Sins of Our Fathers II - New Art Uploaded - 1/25
I can't offer you another update but I do have a little something that may wet your Valus appetite.
I play the character of Baden Dost in this story. Baden started a journal chronicalling his version of the story starting sometime ago when he returned to his clanhalls alone and defeated the cave troll.
The following are his journal entries from then until where Destan currently left the story. I hesitate to post more as I don't want to post spoilers without his permission.
Anyway, the journal is choppy and much cruder when compared to that of Destan, but hopefully you won't mind.
Congrats on the ENnies nominations Big D.
Frostrune
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4th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
The deed is done. The cavok’othga is dead and beyond all hope we rescued 18 of our kinfolk. Moradin walked with us that day and kept us undetected within our mines until we were ready to strike.
The beast was strong and fast and his blows hit with the force of a battering ram! He cracked the damned stone ‘neath my feet and scattered the bodies of our brethren as if they were gnats! I hate to admit it but the Dwem make damn good armor. If it weren’t for Borbidon’s plate and a fair bit of luck I would have fared no better than the rest of my kin. Bardo and Tamil fought well, keeping the stinking orcs off my back so I could deal with the monster. Bardo cleared the back ranks and even joined in the fight against the cavok’othga for a short time. The beast made him pay however. With a sickening crunch the troll stove in his skull and so fell Bardo the Bold in glorious and righteous battle. You are avenged brother Bardo. May you enjoy all the mead you can handle and sing battle songs with the rest of our kin in the High Forge, forevermore.
Cave trolls are damned hard to kill and their wounds close almost as fast as you can make them. Even fire didn’t affect it. The som’bitch finally died when I cut its head off. Tamil pulled himself together after the loss of his brother and I grabbed up the head and we took off as fast as we could back the way we came, but not before something called to me from behind that grate. It recognized me as Borbidon and talked as if I should know him. The only thing I know is anything that knew Borbidon was damned old and had no business in Axemarch mines! I ignored the voice and fled. I was in no shape to initiate another fight with something that evil and ancient.
Tamil and I returned the way we had come in and eventually got back to the iron gate that had been guarded by the first cave orcs we slew. The door was still securely locked and I could still hear muffled noises from around the bend. Again Moradin must have been with us. Tamil and I hammered the door open against our better judgment and thank the Gods we did! Eighteen of our kinfolk were bound and gagged in the room but otherwise unharmed. We quickly cut them free and made the decision to return to the cave troll lair to gather armor and weapons from the dead.
Again, whatever was behind the smaller gate called to me to free it, and again I resisted. It must have recognized that it couldn’t compel me so it called to some of the others. One of them actually opened it. I slammed it shut and damn near throttled the fool but it was more out of fear. Others came to try the same thing but now I was on my guard and let none get close. We needed to move before one of them got past me. Tamil and I quickly ushered them all away but not before it tried one last time to control me (or was it my axe?). I found myself walk right up the gate and reach for it before I finally gained control and fled. What is this thing? I’m afraid it might be another demon, long imprisoned.
Not all 18 survived the trip out. One just wandered off while we were still in the lower mines. I think this creature got inside his head and he couldn’t resist. The poor bastard probably let it loose and it killed him. I suspect the creature is no longer contained and is now up to who knows what kind of havoc. A few others were injured in some crude deadfall traps the orcs must have set-up. All told 14 walked out and 3 were carried.
I’m as happy as any of them to be out of the mines. The plan is to head for the Ironfist holdings and hopefully meet up with the women and young who were sent on before Droggi and most of the Clan died. We are an ill prepared bunch. No food, no winter clothing, and no armor. It will be a tough march but we are dwarves. We will make it.
5th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Damn me for a raw recruit! I was so happy to be back outside the mountain that I became addle brained. Instead of placing some men in flanking and point positions, we all marched in a big happy group and it cost us. A group of Hobgobs got the jump on us and cut three men down before we knew they were on us. We quickly turned the battle around and finished them but not before taking some serious injuries and the three loses. The only good news is, we now have armor and cold weather gear, still no food. The march is going to be even harder now with almost every man taking shifts carrying the wounded.
I should have known better.
8th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Praise be to Moradin! We arrived at Ironfist without further incident or injury. We even had a good meal the night before. Heh, I’ll have to remember to tell Anar that his horse tasted good…
It wasn’t the warm welcome I expected, at least not for me anyway. Matron Ularta berated me more than thanked me and the others were coolly appreciative. It seems they have heaped a heavy portion of the blame on me for leaving in the first place. The trouble started shortly after I left. I can’t see how that is anything but a coincidence but they seem to think otherwise.
It was good to see Bellows again and drink hearty dwarven mead. It would be nice to enjoy it for a few days but I know I must hurry to Val Hor to meet up with my friends.
