Jillan Carmichael, paladin of Hijama (Player Post)

Jillian's thoughts were scattered.  She knew she should be planning the next day, but she just couldn't stay focused.

She was grateful that Nathan had been able to visit them that morning, though slightly embarrassed that he needed to take time away from his many pressing tasks to come monitor her.  It was frustrating that so much of what she had been doing was unrelated to her original mission of discovering information regarding golem creation.  Everything with the vampires and werewolves in Hyrule, getting the Crimson Prince's heart, the mystery of the signet ring and the Saint, Balthier releasing her on The Empress's doorstep....

Why was he always swooping in to "save" her?  She didn't need saving.  (Well, maybe that one time, but she probably could have figured a way out.) Still. She was a Paladin of Hijama and perfectly able of taking care of herself.  She especially didn't need help from a sky pirate -- a scoundrel.  She should probably arrest him, though Jillian couldn't think of any crime she had actually seen him commit. And she was pretty sure it was him that had left the roses those few times.

As Jillian wrote in her journal, she absently turned to the spot where she had pressed the first rose. She started to stroke the thornless stem, then abruptly shut the book. FOCUS,  Jillian told herself.

At least there was something on this island related to golem creation.  They would head to the monastery tomorrow and discover what information they could about the statues with souls. Though, she wasn't sure what they'd tell The Elder Brother about the key he requested.  She couldn't lie to him about it.  And she couldn't give it to him.  Not only had it been expressly forbidden by Nathan, but it was like giving a sick and perverted man access to helpless and innocent children.  Jillian suppressed a shudder as that thought hit a little bit too close to home. If only my mother had been braver, maybe she and my sister would still be alive.  Maybe I wouldn't have had to use her arrows on my own father
Jillian quickly wiped at the tear that had started to fall down her cheek.  There was NO WAY she would let Isoldor near that cathedral. Jillian took a deep breath.


They needed to figure out how to defeat him before returning. Jillian was certain that simply knowing his name wasn't enough. There had to be more to it. She would have to talk to Ni--"Perdicks" about the journals, or see if there was anything else he knew about it.

This was all so foreign to Jillian -- working real missions in real time with real people.  She had only completed her Academy training a week before being assigned to this unlikely group of people.  She had of course learned about working with non-military people, but she hadn't really thought she'd be in that kind of stiuation.  And certainly not so soon.  But it was good for her.  She could feel herself stretching as a leader, being in charge of these people who were under no obligation to follow her lead.  She couldn't simply give them orders -- she had to be a leader they liked and therefore followed.  She had to be softer and more approachable, but not so soft and approachable that no one respected her.

(what Jillian's face looks like)

She was fairly certain she had the respect of Ara'Isar and Rowena (Galandriel? Was that what we were supposed to call her now?)  She was grateful for their wisdom and level-headedness.  Also their forgiveness. Jillian still couldn't believe she had actually destroyed the staff and hoped it didn't have drastic ramifications. But she felt these elven women were truly her friends.  She wasn't as sure of the men in her party.  It seemed that Perdicks was tolerant of her leadership, though he clearly was wiser in the ways of the world than she was.  She tried not to be intimidated by him. And Gum-- "Mudder" didn't seem to hate her quite as much as he used to.  She needed to continue to exercise patience with him.  Perhaps he needed a little bit more guidance -- specific jobs to do to keep him focused.  It amused her that he thought her a religious fanatic. (If he wanted to see a fanatic, he should've been around during the reign of the last Keeper of the Seals. Holy Hera was that guy zealous.) She had only come to Hijama a few years ago when she decided to be brave for those who couldn't be.  Even now, she was fairly certain that she didn't turn to Hijama for guidance as often as she should.  And being brave was much more difficult when she was responsible for the well-being of so many others. If it was only herself she had to worry about, her decisions would be much easier.  Sometimes she longed for the freedom she saw in others.........in Balthier.........

Stupid boy.  He may be "free," but he certainly was not brave or noble or any of the things she wanted in a man.  Not that she wanted a man now -- she planned on being in the service of Hijama a good long time before settling down.  But Balthier had made her think about men in general a little bit more, and she became more certain of what she wanted. She wanted someone who generally cared for her -- not someone who used her to boost his ego.  If Balthier really cared about her, he would TELL her what all the danger was she was always walking in to.  Perhaps he was just assuming she'd be in danger because she was a paladin, but it always seemed that he knew more about it than he was letting on.  Especially after letting her and Rowena off the ship near the Empress's hiding place.  She had actually thought she might die that day, and she was fairly certain that Balthier wouldn't have shown up.  Thank the Light that Nathan had.

Nathan.  The golems.  Jillian shook her head, angry at herself for being distracted by the scoundrel once again.  She didn't know what it was about him that she was drawn to, but she was angry at herself for always letting it happen.

They had to figure out how to defeat Isoldor.  And it probably needed to be done before the tithe was due.  Jillian cursed her luck at coming to the evil island right when the tithe was due.  Only once a century, and it just happened to be when they were there.  Alexander wanted to pay the tithe for all the people on the island, including the cursed people in Windfall.  If she didn't know innately that he was evil, she would have already given him the signet ring.  Nothing he had done or said pointed to him being evil.  (How was that possible? Were there really more shades of gray in this world?)

