Background:
Laertes Moonbow (1240DR - ), born La-Janeel Elladrill Taellees Moonbow
on the 26th of Tarsakh of the Storms, was the only son of Elladril
and Coralyn Moonbow. His father Elladril was the holder of Moonbay,
the Moonbow family moonblade. Their family lived in a small settlement
in the Galena Mountains, not far from the valley of Bloodstone.
This was an isolated village of elves, humans and half-elves,
near the tree-line. The warriors of the village tamed pegasi and
rode them on raids through an aerial gate somewhere above the village.
The village was destroyed by N'Tel'Quess in the year 1275DR. Elladril
was killed when Moonbay was shattered during the fighting. This
happened when Laertes was just a child (34 years old), he survived
because he had been just outside the village when the raid occurred.
La-Janeel gathered up the shards of his father's sword and the scabbard,
hoping that someday he might have the sword reforged and that he
might use it to kill the N'Tel'Quess who had killed his father.
After the village's destruction he was taken in by Durgo, a kindly
woodsman who had traded with the villagers. Durgo shortened La-Janeel's
name to Laertes simply because it was easier for him to pronounce.
At this point, Laertes' training took a drastic turn. He began to
learn the ways of the woodsman. His parents had raised him as a
traditional elven child. He had learned to dance, his father had
taught him the basics of bladesong, and he had just begun to learn
to read Espruar. Durgo raised an elven child as best as he could
- teaching him woodslore and the ways of the natural world. Laertes
lived with Durgo for about forty years - until Durgo passed on.
By this time, Laertes had reached adolescence. After attending to
Durgo's affairs, Laertes spent a few years on his own in the mountains.
Then Laertes left the mountains in search of companionship. For
a number of years he served as a wilderness guide in the Galenas
and the Bloodstone area. Relying on his hunting skills and the occasional
bounty on humanoid ears, he lived comfortably for quite some time.
He left Damara in 1354DR, shortly after the Sword Lords had defeated
the Witch King and after the arrival of the grey elves. Taking a
southern route, he left, bound eventually for Myth Drannor and the
elven court. This brought him to Ravens' Bluff where he joined a
company of adventurers in hopes of raising the funds to have his
sword reforged.
5th of Eleint, The Fading 1361 DR, The Year of the Maidens
What a whirlwind the past 11 rides have been. Finally I feel that
I have time to consider the events of the past and my course for
the future. What else is there to do with this time. We have been
holed up in a derelict building across from the Zhentil Keep Embassy
for close to an entire day now. I'm not sure how Neil talked us
into this; as a favor to him we have once again joined forces with
Gar Sarrou - the man who gave us our walking papers from the city
guard. I figured this time on look-out was a good time for some
thinking, after all, nothing should happen for a few more hours.
What's a ranger to think? What can I do about Tymora? It's been
fun playing along with this whole scenerio, but my allegiances should
probably fall more closely with Meilikki - shouldn't they? Why me?
Not that I'm not grateful, I appreciate the fact that I out-lived
that scum-sucking priest of Cyric. But this has just been too much
lately - and now this note about a spell-singer. Nobody will even
give me a clue as to what a spell-singer is, let alone why she should
be my fated love. And this right after my "marriage" to a Drow!
Thank the gods (whichever ones) that that was only a terrible dream.
Unless it actually was some kind of Drow trick! Certainly that would
make sense...the Drow have found out that we have allied ourselves
with Chang and they are determined to undermine our group. Now I
begin to see the true extent of Drow treachery and Chang's wariness
of Drow treachery.
Too much has happened with too little time to reflect. I must
remain true to my purpose - my first concern must be the restoring
of my family moon blade, only after that is taken care of should
I try to sort through this Tymora thing. I simply have to stop encouraging
the visits. Once the blade is fixed I can begin to focus more on
other goals as well - such as the harrying of Drow. I can only hope
that sometime in the future I may find out something more about
the Drow who killed my father. That bit of revenge would be sweet
indeed. Oh crap - gotta move.
