Aramis The Ranger

[tbone]

The journal of one Aramis Bravesoul - Farmer, Hunter, and Woodsman. The text, while not exactly the flowing script of a sage or scholar, is certainly legible and neat.

I have arrived in the village of Isinhold this day. I do not know why... I don't feel that I chose Isinhold so much as it chose me. I had been on the road for... I don't know. Days? Weeks maybe? Navigating the Hullack Forest was slow-going. I had to hide from Hobgoblins and Gnolls for what seemed like hours at a time. Probably the same Hobgoblins...

I know it's been weeks since they came, but it still feels like only yesterday. I was out in the forest hunting deer for dinner when I saw the smoke. I rushed back to the home.. my home.. to see it burning to the ground, my family lying dead on the soft green grass. I saw the Hobgoblin Raiders responsible heading back into the deepwoods, taking everything we owned with them. I stayed long enough to bury my Mother, my Father and my brothers, and then turned into the woods.

I thought I knew the paths of the Hullack well, but after a couple of days, I knew I was lost. I could not move by day, for fear of being spotted by a ravenous bear or an angry mountain cat.. or worse. With only the blessed light of the holy Moonmaiden to guide me at night, I made my way through the deepwoods, skirting Hobgoblin Patrols and Gnoll Warbands.

Until one night I came across a lone Hobgoblin holding my father's sword. From the blind formed by the brambles, I watched his movements, and when he strayed to close, I struck at him with my hunting knife. We fought for what seemed like hours, though I'm sure it was only minutes.. maybe even seconds. The Hobgoblin was clearly stronger, but moved clumsily
with the blade. I wore him down and finally finished him off, reclaiming my father's longsword as my own. Hopefully I'll be better prepared when the next Hobgoblin crosses my path, knowing now how they fight.. and how to fight them.

I finally reached the edge of the forest after that, and stumbled down the road where, by the mercy of Selune, I was found by a Purple Dragon Knight patrol. They took me back to their station where I discovered I had strayed near the borders. After recovering my strength, I set out on the road. I did not know what lay in front of me, but knew there was nothing for me to return to.

And now, here I am, in Isinhold. As I said, I did not choose this place... it was simply placed along the path I was on. I must believe that I am here for a purpose - that some greater good may rise from this tragedy - but I cannot see it yet. In the meantime, I will use what I have learned to help the people of this village. It is a haven for adventurers from many walks of life, and I'm sure there is no shortage of evil to be rooted out with their help... until my homeland is safe at last... or until Holy Selune calls me home.. I will fight.

[tbone]

I've met some interesting people in Isinhold this day. First there was the hin Frigrin... the "Lord of the Cellars" as he styled himself. He had an amusing tone about him and was very likeable from the start, when I met him in the rat-infested cellars of the Regal Griffon's basement.

While my newfound friend Frigrin and I were exploring the catacombs beneath the large hill on which the Temple of the Oakfather rests, we met two more strangers - a mighty Dwarven battle-priest named Tagnar, and another roguish halfling named Taverday. The four of us delved deep into the catacombs, vanquishing many undead. This was a fine adventure.

I met up with Tagnar again later this same day, and this time we were joined by a frivolous Moon Elf named Nimzy. I am quite sure her real name is much longer than that, but I am equally sure that I could never do it justice in the spelling or the speaking of it. The delicate nature of the Elven tongue is lost on this simple farm boy. Together with a female warrior who identified herself as a follower of the Red Knight, we set out to drive out a band of kobolds who had settled all too near the southern gates of Isinhold. I seem to remember we were doing fairly well, but the details of the expedition are lost to me. All I can recall is waking up in a warm, soft bed on the upper floor of the home of Isinhold's healer.. with Nimzy resting in a neighboring bed as well. It was all very strange, and I have not been able to find Tag since to find out what happened to us.

While enjoying my evening meal at the Griffon, paid for by the proceeds earned from my expedition with Tag into the Catacombs, and my own journey into the river caverns under the town well, I met a quiet fellow named Joachim. He is trained in the art of wizardry - an art that I myself have no understanding of, but I have only seen him use it benevolently, so I see no inherent reason to fear his powers. I believe the two of us are going to get along well.

All in all, this was an enjoyable day, filled with new places and new people.

[tbone]

If I thought the folk that I met with yesterday were a colorful lot, then the people I have travelled with today are a shining rainbow.

They call themselves The Knights Of The Square Table... or the K.O.S.T. for short. They are led by the charismatic Deigo, who I noticed to be quite skilled with the blade. Their curious mage, Dorian, and his small dragonling friend Ty, are quite a duo to see in action. The lovely Emelisa showed some skill at magic as well. However, the Knight I felt most comfortable around is Erioc.. whom they call Silver. Like myself, the elf is well trained in the use of the bow, though I did notice his accuracy is superior to mine. Perhaps he has trained longer... or maybe the natural grace of his people lends him a greater affinity to archery than I have. Regardless, he rounds out the foursome nicely.

Joachim and I had the fortune of traveling along the roads East of Isinhold with the Knights for a time, where we encountered dozens of fearsome Orcs... though I can't help but imagine Deigo numbering them in the hundreds. Even the savage orc chieftain, however, was no match for the combined abilities of the Knights, Joachim, and myself. The Knights of the Square Table truly have a zest for life and adventuring that I can't help but admire. They have not asked either Joachim or myself to join their ranks, and if asked I am not even sure that I would accept... I do not see how I would add much to their combined abilities. However, I did pledge to them that if ever they needed my aid for any of their wondrous adventures, all they need to is ask.