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<blockquote data-quote="Tokiwong" data-source="post: 96240" data-attributes="member: 961"><p><strong>all caught up...</strong></p><p></p><p>31st day of Deepwinter, 1373 DR</p><p></p><p>Time marches onward endlessly, it does not stop… it does not falter… it is eternal and stays the course. Even when I wish it would slow to a halt to allow me a moment’s respite, it will not. For time is ever moving, it continues onward without mercy, without thought, and I am slave to its whim. It is comforting thought though that I shall live much longer then I have any right to do so, but that shall be as much a boon as it is a curse. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, my thoughts are jumbled, for much has happened in the last day to give me pause.</p><p></p><p>I had left the haven, at Vallia’s request and I must admit my heart broke into a thousand pieces at leaving her side. But she needed time to heal, and perhaps at the time it was for the best. But as things go, time would not let me sit idle, as Nym came upon me while I stood and watched the city of Athkatla from the rooftops. The sight was breathtaking, but bittersweet, I could see that I could never return here as Misha Koldun. I had noticed him but I had yet to turn myself from the sight of the skyline as he continued to speak to me. He seemed an earnest friend, and even called me the future king, and spoke of duty. A duty that I had believed would carry him through, but perhaps allegiance to an ideal when faced the reality of things was too much for him. But I am getting ahead of myself…</p><p></p><p>Nym and I went into the night to fetch a drink and perhaps soothe my fevered mind. I was quite angry, with myself, with Noriya, and Amn. Perhaps if we had never come here, none of this would have happened, but one cannot control the winds of fate, and I must not run… for running is what began this mess. Thoughts were rushing through my mind as took a sip of the deep ale, Nym did not have the stomach for it, and I must admit, the ale was a bit strong for my elven frame. Sometimes I forget, how different elves are from humans, and how much we are alike. </p><p></p><p>We had not been in the tavern long when Noriya entered along with four thugs. I was somewhat surprised to see her, and yet in a way it was fitting. I cannot say I was in the best mood when I approached her and I do not think she appreciated my candor, nor my manner. I was rather short with her and I know now she was trying to help me but at the time, I do not think I wanted her help so much as someone to blame for my idiocy. She was a welcome target till I realized that I had brought much of the pain upon myself, perhaps I should have listened to her, or perhaps not. But I do know I left that place rather quickly; Noriya had said a few words that worried me further. I must have been a fool to think that Vandal or the Guild would simply let us take Vallia and Aliya and expect them to leave us be. Sometimes I surprise myself with how naïve and obscenely optimistic I have become.</p><p></p><p>I rushed back to the haven only to hear Vandal’s voice… both Nym and I took cover and scanned the scene, but I could not pace the voice. I have strange feeling that Vandal has abilities I may not wish to toy with. Even if I wanted to, just for old time’s sake.</p><p></p><p>My anger for Vandal had not abated and I only wanted his blood for the part he played in Ellyn’s death. He told me that the Guild does not so easily let go, and that I had been marked for death after my abrupt departure. In trying to spare me he killed Ellyn to get me to join them once more. Instead I disappeared, and he had not the chance to sway with me with his words, nor blackmail me with news of my son. I didn’t understand then, but Vandal in his twisted sense of friendship was trying to help me, all along, a friend that I abandoned. Perhaps if the times had been different, perhaps I would be standing at his side working for the Guild still, but that was not my path. I told him as much, even as he tried to sway me with words of Vallia, my friends, and another child as of yet unborn. I was stunned, but I continued my ardor and in my fury I lashed out at him with my words, filled with venomous bile. I hated him, and I cannot say if that hatred will ever die, even if I understand the choices he had to make… but I remember his last words before he departed into the night;</p><p></p><p>“Then run no more. I suppose this is goodbye… Living will be a far worse fate than death.”</p><p></p><p>I must admit at the time… perhaps I thought he spoke of me… but in hindsight, I believe he was speaking of himself. Despite his actions, inside of Vandal is a man who wishes to atone for the evil’s he has done. Perhaps he has begun the steps to such atonement, perhaps he will find the strength to see that this path he has taken is broken. I cannot say, and I will not preach, for each being must choose their own path, and live their life as they see fit. It is only when they overstep such power that I must step in and correct what has gone wrong.