Lilaiethyn's Background

Lilaiethyn's Journal

The Kingdom of Avendale

The Duchy of Ravenholt

The Duchy of Ashbury

Other Writings

Songbook

Sending A Falcon

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Updated 6/16/604 E.R.

Lilaiethyn's Journal...

A Note to the Reader:

This journal that I keep in this library is a public journal, for all who take the time to read it. As this journal can be read by all, there will be times when I will not mention a certain occurrence or go into detail. This is to protect the safety and interests of those who adventure with me. My decision to include or omit information will often be based upon whether possibly sensitive information has been posted publicly in other forums such as a tavern wall or newsletter by those involved. That point made, please continue…

- Lilaiethyn

May 602 C.Y.: Wainsford, Avendale

It was a notice of work as a scribe that brought me still ever northwards towards Wainsford. The Guildmaster of the Royal Avendale Healers's Guild was seeking a number of scribes to assist him in his daily business. I sent a message to Guildmaster Andvar ahead of myself in my finest hand, hoping to impress him.

Upon arriving on a Friday evening and stabling my horse, I looked for an Inn in Wainsford that would serve untill I had a chance to interview with the Guildmaster. The Innkeeper said that his rooms had filled up already with travelers, but being of an elven race, perhaps I could enquire of the Mages' Guild to host me. Baroness Kittery, the Guildmistress, welcomed me to have a bed. I introduced myself to the others of Baroness Kittery's court staying with me.

The night darkened, the hour grew late, and I thought I would not get a chance to speak with Guildmaster Andvar until the morning. I stood in the doorway of the Guild, looking out into the darkness of the central field.

A woman came to the doorway, and enquired of the Guildmistress, who was not present. A strange juxtaposition, she carried a warrior's sword and shield and yet wore a long dress. It was not half as startling as the pair of gossamer wings sprouting from her back. She introduced herself as Titania, and I asked if I may walk with her and speak about her origins, for I had never seen a human with wings! It seems she is half-Fae. Titania graciously gave me a tour of Wainsford as she went about her business. It was then I met her companion, Xylon. Titania and Xylon were focused on negotiating their departure from one association of adventurers and joining another.

Late on Saturday morning, I arrived at the Healer's Guild for my interview as scribe. Guildmaster Andvar and I spoke of service to the kingdom, and as a messenger of the Guildmaster, I could gain direct audience to the Viscount-Regent. I was vaguely surprised I was not requested to take an Oath, but perhaps my discussion with the Guildmaster impressed upon him that I was trustworthy. The Guildmaster spoke of his curse, that a spell to cure light wounds acts as a death spell upon him.

A strange child with the features of a bear visited Wainsford that day, and Titania and I and a few of her friends played "follow the leader" with it back into the woods. There we were ambushed by Dark Goblins. With assistance, the Dark Goblins were slain. The Barbarian Julak tracked the bear-child to a rock in the woods, and there he found a gateway into another plane, presumably of Fae. Titania and I and a few other companions decided to squeeze through the portal and see what was on the other side. A forest and a tall wall of stone, as far as the eye can see was there. The river that flowed downhill in Avendale flowed uphill in Fae. We decided to take some of the water back with us. We were met by more Dark Goblins, who were interested in our silver for more information on what was behind the wall. We followed them and ended up lost in what we later found to be the Maze of Convolutions. Thinking they had the advantage over us, the Dark Goblins attacked us and we defended ourselves. Eventually, it was a stalemate of sorts, and the Goblins agreed to make us a portal out back to Avendale. The Dark Goblins tried one more attack on us before we escaped the Maze and returned with the Fae water. Titania drank what was left of the water, and for an hour or so, she could only speak in very simple nouns. Thankfully, it wore off.

Later that day, the Regency lead an expedition to the northwest to claim some of the wilderness and a ruined town there for Avendale. I have mixed feelings about the conquest of lands and the driving out of other populaces, but these were not my lands and I am unfamiliar yet with its history. I stayed close to the Guildmaster, and as the large group of adventurers and nobility pressed itself through the wilderness teeming with scorpion-like creatures. The Earth Circle was established, but with the constant battle, not all that were meant to be invested were.

At the ruins, the town was met by the King of the Scorpions and his spokesman, who then negotiated an accord with the Avendale nobility. It seems the scorpions home is close to the frontier town. The expedition then retreated back to Wainsford.

There were many powerful beings that visited upon Avendale that night, though I chose to go to bed early and not put myself in harm's way.

During this gather, I met Squire Jokarius Bashere, who brought Titania and Xylon together with others to form the new group of House Bashere. I was invited to be a traveler and companion among them, of which I was very pleased.

Sunday morning, the Spirit Tree of Silvermyst forced certain citizens of Avendale to have a confrontation with the Lord of the Haunted Wood, so that a champion of the Lady of the Wood may be freed. Titania was rifted out, and Xylon and I clung tightly to her to see she did not go alone. A ceremony was involved to free the champion of her bonds, and I believe at the end, she thanked the Viscount for the aid of Avendale.

As Wainsford grew quiet again, I moved my bedding and gear to the hall of House Bashere.

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June 602 C.Y.: Din-Oth, Quentari

I am disappointed to learn that the time of Midsummer and an invitation to a Ball by Lord Jamieson of the Seelie Court of the Fae to the populace of Avendale conflict with each other. I cannot turn away from my family's call to join them once again in Quentari for the Midsummer celebrations, but how I wish to meet more of the Fae and enjoy the splendor of such an event. I greatly enjoy dancing, and wish that I could be present.

At least before I go I can leave a missive to be delivered to Lord Jamieson thanking him for such a delightful event, even though I myself cannot attend.

As pleased as I am to name Avendale my home, it is a Kingdom on the frontier, and civilized events such as balls and seasonal festivals do not occur when there are threats from all directions. Even the funeral of the late Queen would have been interrupted had it not been for the defense of the Earth Guard and others.

Her Royal Majesty is still spoken fondly by all of those who knew her, and I am saddened that I was unable to meet her before her passing. I am told the Viscount courted her fiercely before winning her hand, and I cannot help but be reminded of a Voltan song in that holds the same tenor. Perhaps I shall have the opportunity to sing it in Avendale.

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July 602 C.Y.: Grienkala, Avendale

Even so far north, the heat of summer comes to Avendale. Guildmaster Andvar has sought the knowledge of the Academy of Arcane Sciences in Evendarr in finding a cure for his curse. It seems this could be accomplished by retrieving pieces of a Pyramid of Order from the plane of Chaos. The Healer's Guild planned on sending a number of adventurers into the plane of Chaos to retrieve four shards.

Mistress Chaos, an icon of chaos that has often plagued Avendale, was about the town the night the Guildmaster was expecting the delivery of scrolls that would open a gateway into the Plane of Chaos for the mission. Behind the safety of the Earth Circle, I found myself distracting Mistress Chaos from the delivery.

Mistress Chaos asked me "Who is in charge here?" I replied, "No one. Those in charge are not here." She seemed to be amused by this and smiled, "Why, how Chaotic!"

Though 'Mistress C' did her best to thwart the plans of the Guild, four adventuring parties did set out to recover the shards of the pyramid. By the end of the night, three were in guardianship, and the forth was still missing.

The members of House Bashere were seeking a way to restore an imprisoned and tainted icon of Tyrra, by the name of Gormonkane, to balance. Elementals of chaos were becoming upset at this, and tried to frighten the House by attacking House Bashere in Avendale.

Being a frontier town, Grienkala has its share of obscure fauna. There is a local population of Pixies who seem to be very attached to happiness. Several were about asking the populace if they were happy, and if they said they were not, the Pixies charmed them. Other than the charms, the Pixies did not seem particularily violent. They live in the forest,and are unfamiliar with either the Seelie or Unseelie courts.

Of the most dangerous of the local animals is the Addercob population. Their webs immobolize the victim instantaneously, giving no chance for defense.

An attempt was made by the adventurers of Avendale to destroy (the last remaining?) spirit bottle of the Vampire Karvecki, who has been a menace to the Avendale population from the Kingdom's founding. Unfortunately, two Destroy Formal Magic scrolls were needed, and we only brought one. So we fought our way out again, and Karvecki warned us of his revenge. My task in this was to see that Morris remained alive and well so that he could heal Squire Jokarius throughout the battle. I was quite proud that I managed that, and no one ressurected from the failed endeavor.

During the gather, a rogue minotaur pointed his sword at me as if to challenge me to an honor combat before he became engaged by another. Though it did not come to combat (and I believe such a thing is now outlawed by the Regent Viscount) the encounter made me question whether I would be obliged to accept. I should ask the Elders of this upon my next journey to Quentari.

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August 602 C.Y.: Neridia's Gate, Neridia

I was not particularly looking forward to an adventurer's gathering in Neridia, for Xylon had told me of rats and sewer slime and the various other uncleanlinesses that crawled around Nerid's Gate. But I took it for what it was, a chance to visit another kingdom and learn something from it.

Earlier that week, as House Bashere and guests gathered in a local tavern, the ghost Belmuse came to visit us. The widely-circulated story is that Belmuse was the operator of a fun-house in Neridia, and when he died, instead of passing on, his spirit remained linked to the fun-house and he continued his mission to spread laughter and light-heartedness. Now, I don't trust the dead, be they spirits of fun-house managers or corrupted undead. But as he seemed to not be particularly malicious, I tolerated his presence as the others were as we shared our drinks and talked.

Belmuse was present the first night of the gathering in Neridia, as I was spending time in the Common Hall there with Seronia Merritt. He was chatting up the local populace and generally making a nuisance of himself. Belmuse had a companion with him, a being dressed entirely in black and white, called "Indecision." From what we could tell, Indecision was impervious to spells and also not alive. I am not very well-versed in the lore of unliving creatures, and I can only guess to call Indecision a Thoughtform. Talking with Indecision is a circular process, for nothing is really black-and-white to him, in a manner of speaking. It is always "perhaps" or "maybe." The night grew late, and I overheard Indecision asking if he could "return to his Mistress." Which brings up the question of his Mistress identity. Now I know better than to follow an unknown creature to an unknown place to meet up with an unknown Mistress, but I trailed Indecision for about twenty paces, and then let him be.

I am largely unfamiliar with the Kingdom of Neridia's extensive history with the Great Wizards or these beings called "The Dread Ones," but on Saturday afternoon, House Bashere was asked to find some information which may be hidden in a local sepulcher. As we knew we would be crawling on hands and knees one-by-one, the party elected to take a few healers along. When we first entered the catacombs, we were engaged by animated statues that guarded the tomb. Dale Connors and I were to the rear of the party as we crawled about the catacombs, which was a dusty and dirty and dark place. There were rats crawling in the crooks and crannies above us as we searched the maze of catacombs. A giant-crab investigated us from the rear, but Dale managed to put on an "I'm bigger than thou" display, and scare it away. Oh, the rats! When we finally entered the large central chamber, we found a number of undead, more gargoyles, and more rats. The gargoyle attacked me just as I left the catacombs, but I was brought to my feet again time to deliver a Harm Undead spell to the greatest spirit there. Unfortunately, we did not find the information we sought. We thought that perhaps it had been destroyed before we were able to retrieve it.

On Saturday, Ambassador Darnov of the Mischief Makers Guild decided to hold a multifaceted tournament including group combat, one-on-one challenges of arms, a talent contest, an insult contest, and a "top 10" list. Unfortunately, Ambassador Darnov had no published rules on how the scores would be tallied or how the various stages of the tournament would be fairly judged. An off-handed insult by the Ambassador to one of the nobles of Avendale caused the insult-contest to be voided, and House Bashere "tied" for 2nd-place. I now have a distinct dislike for Ambassador Darnov and a doubt on his abilities to organize any sort of competition.

The Funhouse. Seronia and I went with others of House Bashere at Belmuse's request to the ruins of his fun-house. I thought I heard words that the funhouse was tainted in some way, which had me on guard. We chose the "hard-way" of going to the fun-house on the Spirit Plane, and were struck with Arcane Deaths from a manifestation. Luckily, our bodies remained in status as our spirits entered the astral recreation of the fun-house. Each of those attending were given a special way to fulfill a desire. Another Thoughtform, Instant Gratification, was also there with Indecision. Seronia and I were challenged together, and Instant Gratification offered Seronia powerful knowledge in exchange for his youth. I was there beside him and convinced Seronia that is it better knowledge be balanced with experience and wisdom, and he declined Instant Gratification. I myself was offered the power of a great healer, but the same ideal held me far away from Indecision. Had Instant Gratification offered me something more frivolous, I would have taken her up, but power is not something with which to be joked lightly. Overall, I found the fun-house to be harrowing, for Titania was transformed into a being that had no care for others, Dale nearly fell into the temptation of a chaotic transformation, and it was suggested to me to go against all my training. For all Belmuse's cajoling to "lighten up," the situations he created were quite serious. Perhaps that is what has tainted the Fun-House, seriousness. Perhaps it is for me to get Belmuse to be more frivolous and not the other way around. At least Squire Jokarius' hat is Spirit Linked to him now.

And Indecision's Mistress? "Indecision often leads to Death."

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September 602 C.Y.: Din-Oth, Quentari

Again I find that I cannot attend a gathering of adventurers in Avendale because it conflicts with a Quentari festival, though from news I have gleaned from the House Bashere wall and conversations with my friends has lead me to believe I only missed much frustration on the part of many of the citizens and adventurers. I am saddened to learn the Viscount himself ressurected. There are so many dangers beset upon Avendale, and I fear for the survival of this newborn Kingdom.

The very first touch of color to the leaves of the Taursiloriel Forest lightens my heart. Whatever uncertainties there remains in the world, there is the certainty that Summer shall mature into Fall and the seasons will pass in their turn.

Upon learning that my tutelage with Guildmaster Andvar has brought my skills in the Earth magics close to the ninth circle, the Elders gifted me with a cloak bearing the Phellanyrastralae coat-of-arms. I shall wear it upon the time when I must travel to the gate of Death and stand guard there.

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October 602 C.Y.: Neridia's Gate, Neridia

It is a belief of mine that His Majesty Daniel Versante gave a royal edict that it must always rain in Neridia. No wonder the sewers back up so much with animated filth.

Much to my relief, Belmuse did not make an appearance this Gathering. Perhaps there is some Ghostly Gathering of Post-Mortem Business Owners he had to attend.

The Mayor announced at the start of the gather that His Majesty was so pleased with the aid of the adventurers in his recent exploits against the Varykites, that he was offering magical banners for teams of six to eight people, and they would considered Regulars in His Majesty's army. A ceremony would be performed later the gathering to link any that were interested to the banners. Upon hearing this, I informed Squire Jokarius that I would not be a part of it, for I judged that it would comprimise my loyalties to Quentari. Thankfully, none of House Bashere took the King up on his offer.

Later that evening, the Herald of Those Who Remain summoned a number of adventurers to learn another 'truth' regarding the Great Wizards and the Dread Ones; I think they are better called 'revelations'. There seems to be much history into the matters of the Great Wizards and Dread Ones, but I have not made a careful study and understanding of it all.

On Friday night, there was word that an alchemical substance named "V" was being sold on the streets of the foriegn quarter. It seems that V boosts the strength and stamina of the individual who takes it. Understandably, many adventurers were keen to get some V to increase their effectiveness in combat. I do not trust anything that is sold in back alleys, so I refrained, though a number of House Bashere tried it. By Saturday morning it was clear that V had negative effects such as addiction and, in certain heavy addicts, physical malformations of the face. Local V addicts were pouring into the Foriegn quarter seeking more V, or money to buy V. I was charmed once (I should not say 'once', charm was cast on me multiple times in order to break through my resistances), and almost gave my gold away, but for the aid of a rat scavenger and Malaclypse.

The V addicts got violent, and started attacking the citizens and adventurers. Now the difficulty with V addicts is that the effects of V make them immune to Sleep spells. As the local Constable was not about the foriegn quarter, the adventure groups had to take matters into their own hands, by cutting down the V-addicts, stablizing them, and sequestering them in one of the warded Inns. Unfortunately, not all the addicts weapons were taken away, and Bling (who had taken a fair portion of V) was accidentally thrown in with the other addicts. There was a stand-off, but thankfully Bling was rescued. As Squire Jokarius keep all the addicts unconscious while waiting for Constable McNee to arrive, the alchemists of the Foriegn Quarter sought to find a cure to the addictive effects. Fearful that Bling may turn violent, he was sequestered in the Inn where House Bashere stayed for hours. Poor Sarr was climbing the walls. Thankfully, the Constable did arrive and we transfered the addicts to the jail. I don't think any of the adventurers charged the addicts with assault, but I know by Royal Eddict the sale and possession of V became illegal except for a few alchemists the Constable allowed to possess it for research purposes. A few of the adventurers set out to find where the V was being produced.

With the Foriegn Quarter returned to relative peace, the time came when I judged it was right for me to undergo Marie I Andosse, the Dwelling at the Gate, and take up the responsibilities of one who can command the power of Life and Death. As I explained to Titania, who would serve as my protector in the circle with me, the Quentari feel it neccessary to recognize in ceremony that one who can can bless one with the gift of life can also grant the gift of death. It is not a power to be taken lightly, and that is impressed upon the Tiralinde (Guardian of the Gate) through a harrowing vision. In the shalter of a living tree, in a Circle of Power of my own casting, I ingested a hallucoid that would induce the vision.

Titania held me while in my mind's eye I came to a large steel-grey gate three times the height of an elf. This was the Gate to the Hall of the Dead. It is an easy thing to turn one's back to the Gate, and catch the hands of my cherished before they go through, turning them away. But is a frightening thing to turn to lift open the Great latch, push my enemies through that Portal, and watch their flesh decompose and their bones crumble. The Tiralinde takes both into her heart, and honors that power. Above the Hall, the stars sing in their eternal light.

With the vision completed, Titania used the very cup I carry with me to purify my blood of the hallucinoid. Very soon after I closed the ceremony, a Kobold came to the edge of the Circle, and wanted to know where he may find a mate. It seems that the Kobolds, in their constant quest for Shiny Things, have angered the Neridian populace into driving the Kobolds to extinction. I tried to impress upon the Kobold that if he left the Neridians alone, and told others of his pack/clan to do so, he may help his population to regrow. I don't think the Kobold really understood that.

This gathering, Titania came closer to learning the where-abouts of her Fae father. The bird-winged creature named Seraph took Titania, myself, Xylon and Dale to a village close to Thousand Oaks to explain some of her heritage to her. In the village, the outcasts of the world live in relative safety, far away from the ridiculing gaze and words of others. There was one creature there that caught my interest, a rather amorphis creature shaped somewhat like cone, with eight eyes upon stalks. He (she?) suffered many wounds in his life as those that saw him were frightened by him and then sought to kill him. I could only be reminded of how the Nimani twisted Quentari children into mutant creatures to see if they would make better slaves, but I doubted that one of the Kini-neithan could have traveled so far to Neridia. Such a being should be given compassion, for the shape of one's form is not often of one's own choosing. And there are old tales of great beauty that is revealed the hero only when ugliness is accepted. With eight eyes he saw much during his lifetime. I wish him peace.

