Morwel's page

Okay here's the completely unedited journal. Sorry but I can't work at this anymore!

My life as an adventurer began today.

With no sign of my cousin I left my note on his desk. I’d have preferred to have dealt with him in person but everything I wanted to say to him was left in the note. He’ll be furious no doubt, which made me glad, I wanted him to feel at least a fraction of the anger I’d felt last night. But sadly the letter does make me seem a bit like a coward, however I had little recourse as I had no intentions of waiting on him, this opportunity may never come round again. Perhaps after I was certain he had my letter I’d let him stew a bit.

Dalrack came up with a simple plan to get me out of the compound, he would distract the guards and I would simply slip out the front door. The plan was beautiful in its simplicity. Why over think things? If something should go wrong I would simply give them the tongue lashing they deserved and leave of my own accord. I did hope things worked out though because I had no desire to even address these incompetent fools that failed to protect me. I didn’t feel they deserved the honour of having me yell at them. Elluvil had forgiven them, I had not. Maybe after their latest blunder my cousin would begin to see them as the inept undisciplined freeloaders that they were. But then again perhaps not. Denial is a powerful force.

I packed what I thought I’d need: my comb, my mirror, some twine and ribbon for my hair and miscellaneous purposes, a wash cloth, soap, a razor, tweezers, some scented oils, a couple of pieces of paper, a pen, ink, sealing wax, my knife and crossbow, a case of bolts, and I tucked my signet ring into one of my secret belt pockets. I wore my sturdy traveling cloths, good hiking boots, a warm cloak, and of course my working gloves. These had good firm leather on four of my six fingers and because they were for ‘work’ I wouldn’t care if they got dirty. Hopefully the others had done as I’d asked and purchased the remainder of my supplies.

When I was ready Dalrack moved to distract the guards. I couldn’t help but smile as the wizard verbally tore into them. Had I felt anything towards them I would have given them much of the same, though undoubtedly with greater eloquence and more zeal. People often think that volume equates to anger, that the louder they shout the greater the displeasure they’re showing, but this is a mistake: when I made my formal rival Ellundeene run away I scarcely raised my voice louder than a whisper. Perhaps one day I’d let these fools know how I felt about their failure but for now I had more important things to do. I easily slipped out the front door.

The group choose to meet just across the street in a restaurant called “The Rusty Bucket”. I’d never bothered to visit it before. It seemed rather mundane, completely un-noteworthy, and once I found my way inside I found I wasn’t wrong. It was well furnished, for a backwater berg; I’ll give it that much. The food was edible but nothing stood out. Perhaps this restaurant was considered fancy in this sad little town. I saw that it had a VIP section with velvet ropes. There were green stain glass windows and a trio of pipers playing a somewhat discordant melody. It seems sad that they needed to make such pretences. The restaurant seemed like a peasant wearing noble’s cloths. No one of distinction would be fooled.

I found the others already assembled as I entered. I immediately suggested that one of the men check on Dalrack just in case things had become physical across the road. My concern was unfounded, Dalrack entered just moments after one of the men reluctantly went to check on him, but I didn’t dare take a chance. He’s the only one I’d stumbled across thus far in these human lands that showed any real potential.

After a small discussion we headed towards the cairn. I was pleased that the cairn they were interested in exploring was the one that I thought I might have to secretly steer them towards. That meant less effort on my part. I was also happy that the men had bought the equipment I’d requested. Perhaps this expedition wouldn’t be as tedious as I’d imagined. The men, though clearly not of quality, were at least capable of following simple instructions.

The hike to the cairn proved to be nothing. I had some worry that I might slow the men down but the smallest, I believe his name is Barl, was quite slow and the hike became more of a leisurely stroll to me. The abandoned mine was quite easy to locate, there was even an old path and there was a broken down mine office near the site that the men decided could be used as a camp site. Locating the cairn proved to be a bit more difficult but the halfling Barl is quite close to the ground and has sharp eyes. He soon spotted an overgrown tangle that had something behind it.

The mouth of the cairn wasn’t much to look at: no statues, runes, or architecture to hint this was this was the final resting place of an ancient and/or advanced race. Naturally I wasn’t impressed. I suspected that a race powerful enough to get my cousin and Alustan “the smartest man in town” all excited would have some hint that there was something here. Still, I suppose if there were any treasure still within, it would be better not to have something too ostentatious on the outside to attract thieves.

Unfortunately, when we began investigating, we saw signs early on that the place had already been plundered. The entrance had names written and carved into it, we discovered an old mouldy bed roll, and there were plenty of signs of vandalism. The “whispering” sounds that lent the cairn its name for example proved to be strange air pipes that hand long ago been busted open. There was a strange statue or structure made out of an equally strange material that had been shattered. To me it looked as though it might have been an oval, perhaps in the shape of a mirror frame at one time. I couldn’t help but note the Vaati runes on it but no one else in the group seemed to know what I was talking about. Dalrack could only repeat what Allustan had told us both. The seeds were planted though; I could see that, I didn’t doubt that Dalrack would now look into this for me.