There will be a Dwarf Counsel later to discuss what we encountered in the Axemarch mines and what the next course of action should be. I have been asked to speak and frankly don’t relish the attention. I fear that Ularta will order our few warriors to return to reclaim the halls. We might win out against the orcs, but against the dwem or even a demon… the odds don’t seem too good. I will try to relay my reservations without looking like a coward. I think we should consult Destan the Grim and find out what he knows before sending any more lambs to the slaughter. According to that ranger, Droggi had been in contact with the Archmage. He was looking for something in mining that deep. We need to know what he was looking for.
9th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
The Dwarf Counsel is over. Clan Axemarch will not return to reclaim their halls... yet. My words may have swayed Ularta and saved a few dwarven lives this day but I have paid a heavy price for speaking against her. The enormity of the curse has not really hit home yet. I just hope the same sentence is not passed on to Tamil. He is a good and steadfast dwarf. He risked much in supporting me, and risks more by accompanying me. Right or wrong his bold words and actions will make him the same enemies I have made. He reminds me much of myself but a few short months back. Gods how things change! Since I can’t discourage him from accompanying me I hope I can prevent him from making the same mistakes I have made. He deserves a home to return to when this is all over.
Facing exile anyway, I have asked King Thodor if I could accompany his emissaries to Val Hor on the morrow. There we will relay what we know to Destan the Grim and I hope to rejoin my companions.
10th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Once again I find myself traveling away from Dwarven lands, this time maybe for good. I am “nil-thain”, clanless. A punishment imposed upon only the worst of dwarves, a title most don’t have to bear for long as they are usually executed shortly thereafter. When Ularta cast me out it hit me like a thunderbolt. An outsider would not understand. My friends would argue that I chose to venture out amongst the humans and I have thrived there. It’s only a name they would say. It means nothing to anyone who isn’t a dwarf. But they do not understand. To be “nil-thain” is not only to be shunned by dwarves who live but also shunned by dwarves who have died. The spirits of my forefathers will not seek out my soul upon my death. Without this guidance my soul is doomed to walk Ostia Prim forever. Eternally, searching for a way to enter Moradin’s High Forge. This is the true significance to the punishment and it weighs heavy on my heart.
So be it.
I know what I do is right and my faith in the Soul Forger is stronger than ever due to my recent trials. All hope is not lost. I yet travel with a Priest of Moradin on a mission of great importance to my… my former kinfolk. My Lord, Dereth Droggison, seems unsure of Ularta’s decision. And, unlike most “nil-thain”, I have not been sentenced to death. While I yet live I have a chance to redeem myself. This I must do.
15th of Uktar, 1366 DR
Three days back I made the decision not to go through Lonely Hearth instead travelling through the wilds and staying far from the known trails as Wilan had instructed. This could have been a big mistake.
A major snowfall covered the plains in a heavy blanket of snow. Not only has this slowed us considerably but we also leave a trail a blind man could follow. Unfortunately it wasn’t a blind man who found it. The wolven still roam these plains (as we had feared) and it was they that found the trail but a few short hours back.
It has been an eventful night. We made a brief and bloody stand against a pair of wolven and their Dreth master. Or at least I think it was a Dreth. The creature looks like a man but their skin is black as night and their eyes glow with a feral red gleam. He wore a great horned helm and wielded a large sword. But that’s not all. The bastard could only be injured with magic weapons. He could also cast spells and his touch was deadly poison! Even after the creature was dead Tamil fought to shake off the effects of the poison before it reached his heart. Happily we all made it.
That wasn’t the end of it however. While I was disposing of the wolven bodies back down our trail, Gimit the Finn made another appearance. He told me that Ciddry was in ashes and that the snow was all that held the Apians from pressing the campaign. He also revealed that we were being hunted (big revelation there). Once again he offered me the opportunity to tempt fate and once again I did. Two riddles did he offer but the answers eluded me. And so Beshaba won this time and I lost a little bit of myself to him. When Moradin said woe would come upon us we thought he meant the fight with the wolven. Apparently he saw further into the future.
I trudged back into camp suddenly tired and reluctantly told the others of my visit with Gimit. Instead of being mocked and doubted they believed every word. If anything their respect for me only increased. I like not these comparisons to ancient heroes and lofty expectations. I’m no legendary hero and I’m certainly no leader. Their blind faith in me is frightening and I pray to Moradin I don’t lead them astray, especially Tamil.
Gods but I am weary! Hoth has offered to sit watch all night and I think I shall let him. Tomorrow we make for the Mead River and hope that it is fordable.
16th of Uktar, 1366 DR
The gods must have laughed at us today. We made it to the Mead and found that it was frozen. Dwarves have no business near water but crossing it would save a lot of miles so we had to try. It must have appeared quite comical. Four dwarves sitting on their shields being pulled across the ice by their ponies. Well it worked though Pem was the last to go and he got quite a scare as the ice gave way behind him as he crossed. My friends will get a good laugh at this when I tell them.
Wolven tracks were all over the place on this side of the river. We decided to continue striking west toward Boarskull and made good progress. Tonight we will stay alert to make sure the Wolven haven’t picked up our trail again.