Who should they give the ring to?  Jillian felt in her gut that Silvas was the best and rightful ruler of the city, but they didn't even know where he was, or if the stories about him were true.  And how did Ashley fit into the story?  How could they cure the walking dead? Was a cure even possible? Could the island itself  be cured? How were they doing to defeat Isoldor and get the heart? What if they didn't figure it all out in the 5 days before the tithe was due?

Jillian rubbed her temples.  Being a leader was hard, so very much harder than she had expected.

"Lord Hijama," she prayed, "grant me the wisdom to know what must be done, and the bravery to do it.  Help me to find the answers to the secrets this island bears, and the bravery to face what will come with those answers. Grant me a leader's heart and a follower's faith. In your brave name I pray, amen."

Standoff

In gratitude for his success in the Underworld and resealing the Red Prison, the Gods granted Dante one wish.  He chose to be made the uncontested ruler of the Grey Havens and that it would be free of any outside control.
Since gaining that station Dante has been on his own crusade to bring the light to all the shadowy corners of the Grey Havens.  A land lost in ancient false tradition and mired in corruption.
He started by identifying his wife as a Dark Friend and despite he being with child had he locked away in the temple of Logar awaiting execution.
He then turned to the Dragons.  Dante believes its a false tradition that the Dragons created the elves and sees only suffering under their Yoke.  They demand a heavy tribute from the elves each year which keeps the country in a nearly eternal poverty cycle.  He cancelled the tribute, and has sought to join his kingdom with the mighty Geneva.
Hearing of this the Dragon's asked him to step down.  He he refused they the ordered him to do so.  Dante, no intimidated, nor the yielding kind, issued a reward for any citizen of the Grey Havens who could kill their local dragon.  He promised to lead the elves to a new world one free of the Dragons and protected by the true gods.
Many Dragons having heard of this did not wait in their caves to do but instead struck first at the peasants who they saw as little more than rats.  The attacks were merciless and with out restraint.  Thousands died by the hour.
It is in this hour, that Polaridin Te Al Mordin, considered by many to be the savior and leader of dragonkind, arrived at the Grey Palace claiming to seek peace.  He offered to pay the tribute directly to the dragon and had negotiated with them to stop their attacks on the elves.
The deal could only be agreed to on condition of Dante releasing his throne.  Arrangements were already in place to allow Gerzon to watch over the thrown until Dante's child grew to the age where they could ascend properly.
Dante refused the peace, committed to freeing who he now considered his people.

Dante with voice full of distaste and frustration scoffed at Polaridin's offer, "Go back to the Underworld."

Polaridin sighed deeply and responded, "I'm afraid Dante, it isn't a choice. You can step down or be taken down."

"History and the gods will judge you.  By Logar and by the Light I will defend my people and never surrender."

"I can't believe this.  You really think you are doing a good thing.  You've ruled less than a month and have managed to destroy a system of government and order that has stood for countless centuries, which led to a war that in just this one day the damage thereof could never be calculated.  You sit in moral judgement of a people who do not share your morality and seek only in pride to remake them in your own image.  I am tired of you always getting in my way and failing gloriously.  I hope you don't step down so I can just destroy you and be done with it."

Dante whispers almost to himself, "Light help me."  He raises his eyes to a level stare matching the glare from Luther's.  Savior, destroyer, light, darkness.  All the prophecies what could they mean.  Was he the destroyer, not of the world as they thought but of the Dragon's control? And was Luther the savior of it?  Was Luther's pride making him the destroyer? Then Dante thought of the words of council Logar gave to him after the Red Prison.  "Regardless of what hero prophecy may have made you, you chose to be a hero today by doing what you felt was right and never giving up.  With, or with out a prophecy that is the making of legend."  Dante breathed in deeply, No matter the cost I will do what is right.  Let the consequence follow.


Dante drew his sword and charged Luther. . .

Results of Nial's scry

The result of your scry
You do not know ashley or silvas so you cant scry on them. 

You scry to the location. The watchtower is marked on the map and see overgrown foundation and partial wall of ancient ruins next to a crater.

The brothel is the Lonely Escort and has a lovely young half elf woman playing a lyre singing about the tiger born comes.


This is the song Nial hears when he scrys on the Lonely Escort and sees the girls singing, just replace Dragonborn with Tigerborn The slums show boarded up doors as two people with dozens of daggers and arrows sticking out of them try to claw inside the thirsty peasant.

The cathedral was nearly half sunk to the swamp with rot and decay scaring its exterior. Lights flashed inside as did shadows of desperate hands trying to break free. Screams of woman and children burning barely escape as a whisper.

Brend eats a luxurious breakfast of fruits and cheese talking to Adam stone. They seem confident if they wait the emperor will send reinforcements enough to kill the zombies rising in Tue streets and, since it was the righteous who attacked the imperials, the imperial legion will give full control to Brend. Brend will make a joke about how when its all done since ashley can not be found maybe hell have to celebrate at the lonely suitor.

