Chaos Revealed - Entry 2

Entry 8

The next morning, Ariel and I find our two new “friends” already in the common room at breakfast. Gayland, approaches a local trapper named Boris, that most of the rest seem to be avoiding and offers to buy him a drink. I notice many of the patrons seem uneasy at this, and the Elf from the night before is sitting in the same corner watching and laughing silently. I dislike this man called Boris, as he reeks of blood and death. He is a trapper, hunter, poacher and I feel he enjoys it with no regard or respect for the forest or the animals he hunts.

As he is talking to Boris, he manages to convince the surly man to part with some information and to get a piece of venison for his breakfast. Boris tells him about the evils lurking on the estate and a serious note of disdain creeps into his voice when he speaks about Tristan Duvall.

I decide to approach the Elf, if he was so interested in me last night, perhaps he might be willing to speak with me this morning. I notice Ariel approaching Duvall. From what I know of her personality, she’ll be able to get information from him easily.

As I walk up, the Elf immediately invites me to sit and join him. He tells me he is traveling, studying the magics of various areas. He immediately notes that my companions and I are from somewhere far from this place. I tell him about the temple and how we came here. When I mention the Harpers, he reacts with slight recognition. He is even more sure he has seen members of this group in the town of Raspa when I describe the crescent moon and harp device they wear. From what Marlene told us last night, Raspa is a very important town and one where the patronage of a noble would be of tremendous benefit. I find myself wondering if this Tristan could provide this patronage, but do not ask this question. My friend notes the Unicorn medallion I wear as well as my clothing marking me as a ranger and asks about my deity. I explain that the Unicorn is the avatar of Meilikki and the medallion is also an amulet of natural armor. He nods and looks confused at the mention of Meilikki. I explain that she is also called the Lady of the Forests. He tells me she may then be comparable to the Goddess Artemis here. I hope to find out more about this Goddess.

After a private conference, we decide to help Tristan, I still have my reservations about this, but understand that finding a mage to do the teleportation will difficult and expensive. Tristan is offering us 1000 gold apiece plus anything we wish to claim from the estate. We are also disturbed to find out someone may have hired an assassin to kill Tristan. So not only will we be helping him to cleanse his estate, we will need to act as bodyguards.

Tristan has left the Inn, when we come back down. Marlene tells us he is out looking in the shops. One of the first we come to is a shop of miscellaneous trinkets and collectables. I offer the green small shield I found in the temple to the Gnome shopkeeper. I see he is immediately interested in the item. He spends a great deal of time examining it. After several minutes, he tells me he has an item that might interest me, as he does not believe he has the gold to offer me what the shield is worth. He offers me a Bag of Tricks, which he says will allow me to call forth several different animal companions. However, he is not sure, he is willing to make the trade. I then offer the two extra masterwork short swords I am carrying. He quickly agrees.

Ariel sells him her short sword of elven make and then negotiates to have a small amulet made using the sapphire she found in the temple. When the Gnome asks if she wants a gold or silver setting, I suggest the silver, as it will accent with the blue better. She agrees.

Leaving the shop, we see Tristan across the street. Without warning, he is hit by something and falls. Gayland, apparently seeing were the shot came from, takes off for the woods. Not wanting him to have to face the possible assassin alone, I follow at a considerable distance as he outpaces me.

We are well into the woods, when we lose all trace of sound or movement. Gayland, who is about 60 feet in front of me, and I both stop dead and begin scanning the area. The assassin pops up next to me and catches me unprepared. I take a several serious hits, although, I do mark him once, before Gayland is able to move back to my position. The weapons the assassin is using are also poisoned and I concentrate on fighting them. The assassin manages to use a potion of gaseous form and moves away from us.

Xander, as Ariel found out his name, has joined us after Ariel began healing Tristan. He uses his skills to heal my injuries and we return to the town. I still carry one of the assassin’s daggers. My constitution is strong enough, that I am able to fight off the effects of the poison, this time. And, apparently Ariel was able to help Tristan fight off the effects of the poison he was struck with. Poisons are a nasty business and I now want to visit the shops to see if we can add a few cure poison potions to our supplies before we leave for the estate.