17th of Uktar, 1366 DR
We made good progress again today but near nightfall we encountered a group of White cloaked riders. Hoping they were friends of Wilan’s we approached them on friendly terms. What a mistake! They were Selunites, and elves, and a damn arrogant bunch to boot. Though not overtly hostile they gave us little choice but to follow or be declared an enemy. So we followed.
They took us south and far off our original course. They appear to be making for their Temple and this will cost us precious time. Maybe we can at least re-provision there and have some good come out of it.
18th of Uktar, 1366 DR
Another full day of travelling south and east. Eventually we met up with another Selunite patrol and they had a few Callahan Clansmen as “guests”. Assuming they were in the same situation we were, I tried to talk with them. No good, they had taken some heavy losses to the wolven and were in a foul mood. So much for trading news.
19th of Uktar, 1366 DR
We arrived at the Temple at about midday. We were escorted inside and asked to report our business on the plains and any news we may have. Easy enough, the high priestess seemed fair and let the Callahan Clansmen go without a hitch. So I opened my big mouth and started blathering about the wolven and the Dreth and about the twin prophesies and how my companions and I fought and killed Ipizicus, Baphtemet, and Ral. Blah, blah, blah… I laid the whole story out before her as she listened patiently. I guess I had hoped she would understand the gravity of our mission and offer her assistance. That seemed like the least she could do for dragging our sorry butts two days out of our way. Well she saw otherwise apparently.
She blamed the presence of the wolven on ME, and said that I owed her church a service to pay for the danger I brought upon them! Boy, I sure do have a way with women. She said they would not let me leave without clearing out some “infidels” who were holed up in some shrine at the end of the lake. She said they couldn’t spill blood on such sacred ground. Whatever. Seeing little choice I agreed to do her dirty work.
I hope this will prove to the Selunites we are not their enemy, and possibly garner their aid for the road ahead.
20th of Uktar, 1366 DR
What kind of a mess have I gotten myself into. The damn priestess neglected to tell us the shrine was occupied by an Apian recon unit! They fought with the elves on the plains when they tried to bring them to the temple (I wish to hell we did too!). Now they are cut off with no means to escape just for following their orders. I can respect that. And here’s another twist, their leader, understanding that the Selunites require someone’s head to roll for the deaths of some of their followers, has offered his life if the priests will let his men go free. Damn noble. And I’m supposed to kill this guy? If there weren’t so many of the damned Moonies I’d be tempted to side with the Apians and cut our way out of here. The Selunites are fools and they asked for the trouble they got. If they just left people to their business none of us would be here right now.
Well there’s wish and hope. But we are here and the priestess in her ‘infinite wisdom and mercy” has agreed to the Apians terms, only here’s the catch. She wants me to duel him to the death. Freakin’ great!
What a damn waste! The Apians may have invaded Valusia but they’re not our enemies here. Curse the Selunites and their short-sightedness! Their arrogance and intolerance will be their deaths when the darkness comes. I, for one, won’t shed any tears.
Now I must go to kill a man whom I have no wish to fight. I made a grave mistake in coming here. Some leader I have turned out to be. What a waste.
25th of Uktar, 1366 DR
A lot has happened since my last entry. I fought the Apian commander, Pandios of Margive, on the bridge leading to the Moon Shrine. The man fought well and with honor, and definitely held no malice to me. It made me sick every time my axe bit into him. Like two reluctant gladiators we fought before the assembled Moon priests and the Apian squad. At every successful blow we called to the Selunites in hopes this could end well. No mercy was granted. In the end Pandios fell to my axe. I just stood there in disgust as Pandios bled his life away. Pem reacted better. He must have raced unto the bridge and before I knew it, knelt next to the dying Apian. He quickly bound the man’s wounds and saved his life. This outraged the Moon priests. Many rushed unto the bridge. The situation got quickly out of control. One bashed Pem on the back of the head only to be sent sprawling in turn by Tamil. It happened so fast I don’t remember all that transpired. The high Priestess cast a spell that killed one of the Apian soldiers. She was in turn sacrificed by her own people for spilling blood on the Holy ground. Her second in command then cast a spell that raised the Apian from the dead! The Moonies demanded Pem remain with them for his violation of the duel. And they expected us to leave Pandios on the bridge to die. I don’t remember what I said or did but eventually I bargained to have Tamil and Hoth continue on to Val Hor to find Destan the Grim. Pem would remain with the Selunites for the time being and a revived Pandios and I were to face another Selunite test. They would seal us in a dungeon below the temple. If we could find our way out we were all free to go.
I don’t know why I sacrificed so much for a man I did not even know. He was an Apian, and an invader, yet he was good and honorable. In our short time together I hope what he learned of the dwarves and Valudians temper his attitudes should the snows melt and the war continue.
