief in trees and bushes, rather than a god? I have seen nothing but problems from the trees around here anyway, and yet we are trying to save them? I know they are unnatual and occaisonally evil, but Moradin help me!
For that matter, I wonder about this Hrefna character we met this evening. She looks to be sorcerous or something of the like. How do they function, anyway? Magic comes through the grace of the gods, and yet these sort draw it from within themselves, as if they would become a god in their own right.
I'm sure they'll soon learn the dangers of meddling with powers too great for them to control.
For the time being though, she seems willing to help, and I suspect she knows more than she's letting on. The symbols she wears tell me she is from far to the north, how could she not have heard of a giant sunken city just off the coast?
I suppose I must rest now, and see what tomorrow brings.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Journal of W. E. Tupper, Day 49-56
Day 49 56
I know the upper echelons of the Sable Lions will be reading this, and if I wrote down the truth of the matter, you would not believe me. So I think it better to write a patent falsehood and be questioned on it later than to attempt to craft a subtle one and escape unqueried. All facts presented about the situation are genuine to the best of my knowledge.
I spent the week drunk and face down in a gutter.
Meanwhile, my compatriots discovered (over the past week) many things that are relevant to the matter at hand. Namely, that two sisters have been behind some of the dealings with the grove, one of which has been behind the planting the dark trees. Though cold and inhuman in their behavior (or so I have been told), neither of them seem to be vampires. Of particular note is the sister Rann, who has (through extensive research through local historical records) been planting these trees for about 300 years, though she has only spent 10 years planting them near Point of Origin and has had only 1 year of coral-gateway usage.
Both siblings live in a cave beyond the coral gate, and regularly summon unnatural beings from another realm for food and companionship. Said coral gate has been destroyed, though there is the potential for them to re-establish it. The sober part of our group successfully destroyed all of the dark tree saplings in the grove over the course of three days. Attempts to bless the dark fountain which was nurturing them ended in explosion, giving them no other choice but to clog it. During this time in the grove, they discovered the time-differential magicks in the area did not merely shift one to a point in the day where it was dark.
Shell, of whom my suspicions are either ungrounded or far too accurate, has offered to contact any rangers in the area in an effort to prevent this from happening again. After I cleaned myself up, I offered to contact the local law enforcement for assistance as well.
In other news, we got a letter from Alcander today that said he had been summoned back to his homeland. I did not know he was literate and am glad he has taken steps to become civilized. I would like to also note now that Arcadius may not, in fact, smirk every time he says my name.
Now if you will excuse me, I feel the need to spend another week drunk.
I know the upper echelons of the Sable Lions will be reading this, and if I wrote down the truth of the matter, you would not believe me. So I think it better to write a patent falsehood and be questioned on it later than to attempt to craft a subtle one and escape unqueried. All facts presented about the situation are genuine to the best of my knowledge.
I spent the week drunk and face down in a gutter.
Meanwhile, my compatriots discovered (over the past week) many things that are relevant to the matter at hand. Namely, that two sisters have been behind some of the dealings with the grove, one of which has been behind the planting the dark trees. Though cold and inhuman in their behavior (or so I have been told), neither of them seem to be vampires. Of particular note is the sister Rann, who has (through extensive research through local historical records) been planting these trees for about 300 years, though she has only spent 10 years planting them near Point of Origin and has had only 1 year of coral-gateway usage.
Both siblings live in a cave beyond the coral gate, and regularly summon unnatural beings from another realm for food and companionship. Said coral gate has been destroyed, though there is the potential for them to re-establish it. The sober part of our group successfully destroyed all of the dark tree saplings in the grove over the course of three days. Attempts to bless the dark fountain which was nurturing them ended in explosion, giving them no other choice but to clog it. During this time in the grove, they discovered the time-differential magicks in the area did not merely shift one to a point in the day where it was dark.
Shell, of whom my suspicions are either ungrounded or far too accurate, has offered to contact any rangers in the area in an effort to prevent this from happening again. After I cleaned myself up, I offered to contact the local law enforcement for assistance as well.
In other news, we got a letter from Alcander today that said he had been summoned back to his homeland. I did not know he was literate and am glad he has taken steps to become civilized. I would like to also note now that Arcadius may not, in fact, smirk every time he says my name.
Now if you will excuse me, I feel the need to spend another week drunk.
Hrefna's Calling, Day 56
The portents are strange and speak of dark things to come. A siren's call seems to be cycling in the depths, and smaller fish are booming while larger sharks and whales vanish without a trace. Fishermen and traders sail to the west and never return. We are told that crops will be good this year by the farmers, and not a fortnight later we find them being decimated by insects unlike any we have ever seen. Insects are rare enough in our lands, let alone ones that destroy crops.
Recently we had an aurochs die during calving, but when we sliced it open we found the calf to be badly deformed and long dead. We burned them both, not in sacrifice, but in warding.
My journey took me through Umea, where the rumors became even more dire. Despite it being late in the spring, the ice has not yet broken around their ports, and on the rocky beaches they are finding strange fishlife the likes of which are seen only in the deepest of deep water nets. Oarfish and dogfish, and crustaceans the size of lynx, all washed up on the stone shore. When I was there they were in the process of dealing with a whale that had washed up on the shore, deep lacerations running down the length of its body.
Point of Origin is not oblivious to these omens, and they have also become even less communicative with us than usual. When I arrived there, their seaport was closed and they were accepting no visitors who weren't on official business. We were forced to weigh anchor in a town slightly to the north. From there I made my way east to the capital of this region.