The last encounter I shall mention was a brush with a Dread One that came into the Foriegn Quarter in the darkness of night. Not seeing a face to an approaching figure in black, I called out "Who goes there?" and as the being came closer and boomed "You wish to know my name, Lilaiethyn?" Trying to be polite to an ominous figure in black is hard, but I managed to talk my way out of harm as I pressed my back against those of House Bashere behind me. Thankfully, the Dread One turned his attention elsewhere. No. Not thankfully, for with his very words he called death upon Squire Jokarius. I am having second thoughts about looking into the whole Great Wizard/Dread One thing.

Titania generously allowed me access to the notes she has collected on the Fae, and I spent a portion of the night reading by the fireside while others of House Bashere dealt with the terrors of the night.

One last note: Now that Malaclypse has been freed of the clock that was spirit-linked to him, I don't know what makes him tick anymore...

Are you reading this, Belmuse?

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November 602 C.Y: Aurora, Avendale

I do not know if it is the change of seasons or that Nebulonde's elevation was a factor, but the days were cold and the nights bone-chillingly bitter. Thankfully, I had many layers of warm clothes to ward off the cold. It is this time of year that makes me ache for the hot springs of Din-Oth or the heated bath houses of Helevorn. Still, adventurers are used to adversity, and many that came to the Barony of Nebulonde did not complain of the cold.

On Friday night of the gathering at midnight, I held the Quentari ceremony of Qualinorim, Remembrance of the Dead, outside at one of the outdoor hearths. Only a dozen or so of the visitors attended, but they all spoke eloquently of their friends, loved ones, and shield-mates as the Cup of Sorrow was passed.

That evening in the tavern, I made the acquaintance of Sir Delahr, a Knight of Evendarr. He traveled to Avendale on behest of his liege to assess the current political climate of Avendale and to clear up any misconceptions the local populace may have about Evendarr's interests in the fledgeling kingdom. Sir Delahr wore a suit of such finely crafted mail I knew it to be of Elven craftsmanship, and he spoke of it as a personal gift from the Aran Elenaro for his hospitality years ago. He spoke of a group of Quentari in the Duchy of Ravenholt, and upon my request, offered to deliver a message to one of them.

As the night grew late and Sir Delahr departed my company, Squire Jokarius and I walked towards the Mages Guild when we were beset by several powerful undead. At least I think they were undead. I was attacked from behind, and then next thing I knew the Viscount himself was kneeled over me with Squire Jokarius and Titania and a half-a-dozen others surrounding me. We were some fifty paces off where I was slain, in the shadows of the wooden pavilion. My coins had been stolen from me while I was unconscious. Though it was unfortunate to lose an amount of gold, I cannot be grateful enough that my life was saved.

Saturday was the chance for me to regain my losses, as I sold flowers with various meanings attached to them to be delivered. There were some who chose anonymity and others who proclaimed their feelings and intent openly. Sir Delahr himself gifted me with a poppy, which I proudly wore as a favor for the rest of the event.

That afternoon was the wedding of Sir Celdric Silverblade and Annastasia "Peaches" Varados. The bride was beautiful, the regular vows touching, and the gypsy vows informal but pragmatic. Sir Delahr informed me he had never considered marriage, as the duties of marriage would take him away from his duties to his liege. In this, I heartily agreed with him. Those of my family do not life-mate, for certainty of the same.

After the wedding, I took my leave with Titania and Xylon to a tavern only a few miles away from Aurora to enjoy warm food and a warm place to rest for an hour or so. When we returned, the sun was setting, and the wedding feast was still in preparation.

At the feast, House Bashere was honored twice. Titania took her vows before His Excellency and was elevated to the position of Squire. I was given a scroll by Guildmaster Andvar for achieving the rank of the ninth circle of Earth spells, and thus becoming a "Wizard." The title is still overly pompous to my sensibilities, but I am honored to be thus recognized in the lands of Avendale. Jabril and his host of helpers created a fantastic wedding meal, including wafer cookies with an incredible sweet cream. It is at the feast, thanks to Titania, when I made the acquaintance of Sir Roland. He kindly warmed my hands in his own, and therefore I think I shall ever call him in my mind "Sir Roland of the Warm-hands."

As the feast finished, those in town began to anticipate the coming of the vampire Karvecki and his band of vampire "children" who go about the town "trick or treating" each year. As Squire Jokarius and Squire Titania were guarding the Viscount that evening, I felt I would make best use of my abilities seeing that they were able to protect His Excellency. The Regency fought many undead that night. At one point His Excellency was transformed to an undead, but with the help of Titania, we took him to the Healers Guild Circle where he was returned to life.

After midnight, Karvecki came and led his kinder about the town, seeking candy. It was not long before the Viscount confronted Karvecki, stating that the vampire would not be allowed to roam about Aurora with impunity. Karvecki sent his kinder home, and after more heated words, the Regency then attacked Karvecki. Dale Conners of House Bashere staked Karvecki, though the vampire soon returned to gaseous form and retreated to his nearby lair. Unfortunately, Karvecki brought back with him several death knights to bring his revenge on Aurora that night, and I shadowed the Regency as they and other adventurers attempted to rid the town of Karvecki's minions. Dale himself was "made an example of," and needed to resurrect for the second time that gathering, much to my sadness. After some time, Karvecki and his brood finally left the town.

As neither Squire Jokarius, myself, or Squire Titania had the ward key to House Bashere, we retreated to the hearth of the Regency and spoke at length before resting in unoccupied beds. Sir Roland asked me if I was interested in becoming a squire-candidate, but I informed him that to take such a position in Avendale would mean I would have to leave the service of my family in Quentari, and such must be considered very, very carefully.

On Sunday morning, at the request of a dark elf Michko, I went with Seronia and a number of his company to disrupt the "breeding pools" of the V'Lay. The V'Lay have long conflict with those of Avendale, though I did not enquire further to if there had been talk of negotiations before. We managed to kill several dozen of the young before having to retreat at the guards who cast powerful Celestial magic. Our attack, and the subsequent attack of others upon the leaders of the V'Lay brought their enmity down upon Aurora early that afternoon. The V'Lay can cast a certain type of mind-magic which makes one dumb and unable to use one's abilities; how humiliating it is for a Quentari to be reduced to the intelligence of an earthworm! All were finally dispatched.

Titania has gained permission from her Liege to travel to Quentari with me within the upcoming months, and I look forward to showing her my homeland.

Many thoughts….much introspection. The winter gives much time for that.

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December 602 C.Y.: Quentari

In November, I returned to my homeland with Titania to pay an extended visit to my family in Din-Oth, and my cousins, the Aeravinya who live in a wide valley on the borderlands between Quentari and Kitheria.

Quentari is beautiful, even in winter, when the trees of the forest are bare, and shimmering frost blankets the branches in the morning sunlight.

In Din-Oth, Titania was gracious enough to answer questions from my Neonate cousins about her unusual heritage. We also enjoyed the greatest wonder of the winter season in Quentari: the hot-springs located in the Elven capital.

While Titania and I rode to the vale of the Aeravinya, we were almost trapped in the mountains by a sudden snow-storm that blotted out nearly all sight. It was by the memory of my horse, Falamalas, who had grown up in the valley, that we were able come at last to the Aeravinya's large stone keep.

We were not there in the Aeravinya hall but for a day when a band of trolls came down from the mountains seeking to capture a few of the horses in the pasture. We defended the horses well, with Titania mounted on her warhorse and me behind her with healing and spells. Those trolls that lived through the failure of their raid were healed by the Aeravinya and driven back into the stony hills. My cousins said the trolls only came to raid when they were desparate and starving for food, and they would not be the authors of any deaths other than what was needed to defend their horses and the valley.

We stayed only a few days, helping with the chores necessary in tending to two-hundred horses. Despite the physical labor, it was a restful and secluded place, far removed from the courtly-life of Din-Oth. The Aeravinya long ago received special permission from the Aran to establish the valley and breed horses there; horses can be such a tax on the resources of the land that the High Council forbids the establishment of stables except by special decree.

The weather cooperated on our journey back to Wainsford, where Titania returned to the Regency's manor and I took up a suite of rooms at the Inn of the Hawke to winter in.

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January 603 C.Y.: Wainsford, Avendale

There is little to write about this month. I have taken to catching up on my correspondence and looking into the personal libraries of others within Avendale, attempting to familiarize myself with the history of this Kingdom. A few Quentari aided Katherine Galensen, Niomi Avendale's ancestor, in her explorations. Unfortunately, I do not believe any of the Twilight Council still live to share their tales.

When the weather permits, I have taken to riding Falmalas in various directions from Wainsford, trying to become more familiar with the geography of the land and its landmarks. I am continually amazed that within such a short time the nobility of Avendale has seen to the construction of large and permanent defensive structures such as castles and keeps. I hope that these buildings of stone will aid in the defense of the people of Avendale for many hundreds of years into the future.

I have volunteered to tend to the Royal Avendale Healers Guild with Assistant Guildmistress Kelra while Guildmaster Andvar is away to Ashbury on the leave of the Viscount-Regent. In this season, the Guild is largely quiet, except for some of the local townsfolk who come with injury from a stubbron farm animal or a fallen anvil. Still it is a pleasure to heal those who tend to good and honost work that is the foundation of this Kingdom.

Sir Delahr has written me, extending the hospitality of his hall for when the Guildmaster returns and I may visit him soon in the Evendarr Duchy of Ravenholt. His company is always a pleasure to me and will brighten my winter.

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February 603 C.Y.: Ravenholt, Evendarr

What I thought would be a rather sleepy time in the Barony of Westmarch within the Duchy of Ravenholt turned out to bring a great deal more "adventure" than I could have imagined. Through a significant amount of snow, I managed to meet with Sir Delahr, who was within Westmarch on the hope of discussing the foundation of a School of Chivalry with other members of the Duchy's nobility. However, perhaps due to the weather preventing others from arriving, Sir Delahr found himself to be the ranking noble within the town of Alyndale at this gathering.

Before I recount my experiences of rifting back and forth between places and within things, I would like to mention how incredibly blessed I was to make the acquaintance of many various individuals. Alaric Malinruin stayed with us in our cabin, and it was wonderful to simply learn from the wisdom that he had gained from his long and unique life. I also developed a friendship with Gabriel (of the Jesters Guild) and Arkyn through adventures, misadventures, and simply spending time in the common hall.

The gathering was hosted by the White Star Trading Company, who had an interest in purchasing the estate of Alyndale from the Duchy. However, until several artifacts once belonging to Duke Roderick Ravenhurst that were lost in this area were recovered and returned to him, he would not grant the estate to the trading company. So the White Star beseeched adventurers to search out the lands surrounding the estate and recover the artifacts for them. Also within the town, a traveling carnival offered a number of games of chance and skill, rewarding prizes to those who gained enough tokens from their winnings.

Shortly after the leader of the Trading Company made his announcement, a magical column carved with runes appeared within the common hall. It elicited a great deal of curiosity, but didn't seem particularly baneful. Not about fifteen minutes after the pedestal's arrival, I was suddenly rifted out by an unknown force and found myself in the company of Sir Delahr and several others from the common hall on the outskirts of a small village. It seems this planer pocket contained what is known to the people of Ravenholt as the Lost City.

A villager came up and beseeched us to help free a number of dwarves from a collapsed cavern nearby. It seems we were rifted out to "replace" several individuals that had rifted into Alyndale to speak to the adventurers there. So rather than just wait for us to be rifted back after their business was concluded on Tyrra, we decided to aid the villagers in digging out the collapsed cavern of their dwarven allies. We came across two bears in the cave, which were aggressive towards us. Unfortunately, the party killed the bears before we realized we had just orphaned a cub deeper in the caves. This ways heavily on my mind, and I have thought a great deal about the killing of simple beasts simply because they were "in the way." I still have more thinking to do on the matter, as it is a dilemma I will run into often in my travels.

Four trolls had come to claim the caves after the collapse, and after several minutes of others of the group trying to bargain with them for passage across a large ravine, Sir Delahr offered a clear ultimatum: the trolls would lower the plank across and we would pay them three gold. They would leave the plank there. If we returned with more gold, we would give them three gold again after we re-crossed. However, after our return, they must leave the caverns as they belonged to the dwarves. The trolls followed through will all parts of the bargain to my surprise, and I grow to admire Sir Delahr for his leadership and honor.

The group guarded the villager as he worked to clear the cave of the collapse, and I and Sir Delahr assisted him in removing the rubble while the others defended against aggressive bats. Finally, we freed the opening and found a dwarf on the other side. A female dwarf! My first meeting with a female dwarf. She explained how some creature called the "Earth-Eater" had come and swallowed a great and magical forge of her people. She rewarded us for coming to her aid with some gold and some items. Shortly after we returned to the village, we found a certain "tugging" at our being, and we rifted again to Alyndale.

For the next few days great deal of concern and effort was focused on recovering this forge and stopping this "Earth-Eater" from doing harm to Tyrra.

In the attempt to search for and recover the artifacts lost to Duke Ravenhurst, a band of adventurers came across an icy cave with a young woman defending herself in a circle of power with several undead about her. She warned the adventurers to leave as "Her master was coming." The young woman was subdued, and two very rare and beautiful artifacts carved of ice were found in her possession. She was taken back to Alyndale, webbed, force-fed a charm antidote and questioned by Sir Delahr. Her name was Sabrina, and she served "Lord Frost." The artifacts in her possession, a icy diamond and a crystal rose that she was guarding, could be used to gain entrance into a series of icy caverns where Sabrina's sister, Lilith was being held/controlled by Lord Frost.

Though a group of Dark Elves had gathered late that night to find the caverns, ice and snow had obfuscated the landscape, and the rescue attempt was done tomorrow morning instead. As there were several missing from the original group formed, I went along this time with Gabriel to rescue Lilith. Luckily, we had within the group a Wild Elf named Kahotae who was familiar with formal magic, his knowledge was needed to aid us in the use of unlocking the wards of the caves. We gained entrance into a great structure of ice caverns that winded like a maze deeper and deeper into the earth. Creatures that had been embalmed in icy forms attacked us…first goblins, then trolls, then spiders...all coming from icy pools of water that leached into the caverns. Through warded cave after warded cave we descended looking for Lilith. We even fell through a very weak ice floor some feet down, and I was just barely able to heal myself. Finally we found Lilith, and easily dispatched her with a sleep gas. Kahotae worked on a magical mechanism that would hopefully return us to safely to the surface…a beautiful pedestal of colored light and ice. When the mechanism was triggered with the crystal flower artifact, soft and gentle music began to echo through the caverns. While waiting to see what the mechanism would activate, we continued to keep Lilith subdued by wounding her and then stabilizing her with first aid. Unfortunately, the mechanism activated before Gabriel could finish stabilizing her. At the sound of a great gush of water, we were rifted away and back to the common hall. As Lilith was not with us, we feared that she would resurrect, hoping it was at the Earth Circle established in Alyndale.

Surely enough, Lilith's spirit did arrive at the Earth Circle, and Keras the hobgoblin allowed me to perform the resurrection. I spoke to her spirit of being lead out of dark and cold caverns by the hand of her sister, and of the warmth of sisterhood and the sun. She did resurrect successfully, although almost immediately she became agitated to be reunited with her sister. Sabrina had unfortunately disappeared when a caravan that was taking her back to Ravenholt City for her trial was ambushed. As we moved Lilith to the Celestial circle to be identified, she began to hold a conversation with a spirit lingering about. I felt a cold touch on my shoulder several times. Lilith grew more hysterical and insisted that Lord Frost was coming and that he wanted to talk with us. I insisted that she remain within Alyndale and not return to Lord Frost. At this point Lilith touched the Celestial circle, and it began to ripple and shimmer blue. I was utterly surprised when shortly after that, Lilith simply got up and stepped out of the circle to return to the ice caverns. By then, anyone else's interest in her had waned, and I couldn't think of anything to do but pin her in place. Then Lord Frost himself appeared just outside the common hall. Lilith surprised me by reaching out to touch me, thus being able to use my spell book to free herself. She then stood by Lord Frost's side as he engaged in conversation with several of the adventurers outside the common hall.

Lord Frost spoke with Alaric and several others about how his ice caverns had kept the strings of the "Harp of Tyrra" silent. Lord Frost had been protecting the Harp at the behest of more powerful elementals. Whenever the Harp of Tyrra played, it caused great transformations in the elemental balances of the nearby lands. No one would be allowed access to the Harp unless they could pass the challenges of Lord Frost himself. It seems that Lord Frost was also in possession of the artifacts once belonging to Duke Ravenhurst. Sabira and Amra, both being spell-singers, were called to be a part of the challenges, as their knowledge may help understand and shape the song the Harp played.

It was at this point that I spoke up to Lord Frost about the wrong he did keeping Lilith and Sabrina as 'servants' against their will. Lord Frost allowed Lilith to share with us the fact that she and her sister had originally stolen the artifacts from a caravan, and as 'punishment,' Lord Frost kept them in his service. I admonished Lord Frost that a servant who gave his service freely was of a great deal more value than one who was compelled to it, and then the Lord asked if I would take Lilith's place to free her. A part of me wished to sacrifice myself, but then I remembered that I was pledged to the path of my family, and to turn my back on Quentari would have been a grave dishonor. So I refused. Luckily, it seems that those who would take up Lord Frost's challenge and succeed may have a right to decide the twin sister's fates. From what I understand, by the end of the challenges, they were granted their freedom from Lord Frost, but would be tried for their crimes within Evendarr law. That is all I wished and hoped for.

On Saturday evening, with many others gathered, I rifted into the belly of the "Earth-Eater" to retrieve the Great Forge. Then Sunday afternoon, I aided in protecting the Artificer from elemental attack as he forged a chain to bind the Earth-Eater in place. I felt of a good use, and never came in any grave danger.

I thought my travels to Evendarr would be infrequent, but now the people and mysteries of the Duchy of Ravenholt enchant me. How strange it seems to me that I challenge the grip of ice and cold in many ways and in many lands. I am like a seed cast upon the wind, and I do not know where I will take root…

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March 603 C.Y.: Neridia's Gate, Neridia

A winter's gathering was called in Neridia, and several groups of adventurers braved the melting snows in Neridia's Gate to attend, including a number of members and friends of House Bashere. I requested of Morris and Squire Jokarius if the Sarr templar Arkyn Shahrud, with whom I had formed a friendship on my last journey to Ravenholt in February, could accompany the House in Neridia, as his own group had recently dissolved. They deemed that he would be a good companion, and thus Arkyn was invited to join with us. A number of the Tyrran Legion and the Tirani elven group with several of their companions also came to Neridia to see what could be discovered.

House Bashere used the opportunity to adventure into the Hunting Grounds to gain profit from the bounty offered by the Aventurers Guild for troll teeth and ears. It was fighting our way down in the caves that we came across what was known as a Deepwalker, a living creature of shadow that could easily carve through armor and defenses with its powers. We managed to subdue the Deepwalker but with great cost to our "resources," so we quickly retreated after the encounter.