Eleint 6th
Well, we just wrapped up things with Gar Sarrou. Turns out the assassins
were from the MuImaster Embassy. Last night a little before eight
they came out of the Embassy - we nailed them. One got away, but
we managed to follow him to the MuImaster Embassy. I was quite impressed
with our part in the battle, here Gar Sarrou had dismissed us from
the guard for our heavy-handedness and yet we managed to capture
half of the assassins. All in all I have to admit that this company
is shaping itself into a fairly tightly knit group. We need to find
a role for Neil though. He may be an adventurer, but I still believe
that he is a businessman first. There is absolutely no reason why
he should risk himself on the front lines. It seems that we have
finally convinced the mages of that fact - heck, it was a nice change
of pace to be able to sit back and play sniper rather than being
down there in the thick of things. The authorities were quite generous,
we were paid by Raven's Bluff and also given quite a large dividend
by the Zhentil Keep Embassy for clearing them of suspicion. Some
of us were a little reluctant - it was a shame that we ended up
helping out the Zhent's - but at least justice was done. Though
they may not be the best of people, we can not hold the people of
Zhentil Keep responsible for all of the injustice in the world.
Well, having just met - for the second time - with the Harper
Brandon about Mazteca, I think that I'll head out to the well for
the rest of the afternoon. I haven't seen Icksickledraktack and
Poh for a few days now. Hopefully we can get some more work done
on Kenji's daiku - the sprites have been an immense help in this
project. I still can't believe how Mailee was fawning over that
Harper, I've only heard good things about the Harper's but I certainly
hope he isn't a prime representative of their operatives.
Eleint 7th
This past day has been unbelievable. I take that back, unbelievable
for most, but the gods do seem to enjoy meddling in my life. The
bow is finished - incredible as it may seem. When I left for the
woods I had about two rides worth of work left on the bow. lcksickledraktack,
Poh, and I were working along at our normal pace when they noticed
something - they said that Oberon was coming and that they would
have to work faster. Next thing I knew it was snowing and Oberon
appeared with Meilikki. Oberon showed me a pattern to carve into
the bow arid presented me with three magical arrows with the instructions
that all I ever need do would be to touch these headless arrows
to my enemy and I would be able to slay him. He warned me to choose
my enemies wisely. I can only hope that Kenji will realize the gravity
of this gift. I promised the bow to him and I couldn't use it anyhow,
but I am reluctant to part with the arrows. I think that they were
meant - for the bow, but I just can't be sure - I certainly hope
that I haven't made a drastic mistake in entrusting them to Kenji.
He is one of the more considerate humans that I have met, but he
needs to grow yet.
Before they left, Meilikki commended me for forsaking the ways
of her "silver sister" - I can only assume that she meant Tymora
- and she reassured (?) me that the "speIlsinger" has been meant
for me. I do wish that the gods would at least fill in some of the
blanks every now and again rather than always leaving me with more
questions.
I finished the bow while my companions slept. All that remained
for me to do was to add the carving that Oberon had shown me. When
the sprites awakened I thanked them and returned to town.
Marpenoth 4th
Things have finally settled down again. We are bound for Ilmwatch
on the Osprey - Capt. Raider Gallagher's boat. I'm glad that we
were able to convince everyone to chose this ship, the captain is
an honest man and was a great deal of assistance when we went treasure
hunting for Capt. Kempur's island.
Now there's an interesting connection. l'm still unsure of the
association but Bromm, the treant, told me that a Kempur had at
one time been a part of the Moonbow family line and he mentioned
something about a flying ship made of living crystal. Even more
importantly, the Moonbow family blade is whole once again. I remember
hearing the sounds of hammer and forge in the distance when I was
carving Oberon's pattern. Evidently this actually had something
to do with the "reforging" of Moon bay, rather than an enchantment
on the bow. I can't believe that after all this time, 86 years -
more than the lifespan of many humans - it is finally whole once
again. I thank the god's for my foresight in keeping the sword.
I can only hope that in Damara I will be able to find a blade
song instructor, because of my vow it has been too long since I've
used that style. I fear that I may need practice to regain my skills.
I dare say that Malaggar will be surprised by my "new-found" skill
with the longsword, well it will definitely do the arrogant bastard
some good to be brought down a notch or two by an elven swordsman.
He still seems too confident in the skills taught him by his Drow
masters.
Hell, I can finally be rid of some of this excess cash when we
winter, l'm certain that fighting instruction will cost me dearly
and I should get better armor. A suit of chainmail would be nice
for some of our more dangerous excursions. I should also find some
way to repay the lcksickledraktak and Poh for their assistance.
Maybe I can find a smith willing to craft some specially sized weapons
for them, in fact I could probably craft bows for each of them during
some of my spare time this winter. Perhaps I should try to learn
the sprite language as. Well, I'm certain that it would delight
them to be able to speak with me in their own language.