It seemed my hopes of finding wealth and magic in this place seemed less likely the further we went in but then we had an unexpected encounter: early on one of the men spotted tracks and as we went deeper into the cairn the smell of wet fur became unmistakable. A small pack of wolves lunged out of the darkness and attacked us. Not that this was any great boon but after we’d put the feral beasts down our halfling explored their den and discovered a backpack with a couple of treasures inside. There was a armband of unmistakable elven quality and a strange lantern that looked like one in a fresco we found nearby. One item clearly belonged to the cairn and the other didn’t. Suddenly we knew there was treasure to be found, and perhaps not all of it local.

While we were dealing with the wolves the halfling Barl somehow found the gull to call me “hot cheeks” and later “curves”, and while some highly derogatory names like this can be terms of endearment between lovers, Barl and I were acquaintances at best. I suppose it’s my own fault, earlier I’d allowed the elf Curunir and the blacksmith to bark orders at me. I thought it was amusing that they thought to protect me but clearly allowing the men that familiarity had sent the wrong message to the halfling. I decided to put an end to the matter immediately.

"I will not be called 'curves', 'legs', or 'hot lips' or anything else of the sort,” I finally said to him, “you may call me Morwel or failing that Lady or Miss”

“As you wish . . . Lady,” he said with a bow.

I suspect that the bow was meant to be mocking but I wouldn’t press matters at this point. I didn’t want a conflict, the halfling seemed to be rather good natured and popular with the group and starting a fight with him might cause the others to resent me. Besides the wolves had savaged him a fair bit and one might be content to conclude that he had been punished enough. I wasn’t, but then again I am rather blood thirsty at times . . .

It was around that time that someone noticed a light behind us. Somehow a cleric of Heironeous had stumbled onto our little band. It seems he was investigating something or another and the elf seemed to know what business he was referring too and so I let the men talk. I knew a cleric could prove useful in keeping the others alive, but the men seemed to want to pound their chests and yell at one another so I let them have their fun. In the end the others let the priest stay, which I thought was the correct decision, but the blacksmith and he were like oil and water. I suspect that it was because they both imagined that they were commanding, that this was their expedition, but both were wrong though. I would need to correct them at some point but for now they could have their fun.

The newcomer was named Arkady. He was loud and pompous, but he seemed well educated and I suspected that he was a gentleman, which meant less training in the future . . . which was always a good thing. However he would need to learn his place. He was an officer and a priest and naturally that meant that he was used to barking orders and having them obeyed, but I wasn’t an acolyte or a soldier, and my class were accustomed to ordering his class around. There was no need to press the matter though; his kind would fall into line, that’s what made them so useful.

Once we joined forces we explored deeper into the cairn. The men seemed to ignore me, except to keep me ‘safe’, which for the most part suited me fine, but it was annoying when they ignored my observations and decided to do their own thing. The priest (amongst others) was very quick to point out that exploring on my own might set off traps, but he himself went off exploring on his own and was nearly killed when a giant bug was summoned (perhaps via trap) and almost mauled him to death. Again I couldn’t help but take some sadistic pleasure as someone who had slighted me was dealt with by the cruel hands of fate.

The main chamber was massive. In the centre was a sarcophagus with seven alcoves and each one had a lantern hanging in it . . . all but two. This corresponded with a fresco I’d discovered earlier. The men seemed to want me and Dalrack out of the way while they explored and they asked us to stand on the dais. I found myself looking over the sarcophagus and I quickly noted that the pedestal looked like an arrow. Sadly they failed to take notice. When they did I’d say they only half heartedly explored the alcove I suggested. When I suggested that the sarcophagus might move the elf gave it a pathetic little push. They went about like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off, lighting candles and toarches, exploring here and there. Finally I’d had enough and took matters into my own hands. I pushed the sarcophagus. Unlike the elf I put my back into it. With a creak the great stone box rotated to point in a new direction. There was a click as I pointed it to yellow.

Nothing happened.

I decided to point it towards the green lantern. There was another click but this time something else. The ground started to rumble and shake. Then the floor crumbled away . . . we thought to investigate the hole but then the sounds of a thousand chitterling and crawling bugs began to echo up from somewhere below. What followed was a desperate fight with a massive six legged monstrosity and a carpet of beetles. The spider like thing was fast and capable of lashing out in every direction, but it was the swarm of beetles that posed the greatest threat. I blasted it with my fire to little effect, Barl tossed alchemical fire and acid onto it, the blacksmith even tried to throw oil onto it. Sadly it didn’t light. I ran to get a torch but sometime between me fumbling with one of the lanterns and the priest falling down good old reliable Dalrack lit a torch and finished the beetles off. In the end most of us were covered in beetle bites but thankfully the priest was able sooth most of those wounds.

The others seemed interested in continuing to explore but Dalrack and I had our fill. We eventually retreated back to the tiny mine offices were we set up for the night. We talked for a while about what we should do with the tiny offices, we cleaned a bit, and then the blacksmith and the priest went back to town for supplies. Dalrack and I talked for a while about magic. He was a wizard and seemed to have little understanding for my style of magic. I answered his questions but didn’t volunteer anything. I didn’t tell him about my patron for example . . . not that I could tell him much anyways. My magic was in many ways a mystery even to me. However I wasn’t interested in questioning what worked too much.