</p><p></p><p>At any rate I rushed towards the haven, Nym in my wake, I had not the time to explain what I knew. That even before we arrived; Vallia, Karanaj, Aliya, and Gruush would be gone. Taken by the Shadow Thieves, though as I learned taken was a misnomer, they were simply placed elsewhere. It was after we arrived at the haven to discover it empty, that Noriya once again appeared. I was still angry with her, but I accepted her help. She related that my Vallia and my allies had been placed on the ethereal realm, after being drugged with a sleeping poison. I seethed, I was angry with myself, I should have never left them alone. I knew the dangers of the Guild, their tenacity, and I left them… weak and defenseless. She told me that when Thain arrived, they would be recalled, a standard operating procedure of the Shadow Thieves. Alas, it was then that Thain, made his presence known. As I said before, this past day has been trying indeed.</p><p></p><p>I whirled and drew my blade, and knew that this night, only one of us would survive this encounter, and as I sit here writing this, one can guess whom the victor was. Nym and I moved quickly our blade flashing in the night as we faced Thain’s guards as he hung back smiling, what a fool, and how much the better that he is dead now. I ducked low as the elven warrior engaged me, as our dance began. </p><p></p><p>Thain continued to watch as both Nym and I dueled the guards with a fury, the clash of our blades in the night creating sparks as we fought with a righteous fury. Nym brought down his attacker first as I turned my attention to Thain. My life’s blood running down my face and arms, but all I could feel was the growing fury as I looked into his cold eyes. I slashed into him with a fury ripping into his armor drawing blood. He did not appreciate my show of greeting and retaliated with a powerful attack. His blade nearly ending my life, I faltered. Luckily I remembered the potions I had on hand and drank one and then flipped away to gather strength placing distance between Thain and myself as I used my divine magic to heal myself. Luckily I was able to keep my distance and heal what I could as Thain harried me, I can say that with my skill in tumbling, I can be quite hard to catch, and even harder to stop. But even with such skill Thain continued to punish me severely as Nym, simply watched. </p><p></p><p>At that moment in time I did not realize it, but in the moment when his future king needed him most, he abandoned me to my fate. I gritted my teeth and lashed out at Thain with a fury, I had little life left to give but I would not run. One of us that eve would die, thank goodness luck is one of my skills. That and I have friends in surprisingly high or low places dependent upon a given person’s view. Just as Thain rose up to destroy me a flash of shadow glided past me, and in the next instant I saw a blade run Thain through. I stared in astonishment as I used the opportunity to take Thain’s head and then slumped to my knees. I looked for my mysterious companion but he was gone, as if he was one with the shadow… the darkness. I remember Noriya returning to me and healing me with her magic, obviously there was much more to this Noriya then her looks let on. I took what I could of Thain’s gear and then turned to Nym and asked him to follow. But he said he would not; </p><p></p><p>“I am no longer duty bound. Good-bye.”</p><p></p><p>The words ripped through me, as if they were a dagger. Perhaps I had been wrong about Nym, or perhaps I had been right all along, but such a betrayal… I am not sure why but it irks me. For if I cannot keep my companions then how can I hope to unite the Elven Nation, I have much to learn before undertake such a responsibility. I have not told Vallia of this, not yet, but I shall deal with this in the utmost subtlety if only to preserve his honor. Perhaps facing Thain, his kin, and an old friend scarred the young elf more so then I shall ever know. I cannot say, for he left me then, and I have not seen much of him since.</p><p></p><p>Noriya led me to Vandal’s home and recounted to me that it was Vandal that had saved my life. He had been the one to aid me in killing Thain, never a truer friend, or a viler villain. Yet I understand now that he did so out of friendship, all of these years he has protected me. Perhaps as I have said before I will never understand his methods, but I can respect that he has never turned his back on me. Despite how many times I have done so to him. Now I must wonder who the better friend is… She also recounted another matter, that indeed vandal has used her as a plant as I had begun to suspect, she was not my Ellyn’s sister. She was chosen for her resemblance, nothing more. I was angry, but I decided to let the moment pass.</p><p></p><p>She brought into her home, for her and Vandal shared residence. They were a family of sorts, I could not picture Vandal as a family man, but the truth is set out before me. What transpired next, is strange to me, for I saw my son, Misha. Misha, such a wonderful little boy, curly locks of brown… pudgy face… and the vibrant green eyes of Ellyn. I could have cried, and indeed I was moved. For all that Vandal is, he has kept my son safe, and raised him… I cannot hate such a man that would do such for me, for even in his vile actions he saved a piece of Ellyn. He has kept Misha as his own, and he has done a finer job then I believe I could ever do.