Journal Of Daren Matthias Elaine

[Valiance]

Hello everyone, this is a thread of mine. After seeing 'Tales of a Wandering Adventurer' from my brother, I wanted to do a similar piece. I had kept a 'journal' while I played the game, Lightweilder thought it would be a good idea to post some of my entries on here. So here I go. Let me know what you guys think of my character's backstory, and his way of relating to this world.

[Valiance]

Okay, here are the first several entries. Look for certain behaviors and mindsets, ones which define him, such as an intently spiritual nature, and others which may change as he adapts to a strange new life, such as his despair over losing his home, to his joy of finding a new purpose in this land. Well, I'll stop my rambling now. Have fun!
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Inside the cover of this slightly worn book, there is a small passage, it reads,

"To anyone who ever finds this, I am.....or rather, was, Sergeant Daren Matthias Elaine, Tai-San warrior in service to Kaleia. Know that the words in these pages are not all easily written, but I fear that to not write them, to simply allow them to fade from memory, would be a far greater mistake. Know that I fought for love, for the love I hold for every innocent life because of the love given to me. I was not a hero, I was a humble servant of the one who called me from birth, who saved me from my foolishness and who I now dedicate my life to. Should the words in this book ever pass to another, I only hope that you will see my Father's heart reflected in its pages."

The first page is blank, apparently left so intentionally. The next page, however, shows that this is apparently some kind of journal. It appears to have been filled rather extensively by whoever kept it, this "Daren Elaine" seemed to write rather extensively. The book is filled all the way to the back page, making you wonder if perhaps there is more than one journal, perhaps there is a journal that was written before this one, seeing as he apparently ran out of room and that the beginning seems to occur in the middle of the author's life. The entries appear rather precisely chronicled, especially in regards to dates and times.

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Well.....so this is it. This is goodbye....to my home, to everyone and everything I've ever known and loved. I haven't written in some time, and though it hurts to write this, I fear not writing, and allowing this to fade away, would be a far greater mistake. I used to be a Tai-San in the Kaleian military, and honestly, I couldn't have felt more thrilled with my life. I had purpose, I had passion.....life was good. I suppose though, that when you refuse to stand for injustice....well, something's gotta give. While out on a mission, my team discovered some extremely questionable documents that linked a Kaleian politician to dirty dealings with the Haldeins, including Stormravens. Lance wanted to expose it, but his hands were tied and he was forced to hand over all evidence of it. I however.....was not so cooperative. Now I wonder to myself if perhaps holding onto one of the documents in secret and exposing Lord Felrain was a bad idea. If I hadn't, at least I'd be in Kaleia right now, I might be able to still do SOMETHING. Well, I suppose I can't think about what might have happened. Anyways, long story short, I didn't know that Lord Felrain wasn't the only corrupt one, and I made a lot of enemies in positions of power, REAL fast. I was framed for the release of Kaleian military intelligence for Haldein. Because of my service, I managed to avoid the headsman's block.....I was exiled instead. I sit here now on a boat bound for Tysa, the kingdom across the sea. Kaleia's had virtually no contact with it. At least they let me say goodbye to my family before I left....but what now? I mean....in the military, I did something, I saved people, I fought for something. What now? I can no more abandon the warrior in me than I can drive a blade through my own heart. But I do know that my life is still in my Father's hands, even in these turbulent times. I know that while I still live and breathe, he has plans for me. He watched over me on the battlefield, in the land of Kaleia.....I know he'll watch over me in this new land to the east.
- October 17th


After almost a month at sea, I finally arrive in Tysa today. Got lost more than a few times as I tried to get my bearings in this new land.. My wandering took me through a small hamlet which was suffering a minor fire hazard. A house was in flames, the children and their mother were outside, but the father was still trapped inside the almost-collapsed inferno.. I raced inside to rescue the father, and even though I thought my lungs were about to collapse from the heat and smoke, by some divine guidance, I managed to find him and carry him out. The people of the village were grateful, and rewarded me with a very well crafted pair of steel bracers. These remind me of my Tai-San arm guards. A clearly superior piece of equipment, no doubt. I'll hold this close to my heart. I saved one life, I know without a doubt my Father was not surprised by my being here at this particular time. I now know that what was done for evil, may yet play a purpose in the story of my life. At least I can live with the comfort of knowing that I am not here without a purpose. - November 1st

Arrived in the village of Hawklor tonight. I think I'm going to stay the night. I've noticed an atmosphere of tension surrounds the place. People stared at me as I walked into town as if I had a troll growing out of my face. I'm going to stay a while I think, something is off a bit, and this bears some investigating. According to local gossip, several people, possessions, and livestock have gone missing, and local rumor talks about strange happenings up in Westwold, a section of forest and fields to the northwest of Hawklor, known for an extensive network of natural caves throughout the foothills. On top of that, the village also seems to be plagued by a mountain giant known as Hawnley-Jakk. I imagine that unlike the people here, I actually have experience toppling giants......except that was with a team of six other Tai-San backing me up. Hmm, seems just a bit more daunting to do alone. Well, even though I intend to avoid suicide-by-walking-mountain, (taking down a giant takes a lot of forethought) I think I may stay a bit and find out what's going on, and if something can be done about it. I don't know what, but something is horribly amiss here. Besides, I'm not exactly in a rush to anywhere anyways, since I don't even know what the hell I'm doing here in the first place....or for that matter, where 'here' actually is on a map. Perhaps I'll be able to lend a hand. - November 3rd