Morwel

The blacksmith approached me when we returned. The usual question about what I was and what my motives were came up immediately. I grew quite annoyed at him, not because he wanted to know what I was, everyone wants to know this but most are too polite to pry, but because he didn’t listen. Last night I told him why I was accompanying them to this cairn. I wanted revenge, but for some reason the blacksmith only heard my comments about money, and then failed to understand why I grew angry. In the future I shall refrain from speaking with him. It seems a pointless task anyways.

I lay awake a while after that conversation. Someone with such an untrusting nature is likely use to betrayal and thus likely to try to betray those around him before they can do the same for him. I believe him to be untrustworthy and I shall need to watch him carefully.

I decided that I’d tell Dalrack what I was. The others I didn’t care about but Dalrack I didn’t want to hear about my species second hand. He had been loyal and kind thus far and deserved the right to know. I’ve only known him for about a day now but I trusted him and believed he had a noble soul. It’s too bad he wasn’t easier on the eyes . . .

I summoned Dalrack to my bed chamber once Elluviel’s sorry retainers had tended to my injury. It didn’t feel any better, but at least now it was bandaged and might continue to heal naturally. Dalrack seemed slightly embarrassed when he came to see me. I suspect it is because he, being a somewhat low born gentleman, was unfamiliar with customs of the court. The idea of ladies entertaining gentlemen in their boudoirs probably seemed scandalous even though it was a very common and mundane practice back home. However here, in these sad little apartments in Diamond Lake, I had but one chair to bid him sit at. Naturally his first line of questioning was concerning my health, as it should have been, and I played down my injuries with my words but allowed the full extent of my wounds to show through my visage. Better a man to think you stoic then weak.

My cousin then found the bad timing to interrupt:

“What happened,” he asked, as if I were one of his lackeys or underlings. This should have been reported to him the moment it happened or else Dalrack should have been questioned whilst my wounds were attended too. Despite my better judgment I responded.

“Kaleceth was murdered and an attempt was made on my life as well!” I snapped with a tad more venom then I intended.

“Is that so?” he asked. As if I would ever tell a lie.

“Had your guards been doing their duty we might only have been bloodied and Kaleceth might still be alive.”

“Don't fault them Morwel,” he said, obviously oblivious to the gross negligence of his underlings, “their task is to guard the compound, not this collection of hovels."

"What about the people who live within this compound?” I asked, “Are we not safe within the sight of your walls? I called for help when I stood in the shade of your walls, screamed when I was attacked, but help only came later, well after Kaleceth's throat was slit from ear to ear."

"Do not take such a tone Morwel,” he said, obviously having already made up his mind, “this village is a quiet place, we seek no trouble with the rash humans. You would obviously not complain so were you gravely injured."

I sighed and turned my attentions to Dalrack. Elluviel wasn’t worth wasting my breath on for the time being .

“Do you know of any reason why you might have been attacked?” the aged spell caster asked, looking towards me but clearly addressing Elluviel.

“This was just the question I was going to ask you,” I said, knowing full well that my cousin had been in Diamond Lake for over one hundred years without drawing enemies. I was an unknown and completely without enemies. I needed to know if these creatures were after Dalrack, or, more likely, after Kaleceth.

"I do not know of any enemies I have in this village,” he said, “I have been here less than a day investigating strange creatures in the hills. Few people should know that I was coming here and I know little about this town or its people."

"Be that as it may,” Elluviel suddenly cut in, “while you have my thanks for attempting to protect Morwel, she will henceforth cease any association with you. I will provide you with a reward, of course."

“Why?” Dalrack asked, “do you see me as a threat?”

“You are an outsider and human. Morwel has seen no trouble before your arrival."

I grit my teeth. Although correcting my cousin about his incorrect assumptions of his role in my life would be high on my priority list, I would not do him the indignity of correcting him in front of company; however his apparent lack of hospitality was completely unacceptable.

"Kaleceth was your man cousin," I said as calmly and as evenly as possible, "if you don't think that his murder just outside your walls is of grave concern then I shall say no more on the matter. But I was very nearly slain alongside him. The blow I took was truly a grievous one and I don't think I should have been able to have taken another. However we won’t quibble about that; but you have duties as lord and host of this house: you will not send him back outside with those creatures lurking about. Not after lending me aid!"

"Very well,” Elluvil said glancing quickly to me, “guest . . . right,” he added with a nod, “He shall have until dawn."

“We have so few guests," I quickly said to Dalrack by way of an explanation, "so sometimes my cousin forgets himself. But he has been under a lot of stress lately so you'll understand his stiffness"

I allowed the men to talk for a time. They needed to talk business (or whatever they call it) pledging to track who and whatever down and promising aid or allegiances. Typical male fantasy. Every man wants to be a knight or a lord. I can’t imagine who it is they thought they were impressing. Just when I’d grown board with the entire conversation a messenger arrived. It seems those four who had left me to my fate earlier had finally returned from their gallivanting and now thought to check on me.

“Friends of yours?” Elluvil asked, he looked to both of us but the question seemed to be directed at me.