Belmuse, the ghost of the Funhouse, was also about that day, appearing and disappearing and playing his tricks. I was determined to make my interactions with him more playful than they had previously been, in hopes that is what his spirit needs to come to its final rest.

A member of the Neridian Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies hired House Bashere to go after a number of snakes that were "enhanced" by the Guild magically in order to deal with the increasing rat population. The experiment to create these snakes had gone awry (I wonder how the idea got past the Guild leaders), and thus we were asked to rid the snakes before they bred and added to the number of menaces in the sewers beneath Neridia's Gate. We did find these snakes, unfortunately, several of them were able to spit a paralyzing venom at us. We were all nearly killed. Belmuse, deciding to be a 'friendly ghost', decided to rescue me by rifting me out, and magically renew my skills before I rifted in again. Unfortunately, I did not make a very good tactical decision, and soon ended up at the snakes' mercy again; luckily, someone else managed to turn the tide. I think I must not be so cautious to attack the creatures directly with my spells thinking I must save all my magic for healing. Arkyn advised that I should work on my confidence in spell-casting, and I agree with him. It is something I will do better to focus on in the upcoming weeks before the first gathering of Avendale.

As I expected, Belmuse appeared later into the evening to ask House Bashere to do a favor for him, of allowing Indecision to observe the reactions of House Bashere and of the Tirani-led group to several challenges that were to be enacted on the spirit plane. The first of the situations was to be how we would choose to leave our bodies and enter the spirit realm. The two choices this time were "The Hard Way" and the "Indescribably Horrible Way." Indecision found great amusement of us debating back and forth, until we finally flipped a coin that ended up to point us to the Indescribably Horrible Way.

I shall do my best to describe this creature of incredible ugliness with many tentacles that appeared. This creature was known as the Soul-Weevil and it began to attack us with paralyzing blows. It seems that not all of the adventurers knew that only by dying could one enter the spirit plane, and they fought back. I myself just stood there, taking the paralyzing damage and allowing my brains to be sucked out of my skull, because I knew that at the very instant of death my body would be put into a stasis while my spirit entered the funhouse on the spirit realm. Several adventurers choose to flee rather than be brain-sucked, and so only about three quarters of us manifested in the Funhouse.

The challenges we faced at the direction of Indecision seemed to be of the "no-win" situation kind: we assisted a young woman who wished to defy her father and join the fight against the Varykites, only for us to discover that she was made a slave after she began her crusade. Two families who were feuding until death and could not be turned from their path were allowed to continue their slaughter without interference from us. The last of the challenges turned out unexpectedly. The Lady Elayne (six months pregnant) and I found ourselves suspended over a bottomless pit with a single fraying rope suspended from the ceiling binding us both over our heads. Morris could only reach out to rescue one of us. I called to Morris that he should save Elayne because she was with child. The rope snapped, Elayne and I ended up falling towards each other. Morris caught Elayne, but Elayne's gypsy necklaces had gotten tangled in the hilt of my sword on my belt and saved me from falling into the pit. So we both were rescued with much hilarity, as grace proved to thwart Indecision.

There were also three other Thoughtforms I met in the Funhouse: Woe, Angst, and Curiosity. Angst and Curiosity seemed quite amused that I had nothing good to say about Instant Gratification, who wasn't present at the Funhouse this time. Indecision so much put words in my mouth that I thought her a "hussy," but I simply stated that Instant Gratification and I had really no common ground.

We returned from the Funhouse with our lives restored, and many questions from those that had escaped the Soul-Weevil.

The next day, besides another foray into the Hunting Grounds, House Bashere had two interesting encounters. Firstly, Juluk and Dakar, both Barbarians of the Kodiak Clan, had a vision quest with their Clan Totem. The Totem bid that they find a number of poachers in Neridia and see to the stop of the slaughtering of bears. A Gate was formed where the House could search out the poachers. We encountered them, and quickly found out that they had been killing over what their Neridian permit had allowed. After some discussion, we decided to bring the poachers back to the Neridian authorities through the Gate. Some quick thinking by Xylon saved us when we were overpowered by the most seasoned of these bear poachers. Among the poachers, we found an incredibly strong and hearty man that said he enjoyed wrestling bears with his bare hands, and the House tried to convince him to give up his life as a hunter enter in the gladiatorial games that Neridia hosts. I do not know what became of that, but I do know that we were given a good bounty for the poachers from the Constabulary.

Our second encounter was to stop the "Creature Under the Bed" from gaining more strength in his quest to feed off the fear of children. So we entered into a nightmare realm from under the bed, where we were assaulted by undead and surprisingly, the Soul-Weevil. I fell quickly in combat and missed most of the battle. We managed to kill the Weevil, but could not hold against the power of the Creature itself, and so made a retreat. I really do not know how successful or not we were in reducing the Creature's power.

Of a personal note, Squire Jokarius and I spoke at some length about the nature of fealty within human kingdoms. I was surprised to learn that an Oath of Fealty to a liege was given for a lifetime, and that a vassal simply could not abdicate one's title without permission from one's liege, and that the liege could demand Obliteration until final death for the release of a vassal. Squire Jokarius seemed surprised that this was not familiar or that easily accepted by me. I can only venture to consider that until our conversation, I had little understanding of how service, freedom, duty, and honor were accounted by the human nobility. Jokarius did say that because of the gravity of an Oath of Fealty, it should be considered very carefully, and thus there is great value in the trial period of squire-candidacy to see if the goals and temperaments of vassal and liege are suited to each other for a lifetime. The immensity of what Jokarius and Titania have done in swearing fealty to the Viscount-Regent of Avendale did not impress upon me until then, and I found myself in admiration for their choice. I have nine years left before I must decide whether I am willing to give the rest of my life in service to Quentari, and my doubts are with me daily. It is good to see two individuals I trust already on that path, so I may see how they navigate any conflicts between their personal desires and their duties, and therefore come to my own conclusions.

There was a brief time in the morning on Sunday when I faced south and the sun actually felt warm against my face despite the snow still layered upon the ground. I know that Spring is not so far coming. I look forward to the Cortage Hunt in Avendale, when the tides of the seasons may be properly honored.

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March 603 C.Y.: Greystone, Avendale

As is the tradition of my family, the last stage of training before one is considered for Oaths of Service to the Aran is to travel within foreign lands for ten years simply learning and living. Like a bird ejected from the nest, we are each on our own, to conduct ourselves as we will without regular guidance or suggestion. I am coming to understand how these lessons of 'the world' temper us, as the continued strike of a blacksmith's hammer hardens and shapes base metal into a sharpened and deadly sword.

I have found many of the experiences I had within Avendale this first gathering of the season to be sobering, coming from both my own mistakes and the conduct of others. I felt the naïveté keenly stripped from where it had sheltered my heart and obscured my sound judgment. The Phellanyrastralae do not have an easy path, and there are many, many lessons that cannot be learned in the schooling at Helevorn in Quentari. I am certain the High Elder of my family would be pleased to know that within the crucible of adventuring my innocent idealism is slowly but surely being transformed into toughened practicality, and my sentimentality replaced by shrewdness.

The greatest test the leaders of Avendale this gathering was the reclaiming of the frontier settlement of Greystone (previously referred in this journal as Grienkala) from a sacking by numerous Minotaur clans and allied Attercob several days before. The Regency and Shaidu Garrison of Avendale established a base-camp outside of Greystone, and adventurers come to aid in the reclaiming of the town found themselves staying in temporary military barracks. As Friday night was rainy and dark, the Regency did not plan to make a strike on Greystone until the following day. After checking in with Guildmaster Andvar and speaking with a few others, the encampment was largely quiet. Representatives of the Trihorn and Brokenhorn tribe of Minotaur, those tribes who had made a peaceful allegiance with Avendale, came to offer possible aid, but also to retrieve one of their own, a young renegade, who had joined the fight against Avendale.

Squire Amra of the Barony of Cumberland from the Evendarrian Duchy of Ravenholt, charged by High Guildmaster Mathias Raveloch of the Evendarr Royal Academy of Arcane Arts and Sciences, had come to Avendale to investigate the reason Harmonic magic mysteriously did not function within the boundaries of the kingdom. Squire Amra posted up a sign in Wainsford saying he was seeking assistance in the matter, and I wrote to him before the gathering stating I was interested in the investigation, as I wished to study Harmonic magic myself.

It was somewhat early in the night when Squire Amra said that Mathias Raveloch had arrived, and could Gate a number of interested adventurers to where he believed some information regarding Harmonic magic was located. Those forming the group comprised of Squire Amra, Baroness Kittery, Juluk, Telaris, Dale, myself, and one other whose name has escaped me currently. Unfortunately, the cave was occupied by a number of bears. We quietly entered, however, and using sleep spells allowed us to find a number of unreadable pages of writing that had been torn and an old Brisbanian map with four X's on each corner of the lands.

Although we were resigned to trying to translate the journal, Mathias did this incredible 'hat trick' that transmuted the documents into the Common tongue. The writing turned out to be a journal from one of the apprentices of Karvecki, back in time of the Empire of Brisbane. It seems that the raiding barbarians had at their command an unusual "hedge magic" which gave them an advantage over the Brisbanian forces. The scholars of Brisbane countered the harmonic magic the barbarians were using by creating a field of cacophony generated by four pylons located at the four corners of the Empire. Our goal was to deactivate/destroy the pylons and restore Harmony to the land. Mathias was kind enough to Gate us close to the locations of these pylons, each in an underground cave.

We started first with the pylon in the Silvermyst, guarded by a golem. Squire Amra tried pacing the room and attuning it to him, but it did not work. We determined however to try a number of Destroy spells on the pylon, which turned it into a pile of dust. We then Gated to Nebulonde, dispatched the golems there, deactivating the pylon there, and then to a place on the map to the northeast of Avendale none of us knew labeled simply as Banicoor. In this chamber there was device that continually spewed out golems of some sort, and could only be deactivated through the separation of a mechanism consisting of two twisted and interlocked rings. After Amra tried to work on the puzzle-mechanism, he allowed me to try, and after several tense moments was able to deactivate the device. In the pylon room in the Maul Hills, we found the remains of a long-dead adventurer and a pile of dust in the room. It seems as if this person had already triggered the golem-guardian, and all we needed to do was destroy the last pylon with our spells. At the destruction of the forth pylon, the dampening field against Harmony was released, and those of us attuned to it felt the surge of the magic return.

During the rest of the gathering, Amra and I talked more of the details of spell-singing, and he gifted to me a Harmonics tuner in exchange for the performance of a song for himself and a number of companions traveling from Evendarr, including Sir Delahr.

I went on a brief mission with Kabaka and several others to "fight evil without cessation," and clear out a local tomb of undead. It was a largely unremarkable adventure, but Kabaka and I learned something of the management of healing and cure disease spells. Two young rogues in the gathering attempted to disarm a simple trap. Luckily, they were only affected by Feeblemind gas, which I remedied with my magical chalice that could purify one's blood.

In the afternoon of Saturday, a Lieutenant from the Shaidu Garrison reported that the best strategy of action for retaking Greystone would be to send a group of less-seasoned adventurers to route the ring of minotaur camps around the town while a main attack pressed into the greater force holding the town. The two groups would meet in the center. The battle took several hours, and the renegade youth was found and imprisoned until his Elders had the chance to reclaim him. We were pleased to find that the earth circles surrounding both House Bashere and the Healers Guild were still intact.

As the afternoon quieted, I found a place to rest within the Healers Guild, as there was much on my mind. Sir Roland had to attend to an emergency at his estate, and thus could not be at the gathering. It is unfortunate, for I wished to speak with him further about his offer of squireship for me. Just when I think I could trade the path of service to Quentari for that of service to Avendale, circumstances and considerations shift and then shift again, and I find myself perpetually in a quagmire of doubt and conflicting desires.

At the evening feast on Saturday, the Viscount-Regent served wine from the vineyards of the Estate of Twilight to toast the second birthday of Prince Stephanos. My own birthday was but the day before, and I realized that the Prince was likely conceived on Midsummer's Night, which is auspicious to my people. Also at that feast, Squire Jokarius Bashere was elevated to the position of Royal Knight, and thus became a noble of Avendale.

After the feast, I made a brief visitation to the encampment of the gypsies up on the hill a little past the town. Javier, a kind and stately gypsy gentlemen whom I met at the last gathering in October, offered me an ear-cuff as a token of friendship, which I gladly accepted. I hope in upcoming gathers to be able to speak with Javier further on his life and his travels.

That night, the Minotaur and allied Attercob sought their revenge, and a number of Greater Undead invaded the town. In the darkness and confusion of the battle, I was cut down. When I was healed and came to my senses, I searched franticly for the Viscount-Regent on the field as did the rest of the nobility, as he may have been created as undead. But when we could not find him within the battle, we began a search of the dark woods outside of Greystone. Time was precious; as it was widely known that it was unlikely his spirit would have the strength to resurrect. I ran just separate from everyone else, fearing that for all my desire to protect him, he would be found too late. But in the shadows in a stand of trees close to the Regency's hall, I saw a shape of a shield and a slumped figure against the tree, guarded by an attercob. In a last hope, I summoned the force of life into my hands. The first spell I cast went awry and the attercob tried to intercept the spell. But the second one landed and the Viscount's body slumped to the ground. In only a moment the rest of the nobility had arrived, but I could not even comprehend most of what occurred for several moments, as the panic and the imaginings of standing at the Viscount's funeral fled from me. The attercob was dispatched, His Excellency was given a barrage of healing and protective spells from the Lady Baroness Kittery, and I composed myself. By the grace of the stars and the earth, he lived that night, and for several moments all of my uncertainty fled. As the last of the Minotaur forces were dispatched by adventurers, the Regency returned to their hall. I had my first taste of Dark Elven wine that evening. I did not know it was made from slightly hallucinogenic mushrooms.

On Sunday morning came the hunt for the Cortage. It is with mixed feelings that I report what occurred of it. An Elven emissary from the Silvermyst brought the white stag into the town itself, and after I gave instructions on the rules of the Hunt to those gathered, the Cortage was startled and got a head start into the woods before the chase ensued. I did the best I could to keep up, and the Cortage was only twenty or thirty feet from me when he was cut down finally by an adventurer. This had gone against the rules of the Hunt, and the adventurer was chastised by myself and the other hunters that caught up to us for breaking the rules and cutting down the beast instead of tagging him with a weapon. After I healed the Cortage, I asked if he would recognize any of the adventurers as the victor, and perhaps somewhat reluctantly, he inclined his head to the person who managed to cut him down. I was torn at that moment, for the Cortage recognized the man, even though he had broken the rules the Viscount and I had agreed upon. It was then I made my mistake, by choosing to ignore this agreement and presenting the adventurer be given his prize anyway as the Cortage was clearly caught. Several people brought this to the nobility's attention shortly after the chivalry breakfast, and I was called into the Viscount's presence to see that was rectified. Although it was handled very quietly and respectably by all parties involved, I was and still am very ashamed by my error of judgment and of the trust I abused. It was all I could do to ask leave of the Guildmaster for a week or so, and then pack my saddlebags and leave Greystone with my friend Gabriel to clear my head and succor my heart. We do not clearly know where we will be going, but I hope it is a place with a good deal of moss and rocks and silence.

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April 603 C.Y.: Neridia's Gate, Neridia

Word of the disappearance of the Quentari Ambassador to Neridia brought me to Neridia's Gate at the end of April. Among those gathered was the Barbarian Jarnac, Squire Titania Ruhr of Avendale, Juluk, Telaris Macleod, Sasha D'Vonskya, and the half-ogre Ashe, as well as a number of adventuring group the Tyrran Legion. As it seems to be the way of weather in Neridia, it was rainy and blustery on the day that we all gathered in a large tavern in the Foreign Quarter. Many of the adventurers there had come with their own personal interests, and so much of what occurred I will not speak of here in order to protect those interests.

Thoughout the course of our adventuring in those couple of days we were all in Neridia's Gate, Jarnac introduced me to travel within the Dream, a subtle reality within Tyrra that is tied to the Tyrran plane and yet more fluid than what we normally experience. One must have an experienced guide, as there seems to be as many threats within the Dream as there are without. I cannot be helped but be intrigued by this world behind the world.

Within the tavern, many adventurers entertained themselves with a gambling game of dice a mariner had brought with him. The game seemed to be a variation on Jimmy Redgrave's Pokar, with the person to roll the highest pair, triple, or quad to earn the anted winnings for that round. Unfortunately, there seemed to be some sort of magic to the dice that caused a troll to manifest from the dice whenever a quadruple set was rolled. The adventurers gathered enjoyed slaying the troll. However, the troll attacked the mariner, and several times he needed healing. I finally convinced him that it may be in his best interest to destroy the dice, and with his permission, I cast a Destroy spell on a die. What was left was four knucklebones of a sea troll, which is also a common creation component for formal magics. I was saddened that the entertainment had to end, but content overall that this man would not find himself in not-so-pleasant company and one day die from the manifestation of the troll.

Later that day within the tavern, the ghost Belmuse showed up with Indecision and Instant Gratification in his company to play another gambling game. This time, one could give coin to choose between three overturned cups each containing an item. Then a person had the choice of keeping the item or taking what was behind a ghostly curtain. What was behind the curtain was a mystery, and could be either good or bad. I decided to play this game after being assured that there would be no lasting harm. I won a component, a silver long sword, and a chicken! Unfortunately, Titania had grievous luck and became both aged and transformed into an Elf, and had the items she carried with her destroyed by an explosive trap. Through the generosity of Jarnac who had won a boon from Indecision, Titania had her things and her original condition restored to her. Individuals made their own bargains with Instant Gratification, but as always, I would never risk altering myself or making deals with constructs.

My own inquiry into the disappearance of the Quentari Ambassador found that she had sacrificed her spirit in order to protect a greenwood sapling that was the last thing of purity from the corrupted forest known to the Tirani Elves as the Forbiddance. I am now committed to doing research within Neridia and in the libraries of Helevorn in order to learn of a way to strengthen the sapling and use it as a tool in the fight against the evilness and corruption that has threatened the Kingdom of Neridia and surrounding lands. It means a great deal more travel for me, and I may not stay so often in my rooms at the Inn of the Hawke within Wainsford, Avendale.

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May 603 C.Y.: Greystone, Avendale

In the beginning of May, I traveled back to the settlement of Greystone in Avendale to meet with Guildmaster Andvar and other companions of House Bashere. The only nobility present within Greystone that day was Baron Algorian, with Squire Titania and a squire from Nebulonde also there.

It was evident early on that something unusual was occurring, for in addition to the usual Attercob attacks, gargoyles made were also invading Greystone. I am uncertain whether these gargoyles were actually stone golems themselves or somehow otherwise magically animated, but it seems that there were some stone statues that were missing in the ruins that scattered the area from the remains of the Brisbane Empire. I have now a greater appreciation of Shatter and Destroy spells, as they cause much greater damage than the weapons that would simply chip away at their stone bodies.

