The Relic Hunter Amanodel

[elysiumfields]

Baradaedas Amanodel



"There are infinite reveries and numberless extravagancies pass through both wise and foolish minds." - Addison

Baradaedas - (Ba - ra - DAE - das)

This Moon elf is five feet six inches tall and walks with an easy grace, even in his elaborately decorated and well kept full plate. The golden flecks resplendent in his eyes reflect brightly and overpower the powder blue behind.

He is a pleasant, amiable elf who is clearly only a few decades into adulthood. He usually carries with him a happy-go-lucky demeanor and an enthusiasm for everything he does, whether it is enjoying the company of womankind or searching dank caverns for Drow. That is not to say he cannot be serious. His personal quest demands the utmost dedication, a keen mind and wit, and a willingness to put himself in places of peril that most folk would balk at.

[elysiumfields]

My Lord Amastacia,

I have arrived in Greatgaunt, a small stead west of Suzail on the other side of the Stormhorn Mountains. As directed I came with minimal funds and equipment that I may learn to stand upon my own two feet as a worthy servant of Corellon.

As you suspected there is an Elven ruin nearby which seems steeped in mystery and cursed by undeath. The malevolence of the magics therein is not a major threat though I believe it in need of the services of all the Seldarine to release the area of its blight.

Adventurers from near and far use this place to test their mettle and learn their trade, picking up bric-a-brac and chaff taken from previously failed daredevils and token offerings left on tombs.

The prime item we seek was found by chance. I came across a dwarf selling his hard gotten gains who was haggling over the Unicorn. I offered him half as much again of the offer tabled and picked up the artifact for thirty Cormyrean Lions.

I have, with diligence, restored the Unicorn to its previous splendor though I admit surprise in it's diminutive stature. At first I suspected the sculpture was made of an ivory of some exotic origin, but after cleaning it is definitively crystalline. The amount of neglect it has suffered during its internment is impressive and I can only conclude it was sculpted with magics that it may have survived without being breached.

The base if of utmost interest. The design appears to be part that of a greater whole and there are markings on the underside that are foreign to my understanding at this time. It may be a written language, but I and greatly skeptical of the notion as I would require in abundance of twenty such interlinked items to make progress.

My conclusion, Lord Quarion is that I have found the first marker.

The light of the moon shall light our path,

Baradaedas Amanodel

[elysiumfields]

Good morning diary!

It has been a few days since we last spoke. I have found what I believe to be the first marker and several unattended artifacts of lesser worth, which has filled me with a sense of optimism. I will do my best to return this lesser pieces back to their rightful families if that is possible, and I do have a few ideas of how to do that.

I have met a few people on my travels... some elves, some not:

Elorian is a troubled cousin. I will strive to keep him safe where I can. I am sure that his skill with the bow and utter determination to wipe out the Drow will in turn help me to find other relics,and hopefully markers.

Emilie is a human wizard who has a measure of talent with the arcane. She is a funny old bird, but I wouldn't choose any other caster to travel with.

There is the dwarf, Haggard... I know! A Dwarf! I keep trying to be funny and make the best of a slightly awkward situation, but being completely honest he's a gruff bastard. But he's my gruff bastard. The first dwarf I come across completely lives up to expectation. He has a beard, he drinks copiously, he swears, has the social graces of... well a Dwarf... but he's a fearsome fighter if ever I saw one... abrupt, direct and lacking anything resembling finesse, but another weapon at my side I approve of.

[elysiumfields]

Diary.

My mood is tempered in spite of the upcoming Wenching Hour. The company Emilie keeps has me at odds and whilst I appreciate her talents her friends un-nerve me.

It was pleasing to see her flirt, in her own idiom, with the arcanist Arcanthus, but I worry she is walking down a dark path, perhaps of her own free will. I bumped into her whilst stopping in on Talbot to procure cake (Words fail my un-measurable adoration for you, cake.) and was invited to join her with the fore mentioned Arcanthus and a scallywag lady who was referred to as the Black Widow. I suspect that with such a name she is a spy for Lloth and no elf in their right mind would, so why would a human unless they were in league with the Dhaerow?

So we ventured forth and killed many orc and a particularly tall two headed thing that is impartial in its ability to offend one's eyes, ears and nose. they mentioned a glade of lightning which I demanded to see and on the way there we came across a man in red and black riding a jet black stallion. I thought his colour choice so brazenly cliched that he had to be good natured, but within a minute of his introduction he summoned forth the undead! What a bastard! Needless to say I left them forth with. I was tempted to strike down the man, but the others were friendly towards him in a familiar nature and whilst I would not back down two or three to one I would have been out numbered by five. I am not the wisest of my kin, but I know enough to take the easy exit when odds tower over me.

I will not travel with the mage Arcanthus, the Black Widow or the man introduced to me as Kross again and I have decided that I will only travel with Emilie when accompanied by another trusted friend just in case an ambush is planned upon me.

[elysiumfields]

*Second letter to sent in a package to the Fellowship of the Forgotten Flower*

My Lord Amastacia,

I have astounding news, master.

Within my travels with the Shevarashan Elorian I have come across a temple to Corellon Larethian deep within the King's Forest. In total I found four relics of considerable power. They are representative of the Father's dogma and they will be useful to my companions and myself in our travels as we find greater dangers and deeper mysteries on our path.

Item one:

Crystal Ball. The artifact is remarkably plain excepting one star sapphire.

Uniqueness: The relic brings the gift of clarity of sight in total darkness when the sapphire is depressed. The sapphire slowly raises back to it's rightful place after a day has passed. Such an item could only have been made to aid in the act of Dhaerow hunting.