People have been talking about goblins up at Westwold. They're a common enough sight in Kaleia, but even the average farmer can handle them. They're little more than an irritant unless there's a lot of them. The goblins of Tysa, however, are supposedly much larger and fiercer opponents, though by no means trained warriors, the 'Shade Goblins' of Westwold could certainly be enough of a threat to seriously threaten a small town like Hawklor. Especially since, as far as I can tell, this place hardly even has an effective militia. They are at the mercy of the goblins, or random chance. Neither seem terribly forgiving. - November 3rd

Talked with a tavern-keeper known as Piripoor about Hawnley-Jakk. Here's what I found out.

"Hawnley-Jakk has been an unpleasant fixture in this part of western Tysa for almost a generation. Before he appeared in the area just over fifty years ago, it was commonly believed that the race of the mountain giants had become a thing of legend.

At first, Hawnley-Jakk won praise from the local towns and villages when he single-handedly (literally) defeated a wicked dusk dragon known as Qianzal by throttling the creature to death. Qianzal, an old and powerful dusk dragon, had been demanding tribute from the local towns and villages in exchange for providing "protection" to the entire area. Qianzal did little protecting, however, and a large number of missing people have been attributed to the dragon.

After killing Qianzal, Hawnley-Jakk and his two sons (Segg-Jakk and Hirn-Jakk) moved into the dragon's cave and began demanding tribute of their own from the locals. This tribute was paid without question, for who would dare defy a giant that had single-handedly strangled a powerful dusk dragon?

Hawnley-Jakk proved to be somewhat more tolerable than his predecessor, for although he did no actual "protecting" of the populace, he did not interfere in their affairs (as Qianzal had done from time to time). However, over the years the amount of payment he demands has continued to grow.

Many a bold soul has confronted the giant and his sons over the years, either attempting to drive him away or slay him -- they have all (without exception) met with certain doom. A few years back a troop of Tysian border rangers numbering at least twelve disappeared after attempting to forcefully remove the three giants from the area.

Hawnley-Jakk stands just over twenty feet tall, and is said to have the strength of 100 men. His sons, Segg-Jakk and Hirn-Jakk are considerably smaller, each standing just over ten feet tall."

I get the feeling that these people have just come to accept this as a fact of life. Perhaps....in some way, maybe I can help them. I don't know. In the Tai-San I dealt with a mountain giant, once, but that was with an entire squad of Tai-San. I have to wonder if I can do anything alone. If my Father is willing, perhaps something can be done. Well, I don't know. This is a problem for another day, no point worrying about it now. - November 3rd

[Valiance]

I cannot help but feel that, despite the grievous head wounds AND the hangovers that they will suffer from, I still walked away from that fight with the biggest headache.....Perhaps I should have just kept my mouth shut when that drunk made that remark. Still, it WAS funny. He and three of his thugs tried to kill me after I proved that matching wits with me is difficult enough when one is sober. They had blades, and I almost drew my own, but I held back. Killing them wasn't necessary, and it just would have scared a bunch of people. Taught them quite a lesson. Although whether that lesson was to behave or to not get into verbal sparring matches when drunk, I'm not quite sure. Anyways, I don't think they'll pull a stunt like that again. On that note, neither will I. I think next time I'll just walk away. Hopefully the night can be a bit more uneventful. I think I'll retire for the night. Just a bit too much excitement for one day after so much traveling. - November 3rd.

Horses are a rarity around here, again, due to the missing livestock. Attributed to goblins. Worth investigating. Something has stirred up my curiosity. - November 4th

Found a trapdoor in the stables, but the local hand was insistent on me not going down it.

..........

Good for him.

I climbed down the trap to find myself face-to-face.....well, neck to knife, really, with a somewhat motley, disheveled man. Fortunately, he was more scared than murderous, and he managed to put the knife away. He claimed his name was Haelin and that he was in trouble. Apparently he was on his way to Trithik, but he was being pursued. His pursuers apparently want him very dead. No surprise there, I've never been pursued by someone who just had a really creepy urge to sniff my boots or something harmless like that. He was about to tell me something else, I assume to elaborate, but he was interrupted by men whom I can only assume were his pursuers. He gave me a deerskin bag, about the size of a dagger, and told me to take it to the Gnarled Otter Inn down in the docks in Trithik. I didn't actually agree per se, but then again, I was in a situation which would have placed us all in danger, and I was outnumbered. Well, I still didn't intend to take the object to Trithik until I got some more answers. However, when I got outside, I checked the contents of the bag. It was a horntail horn. Apparently this substance is poisonous, and, lucky for me, just happens to be a capital crime to possess it. I won't even begin to describe how I felt about being thrust into the whole situation. If I'm caught with this thing....well, let's just say that the exile would be rather pointless, now wouldn't it? Right now, I know someone wants a highly poisonous, capitally illegal item. And from what I hear, the destination, Trithik, is worse than some parts of Haldein when it comes to crime and dark happenings. I have to check this out. If someone in that kind of place wants this kind of object, something very serious must be going down, and someone is almost certainly going to be killed. I'll hold onto this and keep it VERY close. In the meantime, I'll check out the happenings in Hawklor. I'm in no rush to get this thing anywhere, especially if it will be used in the manner I am supposing it will be. - November 4th