After Juluk used his skills in tracking to learn of the gargoyle's origins, we located a warded structure a few miles outside of Greystone. It took several hours of fighting the gargoyles until we found the ward key upon or within one of their disintegrated forms. We descended the steps and found it to be the home of a magician. After he was unwilling to answer any questions about the gargoyle attacks and we were unwilling to leave his home without answers, the magician ordered us to be attacked by what looked to be some sort of undead, although they may have been another form of golem with glowing eyes. We subdued the magician and his companion, and only with great reluctance and some sort of attempt at bargaining, we were able to discern that he worked for someone named Javis (supposedly against his will). Unfortunately, no further clues lead us to where Javis may be located…at least not before I left the gathering.

The gathered adventurers also fought against a black unicorn named Boris who had been a great and never-defeated menace to the people of Avendale. Under the leadership of Baron Algorian, the black unicorn was subdued and killed, and although it is likely that Boris will resurrect and continue his defiling, it was a small comfort to learn that he could be defeated by a well-coordinated and well-resourced group.

A feathered being of Fae (not Seraph) entered the tavern late on Saturday afternoon, stating that he was investigating the creation of four rifts into the realms of the Unseelie (or Unfae, as is the preferred term), for the purpose of sending fighting forces through the rifts into Avendale. It seems that the rifts were created on the Tyrran side, perhaps by the Lord of the Haunted Wood. Three racial weapons could be used in conjunction to close the gate, luckily there were three such weapons at the gathering. The feathered creature, whom Hunyani dubbed "Shantaro" for he would give no designation of himself to us, led a party to the four rifts outside of Greystone, and were closed with the use of the weapons. Before he left, Shantaro also gifted Titania with a future dream of her father.

I left the gathering on Sunday to return to Wainsford for a brief respite and to write some correspondence before returning once more to Neridia. In these past few months, I have broadened both my travels and my friendships. Although a few doors may be closing upon me, others may be opening. When will I have the courage, in the end, to choose one? For one never can be absolutely certain what is behind the curtain.

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Late May 603 C.Y.: Greystone, Avendale

The gathering in Greystone at the end of May came with a certain amount of disappointment on my part, as all but one member of House Bashere was not present at the gathering, including Sir Jokarius, Squire Titania, and Xylon. Instead of staying in House Bashere's cabin, I took up a bed within the Healers Guild. Guildmaster Andvar was also short on Healers to assist him, so Javier de Souza and I proved to be of some use in helping the Guildmaster tend to the Circle.

Still, I was disappointed in the absence of my friends, and by midnight on Friday, I paced the perimeter of the Healer's Guild Circle while the rain and blustery weather continued. There were undead on the field and by the tavern, and yet without a group or at least a handful of those skilled with a sword for me to join, there was little that I could do against so many numbers. I had grown accustomed to aiding the Regency on nights such as this, but I saw no presence of the nobility on the field. My restlessness overwhelmed me and I declared that I would leave for the Duchy of Ravenholt in Evendarr within the hour, as I knew Jarnac and perhaps Sir Delahr was present there. As I packed my belongings, Javier refused to allow me to travel alone in the middle-of-the-night and chose to escort me.

The distance and time it takes to get to Evendarr or anywhere in Avalon is cut in half or greater by the presence of Neridia's permanent gates. One can simply ride to Wainsford, Gate from Avendale to Neridia, then from Neridia, Gate onto Evendarr. Unfortunately, Javier and I were only an hour out of Evendarr City when my horse threw a shoe, and thus was lame until a ferrier could be found. Fog and rain choked the night, and Javier and I could do little but construct a shelter off the road, set a circle about ourselves and our horses to alert us if there were any dangers, and sleep until morning. We decided to return to Avendale after Falmalas' shoe had been taken care of, and Javier and I arrived again before any adventurer had awakened. Javier and I got quite a teasing from Guildmaster Andvar for our hasty departure and sudden return. But others will think what they think, and it shall not bother me a great deal even when such suspicions are unfounded.

It is about this time that I felt my thoughts wonder towards the vampire Karveki, and I began to think how sad of a creature he was to have lived for so long in madness, his wife having died shortly after his transformation. I began to wonder privately to myself if someone dared to love him, instead of abhor him, he may finally find some peace. These thoughts came quite naturally at the time, though I came to learn within the next day that my mind and heart were influenced unduly by an imbalance of Dream.

Javier and I made our way up to the hill where the Khalwa and the court of Nordenn have stayed to talk with a few of Javier's acquaintances there, and from a human named Tay-ron and a few others, learned of what had happened the night before. It seems that several undead came into the tavern, wanting to sell a large wooden box for a copper. They warned that it was cursed, and the person who would buy the box would also be cursed. The stone elf Nen bought the box from them, hoping to free them from whatever curse was laid upon them. After the undead attacked and were reduced to dust several times, Nen and others discerned that they would have to put the ashes of the destroyed undead inside the box for the curse to be lifted from them. Many speculate that unless the curse is removed from some other way, Nen herself may wander as an undead when she dies, and the only way to free her spirit will be to buy the box from her unresting spirit, destroy her, and put her ashes within. I hope that a solution is found for her before it comes to that.

Later that Saturday afternoon, a most unusual creature that finally identified himself as an imp (the adventurers named him "Nob") came into town, seeking adventurers to help him rescue some farmers that had believed themselves to be so skilled in combat that they could enter some spider-infested caverns to claim some treasure within. The cavern Nob rifted us to was deep and had a forest of carved pillars in a large chamber. The group of us that went included Squire Enikiel, whom we sent to climb up the pillars to scout. He said that some spiders were at the top of the pillars, and that the pillars actually did not join with the ceiling, but each were smoothed to a base where one could stand upon them. When we snaked our way further into the cavern, we came to see where the tops of these pillars were. The spiders were most easily dispatched with spells, and we found three farmers-turned-adventurers huddled in an alcove of the cavern, kept by the spiders to feast upon. Unfortunately, one of them was permanently dead. One of the farmers said he was confused about what had 'come over' him and his friends, as common sense would have normally kept them away from the caverns.

There had been rumor of other adventurers having delusions, like Sian who believed he was named "alpha" of a werewolf pack. Javier and I speculated that this was due to a couple of rogue Dream Elementals who had taken some of the essence of the Dream Plane and held it within a shard of a crystal. They were now hiding out in Avendale, and many adventurers were focused on the recovery of the shard. After dinner at Javier's varda, Nen, Javier, and I returned to the tavern, to share some desserts Javier had originally meant for the Dessert contest, but which had been cancelled. It was then Nen fainted in the middle of the tavern, overwhelmed by strange visions.

We decided to go back to the Healer's Guild and try the use of Harmonic Rest upon the guild, to see if that would clear the influences of Dream from Nen's mind and allow her to meditate. When the power of the Rest song I sang settled into the walls of the Guild, there was a sudden clarity that came over my mind, and in a few brief moments, I relived a good deal of my life with a clarity I had not known since I left Quentari, with ten years to learn of foreign lands. It was then I recognized my pre-occupation with Karveki for what was, a delusion and twisted desire. But I learned something of myself then, a hard and cold lesson about how easily I am attracted to influential and powerful individuals. I cannot help but be more confused now than ever about the inclinations of my own heart if such feelings can so easily be twisted.

That night before midnight, Captain Douglas Shyler came into town, looking for adventurers to lead into caverns and tombs where her knew some of Karveki's vampiric children to live. He carried with him a bandoleer filled with Stakes of Woe. I went on two such missions; one of them successful, one of them not, because one of the undead had warned the vampire and awakened her from her slumber. I was pleased to have at least been a part of a few such missions to destroy the undead evil, although I was disappointed in one adventurer who seemed only interested in the reward of treasure from such a mission.

Sunday morning I awakened early, scouring the quiet field for dropped silver and gold in the middle of the night. I managed to find an uncommon Time component on the ground, which made up the bulk of my discoveries. I returned to bed only to be awakened in a few hours by squire-candidate Kabaka, who informed me of the chivalry breakfast. At the breakfast, Baroness Kittery spoke of the requirements and challenges of squirehood and of the challenges of being a noble. Lady Lorenn of the territory of Rockshire was also in attendance, and she warned us of the frond beetles that will disperse eggs from their nests to hatch.

After some of the adventurers found a few frond beetle eggs that morning, Nen and I decided to organize a party to seek out eggs along the perimeter of the town. We gathered a number of newer adventurers with us, and Guildmaster Andvar also decided to go. We found no frond beetle eggs, but a small stash of gold and what looked to be some sort of set-up for trap-making that also included some treasure. After having engaged with a couple of aggressive minotaur on the way back into town, we split up the treasure.

It was then that Nen and Javier asked permission of the Guildmaster to allow them use of the Healers Guild Circle to perform a mind-healing on Javier, who had also been affected by the delusions and then by the clarifying effects of the Rest spell. They were entranced for about half an hour, long enough to miss the Scorpion barbarian invasion on Greystone. While Guildmaster Andvar and the entirety of the town's adventurers were pushing back the invaders, I remained behind in the circle, thinking that someone invested should be there to resurrect spirits should the battle turn horribly wrong. It was soon that Nen and Javier broke their trance, and much to my surprise, Nen had turned blindly aggressive, throwing Death spells and arcane fear at Javier and myself. While we both managed to escape the circle, Nen was trapped within, seething with the rage that Javier had experienced as a result of the delusions. It took two other adventurers to subdue her, and by the time she was subdued, the town retreated, seeking to find the last of the few Life spells that remained in magical items. Unfortunately, three individuals had to resurrect from the barbarian attack.

With the help of Squire Enikiel, we brought the unconscious Nen up to the gypsy's cabin, and behind the ward of that cabin, she finally came to her senses. Enikiel offered to summon members of the Shaidu Garrison to escort Nen back to her manor house, and after she had time to rest, she returned there. As the gathering drew to a close, I made a farewell to Javier, for I had a great deal to think about on matters of love and duty, cowardice and bravery.

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June 603 C.Y.: Avendale City, Avendale

The June gathering of adventurers occurred in Avendale City, one of the first cities founded by the Regent Niomi Avendale as she established the settlement and expansion of Avendale. Avendale City is within the Barony of Galensen, which has been without Baronial Leadership for over a year. Rumor has had that a number of powerful "Merchant Lords" have vied for control of the economy and the populace, and that drew the Regency to Avendale City to investigate and find Avendale's "enemies within."

I stayed within the Healers Guild this gathering, as there was not enough members and allies of House Bashere present in order to warrant us renting out a manor house to ourselves. Javier, seeing to his duties for the Court of Nordenn, Ashbury, took quarters with them at the cabin on top of a hill on the outskirts of the City, and therefore we did not spend much time together.

Amidst the concern over Galensen, the Viscount-Regent sponsored competitions to celebrate the return of his son, the Prince Stephanos, to the land of his birth. The Competition consisted of several parts: A Scavenger Hunt, a Relay Race, an Archery Competition, a Battle Royale, a Caster Battle Royale, a Dessert Competition, and an Entertainment Competition. Only three teams entered: Michiko's team, House Bashere (with Sir Kaylin filling in the 5th spot), and a team from the court of Brisbane.

Sian was quick to gain a correction from His Excellency that the "Scavenger Hunt" was not actually a hunting of the scavenger races, but a hunt for items that had been placed around Avendale City. The Viscount gave rhyming clues as to where the items may be found, and I could not help but be enheartened that His Excellency could turn his attention from dour military matters for a few hours in order to create and organize such challenges and puzzles.

Although His Excellency chose to sponsor a Dessert Contest that was originally conceived by myself as a part of His Competitions, I continued to sponsor the "unsanctioned" Compliment contest. The rules of the contest were that Nen and I would judge who offered us the most creative compliment. The winner would then receive a bottle of champagne and strawberries to share with a companion of his or her choice. The third place winner was Ter'Dasha, a Light Elemental who exclaimed "Your breasts are perfect!". The second place winner was Titania with two evocative poems. The winner, however, was Guildmaster Andvar, with the below poem:

Bards and scribes of every age
Have toiled and worked and labored,
To put in words their fondest thoughts,
Of the ladies they have favored.

Of all of those who walk our world,
Presenting many faces,
The Elven are most widely known,
"The fairest of the races."

It's said among the Elven-folk,
That every thousand years,
There does appear an Elven-lass,
Who shines above her peers.

Today that special lady-Elf,
Is here for us to view,
Yes, fortune smiles on Avendale,
For we have not one, but two!

One is of Quentari stock,
Whose tresses burn of flame,
Laughing eyes and music-voiced,
Lilaiethyn is her name.

Nenwavriana's hair is black,
As Stone Elves tresses are,
And her long locks, and smoking eyes,
Bewitch men near and far.

Their charms and grace are only matched,
By their concern and caring,
An example made for all they meet,
Of truly "noble" bearing.

O! Travelers of worthy quest,
Who seek female perfection,
Need only follow any road,
In Avendale's direction!

~ Andvar ~

On Saturday afternoon, House Bashere did their best with the Archery competition, the Caster Battle, the Fighter Battle, and the Relay Race. Although I had not taken up a bow in many years, I had some experience which lead me to shoot for House Bashere, although I did not meet with as much success as I had hoped, and the House did not fair so well in the Battle competitions. We were ahead in the relay race, but a lizardman ambushed Sian as he was coming in for the finish.

Late in the afternoon, three messengers appeared in Avendale City seeking to speak with Squire Titania, who handed her a bottle of red liquid and said that it was from her father. If she drank the red liquid, she would be "purified". Unfortunately, Michiko and others identified the solution as "wing dissolver", which would strip Titania of her vestigial wings. Titania made a very public rejection of the liquid, spilling it on the ground before the lead messenger.

While Titania and I were away eating at a local tavern on the outskirts of Avendale City, the town was attacked by a force from the Nightspear Clan who lead the armed forces of Avendale into the terrain outside of the City. The battle was fierce, and Titania and I returned just soon enough to have His Excellency send me back into the woods after Squire-candidate Kabaka to deliver a Life spell.

At the evening feast, which was extremely quiet, the Dessert Contest was held. At that time, the Light Elemental Ter'Dasha arrived, offering her necklace for the winner of the entertainment competition. Ter'Dasha, when a mortal, used to run the Bardic Guild in Avendale, and she made mention of forming a Bardic Guild again.

After the Entertainment Competition, I was requested to perform the dance of lights elsewhere in the various taverns throughout the city, and so I missed what occurred later on that evening, and retired to bed a bit earlier than the Regency. The only sense that I can make out of it is that a number of adventurers interrupted a slave auction, and that many of the slaves were freed thanks to the adventurers. There is also word that a Shelter for Wayward Girls was established and supported by Baroness Kittery to give the young women who were on the slave block and without family a home at a secluded and safe estate.

At the Chivalry breakfast on Sunday, the topic of conversation was the Accords of Avalon, a document created in order to codify international law and trade among the nations of Avalon. The Accords would be discussed at an international gathering in July, where changes would be made and either accepted or rejected by each nation. Concern was raised by a number of the nobility over what protection and rights a visiting noble would have

Early in the afternoon on Sunday, the Nightspear clan, lead by Tarsus Nightspear himself, attacked Avendale City. The Viscount Regent commanded that the townsfolk hold the line by the Tavern, which worked successfully for several waves of battle before the Nightspear clan began charming the nobles and adventurers and pulling them away from the battle, in order to break the lines. Several black unicorns were also present in the battle, which was an oddity that deserves investigation.

At one point in the battle, the Viscount himself was captured behind a Circle of Power, and Tarsus demanded that the nobility surrender the City in exchange for his life. Baroness Kittery agreed upon her word to "leave the city" with the adventurers and townsfolk. She remained true to her word, taking the Viscount and evacuated all loyal townsfolk to beyond the borders of the city, only to regroup and invade the city from without. Eventually, the leaders of Avendale gained victory.

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July 603 C.Y.: Avendale City, Avendale

Adventurers were called once more to Avendale City, as the nobility saw to the bringing order and justice to the area. It seems that the gathering also drew some of Evendarr’s baronial courts, namely Westmarch of the Duchy of Ravenholt, Dinsdale from the Duchy of Volta, and Nordenn from the Duchy of Ashbury.

Having struggled for over a year with my suitability to swear a lifetime of Service as my Quentari family had trained for me to take, I finally came to the conclusion that my temperament was unsuited to the special rigors that such a life demanded. Although only a year and a half had passed of the ten years of this trial, I announced to my Elders that I wished to undergo the ceremonies that would sever me from them and their loyalties to Quentari, and leave me free to pursue another life. The Elders instructed me to prepare in the weeks before the final ceremony, and therefore I was bidden to wear a veil to mourn what was lost to the family and to Quentari. Many did not recognize me at first, but most grew accustomed to it.

The first ‘happening’ of Friday night was that a shambling figure dressed in black came into the Tavern, seeking “the children who wander.” I understood this to mean the Gypsies, so with an escort of Squire-candidate Kabaka and another, I went to the “cabin on the hill” and notified Javier of the creature. After that, I returned to town to give my skills to the Regency.

The night was largely quiet until the gathered noticed that a person had constructed a circle of power along the outskirts of the city and began summoning a number of powerful undead to unleash on the town. These undead were able to cause paralysis and wither limbs with their claws, and so many healing spells were used up that night. Eventually, the necromancer and his undead were dispatched.

Lizardmen from the Nightspear clan also made raids into the City, and so caused Poison Shields and Purify Blood spells to also run low.

There was some mention of a "Pollywag" that was seen about town, and one townsfolk called it the "Natural enemy of Attercobs."

After the Regency and most of the higher ranking nobility retired late in the night, a Pantherghast came into town by the tavern and dropped a note in front of the dark-elf Shishoto who had earlier that night taken a valuable scroll from the necromancer. The note was signed "Talis Darkhome" (or Dark-Something), from Jhivantane. The pantherghast then attacked Shishoto, and Squire Nobanaga and he did their best against the pantherghast. Unfortunately, Squire Nobanaga was paralyzed for most of the battle, and the two dark-elves were unable to take the Pantherghast themselves. They made a strategic retreat into a circle of power, and the Pantherghast decided to leave.

Saturday morning brought with it Waspari, more Lizardmen, several trolls, strange creatures called "Medusas", and other creatures into town. The necromancer Talis Darkhome himself was so brash as to show up outside of the tavern and hang around as if he was a common adventurer. Shortly after introducing himself, the Regency attempted to arrest him, but he resisted, and thus he was killed and allowed to resurrect.

As the morning grew into the afternoon, there were several more sporadic raids upon the city. His Excellency was engaged in private conversation in the tavern, and most of the town engaged in defense, when an assassin managed to subdue the Regent and trap him in a circle of power before anyone noticed. Fortunately, Squire Nobanaga was able to call a Darkness Elemental to aid us, and the assassin was captured and the life of the Regent saved. The assassin was then ordered Obliterated.

Late in the afternoon, a raid was organized against an encampment of what I believe to be members of the Nightspear clan. Talis Darkhome was also there, taunting the adventurers behind a circle of power.

When the raid was coming to a close, a strange creature later identified as a Treant came into the encampment. It seems to have been corrupted by some Unseelie magics, and it was brought back into town, where the Baron Algorian attempted to remove the taint from it. However, the corruption then took over the Baron, and within an hour, he was transformed, his spirit having been displaced from his body. He warned Amethyst away from him, as she was part-Fae, and he had an almost uncontrollable urge to attack her. Luckily, a group of adventurers was able to trace where his spirit went onto some alternate plane, and heal the damage done to the Baron. (I am largely unaware of these details).