Alexanders keep is a large walled courtyard. It is all empty. No men horses or tigers on the grounds and no one inside the old three story keep either. Furnished only sparingly everything simple and sufficient.

The place of The tithe is a simple wood stump on the northern tip of the small island within the harbor. Looks completely unremarkable. A butterfly lands on some nearby grass that is only just starting to yellow with Tue progression of fall.

Nial's searchings (player post)

Nial inclined over the journal of Lord Varo, fuming in what he felt was righteous anger. If his logic and his emotions did not fool him, Alexander was the prime catalyst for everything that was wrong with the island. Ashley must be found and confronted. Alexander must be destroyed, immortal or not. The shrines to the island must be destroyed and its people freed from the curse laid upon them by the malignant forces at work here, never to be held by its power again. Nial vowed that, no matter what else happened on this island, he would put the evil to rest. Well, either him or those that might come in his place. There could be no more Travo death knights. There could be no more poison in the wells and vile illness among this people. There could be no more of the things that he had seen in the mind of that corrupted and twisted soul that a man named Derek had become and perpetuated through his progeny. No more. Either the island would cease to impose its will on this place through whatever evil had taken hold of it and allow its people to continue their lives as they would, or he would see to it that it no longer cast its shadow on the light. His befuddled mind had too easily latched onto that accursedly wonderful book after his magical mishap and that had led him to alternately lash out at others and withdraw from the company he thrived on. He would have to apologize to Jillian for that, he pondered, ruefully. Even so, that befuddlement seemed to be oddly clarifying for him. It was long overdue and this place, under the right circumstances, would finally provide the means. His floating school, theater and study would be either built here or brought directly here after construction. After the island was cleansed. If he could cleanse the island or bring it about, then perhaps this would be a great place from which to embark on the next stage of his great life quest.

Even so, this was all a dream, a plan closing around the moment. He shook his head and closed the journal, turning it into an item with a quick read of his spell book. He tucked it into a pocket as he read the words for wraithform out slowly. For now, the Lady Jillian Carmichael had his loyalty, as he had chosen some time ago. He had to return to her, based on that conviction, and make a report of this new finding. He would also take the opportunity to express his desires to her and the feeling of foreboding that sat on his mind like a cancer. Alexander had tried to appeal to his sense of unity, but failed to see how large Nial's vision of Tengri was. By limiting his view to this island, Nial thought, Alexander was not fighting or changing the small localized cancer into a truly benevolent force; he was placating it, feeding it, and putting it in a position where its influence could spread into the largest and most powerful empire the world had seen since the accursed Kale of his father's time. Nial chuckled as his body slipped into the ethereal, the ripples of its mist dancing across his skin. No wonder his ancestors had chosen no gods to rule them, but only spirits of great wisdom to guide them. Wise beings like Apollo understood that shared knowledge, wisdom and joy are better than this sort of thing.

Returning toward the Lord's chamber, where he saw Jillian last going, he pulled out his crystal ball and began looking around the island for what he needed. He had a list, and he was determined he would see it all, as quickly as he could. The watchtower, the brothel, the cathedral, the place of tithes, the mines, Alexander's keep, the slums, Ashley, Silvas, Brend, Windfall, the pool of the Styx. If he could build the tapestry and see the truth, then he could make the right changes or set them in motion and rid this place of its long-lived canker. Then, the light and wisdom of the Eternal Blue Heaven could penetrate the shadow that had come to rest here. Apollo and other gods of light and wisdom could hold sway. Most importantly, the people could establish a society of true peace and understanding that was a cloud of motes of light dancing on the same breezes and rising forever in the same warmth of combined light.

Now, to see what can be seen, to know what requires a personal appearance, and to speak with Jillian... and perhaps ask after Azura's well-being from that pompous, arrogant, self-important, and madenningly successful rogue who calls himself a sky-pirate. Nial paused in his current thinking only long enough to remind himself to have good manners as long as they seemed beneficial under the circumstances. He plastered a look of convincing benevolence on his face as he gazed into the crystal ball and floated on through the house in search of Jillian and a chance to speak his mind.

Tommy and Gina

Tommy looked at the run down apartment they shared in the slums here at windfall.  He had hoped he'd moved out forever.  His work at the dock past couple of years had got him a supervisor position.  Fesde,r who owns the warehouse, gave him an apartment in the warehouse loft on Merchant Rtreet.  It seemed like a different world.  But with the Righteou's rebellion and the workers on strike, Tommy was down on his luck.  Gina's tips and pay from working The Thirsty Peasant all day weren't enough to cover the rent so they had to move back to the slums -- in a word, it was tough.

She told him she wasn't working for the money-- she was working for love.  That they had each other and that was A LOT.  But he knew deep down she was dreaming of running away.  They often did (dream, that is).  Lots of people left for Waterdeep when the war started, but Tommy and Gina stayed.  He was convinced that they could hold on to what they had.  It didn't really did not matter to him if they made it or not because he still had Gina, and that enough.

That night they knelt down to pray together.  They prayed for themselves, for the rebellion and for the dead that walked in the streets.  If the Saint could claim the city it would all be good again, jobs would return and he could move back to merchant street.  He was half way there, living on his prayers and he was going to make it, he swore.