With our wounds healing, we return to the inn to rest and regroup.
Xander and Gayland take the dagger I “retrieved” from the assassin to the Gnome’s shop to see if he might be able to identify it. While there they meet up with another person, who managed to invite himself into our group. I am not sure I trust this Sabin, as he is a bit too smooth and his interest in Ariel seems a bit too much. Natural flirt that she is, she has been enjoying his attention.

After Xander returned the dagger, I approached my Elven friend from the other night to see if he could add anything new, to what the Gnome had relayed. He added nothing, but did confirm that the blade was of Elven make and that the runes appeared to be a corrupted form of the symbol representing the Reverie.

I return to my friends and let them know that he has confirmed the Gnome’s information. During our conversation on what we what to do next, the senior cleric of the local temple bursts into the tavern. He claims to have been accosted in the temple by a man demanding to be healed of some pretty serious wounds. Based on his description of the man’s injuries, we are pretty certain it was our assassin.

Knowing the assassin to be at large in the area and now healed of his injuries, we are not sure what our next step should be. We don’t need to have him dogging our steps all the way to the estate. Nor do we want to be picked off one by one in town.

We sit down to dinner, Sabin joining us. After a few minutes, Ariel went berserk, attacking Gayland. I knew she was still anger over his taunting comments regarding her behavior, but I was still surprised by the vehemence in her attack.

As we tried to restrain her, most of us received a few lumps and bruises, but nothing serious. Gayland finally had enough and hit her with a chair, knocking her out. I took charge of the situation sending him to make reparations with the tavern owner for the damage done. I also wanted him as far away from Ariel as possible when she woke up.

While we were trying to figure out what had happened, the Watch arrived and took Ariel into custody for the fight. I made certain to take all of her equipment before they took her. Not, that I don’t trust the watch, but …

They escorted her to the stocks for the night. Xander checked the food and dishes from out dinner and found a toxin on the goblets that contained only water that caused Ariel’s reaction.

After we conferred, we decided to put Gayland guarding Tristan and Xander and I would try to get Ariel out of the stocks. Knowing the assassin is still in the area, he is probably the one who poisoned the water goblets.

We are leery of leaving Tristan with Gayland as his only guard, but we need to get Ariel away from the open area where she is an easy target.

As we approach the area, we see Sabin, our newest “friend” already working on the locks and failing. He leaves for a moment and returns with a large ax. I stop him from swinging as I am worried about Ariel’s safety. He then explains what he is going to, I step back, but am still worried.

Xander send his hedgehog to the edge of the forest to check for watching eyes. There are none at this time. No signs of the guards that should be here either. This is beginning to feel like some sort of set-up.

I again stop Sabin. This time I convince them to do nothing but stay with Ariel for now. I hand Xander Ariel’s healing potions and scrolls and ask him to heal her while we wait. I explain that if we are to start out on this quest to help Tristan, we will still need to purchase supplies. Our suspicions indicate the major may be one of those responsible for the attack on Tristan and we don’t want the town closed to us. I hope that once he realizes we will be going to the estate with Tristan he will allow us to take Ariel, purchase what we will need and be on our way.

On a hunch, I decide to go visit the Hedge Wizard Kressan. Even through I am not skulking through the woods, I am very alert to my surroundings. I catch a sudden movement to my right and ahead of me and immediately go on guard. I hear the creak of a bow being drawn and step into the woods, readying my own bow. I watch for any signs of movement. Without warning, an arrow flies by me – several feet away. Either my opponent is a lousy shot or I have hidden better than he could follow.

I bring my own bow up, taking careful aim when my opponent steps out of the shadows. “Half-Elf you are not alone,” he shouts. “There is someone following you.”

I catch my breath and swallow hard, without seeing this person; I know it is the assassin. Someone I don’t want to face alone. I listen carefully to the sounds of the woods, but hear nothing – not surprising.

Suddenly the door to the cottage flies open and Kressan steps out. He motions to my opponent and indicates he should enter the house. He then calls out to someone behind the cottage and tells them to enter. I step out of the shadows, my bow still nocked but held in a low ready position. “Kressan, I have come to speak with you.” He nods and gestures to the open door. I hurry across the distance, my skin prickling as I am being watched.