Nightal 7th
We are to gather this evening as a group to discuss our plans for
the winter. Much has happened since our arrival in Damara. The first
stop in Ravensburg, the capitol of Carmathan, was a brief but exciting
part of the trip. Finally I had a chance to wield Moon bay against
a foe, it was an experience that shall dance through my veins yet
for many rides. I had never suspected that a weapon could be so
perfectly crafted.
Next we stopped in Valls, where Chang showed us his Keep as well
as his Flaming Tower of Sorcery (death). The herds of pegasi that
he possesses are unlike anything I could ever have imagined. It
brings back memories of my childhood - the warriors with their graceful
aerial mounts leaving on raids. I wonder if Chang found these pegasi
in the same area that the warriors found them. I wonder if he knows
about the aerial gate? I shall have to mention it to him sometime.
Finally we arrived in Bloodstone Valley. It has only been a few
short years since I left this area, but much has happened since
then. I am glad to see that it weathered the Time of Troubles without
much trouble. It certainly has prospered since the Sword Lord's
freed it from Zhengyi the Witch-King. The Vaasan Gate itself is
a construction of an unbelievable scale and it truly does contain
most everything that an adventurer could ever desire.
The blades for lcksickidraktak and Poh have been finished. I think
that the bloodstone settings are a particularly nice addition to
them. I have the impression that the smiths felt that they were
for something else. But they did do an excellent job on them, so
far be it from me to question this boon.
Up until this day I have spent many hours training and speaking
with Sundancer and Rill. Sundancer's knowledge of b lade song is
fascinating and I'm sure that he will be able to help me further
hone my skills when the time comes. He seemed extremely interested
in the information that I gave him about the reforging of Moonbay
- even though he openly admits that he does not know how it is possible.
Rill's knowledge has also proven to be helpful. Between the two
of us we have been attempting to piece together all of the information
that he and I have gleaned separately regarding Kempur, the grey
elves, and the Moon bow family. So far we have only come up with
more loose ends, however, the intertwining circumstances that are
beginning to take shape are truly intriguing. Unfortunately, I do
not believe that we can take this any farther until we visit the
libraries of Silverymoon and the Herald's Hold Fast.
The rest of my time has been spent reacquainting myself with this
beautiful vale. It is my second home and I am glad to be back. Unfortunately,
being back, I feel even further compelled to leave. The quest for
the grey elves and discovering my link to them gnaws at my mind
continuously and we will not set out for Silverymoon until early
spring.
I long to roam the Galena's once again. Perhaps after we return
from the Underdark with the forge I will be able to persuade some
of my companions, to visit my home with me. I wonder if after all
these years I could find my way back to the site of the village.
Oh well, it seems that I have more than my fair share of winter
projects to keep me busy. I wonder how hard it would actually be
to learn to ride a pegasi, Chang does have some truly remarkable
mounts. Perhaps after we return from the Underdark I can also speak
with him about that possibility. It sounds as if some of the others
are interested in making the Billowing Cloak Run within the next
week or so, Malaggar's sword should be finished today. That's what
we've been waiting for before we made any further plans for the
winter. I can't wait until we return the forge to the greedy dwarves.
How will they react when the elf they accused of stealing their
property - that silly short sword - returns, completely off his
own choice, yet another priceless artifact that they managed to
lose. It will be more than well worth it to here them grumble and
make their feeble attempts at heartfelt thanks.
Nightal 10th
This is disturbing. Neil never showed up for our meeting on the
7th. When, with Chang's help we checked into the matter, we discovered
that Neil had been attacked in an alley and killed. He was resurrected.
It seems that a number of group members, had experienced strange
occurrences on the 7th. Neil was pursued and killed by a Shou, a
human female with longsword and a strange bladed glove, and another
human female who was bald and had three concentric circles tattooed
on her forehead.
Elton saw two individuals who were asking questions about the
Greased Ferrets. Both were human, the female had dagger tattoos
on her cheeks and the man was bald and wore golden scale armor under
white robes.
The last and most disturbing fact is that Malaggar heard something
run into one of the dragon spears of the vale. Later we discovered
that it must have been an invisible flying ship of some kind. We
are guessing that the people looking for us must have disembarked
from this ship, since, quite coincidentally, a group know as Kempur's
Revenge signed-up for the Billowing Cloak Run shortly after Elton
heard those two asking about the Greased Ferrets and Kempur's Revenge
left town the day after Neil was killed.