</p><p></p><p>Vandal and I finally spoke face to face, as friends. There was no venom, despite all that had happened, there was only understanding. It was Vandal that told me I had to stop running, and perhaps he was right. I had been running for so long, I did not know how to stop… but I shall run no more… I have too much at stake to continue on as such. Misha Koldun shall run no more. Our words were few, but in the end he told me what I had come to Athkatla for… the location of the Sword. The Sword was in the hands of a Wyrm in the south, Silvara, across the Ice Valley. It will be an arduous journey I am sure, but I was thankful that he had helped us so. We said our goodbyes and I returned to the haven, if only to wait for the morn to come so that I may find someone to aid me in dispelling the magic that kept my love and our companions in the ethereal plane.</p><p></p><p>Luckily I remembered that Vallia’s temple was located here and I had little trouble finding aid from a spry old priestess by the name of Sister Mariana, she was quite helpful. Even more so when she discovered I was the Prince, and that my wife was Vallia. Royalty has its perks I must say. It was a simple matter to dispel the magic for Sister Mariana, for which I was grateful. All of my companions were returned from the ethereal and I had my Vallia once more.</p><p></p><p>I will not go into details here, but Vallia and myself had a long talk. We discussed the problems that had been growing between us, Ellyn… my actions… my words… and the fact that now as husband and wife, we must together. For we cannot afford the luxury to be ourselves, we must be paragons. We cannot show weakness, nor fracture. I am not sure how, but I shall strive to show a united front, even if she continues to frown upon my methods. I had nearly forgotten that during our talk I had dropped a letter I had hastily scrawled to Vallia during the night. Vallia noticed it right off and read it as we prepared to tour the market and perhaps partake of breakfast. She kissed me with a smile… and then continued on… dragging me along… I do like it when she is happy… it just makes my life so much easier.</p><p></p><p>Vallia and I partook of a wonderful morning, and I showed her to Vandal’s abode, so that she could meet my son Misha. Vallia has such a way with children, I can see that our own child will be in good hands. I was reluctant to go, when the time came to leave, my soon is very lucky… and I wish I could stay with him forever… and teach him all I know of this world. But sadly… I know that I must move on… for my quest is nowhere near at an end… It is a sad thing to know that you will outlive your progeny, I will not age in the short time that Misha will grow… even when he dies I will be but a waif of a youth as far the elves are concerned… That saddens me… but I will make it up to him as much as I can. I will make this world a good place for him… I swear…</p><p></p><p>-Misha Koldun</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Tokiwong, post: 96240, member: 961"] [b]all caught up...[/b] 31st day of Deepwinter, 1373 DR Time marches onward endlessly, it does not stop… it does not falter… it is eternal and stays the course. Even when I wish it would slow to a halt to allow me a moment’s respite, it will not. For time is ever moving, it continues onward without mercy, without thought, and I am slave to its whim. It is comforting thought though that I shall live much longer then I have any right to do so, but that shall be as much a boon as it is a curse. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, my thoughts are jumbled, for much has happened in the last day to give me pause. I had left the haven, at Vallia’s request and I must admit my heart broke into a thousand pieces at leaving her side. But she needed time to heal, and perhaps at the time it was for the best. But as things go, time would not let me sit idle, as Nym came upon me while I stood and watched the city of Athkatla from the rooftops. The sight was breathtaking, but bittersweet, I could see that I could never return here as Misha Koldun. I had noticed him but I had yet to turn myself from the sight of the skyline as he continued to speak to me. He seemed an earnest friend, and even called me the future king, and spoke of duty. A duty that I had believed would carry him through, but perhaps allegiance to an ideal when faced the reality of things was too much for him. But I am getting ahead of myself… Nym and I went into the night to fetch a drink and perhaps soothe my fevered mind. I was quite angry, with myself, with Noriya, and Amn. Perhaps if we had never come here, none of this would have happened, but one cannot control the winds of fate, and I must not run… for running is what began this mess. Thoughts were rushing through my mind as took a sip of the deep ale, Nym did not have the stomach for it, and I must admit, the ale was a bit strong for my elven frame. Sometimes I forget, how different elves are from humans, and how much we are alike. We had not been in the tavern long when Noriya entered along with four thugs. I was somewhat surprised to see her, and yet in a way it was fitting. I cannot say I was in the best mood when I approached her and I do not think she appreciated my candor, nor my manner. I was rather short with her and I know now she was trying to help me but at the time, I do not think I wanted her help so much as someone to blame for my idiocy. She was a welcome target till I