Confusion of a Warrior Player post

Confusion of a Warrior

(Gumqui Mudder in his own mind)

The death of my long time friend and companion yet again, the question that I must now dealing with is “where will I end up this time?”  Even though I am not a smart man, even I have noticed that I have ended up lost each time that my friend has died.  What will I do without Cocka?  I know that I will see him again, as I always do.

I cannot afford to be lost this time.  I have too much to do.  I am under an oath to assist the Crimson Queen.  This is an oath that I have sworn.  She needs me, and there is so much that is left to do. 

I cannot leave my friends this time.  I cannot afford to break this oath.  In the past, there has been nothing to tie me down, nothing to keep me there.  Now I have too much to do, too many promises to keep, and too many friends to watch over.

How can this great warrior have fallen into friendships like this?  I am even getting to the point that I can tolerate all the magic use and am even getting to sort of like this religious fanatic that is with these travelers.  Am I becoming week and sensitive or is it true what I have been hearing that friendship is actually a strength? 

Perhaps I will stay close to this group so that I may not get lost.  Perhaps they will provide the support and strength that my long time companion Cocka used to provide.  Perhaps I will find Cocka without having to be lost again.

Trade City rebuild report to the Council

Honored Councilmen:

The Merchant Council of Trade City is pleased to update you on the rebuilding efforts.  As you know, Dragon's brazen attack on our city to loot and pillage while our soliders bravely faced the crusade left dampend spirits here.  However that is no more.  The task of rebuilding did seem to great for many but the recently acquired golemn workforce moves quickly and effiecently. 

They work faster and harder than any man.  Able to accomplish things much more precisely and quickly then human work crews.  This is magnified by the fact they never have to stop for sleep, or recreation.  They only live to work.  The entire project will be completed in a couple of days. 

We then plan to expand their efforts to restoring and beautifying the entire city including the old and damaged wall and the large portions of the docks which while critical to the cities success strain under neglect.  For all these large projects we would even recommend to the Council that the ban on Golemn creation be lifted and more golemns be added to our workforce.  The profits from this type of workforce are limitless.  With their limited intelligence they could even be taught to farm or manufacture  we stand on the cusp of an entirely new economy with Man as the master golemn as the worker.  We believe we can achieve a greater level of prosperity than that of ancient Kale.

This is our report may it find you pleased by the light.

Merchant Council

Travo's books

Within Deathgrip Keep there were several volumes their summary is listed here:

The Epic of Arvan --
Thousands of years ago the hunter gather and fishermen humans of the grass land and islands began settling into a farms and towns.  The mouth of the river was the greatest of these towns and due to its central location became a nexus of trade.  The humans could not expand safely and putting their weapons down to pick up plows proved to be impossible for the land was inhabited by a variety of giant men and monsters.  Many of these giants were just like men but bigger and many of these monsters could not be further from men. 
Arvan was blessed and chosen by the gods to lead the humans and to bring them religion.
He spoke to them the words of olympus and made clear the will of the gods in claiming the plains for mankind.  He taught them rallied them and led them to war with the monsters of the wilderness.  Through his faith, strength and by the will of the light he defeated the hordes of creatures and giant men.  What was left he chased over the edge of the earth beyond the world.  There in a very narrow pass he set up his fortress so well built that only a few could defend it against thousands. 
The gods removed his age and charged him with guarding the pass and keeping the plains of man forever free and safe from the giants who would claim it there own.

The tale is obviously told with an agenda to glorify Man's divine rights to the plains.  It also applauds the valor and capacity of faith above all odds and challenges.  It seems meant to teach lords and knights how they are suppose to act and give them hope that in so acting they will never fall.

Travo's Second journal --

This journal picks up after his death.  It discusses how he was forsaken by Apollo.  He starts by blaming his own lack of faith, "If I were only like Arvan..."  The passage often reads.  Over time the blame goes from himself and to Apollo.  Apollo was not strong enough to reach him on this island or Apollo out of selfishness let him fail.  Then the blame shifts to the island. How the island is cursed and only failure and pain can come from it.  Then the mood shifts as he seems to realize the island is more powerful than the gods he knows. 
It is at that time he begins making reference to the 'hearing' the island. 
Over time the whispers of the island grow clearer and clearer.  He begins to believe the 'island' is infact special or divine to itself.  He starts to see his sins as not sins against apollo or the innocent but against the island. In order to attemp to atone for his sins against the island he begins to change the religious icons of the temple from apollow to that of the island.  He claims to have a vision of the pointed circle as the symbol of the island.
Then the island tells him Alexander can no longer claim him, he needs to pay tithe.  Alexander provides the a document to him called the doctrine of the tithe that describes what it is and how to provide it.  He begins following the presrcibed pattern.
He begins paying tithe once a century and notes that after each tithe the power of himself and his followers grows.  They went from decayed corpses to capable warriors once again.  He begins describing his death knight state as not a curse but a blessing of immortality given to him by the island just as it gave his Friend Alexander immortality. 
He curses the necromancers for caging him only to his keep.  He feels that he can not serve the island trapped as he is.  After one tithe the "External" grants him a scrying well he uses to watch the other parts of the island.  And he begins to do so. 
He notes how the broken tribes of elves and men are all recognized by the external as following alexander.  Until one family of half elves raises to dominance in the old city of windfall.  They are called the Varos.  He notes the plagues that befall them when they do not confess the island and pay the tithe.  He then notes they start paying the tithe and they are blessed with gold and silver mines.  That was 99 years and 103 weeks ago. 

