El'rohir Redleaf's page

I too had a great time in this campaign. The Character El'Rohir was my first experiment with a Barbarian/Cleric character. He was an amazingly well balanced character. I ran him to 4th level Barbarian and up to 16th level cleric. Along the way, he obtained half -celestial status.

The idea behind this guy was to create a warrior-priest outside the paladin mode. All of his feats were warrior feats. His clerical abilities were used primarily to enhance his (and the party's) fighting ability. Of course, later on at very high level, the other warriors in the group outstripped him in ability a bit (but, he always remained an extremely effective fighter type) and he began behaving more "clerical" near the end.

I enjoyed playing this class combination a lot and would like to try other variants of it in the future.

The side plot romance between him a Silver was also a huge plus in this campaign. I enjoy such detail as a player (and heavily encourage it as a DM). At some point we will be posting a joint post (Silver and El'Rohir) about their future plans and what they set up on their estate and other things for those interested in seeing such stuff.

This gaming group is the best I have been involved in. The fact that our group has a majority of women playing has created a very enjoyable and different player dynamic than games I have been a part of in the past. And the fact that they are all my closest friends makes a real difference as well. Conflicts are solved with greater ease and we seem to have a hard time staying really mad at each other for very long. That makes coming together to play a really enjoyable experience. Not to mention that our two DM's that have been running things for the past few years are both smart and very talented...

Even when we waste a bunch of time and do more chit chatting than real gaming, the time is still well spent... I will begin DMing my Ptolus/Mungo campaign in January 2008 with this same group. I can only hope to begin to be half as good as our departing DM (who will now just be a player in both campaigns).

My thanks to everyone involved.

My dear Cousin Io,

We finished our exploration of the first level of the underground. We had saved the area marked, “Danger” for last. The “danger” sign was written apparently by none other than the famous wizard Mordenkainen! The script was written upon a wall of stone that closed off the hallway. This was a magically created wall to seal off whatever was behind it.

Being the curious souls that we are, we tossed in a glowing orb to see the space behind the wall through a small hole chipped through it by someone in the past. Then, Thassos dispelled the wall and we beheld a door beyond. We opened this door to find a room with a number of holes in the floor equally spaced about the round interior. I walked into the room to be certain there were no lurking enemies and declared it safe for entry.

However, I was quite wrong. Thassos entered the room with the others and immediately walked up to one of these holes and dropped in his magical staff! As that act was registering as not right, he whipped off is magical cloak and tossed it in too! He then began searching through his things for something else to throw in when I finally came to my senses to grab him and extricate him from the room. The others followed and we realized how lucky we all were not to have all fallen under the spell of thise terrible trap.

We then moved to the ladder leading down to the next level of this accursed place. Thassos cast a “Veil” spell upon us to make us appear to be a Gnoll patrol. The idea was if we ran into another of these rather nasty groups, we could talk our way through their guard (or at least get the element of surprise in such an encounter).

A party of men were our next encounter. We later found them to be called “Seekers” and they seem to be working for Kerzit or his worshippers. They accused us of having hidden their secret treasure (they fell for the illusion that we were some of the Gnolls from down here). This apparently is an affront to who ever is running the show in this fortress.

Thassos cast the spell of enlargement which affected all of us at once. While I do this to myself with regularity in battle, many of my compatriots were not altogether comfortable with their new size and strength. I have always just taken this effect for granted. It was interesting to see the others struggle with it (even if it was a struggle of just a few seconds). They all adjusted quickly and got a chance to taste the power that such enhancement gives a warrior in battle. I was particularly proud to see my love take immediately to this with the supreme confidence that she has with everything she does.

Once enlarged, we had but to taunt the men once and they fled before us causing a few moments of uncontrolled laughter from our group.
Very soon and with but little further exploration, we came upon am area devoted to the housing and care of strange beasts. These creatures seemed to be a combination of an extremely large dog and one of those large cats that prowls the mountains in the far North Western hills of the Hestmark (but this one had stripes). These beast were the size of a small horse and attacked us immediately and without fear of our numbers nor our light.

Defeating them, we moved on to the examination of more rooms and soon were accosted by another of the beasts (which was noticably larger than the rest) along with another strengthened patrol of “Seekers” who were commanded by a woman archer. I created a tremor beneath the Seekers in case this commander was a spell caster and we engaged them in melee. Once again, still enlarged, we made short work of the lone cat-dog thing and the men and their commander either surrendered or fled before us.
With our prisoners secured, we decided to take them upstairs to a safe room where we could interrogate them without interruption, and then on to Greyhawk to allow Thassos to prepare himself further for our next foray into the depths.
Also, Silver and I have something to do.

I cannot tell you all the details, Cousin. But, I know that you will probably guess what is on my mind. However, you must not tell the family. Not even Ilia or Uncle Earnur! I will cast a light on this soon. Thanks.

El ‘Rohir

My dear Cousin,

We spent the night in what we are calling the “Weaver’s Room”. The battle with the Gnolls was tougher than we had imagined it would have been.

When rested, we departed the room and began our next phase of exploration when we were ambushed by another patrol of these well outfitted Gnolls. We once again joined them in combat and although they were able to beat me down, we managed to defeat them.

We encountered a trapped air elemental creature and managed to release it from its prison allowing it to then escape with a magic carpet.

Having Thassos around has certainly been of great benefit to our group. With his abilities and intense knowledge of magic, I dare say he is in a position to save us both time and effort in discerning magical traps and what many items do while still in the field. This is helping our effectiveness greatly. He has also been able to tell us some of the lore behind much of the magical devices we have carried with us for some time now. We now know some of the more ancient names and even some of the history behind several of our prized possessions making them even more dear to our hearts.

We discovered a huge room of statues that lay hidden behind the mysterious black curtain near our hideout. We expended some amount of time and effort attempting to interpret the meanings and history of the various statues and the viewing stands when Aria activated and Iron Golem guardian that attacked us immediately.

Thassos bestowed his “Ironguard Spell” upon Silver and I and we managed to defeat this rather powerful guardian. However, afterwards, we were spent and had to camp once again to regain our feet to continue this phase of exploration. It seems to me that at this rate, it will take a very long time to reach our goal in this place.

When once again we were rested sufficiently, we explored the area where the undead had come from. We did not pass beyond the magical danger symbol as yet. Terranza had a fight with a magical frescoe that animated and attacked as well.

Thassos once again bent his remarkable mind toward this latest foe and determined that these frescoes were an ancient art of the Suloise. He said that their fine magical craftsmanship was very distinct and without match in the modern World. He collected some samples for later study.