"Oh yes," I muttered, "the men that abandoned me as I was dragging Kaleceth home"

"Had you taken them into service?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.

Ignoring Elluvil’s folly was becoming a bit of a struggle but I continued on as though he hadn’t spoken.

“Well to be fair only the blacksmith abandoned me," I said, not wishing to cast guilt on the entire band, "the others passed me by while looking for their friend. Only Dalrack offered his help. Of course such manners can be expected from rabble in the area. I can only assume they had a very good reason for leaving a lady in distress . . .”

"True...one can hardly expect chivalry from wretches such as these,” Elluvil said, “I will let them stay in the yard tonight. Tomorrow they clear out and do not return. Are we clear, Morwel?"

I glared at him. I wondered if the man knew what irony meant. Had he been living amongst these humans so long that he’d forgotten how to address a lady? In the end it worked to my favour as Dalrack clearly couldn’t stand the tone he took with me either. Later he seemed almost too eager to conspire against the ogre.

“I shall return,” he said as wilted under my gaze. Fortunately for him that was not the case. It seems he left that night for places unknown. It seems I would need to set him straight some other time.

Once he had left I was finally able to question Dalrack as I had intended before my socially blundering cousin arrived. We sat in silence a moment as I allowed the wizard to feel comfortable. I didn’t wish to make the first move in this new conversation, as I didn’t wish to appear too forward, but thankfully Dalrack eventually found the courage to address me.

“How are your wounds Lady Morwel?" he asked.

"I suspect I'll live," I said, "The poison has left me weak though"

"I am unsure of what healing your people can offer you,” he said, “but I am willing to offer the little skill that I have to help treat the damage the poison has inflicted."

The rudimentary bandages would stop the blood loss and prevent infection but little else. Perhaps if Dalrack was an experienced healer I’d need to take him up on that offer, but for now I needed information from him, and I had no idea if or when my cousin would return at the time.

"The blacksmith had questions for me and Kal," I said, quickly changing the subject, "I saw you walking and talking with him earlier. Perhaps you can tell me what his interest was."

"I am unsure if I can be definite,” he said, carefully crafting his words, “You are a beauty like no other I have seen, so that may be what had drawn him to you. But it may have also been that he wanted to see if you could help us in an upcoming expedition."

"Upcoming expedition?" I asked, internally wondering if this was the opportunity I’d been waiting for, "tell me more . . ."

"I am unclear about the exact details as we just met right after the few began discussing the particulars. I believe that there is some interest in exploring the cairns: a particular cairn, with a dark cult, which has caused the disappearance of several people. One of them was a friend of an elf named Curunir."

At the mention of the cairns I couldn’t help but smile. Finially I had my deniable culpability. ‘Why no cousin,’ I thought to myself, ‘I had no idea you’d already surveyed the area. Yes I did look through your journal, only because I was curious, but I promise you that when I saw there was nothing there about your business I didn’t read anything. These men were interested in exploring the local cairns how was I to know that the one we explored was the one that you’d already looked into?’ ‘Why no Allustan,’ I thought, ‘how was I to know that this was the same cairn you and I spoke about? I merely joined an expedition already intent on exploring that cairn. Still you are a man of learning, I’m sure you could help us identify and verify all these rare and valuable Vaati artefacts we’ve uncovered. I’m sure my companions would even allow you to publish your research before we sell these relics off in Greyhawk.’

“Excellent,” I said.

"I am not sure what has drawn a few of the others to this,” Dalrack said, clearly trying to fill the void in the conversation, “It could have been the desire to expunge evil from this village or simply the chance of wealth and fame to remove them from it. Either way I believe that we will all receive what we seek. Assuming we can stay together."

“Dalrack I wish to accompany you on this expedition,” I said, “Although Elluvil isn't concerned about this ordeal I will not allow this affront to myself and my cousin go unpunished."

Although I didn’t believe for a moment that this cult was hiding out in the cairn I wanted to explore, the very fact that Allustan and my cousin’s men had been about the area and reported nothing told me as much; but it didn’t make my statements any less true. I would have revenge and inflict tenfold the suffering and pain I’d experienced on whoever was responsible. However there was no reason not to grow wealthy before tracking down my attackers. Exploring this cairn might even give me the resources to better hunt these vermin down. There was no reason to let Dalrack suspect that my goals were anything less than noble.

"I would be joyous to have your magical talent,” Dalrack said, “but what about Elluvil?"

"I'll handle him," I said, "he is right to be worried for me, but I am not his subordinate and I will not follow his commands. I do respect that this is his domain, and while living under his roof I will respect his rules; but I need to understand why Kaleceth was attacked. I will not idly stand by while he does nothing."

"I understand,” Dalrack said, “I will make sure that you are included. I believe the group waiting outside was the band that was leaving for the cairn.”

I reclined in my bed contemplating my next move. Perhaps I should send Dalrack off to arrange a meeting with the group. If they were being questioned by my cousin it wouldn’t do to arrange an envoy in front of him. I suspected that Dalrack was capable of tact and guile but there was no reason to chance it at the moment. I suspected that once the clods discovered what had befallen me once they’d left they would wish to check up on me and apologize in person, this could give me the opportunity I needed, but if my cousin would consent to such a meeting was another question. For the moment my best option was to bide my time.

