We reported our news to our Sea Elf guide, who was indeed pleased, and returned the earrings of water-breathing. One, the one we had found, we were allowed to keep. It will likely be useful.
We now await a ship to take us across the waters to the town of the Alfar. I have been practicing swimming, as this seems to be a most useful skill given the foes we fight. The others have whiled away the past two days in various manners. We have divided the gold and platinum, and have promised Grungar some beets when we are next in a place where they may be found.
Ragnarr is consumed by guilt over the creatures he summoned and especially the Fire Elemental. Though I think he did rightly, I know that these matters are complex, and offered to help him perform proper ceremonies for atonement. He rejected this, and seems to prefer to spend much time in private meditation. There are times when he baffles me. For rituals and forms are of great use in guiding our thoughts, words, and deeds in the direction of what is right, and of avoiding that which is perilous and unwise.
Moreover, Pelor is most forgiving and merciful. Ragnarr summoned servants of our lord in order to fight our lord's enemies, indeed the enemies of the very world. The Fire Elemental itself was on our plane only briefly, but in that time it helped defeat a vile foe associated with a corrupted form of the very element opposed to fire. Its sacrifice was one all who think rightly should be willing to make, when the time comes. Still - there is the matter of whether it had a choice at all. Lord Pelor knows the truth, and will act accordingly.
In the meantime, I think I must relax and clear my mind.
The times to come may be perilous, but for now, we have peace. I have purchased another bottle of the refreshing liquor Akavit, and invited the others to join me.
*A*
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Journal of Arcadius - Day 155
Victory at a Price
After futile efforts to explore the remainder of the keep, we realized there was only one way left to go... down, into the depths of dark well of water. Whatever was down there, we were in no shape to fight it, being short of both spells and health. We decided, despite the risks, to rest for the night at the keep.
There was also the matter of the abominations, the pseudonatural creatures summoned by the evil ones, for the purpose of sacrifice it seemed. I deemed that such sacrifices must not be allowed to continue, for whatever they were to achieve, it was an evil to the world. Moreover, these things belonged not in the world at all, and would be best sent back to their own vile plane. The others seemed less clear on this matter, but nonetheless I spent a part of the night dispatching the pseudonatural abominations.
Our night was otherwise uneventful.
In the morning, we investigated the depths. First, Jacob flew down with a set of ropes attached. Alas! The ropes did not hold and one of them fell into the waters below, sank, and was lost. In any case, it proved that the surface of the water was too far down to reach with such ropes as we had.
Thus, Jacob flew, carrying us down one by one. I was first, and illuminated by the light of Lord Pelor, saw something vast, dark, and moving in the water. The others followed and we prepared for battle.
Swimming down into the water, we encountered a thing like a gigantic squid, with dark choking tentacles. It was evil, and seemingly of malevolent intelligence. It was a fierce battle, with many of us caught, freeing ourselves, and then caught again. Jacob and Chris did much harm to it, while we armed with weapons helped as we could.
However, the battle seemed to go against us.
Most of us were gravely hurt, Chris was running low on powerful spells, while the thing fought on. At last, in a bold and desperate move, Ragnarr called upon Pelor and summoned a fire elemental... yes, a fire elemental, there in the watery depths! He summoned it forth near to the thing, and as sheltered by its bulk from the rest of us as could be devised.
It was devastating.
The unfortunate fire elemental, may Pelor have mercy upon it and honor for it, came apart in a spectacular explosion, the shockwaves of which ripped both through the squid thing and through us. Its vast noisome body absorbed most of the blast, but we suffered as well. Chris was knocked unconscious, and Grungar was gravely wounded, only to be brought to the very door of death by an attack of the creature moments later.
The rest of us fought on, striking as we could, each in our way. The thing, in its pain and wrath, seized Jacob and dragged him downward. However, this proved to be a mistake, for he with desperate fury launched one of his eldritch blasts straight into its body, slaying it at last. Truly, Jacob showed glorious courage in that moment!
We then explored. There were several passages leading out from the lair of the thing, one of which proved to have much treasure. More importantly, directly below the thing was a vast black mirror-gate, of the kind we have seen elsewhere. We considered passing through it to strike foes on the other side, but realized we lacked the needed key. Unable to use the gate, we knew we must smash it, and THAT was a job for Grungar.
He did so with enthusiasm.
As the gate cracked and was destroyed, shockwaves of instability flashed out from it. We sensed the keep beginning to shake and crumble around us. Wasting no time, we swam upwards, and were transported out of the water one by one by Jacob. From there, we made use of a mobile platform in the complex, intended for meats for the pseudonatural beasts, as a means to lift ourselves to the surface. We escaped moments before the entire coral keep crumbled into debris.
Praise to Lord Pelor, and to the gods!
Let the dark ones know, let those who would deal and treat with the horrors from outside know, that there are those who will resist, who will fight them! Though the war be long and this be but one battle, this battle at least is won.
*A*
After futile efforts to explore the remainder of the keep, we realized there was only one way left to go... down, into the depths of dark well of water. Whatever was down there, we were in no shape to fight it, being short of both spells and health. We decided, despite the risks, to rest for the night at the keep.
There was also the matter of the abominations, the pseudonatural creatures summoned by the evil ones, for the purpose of sacrifice it seemed. I deemed that such sacrifices must not be allowed to continue, for whatever they were to achieve, it was an evil to the world. Moreover, these things belonged not in the world at all, and would be best sent back to their own vile plane. The others seemed less clear on this matter, but nonetheless I spent a part of the night dispatching the pseudonatural abominations.
Our night was otherwise uneventful.
In the morning, we investigated the depths. First, Jacob flew down with a set of ropes attached. Alas! The ropes did not hold and one of them fell into the waters below, sank, and was lost. In any case, it proved that the surface of the water was too far down to reach with such ropes as we had.
Thus, Jacob flew, carrying us down one by one. I was first, and illuminated by the light of Lord Pelor, saw something vast, dark, and moving in the water. The others followed and we prepared for battle.
Swimming down into the water, we encountered a thing like a gigantic squid, with dark choking tentacles. It was evil, and seemingly of malevolent intelligence. It was a fierce battle, with many of us caught, freeing ourselves, and then caught again. Jacob and Chris did much harm to it, while we armed with weapons helped as we could.
However, the battle seemed to go against us.
Most of us were gravely hurt, Chris was running low on powerful spells, while the thing fought on. At last, in a bold and desperate move, Ragnarr called upon Pelor and summoned a fire elemental... yes, a fire elemental, there in the watery depths! He summoned it forth near to the thing, and as sheltered by its bulk from the rest of us as could be devised.
It was devastating.
The unfortunate fire elemental, may Pelor have mercy upon it and honor for it, came apart in a spectacular explosion, the shockwaves of which ripped both through the squid thing and through us. Its vast noisome body absorbed most of the blast, but we suffered as well. Chris was knocked unconscious, and Grungar was gravely wounded, only to be brought to the very door of death by an attack of the creature moments later.
