Aria Blake: The Blue Book

[SlothfulCat]

*A simple blue leather backed book*

Hello, to you who may be reading this... I will thank you in advance for seeing that my remains are given the rites of death, and I hope that Tymora grants that youre able to provide a burial or pyre as well.

That youre reading my journal means one of two things, either it has left my possesion... or I am now dead, if the former please return it to me. You'll recognize me should you see me for I'm a bit less than five and a half feet tall with brown hair and eyes... I wear copper wired eyelenses... with any luck someone can tell you where to find Aria Blake... that being my name.

Should I be dead and beyond recovery to the land of the living I'd make the final request that my remains be burned and this book sent to Roland Blake the Jeweler of Athakala in Amn. Consider the coin and items of value on my person to be payment for this service.

[SlothfulCat]

I've entered Cormyr finally. Seems ages ago that father bribed the Cowled to save my life, that he sent me into this... chosen exile that I might persue the Art further. I'm here now however...

The first impression I have of the nation... is that it is far more subtle than Anthakala but not skilled at being so, for isntance... to charter as an adventurer you must pay a fee of a thousand of their lions... a hefty amount to be sure!... when they are extendign a call inviting adventurers in. Then you are provided with just enough payment to be chartered for doing the most mundane of tasks...

Smells to me like a way to make some revenue off wealthy adventurers while letting the poorer ones go by having danced on the string. I'd have not done it but that my time back home taught me you may need a dagger ready... which you can only have in Cormyr as a mercenary currently employed or an adventurer. Luckily two birds with one stone finds me also acknowledged to be a novice magi as well, hopefully protecting me from any further hassles later.

I still cannot quite understand the customs fully here among the adventurers but from what I can tell there are a number of them who have gone at least midly insane. There is also a fondness for loud arguements in public and there was oen woman who seemed to think she needed to fight everyone in town...

I myself think that the elf woman was really a man wearing one of those cursed belts trying to prove to himself he could still contend... with the ruckus he or she caused however I did make contact with a father and son who seem like good men. Radan and Tharden... I think that was the sons name. Radan suggested I might seek his wife, a redhead named Valla, as an instructor in the Art.

I'll have to do so, though I'm currently under employ by a woman named Fade who wishes to form a mercenary band to be her "Commander of the Mages". Given her complete and utter inability to protect herself let alone me I remain skeptical of where this will go and though I have yet to tell her, am rather sure she's suffering delusions of grandeur.

The rats here are huge... bigger than mother's dog.

[SlothfulCat]

I've made my first friend here today I think, a dwarf by the name of Kyrion a warrior who follows the path of Gorm... given the similarity in name and the way he spoke I suspect this Gorm is much like the human god, Torm... though with a bit more of a Helmish sprinkling.

I have decided though that the party I met him with are not ones to keep company with, the group leaving behind three of us and looting a sealed elven sarcophigus. Would but that I had the power to force my will I'd have forced them to put back whatever it was they took... yet I didnt even bother to speak for no sooner had they violated the coffin than they were moving onward.

Onward! Onward! Onward!

Charge us forth
thirty and one orcs in a single day
Our fierce leader, common sense betrayed
Discipline to the wind, like hounds they bay
Eager for their hunt, they found their numbers slayed.

[SlothfulCat]

Even the most careful expidetions can go wrong... and given I'd rather not dwell with them in mind this late in the eve I simply log here that I wish well and hope the safe journey of fallen companions to compasionate priests.

Of interest this day though, I entered into the ruins on the east of town with a group of elves. Apparently a number of them were unuse to havign educated humans about, however I disillusioned them as to my ignorance of their language, informing the one fellow who asked why "the human" was along that I was there to learn the trade from such finely skilled elves. He didnt appreciate the sarcasam or wit, however I seemed to win the protection of one Quin in my time there and the appreciation of others.

Among us was that Ania woman, who seems to have calmed herself enough to act reasonably, though she still has the manners of a pig, as one fellow put it.

My experience with bartering as the daughter of a merchant found me in charge of wranglign with the plunder we brought out of that place, and I managed to secure two hundred adn thirty one lions for each of us. Perhaps I should keep in mind not to neglect such skills or even hone them some as a way to support my studies... after all I'm sure a skilled barterer could take a fair cut of what they earned extra as a fee... say 25% of the coin gained over the base value initially offered tot he items owner by the merchants.

I've not seen Jade and can only assume she is dead... cannot say it would suprise me to learn such.

[SlothfulCat]

I've spent the past few days in study, and trying to digest what I've learned in fighting... seems theres no hard and fast best thing for me to do. Perhaps that will change as my power grows...

Then again Its hard to learn to my spellcraft as a battlemage when I can barely gain bodyguards for a journey between towns... come to think of it I've yet to make a journey where my bodyguard didnt fall.

[SlothfulCat]

Its with relief that I can say Kyrion lives on and is more viable in a battle than ever... then again so am I it seems... I find myself more easily preparing more spells than ever before... t'will not be long now, I've been crawling in my studies... soon soon I will walk... and after that may I be a tireless runner.