Throughout the rest of the gather, many more corrupted Treants and other beings of Fae came into the town, seeking to find those with Fae blood and kill them. Amethyst was the only Fae-blooded person in town, as Squire Titania was away on other duties.

As is becoming a regular habit of ours, I accompanied Squire-Candidate Kabaka and others on a journey to route some minor Undead from the outskirts of Avendale City. After following a trail caused by the dragging feet of the Undead, we came to a trap-door leading down into an underground sepulcher. From what I could tell, it seemed to be from the Brisbane Empires of centuries ago. After clearing out the sepulcher, we returned to the center of town.

Saturday evening at the feast, Squire Nobanaga was raised to the well-deserved position of Knight, and Squire-candidate Kabaka was made a Squire to Sir Kaylin of the Court of Silvermyst. A Gorbe (Sarr) prince from lands north to Avendale was also present in town to discuss a treaty with the Kingdom. After the feast, the nobility retired to the Regency manor to discuss certain business.

A few hours after the feast, there was word of Death Knights and vampires within town. The Regency, with the aid of many adventurers, dispatched of the undead quite readily. The vampires were staked. It was quite satisfying to me to see these Undead monstrosities crumble to dust.

Strangely, a group of what appeared to be humans came into town, extolling the virtues of Necromancy. They were quickly eliminated by adventurers.

Unlike so many gatherings before, the stars shown gloriously late that night, and as the town grew quiet again, many enjoyed relaxing upon the central field, sharing laughter, song, treats, and company in the hard-won peace.

On Sunday morning, more wasps attacked the early risen. After an hour or so of this, a man who identified himself as "The Beekeeper" came into town and demanded that we stop attacking his pets. The Beekeeper then attacked those in front of the tavern. He was subdued and questioned. Unfortunately, he resisted arrest, and was forced to resurrect.

At the Chivalry breakfast, Sir Nobanaga lead the discussion of how a noble should protect all within his lands, even if an individual in danger was personally disliked. All agreed that personal feelings had to be put aside for duty. However, that didn't mean that "common sense" had to be put aside, and a noble should not outweigh the life of one against the lives of many. Because of the nature of noble service, most nobles will take a greater chances with sacrificing their own lives to save another.

No more clearly was this principle illustrated when in a long battle with Tarsus Nightspear on Sunday afternoon, Tarsus was captured behind a circle of power to die. In retaliation, Tarsus' allies captured Sir Celdric and the alchemist Arroryn behind their own circles. With His Excellency gone before the battle to rally more to the aid of Avendale City, the Baroness Kittery judged not to exchange Tarsus' life for Sir Celdric and Arroryn. They resurrected in the Healer's Guild circle, while Tarsus was given a field resurrection by one of his allies. With Baron Algorian and others in pursuit, Tarsus made a hasty retreat.

I then returned to the Guild, to pack my belongings. Given that I would no longer be supported by my family with a generous stipend, I had my belongings moved from the Inn of the Hawke to the Healers Guild manor house. There was only a week left before I must travel to Quentari, and present myself before the High Elder of the Phellanyrastralae and complete the ceremonies which would part me from the family of my birth forever.

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August 603 C.Y.: Avendale City, Avendale

A gathering was called again in Avendale City. For several months, there had been investigation into the criminal activities of several prominent merchants of the area by the leaders of Avendale and other concerned citizens. After joining a raid that revealed a counterfeiting operation in June, I became personally involved in bringing the individuals involved to justice. Now that I no longer had formal political ties to Quentari, I found myself as nothing more than a common "fortune-seeker", though it is not the fortune of wealth, but the fortune of destiny that prompted me to continue my travels under the new surname of Raenelindor, "Wandering Song."

Before the gathering and shortly after my return from Quentari with Squire Titania, I sought contact with two informants whom I had hired to watch several warehouses I believed belonged to Cedric Alacoor, one of the merchants being investigated in the counterfeiting ring. Unfortunately, neither of these informants met up with me to report their observations, and I believed them come to some grave demise. Friday, before the gathering, I disguised myself, attempting to find where they had gone, only to find myself attacked by three or four armed men. Thankfully Squire Titania had planned to meet up with me, and when she discovered be being dragged off into an alley, she was able to reclaim me and stabilize my wounds. I recall awakening in the middle of the Avendale City square, with members of the Regency and others fighting some threat.

A darkly-hooded man was about, asking for Gypsies. He was apparently among a clutch of vampires, who, along with other undead creatures, forced the town to retreat behind the Healers Guild Earth Circle and behind Warded cabins. My friend Xylon noticed I was cut down and dragged behind one of the buildings for several minutes by one of these creatures before being carried to the Healers Guild circle and left to be returned to Life. When later I was identified within the Mages Guild Circle, there was nothing unusual about me.

Later that night, the orphan I had hired to watch Cedric Alacoor's warehouses came to find me to report that she had found that the warehouse next door to the one I had asked her to observe was the one that held the machinery for the counterfeiting operation. The orphan said that she had been caught peeking in the warehouse. Luckily, she managed to escape and find me, to tell me that the warehouse was ready to be cleaned out. With The Viscount-Regent's permission, Squire Titania, myself, Sir Celdric, and others went to this warehouse seeking to arrest those within. Since the warehouse attendants didn't open up of their own accord, we shattered the lock and forced our way in. Cedric Alacoor himself was there, with four or five bodyguards and another business associate. We managed to subdue them all and bring them to the Avendale City jail. Unfortunately, there was some mix-up with the jailers, and Cedric escaped through resurrection.

Strangely enough, however, only a little later, a hired bodyguard of Alacoor was willing to sell-out to bring us to Alacoor's manor house. We managed to get through the ward, and there found Alacoor with his (now Greater Undead) ally, the Necromancer Talis Darkhome of Jhivantane. The necromancer dissipated after being destroyed, and Alacoor was placed into the hands of the Sir Leopold of Evendarr by the Avendale Regency for further questioning. The orphan was escourted back to the orphanage, and some of the gold found in the adventure was donated to the orphanage.

I loathe to recount what happened to me on Saturday, for the memories still chill me. But for completeness of this record, I will mention something of it. The monsters allied with Tarsus continued to make raids into the City on Saturday afternoon, and I found myself separated from the Regency. When I called for help, a tall man approached me, and then cast several charms upon me, drawing me into the woods. Thankfully, His Excellency took notice, and halted us. I was awakened, and Xylon used several dominate gasses on my kidnapper. We found that he was taking me to be placed into the hands of some of Mykel Faramore's associates on the outskirts of the city. I volunteered to serve as "bait" and continue with the ruse of a successful kidnapping so that all involved in the ring may be brought to justice. Xylon told the kidnapper not to cast any more charms upon me, while several others followed us at a distance. The Regency would investigate the building where I was to be delivered.

Unfortunately, things turned all awry as soon as I was left alone with the kidnapper. His sense of what he needed to do was so great, that instead of charming me, he used dominate gasses upon me. I then followed him willingly as we skirted around the edge of the City. Squire Kabaka and Dale found me and my kidnapper, and thought something suspicious was going on and cut my kidnapper down. Unfortunately, with my loyalty all skewed, I healed my kidnapper, allowing him to then cast upon my rescuers and subdue them.

By the time that we finally rendezvoused with Mykel Faramore's associates, the Regency had already come to the meeting point and decide to attack those within. I can recall vividly seeing His Excellency and Baroness Kittery and Titania and Xylon upon the ground before a group of strange men. I thought the Viscount dead, but franticly discovered he was only sleeping. However, I did not have the chance to awaken him before I was knocked unconscious to be delivered to where a slave auction was going to be held.

When I found myself conscious again, my clothing had been changed into something more appealing to the buyers, and there was a collar and chains about my neck. I tried calling for help, but was almost immediately silenced with a spell. It was then that one of the guards suggested to the auctioneer that I be given an Enslavement elixir. Fear caused me to immediately try to run, even though there were guards all about me and the building was warded. I was pinned and confined, and force-fed an Enslavement elixir. I cannot begin to describe the sensation that invaded my mind then, and even though I was aware of the danger I was in, it no longer mattered to me. It wasn't the subtle if strong influence of a charm. My will was no longer my own. My world was narrowed to the instructions set before me by my enslaver, and the only thing true and right to do was to obey him.

I waited while other slaves were brought in and prepared for the auction. Eventually, the auction began, although there was word that the building was being observed. Somewhere I thought I recognized a few faces among the buyers as some of the Khalwa gypsies, there to rescue me, but attaining my freedom no longer mattered to me. A reserve was set for me, but no one could match it. Then the guards grew nervous enough to attempt to evacuate the building with myself and the auctioneer. I was taken down attempting to run from the back door, and the next thing I remember, the Half-Ogre Ashe was tending to me with spells and elixirs and antidotes. Baroness Kelsea was also in the tavern, and offered to bring me up to the hill where she stayed with the Court of Nordenn for some sanctuary.

I was then called to speak with His Excellency in the Mage's Guild. The man who had fed me the enslavement antidote was in the Viscount's custody, and I was asked to identify him. Thoughts of revenge stormed through my mind, but despite my anger and my wish to see this man's body and mind twisted and tortured, the efficient coolness of my training composed me. Emotions were to be controlled, else the enemy would gain the upper hand; the Phellanyrastralae were never to sit in judgement, we were simply the examiners, and sometimes the executioners.

Once out of the presence of my captor and the Viscount, I sought the solace and peace outside of the City. Baroness Kelsea made sure that no great physical harm had come to me. It was then that Kellum Vanderhurst came to the hill, requesting the aid of Baroness Kelsea in healing the damage to the mind of one of the rescued slaves from the auctions. Kellum and I were forced to have Sleep cast upon her to escort her to the Court of Nordenn's circle. When Winter was awakened, she proved silent and unresponsive to comforting words. Finally, practicality came before my desire to be gentle and kind to Winter, and with my most authoritative tone, I ordered her to speak to the Baroness. A short conversation allowed Baroness Kelsea to gain entrance into Winter's mind, and learn of her history and further information about how widespread the disease of slavery had infected the Kingdom of Avendale.

I returned from my retreat at the dark of the evening to find that His Excellency was privately engaged in a meeting with a number of Stone Elves. The Baroness Kittery, Sir Celdric, and I became very concerned over the length of the meeting and the silence from the hall where the meeting was held when it was suddenly concluded and the Stone Elves departed. The Mages' Guild door was closed quickly again before me, and I found myself alone in the dark with the memories of the day. The whole of Avendale could not comfort me then, and regardless that Tarsus was expected on the field the following day, and regardless of Tarsus' threats against His Excellency, I made plans to leave for Quentari as soon as it was light again.

I hoped that time spent close to the Spirit Tree would cleanse me of the taint I felt and give me some renewed vision for the direction I was now to lead my life. For there was no clear path now set before me, and no door held open in invitation.

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August/September 603 C.Y.: Ravenholt City, Evendarr

At the end of August, I traveled to the Duchy of Ravenholt, this time to Ravenholt City itself. I journeyed there to seek out news of Sir Delahr, who for a long time was missing and unresponsive to my correspondence. I also had learned of the Faire, originally scheduled for Midsummer's, being held in the City. In addition to mundane vendors, the Goblin Market of the Fae was said to attend. Jarnac and the Dasha Morbihan offered me shelter within their hall for the length of the gather. Because of the Faire, the "Green Laws" were lifted, allowing races such as hob-goblins, orges, orcs, and kobolds to enter the City and walk in relative safety so long as they did not threaten the populace.

On Friday night, the adventurers gathered in the common hall for His Grace, Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, to address the populace. I was quite charmed to find that His Grace's herald assembled each of the baronial courts and then announced them as they entered the hall. Several young men who had traveled to the south for the gathering of the Accords presented themselves before His Grace, as they had become honorary Lords upon winning a competition at the Gathering. They were commended for representing the Duchy of Ravenholt. To my personal delight, Alaric Maleduin was named Ducal Seneschal.

My understanding of the dangers that face Ravenholt are very much less intimate than what I know of Avendale, so I will but gloss over some of the events of the gathering. As seems to plague every place where adventurers gather in any number, Undead and vampires were about almost every night. Elementals have been battling over Ravenholt, tearing the lands asunder and generally making havoc of Tyrra; those marked were sought out for attention of one kind or another. The blood of a dying unicorn sprouted into a small white rose bush some months ago near the Healers Guild; it seemed to be the focus of attention of a great deal of undead activity. In Ravenholt City, the Healers Guild and the Mages Guild share the same building, so there is a great deal of traffic there. Fortunately, the Guilds provide great hospitality.

I spent some of the evening in company of Baron Jayson of Westmarch, as he was a fellow Quentari Elf, and it since had become a habit of mine to travel with a noble retinue. My skills as a healer were generously repaid by sharing a portion of that which we found in the dust and rot of our undead enemies.

To my pleasure, as the night latened, I found myself in the company of the Mystic Wood Elf Kestrel, Lord Seneschal Alaric, and Squire Amra. We discussed the challenges of nobility as well as more philosophical topics in the comfort of Kestrel's cabin.

As I made my interest in the Goblin Market clear, Kestrel offered a great deal of his wisdom on dealing with the Fae. He offered the advice of "When one of them asks for your name, and you speak it, they will take your name-literally, and you must find a new one." The other advice that was most clear to me was that I should go into the Market as a guest, and consider bringing something with me to delight them.

On Saturday afternoon, between elemental attacks, I sat down to a game of "Go Fish" with several citizens underneath one of the pine trees. We had readied the area to cast a Circle of Power within should it be needed. Unfortunately, it was needed, and both my mug of coffee and my sword were left outside the Circle. A rather rude hobgoblin spit in my coffee and took my sword, but eventually it was retrieved.

As the afternoon grew later, three of the Fae appeared in the Faire, and announced that the Goblin Market would soon open. I was among the first of those who walked to where the Market had been opened and listened while one of the three-eyed dealers explained that Courtesy was to be maintained at all time, and the other rules for the Market. Cadoc of Dasha Morbihan joined me, I think to make sure that I would not come to any harm. There were many tables underneath the canopy, each strewn with odd objects: jewelry mostly, with masks and crowns and boxes and other things. The Head Dealer was a three-eyed creature that went by the name "Jack-a-Roe."

I could go into great detail of what occurred that afternoon, but for the sake of brevity, I will simply outline my adventure. I was challenged to a game that appeared like chess but without any board. As it was explained to me: "This game is just like life: You have resources, and you must use all your wit and skill to achieve your objective." Through clever story-weaving, the Dealer and I came to a draw. I had come to the Market prepared to entertain the Fae, and so showed them my skill at twirling weighted ribbons as my end of the game. The Dealer then offered to give me what I had originally requested: "A place where I feel completely at home, where I will come to no harm, and where I can come and go as I choose." After some deliberation, the Dealer offered me the Fae Market as my refuge. I was so overwhelmed by the suggestion that I was hesitant. This earned me some contempt by the Dealers, and I quickly apologized. I returned with champagne and cookies and chocolate to hopefully smooth over my earlier faux-pas. They were delighted in this, and I accepted the offer. I was then given a magical key to the Fae Market, and allowed to remain, offering advice to some of the mortals that came to bargain. The sun began to set within Tyrra, and I made the choice to bid goodbye to my Fae Hosts, and continue my journeys.

That night was quiet for me, as I used most of my spells combating Undead quite early on. I ate at the feast with the Dasha Morbihan, and became better acquainted with them. Kestrel found it humorous that I, a Quentari Elf, was socializing with Nimani, although these Nimani had vowed to fight to end slavery and imprisonment.

On Sunday, the Faire's festivities continued as there was a talent competition, sponsored by the Fae. I again performed, and won a most unusual prize: a bottle with 5 levels of Formal Casting ability within it. It could only be used once. Guildmistress Keyla identified the magic as neither Earth nor Celestial. Unfortunately, the bottle would not travel outside of Ravenholt, and so I opted to sell it, as gold would travel.

I also reforged my acquaintance with Ambassador Gareth, whom had been wed at the last gathering I attended in Ravenholt in February. I find it an unusual coincidence that he and his companions met up with me on the only two gatherings we had each attended in the year. He greatly enjoyed the hospitality of the Dasha and Greavard's delicious coffee. Gareth called the drink "The Dark Mother," he has such a great respect for its quality.

It became apparent to many gathered that in one of the Faire stalls, three items had Djinn within them. Unfortunately, they were selling for much greater than I could afford. Although the Djinn within would grant a wish, my only hope was to free the spirit locked within. Several others bought them. I saw one of the Djinn once, a great man with a huge shiny necklace, but he seemed to have other business.

There are a number of Harmonicists in Ravenholt, and I got word of their attempt to learn how Harmonic formal magic may be cast. Because I am still unable to Spellsing the most powerful of Songs, my assistance was not required. Still, the thought of Harmonic Formals intrigues me, and I hope to hear more of this in the future.

It was chill that night, and word came that the Black Rose, and infamous group of highly intelligent undead, would make an attack upon the town. Kestrel and I retreated to his cabin, and he told me more of the Black Rose. He said that one of them had once been Quentari, and I was saddened by the thought that one of my kinsman by choice or chance, had become such a powerful Undead.

Word came that Monday morning that Lord Seneschal Alaric and Dame Saket had been captured during the night. Alaric had managed to be rescued. Unfortunately, Dame Saket resurrected. While the town regrouped, it was noticed that a rather 'shady' looking individual was about town. Although he was nearly out of my sight, I noticed that he had attacked one of the adventurers and dragged him behind a cabin. Alaric, several of the Dasha, and a few others ran to the rescue with me. The elf had been left paralyzed behind a cabin, and we attempted to track the assailant in the woods. Unfortunately, we never found him, and returned to the center of the City.

At that time, just as elementals were descending upon the town, I decided to pack up my bags, saddle my horse, and leave a bit early so as to have daylight in which to travel back to Evendarr City and the permanent Gate which would take me back to Avendale. Despite my time in human lands, I am still a bit dazed by how often noble positions shift and change within them. Eventually, I think, I shall have to simply plunge in the swift waters and see where the current takes me, rather than looking for a perfect place to wade in. The banks erode all too quickly.

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September 603 C.Y.: Greystone, Avendale

While preparing for the gathering in Greystone, there was rumor that ancient threats of Brisbane would greet the adventurers there. I used the precious days I had before the gathering to comb the libraries of other scholars, collecting the notes together that they may come of use. Also, I packed extra candles, for the rumors among the townsfolk was that the Undead that threatened the local populace would shy away from lights. Word also came that the Viscount-Regent was attending to urgent matters elsewhere in the lands, and that he and Squire Titania would not be in Greystone. I checked in with Guildmaster Andvar and waited for what the night would bring.

Before any night terrors came, familiar faces to me from the Duchy of Ravenholt came into the light of the Healers Guild. I had not the opportunity to meet Baron Gabriel Wolfstride, Dame Saket, or members of the Court of Capulus several weeks ago in Ravenholt City, but shortly allied myself with them as they were well-organized and skilled in the ways of blade and spell; Lorien, Sarek, Shatter, and Baron Gabriel were also Elves, and I enjoyed the companionship of my race.