It was all foolishness just the same. Pandios and I wandered for days below the Moonpool; starving, thirsty, and completely lost. We encountered no enemies but were dying all the same. Hunger and thirst nearly overcame us. We became delusional and slipped in and out of consciousness. Then I saw something, something that forever changed me though I did not know it at the time. An apparition of a beautiful human woman came to me. She was angelic almost. Her skin and clothing a flowing translucent silver-white. She beckoned for me to rise up and follow her, and I did. She led me through the labyrinth to a portion where the tunnel was flooded. She told me this was the way out. Nothing was given freely she said, someday she would call on me and I must return the favor.
Thank the Gods Pandios was a good swimmer. He got us out of there and back onto land. He and I parted ways as friends and I returned to the Selunite Temple to claim my possessions and gather up Pem for the trip to Val Hor. The Selunites were shocked, as expected, but Pem was another matter. While he was glad to see me he explained he wished to stay with the Selunites at the temple. I could do nothing to convince him. I am convinced they had him under some kind of enchantment but there was little I could do. Reluctantly I left Pem, vowing to return, and began the long trip to Val Hor.
9th of Nightal, 1366 DR
It’s been a long time since my last entry but there really hasn’t been much of anything to report. The trip from the Selunite Temple to Val Hor was remarkably without incident. The weather was fair and I stuck mostly to the coastal roads. Perhaps the evil taint hasn’t spread this far west or perhaps I was just lucky. The humans of this region may give me some odd looks every once in a while but generally seem very tolerant. The majority of the tavern talk surrounds the impending war with Rhelm. They seem little concerned with the troubles of Ciddry and Mon Mith to the South. Tomorrow I should reach the Gates of the White City. I pray to Moradin that Tamil and Hoth made it safely. I look forward to seeing them and rejoining my companions.
10th of Nightal, 1366 DR
The peace of the lonely road was soon shattered upon reaching gates of the White City. Amidst the hustle and bustle at the gates I was approached by Melish, an agent of Destan the Grim and immediately escorted to his compound. I didn’t even have time to knock the dirt from my boots before being thrown right into the middle of it once again.
I was ushered into an audience with the great archmage. My friends were already there, or what was left of them. Kellus, Raylin, and myself are all that remain from the original six. They reluctantly relayed the story of Jon’s fall and Destan confirmed that Amelyssan and Vath were dead, but he knew not how or where. Three are dead and I am cursed, so much for prophecies and destiny.
I remember very little of what was said after that, too consumed in my own dark thoughts. It appears I had arrived at a critical time. Destan was planning a major strike against a nest of demons within the city. He wanted us to prevent any from escaping through the back doors while he and his men stormed the front.
And stop them we did. Men swarmed from the doors like rats and we cut them down like sheaves of wheat. Destan had lent Raylin, Kellus, and I the assistance of two of his men, Melish, the elf who greeted me at the gate and a giant, armored, behemoth named simply, the Cleaver. They both fought well and no man got past our defenses. Unfortunately the demon did.
We later learned he took on the guise of simple rat and scurried right past us. Once we discovered his deception we took up chase but it was too late. We last glimpsed him flying off to the north to wreak Gods only know what kind of havoc.
Later, when we all returned to Destan’s compound I finally had a chance to relax and swap tales with Kellus and Raylin. I can’t believe Amelyssan, Jon, and Vath are all dead. Those last moments of our parting at the Sorrow Elf’s tomb are now etched even more deeply in my memory as it was the last time I saw any of them. Moradin damn all Wolven and Dreth! If their pursuit hadn’t driven us apart they may still be alive.
I learned Tamil and Hoth had indeed made it ahead of me. Hoth had already started back with information for Clan Ironfist. Tamil had remained behind waiting for me. It was good to see the lad. (Bahhh! I sound like his grandsire and I’m barely his senior by 15 winters!). I wanted him to meet my human friends but I sensed a reluctance. I think he knew even then I would be remaining in Val Hor. He said I had changed. Certainly my appearance is different from when we parted (my beard is graying early) but I think he meant something more. I think somehow I have disappointed him. Telling him I wouldn’t be returning with him was one of the hardest things I have had to do. Logically he understands, but in his heart I think he feels betrayed. Maybe he is right. If Ularta orders the Clan to retake the mines and more dwarves die it will be on my head. Returning I face possible execution, by not returning do I doom the rest of my… former Clan? I have to hold unto faith that the Forge Father’s plans for me involve helping the humans and in turn doing a greater good. I just hope I can return to Axemarch in time to help.
Tomorrow we leave for the small Valudian village of Kax. Destan believes the Feratu has retreated there. We need to ferret out his hiding place and eliminate him before he can move on or cause more misfortune. It will be good to hit the trail with Kellus and Raylin again but somehow I think my heart will be heading toward a certain distant peak in the Balantir Cor.
I play the character of Baden Dost in this story. Baden started a journal chronicalling his version of the story starting sometime ago when he returned to his clanhalls alone and defeated the cave troll.
The following are his journal entries from then until where Destan currently left the story. I hesitate to post more as I don't want to post spoilers without his permission.