"If you don't mind my asking Lady Morwel,” Dalrack said after a time, “what is your relationship with Elluvil?"

This was a question I was getting very tired of answering.

"He is a cousin," I said, keeping the annoyance out of my voice, "a distant one I believe, I can never be sure of the family trees, the elves are such long lived people after all"

“Of course,” Dalrack said, wisely deciphering my hint and choosing not to ask the next obvious question, “My mind can barely contemplate it. How long have you lived in this village?"

“Just a few weeks now," I said in disgust, "before that I lived in the elven kingdom of Celene."

"What brought you here?" he asked, knowing full well that no one comes here voluntarily.

"That . . . Queen Yolande,” I said, quickly catching myself, “the perfect flower of Celene thought I should expand my education in the human lands so she sent me here."

“I see,” he said, before offering the proper sympathy, “I can only imagine the hardship you have gone through making such a transition."

“Thank you for your concern Dalrack," I said downplaying the great injustice that had befallen me, "I'm sure you've faced much hardship in your time as well."

With that we talked a little of him. I was casually curious of who he was and what brought him to Diamond Lake as well. I knew from the earlier conversation between Dalrack and my cousin that he wasn’t a native. However before I could probe too deeply there came a sheepish knock at my door and three of the four men that had left me and Kaleceth to our fates entered. They quickly apologized for leaving me, claiming they thought I was in no danger or some other excuse, but I choose not to let them off the hook so easily. Had just one of them stayed behind Kaleceth’s murder and my attacker might not have gotten away so easily. I caught sight of the Halfling snickering.

“Does my suffering or the murder of my kin’s man amuse you?” I demanded.

“No,” he said, seeming to be caught abash, “I take death pretty seriously, if I do say so myself.”

“Good,” I snapped, “because if I am to accompany you on this expiation I wouldn't like to be in the company of someone completely lacking compassion or feelings."

"Wait, what?" the blacksmith stammered.

"She will be joining us on the expedition." Dalrack said in a tone that left no room for debate.

“Why?” he had the audacity to demand.

“Because I cannot allow this attempt on my life or slight against my people go unpunished,” I said, “Because you all owe me some small debt after abandoning me on the road to be attacked; and lastly because I wish to go," I added with the force of a hammer, "because this town is dreadfully dull and I'd rather die a quick violent death of a knife in the back then the slow dreadful wasting of ennui."

Curunir, the elf seemed quick to accept me, Barl, the Halfling, was a bit hesitant but even he seemed beat into submission if nothing else. The only one who looked close to a holding out was the blacksmith. My speech brought a flurry of conversation and planning but I kept my eye on the blacksmith. Curunir spoke of some mission, to which Dalrack supposedly already informed me of, and then there was more talk of healing. The elf had taken wounds and Barl, being a local, knew of several places he could purchase it. I sighed and sat up in bed, I could only assume that the blacksmith would need some show of good faith before he let go of his lingering doubts, and this opportunity was too perfect.

“Come here elf,” I said, not yet pleased enough with Curunir to use his name, “give me your arm.”

The blacksmith sighed and took a deep breath, "You were in no danger where you were left,” he said, trying to justify his actions, “you were in sight of this very compound. I am sorry that you were injured and will attempt to make amends for that in some way . . .”

Just then Curunir approached, “Yes Lady Morwel?” he murmured as I grabbed his aim and let the magic flow through me.

“But I do not think that someone such as yourself would be an asset to. . ." the blacksmith continued but then Curunir gasped as the energy almost completely healed him. The blacksmith’s eyes darted from his elven companion to me, "Alright; I recant." He quickly said.

It seems I’d won his trust. Or was it his respect? One can never tell with human males.

"Now leave me," I said falling back into bed, "I'm still quite weak, but before you go take this."

From under my pillow I produced the list I’d been working on as well as the coins my cousin had given me only a short while ago.

"That's a list of things I'll need," I said as the elf examined the list, "I'm too weak to leave tonight, but if I am to accompany you I'll need a few things. Pick them up upon the morrow if you’d like, but I will need my own supplies if I am to be travelling with you, for I don’t wish to be a burden on anyone."

The men quickly rose to take their leave of me but I called out to Dalrack to wait, “actually I’d better take you up on that offer of treatment,” I said once I was sure the others had left, “it is a long road to the cairn and I don't wish to be a bother. You are trained in medicine?"

"A bit,” he said, “I usually aid those more adept than me."

I pulled myself from my bed and stepped behind the dressing blind, "I shall take whatever little aide I can at this time," I said. Perhaps he was being modest in his appraisal of his skills, perhaps not, but he couldn’t be any worse than Elluviel’s sorry retainers. "My cousin is likely to try to keep his word," I said as I removed my clothes, "And it seems as though we'll have little opportunity on the road.

“I will likely need an escape plan," I quickly added, hoping Dalrack would handle this unpleasant part, "and so you shall need to think of something to help me escape in the morning as well"

I put on my dressing gown and stepped out from behind the blind. Dalrack nervously looked away, which I found adorable; perhaps he wasn’t lying about his meagre medical skills. I stepped in front of him where it would be impossible to look away.