It was close to midnight when four Death Knights were spotted roaming about the town. Between attacks, the Death Knights spoke of the tomb of the ancient Brisbanian Emperor Telvon being defiled, and they sought the red and black gems that were stolen from the tomb. There was some debate amongst those gathered whether speaking directly to these Death Knights to gain information from them was considered "Consorting with Undead," a serious crime in the lands of Evendarr. My understanding of the proclamation of King Mykel of Evendarr was that it was not considered "consortion" to speak or gain information from Undead if it was to be used towards their destruction. It is consortion to make deals with them, to share information of your own with them, or to aid them in any other goals.

Sir Nobunaga, myself, and the Dark-Elf Sadeko retreated into the Healers Guild library and my personal notes to find out what we could of this Emperor Telvon. It seems that the Dwarven nation of Banticoor had gifted the emperor of Brisbane a golden mosaic with red and black gems aligned in the symbol of Order upon his coronation. It became clear to us that in order for the Death Knights to return to rest, we must find the gems, find the tomb, and return them to the mosaic.

Finding the gems proved to be difficult. Firstly, through word of a Shaidu Scout, it seems the gems had been scattered all about Avendale by a band of minotaur allied with various orcs and goblins. This lead adventurers to attacking every green creature on sight and for making forays deeper into the woods than usual looking for gems. Secondly, there was little unity in collection of the gems; while most were pooled in the Healers Guild, other adventurers kept onto theirs hoping to be involved further in the matter.

Finding the Emperor's tomb proved to be difficult, as it was hidden and its whereabouts kept secret from raiders However, our research turned up that in the tombs of each of the Emperor's retinue, an arrow carved into stone would point towards the place the Emperor was buried. Sadeko found the location of the tomb of the Emperor's courier, and I went with a party to explore it. Unfortunately, the Undead within the tomb did not simply let us get the information we requested, and so we engaged them in battle. It seems that Brisbanian writing is vastly more complicated than modern Common, and so we made what we could of the strange symbols, located the arrow, and left the tomb. The second tomb was raided very late into the night on Saturday, and it was only Sunday afternoon we had the two directions needed to triangulate where to find Emperor Telvon's tomb and restore the gems.

On Saturday night, undead unrelated to the Death Knight terrorized those gathered, stealing weapons, spell books, and anything else that may be of use off of corpses. There was also a vampire who charmed many of the adventurers. When the Barony of Capulus and I were attacked near the river, chaos and confusion ensued, and I found myself so violently ill from an undead's claws the only thing I could do was to crawl underneath one of the buildings and try to remain silent and still despite my sickness until everything was deemed safe. Sarek's keen ears and eyes found me, and he rid the nausea from my body with his magic. With a great deal of awaken spells cast to assure against charms, Capulus regrouped itself only to be attacked again at the Healers Guild. Baron Gabriel was captured behind a Circle of Power only to be created undead and set loose against Capulus; thankfully he was cut down and returned to life before he needed to resurrect.

Also Saturday night was a diplomatic visitation from the Merchant Barons of Ryhad, a desert land to the West of Avendale. Three of the Barons and their attendants greeted the nobles, made inquiries of the populace, and spoke of the great trade caravans, the glittering cities, and the flying ships of Ryhad. The Merchant Barons presented the Avendale nobility with gifts to further diplomacy. It seems the Barons are concerned that the expansionism will soon cause the lands of Ryhad to abut Avendale's claim.

Another individual making a diplomatic visit was the Gorbe Prince Toh'Rah from the lands to the north. Although he was disappointed he was unable to discuss his diplomatic treaty with the Viscount-Regent, he also sought the aid of adventurers to reclaim lost artifacts of his own kingdom from marauding Barbarian clans. It seems that in the lands ruled by the Gorbe King/Pharaoh, that "battle magic" is not a crime to cast.

Sir Leopolde Trieste brought word of the missing Sir Griswold, also a Royal Knight ot Evendarr. With the aid of Capulus, adventurers were recruited to go into the Silvermyst Forest. As we fought against undead and a vampire, Lorien began a formal magic casting, and Guildmaster Andvar used an artifact of Order to rid a subterranean pool of its corruption and rescue Sir Griswold from his transformation as a Greater Undead.

Despite the battles of the morning having exhausted much of the magic and muscle of the fortune-seekers and nobility, I convinced Baron Algorian to lead the town through lands held by the Winterbreath minotaur to find the tomb of Emperor Telvon before his Death Knights would slaughter more innocents in the night.

Upon finding the tomb, we were greeted by the spectral form of Nias, one of the Knights, who then said only ten of us could enter. Sir Nobunaga, Baron Algorian, Baron Gabriel, myself, and several others entered the chamber, wherein I was allowed to set the gems collected from all of the town by the Healers Guild back into the mosaic. The extra gems we had lined some of the other sarcophagi in the tomb. The ghost of Emperor Telvon then appeared, thanking us for restoring what the Nightspear minotaur had stolen. Although we voiced that it was the efforts of the entirety of Avendale that restored the mosaic, I named myself, Sir Nobunaga, and Baron Gabriel as a representative of Capulus as putting great effort into returning the Emperor to rest (unfortunately Sadeko was not present with us). The Emperor then allowed us to seal the tomb behind us by collapsing the entrance.

This gathering was particularly memorable for me, for not only did I feel instrumental to the defense of Avendale, but I forged new acquaintances with nobles of Evendarr. May they grow and flourish towards lasting alliances.

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October 603 E.R./1148 K.H.: Beyjerat, Kaurath

In Avendale during a gathering in September, Javier spoke to me of documents that he had recently been gifted describing some of the history and customs of a kingdom to the north of the Northern Wastes, the Kingdom of Kaurath. It seems that only recently a once-native Kaurathel who had become a Royal Knight of Evendarr sought contact with the land of his birth. Shortly after official contact between the two Crowns came the invitation of High King Vichol of Kaurath for visitors to his lands. I informed Sir Leopolde of my wish to see these lands for myself; much to my surprise, Sir Leopolde stated that he was destined for Kaurath himself at the behest of King Mykel.

I gained permission from Guildmaster Andvar to leave Avendale for the journey to Kaurath. I packed my belongings and traveled with the 27th Company of the Evendarrian Royal Infantry, who were on their way to Lake Hollym, where a Gate had been established for travelers who did not wish to face the dangers of the long crossing of the Northern Wastes. The 27th met with their Commander, Sir Leopolde half-way on the journey, and I was pleased again to be in his company.

While many supplies were sent ahead into the village of Beyjerat, those who have traveled to the Kingdom of Kaurath from the far south gathered together on Friday night at the entrance of a great defensive wall in order to be escorted into the town. Sir Maduus, Royal Knight of His Majesty King Vichol, Sir Leopolde, and the native Kaurathel Sir Janus, also accompanied the adventurers as they entered the village. Sir Maduus warned us of a troll that was spotted nearby the village, and that the beast was so fearsome that none could incapacitate it, even with all of our forces marshaled.

We were warned that attacks from invaders had decimated the populace of Beyjerat. There was only one human woman by the name of Anya who managed to remain alive. Those spirits of the local villagers had to travel a great distance to resurrect, as there was no Permanent Earth Circle within the town, and so there was very few living souls left to greet us.

We walked down the road and into the village common, only to realize that the Court of Nordenn from Ashbury and the Khalwa gypsies were already within the town, and they were being attacked by barbarians (locally termed Ijjen) of the Spider Clan. When subdued and questioned, the barbarians said that they had little memories of before the attack, but that a valuable artifact, their "Chalice," had been stolen from them, and they sought the thief among the foreigners recently come to Beyjerat. King Thul of the Spider Clan gave the visitors twenty-four hours to recover and return the Chalice, or else the barbarians would call for the foreigners to meet them on the field of battle. And according to Kaurathel tradition, we could not refuse an honorable challenge.

Because these were foreign lands to the travelers, most of the visitors chose not to immediately engage in violence with the races that often would normally be attacked-on-sight within the lands of Evendarr. Rather, we approached each unusual race with the chance to form good relations, and let them be the ones who would initiate any violence. For example, while Kobolds are normally considered to be a "pest" race in Evendarr, the Kobolds of Kaurath seem to engage in legitimate mining and trade. I myself spoke for a little while with a goblin minstrel who was within the tavern playing (what was according to her) romantic music upon her pipe. I think my ears must not be accustomed to the shrill notes that goblins consider "romantic."

From reading what I could of Kaurathel history, the peoples of this Kingdom were intimately familiar with the Fae. King Vichol himself has Fae blood within him. A bee-like creature of the Fae with a great delight in honey had himself taken up the management of the local Beyjerat tavern.

To my delight, I met another Quentari elf by the traveling name of Ranasil Silverleaf. While he was only recently departed our homeland for his studies abroad, I sensed in him a quickness of mind that would serve him well on his adventurers. It was through interacting with Ranasil and the native Kaurathel adventurers did I come to realize how seasoned I had become in only a short time. It is my hope to offer Ranasil advice and wisdom as he continues on his own journeys.

It became the largest task on Friday night after the Ijjen threat had waned to cast a Permanent Earth Circle within the town and establish a Healers Guild based off of the model of the Evendarrians. Traditionally in Kaurath, resurrections were handled as businesses, with an advance paid in case of death. It seemed His Majesty King Vichol was interested the benefits of an Evendarrian style Healers Guild, with the Guild offering resurrections for free and the Circle serving as a last defense against the threats to the town. Sir Janus, Sir Leopolde, and Sir Maduus negotiated with some of the more experienced visiting Earth scholars to organize the Guild. I felt that my own experiences serving as a scribe to Guildmaster Andvar of Avendale prepared me to give sound advice to the Knights, Javier, and Baroness Kelsea during their planning.

We selected an unoccupied hall for the guild in the far upper corner of the village common; however, Anya informed the Knights that the building was haunted, and that we should select another. After Ocarata lent us a 100-foot rope to encircle the building next door to this "haunted" place, those in town gathered to protect the circle. Five Circle of Powers were simultaneously raised to encircle the building, and then Baroness Kelsea began casting the Permanent Earth Circle. The casting was successful, although it took longer than usual due to some unknown influence. With the Circle now complete, Acting Guildmaster Javier de Souza moved his bedding and supplies to the Guild hall to remain within. Many individuals were quick to volunteer for "Circle duty," and keep the sanctity of the Circle intact either through guarding it or being there to perform resurrections. I found the willingness of several of the native Kaurethel who journeyed with the adventurers to be of a great aid to the new Guild. I was named Acting Scribe until a replacement could be trained to assist Javier with the keeping of Guild records.

Then, very late that night, there began a racket in the haunted building next to the Guild. While there were no manifestations, lights flickered and objects within flew around. The visitors decided to seal the building with a Wizard Lock spell so that no one could enter or leave until the mystery of the unresting spirits was resolved. There were several undead Revenants that arose that night to cause some late-night havoc. Whether they were related to the haunted building, I could not tell.

On Saturday morning, which was thankfully clear of rain, the town came into contact with three or four uppity goblins who accused the visitors of invading their lands and disturbing their peace. Through several encounters, it became clear that these goblins were no more civilized than the ones in Evendarr, and after attacking the visitors on several occasions they are likely to be "killed on site" in the future. The town was not also without "brigands" posing as circus performers whose caravan had been raided. The old set-up for an ambush seems to be a staple in Kaurath as well as in Evendarr.

Late in the afternoon, several Gigantic spiders attacked the village. There webs are always difficult because they easily debilitate even the strongest of warriors.

After sunset, we learned the threat of a creature known as a "Shadow-walker". The creature could blend into the shadows and move within them with ease. The claws it had in exchange for true hands drained the very spirit of the person it touched, leaving him unable to defend himself. I was standing my shift at the Healers Guild when I witnessed the Shadow-walker attack one of the adventurers and kill him. My aim was true as I left the protection of the circle and cast a Life spell at the adventurer from fifteen feet away. He quickly retreated to his cabin and I returned to the Earth circle. I had several other close encounters with the Shadow-walker. Once when I traveled with Sir Leopolde from the village center to the tavern, and another when Javier and I witnessed the Shadow-walker emerge from the very shadows of the Guild from within the circle.

Also for the town to guard against that night was the long feared Troll who came stalking about the town, grunting and growling. From what I could tell, his constitution and his massive blows made the Troll quite fearsome, although I believe him less dangerous than the Shadow-walker.

Fortunately, through interceding between the Ijjen and the Fae, the adventurer Sasha had recovered the Chalice and returned it to the Ijjen Clan of the Spider before battle was called. It seemed the Chalice was not an object, but a wisewoman and leader among the Ijjen clan.

Very late that Saturday night, Oscar the Dwarf had come into the tavern to share his story of how the tainted land of the Barrowheart was created by a Dwarven deal with the Fae gone sour many centuries ago. Unfortunately, the unresting spirit of the former sheriff of Beyjerat accosted Oscar, claiming how his spirit could not rest until Oscar's own life was taken for the crime that Oscar committed of burying the bodies of the slain villagers in a mass grave and then killing the Sheriff after his foul act was discovered. After a great stand-off between Oscar, the former Sheriff, and Sir Leopolde, Oscar decided to simply take the resurrection to redeem himself rather than being haunted for the rest of his life.

Even later that cold night, all the Gypsies reported a grave sense of dread enter their spirits. This dread was connected to the ancient vampire Dantur, who was tied to those of Gypsy blood in some manner. Dantur came to Kaurath to speak with the Gypsies who had traveled there. While the Gypsies parlayed with Dantur near the Healers Guild, many from the Barony of Nordenn went to the haunted hall next door to resolve the matter of the unresting spirits. Unfortunately, that attempt to contact the spirits went awry, and with several of the Khalwa and the Baron and Baroness of Nordenn possessed, and the vampire Dantur outside the Earth Circle, chaos ensued. The Baroness started attacking people in the Guild and the Gypsies started attacking the vampire. I was almost charmed myself, if it had not been for my mental resistances.

Sir Leopolde escaped with me to his encampment outside the village. Quickly, Sir Janus and a number of the 27th Royal Evendarrian Infantry marshaled and marched into the village in order to completely immobilize the town and assure that everyone was in their right minds again. The efficiency and order of the force was remarkable to me. The vampire Dantur had disappeared by the time the town was secured, much to my relief. Unfortunately, the chaos of the spirit possessions had left several individuals in need of resurrection. Once order was again established in Beyjerat, Sir Leopolde and I finally retired for some much-needed rest.

On Sunday, Ocarata finally gathered together enough knowledge in order to free the unresting spirits, and he and others planned a formal magic ceremony. I believe that the tormented souls have now gone to their rest, including the Shadow-walker.

With the gathering coming to a close, I bid farewell to Javier and Ranasil and the new friends I had made in Kaurath to once again travel in the company of the 27th and Sir Leopolde. While Sir Leopolde returned to Evendarr City to report to His Royal Majesty, I myself made plans to ride to Ravenholt.

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October 603 C.Y.: Ravenholt City, Evendarr

I came to the Duchy of Ravenholt late in October in order to offer my assistance to Baron Gabriel and the Court of Capulus, to meet again with friends, and to deliver several messages on behalf of Sir Leopolde.

As I left the contingent of the 27th Infantry and made my journey across the wasting sands that surround the town, I felt a cold prickle at the back of my neck, and sensed that I was now in the grips of some sort of magic of which I have never known the likeness. I bid my horse ride fast to Ravenholt City, and was disturbed to find that although I had a growing fear knot in my belly, my pulse did not race and my breath did not come fast.

When I came to the tavern, Lord-Seneschal Alaric was there. I informed him that I had come to Ravenholt with several messages to deliver; however, it was also important that we come to some sort of discovery about such an odd transformation that had stilled not only my metabolism, but those of all the others in the tavern as well.

As the adventurers gathered together, and I searched for the hall of Capulus, it seemed that most of the entire town was underneath the same affect, except for a few individuals who were closely aligned to the element of Life. Even Baron Gabriel, who was blessed with the spirit of a unicorn, came under the affects of the Transformation. Through sharing information, I learned a devastating truth: the healing of the earth did damage to us. Most of the persons in the town were, in essence, Unliving. Our spirits still fought bravely against this transformation, for we could be stabilized; but like true Undead, Life spells had no effect upon us.

A great malaise filled my mind and heart, for in this state I was very close to being one of the abominations of Undead. Only the sense that this transformation was not complete upon us, and only the hope that by my presence here I may help reverse this magic, kept me from voluntarily destroying myself and letting my spirit wander to an earth circle outside of the taint.

Across the field, we noticed that a circle of glowing bones and skulls had been raised around the Map that was a magical reflection of the Land of Ravenholt itself. From what I learned, the Stone Elven vampire Rhazone had started a complex and evil ceremony which was responsible for the Transformation. Was he also responsible for the bone-chilling and bitter cold that caused the dew on the field to freeze to ice?

When I finally came to Capulus Hall, I saw that the entire hall - indeed every hall where individuals slept - had been enclosed in a glowing necromantic circle that was a mockery of a permanent earth circle. Also within the circle and resting on the porch was a skull with a glyph carved into its head. I made my introductions to the members of Capulus, including Lord Dire, who given the circumstances, rightly challenged my identity. I felt uneasy for residing within such a circle, but felt that it would generally be safer than trying to find a place in the woods.

Not a few hours into our transformation did a spirit of a dwarven jeweler appear upon the porch of Capulus Hall, and explained to us how in his life Rhazone had commissioned several pieces of work from him, stone disks carved with a glyph; but when they were finished, Rhazone had killed him and used the jeweler's life-force to fuel the magic that caused us all to be Transformed. It also seemed that Rhazone had in his possession what was known as "The Black Book," a ghastly tome filled with necromantic formal spells. The ghost did his best to manifest a silvery copy of a page of the black book for us to read. However, the page was written in a cipher that I found to be vastly more challenging than any code I had ever come across before as an adventurer.

As an Earth Scholar who will never willingly cast necromantic magic, I found myself frustrated by the transformation. Individuals essentially had but one minute to be "saved" through stabilization before they would eventually resurrect. Healing only came lawfully through the use of "Cause Damage" elixirs of alchemy.

Capulus and the Ducal Household made a stealthy raid into Rhazone's lair to try to gather more information after a Gate had opened through a statue that had appeared in the Ducal hall along with the other necromantic circles in the town. They were able to find some pages of a journal of his, and we discovered that Rhazone's was actually fighting with himself about the "rightness" of his own actions.

I went to bed that night with a growing doom upon my heart, for I understood we had only two nights in which to stop the Transformation, and none of us were any closer to discovering how to do so. Sleep was only out of habit, as was eating. Despite the use of a fair number of savory spices by Sir Garth, the grilled food he served could not be fully appreciated in our state.

Saturday morning I went on a walk around the woods surrounding Ravenholt City with Baron Gabriel and several members of Capulus. We exchanged blows with a number of orcs, but Baron Gabriel granted them their lives in exchange for any information they may find of vampires or the casting of formal magics in the woods.