As I have said before, cousin, terror and powerful foes seem to linger behind every door and around every corner of this ancient carnival of danger. I must admit that I have grave feelings for our group’s success. Of course, I have expressed such feelings before and been proven wrong. I hope that I am wrong this time as well.

I have so much to lose now that Silver and I have made our life choices to be with each other and to formalize this union of love and soul in marriage. At this point, even my desire to destroy the Archbishop and his Master the Overking pale in comparison to my desire to survive just long enough to take and keep that vow.

El ‘Rohir

10/13/576 (Patchwall)

My dear cousin,

The Oathbound are once again on the move. Through the great will and giving wisdom of The Light, I have been able to revive our brother Hanor from the night shade of death. I have intoned the rituals and ask you to please light a candle to Moradin in Hanor’s honor in my home at the estate. For it is as the Scroll of Light tells us,

“Belay not the wisdom of the Gods, dismiss not their power, Sun and Moon work through Sky, Sea, and Earth to act as one in their struggle with the darkness that would consume them all in the hellish fires that are the hearts of men…”

How many times have we been reminded by the acolytes of Pelor, the seekers of His light, at the estate as children to listen to the ‘song of the forest, the call of the wind, and the wisdom of the mountains’ as we scamper about on the surface of this great World?

As Pelor allowed, Hanor breathes again and my heart is filled with joy with his every laugh and grumble! He has risen in power and with the pleasure of Moradin beneath his feet he has chosen to remain behind with his people. The folks in both Dorr and the Highlands will need his wisdom and craft in the coming months leading to war with the Medigians. I am not saddened to see him leave our travels, because he is our brother and will be our friend and companion for the rest of our lives. We all know of the need that keeps him here and know that the survival of these parts will depend greatly on what aid he can give them.

After the telling of my failure which caused us to abort our attack on the Archbishop, Boss Fromm spent a goodly amount of time in consultation with the Sharpaxe Clan’s wisemen and reported that there was yet another way to destroy this evil man. However, I am striving to weigh the costs of this new plan. The cost, not in money, gems, or knowledge; But rather, the possible dire cost to our souls.

Fromm told us about an ancient castle east of the great city of Greyhawk. Its name is Maure Castle and has been a ruin since the oldest gray hairs can remember. The Elves consider it old! This ancient Suel fortress is said to be the prison (through some arcane and ancient magic) a Guardian Demon called Kerzit. Please ask my father and Uncle Earnur for any and all information on this entity and use the ‘Sending’ spell to relay what you learn as soon as possible. His imprisonment there is supposedly related in some way to the Tome of the Black Heart (a magical book of supreme power). Our mission is to explore the underground of this ruin, find the prison, destroy the Tome (somehow), and free this Demon who will almost certainly take his immediate vengeance on the Archbishop who was involved in his capture and placement there.

This has created a great question in my mind and the omens and dream messages are not aiding me in the decision that must be made here. Should we loose this great beast and wielder of evil upon the World? Will it indeed complete our work of killing the Archbishop; or, will it instead stand with him in its desire to see the good of the World crushed beneath the boot of evil and tyranny? Even if it completes the task of killing the Archbishop, will it then go on a spree of dreadful and evil acts making the deeds of the Archbishop seem child like in comparison? If so, will we then have the power to recapture or destroy this beast?

Do I support this action due to a driving need to redeem myself before the Hestmark and my comrades or because it is the correct thing to do? My wisdom tells me naught on this. I pray daily for the answer. I also seek the wisdom and sight to continue to see the demarcation between the darkness and the light.

With no answer forthcoming, I believe that Pelor is testing me. I must use my own wisdom to decide which course to take. I am reaching a crossroads. Which path should I take?

We spent Brewfest in Scant and Silver and I enjoyed this port town and its accommodations a great deal. Even as the days and months pass her company is each morning fresh and as alive as when we first met eyes and realized that something more than comradeship was there. I do not envy you, cousin with your harem of girls from the halls of the estate. Do not be offended; but, I have found one that outmatches them all!

After the festival, we have traveled to Greyhawk and discovered the city to be overlarge and magnificent! I have never before experienced such a place with its varied building styles and its wonderful people. On the surface, it is everything I have heard it to be. But, my mind found a great number of dark alleyways off the usual paths and there is a great potential (if not actuality) for evil to thrive there beneath the notice of the casual observer. Perhaps after the war, I will have occasion to bring Silver here and explore its mysteries in greater depth. I have no doubt that her warrior spirit would be up to such an adventure. We spent a week there trading and buying things for the underground test coming to us in short order.

On the road to the castle, we passed a small mining village called Diamond Lake. We came to a small bridge where a few highwaymen attempted to waylay us. Fools! I called out the incantation to exact Righteous Might upon them and I could smell the fear of the inexperienced as their eyes widened as I grew to my full height to fight them. They were dispatched in very short order and we were able to capture one to be sent back to Greyhawk (Thassos did this with is teleport spell), to be turned over to the authorities as well as several women we freed from the captivity of these hapless bandits. We walked several more back to their home village by the lake and then continued on our way to Maure Castle.

I am writing this to you while sitting among the ruins of that very edifice. Thassos and Aria have just discovered a way into the underground at the base of the hill and we are mulling over our options before taking the plunge into the depths.

Wish me luck, cousin. Once again, I am leaping into the fray with my compatriots with worry for naught except the welfare of my love.

Time is growing to a point when I must take the ultimate plunge into the adventure that is ever taking my mind’s eye away from the mere dangerous activities we find ourselves in. I feel that the time to ask Silver THAT question is coming soon. You have now met her and I will seek the approval of my father and of Uncle Earnur when the time comes. Please take some time to question them both on this matter for me, will you? Of course, as always, I will find my own path, and as a man now I require naught but the approval and wisdom of The Light to find my path through life. However, I do find that the blessing of my family is something that I desire (as I will seek it from her family as well). Think on this and let me know your thoughts in our next communication.

Your cousin,

El ‘Rohir

My dear Cousin Io,

I have failed. I have failed you, myself, and the Hestmark!

I have spent the past nine months in earnest seeking through toil and spent blood to attain the power, skill, and the opportunity to rid our World of the Over King’s greatest servant dog, the Arch Bishop of Pontylver. In but the blink of an eye in the dirge of the grimmest contest of arms and wills I have yet encountered, a mis-heard phrase, an instruction vaguely shouted against the outcry and din of war, while sense to all, was meaningless to me. And in the fog of this one battle, I brought about a condition which may have cost the Hestmark its freedom.