Anyway, the journal is choppy and much cruder when compared to that of Destan, but hopefully you won't mind.
Congrats on the ENnies nominations Big D.
Frostrune
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4th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
The deed is done. The cavok’othga is dead and beyond all hope we rescued 18 of our kinfolk. Moradin walked with us that day and kept us undetected within our mines until we were ready to strike.
The beast was strong and fast and his blows hit with the force of a battering ram! He cracked the damned stone ‘neath my feet and scattered the bodies of our brethren as if they were gnats! I hate to admit it but the Dwem make damn good armor. If it weren’t for Borbidon’s plate and a fair bit of luck I would have fared no better than the rest of my kin. Bardo and Tamil fought well, keeping the stinking orcs off my back so I could deal with the monster. Bardo cleared the back ranks and even joined in the fight against the cavok’othga for a short time. The beast made him pay however. With a sickening crunch the troll stove in his skull and so fell Bardo the Bold in glorious and righteous battle. You are avenged brother Bardo. May you enjoy all the mead you can handle and sing battle songs with the rest of our kin in the High Forge, forevermore.
Cave trolls are damned hard to kill and their wounds close almost as fast as you can make them. Even fire didn’t affect it. The som’bitch finally died when I cut its head off. Tamil pulled himself together after the loss of his brother and I grabbed up the head and we took off as fast as we could back the way we came, but not before something called to me from behind that grate. It recognized me as Borbidon and talked as if I should know him. The only thing I know is anything that knew Borbidon was damned old and had no business in Axemarch mines! I ignored the voice and fled. I was in no shape to initiate another fight with something that evil and ancient.
Tamil and I returned the way we had come in and eventually got back to the iron gate that had been guarded by the first cave orcs we slew. The door was still securely locked and I could still hear muffled noises from around the bend. Again Moradin must have been with us. Tamil and I hammered the door open against our better judgment and thank the Gods we did! Eighteen of our kinfolk were bound and gagged in the room but otherwise unharmed. We quickly cut them free and made the decision to return to the cave troll lair to gather armor and weapons from the dead.
Again, whatever was behind the smaller gate called to me to free it, and again I resisted. It must have recognized that it couldn’t compel me so it called to some of the others. One of them actually opened it. I slammed it shut and damn near throttled the fool but it was more out of fear. Others came to try the same thing but now I was on my guard and let none get close. We needed to move before one of them got past me. Tamil and I quickly ushered them all away but not before it tried one last time to control me (or was it my axe?). I found myself walk right up the gate and reach for it before I finally gained control and fled. What is this thing? I’m afraid it might be another demon, long imprisoned.
Not all 18 survived the trip out. One just wandered off while we were still in the lower mines. I think this creature got inside his head and he couldn’t resist. The poor bastard probably let it loose and it killed him. I suspect the creature is no longer contained and is now up to who knows what kind of havoc. A few others were injured in some crude deadfall traps the orcs must have set-up. All told 14 walked out and 3 were carried.
I’m as happy as any of them to be out of the mines. The plan is to head for the Ironfist holdings and hopefully meet up with the women and young who were sent on before Droggi and most of the Clan died. We are an ill prepared bunch. No food, no winter clothing, and no armor. It will be a tough march but we are dwarves. We will make it.
5th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Damn me for a raw recruit! I was so happy to be back outside the mountain that I became addle brained. Instead of placing some men in flanking and point positions, we all marched in a big happy group and it cost us. A group of Hobgobs got the jump on us and cut three men down before we knew they were on us. We quickly turned the battle around and finished them but not before taking some serious injuries and the three loses. The only good news is, we now have armor and cold weather gear, still no food. The march is going to be even harder now with almost every man taking shifts carrying the wounded.
I should have known better.
8th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Praise be to Moradin! We arrived at Ironfist without further incident or injury. We even had a good meal the night before. Heh, I’ll have to remember to tell Anar that his horse tasted good…
It wasn’t the warm welcome I expected, at least not for me anyway. Matron Ularta berated me more than thanked me and the others were coolly appreciative. It seems they have heaped a heavy portion of the blame on me for leaving in the first place. The trouble started shortly after I left. I can’t see how that is anything but a coincidence but they seem to think otherwise.
It was good to see Bellows again and drink hearty dwarven mead. It would be nice to enjoy it for a few days but I know I must hurry to Val Hor to meet up with my friends.
There will be a Dwarf Counsel later to discuss what we encountered in the Axemarch mines and what the next course of action should be. I have been asked to speak and frankly don’t relish the attention. I fear that Ularta will order our few warriors to return to reclaim the halls. We might win out against the orcs, but against the dwem or even a demon… the odds don’t seem too good. I will try to relay my reservations without looking like a coward. I think we should consult Destan the Grim and find out what he knows before sending any more lambs to the slaughter. According to that ranger, Droggi had been in contact with the Archmage. He was looking for something in mining that deep. We need to know what he was looking for.