The ghost that was tied to the Capulus hall reappeared early on Saturday in order to help Capulus by Gating them to the place where the stone disk that corresponded to the glyph on the skull was kept safe. Dame Saket and I worked diligently to solve a puzzle ward while the rest of Capulus defended us from undead that protected the cave. The young woman behind the ward, who identified herself later as a simple adventurer trying to make ends meet by taking this task to guard the disk for Rhazone, gave the disk to us hesitantly.

On Saturday afternoon, Dame Saket and the Ducal Magistrate, Sir Kovin, called forth individuals to put their minds together deciphering the silver pages that were a copied manifestation of the Black Book. I, along with another patient woman, sat with several of the silver pages for hours, trying all the usual tricks that I had learned in the past to try to break the code. None of them were working. I was about to give up on the whole matter when the Mystic Wood Elf Silverwing had some sort of epiphany he attributes to one of his ancestors that allowed few of us who were still working on the code to crack it.

After over ten hours of deciphering the Silver Pages, we found that the pages were each a formal necromantic magic ceremony. The code had proven difficult because there were no spaces between words, and that what we thought were spaces in the texts were actually letters. My mind was absolute mush after decoding but one page. Only the provisions offered by Cumberland, where we sat to decode, proved to keep my sanity. And only after destroying a lone wandering undead with two of my spells as I walked back to Caplulus with Dame Saket, did I feel somewhat like myself again.

Somehow, the recovered disk and the skull on the Capulus porch were connected magically with the skull in the Circle surrounding the Map. This connection allowed us to Gate into where one of the minions of Rhazone was still performing the magics of the Transformation in a ritual platform. After a fierce battle with more undead, Nork jumped at the caster, heedless of any backlash that would occur. It seems we were successful in interrupting the casting, thus buying us more time.

The one relief to all the stress of being Unliving was the Unicorn Rose, a small living white rose bush which had sprouted months ago from the blood of a dying unicorn. Until it weakened on Saturday, the Rose's vicinity was the one place where the adventurers could regain a metabolism and also be healed or granted Life. Unfortunately, such news got back to Rhazone, and through more necromantic magic, the power of the Rose was weakened. The Rose gave up the last of its power on Sunday as Baron Gabriel, Lord Dire, Danny Silverbrook, Shatter, and Princess Alexa forged a stake within the circle of the Rose to destroy Rhazone. After the creation of the stake, the stems of the Rose shriveled and the petals fell to the cold ground like snow.

Through some strange working of Time, the progress of the Transformation was slowed, allowing us opportunity on Sunday afternoon to make a final strike at Rhazone before the Transformation took hold. The entirety of the adventurers gathered at the Map that was still surrounded by bones and glyphed skulls to Gate to Rhazone's lair. About ten minutes into the raid, the core party organized to confront Rhazone completed their objective and the Transformation was reversed. I poured whatever magic I had left into healing Baron Gabriel before heeding the retreat called because of the closing of the Gate. More than two dozen individuals were still trapped within the lair when the Gate closed, but through some other boon of one of the adventurers, we Gated in again under the protection of the Sanctuary spell in order to bring life to those who had fallen. Unfortunately, there were still several individuals who had resurrected before the final escape.

Although it was a victory, the events of the gathering left a lingering malaise upon my heart. Perhaps it was because throughout the gather my skills as a healer were fairly useless, perhaps it was because of the gravity of the Transformation and the wilting of the Unicorn Rose, perhaps it was that the Black Book of Rhazone could not be destroyed or even secured in a place of safety before it disappeared, likely into the hands of another of Ravenholt's enemies. Perhaps it was that damn code. After giving parting words to Capulus, I was glad to return to the company of Sir Leopolde, and to finally enjoy a warm bath and fire at an Inn on our way to Avendale.

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October 603 C.Y.: Greystone, Avendale

Only about thirty adventurers came to Greystone to the last gathering of the year. No one knew quite what to expect except that likely the town would be likely greeted by the menace of Karvecki. I came to Avendale accompanied by Sir Leopolde and the 27th Royal Infantry. Two of his men saw that my baggage was brought to the Healers Guild, where I stayed for the duration of the gathering. I was acutely aware that nothing would be the same anymore for me after this gathering, for I had decide months ago that I could not limit my future to opportunities in Avendale alone.

On Friday night, as everyone settled into their halls for the gather, the usual lowly undead wandered through the town. Several farmers resurrected at the Healer's Guild, and we questioned them. They described some creature of darkness that had attacked them, but could give no other details. A party gathered in an attempt to find this beast failed.

From other adventurers, I learned of a hooded creature with a scythe who was the icon of Death visiting the town. It seems that darkling imps who were imprisoned by him would only become free should they be responsible for snatching a soul that traveled on his way to final rest in the Graveyards. Death had accosted a few of the gatherers to aid him in protecting the souls, as he himself was too weak this one night of the year to protect them himself on their last journey. Once the adventurer survived the ordeal without "dropping" the soul he carried, he or she was returned unharmed back to Greystone.

The elder skunk Scavenger Mennen came into town in order to sponsor a scavenger hunt, for to teach his grandchildren resourcefulness and cunning before he die. One of the scavenger items: the Ears of an ELF, had me a bit nervous, and the Viscount made it clear that he would not condone any competition that lead to the assault of another.

Throughout the gather, there were amusing little incidences of life mimicking fairy tales, such as an grandmother-eating wolf menacing a red-frocked grand-daughter, and a lord from Rotaria with shoes that he was told by a great seer would only fit the feet of the woman he should marry.

Early on Saturday morning, I noticed that several of the less seasoned adventurers within the Healers Guild, including another Quentari elf Ranasil and the Gorbe Kali, had left the protection of the Earth Circle early in order to spend time in the tavern. When I heard commotion outside, I quickly rushed to put on footwear and assure that they were safe. I found that a Fae Gate had been opened just outside the town, and believed that they had gone within it. Luckily I found them, and after dispatching a few more goblins and returning to Greystone, they told me of how a farmer had come to the tavern seeking aid for his child who had been abducted by the Goblins. The child had been successfully retrieved, and I commended them on their act of heroism.

Saturday afternoon saw a great hoard of goblins, orcs, and trolls descend upon Greystone. Although they were fairly easy to dispatch, the sheer numbers of them taxed the resources of the healers and other spell casters. Various minotaur and attercobs allied to the deceased half-giant Tarsus attacked the town in the afternoon, seeking their revenge. I was a part of a group who was contacted by an unresting spirit who asked that his sister, who had become a vampire, be put to rest. She was successfully staked and destroyed.

I also participated in a raid against a caravan in hopes of finding Werner, a lost retainer of Sir Griswold of Evendarr, who had himself only been recently recovered from his own captivity. I witnessed a man being brought into the tavern on Saturday evening, who I can only hope was Werner.

Squire Amra organized an investigation of an old Brisbanian opera hall that was rumored by two of the local settlers to be haunted. Ranasil and several other adventurers unfamiliar to me went along. What we discovered in this old hall seemed to be unresting spirits that were awaiting the finishing of a play. When Ranasil and I began reading the parts of a Lady and her Knight Protector, I found my body suddenly possessed by another: that of a Brisbanian Guildmistress skilled in the ways of harmonics. Ranasil too seemed to be possessed by a spirit with far greater skills in the sword than his own. Reality and theatre were skewed, and I recall seeing Ranasil decapitate the person in our party who played the part of the Dwarven invader. A great applause filled the hall, and I found myself returned to my senses, thankfully in time for me to cast a Life Spell upon our decapitated friend. We investigated the hall more, even looked into the costume closets, and found but a little silver and gold.

As Saturday evening deepened, the town anticipated the coming of the vampire Karvecki and his undead children as he would take them from hall to hall, asking for candy or threatening their lives. Information came from members of the Shaidu Garrison of the location of the vampire's spirit cradle, which was his last known cradle. Should the cradle be destroyed, Karvecki would be vulnerable to a staking and his final destruction. In a meeting, Sir Leopolde offered the Regency of Avendale the formal magic scrolls and components necessary to destroy both the circle protecting the spirit cradle and the cradle itself, however the Viscount-Regent and the rest of the Avendale nobility present deemed such an attempt by so few numbers was doomed to failure from the beginning and refused to condone or participate in what they believed would only be a suicide mission.

During the next several hours, it became clear that the gathered adventurers felt that such an opportunity could not be ignored, and they took it upon themselves to organize the raid upon Karvecki's lair. When word came that Karvecki was within Greystone, over twenty-five adventurers left out the back door of the tavern and traveled silently through the night to Karvecki's lair. I myself was aware that we were taking a great risk, but I thought of two Octobers ago, when Queen Niomi had died at the hands of Karvecki, and thought that it had been far too long that her death go unanswered. I would not let others who had fought with me before, including Sir Leopolde, go into a battle where one more healer, or one more formalist, could make the difference between success and failure.

The battle was fierce, using many circles of power necessary to protect the adventurers while Squire Amra cast the formal magic which took town the protective circle. The Baroness Kelsea made a heroic dive towards the spirit cradle, raised a circle of power, and began her own formal magic. Unfortunately, Karvecki returned before the lair could be evacuated, and we were attacked. The last thing I remembered was being run through with an undead's sword as I lay quietly next to Sir Leopolde, hoping that I would be passed over. Then there was the darkness, and my spirit passing over a shadowy land, heeding the call of an earth circle where I could return to life once more. My spirit heard the voice of the Viscount, and he spoke of many beautiful things and of finding a new home within Avendale.

When I reformed, I found myself naked and cold, and the Viscount covered me with his tabard. There were many others there in the circle, and I asked as soon as I had strength for Sir Leopolde. He had resurrected in that circle as well, and I stayed close by his side until he himself had the strength to speak and to walk and to return to the center of town. Seeing I had but a single garment upon me, he wrapped me in his own tabard that had been returned to him.

Despite the number of resurrections, the mission was a success. Now the evil abomination who had killed Avendale's beloved founder Niomi was himself now vulnerable to destruction. In the next year, with careful planning and bravery as displayed by those who attempted the raid, Karvecki and his minions will no longer menace the people and the next generation of Avendale's rulers.

I did not sleep well that night, with both the colors of Avendale and Evendarr folded together underneath my pillow. I was preoccupied with thoughts of opportunities lost and opportunities gained, of my own decisions and the choices made by the hearts of men and of leaders. Sir Leopolde had asked that I remain safe in the Guildhall while he made a last patrol of the town, and I granted to him the favor of my handkerchief as a token of my thoughts which would be with him even when I could not.

Sunday morning,Greystone seemed ghostly and somber, with individuals meeting to discuss the consequences of the night's raid. That afternoon, there were several Fae about town, as well as two Light Elementals who came to Avendale seeking the party responsible for the attack on one of their own last gathering. The skunk scavenger Mennen came to see who had won the scavenger hunt and award his prizes. A hoard of Scorpion Clan barbarians allied to Karvecki attacked Greystone on Sunday afternoon in retaliation for the destruction of his spirit cradle the night before. The battle was drawn out, but thankfully there were no fatalities.

The adventurers then dispersed to find places and halls in which to winter over the next few months. Ranasil and Javier would return to Kaurath, to see to the strengthening of the Guildhall in Beyjerat; the Baroness Kelsea, Baron Hagen, and their court and allies would return to Ashbury to make plans against the Sessuar. And I myself would go to the Duchy of Rotaria, to meet Sir Leopolde's family and be a guest in his household. I would travel again to Avendale, to see to the construction of the manor hall and the Bardic Guild which I had donated the funds to build; but unless there was a great shifting of fortunes, it would never come to be my true home.

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November & December 603 E.R.: Estate of Venosa, Rotaria

In November, at the invitation of Sir Leopolde Trieste, I traveled to his familial estate of Venosa as his guest for the winter. The Duchy of Rotaria was only known to me before then by the boastings of the 27th Infantry and others, so I came to Venosa already anticipating a warm and welcoming stay. The Trieste family has long lived within the keep of Il Castello de Pirro del Balzo, a fortification built in 470 E.R.; a township surrounds the Castello. The rocky countryside of Venosa is filled with olive and fig groves, vineyards, and pastures for goats and sheep.

As Sir Leopolde was recalled to Evendarr City for several weeks after my arrival in Venosa, the steward of the Castello welcomed me and saw that I was given comfortable guest chambers and that my needs were well attended. Between correspondence and browsing the Castello's library, I became introduced with the castle staff. The steward's children exhibited a love of chess, and we spent many mornings meeting on the black and white checkered battlefield. The children liked to hear my stories of the adventures I have experienced over the past year. If the weather permitted, I also made daily rides into the countryside of the Estate, both to enjoy the fresh air and exercise, and also to acquaint myself with the land and her people.

Although the winter affords Sir Leopolde time to spend within his ancestral home, he dedicates a great deal of the day to correspondence on matters of national importance, to the drills of the 27th, and to the governance of the estate. We established a regular habit of dining with the household at breakfast, and then parting for the day until supper, afterwards enjoying private conversation and each other's company by the fire in the library.

Before I left again for a trip to Avendale to oversee the construction of my manor hall and the Bardic Guild, Sir Leopolde invited me to observe an audience held in the piazza of Venosa for the resolution of grievances brought before he and the township burgomaster, so I may come to understand how such matters are addressed before I may have the honor of being a Lady of Venosa.

At the end of November, my journey to Avendale under the guard of the 27th proved bitter-sweet. I was proud to see the manor house and guild hall foundations set by the Drefgun dwarves upon the cold ground of Huntington. My heart swelled when I planted a hazel tree in the courtyard that would one day bear nuts and give shade to the manor. However, I knew that while Heartsong manor would be my hall, Avendale would not be the home I had so often wished for many months ago.

I returned to Venosa within a matter of a week, and rather than finding Sir Leopolde within the Castello, I learned from his seneschal that he had been gone for over a day to hunt a small band of trolls that had been spotted by the good farmer Luca on the edge of his property. Worried for my betrothed, I went out in search of him and his men, but it was nightfall by the time I spoke with Luca, and the woods were unfamiliar to me. While I was anxious to find Sir Leopolde, I had to wait until daylight to begin the search anew. Much to my relief, he returned safely to the Castello the next morning.

Not a day after my return, I went again to an open audience in the piazza with Sir Leopolde. Much to my surprise, Sir Leopolde deferred one of the grievances to me: that of a farmer whose fig tree had grown over the property his goat-keeper neighbor, and was now asking to be compensated for the produce lost to the goats' appetites. Farmer Unico and Pietro were very patient with me as a questioned them; I came to the determination that unfortunately the profit from the lost figs could not be equitably recompensated. Rather than have Farmer Unico chop off the wayward branch of the fig tree, Sir Leopolde and I decided the fence should be built higher to keep the goats and fig tree separated. At the end of it, I felt as if I myself had been questioned and tried; however, I believe Sir Leopolde was satisfied with my handling of the matter and the lessons I learned from it. It was a great joy to me when the farmers each came to the Castello in the following days to offer me some of their produce in thanks for my efforts to see them live amicably as neighbors.

As the month of December aged, I learned more of the midwinter traditions of the Rotarians that involved feasting, celebration of the bounty of the year's past, and gift-giving. In absence of Sir Leopolde's mother, Lady Emilia, who was wintering in the Sutherlands, the steward turned to me to direct the household staff on the holiday decorations of the Castello's keep. After harvesting evergreen branches from the estate's woodlands, the whole keep smells of pine. Even the stone lion guardians on the bridge to the Castello's gate wear wreathes about their necks. I have shown the steward's children and the children of the other retainers how to use pinecones, almond butter, and wild seed to make hanging feeders for the birds when the snows grow too deep for the creatures to find food easily themselves. I think that the other children in Venosa-town have become enamored of this new holiday craft; the wildlife of Venosa will eat well this winter.

As I spend more time in Venosa and the company of Sir Leopolde, the more I grow to cherish his lands and his people, as if they were my own by birth. There is a love of the joys of life here; perhaps the mood is present in all of Rotaria. I am more certain every day that all I once sacrificed in order to discover this happiness was well worth the price.

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March 604 E.R.: Greystone, Avendale

Tavernier Septorian, the Viscount-Regent of Avendale is dead. The vampire Karvecki is destroyed. What could be the greatest joy and the most grievous sorrow for those who call Avendale their home occurred in the last week of March, and not in the manner anyone, even those who regularly seek visions, could predict.

In the beginning of March saw the completion of construction of Heartsong Manor and a new Bardic Guild for Avendale. I had not realized what a comfort would be to me to have one place where I was not a guest, but a steward. The manor and Guild are close to one another, built atop a rise in the estate of Huntington, where from my study I may gaze out to the Frost River. On a clear day, across the river, the vineyards of Twilight share their bounty, and the shining marble memorial of Queen Niomi glistens like a pearl.

After but a few weeks for myself and the staff to settle into our new home, I had the pleasure of welcoming my first guest to our hall. Lord Alaric Malinruin of Ravenholt graciously accepted my offer of hospitality before the gathering. He had not ever traveled to Avendale before, and he took up my offer to introduce him to both the geography of the land and of her citizens and nobles. We shared a fine supper before two more friends, Javier de Souza and Ranasil Silverleaf, pulled into the Manor's courtyard after their long journey from the northern Kingdom of Kaurath.

On Friday morning, all four of us set out for Greystone, knowing we would join with many others who would travel from distant lands to destroy the vampire which had plagued Avendale for thousands of years. Karvecki had destroyed the original expedition lead by Niomi's great-grandmother. He was responsible for Queen Niomi's permanent death. Now many from the Evendarrian Duchies of Therendry, Volta, and Ashbury would gather together in Avendale to bring this evil to an end. The events of October, the raid that destroyed Karvecki's cradle, still burned within my mind. I and fifteen others had resurrected to make him vulnerable to the stake, and I traveled to Greystone to make certain that Karvecki would at last be put to rest.

That night, after we had all settled into the Healers Guild, I introduced Lord Alaric to the Viscount-Regent and the noble courts of Avendale. From Ravenholt, Baron Gabriel Wolvestride, Capulus, and the court of Westmarch had also arrived.

Shortly after all had gathered, the adventurers found a permanent circle of power had been raised by which undead minions of Karvecki were unleashing horrors upon Greystone: starting first with rats and then proceeding to more powerful creatures. Several unwary adventurers were taken hostage, and I believe a few resurrected before a group of adventurers destroyed the circle with formal magic.

All throughout the gather, reports flowed in from the Shaidu Garrison on where Karvecki may be found. On such tooper resurrected in the Healers Guild, and reported that vampire was ensconced in his magical Tower of Xzaven, a fortress which could vanish and relocate at the will of Karvecki.

When a gentle but soaking rain fell that Friday night in the late hour, many retreated to their halls within Greystone. Several who stayed within the Healers Guild, including Baron Algorian, Javier, and I shared songs that had inspired us during our recent travels. When I finally retreated to my bed I had a difficult time sleeping, perhaps anticipating the challenges of the next day.