Item two:

Musical Pipes. intricate carvings on the pipes tell the tale of birds meeting, falling in love and nesting together.

Uniqueness: Firstly, the quality of the pipes are such that when played the sound is utterly charming. Secondly there is a magical mechanism that enables one to better hide when still. This is significant for ambushing the Lolthites.


Item three:

Ceremonial Sword. The sword is inscribed with typical Elven decoration, the phrase "Fallanya el Filananca" (Beauty in Battle) on one blade and "Kaldar'Quiral" on the other. I believe this to be the sword's name. When wielded the sword has a grace of its own and I feel more centered with it in my grasp.

I have long used the sword staff and will use this gift to further our cause.

Item four:

The Holy Grail of Corellon Larethian.

This is perhaps the holiest of relics I have ever seen, master. It is a golden chalice that is beset with beljurils, diamonds, moonstones, star rubies and star sapphires. I tested its powers by pouring water into it and drinking the contents. I swear the water turned to wine and rejuvenated me considerably. I still feel bouyed hours later.

I shall ensure that my Seldarine brethren benefit from this Holiest of relics though it will not leave my person until it finds its way into your hands.

Other items:

Sent with this letter are several artifacts of notable quality. I hope they are fitting and perhaps able to find their way into the loving hands of the families they rightfully belong. If not then the Fellowship shall have memories of ancient familes to keep safe in its walls for all elves to admire and enjoy.

The most notable is a statue of obsidian. It looks to be Corellon Larethian and Sehanine Moonbow entwined in a joyful union. The piece is near two hands tall and most definitely a totem of fertility.

Others include fine examples of elven sculpture - a unicorn of solid silver, an elephant of soapstone and a lion made of solid gold. There are two examples of goblets; one silver, the other of copper with enameled decoration.

Lastly enclosed is a silver sculture, the likes of which I have seen. I am hoping you can ease my befuddlement and confirm it is elven. The lines and form suggest so, but there is no clear indication to preference of the Seldarine or any artistic style I have seen before.

In closing, Lord Quarion, I am so far successful in my tasking within Cormyr.


The light of the moon shall light our path,

Baradaedas Amanodel

[highknight]

A letter in reply:

Master Amanodel,

You are to be commended for finding so many relics in one fell swoop.

The crystal ball, magical pipes and ceremonial sword are impressive finds in their own right. I recommend that you hold onto those items, document any powers they demonstrate and forward them to me.

In terms of the Grail, that is a momentous discovery! I must ask, you say it rejuvenated you - how? What other powers does it possess? Keep it safe and report all to me.

The items you sent along will be examined and distributed appropriately. Your work so far is exemplary. Your search for the markers have yielded much information that will be useful. However, do not let your confidence distract you from your assignment.

Good luck, and I look forward to reading your reports on the artifacts,
Quarion Amastacia

[deadbeatbert]

Dear Diary,


I have returned to Cormyr to continue my search for relics and answers.

I am sated, happy and currently in mood for apples, which may land me in trouble with the law, should I not curb my excess. In the meantime I shall revel in my naughtiness in the law's sight.

Having found the proper homes of several artifacts I now find myself in slight conflict. A stunning Moon Elf, known as Angie, has a blade of considerable historical note taken from the flank of a great White Wyrm local to the region. A light sword with a shining sheen and a moonstone pommel. I should research its history and, if possible, return it to the original owner, but I believe it to be in quite capable de facto Elven hands and there is persuasive argument for de jure possession claims.


I have some archival information on hand and will see if any Elven temples have records within for me research. Should I find the truth of the sword's history I will document it in full and send missive to Lord Amastacia of my findings. If not I will send detailed notes to him with my judgement regarding the weapon.

Other discovered items of note -

A silver sculpting of the Unicorn Milweillan Irailman. circa 825 created by Auruewyn Calaudra.

An Ivory carving of a mermaid and Obsidian Bear statue. Both Waterdhavian in style and bearing the common script signature Sumnim: Waterdeep. Likely an artist settled in the area who spent a short while, 60-70 years learning the arts, as typical with our kin.

The Wenchening approaches. I must prepare with stretching a plenty.

[deadbeatbert]

I have begun my research into Angie's sword.

The Sword.

Initial inspection

An elegant weapon, clearly Elven in design. Forging and detailing styles are heavily reminiscent of the Moonelf Killeghymn dynast (People of the Forgotten Ways - Moonwood region) known to mainly forge spearheads, though several swords of renown are listed in Fellowship records.

Distinguishing marks -

Overall length - 35 1/2"

Blade length - 27 3/4"

Moonstone pommel setting. Initially thought to be a perfect cabachon design, but study of the rubbing made shows feint relief of some mostly indistinguishable words, but it does make reference to the new and full moon, perhaps indicating a ceremonial or ritual use.

Blade type appears to be an iridium steel variant, most likely learned from the Lake of Steam region. Talk with Ezren about forging techniques

Guard has been replaced, further suggesting conversion to practical use.

Grip cannot be determined and is certainly not original given its condition and the overall age of the piece.


Initial conclusions:

A splendid piece of art made functional over several centuries of practical use. At least seven hundred years old, with minor wear to the enchanted moonstone centerpiece.

Regardless of heritage, the sword shall remain in defacto ownership to the Moon Elf Ang'nuavia of Suzail (location to be determined, capital used in place of certainty), follower of Sehanine Moonbow. De facto ownership to be made de jure if circumstance of ownership, use and preservation is confirmed. Given the demeanour of the owner, this all but guaranteed. If no de jure claim present in records, I recommend entering de jure lineage claim to be created in the name of the Moon Elf Ang'nuavia of Suzail.

-copy sent to Quarion Amastacia-