9th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
The Dwarf Counsel is over. Clan Axemarch will not return to reclaim their halls... yet. My words may have swayed Ularta and saved a few dwarven lives this day but I have paid a heavy price for speaking against her. The enormity of the curse has not really hit home yet. I just hope the same sentence is not passed on to Tamil. He is a good and steadfast dwarf. He risked much in supporting me, and risks more by accompanying me. Right or wrong his bold words and actions will make him the same enemies I have made. He reminds me much of myself but a few short months back. Gods how things change! Since I can’t discourage him from accompanying me I hope I can prevent him from making the same mistakes I have made. He deserves a home to return to when this is all over.
Facing exile anyway, I have asked King Thodor if I could accompany his emissaries to Val Hor on the morrow. There we will relay what we know to Destan the Grim and I hope to rejoin my companions.
10th day of Uktar, 1366 DR
Once again I find myself traveling away from Dwarven lands, this time maybe for good. I am “nil-thain”, clanless. A punishment imposed upon only the worst of dwarves, a title most don’t have to bear for long as they are usually executed shortly thereafter. When Ularta cast me out it hit me like a thunderbolt. An outsider would not understand. My friends would argue that I chose to venture out amongst the humans and I have thrived there. It’s only a name they would say. It means nothing to anyone who isn’t a dwarf. But they do not understand. To be “nil-thain” is not only to be shunned by dwarves who live but also shunned by dwarves who have died. The spirits of my forefathers will not seek out my soul upon my death. Without this guidance my soul is doomed to walk Ostia Prim forever. Eternally, searching for a way to enter Moradin’s High Forge. This is the true significance to the punishment and it weighs heavy on my heart.
So be it.
I know what I do is right and my faith in the Soul Forger is stronger than ever due to my recent trials. All hope is not lost. I yet travel with a Priest of Moradin on a mission of great importance to my… my former kinfolk. My Lord, Dereth Droggison, seems unsure of Ularta’s decision. And, unlike most “nil-thain”, I have not been sentenced to death. While I yet live I have a chance to redeem myself. This I must do.
15th of Uktar, 1366 DR
Three days back I made the decision not to go through Lonely Hearth instead travelling through the wilds and staying far from the known trails as Wilan had instructed. This could have been a big mistake.
A major snowfall covered the plains in a heavy blanket of snow. Not only has this slowed us considerably but we also leave a trail a blind man could follow. Unfortunately it wasn’t a blind man who found it. The wolven still roam these plains (as we had feared) and it was they that found the trail but a few short hours back.
It has been an eventful night. We made a brief and bloody stand against a pair of wolven and their Dreth master. Or at least I think it was a Dreth. The creature looks like a man but their skin is black as night and their eyes glow with a feral red gleam. He wore a great horned helm and wielded a large sword. But that’s not all. The bastard could only be injured with magic weapons. He could also cast spells and his touch was deadly poison! Even after the creature was dead Tamil fought to shake off the effects of the poison before it reached his heart. Happily we all made it.
That wasn’t the end of it however. While I was disposing of the wolven bodies back down our trail, Gimit the Finn made another appearance. He told me that Ciddry was in ashes and that the snow was all that held the Apians from pressing the campaign. He also revealed that we were being hunted (big revelation there). Once again he offered me the opportunity to tempt fate and once again I did. Two riddles did he offer but the answers eluded me. And so Beshaba won this time and I lost a little bit of myself to him. When Moradin said woe would come upon us we thought he meant the fight with the wolven. Apparently he saw further into the future.
I trudged back into camp suddenly tired and reluctantly told the others of my visit with Gimit. Instead of being mocked and doubted they believed every word. If anything their respect for me only increased. I like not these comparisons to ancient heroes and lofty expectations. I’m no legendary hero and I’m certainly no leader. Their blind faith in me is frightening and I pray to Moradin I don’t lead them astray, especially Tamil.
Gods but I am weary! Hoth has offered to sit watch all night and I think I shall let him. Tomorrow we make for the Mead River and hope that it is fordable.
16th of Uktar, 1366 DR
The gods must have laughed at us today. We made it to the Mead and found that it was frozen. Dwarves have no business near water but crossing it would save a lot of miles so we had to try. It must have appeared quite comical. Four dwarves sitting on their shields being pulled across the ice by their ponies. Well it worked though Pem was the last to go and he got quite a scare as the ice gave way behind him as he crossed. My friends will get a good laugh at this when I tell them.
Wolven tracks were all over the place on this side of the river. We decided to continue striking west toward Boarskull and made good progress. Tonight we will stay alert to make sure the Wolven haven’t picked up our trail again.
17th of Uktar, 1366 DR
We made good progress again today but near nightfall we encountered a group of White cloaked riders. Hoping they were friends of Wilan’s we approached them on friendly terms. What a mistake! They were Selunites, and elves, and a damn arrogant bunch to boot. Though not overtly hostile they gave us little choice but to follow or be declared an enemy. So we followed.