Made a hefty amount from the kobolds with Kyrion as well, should purchase a few scrolls for my studies... truth be told its becoming increasingly agrivating trying to sell myself off as a broker here... everyone thinks I'm trying to swindel them for some reason... ahh well, I can still aid my companions against the cheats that run the shoppes in these cities.

Kyrion... gave me a troublesome gift... the power in this scroll... I could lay waste to half Isingale if I chose... kill thousands in a larger city... I'm... moved he felt I was the wizard he could trust as its keeper.

[SlothfulCat]

I've casted my first fireballs yesterday... it was... terrifying in a good way to see the kind of.. explosion I can unleash now. I do need to work on my aim however, nearly roasted Entori's shoulder and panther with it.

I've joined the ranks of the journeyman magi however, and it is an accomplishment I've mastered in less time than it takes many to leave their apprenticeships! I'll have to write home to father when I've the coin to ensure the letter's delivery and tell him the good news.

[SlothfulCat]

Slew a huge purple worm in the middle of town today... with a ray of frost no less. Quite the experience... though truth be told I was terrified out of my wits and made Torq escort me out of teh city as quickly as I could get him to leave, having no desire to remain and see another one. We journied out to the Thayan Enclave... good prices for trading, I'll have to keep any items of real value I find for bartering to them... .tired of letting Garrot rob me.

[SlothfulCat]

A pair of disasterous trips with a fair one between in these past days... hard to believe I made it out of either of them alive. Alas, but I think perhaps my luck is falling out in odd ways.

I havent seen Hoot in a few days and begin to worry about him thoguh I've now seen sir Yven so at least I know he made it away from the orcs okay. Suppose I should consider today a lesson though, but how was I to know the fellows were so green? I dont overly regret the elf's death, for he was acting the fool for a while... much like Desin, giving plunder attention mid batte when his bow was needed... his running ahead may have been what cost Joseph his life, I do not know as I was struck in the head with a sling rock and blacked out a time... when I awoke Joseph and the elf were dead and the gnome was trying to keep herself together. The gnome and I made it out... somehow... Mystra but my wounds ache still thugh healed over.

The Thayan's do have a nice inn though, suppose a nation of mages would have good feather matresses and down pillows in the local inn.

[SlothfulCat]

I've taken more often to venturing with Hoot in Kyrion's absences, and it appears he has taken more in mind than friendship and comrade. Not sure what to do with that, particularly with Maxwell in the same mind as Hoot.

Seems there is ever more to be seen in this land though, each day some new threat is shown... one that there simply isnt the manpower among the Purple Dragons to remove.

Father would laught to see me now, his proper daughter running about in pants half the time, throwing fireballs around and letting boys kiss her.... my stepmother would strangle me... slowly.

[SlothfulCat]

Grr.... That man! Adele my hat is tipped and this sounds my solute to you! Spoiled brat hit it well... well the attitude perhaps... the moody... I dont even have the word... Thowing a weeklong fit over me stabbign a bloody worg! It wasnt even looking at me! How am I suppose to learn to protect myself when he isnt about? I cant always throw a fireball, and considering the number of times I find myself with more people than spells I have to protect them... I refuse to watch a fight and not help, if I wanted to do that I could simply watch from the roof of the farmhouse south of Isinhold's gate!

To top it off... sewers! I was so sick the whole time.... my stomach just wanted to empty itself so bad.. bloody Suzial... it smelled worse than the kobold's lair down there. Thugs with poisen coated blades slashing at senews, puddles of... ick... with refuse rotting inside of them.... rat's the size of dogs... what does cormyr feed the things?... just... ick... ug... yuck... I didn tleave home and travel all this way to crawl through a sewer! I'm now a competent battle mage... I'm getting better with my buckler... almost enough to use it in a fight... the last thing I should be doing is making myself ill going through some filthy sewer... grr... that man! "I'm so big and brawny, and manly! I crawled through ehre bleeding to death!" Woo bloody hoo.

On top of it all the man had the nerve not to bathe the entire trip back from Redmist... I mean... truely.... its incredible the merchants with the caravan didnt revoke his passage and leave him on the road.

I'd turn him into that proverbial toad except I cannot immagine what he'd do to the poor females!

[SlothfulCat]

Hoot, you idiot. You were a friend... and now some imbecile has taken over the body that use to be you. I can only hope my friend comes back. For now though... I heed Kyrion's wish and be both wary aroudn Hoot and avoid places of danger with him... he's just too unstable to be trusted. Then again, after finding him running about naked and armless outside of Isinhold I was prepared to defend myself and the others from him with final spell.

The good news is that I have Liadan's suprise now, Helgrin outdid himself with it... I hope it will help her as much as I thought it would.

[SlothfulCat]

*A letter sent by whatever means availible to Roland Blake of Amn at Eye's Delight Jewelry in Athkala*

Dear Papa,

I arrived in Cormyr without incident though the carriage I made the journey in found me seated across from two old men.... one a Banite and the other or Tormite... I dont know weither it is a blessing or a curse that they were too feable with age to end each other as they argued the entire journey to the border.