The rest of us fought on, striking as we could, each in our way. The thing, in its pain and wrath, seized Jacob and dragged him downward. However, this proved to be a mistake, for he with desperate fury launched one of his eldritch blasts straight into its body, slaying it at last. Truly, Jacob showed glorious courage in that moment!
We then explored. There were several passages leading out from the lair of the thing, one of which proved to have much treasure. More importantly, directly below the thing was a vast black mirror-gate, of the kind we have seen elsewhere. We considered passing through it to strike foes on the other side, but realized we lacked the needed key. Unable to use the gate, we knew we must smash it, and THAT was a job for Grungar.
He did so with enthusiasm.
As the gate cracked and was destroyed, shockwaves of instability flashed out from it. We sensed the keep beginning to shake and crumble around us. Wasting no time, we swam upwards, and were transported out of the water one by one by Jacob. From there, we made use of a mobile platform in the complex, intended for meats for the pseudonatural beasts, as a means to lift ourselves to the surface. We escaped moments before the entire coral keep crumbled into debris.
Praise to Lord Pelor, and to the gods!
Let the dark ones know, let those who would deal and treat with the horrors from outside know, that there are those who will resist, who will fight them! Though the war be long and this be but one battle, this battle at least is won.
*A*
Ragnarr: Day 157
I think I'm getting somewhere. I hope I'm getting somewhere.
I've spent a lot of time with Pelor these last two days. Pelor and a fisherman who still follows the old ways, hunts with a wooden spear and all that. I asked him to help me, show me how to use the damn thing. He did, patiently enough. He frowned when I practiced some of what Pelor had shown me with it, saying that it wasn't sporting to use magic to catch fish.
I tried to tell him that I wasn't going to be catching fish. We've never fought anything underwater that couldn't eat me whole, and I could use every advantage I could get. I told him about the great bloody shark, and he seemed to understand.
At least I've learned to swim a little. I still don't see why anybody created a world with so damn much water. Why cover most of the world in water if the finest creatures on it can't swim? Seems daft.
We're trying to get a boat. I'm doing what good I can here while we wait, but mostly it's been a quiet couple of days. The others are doing what they can to help make the next underwater battle a little less stupid, and hopefully between us we can avoid having to bring in a suicide fire elemental.
I've spent my days praying, spearing, and drinking at night. This village has decent liquor, even if they haven't seen a supply ship in a while. Perhaps once I get back to the mainland I can see about getting a merchant to come out this way. Somebody's got to want to buy fish, yes?
It's strange. I still feel terrible for what happened with the elemental, but I feel closer to Pelor than I ever have. Perhaps I've been leaning on him too much, and he wanted me to find my own strength, or some bollocks. I don't know.
What I do know is that Arcadius has just bought another bottle of akavit, and that means I have somewhere else to be.
With luck, we'll have somewhere altogether different to go to, too. I think I've come as far as I can on this island, and I want to see what gifts Pelor's given me.
This time, I'll make sure I've got a spear handy.
I've spent a lot of time with Pelor these last two days. Pelor and a fisherman who still follows the old ways, hunts with a wooden spear and all that. I asked him to help me, show me how to use the damn thing. He did, patiently enough. He frowned when I practiced some of what Pelor had shown me with it, saying that it wasn't sporting to use magic to catch fish.
I tried to tell him that I wasn't going to be catching fish. We've never fought anything underwater that couldn't eat me whole, and I could use every advantage I could get. I told him about the great bloody shark, and he seemed to understand.
At least I've learned to swim a little. I still don't see why anybody created a world with so damn much water. Why cover most of the world in water if the finest creatures on it can't swim? Seems daft.
We're trying to get a boat. I'm doing what good I can here while we wait, but mostly it's been a quiet couple of days. The others are doing what they can to help make the next underwater battle a little less stupid, and hopefully between us we can avoid having to bring in a suicide fire elemental.
I've spent my days praying, spearing, and drinking at night. This village has decent liquor, even if they haven't seen a supply ship in a while. Perhaps once I get back to the mainland I can see about getting a merchant to come out this way. Somebody's got to want to buy fish, yes?
It's strange. I still feel terrible for what happened with the elemental, but I feel closer to Pelor than I ever have. Perhaps I've been leaning on him too much, and he wanted me to find my own strength, or some bollocks. I don't know.
What I do know is that Arcadius has just bought another bottle of akavit, and that means I have somewhere else to be.
With luck, we'll have somewhere altogether different to go to, too. I think I've come as far as I can on this island, and I want to see what gifts Pelor's given me.
This time, I'll make sure I've got a spear handy.
Ragnarr: Day 155
Pelor, forgive me, for I am a bastard.
I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on myself. I might have saved everybody. But how I saved everybody, that's the problem.
We're not prepared to fight in the water. That's a problem, when we keep fighting in the water. The only bloody thing I've figured out to do is to summon poor damn fishes to come fight for us.
Fishes like the two that damn shark ate. Or the one I killed today, though at least that one was a different sort of fish, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't the same fish I got eaten the other two times.
And yes, I know that the fishes will reform on their own plane, healthy in body, and go about their business. I know the fire elemental will, too, bless his soul. But I know for damn sure that I'll reform some place nicer when I die, too.
That doesn't mean that I'd be thankful if some unprepared, desperate bastard ripped me out of my life and forced me to die an awful, painful death from the thing I despise most, just so that I might explode and harm something that somebody wasn't prepared to fight.
That poor fire elemental. It was never meant to be summoned in water. It made a hell of an explosion when it did. Probably saved us all, though it ripped apart the fish I had summoned, and nearly killed Chris in the bargain.
Thank Pelor I can say "almost." I couldn't bloody live with myself if I'd dragged him out of his tower, just to get him killed unleashing forces that I don't really understand.
And all that just to get myself nearly killed when Grungarr needed my help. I can't heal anybody if I'm dead, but it was a near thing. Even with my idiotic, not thought out, needlessly cruel spell, Grugarr and Chris both might have died, anyway.
And it's all because I couldn't think of anything better to do.
There's got to be something. Some way I, that we, can be better prepared. Some way that we can fight some damn fishes without getting half the souls in heaven killed in the bargain.
Tomorrow I'll spend in prayer to Pelor. Arcadius offered that he could help me with a ritual if I needed it, which shows how little he gets it. This isn't about rituals, it's about my soul and what the hell I'm doing. This one is between me and Pelor.
With luck, he'll show me something in myself that will be useful next time.
Next time. By Pelor's beard, why did it have to be me that got called to go adventuring? This isn't what I'm cut out for. Give me a nice town with a nice plague and a few broken arms, maybe a glass of ale, and I know what I need to be doing.