"What if I were to have a loud argument with one of them men,” he said, “Could that provide an adequate distraction for you to make you way out?”

"Yes,” I purred, “That sounds fine, so if you could do these two things for me," I said meaning the healing and the assistance with my escape, I then allowed the gown to fall so Dalrack might examine my injures, "I might find myself very much in your debt"

“I will do my best to accomplish them Lady Morwel,” he said as his face grew crimson. Surely I wasn’t the first female he’d examined in all his years? I was undoubtedly the loveliest, few I think could compare with my youth and beauty, but to a trained practitioner the aesthetics shouldn’t matter. Then again, by the looks of him, I suspected it had been a long time since he had had any company, feminine or otherwise. His hands were rough but gentle. His work was no worse than that of Elluviel’s sorry retainers but he seemed disappointed in his work. He apologized but I wouldn’t hear a word of it. He had been the most loyal and cleaver companion I’d encountered thus far in these human lands; and one shouldn’t fault someone for failure in a skill that is clearly out of their skill set. Dalrack would make a fine assistant.

After he bid me goodnight I composed a letter for my cousin. If I didn’t see him the next morning I’d need to get a few things straight between us. A letter was hardly the most ideal format, but I was hardly going to wait for his return:

Dearest Cousin Elluviel,

Morwel

The letter I would place in his office so he’s be sure to discover it when he returned.

Barl, Atreus and Curunir went up to Morwel's chambers to check on her and Dalrack to find him tending her wounds as best he could. During a brief conversation, they found Dalrack had already invited her to investigate this possible cult locale on Curunir's map. She convinced them that she should come with minimal argument.

Not quite right. Dalrack was allowed to tend Morwel's wounds after the other PCs had left. It will be straightened out in Morwel's next journal.

The day started out quite promising.

My patron spoke to me through my familiar saying that today is the day that would put me on the path to power. Seems quite laughable now, but that morning I had all sorts of hopes and dreams, but I should have guessed nothing good would come of these predictions. My patron had previously told me before my meeting with that retched queen that I would ‘get what I truly desired’. Being sent to Diamond Lake isn’t something that anyone would desire. In the future I won’t be so trusting of someone who chooses to talk through a snake.

In the morning I did my usual chores for Ellival, insufferable tasks like meeting with his underlings and taking reports on his mine, tasks he would have done himself, but now he has me. Anyways the brutes seem to have basic verbal skills and they know enough to remove their caps and they seem to understand what an honour it is for them to be allowed to speak with me. I continue to play along, letting them see who they want to see, and they left bowing and scraping as if I were overqueen of Ahlissa. It’s amazing how a simple smile has even these rough men fawning.

I was done my chores in time for an afternoon nap. I awoke feeling refreshed but no closer to discovering the answer to my patron’s cryptic prediction. I decided to visit Allustan, I thought that it was best to push matters a bit, but first I would need some coin. I found cousin Elluviel in his office.

“Elluviel, I’m going out,” I said in my most stately voice, “give me some spending money.”

We’d discussed this before, a woman of my stature shouldn’t be expected to buy her own drinks, but nor should she be expected to rely on the courtesy of gentleman. Especially not a lady of my stature and especially not in this town. Besides, I’d made it clear that someone had been spreading rumours that Elluviel and I were lovers, and that Elluviel had once killed someone in a jealous rage. It now seemed unlikely anyone would dare make advances on me. I made it clear who I held responcible for that, and now Elluviel was responsible for me. To my surprise the prince laid out fifteen gold coins for me.

“Its good to see you going out to get some fresh air,” he said, “as if something of the sort existed here. Do tell me if you find some."

Perhaps he was feeling wistful or melancholy, either way didn’t stick around to offer him comfort, he took enough of my time as is. I collected the coin and left.

I found Allustan in the Emporium. Finding proved to be a bit of a bother, first he wasn’t at his home where he should have been, and then when I enquired after him at the Emporium the idiot bar tender left me waiting. To make matters worse I spied a rather pretty elf at the bar but when I decided to honour him by acknowledging his presence he seemed distracted. I suspect the commoner didn’t understand the great honour I was bestowing on him. Naturally he would need to be punished for that outrage: I spoke with him a moment more, drawing him in, and then left him when the bartender left to fetch Allustan. Let him know what it feels to be shunned!

Allustan was a touch more robust then what I pictured, he was a man that seemed to garner respect, and I was pleased that he already knew who I was. The information I was able to pull from him wasn’t that substantial, the Vaati it would seem are an ancient race, and discoveries of their existence was rare. This of course meant that any relics relating to their civilization would be extremely valuable. Allustan also believed that one of the nearby cairns might belong to the Vaati.

My understanding of history for this area is sketchy at best, but I understood that the city of Greyhawk was built on wealth plundered from these ancient cairns, and it seemed likely that this Vaati tomb might have the most substantial wealth of them all. I couldn’t just run off to explore those cairns now however, after talking with Allustan and looking through my cousin’s journals . . . what I need now is deniable culpability.