I took a moment to reflect on myself....who I was, today. I still feel just a bit....disheartened, at being forced out of Kaleia.I don't doubt my Father has things in his hands, but still.....it's not really easy, for you to be forced out of what you thought was your life's purpose, your home, and everything you've ever known. Well, it seemed fate wanted to slap me upside the head with a call of "Hey, Stupid! Haven't you noticed what you're doing already?" ...Ahem, please forgive that eccentric moment, dear reader. Anyways, during my meditation, I met a man known as Father Pippin. Apparently, he was the head of the local church. He was worried about a group of travelers from Talinus, the capital of Tysa, who were apparently making a pilgrimage south to Syr. They should have arrived in Hawklor a few days ago in a covered wagon and they didn't. They all sound more or less defenseless from the way Father Pippin described them to me. Something easily could have happened to them on roads like these. Father Pippin was supposed to go with them, but they never arrived. I agreed to help Father Pippin look for them, and we set out immediately. Just goes to show, you don't need a badge and a fancy rank to make a difference. - November 4th

Well, that was a great deal more excitement than I had in mind. As Father Pippin and I departed, we searched for almost an entire day until we found what we were looking for. The wagon, abandoned, and horseless. We found a wounded man nearby, and he recounted the details of the pilgrim's ambush. It didn't take me long to figure out that ogres (Tysian ogres, of course,) were behind this. Tracking down the ogres' lair afterward was easier than finding a cold in a blizzard. I don't pretend to be invincible, and I doubt I could have defeated both of them. Fortunately it seems Tysian ogres aren't really any more intelligent than Kaleian ones. While I led them off into a wild horse chase through the wilderness, Father Pippin saw to rescuing the captives. I managed to evade them, but then again, your average butterfly probably could have done the same thing. Once we got back, we were rather impressed to find one of the horses had returned. Within a few minutes of our return, Father Pippin had found the other horse. Together we journeyed back to Hawklor, where I bid them farewell. I can't quite describe it....but something felt strange right then. For a moment....I felt like I had done something. Something that I had always been meant to do. Perhaps this journey far away from home has a meaning and a purpose to it that I simply cannot fathom. Well, I am exhausted. It also sounds like a town meeting is being called tomorrow morning. Something to do about the recent troubles. I think I will attend, but first, I will need some rest before dawn breaks. - November 4th

[Valiance]

A dark shadow has fallen over Hawklor as of late, as several of its citizens have gone missing. The rapidly spreading consensus is that goblins have reclaimed several caves in the area of Westwold and have been using them as a base to raid the surrounding countryside. If this is the case, I fear that no captives would last long, if at all. Shade goblins....well, any goblins, are not known for their tolerance. I decided, that I would offer my services in the matter. They have no truly experienced warriors in the militia capable of handling this kind of threat, and my experience as a Tai-San gives me an edge no one here, or anyone in Tysa, really has. They seemed rather thrilled at my offer, and I didn't even tell them of my military experience. They must be rather desperate indeed. I met with a man named Connirin, a former field captain in the Tysian army. He informed me that Westwold is an area of forest and farmland to the Northeast of the village, but was at one point a vast, untamed wilderness, where creatures of all ilks lived. Though they had been killed off over the years, it appears that goblins have re-established some kind of dwelling in the area. The farmers speak of goblins skulking around the area and in the forest, and livestock and people have gone missing. Though the threat is low at this point, a group allowed to build up in the area could quickly grow into a dangerous warband if left unchecked. This has to be dealt with. It was discussed at length, until it was decided that I would go, alone, to investigate. Now technically, I'm just a scout, but while I volunteered, I don't like the idea of going it alone. I always want someone watching my back in dangerous situations. Still, many of these people aren't trained for this kind of situation, save Connirin, but he's getting old and might not be able to keep up, and he's needed to maintain the defense of the village anyways. Well, I was given a map and instructions to check out the local area. I'm not quite sure what I expect to find, goblins, certainly, but something seems a bit....off? I don't know, for goblins to suddenly become organized in a tamed area, it would seem to me there is some kind of leader behind this. Goblins are too stupid and too aggressive to co-operate without someone beating them into submission. Well, I'd better get packed. I have a feeling that this is going to turn out to be quite a bit more than just a scouting mission. - November 5th

I got to Westwold today, and immediately set to work. One of the animal trails led up to a goblin cave, the trail and the mouth of the cave both bearing marks of significant goblin, or at least humanoid, activity. Since I may have found my target, I decided to wait on entering there, the cave isn't going anywhere, after all. I spent the better part of the day, well into the night, scouting out the surrounding fields and forest, and while I found a few traces here and there, nothing was of particular note. It's getting late now, so I think I'll make camp and go in the morning. Shade goblins, what I'm likely going to find, have an incredible aversion to light, so entering in the daytime will give me an advantage, or at least a place to flee to if things get just a bit too dicey. I keep having the feeling I'm being watched, but I've camped pretty much out in the open, there is virtually no place for an ambusher to hide. Nonetheless, I can't shake this feeling. I'm going to have a restless sleep tonight. - November 5th

