22nd of Alturak, 1030: Elysia.
Well, I've finished preparing my home for a long absence. The signs I've been hearing from people, and sensing on the winds, indicate I may be gone for some time. I've arranged with the High Priestess to have a few acolytes look in on my cottage once or twice a week to make sure my books aren't ruined, and I hope for the best. I've also pulled in a few favors around the city to procure supplies as well as an escort to the edge of the Amazon's territory, that's as far as the scouts can roam, but it should be far enough. Being a woman, and a warrior as well, the Amazon's probably won't trouble me much. That's even assuming I run into any, I do plan on skirting them as much as possible. I expect I'll be in Chiros within three weeks, and hopefully will be able to find a vessel sailing to Norhym shortly thereafter, I admit to being curious to know what my friend Zeke's been up to, and if he's noticed the same disturbances I have.
9th of Eurtosh, 1030: Chiros, Porthos
Ugh! I hate traveling. Why is it whenever I've been sitting at home, reading my books, I think back on my days with the Circle with fond memories? I hate dust, I hate being dirty. Well, this isn't a place to rant... Actually, yes it is a place to rant, but I've done enough for this entry. Only a day off my schedule I'm here in Chiros. I was lucky, or perhaps Hermes was watching out for me, because I passed safely through the Amazon lands without incident. If it hadn't been for that unseasonable rain four days outside of Chiros I would have been here right on time, but what can you do when the river's are flooding?
10th of Eurtosh, 1030: Chiros
My luck seems to be in today. Just as I was leaving the inn this morning to find a stables where I could a horse of some sort for an over-land trip to Volkrad, because the innkeeper had said that ships hadn't been passing through Chiros towards Volkrad, and probably wouldn't for another couple weeks at least, a large trading vessel flying the flag of Tyr sailed into port. Deciding that finding a suitable mount could wait, I drifted down to the docks to inquire as to the vessels destination.
The Captain, one Argon Finvella, informed me that the Lady's Blessing would be sailing for Norhym on the morning's tide, and as his only passenger was disembarking at this port, he had one cabin available, for a small fee... That got a little smaller once I removed my hood and chatted with him for a bit, seems the vessel was in need of a "mascot" for the long trip north, sailors are such a superstitious lot. I had just enough to time to hurry back into town, find myself a suitable light warhorse with tack, barding and the works and acquire supplies for the both of us for the three week journey north to Volkrad. I write this diary entry from the small desk that sits in my cabin, just explaining the poor writing.
29th of Tiamark, 1030: At sea aboard the Lady's Blessing, two days from Norhym.
According Captain Finvella we're now two days out from Norhym, which is good, because I believe Marcus, one of the crew of the Lady's Blessing, might be looking to get some retribution. Despite the Captain's urging not to "disturb the passenger" this one just wouldn't leave me alone, and I finally snapped the other night while eating dinner. Ended up breaking his wrist and his nose, but I immediately felt bad for my actions afterwards, and offered to heal his would up a little, which the Captain informed me wasn't necessary, but I felt it was. Well, maybe I'll just stick to the "stable" that they cobbled together for Shar down in the upper cargo hold, seems that she likes Marcus even less than I do, and he's not foolish enough to come within striking distance of her. That's actually been a blessing in disguise during this trip. The mount that I'd selected from the stables in Chiros and I have become, well friends. Seems that my time spent out in the woods learning of nature has paid off a little. I've named her Tien`Daishar, Northern Star in Elysian, though she seems to like Shar better, so it's generally what I call her. I spent most of the first week just getting to know her, bringing her treats from the galley, scratching her nose and ears, whispering softly to her. After she calmed down and got used to me we got on swimmingly, so much that I think there might be some sort of bond between us now, akin to that of some of the Elysian druids I knew. Well, between Shar and the lock on my door I don't expect Marcus to cause me anymore trouble, but I'm going to keep my dagger with me, just in case.
31st of Tiamark, 1030: Norhym, Volkrad.
By Hermes' Winged Sandals, I'd forgotten how cold winters are up here in Volkrad! And it's not even winter anymore!!! Well, technically speaking, it isn't winter. The southlands are probably enjoying a nice spring thaw, but Lord Winter always let's go of Volkrad quite reluctantly. Anyway, as per Finvella's schedule we've arrived on time, I just need to stop by a store for some feed for myself and Shar, a few winter blankets and warm clothes, and then I'll be ready to make the trip to Lotroyan, which is sure to be pleasantly warm after this, thank Elysia for The Forges' Eye Lake, and it's hot springs.