realized that I had brought much of the pain upon myself, perhaps I should have listened to her, or perhaps not. But I do know I left that place rather quickly; Noriya had said a few words that worried me further. I must have been a fool to think that Vandal or the Guild would simply let us take Vallia and Aliya and expect them to leave us be. Sometimes I surprise myself with how naïve and obscenely optimistic I have become. I rushed back to the haven only to hear Vandal’s voice… both Nym and I took cover and scanned the scene, but I could not pace the voice. I have strange feeling that Vandal has abilities I may not wish to toy with. Even if I wanted to, just for old time’s sake. My anger for Vandal had not abated and I only wanted his blood for the part he played in Ellyn’s death. He told me that the Guild does not so easily let go, and that I had been marked for death after my abrupt departure. In trying to spare me he killed Ellyn to get me to join them once more. Instead I disappeared, and he had not the chance to sway with me with his words, nor blackmail me with news of my son. I didn’t understand then, but Vandal in his twisted sense of friendship was trying to help me, all along, a friend that I abandoned. Perhaps if the times had been different, perhaps I would be standing at his side working for the Guild still, but that was not my path. I told him as much, even as he tried to sway me with words of Vallia, my friends, and another child as of yet unborn. I was stunned, but I continued my ardor and in my fury I lashed out at him with my words, filled with venomous bile. I hated him, and I cannot say if that hatred will ever die, even if I understand the choices he had to make… but I remember his last words before he departed into the night; “Then run no more. I suppose this is goodbye… Living will be a far worse fate than death.” I must admit at the time… perhaps I thought he spoke of me… but in hindsight, I believe he was speaking of himself. Despite his actions, inside of Vandal is a man who wishes to atone for the evil’s he has done. Perhaps he has begun the steps to such atonement, perhaps he will find the strength to see that this path he has taken is broken. I cannot say, and I will not preach, for each being must choose their own path, and live their life as they see fit. It is only when they overstep such power that I must step in and correct what has gone wrong. At any rate I rushed towards the haven, Nym in my wake, I had not the time to explain what I knew. That even before we arrived; Vallia, Karanaj, Aliya, and Gruush would be gone. Taken by the Shadow Thieves, though as I learned taken was a misnomer, they were simply placed elsewhere. It was after we arrived at the haven to discover it empty, that Noriya once again appeared. I was still angry with her, but I accepted her help. She related that my Vallia and my allies had been placed on the ethereal realm, after being drugged with a sleeping poison. I seethed, I was angry with myself, I should have never left them alone. I knew the dangers of the Guild, their tenacity, and I left them… weak and defenseless. She told me that when Thain arrived, they would be recalled, a standard operating procedure of the Shadow Thieves. Alas, it was then that Thain, made his presence known. As I said before, this past day has been trying indeed. I whirled and drew my blade, and knew that this night, only one of us would survive this encounter, and as I sit here writing this, one can guess whom the victor was. Nym and I moved quickly our blade flashing in the night as we faced Thain’s guards as he hung back smiling, what a fool, and how much the better that he is dead now. I ducked low as the elven warrior engaged me, as our dance began. Thain continued to watch as both Nym and I dueled the guards with a fury, the clash of our blades in the night creating sparks as we fought with a righteous fury. Nym brought down his attacker first as I turned my attention to Thain. My life’s blood running down my face and arms, but all I could feel was the growing fury as I looked into his cold eyes. I slashed into him with a fury ripping into his armor drawing blood. He did not appreciate my show of greeting and retaliated with a powerful attack. His blade nearly ending my life, I faltered. Luckily I remembered the potions I had on hand and drank one and then flipped away to gather strength placing distance between Thain and myself as I used my divine magic to heal myself. Luckily I was able to keep my distance and heal what I could as Thain harried me, I can say that with my skill in tumbling, I can be quite hard to catch, and even harder to stop. But even with such skill Thain continued to punish me severely as Nym, simply watched. At that moment in time I did not realize it, but in the moment when his future king needed him most, he abandoned me to my fate. I gritted my teeth and lashed out at Thain with a fury, I had little life left to give but I would not run. One of us that eve would die, thank goodness luck is one of my skills. That and I have friends in surprisingly high or low places dependent upon a given person’s view. Just as Thain rose up to destroy me a flash of shadow glided past me, and in the next instant I saw a blade run Thain through. I stared in astonishment as I used the opportunity to take Thain’s head and then