I entered the goblin cave today, signs of some kind of battle could be found amid the damp, musky reek of the caves. As I passed away from the mouth of the cave, I quickly found the rumors to be true. Shade goblins, my first sight of them ever, were leading a man and two women down the mouth of the cave. I waited and observed for as long as I could, but then they attempted to kill the captives. I intervened, there was no way I couldn't have.. Caught two of them off-guard before the beasts had any clue what was happening. After that, I fought another, this goblin was about my size, but it was clumsy and slow, and it hardly counted as anything more than a passing threat. I dispatched it easily. Hopefully that is as difficult as it gets, though I don't count on it. I freed the three people from their bonds, and led them out of the cave. From what they told me, they were members of the Third House Acting Troupe, which had left Talinus, the Tysian capital, about a month ago, en route to Trithik. The man, Ekker, and the two women, Jaurel and Cierna, were the only survivors of their group of nine. Apparently Jaurel's brothers were the only ones possessing weapons, and they were the first to be killed. The rest had been taken into the cave in Westwold as captives. From what Cierna told me, the other four members of the troupe had been killed by a particularly large, and particularly cruel, shade goblin called Blalak. From the way Cierna described him, I'm going to agree with her assessment that this Blalak is probably the leader of the goblin band in the area. She went on to say that he ate his victims after he carved them apart, and that he wore a necklace of live spiders.....though I have to wonder if that last part is not somewhat exaggerated. At the very least, I hope that her fearful circumstances set her imagination into overdrive. Of course, she could be telling the truth. By all that is holy, I hope she isn't. I. Freaking. HATE. Spiders. (Yes, if you're reading this, you may laugh at me now, but come on, considering I've faced trolls, bandits, hordes of the walking dead, and so on, can't I just have ONE completely pointless and unreasonable fear? I just HATE them.) Anyways, back on topic, Cierna then said that there were others in the cave. If that is the situation, I have to act fast, because if they are alive, they won't be much longer. I have no intention of allowing them to suffer at the hands of those beasts. I pointed them in the direction of Hawklor, and told them that safety could be sought there. We wished each other luck and parted ways. Well, at least, we were GOING to part ways, but Cierna came back to thank me again. After a moment, she invited me, that should I ever wind up in Talinus, to visit her and her friends at the Third House on Penekarn Lane. I almost said thank you and dismissed the gesture right there, but as I think about it, perhaps.....perhaps I will take her up on that offer, but that is for another time. This menace has to be dealt with first. I wished them luck, I didn't want to let them wander off alone, but the people in the cave still need assistance. I only wished I could have arrived before they had to suffer tragedies like the one they just did. Well, I'm all rested, so I better head back in, though I'd better go a different route. No doubt the bodies, and the noise, attracted more attention down that path than I want to deal with. - November 6th

I re-entered the cave today and found myself wandering throughout the place in search of information. I didn't find the survivors Cierna told me about, only dead bodies. I had a few combat engagements, most of them weren't any kind of a threat, only when I was ambushed by five larger shade goblins did I get a bit worried. Took a few scrapes in that fight, but I managed to get away without any serious wounds. I found a rather emaciated and imprisoned goblin on the lower levels. I thought about it, and then I freed him, assuming it was an enemy of my enemy. It payed off, and I got an unusual copper key bearing the image of a serpent. On another occasion I found myself fighting a pair of what must have been elite goblins. Each as tall as me, and, though it is a serious blow to my pride to admit it, fairly competent fighters. Still, as a Tai-San, I've faced worse opponents than ANY goblin, and a pair of corpses was the obvious outcome. Took a few wounds though, including a fairly large gash on my arm. So I retreated back to the mouth of the cave. I'm going to rest for now, and then I'll try again tomorrow. I just hope the captives that Cierna spoke of can make it through one more night. - November 6th

[Valiance]

After evading a goblin war band on the lower levels, I found what I had been looking for. In a chamber, at the far end of the caves, was a large room. A fire was roaring in the middle, and goblins were sparring each other in combat pits. As I checked out the room, I found what was obviously the leader of the goblins. He was just as Cierna had described. Larger than me, with powerful equipment and huge arms. And I fear I must apologize to Cierna here, since he did, in fact, wear a necklace of live spiders. I also remember a slight shudder running through me at that sight. I couldn't really think of any way to enter without drawing attention, so I simply stepped into the chamber, amazing how that can silence a room so quickly, and immediately found the captives Cierna had described, ten of them or so. Blalak was most upset at this. After a long-winded speech about how I would meet my fate at the hands of 'Blalak the Unmerciful', the goblin war leader did what any person boasting about how they were going to personally kill me would. They send someone else to kill me instead. Go figure. I was attacked by two goblins, almost as large as Blalak. I believe their names were Gularud and Jagada. I thought they would be more formidable than they were, however. While they were both physically very powerful, they were slow, clumsy, and about as dangerous as your average bath toy. I brought them down with much less effort than I thought it would take. Next was High Shaman Kizzik, which also fell quickly enough. And then I went head-to-head with Blalak himself. He was incredibly strong, and fairly skilled, but quite frankly, he was simply no match, one-on-one. He fell, along the bodies of about seven or eight goblins, some of which he had killed himself. The other goblins fled, much to my relief. I wouldn't want to have to fight all of them at once. After freeing them, a man named Lenmore told me about how they had been captured at various times, some had even been held in the cave for almost a month. An herbalist from the village of Kolnia tended to the wounds of those around him. I checked the chamber around, finding a fair amount of gold that should get me by in the days to come. I also found a chest, which the serpentine key I had fit perfectly into. I found a fair amount of gold, but also a silver ring, which might be worth checking out. Afterwards I rejoined Lenmore and the others and we made our way out of the cave. Lenmore gave me a strange silver axe medallion as a gift. What I did attracted quite a bit of attention back in Hawklor, as several people lined up in some kind of ceremony or something. I briefed the village elders and militia leaders of the details, and they are making sure that this kind of problem will not occur again in the future. They were extremely grateful, and I know this isn't a moment I will soon forget. Every wound was well worth seeing those people set free, and seeing a dark cloud lift from this place. I am finding it easier to believe that my Father had this journey planned for me from the day he breathed life into me. - November 7th