Inside the cottage, I note the unusually loud floorboards, until Kressan enters that it. Nice alarm system, I think.

The first thing Kressan does is confront someone who is apparently invisible. This person holds out a cup he took from the cottage. Kressan tells him to keep it for now so we know where he is. The mage then turns to me. I slowly requiver my arrow, shoulder my bow then hand him the dagger.

He looks at me strangely, then asks if I got it from the assassin in the woods. I say I did, after I removed from my side where he left it. Kressan raises an eyebrow and slowly looks me over again.

He tells me I am very lucky. He then tells me the symbol on the dagger represents the Reverie – a secret organization of Elven purists. He warns me that I am in particular danger as a Half-Elf. “He will do everything he can to kill you.” Kressan sets the knife down and turns to the hooded figure.

“You are also in great danger,” he says. “Your kind are only legend, but he will target you also, as an abomination.”

The hooded figure pushed back his cowl and I step back reaching for my sword. A Drow! But unlike any I have every seen. Instead of the dark skin, his is ivory white – matching his hair. The red-flecked amber eyes betray his heritage despite his unusual coloring.

He introduces himself as Artemus and I feel another wave of anger. That this creature should have the name of the Goddess is unthinkable. I only stare at him, not giving my name.

As I try to absorb the information he has given me, Kressan changes from a full elf to a half-elf. An illusion he maintains to protect himself it would seem. He then tells us that this society killed his mother for marrying a human. I thought the humans of Luthcheq and Waterdeep were bad in their prejudice against Elves, here it would seem it is the Elves that match or exceed that hatred.

I try to talk to Kressan about getting some sort of protection spells or items he might be willing to sell or trade, but the Drow monopolizes the conversation.

He does tell me that he is aware of only one other Elf in the area. I freeze for a moment, stunned. The traveler who claimed he was studying magic and seemed keenly interested in me when we arrived. The same Elf who told me about Artemis and acted the friend.

Knowing this might give me a slight advantage, when I meet him again. Of course, if he was hired by the mayor, it might be difficult to prove he tried to kill me earlier if they don’t like me killing him on sight.

The Drow finally has enough of the conversation and heads for the door, which is still locked. He glances at Kressan, who only nods, and the door opens. He steps out of the house and yells a challenge into the night. He dares the assassin to face him and makes several disparaging remarks on his ancestors.

I shake my head at the boldness of his move. I then ask Kressan if there is anything else he can pass on to me and he says there isn’t. I thank him for his time and assistance then let my feet fly out of the cottage back toward town. Wearing only light armor, I pass the Drow and easily outdistance him. Though I don’t see him, I know that the invisible person with the cup is running beside me.

As I approach the town square, an arrow flies past me, striking the Elf, who has finally become visible. I ignore him and continue toward the Inn where Gayland and Tristan are. My instincts warn me I may already be too late. The Drow is still yelling his challenge.

As I pass through the square, I am surprised to see Crystal, Gandolf and Hermoine are there. I hesitate as I pass Crystal and slap her arm and yell at her to follow me. She does so without question. A comment on the trust we have in each other.

As we approach the Inn, we see someone jump out of a window, carrying another person. It is Gayland and he has Tristan. Amazingly, neither one is injured in the move. We join him and hurry back to the square.

As the Drow comes into the square, he is again yelling his challenge. Crystal turns to face him and immediately readies her crossbow. She orders him to stand fast and the Drow ignores her. The Paladin fires dealing a strong blow to the Drow. The Drow then rushes toward her, both of his weapons drawn.

Ariel, still in the stocks has come around and tries to cast a Hold Person Spell on the Drow, but fails.

A crowd begins forming around us and we notice that a fire has started at the Inn. None of us are very concerned about that as the original members of our party are more concerned about our friend.

I note that both Gayland and Xander have drawn their weapons and are watching the Drow closely also. I tell them that the Drow did warn me about the assassin following me in the woods, and Gayland holds his fire, for a moment. We both call to the Drow to stand fast, he ignores us and Gayland looses an arrow. As the fight continues, I notice Gayland and Xander moving back into the crowd with Tristan. Guarding the noble and getting him out of the area, where a single person with a well placed knife could take him without us noticing.