If I have truly ended our hopes, then I swear upon every light beam that conveys the warmth and wisdom of Pelor that I will not survive the final battle. If it must cost my life for the life of this great parasite, then it is his to absorb. I have rededicated my life to becoming a relentless righteous fist bound and oathed to destroy the body and release the evil spirit of the Arch Bishop. To this end, all else is secondary.

In my failure, I could not for a time look Silver in the eyes. Of course, my fear and self loathing were unjustified as far as she is concerned. Although, I have to secretly admit that I was somewhat surprised in her continued support of me. The disappointed looks of the others tell the story all too well though as far as what my standing in this group is at this point. Although she stands strong beside me, they all will now have their doubts. I do not blame them for this. I am glad that they are my friends and that our new wizard companion has the good sense to keep his mouth shut along with the rest.

It is clear now that the Arch Bishop is aware of the plot to kill him before his spring offensive, he will be henceforth guarded so well as to be totally unassailable. The only way to get to him now is while commanding his army from the rear (as his kind is wont to do) during his open war with the Hestmark.

Without him, his army might have faltered under new or hastily cobbled together leadership. With him, they will be confident and strong. It is funny to me how small and insignificant has been our contributions to the Hestmark army to this point. We have barely outfitted a platoon with great weapons and perhaps fitted a regiment with the money and other things we have given. What is a regiment, however finely arrayed, compared to a legion of dedicated professional troops whipped up to a hextorian frenzy!

In contemplating the coming battle for the Hestmark, I had brazenly entertained a braggard’s thoughts of the Oathbound ranging about the battlefield heroically stunting the Over King’s desires wherever we went… Or perhaps my leading an entire regiment or more of troops to squash the Medigians with but a stern look and a flash of our weapons!

What a fool I have been!

Now, I can best hope to be allowed the privilege of leading a squad. In fact, I would be glad of such a gift from the Hestmark leadership. I shall ask for nothing and will gladly accept and fight until death in whatever posting I am placed in. If Silver will but stand beside me, I will win through unto my own… Whatever that might be, in the end.

You need not tell me what my Father has said of this. And, I imagine Uncle Earnur has done a good bit of, “I told you so…” about the evening fire. After all I have been through, I have found myself back where I started with these two good elves. I have prayed long on their reaction and find myself hoping, as always, for their happiness more than anything else.

I have always ever asked Pelor for two things in my adventures… I have asked for the wisdom to see the path and the strength to walk it in his name. For this, I have received great favor and power from Him and I have not always used it in a manner that reflects that granted wisdom. This failure was one of not listening with that gift of wisdom and acting on impulse instead. I have asked Pelor for forgiveness.

Despite this, I can not say that my morale is low. While Silver loves me, I know that there is still hope for a bright outcome to our adventure. And although in my sight her feelings are a spiritual light house on the coast of an angry ocean in which I find myself adrift, that light calls me as a moth to its flame and I know that no matter how mean the sea, I will always find my way home. For that, I owe her everything.

Your Cousin,

El 'Rohir

"To Battle!...

For the Glory of the Holy Light!
For the Glory of her Love!
For the Glory of the Hestmark!

Oorrah!"

Hail! The Sun bathed Mountains!
Hail! The Shadowed Valleys!
Hail! The Hestmark Republic!

8-25-576 (Goodmonth)

My Dear Cousin Io,

Once again, we find that our mission (and the needs of the Hestmark) calls us to leave my beloved highlands.

Our time with the Sharp Axe Clan has been happy and comfortable. Hanor’s people are loyal, hospitable, and generous. These stout folk have much more than mere stone work to offer our Republic! At the behest of Lord Morrow and the Elder Sharp Axe, we have decided to embark to meet up with some of Boss Fromm’s men and to rid the region of the Royal Pathwardens in Dedermont’s Keep. I have appealed to the Wisdom of the Path of Light, and Pelor has answered my prayers by allowing me to know that there is great evil sequestered within the palisade of the keep in the form of powerful outsiders. We have, of course, known for some time that the Over King is using dragons, the undead, and outsiders in his efforts to bring this region of the World within his iron grip. The Archbishop and his Medigian dogs are there to control and suppress the common folk. The others are for us (and those like us) who have chosen the path of freedom and to bask in the light of truth.

So, well provisioned for a journey easily a month longer than is planned (as is our wont), we set out for Ruoyna’s Den. The other members of the Oathbound have had dealings with the proprietor before they met me and have claimed him a reliable source of information and trustworthy. As we left the foothills, we encountered a mounted patrol as we left the cover of the foothills and decided to avoid detection this time.

We spent one night encamped about Ruoyna’s Den partaking of an evening and a morning meal of quite passable fare while learning a few bits of interesting intelligence… The Medigians have pulled out of the local valleys and flats and have collected themselves near Pontylver as they begin to drill their brand of war craft into their troops and build their force for their assault on the Highlands this next Spring.

They have left the control and patrol of the region to the Pathwardens who are just now beginning to show the locals how much they prefer the Medigians to these interlopers from the far lands of the Over King. We were told that Boss Fromm’s men had left the bridge and Inn and have moved on to Dorr. We originally had decided to avoid Dorr (as our presence might have been noticed by Medigian spies). However, we do wish to meet up with these men and since we have learned that we have been scryed and watched all along, I feel that it doesn’t really matter where we go for now. The Archbishop has, no doubt, a great deal of confidence that we are of little consequence and that the Royal Pathwardens will put an end to us once and for all. Otherwise, I feel that he would have had an entire battalion of troops assigned to deal with the problem of us continuing to breathe. His over confidence and his arrogance are his only true weakness.

As it is written in the 2nd Scroll of Light (verse 11):

“… As it is with the arrogance of the dark powers, so it is with he that believes in only the deeds of his hands, wringing them together is assumption of their as yet unused power, will find that they are wrapped in shadow and may appear as withered once exposed to the Light of Truth!”

And from the 3rd Scroll of Light (verse 21):

“Those who choose life in the shadows must still one day walk in the Sun. For only there can they learn the truth of their destiny.”

Someday, I will be that beacon of sunlight for the Archbishop.

We arrived at Dorr on the 23rd and decided to spend the night at the Sunflower Palace. As I said before, I think that they know where we are and thus hiding at some terrible place would have served little purpose. We kept our friends and weapons close and enjoyed a little of the niceties that our new found wealth has afforded us.