Since arriving my skill with the magic has grown tremendously... the tutor was worth every silver makr you paid him... for now that I can freely practice the spells I studied so long it is as though relearning something I'd forgotten. I'm sure you'd be proud of me for all you dont approve of the direction I've chosen to take my magical studies... though I will say again Papa, that there is no reason for me to spend all my life studying magic when I could exceed such power in a decade as a battle-mage.

The other adventurers in town seem a friendly bunch for the most part... many even smile on half-orcs and necromancers of all things! Though, I'll confess I see a disturbing amount of undress among some of the women. It makes me wonder if perhaps I might not further fund my studies by opening a brothel. I'll have to look into the legality of such.

I've made a number of aquatinces, among them as friends I count Kryion Rhek, Liadan of Lathandar, and an aged swordsmen by name of Lauro.

Kryion is a dwarf... a bit grumpy as you'd imagine but he has a kind soul and a caring way about him. A strong warrior and faithful of Gorm... he protects me Papa now that I'm too far for you to and is teaching me to protect myself better.

Liadan serves Lathandar as a priestess, and I must say i do not know as much about her as I should, however there is soemthing about her that makes me trust her, and she is a kind soul. I've managed to secure quite the suprise for her with Kyrion's aid... you'd be pleasently suprised at how I loosened my pursestrings.... I know you think me greedy at times Papa.

Lauro... Lauro lost his family when Arabel fell, he's a superb swordsmen dispite his age however and has rescued me from my end mor ethan once. he's a noble man in spirit... at first I mistook him to be a knight... and he seems to be a potential guiding hand as I make my way here... though I've also seen him charge into certain death... I'm envious of such bravery... and at the same time afraid of it... I mean... what sort of willing madness does it take to do that?

I hope your wife's babes were born healthy, and please give Mina my best regaurds. I miss you Papa, and all my family... but know that I'll come home to you some day... and when I do you'll never have to worry about my well being the way you have since that attack long ago.

your loving daughter, Aria.

[SlothfulCat]

Well, it seems now that Hoot has extracted himself from me he is on the mend... I'll give it a bit more time and then try to reattach our friendship, I feel guilty avoiding him like this and being distant... but I've a feeling its what's needed for him. Oddball.

Maxwell was at it again not long ago.. this time attack an unarmed man in the inn... yess the fellow was a Banite... a Zent champion no less... but still, not what sort of behavior I'd expect from a paladin.. I'm going to start carrying Hold Person in town. At least against the horrid name Maxwell is making for Torm and the other paladins Yven does well... Even Yven doesnt understand what Maxwell is doing... nor his need to fight to the bitter end with every battle. Alas, at least Maxwell seems to understand I dont hold him in the same light I once did... what is it about having interest in me that Drove Maxwell and Hoot into the depths of idiocy?

Of late though, I've spent long spands of time alone with each of the others but Elyl. First Kyrion, then Liadan... and most recently Ott. Its been enjoyable, Kyrion and I's travels took us no where new, but it felt good to have his company.. he even didnt get cranky to see me using my dagger when it was more logical than the sling. Liadan and I made our way from Suzial out to Immersea, I tried to visit with her... but she wanted to go out to THunderstone... and seemed a bit... upset when I inquired of her faith and its source... Ott and I journied all the way from Isinhold to Thunderstone after some things I saw... to say the least we made a small fortune along the way poking our noses into the dangers we encountered. We met Helgrin in the inn, he told us again the sad tale of the dwarven clan nearly beseiged by drow... who have sought his help, I offered my own abilities, and he accepted... Lets hope there is something to be done.

I'm back in redmist now, and after my respite with Ott fully ready to continue meeting those filthy necromancers with head held high and stance firmly planted.

[SlothfulCat]

Oye. That sums it up nicely I think... Oye.

Celith seems to be serving a diety he wont name, given his associations I informed him that he'll have no help in any form from me... he took it better than I expected, no long drawnout speaches cursing my morals as evil. In returned I didnt kill his familiar on sight as I normally would... hellhound... pha!

A party consisting of myself Vurlo, Tenaes and Celith were to head into the second layer of the crypts in Redmist... a dangerous enterprise but I trust Vrulo's capacity for battle nearly as much as Kyrion's. Somehow along the way Meri and Deldur were attached... it proved a disasterous move, the pair of them falling dead within the first chamber... unsuprisingly with Deldur. I'm still mildly irritated I was forced to endure the scum's company without my consent... or anyone's being asked before he joined us. After encountering a Hin... Drorry I found later... our expedition quickly slipped downhill... in the end only Tenaes and myself made it out alive. I stayed as long as I could for Vrulo... but Celith's ill-timed fireball tipped the battle fully to the skeletons and I was forced to flee as Vrulo fell. By some chance of luck, Vrulo has been recovered and is alive... if not well quite yet.

Drorry... this single encounter has successfully made me somewhat paranoid about my belongings... I'm careful with my things... and with my money... he seemed to find things we dropped /far/ too often for comfort. I didnt trust him with my money... and his reluctance to tell us what he knew of Chril's louts both frightens me and convinces me he's not to be trusted as far as Meri, if she were alive, could throw him. The others didnt handle his atempt at profit well, threatening him and causing him to clam up. Suppose that is the price I pay.... that and the bottle of alchemist fire that is missing from my things, could be worse.