We weren't sure who would be after us until we found the name
of the group on the Run's rooster. After discussing it with Blackwolf
we have decided to take our chances with Kempur's Revenge on the
open plains of Vaasa. It will be safer than confronting them in
the city and it will also be the ultimate test of our ability to
survive. We leave in the morning, may the gods be with us.
Chapter Two: The Descent
The excitement of our descent was so intense that I scarcely remember
the svirfneblin city of Glitterdome. Chang roused us from our beds
late in the night with the explanation that we had to leave then
or he would not be able to accompany us into Underdark. We hastily
gathered our supplies and organized as well as we could, lucidly
we were able to bring extra supplies because of the two magical
satchels.
To this day I cannot believe that Chang brought a group this poorly
prepared into the Underdark on this long of a mission. After leaving
Glitterdome, the trip was rather uneventful except for an encounter
with some huge subteranean birds(?). They were hunting for food
- so we did our best to convince them that we weren't very tasty.
After that ruckus all was quiet until we came to a living cavern
complex. This land is alien and alarming, but it has its own unique
(and eerie) beauty. The "living cavern" as Chang called it was a
relatively small cavern compared to some that we had traveled through.
It was filled with various lichens and mosses, most of which to
glow, much like foxfire. Chang is teaching some of the members of
our party to identify the various poisonous mosses and those with
curative properties as well.
This cavern that we had entered had a number of passages leaving
it from one side. We decided to explore the first one - I still
don't believe that we came into this vast underground labyrinth
with only the vague clue that the forge rests in the Halls of the
Ancients. The first tunnel led to a N'Tel'Quess outpost. We defeated
them in a quick skirmish and learned quite a bit about the outposts
of the N'Tel'Quess. From everything that I had heard I was surprised
that we found them this close to the surface, but evidently they
were set here to guard some kind of a power "node" - at best I guess
that the "node" was the gate that we used to travel deeper into
Underdark. After this skirmish we decided to retreat into the cavern
to rest and to check out the information that one N'Tel'Quess had
given us about a magical pool that would confer the ability to see
in the dark to the humans in our party. Surprisingly the N'Tel'Quess
had told the truth. We also discovered, or maybe I should say, some
deep gnomes revealed themselves to us. They had been hiding from
the N'Tel'Quess in this cavern for about a ride as best as I could
understand. They were able to give us directions, that at least
Kraegon understood, to the Halls of the Ancients.
Then something very strange happened. We discovered a magical
stone in the bottom of the pool. When one of us touched it - we
always seem to find trouble - a "spell-engine" appeared. Evidently
this was some kind of device that absorbs spell energy. Kenji, in
his youthful enthusiasm, touched it with his magical wand causing
an explosion of magical energies. All of us seem to have been affected
in some way by this explosion - Kenji is now impossibly strong,
in fact I believe that he is probably as strong as Jondolar now,
Mailee gained the ability to absorb and release spell energy - this
is an ability that the mages identified as spellfire. She seems
to trust this power even less than I do. I shall keep my distance.
The other changes weren't nearly as obvious and I am not sure what
happened to some of the others. For myself I feel somehow more sure
of myself. I think maybe the others have noticed this as well, though
I am not sure.
The quickest route following our new directions seemed to lead
us back into the N'Tel'Quess complex - so we were off. Mailee's
new power has become most useful in removing traps of a completely
magical nature. Earlier Kenji had been dangerously injured by a
magical trap in front of the entrance to this complex, but now,
once Chang and Neal had checked out the area Mailee walked into
the center of the trap and absorbed all of the energy that was released.
This seems far to good to be true and some of the party members
are all to willing to let Mailee take these risks - Kenji and I
now seem to have taken on the role of protecting her in some of
these situations.
In scouting our way through the complex we discovered a cache
of cut oak. We took approximately a rick of the oak, which has proved
to be an extremely valuable trade item in Underdark.
Date Unknown
We have been in the bowels of the earth for at least a month now.
I miss the sun and the beauties of the surface world. I am now convinced
that my intentions towards N'Tel'Quess have been somewhat misplaced.
Perhaps this dark and dangerous world is exactly where they were
meant to be. It seems that they belong down here with all the rest
of the foul creatures that live in these depths. I see my purpose
in life changing. I no longer feel the need to seek out and destroy
the N'Tel'Quess, I believe that I will be content to enjoy the pleasures
of the surface and simply attempt to protect my lands from N'Tel'Quess
raids. As long as they remain in this hellish world below the surface,
I feel no need to further persecute them.