But adventuring? Hell, I don't know why anyone does this on purpose. But the gods call us to where we need to be, and Pelor says I need to be here.
So here I'll stay. And if I'm to be here, I'll not be the cause of another poor bastard ripped from his home to be eaten or blown up.
What I shall do instead, I can only hope that Pelor will tell.
I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on myself. I might have saved everybody. But how I saved everybody, that's the problem.
We're not prepared to fight in the water. That's a problem, when we keep fighting in the water. The only bloody thing I've figured out to do is to summon poor damn fishes to come fight for us.
Fishes like the two that damn shark ate. Or the one I killed today, though at least that one was a different sort of fish, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't the same fish I got eaten the other two times.
And yes, I know that the fishes will reform on their own plane, healthy in body, and go about their business. I know the fire elemental will, too, bless his soul. But I know for damn sure that I'll reform some place nicer when I die, too.
That doesn't mean that I'd be thankful if some unprepared, desperate bastard ripped me out of my life and forced me to die an awful, painful death from the thing I despise most, just so that I might explode and harm something that somebody wasn't prepared to fight.
That poor fire elemental. It was never meant to be summoned in water. It made a hell of an explosion when it did. Probably saved us all, though it ripped apart the fish I had summoned, and nearly killed Chris in the bargain.
Thank Pelor I can say "almost." I couldn't bloody live with myself if I'd dragged him out of his tower, just to get him killed unleashing forces that I don't really understand.
And all that just to get myself nearly killed when Grungarr needed my help. I can't heal anybody if I'm dead, but it was a near thing. Even with my idiotic, not thought out, needlessly cruel spell, Grugarr and Chris both might have died, anyway.
And it's all because I couldn't think of anything better to do.
There's got to be something. Some way I, that we, can be better prepared. Some way that we can fight some damn fishes without getting half the souls in heaven killed in the bargain.
Tomorrow I'll spend in prayer to Pelor. Arcadius offered that he could help me with a ritual if I needed it, which shows how little he gets it. This isn't about rituals, it's about my soul and what the hell I'm doing. This one is between me and Pelor.
With luck, he'll show me something in myself that will be useful next time.
Next time. By Pelor's beard, why did it have to be me that got called to go adventuring? This isn't what I'm cut out for. Give me a nice town with a nice plague and a few broken arms, maybe a glass of ale, and I know what I need to be doing.
But adventuring? Hell, I don't know why anyone does this on purpose. But the gods call us to where we need to be, and Pelor says I need to be here.
So here I'll stay. And if I'm to be here, I'll not be the cause of another poor bastard ripped from his home to be eaten or blown up.
What I shall do instead, I can only hope that Pelor will tell.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Aurelia: Day 154
We set out, back to the keep today. It was very interesting to see these men fight. The cleric, rightfully so, spent most of the day healing. The Wizard Chris seems unsure how to use his powers in a fight. I assume that saved the rest of us much injury. I am thankful he has a clear head. They knew our weaknesses and used them. One used a wall of iron to prevent Jacob using most of his powers, thankfully Jacob found a way to get more of us into the room. The thing we were fighting escaped through a portal. We started to follow, but being unsure when it would close or where we were, we returned to the Keep and must now figure out a new plan of attack.
Unfortunately, I must look into getting a magical weapon. This is the first I have dealt with something with the power to knock my arrows aside like a child's plaything.
Unfortunately, I must look into getting a magical weapon. This is the first I have dealt with something with the power to knock my arrows aside like a child's plaything.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Journal of Arcadius - Day 154
(hastily scrawled note)
Much fighting. Enemy well prepared. More foul dark-robed mages, perhaps undead perhaps not. Definitely in league with alienists. Gravely wounded or perhaps destroyed one, through the grace of Pelor. Another nearly trapped me with an illusion. May I be wiser and more cautious in the future. It then escaped through magic. Third foe was well defended in a room, we assaulted and broke through, but it too escaped through portal to cliffside complex of the alienists. Advised others to retreat quickly and we did. Found room full of caged pseudonatural creatures. Found some information and some potentially useful items, but we are getting low on magic. Retreat to regain magic only buys them time. We could press on, but where are they? What to do?
*A*
Much fighting. Enemy well prepared. More foul dark-robed mages, perhaps undead perhaps not. Definitely in league with alienists. Gravely wounded or perhaps destroyed one, through the grace of Pelor. Another nearly trapped me with an illusion. May I be wiser and more cautious in the future. It then escaped through magic. Third foe was well defended in a room, we assaulted and broke through, but it too escaped through portal to cliffside complex of the alienists. Advised others to retreat quickly and we did. Found room full of caged pseudonatural creatures. Found some information and some potentially useful items, but we are getting low on magic. Retreat to regain magic only buys them time. We could press on, but where are they? What to do?
*A*
Playing with others is hard. (Chris)
It seems I need work on picking better damage spells to work with this group of adventures. They like to run up and engage the enemy, which prevents me from casting fun spells like fireball. I would hate to hurt any of them. Now do not get me wrong, I love their enthusiasm and I prefer them to get the attention of the enemy then the person or creature to be pissed at me. So I need to do some research so I can assist them in defeating these people that work with the creatures from the sea.
I will say my spells that are not design to do damage I have been very fortunate with. The dispel spells and glittering dust really came in handy today. A wizard used an invisibility spell that would have made fighting extremely tough if I was not able to cover him with dust there by allow the others to continue attacking him.
But enough about spells, let talk about the wizards we faced recently. They were some very powerful wizards; these wizards used spells that were very powerful and not all of them where “boom” spells. I can really appreciate the work that went it all of the defenses that they had setup. I need to do some research on runes. They are very powerful and I can see it being very useful for me in the future. Hmm wonder if there is any place near by where I can get information on them.
Well I need to do more research on this as well as digging up some information on this ancient threat o and I need to talk to the paladins. They seem to know things about the place we went to, when followed the wizard for a while though a dimensional door. I would like to know more about these people.
I will say my spells that are not design to do damage I have been very fortunate with. The dispel spells and glittering dust really came in handy today. A wizard used an invisibility spell that would have made fighting extremely tough if I was not able to cover him with dust there by allow the others to continue attacking him.
But enough about spells, let talk about the wizards we faced recently. They were some very powerful wizards; these wizards used spells that were very powerful and not all of them where “boom” spells. I can really appreciate the work that went it all of the defenses that they had setup. I need to do some research on runes. They are very powerful and I can see it being very useful for me in the future. Hmm wonder if there is any place near by where I can get information on them.
Well I need to do more research on this as well as digging up some information on this ancient threat o and I need to talk to the paladins. They seem to know things about the place we went to, when followed the wizard for a while though a dimensional door. I would like to know more about these people.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ragnarr: Day 154
Pelor works in mysterious ways, except when he doesn't. It's no wonder he sent me to babysit this bunch. I've healed my share of diseases, broken legs, snake bites, and what have you, but never in my life have I healed so many life threatening wounds in a single day. I new that Pelor must have directed me in this direction for some good reason, and now I know. That this pack of bastards has survived this long makes me thing they must be doing something Pelor finds extremely important.