Silver and I also took advantage of this short respite in our adventure to spend time together. Looking forward to the upcoming action against the Over King’s men, I decided to finally openly declare my feelings for her. To my great relief and delight I discovered that she feels the same and we have committed to each other our love. The telling of this was like lifting a bond of heavy chains from my heart and I was inspired to sing of the old love ballads that Aunt Perine sang to us as children (remember how Uncle Earnur would roll his eyes and slouch into a grumpy looking old elf and Aunt Perine would add verses until he would finally give up and leave?). I surprised myself that so little has been lost to my memory. I have seen and done such horror during the last year, that I had believed that songs of peace and love were to never cross my lips again. But when I look into Silver’s eyes now, I can’t help but hear her voice declaring, “I love you” flare in my mind every time those silver orbs dance in my direction. Of our evening together, I remember every detail and yet, it seems to have been a blur…ending far too soon as it always seems to. Will I be strong enough in body and spirit to be worthy of her? It is above all else in my thoughts.

We sent a runner to find Boss Fromm’s group and learned that they had already left Dorr. Using the Power of Light, I sent a message to the leader of the squad and found him already holding a perimeter around the keep. They were beginning what they intend to be a long term observation mission to mark the comings and goings of the Pathwardens for Boss Fromm. Of course, they are sharing their intelligence with us and they are hopeful that our impromptu mission to crush the Pathwardens will relieve their mission entirely. Should we end this successfully, there will no longer be a need to watch the Wailing Woods for anything greater than the squirrels.

On the 24th, we began our trek into the Wood and we arrived at the perimeter watcher’s position a little after noon. As I have stated before, we all appreciate the differing nature of this foe and the fact that they have unknown help of unknown power has made us all careful in our approach on this mission.

They will most likely be looking for someone in the air and using concealing magic. They will also have the ground, the palisade, and the surrounding ground well guarded and watched (and very probably enspelled with protective magic). My beloved Silver presented a plan to surprise the defenses by sending only one scout (herself, of course… Her personal bravery will be her undoing, I am afraid). The idea is that we are known to always be together and perhaps they are looking for a larger (or more magically noticeable) group seeking to spy the fortress. One person carefully concealed and with great skill at hiding and sneaking just might get through to see what is going on there. Along with and an encouraging wink, I gave her the Wand of Signaling to call for help should she be discovered (although at nearly a mile distance, she was truly going to be on her own). Later, she admitted that she approached the Palisade itself to try to hear some conversations through the flimsy barrier. Doing so, caused her to spring the trap of some protective magic revealing her presence to the guards. They immediately set out to find her with some light cavalry and at least two other individuals (obviously members of the Pathwardens themselves as one of them wore the rank of Colonel of Pathwardens) who gave chase as she easily left the horsemen behind. These two gave chase into the forest and she sent up a flare for assistance.

We leaped into the saddle and pushed our newly acquired steeds to their limits heading to her rescue. Although the sorcerer of the pair after her was left behind quickly, she found it very difficult to shake this ‘Colonel’ as he was easily able to keep up with her and, in fact, was able to literally run rings around her as she ploughed through the forest. I have seen her move through wooded areas in detail and I have never seen anyone (or anything) move through foliage like Silver can. Obviously, the rank of ‘Colonel of Pathwardens’ is not one that is just given to some supportive nobleman! Finally, she gave him the slip and we met up to hear the tale of the chase and to heal Silver’s considerable injuries earned during the encounter. I have also seen her injured in combat before and she has rarely been this grievously hurt.

One alone is always a target! In the future, I will make myself heard against individual forays by anyone. There is still far too much of the World against us and what we believe in for any of us to venture alone, whether in the unfamiliar wilderness of the Wailing Wood, the well patrolled streets of Pontylver, or even the populated valleys of the Hestmark! Our enemies are everywhere. Only together can we prevent being overmatched by these foul people and their servants.

We must now contend with a keep full of powerful foes that are now in a heightened state of alertness and expecting an attack any moment. In fact we might need to postpone this mission for a while and simply join Fromm’s men in watching the place for a few weeks before making an assault. I will try to sway the Oathbound to a course of action at least similar to this. Pray to Pelor for us Io, and I will continue to pray and strive to make our plans come true in the Highlands!

For the Glory of Her love!
For the Glory of the Hestmark!

Your Cousin,

El ‘Rohir Redleaf

Reaping 21 CY 576

My dear Cousin Io,

After we spent most of a day searching the Suel Lich’s outpost lair we found that the Lich’s phylactery was not present (at least it eluded our best efforts) and no further clues for our quest could be found. We camped there to contemplate our next move in the swamps.

As I shared with you in a letter and with Silver over the course of many conversations, my greatest fear in this swamp is it’s most fearsome natural inhabitant...the Black Dragons. We have spent many weeks now trudging about this fetid land without so much as an encounter. Often, I have asked Silver if she had spied any evidence or trail of these creatures during our travels. Always, she would answer no. Last week I decided to desist as she reassured me that should she come across any clue to these great worms, I would be the first to know…

On Reaping 20, we decided to set off toward this valley to which Lord Morrow has supposedly been taken. As we traveled, Silver noticed some winged beings apparently following us in the air. We made several attempts to contact them and prod them into communication to no avail. These beings eventually vanished after our next encounter… We were attempting to back track to “sneak” up on these winged footpads following us when our scouts found themselves face to face with a small Black Dragon standing in the mouth of its lair! I suspect that our winged foes intentionally led them to this exact spot with the expressed purpose of teaching us a lesson regarding following them! In any case, the ladies chose the better part of valor and ran from the scene. Had I been there alone or with but a single companion, I would most certainly have chosen this course. Silver and our cousin might be beautiful women and powerful warriors; but, they also possess great wisdom!

As soon as we heard the bay of the worm, the rest of us immediately began casting spells and running as fast as we could to close the distance to the scouts. At the time, I did not know that Silver was facing a Dragon, I did not know what was behind the wild trumpeting blast that it let out. Someone in the group shouted that it was a Dragon and that it has shouted a plea for aid in its foul speech. I can remember thinking how odd that was at the time since throughout my childhood, I have always been told that the language of the Dragons was the most beautiful of all known languages. So beautiful it is supposed to be that even the highest renditions of the most sacred of Elvish writings are supposed to sound like the vile grunts of orcs in comparison! And yet, I heard none of this musical nonsense of legend. Instead, I heard the coarse monotone slithering sounds of a terrible beast calling to its followers.