slumped to my knees. I looked for my mysterious companion but he was gone, as if he was one with the shadow… the darkness. I remember Noriya returning to me and healing me with her magic, obviously there was much more to this Noriya then her looks let on. I took what I could of Thain’s gear and then turned to Nym and asked him to follow. But he said he would not; “I am no longer duty bound. Good-bye.” The words ripped through me, as if they were a dagger. Perhaps I had been wrong about Nym, or perhaps I had been right all along, but such a betrayal… I am not sure why but it irks me. For if I cannot keep my companions then how can I hope to unite the Elven Nation, I have much to learn before undertake such a responsibility. I have not told Vallia of this, not yet, but I shall deal with this in the utmost subtlety if only to preserve his honor. Perhaps facing Thain, his kin, and an old friend scarred the young elf more so then I shall ever know. I cannot say, for he left me then, and I have not seen much of him since. Noriya led me to Vandal’s home and recounted to me that it was Vandal that had saved my life. He had been the one to aid me in killing Thain, never a truer friend, or a viler villain. Yet I understand now that he did so out of friendship, all of these years he has protected me. Perhaps as I have said before I will never understand his methods, but I can respect that he has never turned his back on me. Despite how many times I have done so to him. Now I must wonder who the better friend is… She also recounted another matter, that indeed vandal has used her as a plant as I had begun to suspect, she was not my Ellyn’s sister. She was chosen for her resemblance, nothing more. I was angry, but I decided to let the moment pass. She brought into her home, for her and Vandal shared residence. They were a family of sorts, I could not picture Vandal as a family man, but the truth is set out before me. What transpired next, is strange to me, for I saw my son, Misha. Misha, such a wonderful little boy, curly locks of brown… pudgy face… and the vibrant green eyes of Ellyn. I could have cried, and indeed I was moved. For all that Vandal is, he has kept my son safe, and raised him… I cannot hate such a man that would do such for me, for even in his vile actions he saved a piece of Ellyn. He has kept Misha as his own, and he has done a finer job then I believe I could ever do. Vandal and I finally spoke face to face, as friends. There was no venom, despite all that had happened, there was only understanding. It was Vandal that told me I had to stop running, and perhaps he was right. I had been running for so long, I did not know how to stop… but I shall run no more… I have too much at stake to continue on as such. Misha Koldun shall run no more. Our words were few, but in the end he told me what I had come to Athkatla for… the location of the Sword. The Sword was in the hands of a Wyrm in the south, Silvara, across the Ice Valley. It will be an arduous journey I am sure, but I was thankful that he had helped us so. We said our goodbyes and I returned to the haven, if only to wait for the morn to come so that I may find someone to aid me in dispelling the magic that kept my love and our companions in the ethereal plane. Luckily I remembered that Vallia’s temple was located here and I had little trouble finding aid from a spry old priestess by the name of Sister Mariana, she was quite helpful. Even more so when she discovered I was the Prince, and that my wife was Vallia. Royalty has its perks I must say. It was a simple matter to dispel the magic for Sister Mariana, for which I was grateful. All of my companions were returned from the ethereal and I had my Vallia once more. I will not go into details here, but Vallia and myself had a long talk. We discussed the problems that had been growing between us, Ellyn… my actions… my words… and the fact that now as husband and wife, we must together. For we cannot afford the luxury to be ourselves, we must be paragons. We cannot show weakness, nor fracture. I am not sure how, but I shall strive to show a united front, even if she continues to frown upon my methods. I had nearly forgotten that during our talk I had dropped a letter I had hastily scrawled to Vallia during the night. Vallia noticed it right off and read it as we prepared to tour the market and perhaps partake of breakfast. She kissed me with a smile… and then continued on… dragging me along… I do like it when she is happy… it just makes my life so much easier. Vallia and I partook of a wonderful morning, and I showed her to Vandal’s abode, so that she could meet my son Misha. Vallia has such a way with children, I can see that our own child will be in good hands. I was reluctant to go, when the time came to leave, my soon is very lucky… and I wish I could stay with him forever… and teach him all I know of this world. But sadly… I know that I must move on… for my quest is nowhere near at an end… It is a sad thing to know that you will outlive your progeny, I will not age in the short time that Misha will grow… even when he dies I will be but a waif of a youth as far the elves are concerned… That saddens me… but I will make it up to him as much as I can. I will make this world a good place for him… I swear… -Misha Koldun [/QUOTE]
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