They took us south and far off our original course. They appear to be making for their Temple and this will cost us precious time. Maybe we can at least re-provision there and have some good come out of it.
18th of Uktar, 1366 DR
Another full day of travelling south and east. Eventually we met up with another Selunite patrol and they had a few Callahan Clansmen as “guests”. Assuming they were in the same situation we were, I tried to talk with them. No good, they had taken some heavy losses to the wolven and were in a foul mood. So much for trading news.
19th of Uktar, 1366 DR
We arrived at the Temple at about midday. We were escorted inside and asked to report our business on the plains and any news we may have. Easy enough, the high priestess seemed fair and let the Callahan Clansmen go without a hitch. So I opened my big mouth and started blathering about the wolven and the Dreth and about the twin prophesies and how my companions and I fought and killed Ipizicus, Baphtemet, and Ral. Blah, blah, blah… I laid the whole story out before her as she listened patiently. I guess I had hoped she would understand the gravity of our mission and offer her assistance. That seemed like the least she could do for dragging our sorry butts two days out of our way. Well she saw otherwise apparently.
She blamed the presence of the wolven on ME, and said that I owed her church a service to pay for the danger I brought upon them! Boy, I sure do have a way with women. She said they would not let me leave without clearing out some “infidels” who were holed up in some shrine at the end of the lake. She said they couldn’t spill blood on such sacred ground. Whatever. Seeing little choice I agreed to do her dirty work.
I hope this will prove to the Selunites we are not their enemy, and possibly garner their aid for the road ahead.
20th of Uktar, 1366 DR
What kind of a mess have I gotten myself into. The damn priestess neglected to tell us the shrine was occupied by an Apian recon unit! They fought with the elves on the plains when they tried to bring them to the temple (I wish to hell we did too!). Now they are cut off with no means to escape just for following their orders. I can respect that. And here’s another twist, their leader, understanding that the Selunites require someone’s head to roll for the deaths of some of their followers, has offered his life if the priests will let his men go free. Damn noble. And I’m supposed to kill this guy? If there weren’t so many of the damned Moonies I’d be tempted to side with the Apians and cut our way out of here. The Selunites are fools and they asked for the trouble they got. If they just left people to their business none of us would be here right now.
Well there’s wish and hope. But we are here and the priestess in her ‘infinite wisdom and mercy” has agreed to the Apians terms, only here’s the catch. She wants me to duel him to the death. Freakin’ great!
What a damn waste! The Apians may have invaded Valusia but they’re not our enemies here. Curse the Selunites and their short-sightedness! Their arrogance and intolerance will be their deaths when the darkness comes. I, for one, won’t shed any tears.
Now I must go to kill a man whom I have no wish to fight. I made a grave mistake in coming here. Some leader I have turned out to be. What a waste.
25th of Uktar, 1366 DR
A lot has happened since my last entry. I fought the Apian commander, Pandios of Margive, on the bridge leading to the Moon Shrine. The man fought well and with honor, and definitely held no malice to me. It made me sick every time my axe bit into him. Like two reluctant gladiators we fought before the assembled Moon priests and the Apian squad. At every successful blow we called to the Selunites in hopes this could end well. No mercy was granted. In the end Pandios fell to my axe. I just stood there in disgust as Pandios bled his life away. Pem reacted better. He must have raced unto the bridge and before I knew it, knelt next to the dying Apian. He quickly bound the man’s wounds and saved his life. This outraged the Moon priests. Many rushed unto the bridge. The situation got quickly out of control. One bashed Pem on the back of the head only to be sent sprawling in turn by Tamil. It happened so fast I don’t remember all that transpired. The high Priestess cast a spell that killed one of the Apian soldiers. She was in turn sacrificed by her own people for spilling blood on the Holy ground. Her second in command then cast a spell that raised the Apian from the dead! The Moonies demanded Pem remain with them for his violation of the duel. And they expected us to leave Pandios on the bridge to die. I don’t remember what I said or did but eventually I bargained to have Tamil and Hoth continue on to Val Hor to find Destan the Grim. Pem would remain with the Selunites for the time being and a revived Pandios and I were to face another Selunite test. They would seal us in a dungeon below the temple. If we could find our way out we were all free to go.
I don’t know why I sacrificed so much for a man I did not even know. He was an Apian, and an invader, yet he was good and honorable. In our short time together I hope what he learned of the dwarves and Valudians temper his attitudes should the snows melt and the war continue.
It was all foolishness just the same. Pandios and I wandered for days below the Moonpool; starving, thirsty, and completely lost. We encountered no enemies but were dying all the same. Hunger and thirst nearly overcame us. We became delusional and slipped in and out of consciousness. Then I saw something, something that forever changed me though I did not know it at the time. An apparition of a beautiful human woman came to me. She was angelic almost. Her skin and clothing a flowing translucent silver-white. She beckoned for me to rise up and follow her, and I did. She led me through the labyrinth to a portion where the tunnel was flooded. She told me this was the way out. Nothing was given freely she said, someday she would call on me and I must return the favor.