4th of Tiamark, 1030: The Forge, Lotroyan, Volkrad.
Well, it's just like I remember it. Peaceful, polite if no friendly, and warm. The hot waters of the lake cause the mist to rise up and blanket the town, but no one really minds as it's a more than fair trade for the quite moderate temperatures, compared to the rest of the country. Zeke was happy to see me, I think... It's been a while since I deciphered Gnomish Common, otherwise known at Common, at one hundred words per second. He only ranted for five minutes after I lifted him up and gave him a big hug. Sadly though, he was too preoccupied with something for me to bring up the weird rumors I'd heard in Elysia. Oh well, I'll ask him tomorrow, today I'm going out to wander the town. Or maybe I'll stay in and read, man I'd forgotten some of the books I'd left here, I don't think I've read The Downfall of Emperor Tyrianus II in at least two or three decades. As I've always said, if you never learn from the past, you're bound to repeat it's mistakes, as was shown true with the recent War down in Tyr... Hmm, well I guess most mortals wouldn't call that recent, but this is my diary, not theirs.
7th of Tiamark, 1030: Volkrad, 2 days south Lotroyan.
Well, Zeke's preoccupation with that damned book made me completely forget what I'd wanted to talk him about. He was just so frantic, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him and go along with his wishes. Anyway, I'm jumping to the middle of the story. Seems the day of, or perhaps the day prior to, my arrival in Lotroyan a cloaked and hooded man traveled out to the Island to ask about borrowing one of Zeke's many books. Well, much to his disappointment, I'm sure, it seems that Zeke had already sent that book out to some Tyrian Lady whom he'd been in contact with, one Ashell Godsblessed. However, it seems that the man didn't want to take Zeke's words at face value, because the night that I'd arrived someone had returned to the Tower, leaving no tracks outside and no one heard a boat dock, and rummaged through Zeke's bookshelves. Apparently nothing was taken, but Zeke's all in a tizzy about it, and so he asked me and his nephew, Able Winters, curious young fellow, to head down to this lady's estate in Tyr and see if she had received, and was done with, the book.
Now, Able, he's a curious fellow. I've not met many Gnomes in my days, I tend to avoid Cyrillia if I can help it. And I believe I've NEVER met a Gnome who walks the Path of Nature. But he does seem to be rather sure of his knowledge, and he travels well, most often changing his shape and scout ahead. Before we left Lotroyan he mentioned something about evil wolves stalking around the city, so we've been cautious these last couple days. Another two or three should put us out of the snow at least, and then we'll be able to make good time. Hopefully we'll be in Tyr and at Lady Godblessed's estate within a month. It's times like these I with Thunder was still young enough to travel, with him and Able's ability to take on winged forms, we could have covered the distance in half the time. Oh well, the leaves fall as they will, or so they say in Elysia.
10th of Aurismark, 1030: Villa of Lady Ashell Godsblessed, Tyr.
Well, I was close. Took us a little over a month, but we finally arrived at the manor of Lady Ashell Godsblessed, roughly three days ride from the City. A nice place, largish, with vineyards and pleasantly rolling hills surrounding it. Though you can see remnants left over from the War. A large ballistae is mounted on the roof of the manor, and a large wall is set around the same. Though the wall looks like it was perhaps newer, dwarven unless I miss my guess. Ashell herself seems nice enough, she and her butler, Sir Gilion who wears a coat of arms bearing the symbol of The Golden Lions, strangely enough, met with us when we arrived. I'm unfamiliar with the Lady Ashell, perhaps when I was last in Tyr (could if have really been ten years ago?) she just hadn't been around the city, but I've never heard her name before, new-come to her title, perhaps. Anyway, it turns out that she never received the book, I'm beginning to wonder what may have been in this book. the Seaghost, commanded by Captain Tillek, had been the ship Zeke had sent the book with. And it should have arrived weeks ago, having left Volkrad before I arrived there myself, and then with traveling by sea. Well, something is up for sure. We plan to head out as soon as the Lady and her man servant are ready to travel and head down the coast to investigate this.