Isoldor the Souless

Travo hated the necromancer school.  Though they had a fascination with him as they commonly studied him from behind the skull line.  The research camp was led by a man named Isoldor.  He as driven and greedy and ambitious.  Travo hated him most of all.  He would constantly do seanances with the attempt to communicate to Travo and caused him great pain.  He stops appearing at the camps and the others refer to him in conversation as the souless.  After Travo is granted the scrying pool he finds the Souless has used the knowledge he gained from studying Travo, and gifts from the island through the external to and make himself a lich.  The souless begins to distance himself from the living and sets up a system of brothers in the monastary to rule and speak for him.  He calls himself the Eldest Brother and reverts to simply being a legend or ghost story around the monastary, most don't think he is real. 
Travos hatred for this man is deep and evident.  Whatever paladin is left in Travo wants to destroy this evil man.  He notes how he believes knowing the true name of a lich grants one power over the lich, and wonder what exactly that means and how he could use it.

He also makes at the very end that Isoldor and the necromancers had become very good at manipulating souls and death and were either giving or growing souls in objects that should not have any.  He calls them "stones and statues that move as if alive"

The entries are not dated like a journal but you can tell by the faded age of the writing the last entry was extremely recent.

The endless adventure of Rin and Neno

-You'll have to tell me who reads that one its great.

Brief history of the empire volumes 1 through 4

This is a history annual that chronicles the evolution of the human society and empire that rose on the plains now controlled by Geneva.  It starts with hunting and fishing tribes.  The first city -- Trade City and The hero Arvan clearing the land and chasing the monsters giving humans claim. 

It then talks about a council of brethern.  A group of 12 paladins inspired by Arvan's example that established a system of government where the whole council was equal.  They were called the Brethern or the Brethern's court. 

As trade surpassed religion in devotion the Brethern became the council.  They reached out building what was first a trade empire to the emerging city states along the river and across the plains.  After a couple of generations it became apparent that trade alone would not hold the city states together and the Council elected military leaders.  Not to defend against giants or monsters but to oppress fellow humans.  The recent council men became known as the merchants council and tended only to the affairs of Trade City which had now became a massive metropolis.  While the military leaders had one rise to supremecy and he stopped acting under the councils direction and took authority to himself.  He declared himself Emperor weilding the Tiber Slayer (a blade that killed a demon who had possessed a king of a rival city state). 

The Empire continues a loosely associated band of city states until the last emperor is killed by Arch Mage Mordin leading to the systematic collapse of any political authority.

It is important to note that these volumes involve history after Travo's departure from Trade City and are clearly written well after his fall.

This Land 
A celebration of the sacred Isle

This is the volume you burned in the fireplace.  Speaks in poetic terms of how the Island blesses the faithful. and you only need ot listen to know its will.  That fighting the island will never prevail because the island always wins. 

If any PC wants to read a copy we'll need to play that out on the table.

The Doctrine of the Tithe

Pcs chose not to read this and rolled it up and hid it.  When/ if you decide to read it I'll share the information with you.

Maps

Numerous maps of the island over time.  Significant markings include the Shrine of the External in the center island of the cove.  The frozen Cathederal where springrain was.  Alexander's keep in the north east.  A pirate's shadow port just north of Alexander's keep.  The Caldenstien Monastary on the center north of the island. The Lonely Suitor brothel just north of the swamps.  The watchtower on a small island north of the main island very close to the Caldenstien monastary. Varo family estate.  The city of windfall and 2 gold and 2 silver mines . ( I will mark them on the PC version of the map if requested)

Away at the monastary

Katsumi kept her pace. She could not let on that she knew she was being followed.  Whoever was trailing her was good, very good.  He has most likely been there for weeks.  If it were not for the monks comments and subtle training of the nature of qi she would have never noticed him at all.  It is only when she meditates and feels the extra qi close to her that she even knows he's there.

Could he be from the den? Not likely they have coins and the like to spy on us.  It must be someone from my father. 

It had been risky to return home, especially and not stay.  She needed the Iocane powder but was still honor bound to help Nathan and see this to the end as he was the one who freed her from Darkness's service.  One day she would return home, when she found out exactly what to say.

Now. She thought as she spun a curved throwing knife the direction of the spy. It struck stone behind her target as she hoped but it spooked her tail to flee and now she could follow. The spy took off and scaled a nearby wall covered in ivy.  Katsumi threw another knife striking his hand causing him to fall.  He landed and tumbled tossing his own dagger at her.  It struck her in the left shoulder with enough force to spin her around. Would my father's men be allowed to kill me?  I did leave and have yet to explain, but even that would only earn disowning not killing.