AS we rejoined the ladies and began trudging our way back to the lair, we were set upon by a number of rather large swamp trolls. They were simply huge and very well organized and drilled in the arts of combat. I have encountered trolls before, they are typically stupid and independent fighters with very little coordination of effort when in groups. These guys were very well organized and fought together with a fair bit of teamwork!

Expecting the Dragon to appear at the least opportune time, I had used some magic to become invisible and to fly. I was expecting the worm to take to the air and use its horrid breath to hurt us from above. So, for once, I left the Oathbound to fend off the trolls without me as I awaited the Dragon. Of course, I kept a weather eye on Drak and Silver in case I needed to abandon my plan and aid them in need.

Once the Dragon finally attacked, Aria filled him so full of arrows, that it only required a couple really good slashes of my blade to bring him down. Surprisingly, the hard part was taking down the remaining trolls! This took some time and the entire group found ourselves finally victorious; but, exhausted and depleted of most of our magical and divinely granted powers. We chose to spend the night searching the lair of the worm and recovering our powers in the lair.

Today, we awaken with a renewed sense of purpose. I am beginning to feel a sense of urgency regarding our quest to find Lord Morrow. We must find him soon if we are to find him at all…

El ‘Rohir

My dear cousin Io,

I have already expressed my thanks to you and Uncle Earnur for coming to see me during Richfest in Briarwood. It was wonderful to see you both.

As I have been doing though my various adventures as a member of The Oathbound, I have been recording our activities in letters to you. I will continue to do so. We are currently on a foray into the Vast Swamp at the southern reaches of Suundi (which I will detail below). To respond instantly to me or to give me news, please ask Arnorhill Peron (the Cleric) to send your message through a “Sending” spell. I trust him and I should be able to respond within a day to you directly.

We were escorted to the edges of the Vast Swamp by Myradon Parantir, a respectable Knight of Suundi. He was a great deal upset at the fact that we had found the Heptad Vampires on the Morrow Estate while he had not heard of their presence there at all! I think that the Suundians are beginning to worry that their outlying communities are not getting the protection they deserve (and Briarwood, as you know, is just a short ride from one of their strongholds!

Sara Morrow has discovered that Blair Morrow is still alive. Kervan Broadleaf, the Knight Commander of the Knights of Sunndi, has provided us the information that he is being held by Arcererat the Lich in the Vast Swamp. We had decided to thwart this particularly nasty fellow a couple weeks ago, and this just gives us the perfect excuse to do so right now. I am very apprehensive of this journey. We both know the stories of the Black Dragons of the swamp. Though I cannot imagine any of them willingly serving a beast such as Arcererat, I fear for the success for this mission if we should have to tangle with any of them.

To enhance the secrecy of our entrance to the swamp as much as is possible, we took our leave of Myradon without saying goodbye and headed immediately into the river. My idea of being as covert as possible by walking in at the base of the river was foiled by the intensely murky conditions there. So, at the urging of the others, I opened the magical boat and we journeyed upon the water.

Near day’s end of the first day, we were ambushed (rather poorly) by a troop of bugbears. We dispatched them without leaving anyone to send a message of our arrival in the swamp. I hope that we can maintain that sort of “silence” for the remainder of our sojourn to the swamp’s center. Primarily due to the threat of the dragon population, but also to the possibility of easier detection on the ground, I still believe that under the surface of the river would be a much more secretive and stealthy way to approach the Lich’s lair. I firmly believe that he will rely heavily upon his local reptile population to discourage such ventures with a minimal amount of magical and animal watchers and protections compared to those we will now run into out in the open on the river and on land. Drak was right that the going would be a great deal slower; but, I think the extra time would have been well worth it. This is one situation where I sincerely hope that I am wrong. Saying, “I told you so” will be (I am sure) a bitterly earned victory.
I would also be interested in your opinion of Silver (the beautiful maiden I introduced you to during Richfest…). I could tell by the look on your face that you were as shocked by her appearance as I was the first time I laid eyes on her. Believe it or not, cousin, she is a finer warrior than any of the sword masters at the estate (yes, even more hearty than Bergilad, my Father’s sword thain!). To see her in combat is as mesmerizing as seeing her swirl on the dance floor. Do you see what I mean now?

As you know, I spent a great deal of time as a lad and as an adult honing my skills at reading people’s intentions and moods by the way they carry themselves. It is true that I have had more success in this with elves and dwarves than with humans or Halflings. Yet Silver is truly an enigma to me. I honestly have not notion as to her thoughts regarding me. I could instantly tell from across the room what Hanor thought of the idea of my dancing with Silver and he has confirmed this with his questions and comments later. I spent a great deal of time with her during the festival and yet, I am as perplexed as ever about her feelings in this matter. Of course, I will give her the time and space she desires in the hopes that perhaps one day she might reveal her thoughts to me.

I suppose that Uncle Earnur will have his way after all. Despite all his advice and warnings, I am allowing what he always called my “other side” (meaning, of course, my human blood) to take control of my life. Drak is a lot like Earnur. Whether he knows it or not, he periodically catches me glancing toward Silver (never expecting or receiving a return glance) and he rolls his eyes or simply has that sad look on his face as if my very existence were a sad testimonial to the World as an example of how elvish blood is being mixed to excess with others to the great loss of all… Of course, this might simply be my misperception of his mood… Well, I am happy for him, at least. Since his last brush with death, Aria has opened up her heart to him and they appear to be getting along well. So, I suppose you can reveal to Uncle Earnur that there is at least one representative of our family that “doing as she should” by keeping to her own kind. In the meantime, I will labor for the day when beauty will be mine to freely behold instead of catch a glimse of occasionally from a distance…

See you soon,

El’ Rohir

My Dear Cousin Io,

I hope that this letter finds you well. I sent my previous letter to you via courier through the ferryman on Fire Watch Island. Please tell Earnur about this place. It might be possible to fix the fortifications here to make this a rather defendable redoubt should things go badly in the Hestmark for our folk and others.

After resting from our “Day of bizarre encounters”, we packed up our gear and decided to join with the cleric Janore to aid her in fulfilling her mission of closing and sealing the undersea gateway called Dagon’s Maw.