11th of Aurismark, 1030: Traxum, Tyr.
A days ride to the south puts us in the small town of Traxum. One of the larger fishing ports on this stretch of Tyrian coastline, it has a large enough harbor for some of the better sized trading ships to put in here, making it the likely destination of the Seaghost. However, the harbor master claims not to have seen Captain Tillek's ship in many months. We arranged for rooms at one of the local inns, The Golden Dragon, a very fine establishment, sad we didn't get to spend much time there.
As I was down in the common room, enjoying some food and a glass of Tyrian wine after bathing and washing off the dust of a months travel, a man burst through the doors and rushed upstairs. Shortly thereafter Sir Gilion came down and informed myself and Able that an attack had been made on the Villa shortly after we'd left by "strange magical creatures". After conferring with the Lady we decided to head back to the villa post-haste and investigate, though we needed to talk Able into it, as he had no desire to return but rather wanted to keep searching for the Seaghost and his uncle's book. Very dedicated, commendable. Eventually we talked him into it, as it was partially on our way back along the coast to the next village where the vessel would have docked at.
13th of Aurismark, 1030: Villa of Lady Ashell Godsblessed, Tyr.
We've just arrived back at the Villa of Lady Ashell Godsblessed after a fast journey through the night and well into mid-morning. Our journey was interrupted, however, as we traveled the roads around midnight. A pack of dire wolves, eight I believe it was, was spotted by Able and his owl companion as we traveled to the Villa. It was decided that we set an ambush for them along the roadside. It was partially successful in that we ambushed those on the road, but some had crept up on us from behind. Luckily Able, channeling the power of Nature, had shifted his form into that of a dire boar and heedlessly charged into the fray, combating all four nearly single-handedly. The ones on the road were dispatched by Sir Gilion's rifle, a well-placed fireball from Ashell, and my blades and arrows.
Of the pack fighting Able we managed to subdue one and interrogate it briefly. Being a wolf it knew little, but we did find out that the wolves had been sent to hunt us, and not the books as we'd assumed. They were sent by "the Master" to find us and kill us. After the beast fled Able attempted to follow it, but soon lost it in the woods, and met us as we journey back to the Villa. Thank Elysia the attack against the manor was only a minor skirmish, with only a few of Ashell's people hurt. I tended to their wounds as I could, before coming to a guest room to sleep for the night. I write this entry as I wait for the others to be ready to leave, we plan to leave here and head farther along the coast, perhaps booking passage with a trading vessel if no sign of the Seaghost can be found at the next town. Hopefully we'll find word of her before we reach Volkrad.
19th of Aurismark, 1030: Chiros, Porthos.
Well, we found her. Or at least, we found where the surviving members of her crew washed up. It seems that the Seaghost ran afoul of a local pirate known as "The Rake" as she was returning from Volkrad, with Zeke's book stowed in her hold. The ship was quickly boarded and the pirates began taking everything valuable from her. Luckily a few of the crew were able to escape as the pirates went on a looting binge, including a fellow called Pilius, who related the preceding tale to us over a pint of the local brew at one of the most foul smelling taverns I've ever had the displeasure to be in.
On a happier note, I ran into the Trokaire boys at the same establishment mentioned above. Sebastian and Alex were both inquiring after this Rake fellow as well, looking to do a little good in the world and perhaps eliminate some evil. We welcomed them into our burgeoning group with open arms. Well, not "open arms" that would have made for quite a scene in the inn, and I think Sebastian's new lady-friend, Sun-Ye, might have been willing to try and put a knife in me should I have tried. I'll need to remember that they aren't 12 years old anymore and it's not alright to pick them up and give them hugs, or ruffle their hair when they do a good job... Never the less, I'm glad to have friendly faces around, I'm still a little unsure of this Godsblessed woman and her manservant, who is definitely more than the butler she claimed him to be. Perhaps the badge of the Golden Lions he wears is earned, and not stolen...
Another interesting event occurred while we were in Chiros. As we were conversing with Pilius and the Trokaire boys we heard the sounds of a scuffle from outside the inn. Upon investigating we found that the Lieutenant from the Feltrestian Navy's Man-O-War which was anchored out in the harbor had been giving orders, and perhaps even permission, to "recruit willing bodied people for a mission against the island stronghold of The Rake", as the writ said. Well I, and the others, weren't too thrilled with their recruitment methods, as the Lieutenant and his "gang" were attempting to press-gang a young human woman and male dwarf into service on their ship. We protested, and eventually talked the Lieutenant into letting them off.