Crystal deals the Drow a critical blow and he falls as the Watch arrives and begins dispersing the crowd. I note that the Mayor’s son is with them. When they order her to drop her weapons, Crystal immediately complies. The watch also stops Gayland and Tristan. It seems they want to accuse Gayland of arson in regards to the fire at the Inn. Gayland tries to tell them it was the Assassin (the wandering Elf mage – as I suspected). They take him into custody. Crystal they take into custody for murder as it was she that fired first and no one can provide evidence that the Drow was acting aggressively. I carefully edit my testimony, in order to try and help her. I know her and know she wouldn’t attack unless she sensed evil from the Drow.

She asks me to stand as her representative for the trial tomorrow and I agree. Gayland asks Tristan to do the same for him.

That night, those of left in the square go to Kressan’s for the night and he agrees to let us stay there, as he gives some stern warnings to not touch anything and to not light any fires.

Chaos Revealed - Entry 1

Entry 7

The portal continues to swirl around us and I found myself separated from the Paladin, Thief and Sorcerer. However, luck was with me in that Ariel, our Cleric found her way through the portal to the place I was. We continued to hear sounds from the portal, but it finally closed without the rest of our companions joining us.

The fog is exceptionally thick here as we scan the area. A ways down the road there appear to be lights indicative of a village. I glance at Ariel and she nods toward the lights.

Before we can begin to move in that direction I hear something or someone moving towards us from the thickest part of the fog. I whisper a warning to Ariel and we both draw weapons an assume guard positions. I finally make out what appears to be two humans moving toward us. Hoping for the best I call out a greeting, they return it.

The two men are apparently lost as well. In much the same way we are. Although they did not voluntarily step through a portal, they have been brought away from their lands.

After brief introductions, the four of us begin moving toward the village. The guard posted at the gate looks us over closely. To be expected as this appears to be an area well off the normal travel and trade routes. It is doubtful they see many strangers. And even more doubtful, they have ever seen anyone like Ariel, with her olive complexion and henna tattoos. The guard gives us the names of the town and the land we are in as Duvshire and Shokar. He also directs us to the local Inn/Tavern – The Wailing Banshee.

The patrons of the bar as few and they turn to stare at us for a moment before going back to their business. Two of them continue to watch us closely; an elf in one corner—who seems to be more interested in me and a well dressed gentlemen in the other. Both are studying the group. We ignore the looks and find a table and order dinner. Waiting for our meals, Ariel and I exchange stories with our new companions, Gayland and his brother, who doesn’t give his name right away. Gayland claims he has psionic abilities, and I note the lack of armor. His brother, however, is the more interesting of the two. His dress puts me in mind of a Druid, yet he also carries edged weapons. He is quiet, letting Gayland do most of the talking. He seems to be evaluating and studying Ariel and I.

After completing our meal, we engage the serving girl in conversation and she passes on the history of this area, including a story that especially interests Ariel about the destruction of the Duvall family and the evil now rumored to be haunting the abandoned estate. The serving girl points out various people around the room including Tristan Duvall, the last scion of that noble family. She says he has been here trying to hire an adventuring band to help him reclaim his birthright and cleanse the estate.

We give the serving girl a few extra gold pieces for the information, then talk among ourselves about what she has told us. Personally, I am in favor of striking out for Gormangast – a town of sorcerers and wizards and trying to find someone who can send us home. Ariel of course wants to talk to Tristan. I convince her that we should get some rest that night and talk to Tristan in the morning. The prospect of a hot bath is enough to get her to agree.

Call of Chaos - Entry 6

At the base of these stairs, we found ourselves in a large chamber with only two doors leading out. After some discussion, we decided to try one of the doors. It was locked and our thief was unable to open it. As it appeared to be made out of the mushroom material, our fighter began hacking at it to get it open.

Those of us in the party with ranged weapons stood ready as the door was hacked up. In opening the door our fighter took out two of the small purple demons we had encountered previously.

Getting through the door, we encounter about a score of the small demons, along with several of the larger variety as well as a even larger green demon creature.