We have recovered the forge. Once again I believe that we have
surprised ourselves as well as Chang. We fought a ferocious battle
with an incredibly large army of undead for the rights to reclaim
the forge from the Halls of the Ancients, and we were triumphant.
Kraegun and I seem doomed to spend the next month or so in too
close proximity - the only reasonable way to transport the forge
is to have Kraegun and I carry it. Between the two of us, Tel'Quessir
and dwarf, some magic of the forge makes it easy for us to carry.
Perhaps we can make it to the surface without hating each other.
I have also initiated an interesting ploy for resources. The wizards
had been complaining as we searched the Halls of the Ancients that
if we didn't find more treasure they wouldn't have the resources
for the research they wanted to do back on the surface.
Remembering my dealings with the dwarves on the surface for the
bloodsteel shortsword and their uncanny greed, I proposed that we
find some magical means to bring at least one of the mithril doors
from the halls to the surface and sell it to the dwarves. Considering
this option, Neil estimated that one of those doors could easily
bring us four-hundred-thousand gold pieces in the right surface
market (perhaps more from dwarves). Their fortunes guaranteed, the
mages set eagerly to planning a way to transport a single door to
the surface.
22 Alturiak, the Claw of Winter, 1362 DR (Year of the Helm)
A new year has begun while we were below the surface. Hopefully,
this year holds many new opportunities for myself and my companions.
We; Kenji, Neil, Malagar and myself returned to the Valley of Bloodstone
this evening with the body of Kraegun. Though we celebrated Kenji's
birthday in his homeland, the occasion was solemn since we could
not forget that one of our trusted companions had fallen in battle
and, despite our prowess as warriors, there was nothing that we
could do to save him. For all of my grievances against the dwarf;
he is rude, arrogant, surly, foul-smelling and drinks far too much;
still I would trust him with my life. It was with a very heavy heart
that I helped to carry his fallen form from the field of battle.
The battle itself had been a shock, I believe, to the sensibilities
of myself and Malagar. Both of us have been rather withdrawn since
the fighting, but I still cannot completely hold myself in contempt.
We had to rescue the people that had been captured by these slavers,
and I believe Kenji when he tells me that these were corrupt individuals
that we fought. But the sheer numbers of the dead shock me. To comprehend
that these people were willing to die to keep us from freeing some
slaves is beyond my comprehension. I could understand if they were
fighting to keep their lands free - as an elf, I can understand
the feelings of one fighting to keep his homeland free of danger.
But to sacrifice one's life for the propagation of slavery? These
ways that Kenji and Neil so easily accept are completely beyond
my understanding. I had thought that Kenji had originally claimed
that his was a much more civilized land than the western world.
But, what price is too high to pay for the freedom of all? We
had to fight to free the slaves - not only because they are Kenji's
people, but because all people's deserve the chance to live in freedom.
Whoever this Tootonis person is I can only hope that I someday have
a chance to cross swords with him and the Chainmen. None should
be allowed to enslave the free people of our lands.
I am worried about Malagar. He has been extremely quiet these
past few days. I had thought that nothing could affect this man
- having survived imprisonment by the N'Tel'Quess, but the events
of the past few days have made him introspective. I can only hope
that he will snap out of this funk, we need his sword arm in the
days to come - especially with the loss of Kraegun. I pray to Mielikki
that something can be done for Kraegun, if it is possible to bring
him back from the dead I believe that we will do everything within
our powers to do so. Lathanyel and Mara have taken him to the temple,
they were waiting for us at the mine-shaft when we returned - they
are very thoughtful companions.
23 Alturiak
Life goes on. Kraegun is now back among the living. Upon seeing
each other again the insults flew as usual, I believe that it was
the only way that either of us could keep from seeming over-emotional
in front of our companions. I have tried to locate some magical
healing device for Kraegun in Bloodstone today but my attempts have
proven unsuccessful - perhaps I will present him with Ace, he may
need it more than I in the future.
Well, the wizards have cloistered themselves away for the duration
of the winter. Just as well, I know that we all have some things
to take care of before we leave for Silverymoon in the spring.