Chris is getting a workout for his magic, too. It's good for him, I think. He's spent so much time in a room with his books, but he's never had the chance to find out how his magic works in the real world. Sure, it would be nice if he were practicing doing something useful, not just trying to kill things, but it's practice, none-the-less.
And what better things to practice on than undead? At least I think they're undead. The power I could have used to detect such things keeps being used to prop people up instead. Even if these things aren't undead, they're certainly very old and very evil. Not at all the sort of thing that Pelor smiles on.
They're also quite powerful mages of some sort. Which means we've got the painful decision of whether to chase the bastards while they're still weak and so are we, or to let them rest and recuperate while we do the same. It's the paladins' decision, of course, but I hope we go after them, soon. Any chance at surprising them is gone. It might be dangerous to carry on, but it would be worse to let them prepare another day.
Though not as bad as wanting me to undo damage that could have been massive, all to look in a closet. I talked Flam out of that, but by Pelor's beard, has the man no sense?
At least Grungarr was injured opening a useful door. The poor lad is going to need powerful help for his head, I fear. Both because he harmed his head greviously, and that he did it to himself. With a very large hammer. We stopped him, and I think that this is only an effect of the glyph he triggered, but I fear to think that this was within him all the time. I'll have to make sure his spirit stays strong, or we may have great problems.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Journal of Grungar, Day 153-154ish
Hello journal! Did you enjoy beetsack?
Okay so we saw a shark and Ragnar fed it another shark and then we saw another another shark but it go away.
IT WAS AWESUM
Then we get out of water and find notorctown and big spooky keep.
We make new friend that talk funny and is a notorc. Her name is Areola and she smell like book. :D
She has a doggy named Wuulf! \:o
I want to make Wuulf sculpture, but she doesn't want to show me Wuulf also town has no beets. :{
Okay so today. I learn that Areola uses food to say hello and goodbye. Notorcs are neet!
We find wet hole in ground. Elflady says it is way to big spooky keep. We go in but journal stay in beetsack agin. Goodbye journal!
AAAAHHHHHHHHH okay so we find dry part in water okay
FISH ARE SCARY THEY ARE GOING SWIM IN MOUFH AND EAT ME LIKE BANANNA
also we beat up spooky guy in robe
Okay so we saw a shark and Ragnar fed it another shark and then we saw another another shark but it go away.
IT WAS AWESUM
Then we get out of water and find notorctown and big spooky keep.
We make new friend that talk funny and is a notorc. Her name is Areola and she smell like book. :D
She has a doggy named Wuulf! \:o
I want to make Wuulf sculpture, but she doesn't want to show me Wuulf also town has no beets. :{
Okay so today. I learn that Areola uses food to say hello and goodbye. Notorcs are neet!
We find wet hole in ground. Elflady says it is way to big spooky keep. We go in but journal stay in beetsack agin. Goodbye journal!
AAAAHHHHHHHHH okay so we find dry part in water okay
FISH ARE SCARY THEY ARE GOING SWIM IN MOUFH AND EAT ME LIKE BANANNA
also we beat up spooky guy in robe
Journal of Lt. Tupper, Day 154
Day 154
Completely forgot about the hearing.
Milya was kind enough to come over and drag me out of bed for it. I showed up unshaven, sleepy-eyed, smelling like dung, and an hour late. Smythe started the morning off with the journal entry that listed all the group's various criminal acts. It was brought up that, out of the seven reports expected of me, only four were sent; all of dubious quality and none of them on time. Then he finally got around to yesterday's arrest of a Mr. Rupert Saxon and my involvement in it, and so he requested my current journal for 'perusal of behavior.' We recessed while he read through it, and I was just about to ask Milya if her father needed a spare goat-herder when he called me back in.
He was grinning like a maniac ablaze, but worse yet, he was nice at me. He asked if I could vouch for the veracity of what I wrote, I said yes, he gave me the ol' foul-eye… and then he started giggling. He handed the journal to a page, sat right down next to me, and patted me on the back. I have witnessed driders, dragons, and the undead; this single act terrified me most of all.
He said that he was only hard on me because he wanted to be sure that I was on the level and up to the job, and now that I had proven myself to be reliable (specifically, "a lad of rigorous ethos and morality"), he could trust me with regular duty. He told me he was very proud of me, then he wrote a note of recommendation and sent me off to see Stuart. At this point, I'm lucky to manage a 'thank you.'
When I got in to HQ, I found a fresh pile of wapos churned out by the scribes; all of them for one Cogmer Warpspanner, AKA 4C, AKA the Thrum Bumper.
The son of a bitch wanted the gnome.
Stuart filled me in on the details; how a short madman had been marauding through the city, tackling various people and dragging them into the sewers. The guards would find them later in an alleyway somewhere, alive but severely beaten. "4C" had been a thorn in Smythe's arse for months now, and my journal had been the final piece of evidence needed to track him down.
And so: for the act of risking life and limb in the apprehension of a murderer, I have received a commendation. For the act of writing down a name, I have been granted the full rank of Lieutenant with all due rights and responsibilities. This also means I can now weasel out of escort duty for the Order knights (what's left of them), since the reason for my task was more at proving myself rather than helping them out. Putting aside the fact that there is now a small guano-grade lunatic within the city limits who has ample reason and capability to make my life a never-ending hell, I think I'll see my current duty through.
Spent the afternoon hocking stuff and buying supplies for the trip. Left my old journal with Milya, figured she'll get a kick out of it. Next caravan to Ismere leaves tomorrow morning, going to bed early to catch up on lost sleep.
May St. Cuthbert guard my bed from crazy gnomes.
May I live to serve in St. Cuthbert's name.
Completely forgot about the hearing.
Milya was kind enough to come over and drag me out of bed for it. I showed up unshaven, sleepy-eyed, smelling like dung, and an hour late. Smythe started the morning off with the journal entry that listed all the group's various criminal acts. It was brought up that, out of the seven reports expected of me, only four were sent; all of dubious quality and none of them on time. Then he finally got around to yesterday's arrest of a Mr. Rupert Saxon and my involvement in it, and so he requested my current journal for 'perusal of behavior.' We recessed while he read through it, and I was just about to ask Milya if her father needed a spare goat-herder when he called me back in.
He was grinning like a maniac ablaze, but worse yet, he was nice at me. He asked if I could vouch for the veracity of what I wrote, I said yes, he gave me the ol' foul-eye… and then he started giggling. He handed the journal to a page, sat right down next to me, and patted me on the back. I have witnessed driders, dragons, and the undead; this single act terrified me most of all.
