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Journals of the Five: A Forgotten Realms Tale
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<blockquote data-quote="Talindra" data-source="post: 80191" data-attributes="member: 155"><p><strong>TA DA!!!</strong></p><p></p><p>Tokiwong is such a slacker.....and Karanaj? He isn't even worth taunting anymore.</p><p></p><p>Aliya’s Journal</p><p>10th day of the Drawing Down, 1372 DR </p><p></p><p> It was a beautiful wedding...even now, I can’t get the image out of my mind. Every time I look at Karanaj, I am filled with such love for him that it feels as if I might explode. He is my ma’sheira. So why does Kalanthor’s face haunt me so? Why do I hear his voice in my thoughts? And why do I sound as though I am trying to convince myself that I made the right choice?</p><p> </p><p> I have to admit that I was adamant during my captivity about my love for Karanaj, no matter how much Kalanthor and Mantatlus tried to convince me otherwise. Their arguments still ring in my head, however, and I must say that near the end, I was wavering in my convictions. How could two men be so alike, and yet so different? I was never able to make myself hate Kalanthor, for he resembled Karanaj too closely. And though he was in the employ of my captor, he went out of his way to be kind, aiding me and providing for me in small ways. In the beginning, I had thought it a ploy to lull me into trusting him, but in the end, I am not so sure. We had many pleasant talks, though I was careful never to mention anything of importance to him. </p><p></p><p> I saw tenderness in Kalanthor’s eyes when he looked upon me, and though it shames me to admit it, when he kissed me the day before my rescue, I did not turn away. Perhaps I should not linger so on this, not now, when we have far more important problems. It may be that I shall never see Kalanthor again, though I do feel a twinge of sadness at such a prospect. At any rate, I should keep my attention focused on the matter at hand.</p><p></p><p> I awoke suddenly this morning, my captivity having bred in me an almost unnatural sensitivity to movement and noise. I was aware of someone being outside our door, and I quickly roused Karanaj. Before we could investigate, however, the door flew open, and I could barely make out the figures of two elves. They warned us that we were in danger, and we quickly gathered our belongings, moving into the hallway, where two more elves waited. None were familiar to me, but I have been gone many years, so I sensed nothing amiss. </p><p></p><p> The elves roused Vallia and Misha, who joined us in the hallway. As I turned to exit the building, I felt a strange sensation. There was not pain, exactly, for the darkness closed too fast for that, but a strange sense of disconnectedness. As I fell, the last thing that I saw was the elf behind me holding his sword, which was dripping with blood.</p><p></p><p> I do not know, nor do I care to think about, how close I came to dying at that moment. I awoke some time later, in the arms of my Karanaj, as he poured a healing elixir down my throat tenderly. I quickly became aware of the battle around me, and realized that our danger was far from over. Misha, Vallia and Nym were all badly beaten, and even my Karanaj looked somewhat worse for wear. I looked up, realizing all that Karanaj had risked to save me, as an elf stepped forward, his sword already wet with the blood of my love. </p><p></p><p> I became angry, something that I must admit I have a weakness for doing, and reached out from where I was on the floor, casting already. I watched in satisfaction as his body spasmed and jerked, and as the spell finished, I regained my feet, glaring around me. The elf I had shocked was still standing, but he did not seem as sure of himself as he did in the beginning. I did the best I could, summoning magic spheres and hurling them at the elf attacking Vallia. As I fought, several elven guards entered the fray, and we quickly subdued the remainder of our attackers. We were a pitiful sight, I would imagine, and Mother wasted no time in summoning the priest to our aid. Healed, but still sore, we left quickly, Misha taking the lead, as he is wont to do. </p><p></p><p> I must say that I have had my doubts about Misha, though I would never voice such to Vallia. It worries me how seriously he takes becoming King of the Elves, though he does have a protectiveness of Mother and our people that I admire. Greed never leads to anything but evil, and I shall watch my brother-in-law closely, though I do not know if I could fight Vallia as well, should she choose to defend him.</p><p></p><p> We left the village quickly behind, moving deeper into Cormanthor forest. I have never liked this forest, there is something dark that lingers here. Our trail seemed more like a tunnel, with thick, impassable underbrush, and I began to feel trapped. We traveled on this trail for many hours, before reaching an impasse: a large boulder blocked the trail. </p><p></p><p> We had lunch, and Misha was quickly able to find an alternate path that someone or something had obviously created. We followed it a short distance, coming to a natural stone bridge. It was apparent that we would have to cross, or risk returning several hours back to the last trail, and possibly meeting Thain’s assassins along the way. Misha resisted the necessity, and I was proud to see Vallia ignore him, and begin to make her way across the bridge. It would have been more triumphant had he not been correct in his suspicion of the bridge.