Chril... now this is a troubling thing to think on. Apparently the fellow is part of some sort of "gang" sounds more like a pack similar to the necromancers that are not entirely incompetent asses... if no brighter for having fellows among their number that attack purple dragons. Vrulo tried to arrest the fellow in Redmist... and met refusal with violence... Vrulo nearly had him when the curr ran for it... Vrulo gave chase... not knowing at the time I was reluctant to or I could have stopped it there... however Liadan chased after them and I couldnt let her go alone incase Vrulo was overwhelmed... so we made quite the sight down the street of redmist.... a bleeding human with an unholy blade persued by an oryan in full armor and a sword the size of a gnome chased in turn by a garliously clad dawnbringer and then myself bringing up the rear in my hat and mug of ale in hand.

In the end though, Chril decided not to escape but rather than turning on Vrulo he instead turned on Liadan... I'd been trying to stay out of it... anyone weilding a blade like that must have powerful... dark friends... but I wasnt about to let him kill her since Liadan still hasnt learned the first art of running away is to /never/ turn your back on a rogue. A single spell dropped him... I learned later Entori failed twice with the same spell... I dont know weither its luck or my focus more on skill than quickly aquiring power... or perhaps a combination of both... but it ended. I was rewarded generously and the War Wizard said the recruiters would hear of my deed... I can just hope it helps tilt the scales into my favour.

If I dont get accepted I may have to flee the kingdom... I'm making a steadily growing lists of enemies.. ones I dont even know or dream of I'm sure... now that I've thrown my caution in my conduct towards others of skill to the wind in the name of the Crown and proving myself worthy of serving it. I look back and at times miss who my father and stepmother had made me when I first arrived... I highly doubt that quiet reserved girl interested mostly in being able to practice her magic would have to fear the posibilties the woman she's become does.

I need to write home... but do I make my farewells just incase... or do my best to ease my father's worries? I do not know... maybe Liadan can help me decide.

[SlothfulCat]

"Oye" is making a good slogan for me I think. I've caught some sort of cold, making it rather difficult for any extended concentration. You reading this, no i'm not dying.... but if I have please return the book as stated in the first passage, if I'm alive... please find that this comes back to me, there will be a reward in gold.

That asside, Hoot may finally be calming now... I didnt want to do what I did... I enjoyed his attention... it made me feel like I could compare to the brainless half-naked ninnies about here... but, playing about with his emotions is wrong and I'll not have him chasing me when I've no interest in persuing such.

Yven's new sword is serving him well, and Liadan's new horse seems to be docile enough for her.... things are bright on this front... Kyrion has returned! Even if he doesnt like my violin playing.

Alas, Kelric has been recently promoted to swordcaptain... and on his advice i'll be booting Sharita in the back-end to put in the referal so I can begin my trials. Shes a paladin so I know she didnt intentionally lie, she's just busy.

Still sickens me how necromancers are accepted because they dont have any standards, ethics, or moralities to interfer with whatever people wish to do. Gods damn paladins and anyone else to the hells that have the nerve to believe in something past their genitials and coinpurses! The adventurers of Cormyr have spoken!

Sadly it seems Liadan after her time spent in company with the necromancers is dancing that line of moving to such acceptance... the paladins were a bit harsher with her than necessary... but hells... you play the game, when you break the rules your fingers get slapped for cheating... at least she hasnt had to fold her hand yet.

Yven is sweet, and level headed for the most part for all he takes risks beyond his means... there may be something there in the future. I and Kelric have both suggested he enlist, he needs something... his drive to fulfil his vows moves him to deeds... and the filth that walks free in the kingdom tantilizes him to deliver them upon the judgement of the Just God. I symphathize with him perhaps more than I should... but then... Cormyr seems to be loosing sight of doing what is best for its people being the most important reason the laws are in place.

I'm begining to think Elyl was a mistake, the supposed archer he claimed to be a passing fancy.... else why would he insist on using blade so much more than bow?

[Savage]

*a letter arrives at the Inn of Redmist addressed to Aria from her father...*

My Dearest Aria,

Sunshine, my beloved child my heart leapt for joy on the arrival of your letter.

While I have my reservations about the life you have chosen, know that I am proud of you. I also want you to know that if your mother where alive this day she would be bursting with pride over the woman you have become.

I would much prefer you to come home and practice the magic of enchantments and assist me with the shop. I don’t see why a daughter of Amn would feel the need to be a battle-mage for Cormyr. I would lecture you on the foolishness of choosing the quick path to magical power by challenging the perils of a battle-mage but I fear my words would fall on deaf ears. I am reassured that you are smart enough to manage each battle with your mothers fore thought and my common sense.

The shop has been providing for our needs but only just that much. To that end I have made no significant progress on the debt I owe your tutor. He has been kinder than the other debt collectors who come on regular basis and the meager payments I make keeps them at bay for the time being.