Thank the Gods Pandios was a good swimmer. He got us out of there and back onto land. He and I parted ways as friends and I returned to the Selunite Temple to claim my possessions and gather up Pem for the trip to Val Hor. The Selunites were shocked, as expected, but Pem was another matter. While he was glad to see me he explained he wished to stay with the Selunites at the temple. I could do nothing to convince him. I am convinced they had him under some kind of enchantment but there was little I could do. Reluctantly I left Pem, vowing to return, and began the long trip to Val Hor.
9th of Nightal, 1366 DR
It’s been a long time since my last entry but there really hasn’t been much of anything to report. The trip from the Selunite Temple to Val Hor was remarkably without incident. The weather was fair and I stuck mostly to the coastal roads. Perhaps the evil taint hasn’t spread this far west or perhaps I was just lucky. The humans of this region may give me some odd looks every once in a while but generally seem very tolerant. The majority of the tavern talk surrounds the impending war with Rhelm. They seem little concerned with the troubles of Ciddry and Mon Mith to the South. Tomorrow I should reach the Gates of the White City. I pray to Moradin that Tamil and Hoth made it safely. I look forward to seeing them and rejoining my companions.
10th of Nightal, 1366 DR
The peace of the lonely road was soon shattered upon reaching gates of the White City. Amidst the hustle and bustle at the gates I was approached by Melish, an agent of Destan the Grim and immediately escorted to his compound. I didn’t even have time to knock the dirt from my boots before being thrown right into the middle of it once again.
I was ushered into an audience with the great archmage. My friends were already there, or what was left of them. Kellus, Raylin, and myself are all that remain from the original six. They reluctantly relayed the story of Jon’s fall and Destan confirmed that Amelyssan and Vath were dead, but he knew not how or where. Three are dead and I am cursed, so much for prophecies and destiny.
I remember very little of what was said after that, too consumed in my own dark thoughts. It appears I had arrived at a critical time. Destan was planning a major strike against a nest of demons within the city. He wanted us to prevent any from escaping through the back doors while he and his men stormed the front.
And stop them we did. Men swarmed from the doors like rats and we cut them down like sheaves of wheat. Destan had lent Raylin, Kellus, and I the assistance of two of his men, Melish, the elf who greeted me at the gate and a giant, armored, behemoth named simply, the Cleaver. They both fought well and no man got past our defenses. Unfortunately the demon did.
We later learned he took on the guise of simple rat and scurried right past us. Once we discovered his deception we took up chase but it was too late. We last glimpsed him flying off to the north to wreak Gods only know what kind of havoc.
Later, when we all returned to Destan’s compound I finally had a chance to relax and swap tales with Kellus and Raylin. I can’t believe Amelyssan, Jon, and Vath are all dead. Those last moments of our parting at the Sorrow Elf’s tomb are now etched even more deeply in my memory as it was the last time I saw any of them. Moradin damn all Wolven and Dreth! If their pursuit hadn’t driven us apart they may still be alive.
I learned Tamil and Hoth had indeed made it ahead of me. Hoth had already started back with information for Clan Ironfist. Tamil had remained behind waiting for me. It was good to see the lad. (Bahhh! I sound like his grandsire and I’m barely his senior by 15 winters!). I wanted him to meet my human friends but I sensed a reluctance. I think he knew even then I would be remaining in Val Hor. He said I had changed. Certainly my appearance is different from when we parted (my beard is graying early) but I think he meant something more. I think somehow I have disappointed him. Telling him I wouldn’t be returning with him was one of the hardest things I have had to do. Logically he understands, but in his heart I think he feels betrayed. Maybe he is right. If Ularta orders the Clan to retake the mines and more dwarves die it will be on my head. Returning I face possible execution, by not returning do I doom the rest of my… former Clan? I have to hold unto faith that the Forge Father’s plans for me involve helping the humans and in turn doing a greater good. I just hope I can return to Axemarch in time to help.
Tomorrow we leave for the small Valudian village of Kax. Destan believes the Feratu has retreated there. We need to ferret out his hiding place and eliminate him before he can move on or cause more misfortune. It will be good to hit the trail with Kellus and Raylin again but somehow I think my heart will be heading toward a certain distant peak in the Balantir Cor.
Destan
Citizen of Val Hor
Hi all -
Thanks for the kind words. I'm as excited as I am surprised to see Valus grab a couple nominations. I'm out of town for a bit dealing with the loss of a friend to cancer, so please forgive me if I'm slow getting back to anyone on posts or email. Thanks all.
Take care,
Ryan
Thanks for the kind words. I'm as excited as I am surprised to see Valus grab a couple nominations. I'm out of town for a bit dealing with the loss of a friend to cancer, so please forgive me if I'm slow getting back to anyone on posts or email. Thanks all.
Take care,
Ryan
grodog
Hero
If you haven't already, please vote for Valus in the ENNies @ http://www.enworld.org/ennies/index.php?do=vote 
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