When I got in to HQ, I found a fresh pile of wapos churned out by the scribes; all of them for one Cogmer Warpspanner, AKA 4C, AKA the Thrum Bumper.
The son of a bitch wanted the gnome.
Stuart filled me in on the details; how a short madman had been marauding through the city, tackling various people and dragging them into the sewers. The guards would find them later in an alleyway somewhere, alive but severely beaten. "4C" had been a thorn in Smythe's arse for months now, and my journal had been the final piece of evidence needed to track him down.
And so: for the act of risking life and limb in the apprehension of a murderer, I have received a commendation. For the act of writing down a name, I have been granted the full rank of Lieutenant with all due rights and responsibilities. This also means I can now weasel out of escort duty for the Order knights (what's left of them), since the reason for my task was more at proving myself rather than helping them out. Putting aside the fact that there is now a small guano-grade lunatic within the city limits who has ample reason and capability to make my life a never-ending hell, I think I'll see my current duty through.
Spent the afternoon hocking stuff and buying supplies for the trip. Left my old journal with Milya, figured she'll get a kick out of it. Next caravan to Ismere leaves tomorrow morning, going to bed early to catch up on lost sleep.
May I live to serve in St. Cuthbert's name.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ragnarr: Day 153
Back on dry land, praise Pelor. I made an offering to him, a few nice fish to feed to that poor shark I got eaten. Twice. Hopefully Pelor and the shark will forgive me. Having Pelor unhappy with me would be bad enough. Having both him and plane travelling divine sharks unhappy would be uncomfortable.
It seems the evil things aren't the only folks on this island. We're staying in a fishing village. Nice enough place, but a bit isolated. They haven't seen many trading ships, but they seem to be doing alright. They seem to be in good health, and their healer seems to have a good handle on things. I don't know what god she follows, but there's power in her, and more than enough to take care of what ails the people around here.
When we get off this island, I'll have to find out where it is from that sea elf and see if I can't convince some fine trader to make it out this way. I wonder why they haven't already.
We met someone else touched by the gods. She claims to be on loan to Dan, or Heracles, or whatever he's calling himself in these parts. She has a nice dog, though she says he has a temper. It will be interesting to see if Heracles gives her the patience to deal with Grungar.
Ah, Grungar. He spent some time today looking for beets. It seems that his sculpting works not as good with fish, and there are building splattered with fish parts to prove. Perhaps I can find some kind of magic sack that dispenses beets, so that I can keep him out of trouble when needed.
But that's a problem for another day. Tonight, the problem is dealing with this surplus of Akavit. Tomorrow, the problem is not daying. The day after that, perhaps Pelor will see fit to give me time to see to the beet shortage.
Off to the inn.
Finally out of water (Chris)
Ah, it is so nice to be out of the water. I never thought I would find myself swimming, well trying to swim under water. I have never come across such interesting creatures. I think the first one was a water elemental. I think things would have gone smoother, if any of use new how to swim. Well at least the fighter where able to distract it while Jacob, Ragnarr, and I we able to use magic to defeat it.
I must say the ability to summon creatures is a very powerful ability that Jacob and Ragnarr have. It helped us during the elemental fight and it also was useful when we came across a hungry shark. Ragnarr summoned a shark, which the other shark ate and left us alone. I found it quite amusing; Ragnarr on the other hand almost had a break down. Talking about how he let Pelor down. The funniest part was the shark came back and he summoned yet another one only to have it eaten too. A well he did some burning of fish to ask for forgiveness from Pelor. I asked him why kill more fish, did he not kill enough for today. HA!
On another note meet a new person today. I did not get her name. She has an interesting accent. I have yet to accouter a person who speaks like her. I look forward to learn more about here. A well I need to get some spells read for tomorrow.
I must say the ability to summon creatures is a very powerful ability that Jacob and Ragnarr have. It helped us during the elemental fight and it also was useful when we came across a hungry shark. Ragnarr summoned a shark, which the other shark ate and left us alone. I found it quite amusing; Ragnarr on the other hand almost had a break down. Talking about how he let Pelor down. The funniest part was the shark came back and he summoned yet another one only to have it eaten too. A well he did some burning of fish to ask for forgiveness from Pelor. I asked him why kill more fish, did he not kill enough for today. HA!
On another note meet a new person today. I did not get her name. She has an interesting accent. I have yet to accouter a person who speaks like her. I look forward to learn more about here. A well I need to get some spells read for tomorrow.
Aurelia: Day 153
I have been in this town for a fortnight! Finally the group that Hercules sent me to meet has arrived. They are not exactly what I was expecting, but (for men) they are so far acceptable companions. For the most part.
There is Arcadius, who seems to be either the leader or sees himself as that. He filled me in on what exactly the group is doing. You know Hercules, vague and demanding.
Grungar is the one in the group that Hercules (Grungar calls him Dan?) has deemed worthy to fight in his name. He mashes something called 'beets' into sculpture? I have not seen this feat, but I do hope he can actually fight. He seems to lack in intelligence.
The wizard Chris seems to be the best at handling Grungar. He spoke as if to a small child. This will be interesting. I have not dealt much with Wizards, so I am actually quite keen to see what a wizard is capable of. He seems intelligent, so hopefully he will not kill us all with his spells.
Jacob, a warlock from even farther away than I, was very quiet. I am not sure what to think of him yet.
Then there are the dwarfs. 2 more undwarf-like dwarfs I have never met.
Fflam seems to be both friends and enemies with fire. He has very little hair left. Otherwise, he was quiet, so I have not much to say.
The other dwarf, Ragnar, is even more strange. He is a cleric of Pelor the Sun God. A dwarf has given his life in service of Pelor. There's something strange you don't see every day. Then again, he seems to honor Bacchus as well, so I am not sure what to think.
Lucrezia will be happy. In the morning we will take off with the group and she will be able to run for awhile. As much as I hate being in towns, it is even worse for her, since she remains in the rooms at all time.
Diana, I hope you owe Hercules a lot, because it seems to me that this is not a small venture he has sent me on. In the end, he may owe you again!
There is Arcadius, who seems to be either the leader or sees himself as that. He filled me in on what exactly the group is doing. You know Hercules, vague and demanding.
Grungar is the one in the group that Hercules (Grungar calls him Dan?) has deemed worthy to fight in his name. He mashes something called 'beets' into sculpture? I have not seen this feat, but I do hope he can actually fight. He seems to lack in intelligence.
The wizard Chris seems to be the best at handling Grungar. He spoke as if to a small child. This will be interesting. I have not dealt much with Wizards, so I am actually quite keen to see what a wizard is capable of. He seems intelligent, so hopefully he will not kill us all with his spells.
Jacob, a warlock from even farther away than I, was very quiet. I am not sure what to think of him yet.
Then there are the dwarfs. 2 more undwarf-like dwarfs I have never met.
Fflam seems to be both friends and enemies with fire. He has very little hair left. Otherwise, he was quiet, so I have not much to say.