I left Hawklor, the fame I had acquired from my excursion into the goblin cave was becoming a headache that I needed to get away from. So, after traveling for two days, I wound up in a small village in the Hart Hills called Kolnia. It was a small, pleasant place, but had little, if anything, of interest there. So, today I make plans to leave again. I don't know where to, however, and I'm seriously expecting to become lost in the next few days if this whole 'wandering without any real destination' thing keeps up. - November 13th

I arrived today in Durnsig. Not much here it seems, I spent some time at the local tavern playing Dooms Hand (Which I ended up making a fair profit on) and decided to take a bit of food in as well. My trail rations were becoming a bit unappetizing after eating them for five days straight. So, after an absolutely astounding dinner, I was approached by a middle-aged man with the bearing of a farmer, who introduced himself as Jebron. I was a bit uneasy as he told me exactly what his problem was. It seemed that his brother's barn had become infested with tarnrats. Now, I have never seen a Tarnrat before, but any story about rats the size of my arm makes me just a bit edgy. He asked for my help with the issue, and considering that this could be a threat to someone, I decided to lend a hand. He, thankfully enough, paid for my meal. After a short wagon ride to the outskirts of Durnsig, we approached the barn in question, and were met by Jebron's brother, Brekk. I was NOT thrilled when he said that the tarnrats numbered at least a dozen, with more in the loft. I quickly found out that it was at least twice that many, as I made my way from one side of the barn to the other. Fortunately, it proved to be easy enough to take care of. Still, any pest problem that requires a sword to deal with, worries me just a bit. I destroyed the nest of tarnrats after dealing with a particularly large vermin the size of a small child. I emerged more or less unharmed from the ordeal, save a really nasty bite that was thoroughly cleaned and bandaged. Afterward, I was asked if I would like to stay for dinner, which I graciously accepted. That child asked me at least a half-dozen times to tell him the story of how I bloodied their barn with rat corpses. Forgive me, after having to tell a story six times I become unbearably blunt about most affairs. Anyways, after a delectable meal, I bid them farewell as Jebron gave me a ride back to Durnsig. - November 14th

[Valiance]

I (for some reason I can't fathom) found myself back in Hawklor. I stayed the night at the local inn, when I ran into two men. One of them, a slightly large, wealthy-looking man by the name of Taered, and a younger, leaner man by the name of Nendo. Taered told me that he was looking for someone to take him from Hawklor to Trithik. Nendo was his escort, but he wouldn't mind some else's help at all. Considering that I had business in Trithik (regarding a certain illegal object that I shall not mention here, because anyone who has read this far already knows what I'm talking about), I agreed. The price for my services wasn't incredible, but hey, I was being payed to go the same direction I intended to go anyways, so I didn't mind much. Besides, my exploration of the Westwold caves had made me surprisingly wealthy. I wasn't rich by any standards, but I had enough money to purchase supplies for some time to come. So, with an unusually happy merchant, we set off for Trithik. The first two days were uneventful, to say the least. However, on the third day, as we neared the outskirts of Trithik, we encountered a group of highwaymen eager to take Taered's merchandise. Me and Nendo immediately began to deal with them in a rather efficient manner. I was highly impressed with Nendo's ability, it seemed he had done this kind of thing before. With the men disposed of in a timely manner, and the road cleared, we continued on to Trithik. I was paid and I left Nendo and Taered to head off to their business, while I set about the task of exploring the city. I found out immediately that this place is worse that some Haldein towns. Everyone here almost seems to bear either the look of a menacing thug, or a helpless victim. A curfew has been put over the town, I hate that. I had to lodge particularly quickly tonight. Sounds like this place has quite its share of troubles. I don't really want to stay any longer than I have to, this entire place sets me on edge. - November 17th

Had a very....interesting time today. I was traveling the woodlands near Trithik, when I was set upon by a pack of wolves. Not much of a problem, it was a small group. But as I finished the last one off, I heard a sharp screeching sound. I looked up and was stunned to find a Dusk Dragon. I immediately sought shelter and hid until the creature had passed. I can recall the encounter very vividly, and that close scrape will stay with me for a while to come. Still, I have to wonder, what is a Dusk Dragon doing so close to a city as large as Trithik? - November 17th

