Excerpts from the Journal of Ilen, a Magian.
As this is my first entry, a few notes about my upbringing. I grew up in the small fishing village of N_, along the river *****. My mother, Anya, was the village's school marm; my father, Bovard, one of the best fishermen in N_. Pa always wished I'd follow in his footsteps, but I'm afraid I developed a fondness for books and learning over the piscatorial lifestyle--a fact he was overly keen on reminding me on a near-daily basis. Ma, however, was an excellent teacher, and inspired in me a love of history, geography, and reading. When I was fourteen, she grew ill from "fish fever", whatever that is. Three weeks later she died. I've not touched a fish since that day. Pa and I grew apart and never spoke much after that...
I began teaching at the school in my mother's place soon after she died. It was there, going through her old paperwork, that I found my two obsessions in life:
The first was a book entiteled "On the Workings of the Arcane". A beginner's guide, if you will, to arcane magic. It held a handful of cantrips and a few minor spells, and I poured myself into it, finding a passion for the Arts I'd held only for history before then.
The second was a Pathfinder Chronicle with an article on Delvehaven. Was it the ancient mystery which fired my imagination? The stories of Pathfinders traveling Golarion and discovering new lands? The secrets they find and keep through the ages? Whatever it was, I wanted more. I kept teaching, earning a living and eventually moving into a small home adjacent to the school. For the next five years I embraced the life of a teacher, while in every spare moment I studied books on arcane magic and, when I could get ahold of them secretly, any Chronicles I could find. I even wrote to the Lodge in Absalom when I could, asking questions, making inquires about joining, but mostly asking after Delvehaven, for I sorely wished to investigate that exiled lodge. I was nearing my twentieth summer when I received a reply I'd not expected. Enclosed was a letter from a Pathfinder encouraging me to explore Delvehaven and report my findings to the Grand Lodge! While no name was given in the letter, it contained an old Wayfinder which I have treasured since it fell into my hand. Like the day of my mother's passing, my life changed once more...
...Well, it's taken me nearly six months, but I've found a tutoring position here in Westcrown. A minor noble family wishes their two kids to learn their letters and Chelaxian history. The pay isn't great, but it's a living, and enough to keep expanding my small library. I swear I've more bookcases than can fit in this small flat. I still haven't worked up the courage to enter Delvehaven, but I've been by it a few times. Once I get a bit more settled, maybe learn a few new spells. Be prepared, right?
...My old friend Toma wrote me last week. He'll be visiting Westcrown on his trade route next month. Apparently his caravan is doing well; he even found a young lady with whom he's begun a romance. According to his letters, this is his fourth in less than a year. I plan on taking him to the theater when he's here, if I can manage it. Elena says she has a friend in the chorus who has a thing for travelers. What can I say? Maybe we four can go dancing after the show...