</p><p></p><p> Vallia, Karanaj and I fell into a hole, cleverly disguised. We were not badly injured, landing on ground that was somewhat springy to the touch. Our situation degenerated with the appearance of a large furry creature and several spiders. Our initial reaction was to flee, but when Karanaj turned to fight, I chose to stand with him. I will not abandon him, no matter what it might cost me, even my life. The creatures were not difficult to kill, and as they fell, Misha emerged from the tunnel behind them. </p><p></p><p> He would have been a welcome sight had he not insisted upon ridiculing and belittling Vallia for her decision to cross the bridge. One does not question a ruler, especially in front of her subjects. I could see his taunts were hurting her, for I can always read her eyes. I know that she feels ashamed and responsible for our predicament, but I still feel that she made the right decision. </p><p></p><p> We searched for the others, finally finding a vertical tube in the ceiling, emptying above our heads. It was too high to reach, but we had not long to wait before Nym and Gruush appeared from above. Reunited, we continued our search for the exit. I must say that I was rather amused when it was Misha who fell through another vertical tube, although my amusement was gone moments later when Vallia leapt in after him. I must speak to her about this later. A ruler cannot let her emotions override her good judgement. The rest of us followed, landing once again in a soft sort of webbing, although this webbing was sticky, and Gruush, Vallia & Nym were stuck fast. </p><p></p><p> This in itself would not have been a problem had not at that moment, a giant spider descended from the ceiling, together with two of its children, moving towards us. With three of our party trapped, there was no possibility of retreat, and they could not defend themselves. Perhaps it was rash, but I drew upon my knowledge, and cast the most powerful offensive spell, I knew. A bolt of lightning streaked from my hand, slamming into the creature, and propelling it backwards to slam against the wall. Vallia pulled free of the webbing, and swung her sword, gutting the creature as it stood.</p><p></p><p> We quickly dispatched the smaller spiders, and pulled the others free. We found some treasure webbed to a wall, even as Misha discovered an exit. We took what we could carry, and moved through the tunnel, emerging on the far side of the gulley. We trudged on until nightfall, feeling a little disheartened, and I could see from Vallia’s set expression that all is not well. Misha continued his taunting, until I could stand it no longer.</p><p></p><p> I told him he complained like an old woman, something I don’t think he appreciated. I do not care. Elves do not treat their wives in this fashion, and I had had enough. Sometimes I feel as though all I do is defend Vallia, and yet I know that should she ever decide to defend herself, she is far more capable than I. I could not even stand his presence any longer, and pulled my Karanaj away from the others, preparing to rest for the night. I sat for a moment, to write this, and I feel a sadness now as I contemplate lying down in Kara’s arms. I feel guilt, for as always, when I look upon him, I think of Kalanthor. But I cannot live a life of regrets, or questions, and I will have to be safe in the knowledge that I have done as I must, for my people, for Karanaj, and for myself. It will have to be comfort enough.</p><p></p><p>---Aliya Umian</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Talindra, post: 80191, member: 155"] [b]TA DA!!![/b] Tokiwong is such a slacker.....and Karanaj? He isn't even worth taunting anymore. Aliya’s Journal 10th day of the Drawing Down, 1372 DR It was a beautiful wedding...even now, I can’t get the image out of my mind. Every time I look at Karanaj, I am filled with such love for him that it feels as if I might explode. He is my ma’sheira. So why does Kalanthor’s face haunt me so? Why do I hear his voice in my thoughts? And why do I sound as though I am trying to convince myself that I made the right choice? I have to admit that I was adamant during my captivity about my love for Karanaj, no matter how much Kalanthor and Mantatlus tried to convince me otherwise. Their arguments still ring in my head, however, and I must say that near the end, I was wavering in my convictions. How could two men be so alike, and yet so different? I was never able to make myself hate Kalanthor, for he resembled Karanaj too closely. And though he was in the employ of my captor, he went out of his way to be kind, aiding me and providing for me in small ways. In the beginning, I had thought it a ploy to lull me into trusting him, but in the end, I am not so sure. We had many pleasant talks, though I was careful never to mention anything of importance to him. I saw tenderness in Kalanthor’s eyes when he looked upon me, and though it shames me to admit it, when he kissed me the day before my rescue, I did not turn away. Perhaps I should not linger so on this, not now, when we have far more important problems. It may be that I shall never see Kalanthor again, though I do feel a twinge of sadness at such a prospect. At any rate, I should keep my attention focused on the matter at hand. I awoke suddenly this morning, my captivity having bred in me an almost unnatural sensitivity to movement and noise. I was aware of someone being outside our door, and I quickly roused Karanaj. Before we could investigate, however, the door flew open, and I could barely make out the figures of two elves. They warned us that we were in danger, and we quickly gathered our belongings, moving into the hallway, where two more elves waited. None were familiar to me, but I have been gone many years, so I sensed nothing amiss. The elves roused Vallia and Misha, who joined us in the hallway. As I turned to exit the building, I felt a strange sensation. There was not pain, exactly, for the darkness closed too fast for that, but a strange sense of disconnectedness. As I fell, the last thing that I saw was the elf behind me holding his sword, which was dripping with blood. I do not know, nor do I care to think about, how close I came to dying at that moment. I awoke some time later, in the arms of