Katsumi dove behind cover avoiding 3 ninja stars that embedded themselves into the tree stump she hid behind.  To make matters more complicated a group of monks entered the courtyard.  She needed to find this spy with out hurting or alerting them.  They were so nervous about outsiders that something like this could get everyone thrown out and stop Nathan's investigation.  She lay flat on the ground hoping they would leave.  When they did not after 5 minutes she took a nearby rock and tossed it across the yard.  It made a sound in the far bushes and she took her moment.

So did he.  The both sprung from their hiding places queued by the sound of the rock. They nearly ran into eachother running along the wall trying to make it over the wall. Before the monks could turn around she dove into a tree and he tumbled over a broken part of the wall. 

It was only a few moments before the monks left but she could not find the spy.  He had gone over the wall and left no sign.  He had too far of a headstart to expect him to be anywhere close.  curse those monks. Katsumi was sure she would meet him again. She would just have to wait until they came back to find out their secrets.

Revel's Journal

23^rd of Cass

Ashley returned to the Varo estate today.  Despite the fact the girl is Alexander’s niece, she has favored the varos and the west side of the island since I was assigned.  Both of the sons were over excited to see her.  However, she didn’t seem too excited. Almost like she regretted coming back.  If I had to put up with those two fawning over me I’d regret coming back to.  In fact if it weren’t for Lord Anthony I’d hate this family all together, but he makes it worth it.  Silvas is immature and niave, Brend is selfish and brutal.  How could such a great and strong man like my lord raise two worthless sons?  Well, nothing else today.  Boreing like always.  I’m so glad I’m not in Andreal or Waterdeep, despite the secret mages, and the haunted swamp this assignment has been nothing but easy.

24^th of Cass

Count Varo seems to have taken ill.  Though he tried to hide it, he can’t hide anything from me.  The old man has been coughing and doesn’t look like he slept well.  He told me he was fine and not to burden anyone else with his health.  He is an independent man and doesn’t want to burden anyone else, even when my life is to carry his burden.  Some nobles rely on title for power.  He brings nobility and power TO his title.

28^th of Cass

Preperations today to move back to the city.  Count Varo wants to be there in time to do all his routine inspections before Worm Moon.  In most of the Empire the holiday means nothing, but hear Lord Varo looks for any and every reason to reward the peasants with feast and festival.  He loves his people.  The Empress, may she live forever, would do well to model the rest of her nobility after this man.

29^th of Cass

Arrived back in the city today.  Reports from the counts eyes and ears say the Dread Pirate Roberts was in port while we were away.  The scoundrel uses Windfall as a hideaway and trade port as he pillages the main trade line.  Though he’s never around when I am.  Even if he were my responsibility is to guard the count not hunt fugitives.  I’ve made a full report to and forwarded it to my contact at the Pig.  Though I’ve done so before and the legion appears unable or unwilling to intercept him.

3^rd of Kale

Worm Moon festival appeared to be a hit among the people.  Rich and poor a like mingled on merchant street the party went most of the night.  These parties use to scare me.  Hard to guard a man that is dancing among riff raff and peasants.  But after hundreds of them I’m no longer nervous. 

7^th of Kale

Brend frustrates me.  He’s such a horrible person.  Light help us if he becomes Count.  At least then I’ll be reassigned.

12^th of Kale

The Count’s health is failing.  I had to transcribe his journal for him tonight.  It led us to a short discussion on picking and heir.  A conversation I would never have wished to have with him.  He’s torn between his two sons.  I wanted to tell him that though tradition dictates a son be named the Imperial law allows for any selection of reigning count or appointment by the Empress may she live forever.  He is wise.  I hope he comes to that conclusion on his own.

20^th of Kale

Spent all day with the count in his chambers discussing the heir.  He asked for my opinion and I gave it.  I told him both his sons are only half of what they need to be.  The only conclusion he could come to was to have them work together.  He’d give Ashley to Brend to pacify him and let him have the family estate to act as a buffer between Alexander and Silvas in the city.  The people love Silvas and he loves the people.  It seems like a good enough plan.  If I had more courage I would have spoke my mind and asked to be named the heir.  I have served him with out fail while his children only fail him.  But that is not my place.

22^nd of Kale

Count Varo has decided with assurity that Silvas is better equipped to be count.  I agree.  He has always been honest and gentle and loved by the people.  I was worried about him being too weak but he will have the might of the empire behind him.  Alexander will never make a move so long as that is true.

23^rd of Kale

More ungrateful boys could never be found. Before the Count could proclaim Silvas the heir Brend attacked Silvas.  Some dispute about Ashley.  Brend claims that Silvas assaulted Ashley and tried to force himself on her.  I took a statement from Ashley with tearful eyes.  She holds to the story.  I have my doubts because Silvas doesn’t seem like he has the heart to do such a thing.  Either way Count Varo will not tolerate his children killing eachother.  He’s told me to arrest Silvas and escort him off the island. What this will do to the count in his failing health I can only imagine.  What this does to the island now that Brend will have to be the count AHH.  Perhaps this will be enough for the Count to see the obvious choice – me.

25^th of Kale

Got Silvas to the docks and an imperial transport ship took him off to waterdeep.  That young man is banished and can never return.  I wish it was Brend that was leaving.