To be of some assistance in the libraries of Silverymoon and the
Herald's Holdfast, I have asked Rill to teach me to read and write
the elven tongue. He seemed surprised to discover that I had never
learned to read, and I confessed to him that there had been many
times that I felt that I was missing out on a vital part of our
culture because I could not decipher the words on many of our ancestors
trailmarkers and gates. Maps have also fascinated me and now that
I will be able to make more use of them, I believe that I will begin
to build a collection - there is more than enough room in my magical
satchel. Besides this major step, I have a number of other projects
to finish while in Bloodstone. I need to craft a set of bows for
lcksickidraktak and Poh, to go along with the swords - I feel that
the gift will also mean more if I have made a part of it myself.
I should be able to finish this within a month, while I learn from
Rill. I also desire to explore the full richness of my heritage
- I hope to attend the festivals of Faerieluck and Springrite. If
nothing else, these festivals should help to prepare me for many
more days of adventuring.
Strangely enough, Chang has re-introduced us to Sam Cutter. Cutter
has completed his work on an engine for a magical flying ship and
he is interested in finding people who can finance a ship and possibly
his research for him. Chang had mentioned before that it would be
a convenient way to travel to Shadowdale and then on to Silverymoon.
I believe that while the wizards are still researching it may work
out best for the rest of us to work together to hire a horse team
to transport this engine to Heliogabalus where we should be able
to purchase a ship. This may also provide for the chance for a side-trip,
after all, we would need to make a test flight - perhaps down to
Raven's Bluff. I know that Neil would like to "drop in" and it should
give me the opportunity to drop off these gifts for the sprites.
And then we can begin this quest, to find the lost elves. I am still
confused as to how my family line fits into this whole situation,
but I will not forget that Kempur was responsible and his ties to
my family make me responsible to see this quest through to its end.
In the mean time, I will seek out a skilled elven or dwarven smith
to fashion a special shortsword for me. After our battle in the
Halls of the Ancients, I have come to understand why my people so
despise undead and I think that I should fully prepare myself in
case we should run into any others. The sword will be forged of
silver or a silver-alloy for effectiveness against those beasts
to whom silver is a deadly poison. Since I will most likely be spending
a great deal on it, I shall have it decorated similarly to Moonbay.
I might as well be stylish. Also, I will spend some time questioning
other adventurers to find out what else may be particularly useful
in combating these unnatural creatures. I must also remember to
make a donation at the local shrine to Mielikki, she has been a
great comfort, especially in the Underdark.
Finally, I look forward to spending my birthday on the site of
my old village. Hopefully I can find my way to Durgo's grave-site
as well. It would be good to pay my respects to him. I should ask
if Chang could spare some scouts to go with me - not that I fear
for my safety in the mountains of my home, but rather, I should
inform Chang of the aerial gate over the village site and if some
of his scouts came with me it would be easier for them to find the
site again. After all, Chang is a busy man. It would be overly presumptuous
of me to believe that even something as important to the safety
of Damara as the location of this aerial gate would warrant his
immediate attention. Now that I look back at all that I wish to
accomplish, I certainly hope that there will be some time for rest
and relaxation in this hectic schedule.
2 Kythorn, the time of flowers, 1362 DR (Year of the Helm)
Much has been accomplished in the past few months. I understand
that Elton, Mailee and Lathanyel have been extremely successful
in their researches, it will be interesting to see what new tricks
they have in store for the coming year.
As a said before, much has happened. I found an excellent smith
who was able to make the shortsword companion to Moonbay that I
desired. It is forged of a silver-steel alloy that has all of the
properties of silver and yet the strength of steel - I'm sure that
it will prove itself to be more than worth the expense. If for no
other reason, it is a magnificent blade. The blade itself is crafted
with a design that is similar to Moonbay's. The hilt is inset with
bloodstones on either side and I found another man who crafted a
hilt for it from the two ogre magi horns that I brought back from
our trip to Kenji's homeland. I cannot wait to show it to Kraegun,
I'm sure that he will become absolutely green with envy. Thankfully
he is again - amongst the living so that I can tease him and his
dwarven...dwarveness. How else can one explain a dwarf other than
that he is a dwarf.
Also, my friends Rill and Sundancer have once again proven their
helpfullness. Not only did they take me to the Faerieluck celebration
in the Pixie Grove and the Springrite festival, they have helped
me to learn to read the language of the people. This is a skill
that I was unable to complete as a child and I am grateful to them
for their time and patience.
Speaking of Faerieluck, I have finally finished my presents for
lcksickldraktak and Poh. The swords were completed some time ago
by a smith in the Vaasan gate and now I have finished their bows.