my Karanaj, as he poured a healing elixir down my throat tenderly. I quickly became aware of the battle around me, and realized that our danger was far from over. Misha, Vallia and Nym were all badly beaten, and even my Karanaj looked somewhat worse for wear. I looked up, realizing all that Karanaj had risked to save me, as an elf stepped forward, his sword already wet with the blood of my love. I became angry, something that I must admit I have a weakness for doing, and reached out from where I was on the floor, casting already. I watched in satisfaction as his body spasmed and jerked, and as the spell finished, I regained my feet, glaring around me. The elf I had shocked was still standing, but he did not seem as sure of himself as he did in the beginning. I did the best I could, summoning magic spheres and hurling them at the elf attacking Vallia. As I fought, several elven guards entered the fray, and we quickly subdued the remainder of our attackers. We were a pitiful sight, I would imagine, and Mother wasted no time in summoning the priest to our aid. Healed, but still sore, we left quickly, Misha taking the lead, as he is wont to do. I must say that I have had my doubts about Misha, though I would never voice such to Vallia. It worries me how seriously he takes becoming King of the Elves, though he does have a protectiveness of Mother and our people that I admire. Greed never leads to anything but evil, and I shall watch my brother-in-law closely, though I do not know if I could fight Vallia as well, should she choose to defend him. We left the village quickly behind, moving deeper into Cormanthor forest. I have never liked this forest, there is something dark that lingers here. Our trail seemed more like a tunnel, with thick, impassable underbrush, and I began to feel trapped. We traveled on this trail for many hours, before reaching an impasse: a large boulder blocked the trail. We had lunch, and Misha was quickly able to find an alternate path that someone or something had obviously created. We followed it a short distance, coming to a natural stone bridge. It was apparent that we would have to cross, or risk returning several hours back to the last trail, and possibly meeting Thain’s assassins along the way. Misha resisted the necessity, and I was proud to see Vallia ignore him, and begin to make her way across the bridge. It would have been more triumphant had he not been correct in his suspicion of the bridge. Vallia, Karanaj and I fell into a hole, cleverly disguised. We were not badly injured, landing on ground that was somewhat springy to the touch. Our situation degenerated with the appearance of a large furry creature and several spiders. Our initial reaction was to flee, but when Karanaj turned to fight, I chose to stand with him. I will not abandon him, no matter what it might cost me, even my life. The creatures were not difficult to kill, and as they fell, Misha emerged from the tunnel behind them. He would have been a welcome sight had he not insisted upon ridiculing and belittling Vallia for her decision to cross the bridge. One does not question a ruler, especially in front of her subjects. I could see his taunts were hurting her, for I can always read her eyes. I know that she feels ashamed and responsible for our predicament, but I still feel that she made the right decision. We searched for the others, finally finding a vertical tube in the ceiling, emptying above our heads. It was too high to reach, but we had not long to wait before Nym and Gruush appeared from above. Reunited, we continued our search for the exit. I must say that I was rather amused when it was Misha who fell through another vertical tube, although my amusement was gone moments later when Vallia leapt in after him. I must speak to her about this later. A ruler cannot let her emotions override her good judgement. The rest of us followed, landing once again in a soft sort of webbing, although this webbing was sticky, and Gruush, Vallia & Nym were stuck fast. This in itself would not have been a problem had not at that moment, a giant spider descended from the ceiling, together with two of its children, moving towards us. With three of our party trapped, there was no possibility of retreat, and they could not defend themselves. Perhaps it was rash, but I drew upon my knowledge, and cast the most powerful offensive spell, I knew. A bolt of lightning streaked from my hand, slamming into the creature, and propelling it backwards to slam against the wall. Vallia pulled free of the webbing, and swung her sword, gutting the creature as it stood. We quickly dispatched the smaller spiders, and pulled the others free. We found some treasure webbed to a wall, even as Misha discovered an exit. We took what we could carry, and moved through the tunnel, emerging on the far side of the gulley. We trudged on until nightfall, feeling a little disheartened, and I could see from Vallia’s set expression that all is not well. Misha continued his taunting, until I could stand it no longer. I told him he complained like an old woman, something I don’t think he appreciated. I do not care. Elves do not treat their wives in this fashion, and I had had enough. Sometimes I feel as though all I do is defend Vallia, and yet I know that should she ever decide to defend herself, she is far more capable than I. I could not even stand his presence any longer, and pulled my Karanaj away from the others, preparing to rest for the night. I sat for a moment, to write this, and I feel a sadness now as I contemplate lying down in Kara’s arms. I feel guilt, for as always, when I look upon him, I think of Kalanthor. But I cannot live a life of regrets, or questions, and I will have to be safe in the knowledge that I have done as I must, for my people, for Karanaj, and for myself. It will have to be comfort enough. ---Aliya Umian [/QUOTE]
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