The other dwarf, Ragnar, is even more strange. He is a cleric of Pelor the Sun God. A dwarf has given his life in service of Pelor. There's something strange you don't see every day. Then again, he seems to honor Bacchus as well, so I am not sure what to think.
Lucrezia will be happy. In the morning we will take off with the group and she will be able to run for awhile. As much as I hate being in towns, it is even worse for her, since she remains in the rooms at all time.
Diana, I hope you owe Hercules a lot, because it seems to me that this is not a small venture he has sent me on. In the end, he may owe you again!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Journal of Arcadius - Day 153
The Depths.
My misgivings were correct, and in the morning Sztuczka departed our group, intent on forging a path of her own. We bid her farewell.
We returned to the complex, met our guide, a sea Elf, as it turned out. We packed our goods into the bag of holding, and descended into the darkness. The first of the lower levels proved to be a flooded passage of coral, much like those above, but with much sea life, the one below that was of living coral with even more sea life. The third level down however was different... devoid of most life other than a strange black coral, and even stranger things, like worms made of shadow, that moved along it.
As we moved through the passages toward our goal, the shadow worms began to follow us. They coalesced and grew, and began to nip at the feet of those in the back of the party. We pressed on and reached a large underwater chamber where the shadows gathered and assembled into a vast black mass of shadowy tentacles. We fought this thing and eventually defeated it. From this chamber we exited through a titanic grate, one designed to block vast monstrosities of the sea, but not creatures so small as men, elves, and dwarves.
Moving through the open sea was strange, and dangerous. We were attacked by two beasts vaguely resembling giant reptilian dolphins, and later by a huge shark. Twice the shark attacked us, and each time was deterred by Ragnarr's summoning of a most unfortunate celestial shark - smaller than this beast, and in each summoning apparently doomed to fill the belly of our enemy. Ragnarr later proved himself most pious and worthy on this matter, as I shall discuss later.
Ahead of us was land - an upward slope of coral and sand blocked by swarms of jellyfish. However, our elven guide knew a way past them and we emerged on the surface, a shore of dead coral like sharp rock. We carefully made our way over it to dry land, and donned our clothes, armor, and gear. It proved to be a gloomy and rocky island, with two notable features: a brightly painted fishing village in one direction, and a strange keep made of coral in another. We headed for the village to rest for the night and regain our spells. Our guide chose remain at the shore.
The village proved to be a human one - blond and pale northerners. They were friendly enough, though most in this isolated place did not speak common. We found an inn and a boy who did speak it, and purchased rooms, food, and a bottle of akavit. We also met a woman, half-elven as it turned out, who is sent by Heracles, via her goddess Diana, to help us.
Praise be to the gods!
Her name is Aurelia, and she is someone skilled in woodcraft and the wilds, and has a wolf companion that is being kept in her room. I would guess she is a ranger or druid of some kind, though we have yet to see her powers in action. I thought her to be from a southern land, as she has black hair, a distinct melodious accent, and a complexion touched by the sun, though not so much so as the folk of my homeland. Indeed, she proved to be from a place called Torino or Turino that is in the region of Alcander's homeland. Most interesting!
Grungar spoke with her, and for reasons I cannot recall the conversation turned to his skill at mashing sculptures from beets. He became very, very animated on the subject and went out for what must have been an hour asking possibly everyone in town if they had beets. Alas for him, they did not.
In the meantime, I told Aurelia a quick version of our travels since the beginning and the needful but grim purpose on which we are set. She showed no fear and was ready to join us. About this time Ragnarr returned. He had spent his day sacrificing fish to Pelor and praying in apology for the fate of the shark servitor sent to us in the battles at sea. This was most worthy and correct of Ragnarr, and my eyes are now opened, seeing the truth and depth of his faith.
Praise be to Lord Pelor!
Once all our companions regrouped, we had food and some of us akavit as well, and then departed to our rooms for sleep. And, sleep is what I now need... tomorrow is likely to be a very long day.
*A*
My misgivings were correct, and in the morning Sztuczka departed our group, intent on forging a path of her own. We bid her farewell.
We returned to the complex, met our guide, a sea Elf, as it turned out. We packed our goods into the bag of holding, and descended into the darkness. The first of the lower levels proved to be a flooded passage of coral, much like those above, but with much sea life, the one below that was of living coral with even more sea life. The third level down however was different... devoid of most life other than a strange black coral, and even stranger things, like worms made of shadow, that moved along it.
As we moved through the passages toward our goal, the shadow worms began to follow us. They coalesced and grew, and began to nip at the feet of those in the back of the party. We pressed on and reached a large underwater chamber where the shadows gathered and assembled into a vast black mass of shadowy tentacles. We fought this thing and eventually defeated it. From this chamber we exited through a titanic grate, one designed to block vast monstrosities of the sea, but not creatures so small as men, elves, and dwarves.
Moving through the open sea was strange, and dangerous. We were attacked by two beasts vaguely resembling giant reptilian dolphins, and later by a huge shark. Twice the shark attacked us, and each time was deterred by Ragnarr's summoning of a most unfortunate celestial shark - smaller than this beast, and in each summoning apparently doomed to fill the belly of our enemy. Ragnarr later proved himself most pious and worthy on this matter, as I shall discuss later.
Ahead of us was land - an upward slope of coral and sand blocked by swarms of jellyfish. However, our elven guide knew a way past them and we emerged on the surface, a shore of dead coral like sharp rock. We carefully made our way over it to dry land, and donned our clothes, armor, and gear. It proved to be a gloomy and rocky island, with two notable features: a brightly painted fishing village in one direction, and a strange keep made of coral in another. We headed for the village to rest for the night and regain our spells. Our guide chose remain at the shore.
The village proved to be a human one - blond and pale northerners. They were friendly enough, though most in this isolated place did not speak common. We found an inn and a boy who did speak it, and purchased rooms, food, and a bottle of akavit. We also met a woman, half-elven as it turned out, who is sent by Heracles, via her goddess Diana, to help us.
Praise be to the gods!
Her name is Aurelia, and she is someone skilled in woodcraft and the wilds, and has a wolf companion that is being kept in her room. I would guess she is a ranger or druid of some kind, though we have yet to see her powers in action. I thought her to be from a southern land, as she has black hair, a distinct melodious accent, and a complexion touched by the sun, though not so much so as the folk of my homeland. Indeed, she proved to be from a place called Torino or Turino that is in the region of Alcander's homeland. Most interesting!
Grungar spoke with her, and for reasons I cannot recall the conversation turned to his skill at mashing sculptures from beets. He became very, very animated on the subject and went out for what must have been an hour asking possibly everyone in town if they had beets. Alas for him, they did not.