Your eldest brother was mugged and savagely beaten by a pair of half-orc bandits. He has made a complete recovery but the cost of his healing supplies burned through most of the profits that I had manage to keep from the debt collectors these past few months. The attack on your half-brother reopened many painful memories of that night and as a result I have been deeply depressed. It is this depression that has affected my work and caused the shop to slow.

Your letter was just the thing I need to lift me up. It was just like that first spell you learned, the one to produce light. The light of your letter has lifted my spirits and turned our misfortunes on the coin. The day I received it I spent all the silver I had with me at the florist and I placed a huge array of flower out side the shop. Everyone stopped to ask what the fuss was about and I cried as I told him or her of my joy at hearing you are well. The joy was infectious and I sold more works in the last ten-day since the letter arrived than I had in the past four ten-day combined! I look forward to getting back to the shop and I have created a work for you when you return that is the pride of all my works. It is on display in the shop and I have turned down offers for more than ten times its worth! I look favorably toward the coming weeks and suspect business will be good.

Being of great joy I took a small part of my winnings and gambled a bit. Please don’t lecture an old man on his habits but I tell you I managed to double what I wagered.

All the others children are doing well and we are proud of all and each one. The babies are healthy and whine for their mother endlessly. Your eldest sister has been the source of a little concern of late as she has become very fond of a boy we don’t really care for, its not that he is bad young man but he lacks the sense of a pack ox. That being said I am glad you find yourself with a few good companions in what sounds like rough place. I found only one thing lacking in your letter. You made no mention anyone who held your affections and as such I hope you are happy. You know I trust your judgment in finding love. I do wish my daughter to feel the love I have known. I wish for her to not fear to take a man for her own. Oye, please choose more wisely that your sisters though.

Mina and I have argued a little of late with the pressures and all but these last few days we have been as newly weds and house is filled again with joy. It is with that Joy that I look forward to your return home.

Love,
Papa

[SlothfulCat]

I'm not quite sure what is going wrong of late but the world is turned upside down. Adelius and I joke and are easy in each other's company while Liadan is snippity and takes offense at every minor thing. She's been under alot of stress though lately... I can only hope that given time she'll come to terms with herself and me.

I havent seen Yven since Immersea... kind of miss him, but I did get some time alone with Kyrion! Its good to see him again, I just wish I had better news for him.

I need to write to papa soon, but what to put in it? I never did ask Liadan... I dont know if shes of mind to talk to me now though. His letter reminded me though, that I plan to go home to him someday... and I cant do that if I'm fighting too many battles.

[SlothfulCat]

Nearly forgot I had this thing until I cleaned out my pack... I still haven't written Papa. What to write? Where to start? What even to put down here?

I spoke to Vin'duil about my trials, he says I need to talk to Vestra for a sponsorship first. Suppose the Dragons arent use to dealing with apprentices. I was cautioned to keep ready at any time though, and I will do my best to do so. Just thinking of it I get this feeling of butterflies in my stomach.

I've been all about of late, learning some of the passes through the Stormhorns, challening the orogs outside of Immersea, traveling nearly abandoned roads as I get opportunity to.

I look at myself when I came here: Quiet, modestly dressed, wearing dresses... delicate even. Barely able to cast a few first circle spells. Scared of the dark, scared of the half-orcs, scared of battles. ALl I wanted was to lay low and study my magic, maybe adventure for practice only from safe distances and broker things to fund my studies... maybe have even taking up as a teacher.

I look at myself now: Flamboyant, pants and armor... tough, even without the magic I'm no frail reed these days, I'm slowly edging towards mastering my first few seventh circle spells. While I'm still scared of the dark, half-orcs do not put ice in my stomach as they once did.. I even met a pair of them I can respect in a fashion... I'm not fond... and some of the more foreward ones startle me... but I'm getting over it, slowly... I should... I can slay giants with a wave of a hand now. Where I once shied away from battle I now charge in as often as use a bow... sword and buckler swinging. I think I've become a tomboy in my own way. And now... here I am... I've ammased a fortune... I wear it, in my attire of magical aids... seeking to become a War Wizard as a foreigner. Hells... I'm even working for free these days and giving charity... granted small charity... but charity none the less. Torm gets my prayers now instead of Mystra.

All I can do is ask myself... how? How have I changed so?
It all goes back to meeting Kyrion I think. Traveling with him... for the first time in a fight I felt safe... I even swung that staff of mine for more than show with him. He's taught me the importance of guarding others... shown me how to protect myself. Then there was Hoot.. who showed me again I could be both a woman and a wizard... and who helped me believe that I could truely make a difference in my own right, not just endowing others. Lauro, who taught me the courage to face down certain death while mantaining sense to run when needed (not that he seems to remember the later these days). Liadan, who taught me to look at someone, and /feel/ for them... not just think that I should.

I cant help but wonder where I would be without these people, my first friends here.

Alas, I find myself missing Yven again.

[SlothfulCat]

I think I finally understand why Papa gambles.

Its FUN! And well, you can make a fortune at it too... but its more the fun... and the lack of things trying to cut your head off.