I was wandering the square today when I realized that the city of Trithik is truly both foul and dangerous. I was making my way through Blade Square when I was run into by a rather filthy little urchin. I tried to stop him, but he plowed right into me. Instead of apologizing, he let out a string of curses that I would expect from a much older person, and took off. Following a hunch I had, I checked my money pouch, only to realize I didn't have one. Another pickpocket. I took after him, pursuing him into what is perhaps the most dangerous area in Trithik, Gaddurug's End. He evaded me, and when I started asking questions around the local alehouse, I was met with a belligerent man with a knife. Well, I don't know if he still has that knife. After disarming him, I lodged it rather firmly in the wall, it's going to be fairly difficult to remove. Fortunately, people seemed more willing to speak to me afterwards, pointing me in the directions of an old, abandoned stablehouse. I was met by two thugs, apparently, they had put the boy up to pickpocketing me, though that child was hardly a victim. A quick fight left them sprawled out on the floor and my money pouch, MUCH more securely tied to my belt this time. - November 18th

I decided tonight I would deal with an issue about a horn. I made my way to the Gnarled Otter Alehouse, where I was met by a man who introduced himself to me as Shill, the man Haelin told me to meet if something happened to him. We went somewhere private where he asked me to hand over the horntail horn. I refused, demanding to know why, at which point I was attacked by his thugs. Subduing them was easy enough, actually. When Shill fled, I questioned one of the men, who said that that man was not Shill, but his name was Isk. He and Shill were rivals within the same criminal gang. He also believed that Isk, and everyone, in fact, was afraid of Shill. After putting the man back into blissful unconsciousness, I tried to see if I could follow Isk's trail. Instead, I was met by a man who pulled me into an alleyway. He said HE was Shill, and I had the feeling he was telling the truth. He asked for the horntail horn, but I had no intention helping out a member of a criminal gang. Shill attacked me. I've never seen ANYONE draw a sword with such speed. I could see why people would be afraid of this man. My reflexes were enough to avoid the swipe that could have spilled my innards onto the floor, but Shill got the better of me nonetheless. He took the horn, and I wasn't in much of a position to deny him it. He said that it would be better to be his friend than his enemy, and he left me there. This turn of events greatly unnerves me..... - November 19th

[Valiance]

I visited Lyrelock Monastery today, to see if there was anything to be learned. Indeed there was. As I explored the place, a number of children were suddenly set upon by Hyborl Beetles! These things could easily kill a man. I wiped out the beetles, and was informed that there was some kind of plague among the monastery. When I asked them about it, they told me to go speak with Brother Adrack, the master of the Order of the Hammersign. He was quite a bit younger than I thought he would be. When I asked him about the issues, he informed me that rodents and vermin had been infesting the place a few weeks ago. In the lower levels of the monastery, is a Shadow Path, what links this world to the Neverness, what we Kaleians call 'The Weave'. It was sealed by a Shadow Gate, but Brother Adrack believed it had again been opened. The door down to the lower levels where the Shadow Path was located had been opened....from the inside. And the only person who knew about it was Brother Adrack himself. He sent Brother Kol, the greatest warrior of the order, to go deal with it, but he, and the two others, have not returned yet. I offered to deal with the issue, something like this can NOT run about unchecked. He told me to seek out Brother Kol, who had a gem that could re-seal the Shadow Path. I nodded, lit a lantern, and descended down into a desolately dark place beneath the monastery. - November 20th

I cannot even truly begin to describe what I saw beneath the monastery there. I remember traveling deep within, battling spiders equal to me in size, swarms of Hyborl beetles, tarnrats, and blaze snakes. I shuddered with each fight. It is within the human psyche to fear these creatures normally, but when they are your own size....I found myself constantly wanting to just leave, but I pressed on. Even when I found the corpse of Brother Turro I pressed on. I encountered a man, robed in black and carrying a wicked staff. A quick exchange of words proved that he was the one who unleashed this blight upon this place. He waved his staff, but I've figured out it's easier to knock and fire an arrow than it is to complete an incantation. After lodging an arrow solidly in the mage's shoulder, he left, disappearing in the same way he arrived. In the lowest levels, I met Brother Hollith, who too, had fallen in battle against this plague, but not before telling me that Brother Kol was still alive and in need of my help. I took off down the northern path when I was faced with a Thurn Worm easily as large as a horse. I engaged it, an arrow at first, which didn't prove nearly as fatal as I had wished, but it fell against my blade all the same. Brother Kol, who had been wriggling his way out from underneath the beast, thanked me and we made our way to the Shadow Path. Again, we met that renegade sorcerer, who summoned hordes of vermin from the Shadow Path. Me and Brother Kol fought side-by-side, and I'm not sure I would prefer another fighting with me. Dedicated and powerful, he saved my life as I saved his. After three swarms of countless beasts, the mage attempted to summon forth Irizikil, the Lord of Pestilence, or something like that. Brother Kol couldn't get the amulet that sealed the Shadow Path to work. He asked me to try, but I'm afraid my knowledge of the arcane is rather limited. Instead, we were faced with something I can hardly begin to describe. What looked like a gigantic maggot with many insectoid parts, rat feet, a snake's tail, and other horrors that will take many moons to forget. Me and Brother Kol battled the creature together. Brother Kol's skill and strength, my training and technique, and a combined, valiant effort...we fought with a synergy that neither of us could explain, and in the end, the creature fell, and the shadow path was sealed. The mage was sealed within the Neverness when the Shadow Path was closed. To echo the words of Brother Kol, "may that gate hold for all time." We made our way out of the lower tunnels, encountering not one of the vermin that plagued the place. We gathered the bodies of the two fallen monks and took them above for proper burial. Still.....why do I feel that not all is right in this place? I truly wish I could describe it, but I cannot. Something.....something is still amiss, despite our success, I feel that we have missed something, and Brother Kol feels the same thing. I truly pray this is nothing more than my imagination, I've seen enough horrors in that place to last me one day. Brother Adrack was thankful for my efforts, and life seemed to return to the monastery immediately. This day is one to be remembered, for better or worse. A great evil was banished that day, and many lives were saved from a death at the hands of the foul creatures of the world. That knowledge is enough to soothe the nightmares, and I know that in time, they shall pass. - November 21st