Saturday morning brought Scorpion Clan barbarians to attack Greystone, which was met in part by the Avendale Regency and the noble courts of Ashbury. As the sun grew higher in the sky, I knew it was time for me to meet with the envoy from the Silvermyst and present the noble white stag called the Cortage to those adventurers of Avendale fleet of foot and stout in heart that sought the challenge of the Hunt. The Hunt was a yearly ceremony that celebrated the struggle of spring over the powers of winter. It is with a great deal of concern that I presented the rules of the Hunt, knowing last year such rules as set by the Viscount had been ignored and the Stag had been injured.

After a head start given to the stag, the Hunt began in earnest. It was my hope to be present for the actual capture of the Cortage to assure that the beast came to no harm and that he was properly honored. About half an hour after my search had began, I met up with one of the hunters, Squire Glenn Stormwolf of Therendry. In our common hunt, we became surrounded by enemies that I had never witnessed in Avendale before: Sessuar slavers who claimed that they were "shopping." Thankfully other adventurers came to dispatch the Sessai and Squire Glenn and I were free to once again comb the woods. It si believed the Sessai came to Avendale by way of Volta, having been harried by garrisons there after a major defeat.

Squire Glenn spoke of his devotion to Tyrra, and his own desire to participate in the Hunt as an honor to nature. As we made our final loop, the Cortage appeared, trailed by a few more hunters. Glen caught up to the Cortage and summoned a volley of binding spells against the stag. Exhausted, the stag fell to its knees while Squire Glenn tagged the Cortage with the flat of his blade. While all were regaining their breath, we were suddenly attacked by two men intent on taking the stag for themselves. Squire Glenn managed to save the Cortage from the poachers, and the Cortage asked him what fair wish the Wolven wanted for his success in the Hunt. Showing his noble nature, Squire Glenn left it to the Cortage to decide what boon to grant, and the Cortage conferred that "it would be revealed in time" to him. Exhausted and joyful that the stain of the past year's hunt had been lifted from my heart, we returned to the center of town. Squire Glenn asked the favor of my presence at his table during the feast, and I gladly agreed, charmed by him and his courtly manner.

While bands of Karvecki's minions attacked the outskirts of the town at dusk, I remained behind at the Healers Guild to perform resurrections as needed. As the night deepened, I noticed a glowing in the woods, and asked Ranasil to investigate. He and a few others returned, speaking of a gravestone with Tavernier's name on it behind a circle of power. Although illegible and likely written in ancient Brisbanian, the back of the tomb was signed with what I believe was Karvecki's signature.

At the feast that evening, the Viscount-Regent addressed the gathered. His spirit was too weak to resurrect, but he would devote himself to the destruction of Karvecki that night with all the others who had gathered. As he did last year, the Regent distributed wine among the feast from the vineyards of Twilight. Sir Yngvar of Ashbury announced that he was making a special scroll that brought immunity to vampiric charms and fears available for all adventurers to cast on themselves before the hunt that night would begin. The Tower of Xzaven was due to appear, and united the adventurers would respond.

It was then that Sir Leopolde arrived in Greystone to aid the fight. He requested that I stay behind in the Healers Guild during the battle preparation. Half an hour later I franticly searched among the groups gathered in the central field, but learned that Sir Leopolde had been gated by one of Karvecki's hounds back into the Tower. Though I feared for him, I knew that he had good chance of rescue.

The Tower appeared on the edge of town near the Earth circle with Tavernier's tombstone, and over a dozen adventurers fought with Karvecki at the entrance while other undead assaulted our flanks. Sir Leopolde, transformed into a Death Knight, aided Karvecki. At a key point in the lengthy battle, an ancient artifact was used by the town to sever Karvecki from his fortress, which disappeared behind him. While many turned their attention to the ancient vampire, several adventurers assisted in capturing Sir Leopolde with imprisons. I witnessed with sadness as Sir Leopolde received a killing blow, his body dissipating. With Ranasil, I took what belongings of my betrothed remained to the Healers Guild, sneaking behind a phalanx of undead to make it safely back to the earth circle. There were at least six resurrections from that battle, and I stayed patiently outside the Guild hall, waiting for Sir Leopolde.

News of Karvecki's staking came quickly, and to my great relief. Sometime soon after the Viscount was within the Earth Circle, and I could not help but be relieved that Tavernier had survived the battle and offered him a quiet but sincere observation: Tavernier was alive; Karvecki was not. Sir Leopolde returned to the Guild, having resurrected back at the encampment of the 27th Royal Infantry to speak with me, but a great exhaustion weighed on his body and soul and our exchange was brief. Another floating ephemeral eye came to Avendale that night, though this time it was thought to be the Eye of Goliath, a rival vampire rumored to be seated in Niman.

Had I known this night would be Tavernier's last, perhaps I would not have retired so early to my bed. Because I was exhausted by the Hunt and the trials of the day and night, I did not seek the revels that many of the town engaged in that night. Javier told me later of the Karvecki's golden shirt that Tavernier had raised on the flagpole, high and defiant.

The next day began in a civilized enough manner. Most of the town gathered at the Chivalry breakfast, where Lord Alaric was invited as a guest speaker. He and others spoke on the part of the code of chivalry which demanded one love the country where one swore fealty, that service to the land and populace be a joy and not a burden. The Viscount Regent offered several items of magic to visiting noble courts for their valor the night before.

I attended several meetings with Sir Leopolde upon official business of the Crown as his scribe. When those meetings had finished, I requested to speak privately with Sir Leopolde. Quietly and with heavy heart I asked to be released of my betrothal to him on grounds that his duties for his Liege had left him little room for courtship. He told me he would answer me in Ashbury. I was so numb walking away from him and the tavern I was hardly aware of the last attack the Scorpion barbarians were levying against Greystone in revenge for Karvecki's destruction. Guildmaster saw my distress, and took me into the guild to offer me support and counsel.

It was then Ranasil called us both out to the field, speaking of some sort of situation on the field that we should witness. I remember seeing Baron Gabriel unconscious in a circle of power, I remember seeing Tavernier's body in another. I remember Titania's fury and distress as an enemy held the Viscount-Regent in a circle of power in a bargain for the Baron's life. At seeing Tavernier's body reform, I remember kneeling and offering what song I could that it may guide his soul to peace. I had never imagined his end like this, cut down by someone who fought on the same field with him the night before against Avendale's greatest enemy.

Baron Algorian and Sir Leopolde restored enough order for Shatter to be executed for his crime of murder in the center of town. I left Greystone with a heart that mourned not one lost love in my life, but two.

Melinyelye, Runyamacil.
Linin nainie, linin serelya.
I Fana Huino ahantie indolva.

 

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April 604 E.R.: Ravenholt City, Duchy of Ravenholt

I journeyed once more to the Duchy of Ravenholt at the end of April for many reasons. Beyond assisting Lord Alaric Malinruin, I was also there to witness the testimony and trial of many of those of Ravenholt who were accused of involving themselves in the actions that lead to the Viscount-Regent of Avendale's death but a month earlier.

After seeing my possessions and bedding had been safely delivered to the building that housed both the Healers Guild and Mages Guild, I accompanied Lord Alaric and the baronial court of Westmarch in a procession into the Great Hall. We bowed before His Grace, Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, the Lady-Regent Ellimere Arundel of Avendale, and His Highness Prince Kevyn Blackfox, and then we stepped to the side as announcements were made. Duke Roderick stepped down as Duke in order to undergo further training, and His Highness Prince Kevyn elevated Maximillian Greystone to Duke of the Duchy of Ravenholt. The nobles of Ravenholt swore their oaths to the new Duke. Magistrate Kovin Pax resigned his position in order to continue to accompany his charge, Roderick Ravenhurst, on his journeys to Evendarr City and beyond.

Later that evening in the Great Hall, Sir Tivorak Nobel, First Knight of His Majesty's Orchestra, sat with many of the officials of the Duchy to organize the trials to be held on the morrow. Much to my delight, Guildmaster Andvar of Avendale had made the journey to serve as an advisor to the Tribunal. All four of the Barons of Ravenholt were also asked to be a part of the advisory council for the judges. In our conversation, I asked the Guildmaster if he had brought the cure light elixirs promised to the Baronies of Capulus and Westmarch to assist in the protection of their people. He and Sir Tivorak donated a great number of potions and elixirs, which were given to Baron Gabriel and Baron-Regent Alaric so that they may fortify their baronies with them.

While Lord Alaric was speaking with the Court of Westmarch, I returned to the Guild Halls to find a glowing node had appeared outside the hall. Guildmistress Keyla of the Celestial Guild asked if I would be interested in going with her and several others to investigate the "fluctuations in the barrier" that I had known was of great concern to the peoples of Ravenholt, as the unstability of the Barrier was responsible for the cataclysmic shifts that left the Baronies of Capulus and Westmarch without the magic that the populace and garrisons needed. Believing Guildmistress Keyla to be firmly aware of what we would encounter, we all stepped towards the node, expecting to all be gated to the barrier.

When we came out the other side, we were surprised, for only half of our original party had arrived with us. Missing was Guildmistress Keyla, which caused some concern among my companions. Thankfully, another group of adventurers that must have been investigating another node arrived with us, and we were able to battle our way through the crystalline bats that guarded a great cavern that so pulsed with magical energy my scalp tingled. After Omi and others finished a puzzle to the ward which was guarding the nexus of the Barrier, we entered into another chamber were we found a spirit who seemed to be hard at work trying to "balance" the magic within the Duchy by manipulating small glowing strands of pure magical energy. Aware by noble decree that we could not manipulate the barrier ourselves, we spoke to the spirit and gained what information we could before feeling we should return.

We left the crystalline caves and were gated again to the place where we had left. Omi and the others of the Guild went in to give their report, and I was half-way to my bed when I was struck with a sudden wave of disorientation and nausea. Kestrel guided me to a chair and thankfully the disorientation passed within a few minutes. It seems all the others on our journey to the nexus were also affected, and we had a suspicion that to return there within the span of a few days would likely overwhelm our minds. Therefore, it was perhaps a good coincidence that Keyla had not gone, so she could be a part of a later group to go to the nexus if need be.

When Lord Alaric returned later that night to the quarters granted to us, we learned of a newly ressurected man who had been kidnapped, held captive, and tortured by the Black Rose, the dangerous organization of highly intelligent and deadly Undead who have plagued Ravenholt and her citizens for many years. Lord Alaric asked me to question the man gently, to learn what information we could. He was brave enough to offer to lead us to the caverns that the Black Rose had been hiding him, and with members of Westmarch and others we battled our way into the caves. Much to the surprise of myself and Lord Alaric, the three young children who had been kidnapped from a small village but a month ago were being held hostage in a permanent circle of power in that same cave. With a living representative allied to the Black Rose, Lord Alaric negotiated for the childrens' release by agreeing to step alone into the circle. Fortunately, the children were already in custody as Lord Alaric immediately dropped his belt and raised his own circle around him. As someone began to cast a formal magic to destroy the circle, the Black Rose made their retreat behind a gate, which then closed behind him. Elated that the children had been rescued, we returned to Ravenholt City.

For most of Saturday, I spent in the trial, where Sir Tivorak Nobel, Prince Kevyn Blackfox, Duke Maximillian Greystone, Lady-Regent Ellimere Arundel and others heard the testimony of individuals who had been present at the Viscount-Regent's murder. It was reasonably well organized, with Sir Tivorak serving as the primary inquisitor of those who gave their testimonies, both as witnesses and as accused. I took notes for Lord Alaric, and listened to the testimonies as best as I could. Thankfully, there were several breaks in which those present could clear their heads. The greatest of surprises to me was that Drake Tammerack of Volta volunteered testimony that he was the first to cast imprisons upon the Viscount and Squire Titania, which had not been recorded in anyone's testimony before. With all the testimony heard and defense made by the accused present, the hall was cleared for deliberations before the feast. Although it was the original intent of the organizers to announce any sentences before the feast, the deliberations took a great deal of time and could not be concluded before everyone gathered in the Great Hall to dine. The feast was somber and had little air of festivity to it. After the feast, the judges and advisors then retired again to the privacy of the Prince's quarters for a good deal of the night.

With Lord Alaric in the deliberations, I greeted a few individuals that I had met from my travels in the feast hall. One among them was Sir Telaris, who had been recently been Knighted in the Kingdom of Neridia for his support of the true Queen of Neridia. Sir Telaris was given the task of establishing a Knightly Order of the Order of the Heart, which was the first Knightly Order in Neridian history to accept foreigners as nobility.

I then returned to the Guild Hall to rest, noting to the Guild staff that I was available to be called upon for any need they may have. A few undead wandered by the Guild, and with Kovan Pax and others, we managed to destroy them.

While waiting on the deliberations, an Elf that Omi and others recognized came into the Celestial Guild, speaking of the Sands, a desolate area of waste around Ravenholt City that had been spreading, and of the need for adventurers to go with him and destroy a corrupted well that he had discovered feeding the spread of the Sands. I volunteered as the caster of the formal magics needed to destroy the well, even though the Elf had only a few of the necessary components needed to cast the formal. While Squire Amra rushed to gathered the components from his personal store, I concluded that it was likely I would be casting the magic without all the necessary materials, and was inviting upon myself and any other assistant in the casting a backlash. I however understood that this was an important task, and that whatever harm may come to me would be worth the risk to halt the spreading of the wastelands.

With the Court of Capulus rallying and the Elf insistant that no more time could be spent waiting for Squire Amra, he took us to a point of entry into the Sands. We sank into the Sands and when we emerged in a cavern, we came face-to-face with twisted images of friends and loved ones that were the projections of the corrupted Tyrran spirits that guarded the well. Squire Amra managed to jump into the sink just as it closed, and between Omi and myself, we found we were only short a single component for the formal. Capulus and the others fought through the corrupted Tyrran spirits and Omi and I quickly found the well.

With Omi lending her assistance, I began casting the formal magic that would destroy the source of the corruption, uncertain how the lack of the single component would affect the casting. Omi seemed to be in pain or distress beside me, but my concentration remained on calling forth the energies within the components to bring destruction to the well. I remembered an explosion within our circle, and the next thing I remember was being healed by one of our fellow defenders. The well seemed removed of its taint, and we fought our way out again. Had not the corrupted creatures taken harm from our healing spells, the fight would have been vastly more difficult.

We emerged from the Sands, but not with the tiny grains having seeped their ways into our noses and throats. Shaken, I returned to the Guild to learn that the deliberations were concluding, and after some time of taking a little rest, I journeyed down to the Great Hall, where the judges, advisors, accused, witnesses, and others gathered to hear the verdicts. I will not try to describe all the judgments. Baron Algorian of Avendale was stripped of title and sentenced to two obliterations, and I offered him what words of consolation I could. Dame Saket was stripped of her title for actions unbecoming of a noble. I marveled to myself how easily one may be caught in a situation that brings good people into black situations, where none may come through unscathed. Many accused received the sentence of obliterations.

The judges announced that they would allow those who were sentenced to receive their punishments in the morning if a noble would vouch for them. I remember Baron Gabriel vouching for a few, and Baron-Regent Alaric vouching for members of Westmarch. I spoke with Guildmaster Andvar briefly, and then retired to the Guilds again, for I had no need to watch the obliterations begin. A part of me was relieved that I had already used my abilities for formal magic destroying the corrupted well, and therefore it would be unlikely called upon me to perform an obliteration myself.

Sometime late that night, there was word that adventurers were going to fix the magical Barrier that blocked most enchanted and magical things from functioning in the Duchy of Ravenholt. With most of my magics spent, I did not feel the need to go on the mission, especially since I was neutral to the existence of the Barrier. Whether its influence was completely removed or re-established I believed was a matter for the citizens of these lands. It also allowed me some moments of quiet reflection from the grim tasks of the day and evening. When the Guild was again filling, I learned that one of the members of Glyph, a black gorbe by the name of Kane, had somehow merged with the magics of the Barrier and was lost somewhere within.

Several hours later, on an appeal to try to recover Kane, Lord Alaric went to the magical miniature representation of the Duchy known simply as "the Map" to attempt to use his land-bond to locate Kane. Determined to see that Lord Alaric had escort, Pazrul and I traveled down to the Map with him. We were soon joined by a few others, and while Lord Alaric continue his study of the Map, we watched the sky grow lighter as dawn was ahead. Lord Alaric learned of way to gate to where Kane was bound to the barrier, and we stepped through. Our way into the Barrier was fairly easy, and I simply tried to stay out of the way as much as possible as individuals who were friends with Kane spoke to him (or what I latter learned may have been simply a magical image of him). It was finding a way out again that proved difficult, and while we discussed our options, one of the individuals in the party called upon a favor from a Dragon to gate us out. With the light of dawn about to touch the trees, I finally came to my bed for a few hours sleep.

The rest of the obliterations from the trial were held that morning. As with obliterations done by magic, there is a significant chance they will not succeed, and several of the formal magics had to be cast twice or three times in order to have the intended effect. Word came that Sylus of Westmarch did not resurrect from his sentence. In fact, he was the only one out of all those executed that did not, including Algorian, who appeared very much in the flesh later that morning so much to everyone's surprise that his greeting was "Hello. Yes, I'm still alive."

As the obliterations were finishing, the adventurers learned of an attack upon the White Star caravan that was traveling into the City by elemental forces searching for something of great value and significance in Ravenholt's battle with the elementals. I went with over two dozen adventurers to go investigate, where we met and battled with many elementals, all the while searching the scattered debris of the caravan for the artifact the elementals had come for. We never found the artifact, and it could have either been smuggled out or taken by the elementals. As to its fate, I am still uncertain.

In order to restore the lands of Ravenholt from the destruction of the Sands, the nobility of Ravenholt returned to the Map to further seek out the pure Tyrran water needed to nurture the regrowth. Rather than having to gate somewhere to seek the water, at the need of the nobility, the Map welled up of its own accord what was needed.

Both mentally and physically exhausted from my encounters in Ravenholt, but also feeling the satisfaction of my contributions, I packed my belongings to travel with Lord Alaric a part of the way to Westmarch before seeking roads not occupied by the Sessuar into Ashbury, where I may meet again with Baroness Kelsea in Nordenn.

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June 604 E.R.:
Of the Closing of This Journal

After a great deal of consideration on my part, I have decided to close my public entries to this journal of my travels to many lands in the Kingdom of Evendarr and across the continent of Avalon.

On May 8th of the Year 604 by Evendarrian Reckoning, I swore Oaths of Fealty to Baroness Kelsea Varik of the Duchy of Ashbury as her Squire and as a servant to the peoples of Ashbury. That Ashbury is currently occupied by the Sessuar invaders, I do not wish to risk information that may be pertinent to our battles against the Sessai fall into the hands of those who would thwart our battles for freedom. Likewise, leaders of other lands have entrusted me with a great deal of knowledge that pertains to the safety and health of their populace, and I would not inadvertently betray them.

Therefore, I can see no other option for the security of others but to make no further entries into this journal, at least until the peace of the lands where I travel is assured.

As always, those who wish to write me private correspondence are welcome to do so, either by missive to the Barony of Nordenn in the Duchy of Ashbury, or to Heartsong Manor in Avendale.

I remain in service,

Lilaiethyn Raenelindor
Squire to Baroness Kelsea Varik of Nordenn
Servant of the People of Ashbury

 

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