The woman, Tulina Slaughter by name, seems quiet and reserved. She doesn't like to talk about her past it seems, which is fine by me, but she carries some fine instruments of her trade, obviously leftovers from the past. She wears some well-crafted armor and carries a nice looking falchion. She also packs with her a military-grade crossbow, the likes of which I haven't seen in many years, what with the elves favoring the bow and all.
The dwarf goes by the name of Mordikai and claims to be a "Dwarven Defender". As far as I know it may true, considering what little I know of Dwarves and their society. His full-plate and shield are both well made, and the odd weapon he uses looks to have seen it's days of use. I'm unsure about the bow he's toting around though, that thing is taller than he is, by several feet. Well, we'll see how it works out in a fight.
Another also seemed to have volunteered for joining the raiding party as well. A Kender by the name of Angsur. He's an odd fellow, even for Kender. The first time I saw him he was hanging upside down from the roof of a building across the street, with his toes! Even still, he managed to make an excellent arrow shot across the street and pin the Lieutenant's writ to the wall of the building with a single shot, so he may make himself useful after all. Needless to say, I'm checking my pouches and bags every hour now to make sure everything stays where it is, and hopefully he can't read Elysian, or I may want to keep this diary on my person, and well-secured even still...
I'm unsure of them both still, but they seem eager, and with the rumors we've been hearing of this "Rake's Island" we might need all the help we can get. Apparently there's creatures living on it that can turn a man to stone with just their gaze, sounds to me like Medusa's possible, though Abe seems to think it more likely that they are Yuan-Ti. So, between whatever those creatures are and the pirates we have our work cut out for us, and Mordikai and Tulina will be welcome in my mind as long as they carry their weight. Alex and Sebastian I'm more than happy to see and have join us, if they're anything like their father was at this age then they'll be worth ten times their weight in gold crowns. Speaking of gold crowns, apparently the bounty for this character is 20,000 crowns, so that'll be nice to have, though split how many ways now?
21st of Aurismark, 1030: Chiros, Portos.
So, after talking it over as a group, which now numbers at 10 counting Sun-Ye and Gilion, we decided not to venture to the island on the Feltrest vessel, but procure a ship of our own, Ashell didn't say how she managed to talk the owner into sailing out to the Isle of the Rake, and assault "through the backdoor", as it were. Hopefully while the man-o-war distracts the pirates on one side of the island, we'll be able to slip in through the back and find this Rake fellow and dispose of him. From what people heard over the last couple days he might possibly be a mage of some sort, so it makes sense that he wouldn't be out with the ships and the man assaulting, or beating back an assault, the man-o-war. I've procured a few sunrods, in case we need emergency light while on the island, and should be ready to sail within the hour. Alex decided that since we had such a large "boarding party" he was going to stay around in town and see if he could hear anything while we are gone. I've stabled Shar in one of the finest stables here for then next couple weeks, just in case things go badly for us.
22nd of Aurismark, 1030: Aboard ship, off the coast of Chiros. Near The Rake's Island.
Well, it's the night before. Tomorrow morning the man-o-war should go charging into the Pirate's Hideout, and while they do that, we'll drop in somewhere, probably on the northern coast, and sneak overland. Should be fun. We'll have to keep our eyes open for Yuan-Ti, and perhaps traps set by the pirates. We'll know more in the morning about what the layout looks like,
Able's going to do a "fly-over" and scout it out a bit.
23rd of Aurismark, 1030: The Rake's Island.
<<< This entry is hastily written in common as we recuperate after the fight. >>>
Well, was I right, or was I right? This entry is going to be short, we were just attacked by a group of Yuan-Ti who seemed to have lured us into a trap of some sort. Pinning us between themselves and some sort of flesh-eating tree. The tree had these vicious vines covering the path we're walking on, and once you step in them, they wrap you up and drag you into the waiting beasts (trees?) mouth. Quite nasty, but good fun. Got a minor arrow wound, as well as a sword cut, but they should heal up before long. Damn, someone's calling for me, I guess I'll have to finish this later...