I entered without causing a fuss--elves are rare in this region, but I am the right height ((nearly 1.8 meters)) that if I throw up a hood no one would be the wiser.
First I entered the temple of Þórr to check in, where the disciples were worried about the head priest not having returned. There are rumors of a serial killer targeting foreigners, and there are rumors of a group of Paladins disappearing. I have met another group of Paladins who seem to be fighting for a cause, but seem to not be wholly aware of the greater fabric. I am uncertain where they are going, but I see that I should travel with them for the time being.
The gods choose strange bedfellows for us indeed. Why did they see fit to send me to a group of Paladins? A more fractious and divisive group is hard to imagine, and while the sea tells me this is the correct place and the correct time, I am left with some deep doubts about the future of my mission.
From what I have seen so far, the strange signs that we have been seeing in Romsdahl and its surroundings simply don't seem to be here in the same degree... but the moon is full tonight, the winds still whisper, and I cannot help but worry.
Recently we had an aurochs die during calving, but when we sliced it open we found the calf to be badly deformed and long dead. We burned them both, not in sacrifice, but in warding.
My journey took me through Umea, where the rumors became even more dire. Despite it being late in the spring, the ice has not yet broken around their ports, and on the rocky beaches they are finding strange fishlife the likes of which are seen only in the deepest of deep water nets. Oarfish and dogfish, and crustaceans the size of lynx, all washed up on the stone shore. When I was there they were in the process of dealing with a whale that had washed up on the shore, deep lacerations running down the length of its body.
Point of Origin is not oblivious to these omens, and they have also become even less communicative with us than usual. When I arrived there, their seaport was closed and they were accepting no visitors who weren't on official business. We were forced to weigh anchor in a town slightly to the north. From there I made my way east to the capital of this region.
I entered without causing a fuss--elves are rare in this region, but I am the right height ((nearly 1.8 meters)) that if I throw up a hood no one would be the wiser.
First I entered the temple of Þórr to check in, where the disciples were worried about the head priest not having returned. There are rumors of a serial killer targeting foreigners, and there are rumors of a group of Paladins disappearing. I have met another group of Paladins who seem to be fighting for a cause, but seem to not be wholly aware of the greater fabric. I am uncertain where they are going, but I see that I should travel with them for the time being.
The gods choose strange bedfellows for us indeed. Why did they see fit to send me to a group of Paladins? A more fractious and divisive group is hard to imagine, and while the sea tells me this is the correct place and the correct time, I am left with some deep doubts about the future of my mission.
From what I have seen so far, the strange signs that we have been seeing in Romsdahl and its surroundings simply don't seem to be here in the same degree... but the moon is full tonight, the winds still whisper, and I cannot help but worry.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Alcander's Fantastic Voyages: Part 2
I am troubled.
I have been home for a day, but this is the first chance I have had to write. I have been... busy.
When I left the ship, I was simply glad to be home. It has been too long since I have smelled grape leaves, though I feel it would be against my vows to eat them.
I hardly got to enjoy it. I was rushed off to the Temple of Heracles. There, I was taken to a small room with a drawn bath. I was commanded to bathe. This goes against all that I have been taught, but I was commanded, and so, against my better judgement, I used the bath that was there.
While I was busy, the Master of Possessions came and took my weapons and my lion skin. Had I noticed, I would have tried to stop him. The bone belongs to all, as it is a weapon, and the same goes for the bow. But the skin is mine, claimed from a lion in battle, the only thing that I am allowed to own. And in it's place, what did I find when I stepped from that bath? A new, unworn skin, encrusted with jewels and smelling that like that Elven warrior. A bow waited, plated in gold, and not even having a string. And in place of that bone was a mace that would have crumbled upon impact with any true foe, so decorated and ceremonial it was. I asked the Master of Possessions for real weapons, but he told me to remember that I was to use all things that were given me by the order. So I put on that skin, feeling more vile than before I had bathed.
Without so much as a break, I was ushered off to be made a full Brother of Heracles. There was already a council gathered, and I was instructed to stand while the council decided whether my deeds would be worthy of admittance. I doubted they would be, having not done too much.
My deeds, it seemed, were plenty. Thought I have only met the one dragon, it was said that I slaid an elder one. I smote an entire arsenol of monotheists with a single stroke of my mace. I built a great road through trackless wastes, by defeating a djinn in single combat and forcing it to do my bidding. I bedded the Tarrasque. I sank an entire continent of the enemies of Greece into the ocean. I don't even know where Atlantis is!
The council would not listen to my protestations, and so I was forced to make them more loudly until I was heard. I believe that Heracles himself had to lend me his voice to reach that volume, but they listened.
I told the council that I had done none of these deeds. That while my own deeds were great, these were not mine, and I could not claim them.
The Abbey swears my father told him this was all true. But my father would happily tell a follower of Odin that a camel makes a fine Arctic mount. I could not take these deeds as mine, and I asked for a chance to speak with my father before being aclaimed.
The Abbey tried to ignore my complaints and go on, but by the time I was supposed to have wielded the corpse of a Naga to slay a legion of Drow, he could ignore me no longer.
He has promised to retrieve my father. In the meantime, I have been given a room. I say room, but it is too kind. It is the sort of sparse room that befits a warrior of Heracles, but there are two brothers outside of it, and I have been told not to try and leave to find my father on my own.
I am supposed to be a guest of honor. It is a bad lie, but so I have been commanded to stay, and so I will.
I just hope that Heracles will give me the strength to fight through these lies and figure out what the hell is going on, here.
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