In the meantime, I told Aurelia a quick version of our travels since the beginning and the needful but grim purpose on which we are set. She showed no fear and was ready to join us. About this time Ragnarr returned. He had spent his day sacrificing fish to Pelor and praying in apology for the fate of the shark servitor sent to us in the battles at sea. This was most worthy and correct of Ragnarr, and my eyes are now opened, seeing the truth and depth of his faith.
Praise be to Lord Pelor!
Once all our companions regrouped, we had food and some of us akavit as well, and then departed to our rooms for sleep. And, sleep is what I now need... tomorrow is likely to be a very long day.
*A*
Sztuczka
When I was little, my babcia always said to me, "Ink, if not used, will dry up." She always told me that whenever I stubbornly would not practice or shied away from a tougher piece of music. I never really understood what she was telling me, but now I believe I do. I must keep practicing my talents to keep them strong.
On the road with the group, I still get to play my violin and sing... but I do not get to work on many of my other talents. I have spells and flash and shiny things that are just too much for the taverns and inns we stay at. My showmanship skills are on a downhill slope!
Adventuring is swell, but I need to get back to wandering where the wind takes me. Or back home. I miss Ma and Da. This time of year, they are probably in the Steppes. I could have a lot of fun travelling there from here.
My feet are telling me it will soon be time to leave on an adventure of my own.
Babcia, I miss you. Your violin is safe with me.
On the road with the group, I still get to play my violin and sing... but I do not get to work on many of my other talents. I have spells and flash and shiny things that are just too much for the taverns and inns we stay at. My showmanship skills are on a downhill slope!
Adventuring is swell, but I need to get back to wandering where the wind takes me. Or back home. I miss Ma and Da. This time of year, they are probably in the Steppes. I could have a lot of fun travelling there from here.
My feet are telling me it will soon be time to leave on an adventure of my own.
Babcia, I miss you. Your violin is safe with me.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Notes on My Companions:
*Fflam*
Fflam is now the last of our original companions still traveling with me. So many have been called aside, and Ryan and Alcander met their noble deaths. Fflam still remains, scarred from countless wounds almost beyond recognition in only a few months. Truly, he has seemed cursed, yet one cannot doubt his valor.
*Jacob*
Jacob remains with us with all his strange fey-derived powers, most thankfully under the geas of Lord Pelor. I do not fully trust him even now, but at least he is not a coward and a knave like the unworthy Hrogar. Ah! But Lord Pelor is forgiving! As Bahkhesh the patient camel-driver I shall be.
*Sztuzka*
I think that Sztu is tiring of the grim life of our journeys. She has not left us yet, but my thoughts forebode that she will do so soon. If she lives through our next journey, and leaves us, I will miss her support. A great heart rests in that small frame.
*Grungar*
Grungar is... well meaning.
*Chris*
The Wizard Chris is a most welcome addition to our party. For all his arcane powers, he seems a noble and humble soul as well. I, follower of Pelor that I am, could do much to learn from his example.
*Ragnarr*
The Cleric Ragnarr is the second oddest Dwarf I have ever met, after Fflam. He is manifestly drawn to and chosen by Pelor - a son of the sun in a way far outside what is common among his folk. Yet, he is so casual-seeming about his faith. I clearly do not understand him rightly. May I learn, and Pelor grant me wisdom to know when I have learned.
*A*
Fflam is now the last of our original companions still traveling with me. So many have been called aside, and Ryan and Alcander met their noble deaths. Fflam still remains, scarred from countless wounds almost beyond recognition in only a few months. Truly, he has seemed cursed, yet one cannot doubt his valor.
*Jacob*
Jacob remains with us with all his strange fey-derived powers, most thankfully under the geas of Lord Pelor. I do not fully trust him even now, but at least he is not a coward and a knave like the unworthy Hrogar. Ah! But Lord Pelor is forgiving! As Bahkhesh the patient camel-driver I shall be.
*Sztuzka*
I think that Sztu is tiring of the grim life of our journeys. She has not left us yet, but my thoughts forebode that she will do so soon. If she lives through our next journey, and leaves us, I will miss her support. A great heart rests in that small frame.
*Grungar*
Grungar is... well meaning.
*Chris*
The Wizard Chris is a most welcome addition to our party. For all his arcane powers, he seems a noble and humble soul as well. I, follower of Pelor that I am, could do much to learn from his example.
*Ragnarr*
The Cleric Ragnarr is the second oddest Dwarf I have ever met, after Fflam. He is manifestly drawn to and chosen by Pelor - a son of the sun in a way far outside what is common among his folk. Yet, he is so casual-seeming about his faith. I clearly do not understand him rightly. May I learn, and Pelor grant me wisdom to know when I have learned.
*A*
Journal of Arcadius - Day 152
Strange twists of fate. Strange choices. We returned to the cave complex yet again, only to find the undead lord, or rather some projection of it, waiting for us. He told a most unexpected tale, of the battle he and his allies waged against the forces from... outside, the forces of darkness associated with the sea.
A grim choice presented itself.
These undead mages are, however evil themselves, part of the seemingly worldwide war against the evil from beyond. This place had been built by that evil, and was now occupied by the undead mages very much against its will and in opposition to its power. Destroy them, and it would reclaim its place of power.
Given the eternal war of Lord Pelor against the undead, all seemed to pause for a moment and look at me.
We agreed to make peace with the undead ones and go to battle against the forces from beyond, provided that the undead mages ceased their experiments upon the Alfar children, and allowed the folk of this town to return to a normal state. They agreed, and noted that their most useful research - whatever that vile research might be - was complete in any case. Whether it be guidance from the gods, or a judgement of the character of this thing, I was inclined to believe it would keep its word.
Oh Lord Pelor, may I have made the correct choice!
For his part, the undead one agreed to provide us with a servitor as guide, and magic earrings to allow us to breath in the sea-flooded lower levels. We for ours decided we required a day to prepare and to purchase items needful for the journey, most especially a bag of holding or similar item to transport our weapons and armor through the waters unharmed.
And so it has been done.
As I write, I sit here again at the inn, read to set forth in the morrow.
May Pelor give us strength and wisdom, may we have done, and do, rightly.
*A*
A grim choice presented itself.
These undead mages are, however evil themselves, part of the seemingly worldwide war against the evil from beyond. This place had been built by that evil, and was now occupied by the undead mages very much against its will and in opposition to its power. Destroy them, and it would reclaim its place of power.
Given the eternal war of Lord Pelor against the undead, all seemed to pause for a moment and look at me.
We agreed to make peace with the undead ones and go to battle against the forces from beyond, provided that the undead mages ceased their experiments upon the Alfar children, and allowed the folk of this town to return to a normal state. They agreed, and noted that their most useful research - whatever that vile research might be - was complete in any case. Whether it be guidance from the gods, or a judgement of the character of this thing, I was inclined to believe it would keep its word.
Oh Lord Pelor, may I have made the correct choice!