Went out to Thunderstone with Jinx and Yven... later joined by Entori... and spent the night at the blackjack table... this is after a bout of gambling for me elsewhere... I ended up nearly 11000 lions... Papa would be proud of that I think... though near the end of the time at the table in Thunderstone the alcohol had caught up with me I think... dont know why else I'd have wagered waht I did, ended the night there down 2000 lions when I'd been up as much as 3000 lions previously. Still... 11000 lions, without a bit of combat... quite well played if I do say so myself!

I need to talk to Entori about these rings.. I've nearly enough for a more powerful one and I'd rather sell him my old than resell it to the shopkeep... or another wizard for that matter.


Maybe more of these rings will keep me from showboating and doing something stupid... like appologizing to Deldur... I /know/ he's lying... but alas... I said what I said... so only when he raises the undead does he prove himself the decieving liar he is. Damn me though... now I have to be nice to him for all I far from trust him.

A necromancer seeking redemption? Its not like it is a decision he made in the heat of the moment... and he isnt offering to erase his undead creation spells from his book. I sencerly hope though that the elven gods to not accept him back... for once... I'd love to see someone's actions hold consequences since coming to this land. Murder, torture, dark faiths... enemy alliances... all brushed off. The elven gods though... should be beyond corruption... and I can only hope so very stern with Deldur's attempts.

It rather astounds me what I've seen coming here though... everywhere I traveled on my way here... even back home where one in ten may have orcish blood... the half-monsters are reviled. I simply dont understand the acceptance of them here.... of all places... and well.. the general tolerance of the adventuring populace in general.

I know we are all strange... you'd have to be to do what we do... but elves defending exiles? Alturistic idealists dedicated to aiding the suffering sticking up for necromancers? Dwarves chiding over half-orcs recieving harsh tongues when they've yet to prove themselves as more than slighlty man-shapped orcs? Sunites killing people for swating a butterfly?

It seems to me the adventurers of cormyr are commited to turning the world on its head in a way no mad archmage ever would think to do. Its astounding... even to me when I defy reality and the possible with what is gradually become ever more ease.

Ethics, Morals, standards, traditions, justice, common sense, rationality... at least I know where I can find these things, I can only wish that it was more easily done.

And I have to remember... I'm the badguy for thinking Jane should cover her nethers where little Joseph can see her and for thinkign that KrinklenosedSmellsalot the Half-orc who never washes the blood from his axe should need to prove he's not just a blood thirsty imbecile before being trusted in towns admid the helpless... and for thinking that choosing a dark path full of vileness and crimes against all that is good and right is something that the chooser should be acounted for.

Bah... I think I know what to leave out of that letter to Papa.

[SlothfulCat]

Bloody Redmist.

Sometimes I hate being right.

[SlothfulCat]

News reached Isinhold today that Redmist has been granted independence. Have to say I'm glad to hear this... the time is months passed when the issue could have been resolved with the Crown being in full control and the city becoming a loyal part of the kingdom. I hope I can now look foreward to the men deployed at Redmist to be shuffled to a more productive task, breaking the orc barricades north of Suzial would be a fine start, or easing the noose around Delduk... or evenin being repositioned near Isinhold.

At any rate, goodbye and good ridence to that city of fools, may their new lord choke on his mess and the people come to their senses enough to return to the Crown's keeping.

On another note Isinhold's long overdue demon poping into the middle of town finally showed up. Annoying, but delt with quickly. Seeing as it was dropped no more than three feet from me however I've retired to Skull Crag... I'll be heading back soon though. I've potions and healing supplies to sell... Khondar better be around, I'm starting to loose money for not hawking the kits myself.

[SlothfulCat]

Sharita has retired from her position as Oversword of the Corps... I have to say I'm at once disappointed in her and proud of her. At least now I can hold some small hope she'll unleash her prowess more liberally against the evils that plague this land.

Apparently the Corps' former Oversword will be retaking his post, I both look foreward and dread meeting him. I somehow doubt that he will be as easy going as Sharita... however perhaps he will suprise me. Sharita suggested I hold my humor in check with him however.... and Zakhary assured me this doesnt mean I have to start all over again with my trials.

on a minor note, on my way back to Suzial today Lucious attacked me after I found him summoning undead. I killed him but the body was gone when I returned with soemoen to carry it for me. I'm not overly supprised, but am glad that he has finally shown the colors I've long expected him to hold.

[SlothfulCat]

*A letter sent by whatever means availible to Roland Blake of Amn at Eye's Delight Jewelry in Athkala*

Dear Papa,

I appologize its been so long since I've written, I wish I could say it was because I was busy... however I can say it wasn't because I was hiding! I simply wanted one event to finish before writting you... and then another event would occur that I wanted to resolve before writing you and so forth... however I've such news Papa that I now just have to write.

I will say Papa that you shoud be ashamed to jesting so in youre last letter, I know you and I know how your business is thriving... and please do not make such a fuss of me for I am no more successful than the others, I've simply chosen a different path and I do not want my brothers and sisters to become cross with me for the extra attention.