Attacks began on the larger creature with ranged weapons, while the spell casters in the group cast sleep spells on the smaller purple creatures.

We did a tremendous amount of damage to the large green demon before he stepped back into a glowing golden portal.

Despite these creatures ability to reanimate, we were finally able to defeat them. Somewhere in the midst of the battle, the Paladin and the Cleric vanished from the group.

Checking one of the larger purple creatures, I found a dagger and a belt pouch with 4 gold and 5 silver pieces as well as a black medallion w/white crystals around the edge of it.

Our magic user made a check of the throne that was on the raised dais and found 3 vials of a blue potion – identified as Cure Light Wounds. As our Cleric and Paladin have vanished this may be a fortuitous find.

After checking the room, we moved on to the other door. The wizard from the village cast a knock spell and opened the lock on it. We found a room with an open well. Listening carefully we hear the sound of air moving. Dropping one of the light torches in the well, we found a shallow pool at the bottom. Our fighter used his rope to climb down – no problems were encountered. I guarded the top as the others also climbed down.

We again moved carefully and without incident until we came to another cavern with a stone bridge across it. Standing guard at the other end were two of the larger purple demons. Our thief and myself took shots, but both missed and the creatures ducked into the doorway they were guarding. We proceeded to just outside the doorway and our mage cast a sleep spell, which put the two to sleep. With my Elven vision, I also saw that the green demon was back. He was still hurt from our previous encounter. Our fighter charged the creature, while the thief and I began a ranged attack.

During this battle, we were also attacked by a creature dressed in black robes from a ledge over the doorway we had entered from. The wizard attacked this new threat and caused him to fall from the ledge.

After a desperate battle, we finally dispatched the creatures. While searching the large green creature, our thief found a beautiful match set of swords (a long and short) made of the same green metal as my other short sword. They were half the normal weight with an extremely keen edge giving them extra damage value. Since she could not use the long sword I traded my other short sword to the thief for the matched set.

The wizard from the village ran up and immediately began collecting blood from the large demon.

On the two purple creatures, I found two more of these nice short swords as well as two shields of the same variety. I gave one of these to our fighter. I also found two gold rings, a black medallion w/white crystals and two golden collars, which the wizard identified as collars of obedience.

With the help of our fighter, our mage and I climbed up to the ledge – there I found a secret door. Behind the door was a sleeping area. Here we found another vial containing a potion of cure light wounds and two vials containing potion of bull strength. We also found a chest containing 15 bloodstones, which we divided among the group, and a large block of the green metal the weapons we found was made from. Our thief claimed this.

Returning to the floor, we made an examination of a large door in the wall the creatures were guarding. In the center of the door was an indentation with the unicorn symbol on it. My medallion of natural armor fit into this perfectly and the doors opened.

Inside we found a pedestal with a long sword suspended in the air over it. Just inside the door was a large “Protection from Evil” rune. The runes on the pedestal indicated that only a person of good alignment could claim the sword.

Our thief who is of neutral/good alignment decided she would risk claiming the sword. The wizard identified it as having a +2 bonus to attack and damage as well as +3 against demons and undead and a Bane spell attached to it.

With the wizard from the village telling us he had what he came after and paying our mage as promised we made our way out of the building w/out further incident.

Arriving back at the village, we were greeted by the Protector who told us the Harpers had managed to secure several of the portals out of the temple and had sent a guide to lead us to them as we had initially all been brought here against our will.

It took two days of journeying before we reached the portal our guides brought us to. Our fighter was worried about the Monk who had also vanished somewhere in the deep cavern and elected to remain behind and hunt for his friend.

Our Harper guide told us that the portal seemed to have some sort of interference and they could not tell us the destination we would arrive at, but the thief, mage and I decided to chance it. I centered my thoughts on Smoke and Shadow, hoping I would be able to draw myself to them. Just as we were stepping through the portal, the Paladin arrived and ran after us.

We stepped out onto a mist-covered road, a village not far from us. The Paladin ran out of the portal behind us and almost fell as she skipped (tripped) on the road. We were in a temperate forest region, but it was not the one I had left. Smoke and Shadow were not here.