I left Trithik almost a week ago, and made my way to Port Hallik to the North. The trip was thankfully uneventful, save a skirmish with a goblin that thought it was tougher than it really was. There, I met Captain Greenfen, a down-to-earth, good-natured man. He said he was looking for help to escort his ship from Port Hallik to Phak-rur. I offered my services, and he said that we were to set out immediately. I packed and was ready by the afternoon, and we set sail. There wasn't much of note that happened, save a wave striking the ship and throwing several crew members (Myself not among them) overboard. We hauled them out of the water and had a few laughs at their expense, and we continued the voyage. Something felt....wrong, twelve people other than myself, were hired to help out with the voyage, and yet I found myself suspicious of them for some reason. They refuse to interact with the rest of the crew, and they made a point of ignoring me when I attempted to talk to them. Strangely anti-social behavior out here at sea in my opinion. Well, Phak-rur doesn't allow ships to dock after sunset, so we weighed anchor outside of the harbor and we're waiting until sunset. - November 27th

I was right. Those twelve new members were not on our side at all. I woke up last night to the sounds of battle. I reached for the sword beside my bed, but before I could, I had a pair of hairy, clawed hand wrapped around my throat. It was a krogari, similar to the Rat Tyrants of Kaleia, but with the ability to change their shape. I quickly countered and removed the beast's grip, and ran it through before it could recover from my counter-attack. I dashed up on deck to find a battle happening before my eyes. Those twelve crewmen were actually Krogari. The first mate and five others met their unfortunate fate that night, but ultimately, it was a night that ended in victory over those overgrown tarnrats. (I have to wonder, since a tarnrat is just an overgrown rat, isn't calling a krogari an overgrown tarnrat akin to calling it an overgrown, overgrown rat? Is that grammatically correct then?) As we sailed into Phak-rur, we found out that the real cargo on this ship was an old man bearing a rather wretched appearance of one on the run. he was quickly escorted away from the harbor. As we disembarked, Captain Greenfen paid me three times the promised price and invited me to meet with him sometime at The Beggar's Arms tavern on Gull Street. It is an invitation I intend to take up soon. - November 28th

I decided I would meet with Captain Greenfen today, and as I set down Gull Street on my way to the spot, I happened upon a horrid scene. A man in green was being chased by three town guards. I followed after to see what this was about. To my horror, as the guards and I rounded into an alleyway, the fugitive leveled a rod at them, and they just disintegrated. I managed to talk him out of doing the same thing to me before he stepped into a portal and vanished. Seeing as there was nothing left to do, I left before somebody deduced faultily that I was behind the disappearance of three guards. I went to The Beggar's Arms Tavern and met with Captain Greenfen. There, as we were talking over some mugs of Palo (P.S. I HATE PALO!) Captain Greenfen told me about how he was intending to make a very special voyage and he'd like me to come along. I had gotten to like Captain Greenfen, and I was about to say I'd like to come along, when we were interrupted by three thugs who burst into the room and began overturning tables, saying something about not having gotten their 'tribute' from Greenfen recently. I dealt with the three of them quickly enough, and just to add insult to injury (Not to mention spare me from drinking the stuff) I poured my mug of Palo onto their bruised and battered faces. I believe they left exclaiming "AGGGGHHH!!!!!!" or something like that. When I asked Captain Greenfen about the incident, he told me it was something he had to handle himself. He wouldn't let me press him about it, and he left in a big hurry. I don't know what the problem was, I just hope he fared well. - November 30th

[Valiance]