They turned out beyond my wildest dreams, truly Meilikki must have
been smiling while I crafted these fine weapons. Also, I should
not forget that Neil left a present for me that helped with the
crafting. He was leaving for Shoulung and, not knowing whether or
not he would return, he left departing gifts with all of us. The
expert bowyer/fletcher kit was an invaluable aid in making the bows.
Heewuallah will soon hear the sounds of bright laughter again.
I visited the site of my old village over the day of my birth, Tarsakh
26th, with some of my fiends from Bloodstone. It was called Heewuallah
in its time, but I believe that it shall soon know elven occupancy
again. With my full blessings, the elves have begun to prepare the
gate on the old site of Heewuallah. Dwarven smiths prepared especially
sharp blades on the magical forge and the elves are now cutting
petrified timbers to be used as the arches for the gate. It is really
a fairly interesting procedure. Moss is being used as a mortar between
the slabs of petrified wood.
All preparations have been made for the maiden voyage of Monkey
Business, our flying cog. Kenji, Kraegun and I traveled, to Heliogabalus
with Capt. Cutter and Grom. There we purchased the best ship that
we could find and between Kenji, Kraegun and Grom, they loaded Cutter's
magical engine into the cog. It's an 80' boat with stern- and fore-castles.
A nice little boat, although Cutter seems to think that we need
something bigger. We flew back to Bloodstone Valley under cover
of darkness and landed in Lake Midai. All that remains is for us
to wait for the mages to finish their projects - but they have promised
to be ready by the beginning of the second ride of Kythorn.
17 Kythorn, 1362 (Year of the Helm)
We are once again on the road of adventure, but this time I have
a bad feeling about what lies ahead of us. After we leave Shadowdale,
I am trying to convince the group that we should make a quick lay
over in Raven's Bluff, allowing me to present lcksickldraktak and
Poh with their presents and I'm sure that some of the others are
interested in tying up a few loose ends. Unfortunately, my business
with JoBo will have to wait.
Much has happened recently which has led to these suspicions of
impending danger. We left Damara after a huge celebration with our
future captain and our friends from the area. Our sights were set
first on Shadowdale and then continuing on to Waterdeep to hire
a crew for the boat so that we could actually sail amongst the stars.
These plans were interrupted by a fierce storm. We were forced down
into what must have been the Moonsea, near a strange castle/keep.
Through the fog we made out the long dock at which two other ships
were moored. A few of our group went up to check out the keep while
the rest of us stayed with the boat.
I'm not sure on the exact details, but we discovered that these
were the ships of slavers - The Dark Domain and Dark Force II. We
took on a group of escaped slaves who had spelljamming experience
and fled from the place with the squidship, Dark Force II, in swift
pursuit. We took a savage blow from a ballista at a range that none
of us could return, until they moved to board our ship and Mailee
blasted the side of their hull with a tremendous burst of magical
energy. We had won our first "naval" battle - or so we thought at
the time. Since this first battle, we have journeyed to the Rock
of Bral - a spelljammers outpost on one of the Tears of Selune.
Our crew is almost as strange a cadre of adventurers as the company.
Two of them make me nervous - a lizardman called Hiss and another
who appears similar to a lizardman who's name I can't even begin
to pronounce - I shall keep an eye on them when they are nearby.
But they all seem to be strong and trustworthy companions who were
pleased to find employment so quickly after their escape from the
clutches of slavers. Oh yes, I almost forgot, Chang may be interested
to find out that Kymel Kilsek is dealing in slaves so close to Damara.
Perhaps he will also recognize the name Tootonis - none of us were
familiar with the name of this human slaver.
Leaving the Rock of Bral, we sailed for Shadowdale where Mara
was to be married and we were to gain a letter of introduction from
Elminster the sage to the libraries of Silverymoon and the Herald's
Holdfast. These letters were quickly acquired and we decided to
stay to hear of the final arrangements for Mara's wedding. Malagar
seemed shocked when we discovered that Mara and Lhessa were to be
married. Evidently he comes from a culture in which this is strange,
of course our elven culture is much more accepting of these types
of arrangements - the communing of spirits must happen between two
who can care for each other regardless of sex. I was overjoyed,
to see that Mara had found an appropriate soulmate and was happy
for an appropriate opportunity to present her with the bottle of
Lady's Choice that I have been carrying for quite some time now.
It seemed a good wedding gift for a priestess of Tymora. We will
miss her.
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