I glanced up at the sky, my hand going to my Unicorn Medallion as I whispered a prayer to Frayrith that she would continue to watch over my companions until I could return to my home.

Call of Chaos - Entry 5

After breaking camp, we passed through what appeared to be an embalming or torture chamber. Nothing of significance was found. Passing through the chamber, we found ourselves on a long narrow bridge. Our mage succeeded in calling a hawk as a familiar and I found myself wondering about the wolf Frayrith had sent to me as well as my warhorse Smoke. With the assistance of the hawk we crossed the bridge. In the center, we found a trapped area surrounded by four statues. Each one slightly different yet similar.

Passing through another chamber, we found a large door that was sealed completely. In front of the door was a large circle with eight depressions in it. Around the side of the room were ten alcoves--each one holding a jar with a different scene painted on it.

After much discussion, we tried one sequence of the jars in the depressions. It opened a doorway to demon realms. We defeated these without problems. Again we debated the placement of the jars and tried a different sequence. Again, failure. This time the demons were a little harder to defeat, but we still succeeded.

Our cleric suggested we take a look at the statues again, before trying the jars again. This time we were able to recognize persons in the scenes on the jars that matched the statues. We then placed those jars in the depressions that matched their alignment with the statues. So far so good. We again tried the jars we recognized as being the four elements in the remaining four depressions. We apparently didn’t get the order of the elements correct and again faced several demons.

On our forth try we got the sequence correct and the door opened. This time we faced a long chamber lined with statues. Four of these matched the four statues on the bridge. Past the chamber, we found a temple area with several persons praying. Once they became aware of our presence - they attacked. Again, we were victorious.

I must say that my new short sword has become a valuable weapon, as it seems to have become an extension of my will as I use it.

We then found a chamber with a large statue in the center. We had seen the same Minotaur headed human in several of the frescos and paintings in the temple. There was no apparent way out of this chamber and our thief found magical areas in each of the four corners. Our paladin suggested moving the four statues to this chamber and placing them in the magical areas. Working together, the Paladin, Fighter, Monk and I were able to move them into position. After we did, the floor in front on the larger statue dropped down into stairs. It was here we decided to make camp.

Call of Chaos - Entry 4

We passed an uneventful night, and this morning began our search for the Orb of Protection once again.

Today we encountered several areas that had been partially flooded. The Paladin in the group again proved her self-righteous nature, by immediately stripping off her armor and diving in to explore w/out checking to see if anyone else might be better trained to do this task. When she got out, she berated me for not taking the initiative since my swimming skill is slightly better than hers. Of course, I reminded her that her self-righteous haste had prevented anyone from taking the initiative. We bickered back in forth during the rest of the day, but most of it was done in a sense of camaraderie and not in true hostility. Crystal Lake is not as self-righteous as most Paladins I have met or heard of. This could be because of her background as a tavern wench, before her god called her.

We fought several water imps (elementals?), once again emerging victorious.

During our explorations, we also found two Masterwork Short Swords made from a greenish metal. The edge was still razor sharp and the weight was half that of a normal short sword. This was work finer than that I had seen before. The Monk, who found the swords, had no use for such weapons and presented me with one and our Cleric with the other.

We discovered a set of stairs leading to a lower level and it was at the base of these we decided to set up camp.

Call of Chaos - Entry 3

Yesterday, I was checking my gear getting ready to explore the area around my grove, when a strange mist rolled into the area. I grabbed my bow and the straps on my quivers to ready one as the world seemed to fall away from me. When everything finally cleared, I found myself in a dark structure. My elven senses were unable to penetrate the darkness so it was unnaturally created. I immediately assumed that somehow I had been transported to the Underdark, the realm of the Drow. An enemy I had learned an intense hatred of from my mother.

After securing the equipment that came with me, my armor and other gear I had been wearing, all four quivers and my scroll case with my journal, I managed to find my way to a small hallway where a small band of adventures were. A female Paladin was in charge of that group and accepted my offer to join them for now. A short time later, we joined up with another small group that had just defeated a band of undead kobolds.

Seems there are a group of Harpers working to cleanse this temple of the evil that holds it and recover an artifact called the Orb of Protection.