Minor news first though, I know you never really understood some of my choices in life... but I do hope you can understand this one. I challenged your wishes choosing Mystra to attend with worship instead of Waukeen, however I must now write you that I've changed my faith again. I now offer my prayers and regular tithes to Torm. In my new path I simply could no longer look to magic in and of itself as the end, the reason. Torm's teachings grant me the deeper things I wanted when I turned to Mystra, and I am happily his layworshiper now. I know how you feel about Torm because of Mina's father... but please, do not let the personal dislike cloud your eyes of such a god.

Shortly following my converstion, Kyrion began training me in the use of some lighter armors... I'd found in battle that cloth robes simply were not enough when the enemy used arrows and I needed to get close to danger to help friends. Do not worry that I am being exceedingly risk taking... for I've been training with some of the finest swordsmen in the lands, picking up the skills of defesnive swordfighting while I use a buckler to help guard me.

I've also for long now offered my brokering skills in exchange for a small portion of what I earn those who hire me, sadly of late this sort of income has dried up as others, who do not have my skill, have began giving such services for free. However, one of the adventurer-peddlers of the region has gone out of business to resume his combative lifestyle... in his stead I have begun selling various poitons and supplies to adventurers, I do have a few competitors, however I do well enough for being more oft availible, and while my prices are not the lowest, they are fair and cheaper for the majority than dealing directly with temples.

... and I'd never lecture you about gambling! I have found a blackjack habit that so far has easily matched my income from adventuring, alot of my current equipment has been payed for with coin from such source.

I also have my own cult as an ongoing joke... dont worry, its well known to be a harmless prank... but the look on the faces of those it is new to is priceless... Hail Feather! God of the Cult of Hat and his Keeper! Now make with the tribute! *sketch of a grinning face*

Finally, my biggest news. In the intervining months since arriving here I've been training to be something more than just a battlemage and I'm proud to announce to you that I've recently been accepted among the Brotherhood of War Wizards. I know you know of them. I've been granted the starting rank of Neomage, and assigned with other former adventurers to the Royal Monster Hunter Corps out of Thunderstone under the command of Oversword Faril. I now am among the elite of the military... I can only hope you are proud and see that I am now safer than I was as a random wizard exploring caves Papa.

I have to say... that as of yet the kingdom is not stable enough for me to feel comfortable for others of the family to join me unless they wish to come enlist, however, It is my hope to one day send you a letter saying I've found a fitting spot of land... and your business can expand to include a city of Cormyr as well as Athkalta.

Enough of me though... Chra is as fat as ever yes before you ask...

How is the family? I miss them, never thought I'd say this but I even miss the little ones turning my organized mess into a disorganized one. I have to ask now... and its very important that you tell me the truth... is my room left how it was? I know when I left you said it would be kept for me and left unchanged. I cannot tell you why I ask right now... but I truely hope you have been able to keep it.

You have my love Papa and please extend it to my brothers and sisters... and give Mina my regaurds... you have to tell me what the babes were named in your next letter....

Your loving daughter, Aria

[SlothfulCat]

Seems all sorts of trouble is recentering around Isinhold of late... abyssal portals, dragons, Redmist... Ranan... nearly makes me think there are gods that have cursed the flyspeck village.

I've had a new squire assigned under me, Kasur... he seems a good man, though I think I have alot to teach him he may be the only one of the squires who truely understands the nature of the relationship between the Dragons and the Crown.

In other news, Rodan is still on the loose, last sighting of him he'd attacked Entori again. I need to find that un-named priest who aids him, if we can cut out his support he may crumble as well... perhaps even learn what dark ritual he underwent to awaken his power so quickly.

On the upside, Vestele was able to make use of the ring I purchased from Yulena, and Rasan and I had a pleasent chat in Skull Crag... other than Phelzaron poping up it was blissfully quiet there, a welcomed change.... though I will say my feet are starting to itch... I've not traveled any new paths, nor even dangerous ones in some time... maybe Lunitari and I can find a few others and go see that island.

[SlothfulCat]

... bloody Beloril.

He wants to call down upon me as a liar and self-serving power-abusive wench... yet he refuses to hear truth when it is spoken, believes what he wants to, and lays decietful paths of the tongue.

Suppose sometimes it takes one to pretend another is one.

In any event I've offered Masambe an appology in the chance that he is not an ally to Ranan and the Zhents... but I find itdoubtful that neither he nor any of the Mantis betrayed us. There can be no other way for them to know that Ranan fell so deep in the Mantis' home, before the temple itself. Given I was never adressed as a War Wizard in Masambe's presence though I can only conclude Ranan or another spoke of who was approaching to him; really... all the cards stack that there is a traitor or spy invovled among the Mantis...

but I'm not bloody justified in questioning them! Really paints them as guilty.

Told Beloril however, I just bloody want to work to my ends, the same damn ones he works to... in peace without being eternally harasssed. He threatened me to not challenge him again,... bah! If the elf was going to fight over me having the backbone to challenge his muck-flinging he would have done it. My only worry is that his "honour" will lead him to shooting me in the back repeatedly rather than face me. Find it bloody iritating that someone who could be such an ally is isntead a short-sighted hothead who weighs more in giving people undeserved respect than deeds.