I have known for some time the type and use of magic spell craft to allow one to breathe and function under the waves for extended periods. Someday, should my efforts win the favor of great Pelor, I too will be given the opportunity to weave such magic myself! However, on this day, I had never attempted such a feat using my own skill or not. I must admit, cousin, I entered into this latest adventure with a bit of trepidation and a bit of curiosity. It is true that I have never been in deep water before (certainly not wearing more than my skin); but, I have also never seen the creatures that dwell there, nor the remains of a wrecked ocean vessel as is rumored to be at the site of this evil rift in our World. Thus, I jumped over the side of our boat, plunging into the unknown with the fascination of a child and some guilt at leaving our friend Hanor adrift to battle the sea gulls on his own!

Once the weight of our gear delivered us to the bottom (perhaps 6 fallan below the wave tops), we landed in a barren sandy world where no life was in evidence. We did see the wrecked ship right away about 90 paces distant. It amazed me how our guide (Janore) could find the correct location just by sighting points of reference on the distant shore and timing our speed and noting our direction! Sea navigation seems like it would be a terrific challenge if I were not so busy ridding the World of monsters and Medigian slime.

Upon reaching the wreck, we noticed a hole in the side of the ancient ship about 8 feet above us. I swam up to it and peered inside only to find myself literally face to face with a terrifying visage! This creature was in rags and was obviously some sort of undead horror loosed upon us for daring to trespass on this site. His blows were tremendous and caused me great hurt as I battled him for my life.

Silver had swum up with me and also engaged the creature. Drak cast a spell or two (I don’t remember as he was behind and below me at the time), and Silver and I reduced it to its bones quickly after that. As its remains fell gently through the water, I called upon the might of Pelor and cured the wounds given me. As I finished this task, Silver and I peered down into the body of the wreck to see a gaping hole in the sea floor at the base of the hollowed out corpse of a once grand sailing vessel. From this gap in the sea bottom, there was emitted a strange and foreboding evil green light that we could see even before reaching the wreck. This place, the light, the pile of bones stacked thickly below this hole threatened to take my courage away. Most of us felt weakened by this place. Janore, Hanor, and I were particularly aware of this draining feeling. The green glow itself was particularly painful to look upon. This is not the sharp pain of an arrow wound, rather it was more the dull slow pain of the heart one feels when a loved one is murdered slowly for naught but the fleeting pleasure of something evil.

Once the remainder of our company had joined us within the wreck, we proceeded into the hole. We were attempting to hide through the spell craft of Janore that should have masked our presence to all undead carrion. Alas, this magic was not strong enough for the evil awaiting us here. Upon entry to Dagon’s Maw, we were accosted by the ghost of the ship’s captain and two more of the undead vermin that waylaid me above at the entrance. We were later to find that these were the remains of the crew of this ship…
After some contemplation, I find that I pity these poor devils.

We engaged the Captain, who attacked us with spell work and a wand that creates a terrible illusory attacker. Though fearsome, his magic and evil power was no match to us wielding the power of good. He fell quickly and decisively beneath our blades. Upon his demise, his two remaining crew members fell to dust where they stood. His evil will was the only apparent ‘glue’ holding them in their resolve to remain here instead of crossing over as they all should have done years ago. I also learned that my friend Drak experienced some great difficulty in the water with his spell craft. Of course, this could have simply been the ache of his heart at Aria’s passing. Our cousin’s death has weighed upon him. I can see it pulling at him. I do so wish that we will attain the materials needed to have the clerics on Fromm’s Mesa bring her back to us.

After defeating the ghosts of the crew, Janore began the process of sealing the rift that is called Dagon’s Maw. By the evidence we saw there, no ‘outsiders’ from the underworlds has noticed the opening and the ghosts were its only defenders. They were simply very unlucky in that their natural deaths (the wrecking of their ship) happened to cause the slight opening of this portal to greater evil (it looked as if the ship itself pounded open a crack upon landing on the seafloor). Thus, the already doomed crewmen were robbed of their peaceful repose upon the briny bottom and were forced by the evil emanating from the Maw to become once again the slaves of their master, the Captain. Freeing those enslaved is one of the noblest endeavors to be undertaken by those who follow Pelor’s light… “For blessed are they who will smite the Whip Master that those scarred by his vile pleasure might rise up and praise the holy light of Him! Vengence cometh with the rising of the Sun as the Holy Eye of Pelor in the hearts of men…” - 21st Sun Scroll, 3rd verse.

Afterwards, we spent a great deal of time making certain that the remains of the crew and their many victims were properly buried and Janore consecrated the entire wreck site as a cemetery and thus holy ground. She also spoke the proper incantations and rituals to permanently seal the Maw and contain its evil.

Our next quest (after finding and distributing several rather nice mystical items), was to take Aria back to the Mesa and to see if there was sufficient aid there to perhaps bring her back us. Unsure of the cost (in both money and penance) for such a powerful divine gift, I could see the weight of potential failure squarely riding upon Drak’s shoulders. I claim Aria as family as she is the daughter of my father’s sister’s son. But Drak’s claim is far greater as he (although perhaps unknown to him as yet) is undeniably deeply smitten with her. I can understand this well. Aria is as undeniably beautiful as she is powerful. What Elf would not want her by his side in combat or in song. In fact, I must admit to you, Io, that if not for the even more stunning beauty of Silver, I might actually find myself falling to some insane jealous fit that Uncle Earnur would no doubt attribute to my ‘weak’ human blood! Never to fear, my cousin, I hail from the Hestmark! I have not fallen from grace as so many of our kin from that place they call the “Little Rock” were they wed their sisters and cousins and have blood as thin as a mountain stream’s clear water!

All through this, Drak seems to be attempting to hide his desire behind the comradeship of those under arms in company! I do not understand why he does not declare himself to her. Does he not know that we all can see the look on his face as he gazes upon her? How they always sit together at meals… share private jokes… take occasional walks together… stay up late in the evening together talking earnestly about everything but themselves and their thoughts as naught but their toes touch out of sight of the others? One day, they will see the light and it will take pride in guiding them together if I can.

After returning to Fire Watch Island, we took the ferry back to the village and decided to head straight for the plateau where Fromm makes his camp. Upon arriving there some hours later, we could see that the men are continuing their efforts to mount a real defense against the Over King and his dogs, the Medigians. Fromm’s lads are stout and true of heart; but, they are too few in number to clearly defeat the amassed horde that now defiles the Highlands in search of my kin and those others loyal to the ways of truth and honor. I fear for them and our cause.

We held council with Boss Fromm and his leaders with two pieces of business. First, we turned over the scroll containing the map to the Crystal Cathedral (the Arch-Bishop of Pontylver’s residence!). Fromm had offered us a reward of 1000 Gold Pieces for the securing of this map. I may have mis-written in my last letter that this map involved the Over King… Forgive my lack of clarity, cousin. I was hurried in the writing of my last letter and simply mistook a bit of detail. This map apparently reveals a secret way into the dear Arch-Bishop’s chambers!