We fought together against a powerful imp and several planar creatures. We also rescued (?) a member of one of the original Harper parties to enter the temple. She had assumed the form of a Drider and I found it hard to not attack the creature on sight. Fortunately, I controlled myself and our group escorted her to Timber the leader of the Harpers here at the temple.

Except for not having Smoke or my companion wolf and the rest of my gear, I think this will prove to be an interesting adventure.

Call of Chaos - Entry 2

Yesterday, after setting up camp, I was shocked to see a unicorn and rider come up to me. The graceful creature looked at me for several minutes, an elder intelligence was in those deep azure eyes. Slowly she nodded her head and touched the handle of my dagger with her golden horn. The acid etched unicorn, my uncle had placed there, flashed silver and changed to a beautifully inlayed version of the original etching.

I looked back up at the unicorn and her rider saw them still staring at me, both heads cocked to one side. I realized then that this was not an ordinary unicorn rider, but instead was an avatar of Frayrith, The Lady of the Forest. I nodded my head respectfully and offered my oath of service to The Lady. The unicorn touched my wrist with her horn and a silver tattoo appeared there. It was the unicorn symbol of Frayrith. The unicorn then reared before me, neighing--her voice ringing like crystal in the still forest. Frayrith raised her horn and blew a long clear note that blended perfectly with the unicorn's voice. She then spun on her hind legs and sprang away. A few minutes later, a large gray wolf entered my camp. He walked up to me slowly and licked my hands. He then turned to Smoke and they sniffed noses like old friends. Smoke not reacting in any way to the predator’s presence, as a horse would be expected too.

I looked at the wolf and found myself wondering if this was truly a gift from The Lady or her way of ensuring I honored my oath. After all, I was a thief and outcast from my family--not the type of person who normally pledged their self to the Lady of the Forest. Either way though, I knew I would be safe through the night as the wolf would be a true companion unless I betrayed the oath I had given Frayrith; and I had no intention of doing that.

Thinking again on my oath, I was grateful for the training my mother had given me in nature lore and rangering as I was growing up. I am determined to no longer practice thieving, but there are many skills that I learned in the guild that will be useful as a ranger.

Call of Chaos - Entry 1

I’ve been traveling for almost a week since my family ordered me to leave home. They have always been controlling and I have always rebelled against that control. This time however, I deeply regret where my rebellion has led me. Even though I still carry the masterwork thieves tools and disguise kit I purchase while still in the guild, I am determine to no longer follow the thieves path. I do believe that the two years of secret training I received as a thief, will help me to survive as I decide where to go from here. I also carry the masterwork dagger I was given by the guild. I was able to convince my uncle to remove the guild emblem from the handle. I think the only reason he agreed was, even he didn’t want to see a blade of this quality go to waste. He was able to smooth the handle and etch the unicorn symbol of Frayrith into it. My mother once served The Lady of the Forests as a Ranger before she fell in love with a human and left the forests. I think this was my uncle’s way of suggesting a path for me to follow.

My mother gave me a pouch of gold and handed me the reins of Smoke, my warhorse. She then turned and went back into the house, without a word of farewell or luck. With nothing else to do, I bowed my head and led Smoke away from my former life.

Before leaving the town I had spent the first 24 years of my life in, I took the time to inventory the saddlebags on Smoke’s saddle.

My mother had allowed me to take my masterwork composite long bow. A gift she had given me on my twentieth birthday. Along with the bow was a buckler, and a set of studded leather armor. Again, all of masterwork quality. One thing my family never did cheaply was purchase or make weapons and armor. There were also four quivers of arrows hung over the saddle horn. Attached to the back of the saddle was a bedroll and winter blanket. I was also surprised to find another sack of gold coins. Between what my mother had given me in the pouch and what was in the sack, I had 500 gold. Considering the dishonor I had brought them, my family was being very generous.

With the gold they gave me, I decided to make sure I was well provisioned before starting out.

After purchasing my equipment, I still had over 400 gold left. The majority of this went back into my saddlebags.

Today, I found a small protected grove where I could set up a camp for a couple of days as I get my bearings and figure out which way I want to go. Both Smoke and I are tired from just wandering without a clue where we are going.