I left Port Hallik and traveled south towards Talinus, the capital of Tysa. On my way, I stopped in the Moonshore inn and tavern for a night of rest. There, as I ordered my food, I met a slender woman named Thaoni. She told me how she was a mercenary and was heading west toward Naidor. Somehow she didn't strike me as a mercenary, but perhaps my view of such people is a bit off. She offered to train me. I told her of my military experience, but I accepted her offer to spar a bit. Holy. Freaking. Crap. She was GOOD! I have never dueled an opponent who kept me on my toes like that. We both enjoyed it so much that we met the next day for another go at it. We both walked away from it having learned something from the other. I learned sword techniques I've never SEEN performed in Kaleia. Later, I met a young man named Fifrin, who seemed just a bit nervous. I asked him about it. Apparently he had been loaned some money from a loan shark named Koll, to buy medicine for his father. After his father passed away, he had been unable to pay back Koll what he owed him. Just then, almost as soon as he finished his story, three men stormed in and upon hearing Fifrin couldn't pay, dragged him outside. Well I wasn't going to have any of that. I walked outside to see them about to bruise Fifrin with a heavy iron rod. I intervened and paid his debt instead. I could have taught them a lesson, but they would have just been coming after him later instead. this was for the best. We parted ways, and I began to make my way toward Talinus. - December 4th

I arrived in Talinus today, and I was just stunned. The power and size of the beautiful capital city just staggered me. Even Tescol couldn't compare to this place. I would try to describe it, but I'm afraid that this journal only has so many pages. I wandered throughout the city, it was so huge just finding a place to sleep took me hours. I found some very impressive equipment here, and my gear needed to be replaced anyways. Afterwards, I visited the Cathedral of Silver Rain. The look of this place was staggering. Massive silver arched doorways and pillars of marble. I took a moment to walk the area, feeling somehow refreshed being here. As I did so, I explored upstairs in one of the towers, when I heard a sharp scream. I dashed up the steps, taking cover as I surveyed a horrible sight. Four men, masked and wearing dark clothing and carrying ebony cudgels, stood above the fallen form of an unconscious priest. I remember clearly the words of the leader. "Finish it." The way he spoke chilled my soul. Fortunately I am enough of an archer to make a shot at this range. I put an arrow through the arm of the would-be killer, (Although I was aiming for his head.....but can we ignore that detail, please? I mean, I still saved the day, right?) and the men fled the way they came from. Before they did, their leader stopped and spoke to me. "You've made a dangerous enemy this day. May 'The Mark' be upon you." I don't know what 'The Mark' is, but the way he spoke suggested that he was not inviting me over to his house for a drink and a game of chess. After they left, I helped the priest up. He introduced himself as Salwyn, claiming that he was heading toward the vaults of the Cathedral. He claimed that they just kept their records and documents down there, nothing your average thief would want. So what were these men after? - December 6th

I am such an idiot. Note to self: The second I ever hear the word 'Dragon' and 'simple task' mentioned in the same breath, stop listening. Otherwise you may find yourself in unusual situations, like sprinting as fast as humanly possible out of a cave, in a land you can't find on a map, with a very angry, homicidal lizard the size of a barn (Or my late grandmother) on your tail. I think I lost the right today to criticize anyone about a displaying a blatant lack of decent common sense. I was approached by a man who said he had been watching a dragon cave for some time now, and that he noticed the dragon had very specific patterns of coming and going. In other words, he knew when the cave would be empty. Now I know, from experience, with my luck, that the time I went into the cave would be the ONE TIME that the dragon either didn't leave, or come back, on time. Every shred of intelligence suggested to me that this would get me killed. So, naturally, I agreed.I entered the cave, it was indeed empty, and followed the trail inside. It appeared that Father had mercy on me in my rather stupid state, and gave me very warning to leave. Like those several skeletons of Tysian soldiers, charred and destroyed. I find when Father's talking to me, I don't listen too well. Well, I quickly found the back chamber, and pried open a wooden chest. Inside I found too much gold to carry with me, as well as a few items of interest. I took what I could easily carry, when, as you probably are intelligent enough to guess (An honor not bestowed upon me when it would have counted), the Dusk Dragon came back EARLY! I have never run so fast in my entire life. Flames nipped at my heels as I dove out of the cave and took off into the forest at full speed. While what I acquired in the cave was valuable, the lesson in prudence I acquired running OUT of it was far more worthwhile. I think that's quite enough excitement for one day. Best go to bed before I do something else enormously hair-brained today. - December 8th

I think that I'll leave it at that for the night.

[zmflavius]

Nicely done. I would be interested in hearing more about Daren Matthias Elaine.

[thingirl]

Well, I don't have time to read it all now, but I read the first two paragraphs and anticipate goodness. And also, I know it's a journal, but most of it is in italics. It would be easier (at least for me) to read it if it weren't.

[Young Ned]

Yes, the italics were bothering me, too. Otherwise, no complaints. :cool:

[Lightwielder]

I actually like the use of font changes like italics. It adds flavor and character to the actual writing.

[Young Ned]

Large blocks of italics are harder to read than regular text, though. One could add flavor by changing fonts entirely; there are quite a few available here.

[wetheril]

I finally had a chance to read through this, and I quite like the personality you got across in your character! He doesn't like palo? :( ;) I hope you keep writing, and I look forward to reading more in the future.

[thingirl]

Wow. I also finally got through it. WOW! And who doesn't like Palo?

[Young Ned]

Some of us don't like the taste of coffee, unless the flavor is so heavily disguised as to be almost unnoticeable. :cool:

[Lightwielder]

I know for a fact that I hate coffee. Ironically, John Ardin likes palo.

[Doolipalally]

That's a coincidence. I hate coffee too, and Rhia likes palo :)