Fromm confided in us of the rumors that the Over King will be committing his Malachite Knights as well as the Blackguards of Hextor before the end of summer! I can remember the stories of the Blackguards that Uncle Earnur told us as children. Can any man truly be that terrifying? As I have grown and now encountered many creatures with the shriveled heart given to those for who evil is the way, I cannot imagine that even the blackguards can inspire in me the kind of fear Earnur brought out in us on those summer nights with his stories...

In response to this new treat, Fromm is putting together what he called a “strike team” to use the map to the logical conclusion of relieving the Arch-Bishop of his position and his life. Doing so, it is believed, will cause the Over King’s thugs and their dogs (the Medigians) to give pause in the understanding that no one will be safe from the wrath of those oppressed by them. If this ‘holy man’ can be affected, then so can they all. This is what Fromm called “taking the fight to the enemy”. Such a descriptive and yet concise phrase is unusual in the common speech. It is almost Elvish in its clarity!

To earn a place on that team, Fromm assigned the Oathbound (as good Hanor calls our troupe) to hunt down and perhaps destroy some of the various skirmishing patrols that the Over King’s forces are sending hither and thither throughout our beloved hills. I believe this is simply a test to see if we are up to the challenge that this “strike team’s” mission will provide.

The next morning, we gathered and purchased a number of supply items to bring ourselves to full readiness and we set off on a path chosen by the lovely Silver. Aria and Silver took turns on the point and tracked their way to the crest of a small hill. On the opposing side of this hillock was a war party of gnolls and two giant men with two heads apiece that Drak later named ‘Ettins’. Truly the women are becoming powerful in their ability to spot and ambush enemies in the forest and hills of the Hestmark! As you know well, gnolls are swift of foot and adept of scent! The ladies managed to get us to within 100 feet of nearly a score and ten of these creatures without our being detected! They finally spotted us and we began raining arrows and spells upon them from the hill. The Ettins charged the hill and managed to get within 10 feet of us before Drak’s spell craft laid one to rest and damaged the other so mightily that it fell with but a single blow from Terranza! The remainder of the war party was neatly handled through spell work and sword play.

After dealing with these intruders, we set out to track them to their lair. These fetid beasts care not for even the smallest blade of grass! Their lumbering about through the hills was so destructive that even I could easily discern their path (and you know how poor I am at hunting and tracking game). Aria and Silver were once again searching the ground before the party around two fallon ahead of us when they spied a lone Gnoll keeping watch of the trail. He whistled down along the path and his sound was answered by another and soon another! Silver turned to flee what she saw and a moment later, we all could see why she would do this…

Before us, charging at an unbelievable speed were two of the largest man-like creatures I have ever seen, two more men who were clearly ‘Ettins”, and about 40 gnolls! Never at our best could we defeat such a force. They were obviously under some powerful magical enchantment since they were running toward us much faster that these creatures can normally run! Since the giant men towered above the Ettins, I assume that these are true giants. They are the first I have ever encountered and they truly frightened me for a few moments. I drew hard upon the reins and brought Io’s Pride about and yelled for the Oathbound to retreat! Remembering the wand of signaling entrusted to me by Boss Fromm, I quickly shot off a burst of magical fire into the air to alert any of Fromm’s forces in the immediate area. It was a vain hope for help, but hope nonetheless. Terranza bravely stayed her retreat so as to keep pace with and protect Hanor and his slower pony. Aria immediately made for Drak’s position to cover him, Silver and I began to move out at full dash. Drak, however, had other plans. He stood his ground in an attempt to use his flame spell craft to the giant’s ruin. Unfortunetly, the Giants and the Ettins over came him (and Aria as well) and pounded upon them with their fists and morning stars. Aria and Drak were down and unconscious within seconds.

I have to admit, that my first instinct was to simply run. I must say with shame in my heart that this was, in fact, my first impulse. Then as I watched from a short distance, the Giants picked up our cousin and my friend Drak and made off with them as if they were sacks of potatoes! At that moment, a flying wizard appeared and as he vanished again and soared to the clouds, the party of 40 gnolls charging at us disappeared! They were simply a clever spell effect! They were an illusion!

Well, feeling very stupid brought my ire to the fore and I found that I could not leave my cousin Aria and my friend Drak to be savaged by these terrors afoot. Silver, Terranza, Hanor, and I then gave chase. Good Hanor and I nearly expended nearly every bit of divine magic afforded us that day as we called upon the Gods for aid. It is testimony only to the power of the divine that we were able to steel ourselves for the coming battle.

We must have been a sight to see running up behind those giants. Their own thunderous footfalls and (no doubt) loud boasting about our defeat and what they intended to do to Drak and fair Aria hid our approach and we set upon them before they could react! Terranza with her fearsome double axe laid into them like a farmer reaping the fall grain. Hanor with his feet planted on the Earth as if connected to the living rock itself immediately set himself to curing our comrades tossed aside by the surprised enemy. Silver moving like lightning danced about among the flailing arms and swinging morning stars dealt death and judgement with every stroke of her weapons. And I hewing them for all I was worth with my great sword, eventually brought them all down.

To be honest cousin, most of the details of the battle are beyond my memory. I fear that I must finally confess to all of Earnur’s jibes over the years about the way I blind myself as I move into combat. Remember all those times I would destroy the practice targets? I remember him yelling at me for letting my emotions take hold of my actions when bringing my sword to bear; yet, due to my rage, I can never actually remember hitting the practice targets! Of course, I do remember all the long hours we spent rebuilding them as punishment! Though you will not see the need, I must apologize for getting you and in that sort of trouble for all those years ago.

After we destroyed the enemy, our eyes were drawn to the sky. During our melee on the ground, there was apparently and magical battle in the clouds! After a time as Drak and Aria were restored to health by the ever capable Hanor, one of Fromm’s sky riders came down to our battlefield upon a hippogriff. It was a roan and looked to be from the Anheleus Herd kept in the northern reaches of the Hestmark, and thus, of good stock. The rider informed us that they drove off the wizard whom I saw vanish; but, they did not vanquish him. His whereabouts are unknown. This means that there will be a report of our doings and our victory to the Over King’s commanders in the field. This can only mean that our next encounter with them will find them prepared for us specifically. It took nearly everything we had to fight and destroy those four dastardly foes. At least, it took everything I had. Terranza and Silver looked as if they could take on a dozen more giants while I stood bent over trying to catch my breath! I do not know how we might fare should more find us (particularly if we are caught unawares).