I thought for a moment that I’d discovered it in a hulk of a man named Auric, a braggart and a bully, but not one without his charms. He at the very least knew how to treat a lady. It seemed he was already interested in robbing the local cairns, but the cairn he was interested in was on the other side of the lake, and I already knew from my cousin’s maps that the Vaati pottery shards were found nowhere near there. All in all it was probably for the best, he was interested in fame of all things, and people who seek such fleeting things can’t be rational.

Sadly after Aluric arrived the day began to rapidly go downhill. Allustan became distracted with another wizard. Auric’s companions arrived, a wizard named Khellek and some elven tart whose name I didn’t bother to learn. Their presence wouldn’t have been so insufferable if not for the elf. Despite her blood she was as tasteless and as common as every other person in this dreadful town. Thankfully the wizard Khellek was quick to put her in her place. Still, her somewhat forced apology had a backhanded insult buried within it. I decided she was too stupid to realize what she was saying and was beneath retaliation.

Then I was approached by a member of the bronze wood lodge, not that he was particularity savage or uncouth, but he failed to introduce himself before asking for my aide. Worse still he wanted me to help him find Kaleceth, which would mean me giving up my free time to help him find someone who I didn’t even know. Auric had even bought me a fine bottle of wine. Thankfully Kaleceth was already in the building, unfortunately he was also very drunk, and tempted as I was to enjoy watching a little blood sport as the bouncer Kurlag twisted the elf’s body in new and entertaining ways, I knew Elluviel wouldn’t have been pleased if he discovered that I’d sat idly by whitest one of his servants was beaten to a pulp. I quickly intervened.

The savage from the lodge didn’t even have the courtesy to help me get Kaleceth home after his questions got Kal so worked up in the first place. I thought for a moment there was at least one gentleman in the bar when the blacksmith offered to help me take him home. He had ulterior motives though, he was interested in the conversation Kal had moments earlier, but I didn’t mind because he was one of the few moderately attractive men in this town. I’d seen him on a couple of occasions with his shirt off and had been impressed. However he was no cup bearer and he displeased me greatly when he failed to escort me home like he said he would. Instead he took me away from the busy square, where a lady might have enlisted the aid of some locals, and promptly dumped Kal on the road and ran off . . . claiming to have heard some noise or some such. One would think that if he actually suspected danger about he would have at least seen to the safety of my person and Kal (who had passed out) before running off blind into the night.

I was left to my own devices for a time, I contemplated abandoning the drunk, and had I done that I’m sure no harm would have befallen me, but against my better instincts I kept watch hoping someone would come to our aid. Finally when hope seemed lost four men came jogging down the road. Two I’d seen with the blacksmith earlier, so I assumed they were his friends, one was the pretty young elf I’d spotted in the bar earlier, and another was that insufferable savage. They seemed intent on finding their friend and completely unconcerned with my situation. All but one ran off after their friend, probably getting into drunken mischief, but the fourth seemed to have a conscious and couldn’t help but see my plight and not feel pity. He half heartedly tried to follow his friends but with a few simple sighs and cries I forced his conscious into doing the right thing. He offered to help me drag the unconscious Kaleceth back to Elluviel’s place.

We had just reached the shadow of the Moonmeadow (had there been a sun to cast a shadow) and I’d just called out to the guards, who were supposed to be watching the walls, when disaster struck. A little hoofed gnome like creature scampered out of the darkness and stabbed me in the back. It first I didn’t know what happened, I felt dull thud, almost like someone punched me in the back, but I almost immediately felt light headed. Some of that dizziness, I’d later learn, was likely due to the poison.

I turned to face my attacker whilst I felt where he had struck me. I was horrified to see my hand come back red with blood. I screamed. Then I used my magic to attempt to burn my attacker but the fire had little effect. Dalrack, the wizard who had been talking to Allustan earlier and the lone man in this town who had come to my aid, attempted to chase it away with his magic but again the little monster resisted. Things were bad, I’d used my best magic to no avail, but things were about to get decidedly worse. The little beast grabbed a handful of Kal’s hair, put his sword against the helpless elf’s neck, and slit his throat. Dalrack tried to save Kal, but he’s clearly not a warrior, and I watched in horror as Elluviel’s servant bled out in front of me. Dalrack knew we were doomed, he cast mage armour on me to try and ensure my safety, and I used my hex to heal myself.

I ran towards the compound. Where were those lazy guards? They finally appeared after it was already too late. They chased off our attacker and escorted us inside. I wanted to berate them but I was tired and weary. Let them live with the fact that their tardiness cost Kal his life and nearly cost me mine as well. My injuries weren’t that bad by the time I was in the safety of the Moonmeadow estate but I played them up refusing to answer any questions till morning.

Someone is going to pay for this. Assaulting my person and destroying my cousin’s property will not go unpunished. First I shall need to figure out who and why. There is no doubt in my mind that this wasn't a random attack. I will get to the bottom of this and I think I know the first person to ask.

Morwel

Someone will pay for sending me here, oh yes someone will pay!

I’ve finally arrived in this filthy human village. It’s even more dreadful then I imagined. It sits on the edge of this lake, scarcely a tree to be seen anywhere, with this hideous factory spewing out black smoke. My elven escort didn’t even stay for refreshments.