27^th of Kale

I found a note today.  It was badly burned in the fire I couldn’t make it out but I did see the impression of a skull on the upper left of the paper.  I’m not sure what this means, but Alexander must be talking to people in the Varo household.  I was going to discuss with the Count but he insisted on talking to me about another matter.  He said that Brend must be the new Count and charged me with making him ready.  He made me swear by the Empress may she live forever, to prepare Brend and to give the ring to him once the Count died.  He doesn’t deserve to know that Alexander has infiltrated his house.

28^th of Kale

I arrived and took my mission to humble Brend to heart.  Travelled back to the city and at every chance I had I corrected him in front of everyone.  It gave me great satisfaction.  It also frightened me, because he was making the opposite decision that his father would make at every took.  

29^th of Kale

The Count has died.  Brend will never be ready.  My heart only wants to cry for my fallen lord but duty demands I press on.  I can’t let Brend get that ring.  The signet ring will make his arrogance uncontrollable.  Perhaps if I hide it, it will give me more time to influence him.

3^rd of Munth

The funeral was simplier than the greatness of that man deserves.  I found the ring the counts secret room, right where he said it would be.  Not it rests on my person.  One Day Brend Maybe ready, until then I hold it.

15^th of Munth

A guard patrolling the road north came back today and reported seeing Tigers hunting and killing a deer just south of the family estate.  That can only mean Alexander.  I’m curious if he is behind the rebellion, maybe a distraction for him to spread over the island.  That would be possible if Brend didn’t completely deserve it.  More likely its just him expanding for expansion sake.  Or maybe he is looking for Ashley too.  Unfortunately, I am too busy to have this investigated right now.  Besides if I let him spread a little bit it will make the threat even more real to the Empire.  They’ll need me to save their holdings in windfall. 

19^th of Munth

Investigated some flash of light south of the city.  Brend was sure it was the righteous.  Found signs of battle but no dead.  The cabin near the south west shore looked to be occupied.  Someone with expensive taste was staying there.  We did find a lot of very valuable art objects.  Most strange was a group of 6 still beating hearts in jars.  We put them in the Palace Brend claiming it all.  Just because it was on his island he thinks he owns it.  Though it may later provide some clue. But none of that matters to me at the moment.  I am resigning.  I have made contact with my man at the Squealing pig arrangements have been made and things go according to plan.

20^th on Munth

No longer the ‘Counts Guard’ I return to the legion.  Windfall is in full collapse under Brend’s arrogant leadership.  But now I know what to do.  I already have the ring.  I’ll request to go back and lead the garrison.  When Brend does what he does best, destroys himself and windfall, I’ll ask for direct Imperial control then produce the ring.  Then I will be able to fulfill Count Varo’s legacy in a way that will honor him.

22^nd of Munth

Back in Windfall, The rebellion take all of my time now. Making sure the Knights, brend rich friends, and the righteous, impoverished slum workers don’t kill eachother.  Very little time for journal writing.  Plus with all the trouble in the Empire the Emperor, may he live forever cannot afford more than a 5 person garrison here.  Windfall will have to completely fall apart before I can present the ring.  The righteous are led by some secret hidden man named the Saint.  No one knows who he is.  His will is passed to the rightoues via two newcomers – Steward and Gloria.  Perhaps most tragic all this fighting has chased most of the city back to waterdeep.  The once crowded streets and docks remain empty now.  There may not be much of Windfall left to rule if I can’t act quickly.  If only the count would have seen that Brend should never rule.  I could have stopped all of this before it started.

24^th of Munth

Hired a cleaning lady today.  Mary Anne was happy to have the work and the slothful pigs the magistrate handed me will be grateful not to sleep in filth.

26^th of Munth

Here I sit in the middle of two factions.  Brend with his knights north and someone called the Saint and his righteous in the south.  We control the market district and act like a buffer.  I sent a scout and the report came back that Alexander has in fact, taken command of the Family estate.  He was attacked by and killed a tiger.  The tiger was headed east toward the Caldenstien monastery.  It had a note tucked under its collar.  I included the note.   It confirms Alexander is moving on windfall.  Without the Empire windfall is lost.  I make a last report advising the magistrate that I have found the signet ring and that he should name me count, as I am uniquely qualified to rule these people and to send legionaries to save the city and the precious gold mines that Brend recklessly lost control of.  

Worthy of an Empress - may she live forever

"Anastasia, you must listen to me. The dragons and the elves are in full open war, there is no place in this country it won't touch.  You are in danger.  Even if not from the war the chances someone will find you here in a fortified strong hold are very very high.  We have another location already set up you can hide there. We must move quickly.  I'm here to personally escort and protect you through the move."

She put on her regal look.  He was no longer talking to Anastasia but to the institution of Empress, may it live forever.  "I am well aware of the problems in the Grey Havens.  Dante's intetions to serve the elves were well meaning, however, he lacked the political skill to make it work effectively.  Representatives of the dragons have been in contact with Gerzon to offer him the role of Regent since he is Vadellya Greyfoot's only child he can make a legitamite claim to the throne at least until Dante's child is born and grown.  Gerzon has been instructed to accept.  With Vadellya gone the Empire is the remaining parent to Gerzon so he will act under my Imperial authority."