Tired and depleted of magical ability, we found a thicket to hide in and address both our wounds and our deities in thanks for the survival of our friends and ourselves. Before departing on a congratulatory note, Fromm’s rider informed us of a cave nearby that might have served as the giant’s base of operations in this region. Taking council, we have decided to explore and possibly attack it come first light. In the mean time, it is time for prayer and sleep. That rest is well bought, for once again, we have dealt the Over King and his dogs the Medigians a blow that will not heal quickly!

I will dream tonight about the Arch-Bishop in the Crystal Cathedral and I will imagine that each blow we strike among his foul minions will be like a painful scratch or splinter that he must endure until the day when he will feel my blade ending his pain and the oppression of this region!

Please thank the sky rider for delivering this for me and be certain to feed his fine mount. I understand that they love dead ferrets.

Your faithful cousin,

Elrohir

I knew it! For years, have I not warned my uncles and father of the impending action of the Over King? Have I not spent so many nights not in song with my kindred in the halls of our fathers but shouting with desperate voice to the old timbers?

Certainly, Papa and the oldsters who sit apart upon the high steps will listen now! Earnur and Io will now spread the word of the coming of the Medigians to Berlingford. Now Master Redleaf will begin the labor of marshalling our people to set down lyre, pipe, and flower and to replace them with blade, bow, and shield.

Years will be the making of our readiness although the Over King has decided to grant us but weeks. Our own blindness to the World has given the Over King command over our next actions.

Curse these men who wither the World about them as the Penkow Worm rots the Oak from its roots. Silent and unoticed until the time to stike has come.

And yet, with this misforune for our beloved Highlands, I find myself tasting the joy of freedom from the elders of my family. I have been bestowed upon the World to provide my full measure of wrath upon the backs of our enemies from the outside of my estate or to find my own fortune and leave my family to burn. It will, of course, be the Over King's minions who will feel the fire of my wrath; for my oath of service is dear to me (despite my father's speculations to the contrary) and I will find a way to mete out the destruction the Medigians so richly deserve.

I owe my Uncle Earnur and my good Cousin Io for finding these adventurers. I have spoken with them and they are true of heart. They are an unlikely cadre of beings. Their leader is an Elven Sorcerer of high measure. This Drak often speaks for the group; but, he is wise and allows others to speak and act when it is most advantageous! He is accompanied by one of my more distant Cousins Aria of whom I know little more than the glow of her goodly nature. She is a ranger of note! There is also a Human woman named Silver whose skills in the woodlands rival many of the high folk I have met!

To watch Silver and Aria working together upon the trail was a delighful entertainment. Though far younger than Earnur and from a far away land, they were making their own choices as to direction through the thickets and thorns of the paths to the Mesa and were coming to most of the same choices as my Uncle despite his clear advantage of having travelled these paths for over 118 years! The only way in which they could better surprise one is with their beauty. I have seldom seen women who are as competant with sight, skill, and blade and are as breathtaking as these maiden/warriors. They are warriors, poets, and women all at the same moment! I wonder if they fathom the tremendous power they might wield? I doubt that even the stout Dwarves of these hills could stand long in their radiance.

They are accompanied by one of these stout hearty folk from within the hills themselves! He is with them in response to their aiding the people of his family some time ago. As always, when a dwarf makes an oath (whether he is swearing to defend you, swearing to kill you, or merely declaring whether or not it will rain) You turn your mind to other things as you know that he will do as he says. I am looking forward to many a deep discussion with him as we traverse the countryside in our travels.

I have volunteered to fill a hole in their company left by a Human named Loganarius who has now committed himself to the defense of Berlingford. I hope that the Medigians will not recognize his difference from those in that small village. However, I know something about the tactics of the Over King and his minions. They will find this stranger amoung those native to the village. They will make him talk.

If the Medigians find him out, then we will be in need of haste to warn all who remain in the accessable places in the hills. It is my hope that these people will remain committed to the purpose of aiding the Highlanders in general and the Redleaf Clan in specifically for the defense agains the invaders.

I will urge every one of my kinsmen to aid them in their endeavors as I have by adding my sword and bow to theirs. I see that I can bond with and befriend these people. They are all of the sort that lends one to like them upon meeting them. I shall work hard to earn their trust and respect.

They tell me that I died. I remember the feeling of floating and of a cool darkness surrounding me like a blanket in the deepest winter. I could hear the pleasing tones of Dwarvish singing as if from a great distance like at the floor of a valley between the mountains with a sinking wind forcing the delightful echos of the women's voices down from the crags. I seem to remember looking up at something with two heads and a smell like dog that has died beneath the porch and has been rotting there for week! That smell is still with me in my dreams. Did I slay that beast? If so, I have no memory of it.

In the nights after my reincarnation, I find myself awakening in the middle of my sleep shift wet with sweat and disoriented. It takes me a few moments to realize where I am. It takes me a moment to realize WHO I am. Then I begin to think of my father and the hopeless cause I have embarked upon. I often turn my thoughts to why I am here and what I should really be doing with my time and talents. Then I see the faces of the people here in the highlands. The Elves and the others here have been so kind and understanding despite my best efforts to befoul their honest offers of friendship with my off handed wit and my desire to belittle everyone else.

Could it really require my death to allow me to actually see my companions and those others around me for the lanterns of good that they are? I have awakened from the deep dark to realize my place in the World at last. My father's life is his own and there was never anything I could ever have done to right those wrongs.

However, here in the highlands I have found a hurt that I can be a part of healing. I owe everything to the people here. Thus, I will repay them with everything that I am. I will aid them in their struggle against the Medigians and all that those people and all of the Empire beyond the Holy See stand for.

I pledge to this my hammer.
I pledge to this my honor.
I pledge to this my life!

These are now my people and I am their's.

As to my companions who have somehow tolerated my existance all this time, I must find a way to leave them. They have proved with their uncalled for kindness my unworthiness to remain in their company. Now, I must find the courage to bid them farewell for they shall forever retain my friendship though I am unworthy of theirs.

Upon the morning, I will tell them all. I will go to the Mayor of Berlingford and beg him for forgiveness and I will begin the process of earning this town's trust.

Yes, in the morning all will be well and I may begin the life that I was born to live and had to perish to find...

Tomorrow night I shall know sleep.

Loganarius