Cousin Ellival seems exactly like father, only more reserved, he scaresly said a word to me before having his servants show me my ‘room’ --- I say room because it has four walls and a door, but I believe my closet back home was larger. The bed is very narrow and I need to stand on it to see out my window. Not that I mind, it looks out onto that disgusting lake, and I have no desire to see that sludge pool.

. . .

I did some exploring today.

I left the Moonmeadow compound and walked around the town for a bit. The people here are every bit as filthy as the town. One burly oaf walked into a wall when he saw me. I couldn’t help but smile: these humans seem laughably simple minded. I could have some fun here.

I found the town square. There is a bordello, a tavern, and a sheriff’s office. I’d never seen any of these thing back home. It didn’t take me long to figure out the bordello or the tavern, they were specialized buildings aimed at a particular vice, but the sheriff’s office stumped me for a time. Thankfully the matter was cleared up for me in a rather amusing way. One of the men from the tavern enquired if I worked at the bordello another took offence to that line of questioning and, with only the slightest prompting from me, quite suddenly the two men were fighting. Two men from the sheriff’s office broke them up and took the first man to the sheriff’s office where I was told he’d sleep it off.

Great fun! Perhaps I could amuse myself here after all.

. . .

Apparently the locals have come to think that Ellival and I are lovers.

I see no reason to correct them: knowing that I belong to a powerful man like Ellival keeps the lowly peasants away while allowing me access to some of the more interesting locals in town. I had a look inside the smelting house today. No real reason. I just wanted to see if I could talk my way in and I managed to get a tour. The manager showed me where they processed my cousin’s silver for the great city of Grewhawk. I feigned interest and was happy to leave. Tomorrow I think I’ll visit the bordello.

. . .

Today I saw Smenk and Neff

These are the two most powerful men in town, Smenk is a mine operator like my cousin, and Neff is the lord mayor. I spied them today in the velvet corridor of the The Emporium. Both were unimpressive. Smenk was fat and balding and Neff was a lecherous bore. Of the two I found Neff to be the most unbearable. The man had the gall to invite me back to his residence, as if I would be impressed with someone being mayor of this dirt patch, I pretended to be flattered and quickly commented that the mayor is a very brave man indeed to risk Ellival’s jealousy.

“After all,” I said, “one of his stature doesn’t get exiled for simple murder. I can only assume that royal blood was spilt in that horrid affair.”

This brought on some nervous laughs. It seems no one really knows why Ellival is in Diamond Lake. My story seemed likely to them and Neff withdrew. Others pressed me for details and I quickly explained that it was before my time. I said that I had only heard rumours and that the whole affair had likely been covered up.

It seems that Ellival has been in Diamond Lake for over 100 years! I wonder what he’s actually doing here. My lie was good fun but I doubt Ellival could ever get that worked up . . . not for a Female anyways

. . .
It seems the lord mayor is only kept in power by his brother Allustan “the smartest man in town” but if he’s so smart what’s he doing in Diamond Lake?

Allustan might be someone to visit. I asked Ellival about him today and he said he was a respected sage. Apparently the two of them play dragon chess. Ellival tried to show me how to play the other day but I have no patience for that sort of thing. I feigned interest because it was obviously important to him, the only reason he leaves the house is to play this ridiculous game, but if he thinks that I’m going to become his regular partner he’s got another thing coming. I’d almost rather clean that stupid swan boat of his.

Anyways, apparently as well as being a semi renown sage, Allustan is also a powerful wizard. Perhaps I should approach him. It’s been my experience that these bookish types are lonely and sad. He lives alone. Perhaps he knows something valuable? Hopeful he’s not as ugly and depressing as he sounds.

Ellival has a secret library by the way. I discovered it today while snooping around. Perhaps some secrets are tucked away in there.

. . .

Ellival is keeping a journal!

Not in any language I can understand though. I don’t even recognise the letters. Why can’t people keep secret journals in languages I can understand? These journals go back quite a few years. He’s also got maps. Lots of maps. I bet he’s searching for something. Anything that can keep an elf in the desolate hell hole must be valuable indeed!

I’ll try to use my magics to decipher the books tomorrow.

. . .

Ellival keeps his journals under lock and key.

I must have left some hint that I’d been going through his things because they're stowed away now. He wasn’t so careful with his ink blotter though! Using my magics I was able to figure out that he’s searching for something called the lost star cairn or some such business. Apparently he thought he’d found a clue but this turned out to be a false lead. Some pottery fragments, Vaati in origin according Allustan, whatever that means. Apparently they’re not useful to Ellival but it seems Allustan was pleased.

There must be something valuable for me here.

"What a filthy wretched little town!"

Okay here's what I was thinking with Morwel's past: she was (possibly) adopted (possibly kidnapped) and raised by elves in the kingdom of Celene, however Morwel's isn't exactly a good person and she was likely sent to live/work with a distant relative of her adoptive family Ellival Moonmeadow. Morwel isn't exactly well received there but if anyone is playing an elf Morwel and that character could start off the game knowing each other.