"And you will rule the Grey Havens."

"There will be some creative application of jurisdiction but the defacto leader will be myself.  As soon as I claim the throne with endorsement of the Dragon's savior they will act to protect us here from Malekites forces.  NOrmally it would not be enough to stand againt the Imperial army but exhausted by the crusade and Malekites coupe they will not be able to over power us.  Especially with Geneva by the side of Gerzon faithful paladin to Logar.  Then once safe the word will spread to the imperial nobles that I have a seat of power and the backing of Geneva.  They will be motivated to action or at least not scared into submission, and I can take back the Empire from the one winged angel.  Fear not Councilman, when I have the crystal throne I am open to giving the grey haven's to Geneva in gratitude for your services."

"Well your majesty that is simply a move worthy of an Empress,  your mother would be proud."

"The Chamption of the Light, Lady of Life, Ruler of the 7 kingdoms, Defender of the Faith, Empress of the Crystal throne will no longer hide in corners.   She will do her best to save her people."

Nathan and Lana

Lana franticly smoothed her silk dress and checked her hair in the mirror one mote time.  She adjusted the bottle of wine one the table and then checked her hair again.
Nathan was coming to bring reports from the xia Lin monastary and looking for updates from her.  Things had been icy at best since tatyana came in and seduced him, but tonight she would make things wrong she was finally able to forgive him. 
He came in his long thin white cape hanging from his shoulders and joy touching his tired eyes.  "Kadean escaped.  It was a miracle Lana he says the prison just collapsed around him.  The light can not be stopped praise hajama."
She smiled to see him so happy.  He looked like Nathan again. "You have your friend back I'm so happy." There was a long pause as she tried to remember all the speeches she had in mind, "I want to be your friend again." The words fell out of her mouth almost sounding desperate. 
He looked startled I guess that was ok so was she.  The surprise Hung on his face for a moment then another then another.  Why wasn't he saying something?  She realized she needed to talk more, the silence was just too loud.
"You are my besr friend.  I realize now you are the one constant good thing in my life.  You are ever a rock and a strength.  Tatyana doesn't matter to me.  I know it was a magic spell and its over now.  I forgive you and I want it to me normal.  I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend."

Nathan paused for still another moment, long enough that she wonderred if her water fall of words even made sense.  She openned her mouth to try and explain it again but he spoke instead, "Your words are kind." kind? what did he mean. "My first loyalty and devotion is to the truth, and I make no apologies for it."

"What do you mean?"

"Even with all the spells broken, Tatyana was a woman who needed help. And despite everything I think I still love her.  In addition, instead of supporting and helping me you were only resentful and eventually forgave me.  This is just one in a long line of examples that could be given for the truth that its dangerous to love a paladin- people get hurt.  The truth is... I don't know how I feel anymore."

Shock, grief, depression, anger, rage and regret all swelled up in her and as it seemed to want to explode she openned her mouth and only heard herself say, "Ok. I'm here to wait as long as it takes."  With her head a little clearer she continued, "I waited for you through death, I can wait a little longer.  I'll never give up on us Nathan. I'm lucky to have stayed where I have stayed and I'm sure we'll be going home again."

Meanwhile in Talyun

Duncan sat and meditated on the grass of the spotted leapoard school's courtyard.  The monks here all practiced and trained learning physical hand to hand combat to a level he admired and even envied.  There was something more with it.  They claimed to harness their inner 'qi' or life force into their strikes.  It was a skill he was triying to learn to add to his own fighting ability.  The told him it started with the self with meditation.  He had been practicing for days now, with very little of what he felt was progress.

He tried to clear his head again and think of nothing.  'In the nothing there is everything.'

The documents they recieved from the remnants of Yavin's journal and the documents Toshiro had provided from his father's research both referenced this monastary and the monks.  Yavin claimed the monks had tapped into a very primal form of the ether or energy of the universe.  Yavin claimed to harness it to create his lantern and Blade claimed to shrink down the lantern and harness it to power a golemn.  More than just to power it, but to grant it 'life'. 

He realized his thoughts had wonderred.  He was trying to puzzle out and understand this mystery.  That was not he job. 

It would have been best for Lana or the mages to come and investigate how they harness this power.  But the Xio Lynn monks forbid mages from entering after the last ones nearly destroyed their whole monastary.  So now, their small group was tasked with learning their secrets.  Keshala and Morgan focussed on discussing and understanding the 'spiritual' aspects of their philosophy.  Duncan as the martial warrior focussed on taking the same path as the monks to learn it from the insides.  Takeshi joined them but seemed more interested in learning tricks to apply as a ninja than anything useful to the mission.

He shook his head to return to the nothing.  All there was was a small spark a light that was him but it was not him it was everything. 

He startled shaking his head unsure of what just happenned.  They had to make progress quickly, at least part of them needed to take what they have learned here and go to the tomb of the first emperor.  Nathan told them that the tomb seemed to animate golemns and according to Blades notes it gave him the method to transfer life to his golemns. 

He returned to meditating.