The whole lot who hold that view... fools to a man. Worse than Ranan am I? His hands have the blood of children and heroes on them! What have I done? Called an old man to question for the circumstances he had control over, call women to account for dressing in a manner only appropriate for inside the walls of the home and brothels, oh... and held men like Ranan and Rodan accountable for their actions!

I am so evil.

Some people are so blind.

Torm give me the patience and may Waukeen take the eyes of the next one that wants to harass me for making a profit.

[Savage]

*a letter arrives at the War Wizards tower in Suzail addressed to Aria from her father...*

My Dearest Aria,

Sunshine, my beloved child, Your last letter had reached me and again I am filled with joy to hear from you again.

Your letter does in fact find us in good tidings and I will admit I did try to make things seem perhaps a tad worse here than they really are. Can you blame a father for using parental guilt to beguile his daughter to return home? My only excuse for the behavior is that we do miss you terribly. Your brothers and sister gathered around when I read aloud your last letter home. They all assured both you and me that they hold no ill tidings and are as equally proud of you as I am.

As, for the news of your changes in faith I respect you as a grown woman capable of choosing for her self and I will try my best to reserve judgment. I will attest that I still struggle with the reasons why a child of Amn would see the need to serve Cormyr and now I will also seek peace with your choices of faith. I love you, daughter regardless of your faith, but that does not mean I am pleased, simply accepting you for who your are becoming.

How can you wear armor in a dress? Child the thought of you toe to toe with someone intent on killing you does grieve me. I would beg that you do not take undue risks, but I know also that one cannot sit and watch their friends face danger and do nothing. You are too courageous for that. Temper your courage with common sense and I will pray to Waukeen, Mystra, and even Torm to watch over you. (Though I might not like it.)

Brokering and trade will lead to an honest income. Perhaps even to the life of merchant and as such I am pleased to see you still honor your family heritage in this way. Remember my words; “Be shrewd and fair but when you have to choose between shrewd or fair, error on the side of fairness and your business will thrive.”

Mind you the lure of gambling. You have a keen head and as such your can calculate the likely hood of true profit from gambling. We had to sit your brother, Aron, down and chide his loose gambling ways. It was not pleasant but we are proud of him now that he seems to have regained control and stopped his abhorred behavior.

As for the Cult jest, it must truly be something one must be present to enjoy. I found no humor in it. However this tribute you speak of might be worth hearing more about.

The family is well, I asked each of your brothers and sister to scribe a few words and put them in this letter. Each seems content to let me express on their behalf how much they love and miss you also. The little ones are doing well and continue to grow. My youngest son we named Ariyon, and Mina named my youngest daughter after her grand mother, Sophenia. When the babies got old enough to remove from the crib beside our bed we did think to lay claim to your room to make it a new for the babies. However Aron in taking responsibility of him self has moved out of our home and now boards at the place of his employment. Since his room was empty we claimed it for the babies instead, leaving your exactly as it was when you left with the exception of a few gifts of good will which lie on your bed waiting your return.

Please my child be safe and know that a father pride and love are projected from Amn to the whereever you find yourself. Know also that you can always come home and be meet with open arms and admiration.

Love,
Papa

[SlothfulCat]

Sanity has demanded I being relegating moreof my time to my less public duties. I can barely stand to go into Isinhold anymore, for all it is a splendid breeding ground for finding new squires... but I am unsure of just how much more of the menial barrage of "youwe mean" and other garbage I can take before I loose my temper. I wont let the idiots spark me to an action I do not wish to take, so I have chosen to keep to the east. It is peaceful in an odd way... at least the only thing the orcs near arabel or the goblins in the hullack say is "rawh!" that i can understand. A few close calls, but still easier to fight with spells than try to drag a mule to water let alone making it drink.

Of course I could do without my regular appointments at the Tower... Kelric will never appreciate what it is like teaching people who can pull rank and do so at will.

[SlothfulCat]

Kyrion finally gave this back to me... not that I can use it as an excuse. Flipping through the pages before this one... I can see I have changed. I have failed promises I made myself... and I never did send Papa that letter I wanted to. I find it odd, looking on the passages here... all the... rattling that went on back then.. and yet I'd give every bit of my power to return to that time. The Dominion is closing in... I need to send Papa a letter, I dont know how much longer I'll have before its too late... I think Grandfather would have been proud of me... even now its not entering my mind to pull up stakes, and flee the kingdom.

Oh and Beloril still diserves "bloody", the necromancers are still pigs, I still dont like that Mantis lot... carrot cake in Espar is as good as ever, and adventurers are still upside down adn backwards.

[SlothfulCat]

*Aria sits on the roof of the Thunderstone outpost flipping back and forth throught the pages snickering at some and sighing at others* "Why did I ever stop writing in here? It use to make me feel better."

*she makes a note under the last entry* It is time to pick up the pen in here again, I'm older.. wiser, I hope. More powerful. Yet its come at the price of happiness. Perhaps I can recapture a part of what was in these pages and bring it back to the present.