For his part, the undead one agreed to provide us with a servitor as guide, and magic earrings to allow us to breath in the sea-flooded lower levels. We for ours decided we required a day to prepare and to purchase items needful for the journey, most especially a bag of holding or similar item to transport our weapons and armor through the waters unharmed.
And so it has been done.
As I write, I sit here again at the inn, read to set forth in the morrow.
May Pelor give us strength and wisdom, may we have done, and do, rightly.
*A*
Ragnarr: Day 153
If Pelor had meant for dwarves to swim, he'd have given us flippers. Or at least given us some sort of body that was made for swimming, not this stubby damn thing. That damn elf once told me I was built like a cannon call. Well guess what? Cannon balls don't float.
It's got to be hard on the smashing types. Arcadius seems to do alright. He's got a spear, which seems to work better than anything, but the dwarf and the orc can't so much smash as vaguely wave a weapon in the general direction of the enemy and hope it runs away.
But we keep fighting damn fish and octopusses and damn monsters that take one look at us and know that they can swim, and we sure as hell can't.
At least Pelor is still taking care of us here in the depths. Something tells me he wouldn't be too happy with me if I I brought one of his fire elementals out down here, but he gave me a mean fish cat thing that can swim as well as I can't. I think it bailed out that damn Warlock.
The deaf warlock. I'll have to ask Pelor to heal that tomorrow. It seems the sea god didn't think his teleporting around was funny and popped his ears. Not sure the sea god is wrong, but Pelor's a forgiving sort, so maybe he'll give me the power. That'd be nice.
At least we've got one good sea elf with us. Well, good for an elf. I wonder how many low bids the gods took before they got desperate enough to put elves in the ocean. I suppose it's better than putting dwarves there, but it's still ridiculous. She's good in a fight, though, so I'll look past her racial inadequacies.
May Pelor get me through this damn ocean, so that I can write this down later. It's no good grumbling to myself underwater. Nobody but the damn fish will get to hear a perfectly gripe. At least if I write it down, someone can read it when I'm dead, and say "Now there was a dwarf who knew how to complain properly."
Pelor, if you're listening, it would be nice if you could help me out with that. Whenever I die, anyway. Not saying that I want to die now, mind you. Later.
Damn. More bloody fish.
It's got to be hard on the smashing types. Arcadius seems to do alright. He's got a spear, which seems to work better than anything, but the dwarf and the orc can't so much smash as vaguely wave a weapon in the general direction of the enemy and hope it runs away.
But we keep fighting damn fish and octopusses and damn monsters that take one look at us and know that they can swim, and we sure as hell can't.
At least Pelor is still taking care of us here in the depths. Something tells me he wouldn't be too happy with me if I I brought one of his fire elementals out down here, but he gave me a mean fish cat thing that can swim as well as I can't. I think it bailed out that damn Warlock.
The deaf warlock. I'll have to ask Pelor to heal that tomorrow. It seems the sea god didn't think his teleporting around was funny and popped his ears. Not sure the sea god is wrong, but Pelor's a forgiving sort, so maybe he'll give me the power. That'd be nice.
At least we've got one good sea elf with us. Well, good for an elf. I wonder how many low bids the gods took before they got desperate enough to put elves in the ocean. I suppose it's better than putting dwarves there, but it's still ridiculous. She's good in a fight, though, so I'll look past her racial inadequacies.
May Pelor get me through this damn ocean, so that I can write this down later. It's no good grumbling to myself underwater. Nobody but the damn fish will get to hear a perfectly gripe. At least if I write it down, someone can read it when I'm dead, and say "Now there was a dwarf who knew how to complain properly."
Pelor, if you're listening, it would be nice if you could help me out with that. Whenever I die, anyway. Not saying that I want to die now, mind you. Later.
Damn. More bloody fish.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Ragnarr: Day 149
Dear Mother,
It looks like, once again, my work for Pelor brings me back to this part of the world. I won't be right next door, but I'm near enough that this letter should be able to reach you safely. You could even reply, if you wanted.
I was thinking I might like to come visit. I haven't been home in long, long time. How's Langthor doing? I guess by now he must have reached manhood, grown a proper beard. I can't even imagine what he looks like these days. I haven't heard anything about him since he was barely old enough to hold a hammer.
And Grithna. Did Grithna ever marry that boy she was chasing after? I never got to see her beard come in, either.
I know that's my own fault, that I left. I wish that you could understand that I had to, that I just couldn't stay underground any more. I needed the sun on my face, to feel warm air that hasn't been underground for six centuries. I know that's not very dwarfish of me, but I hope that you would understand. I was never meant for an ordinary dwarf's live. I accept that now. Pelor has helped me to accept that, and I have accepted Pelor as my patron.
Yes, mother, Pelor still speaks to me. I know you had hoped it was a phase, but it wasn't. He sends me visions, set me out to do his work. He gives my life meaning, and that's a good thing. He helps me to help others like myself, the orphans, the outcasts. And he helps me to forgive those that have wronged me. Even you, mother.
I know the dwarven gods are not so big on forgiveness as Pelor, so perhaps you'll never forgive me as I have you. But I thought I'd give you another chance. If you'd like to write me back, I would love to come see you, see the family. Or perhaps you'd rather burn this letter beside an effigy of me. That's really your choice.
I've made mine. And that choice is Pelor.
May his light be with you.
Your son,
Ragnarr
It looks like, once again, my work for Pelor brings me back to this part of the world. I won't be right next door, but I'm near enough that this letter should be able to reach you safely. You could even reply, if you wanted.
I was thinking I might like to come visit. I haven't been home in long, long time. How's Langthor doing? I guess by now he must have reached manhood, grown a proper beard. I can't even imagine what he looks like these days. I haven't heard anything about him since he was barely old enough to hold a hammer.
And Grithna. Did Grithna ever marry that boy she was chasing after? I never got to see her beard come in, either.
I know that's my own fault, that I left. I wish that you could understand that I had to, that I just couldn't stay underground any more. I needed the sun on my face, to feel warm air that hasn't been underground for six centuries. I know that's not very dwarfish of me, but I hope that you would understand. I was never meant for an ordinary dwarf's live. I accept that now. Pelor has helped me to accept that, and I have accepted Pelor as my patron.
Yes, mother, Pelor still speaks to me. I know you had hoped it was a phase, but it wasn't. He sends me visions, set me out to do his work. He gives my life meaning, and that's a good thing. He helps me to help others like myself, the orphans, the outcasts. And he helps me to forgive those that have wronged me. Even you, mother.
I know the dwarven gods are not so big on forgiveness as Pelor, so perhaps you'll never forgive me as I have you. But I thought I'd give you another chance. If you'd like to write me back, I would love to come see you, see the family. Or perhaps you'd rather burn this letter beside an effigy of me. That's really your choice.
I've made mine. And that choice is Pelor.
May his light be with you.
Your son,
Ragnarr
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