(Freeday, 7 Readying)
Upon reaching Haven Hill I was astounded to find a messenger bringing word from home. It was in a bundle of records I had requested from a Cuthbertine friend at Gryax to help me settle a bet with Billet Perry. When I opened the package my enthusiasm quickly faded, what had looked like a letter from home included in the records was instead a private and intimate letter from the Matriarch of some place called Aegis Pass to her husband in the D. of Ulek.
I of course read the letter hoping there was in fact some clue for me inside, and I checked the letter by fire and moonlight for secret inking. Nothing of the sort was to found and the letter appeared authentic. The letter described the high priestess' joy at having been gifted an elixir of youth which apparently restored her fertility, allowing her to proudly announce that she was with child.
I found another messenger and forwarded the letter with an addendum, and apology for having delayed and opened the letter. I had my apprentice select a small gift for the expectant father and wished them both luck.
The collection of letters and records I received with the letter I mistook for word from my eldest brother Noah, proved that I was of course wrong and Billet Perry was right. I sent along a brief letter with the records I had ordered up for his study and sent along the prize which he had won; a single copper, as it was only a gentleman’s bet between friends.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Drums and Shadows in the Fog
Readying the 1st, Starday.
This morning I awoke with a grim resolve, to behold a morning fog that has followed me from my dream. Once more the enemy is on the move, but in my dream I stood with the hated T Mak facing the west, on a hillock above a low fog that concealed a phalanx of hobgoblins marching against a great orc chief wielding the Father of Woes which I know to have been destroyed.
I would have dismissed this as only a dream but for the fog, of same peculiar hue, spilling in through yonder open window. The house is empty and the world is unnaturally silent. I have no energy this day as I ponder the journey set to begin today I consider postponing it to consult an oracle.
As I dress I notice a tiny gift tied up with a golden ribbon on my makeshift secretary. A small note on pulp parchment written in haste reads “With gratitude and wishes for a safe journey, N.” in the tiny package are two chocolate coins from Urnst, stamped with the royal device. I wonder where she found these and suddenly the day is new, the dream all but forgotten and there is a song outside of some small bird she doubtless could name.
I find new energy as I enjoy one of the coins; saving the other for later should my strength falter. I draw on my pipe while waiting for the tea to steep and enjoy it with a bit of honey biscuit before riding off making sure to wake Zil who responds in his customary way – threats to behead whoever it is that disturbs him at this late hour. I laugh and remind him I shall return in several weeks. He wishes me well in his way muttering something about bad garbage which I attribute to the empty cask beside him.
When I arrive at the small rude chapel that Gallon has been calling home of late, the fog lifts completely and I am filled with a sense of triumphant joy in anticipation of riding with my friend again. We stop at Chandler’s where I met that olven botanist for a meal and to give Gallon a rest. I’ve been picking his brain all day for news all the details of his new life.
This morning I awoke with a grim resolve, to behold a morning fog that has followed me from my dream. Once more the enemy is on the move, but in my dream I stood with the hated T Mak facing the west, on a hillock above a low fog that concealed a phalanx of hobgoblins marching against a great orc chief wielding the Father of Woes which I know to have been destroyed.
I would have dismissed this as only a dream but for the fog, of same peculiar hue, spilling in through yonder open window. The house is empty and the world is unnaturally silent. I have no energy this day as I ponder the journey set to begin today I consider postponing it to consult an oracle.
As I dress I notice a tiny gift tied up with a golden ribbon on my makeshift secretary. A small note on pulp parchment written in haste reads “With gratitude and wishes for a safe journey, N.” in the tiny package are two chocolate coins from Urnst, stamped with the royal device. I wonder where she found these and suddenly the day is new, the dream all but forgotten and there is a song outside of some small bird she doubtless could name.
I find new energy as I enjoy one of the coins; saving the other for later should my strength falter. I draw on my pipe while waiting for the tea to steep and enjoy it with a bit of honey biscuit before riding off making sure to wake Zil who responds in his customary way – threats to behead whoever it is that disturbs him at this late hour. I laugh and remind him I shall return in several weeks. He wishes me well in his way muttering something about bad garbage which I attribute to the empty cask beside him.
When I arrive at the small rude chapel that Gallon has been calling home of late, the fog lifts completely and I am filled with a sense of triumphant joy in anticipation of riding with my friend again. We stop at Chandler’s where I met that olven botanist for a meal and to give Gallon a rest. I’ve been picking his brain all day for news all the details of his new life.
Setback and Escape
Godsday, 4th Fireseek
I would not have predicted that restoration of this ruined round shell keep would have offended the dwur nobles of this territory, completely devoid of any forifications for defence along what is now the intimate frontier of the enemies lands. I must be careful while the regent and the nobles decide how to handle this matter. In the meantime I have asked the TBlood clansmen whom reside here at the Fort, and constitute it's garrison to take possession of it and represent me while I take my leave of this foolishness.
I will be traveling to the coast once more, I have been told that there is a ship I know put in at the capitol for repairs. I will send another post home aboard her, and see if there is news or word from home in response to my last batch of letters.
Ms. Liepzig has fallen ill again, I suspect allergies to something in the kitchen by now and have instructed the place to be turned over until the offending victules are discovered. Two cases of high country summer wine destroyed by 'accident' in the process. I suspect some manner of shadow commerce may be to blame, more than butter fingers.
I would not have predicted that restoration of this ruined round shell keep would have offended the dwur nobles of this territory, completely devoid of any forifications for defence along what is now the intimate frontier of the enemies lands. I must be careful while the regent and the nobles decide how to handle this matter. In the meantime I have asked the TBlood clansmen whom reside here at the Fort, and constitute it's garrison to take possession of it and represent me while I take my leave of this foolishness.
I will be traveling to the coast once more, I have been told that there is a ship I know put in at the capitol for repairs. I will send another post home aboard her, and see if there is news or word from home in response to my last batch of letters.
Ms. Liepzig has fallen ill again, I suspect allergies to something in the kitchen by now and have instructed the place to be turned over until the offending victules are discovered. Two cases of high country summer wine destroyed by 'accident' in the process. I suspect some manner of shadow commerce may be to blame, more than butter fingers.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Critique
The navigator, while wintering over in Ulek had taken on an assistant or apprentice. While many of the navigators early traveling companions remain anonymous for their protection, this assistant is revealed through a copy of a letter found amongst the navigators papers from this period. The letter is from the assistant, identified as 'N' to a friend identified only as 'F'. The letter includes a blistering critique of the navigator’s personality and ability as a wizard but his reaction to this otherwise invisible character from his history is unclear.
Dearest F (unintelligible),
It is with great urgency I dispatch this letter for I fear that I have become a witness to madness and wish in the sharing of the burden of knowing to lighten the weight bearing on my spirit. I had believed that this trip away might afford me some opportunity to continue on my appointed path and allow me to return quickly. Regrettably, father's well intentioned efforts have sealed my doom, but do not blame him -he only wants for my happiness.
The noble wizard to whom my education has been entrusted has only been recently knighted (under questionable circumstance) and he is in reality an orphan of no account, and a seaman by trade! Certainly he is handsome and dashing but he is also a fool, and may even have been a pyrate!
In a recent trip this winter to the coast, we spent three days and countless coin provisioning an orphanage (the issue of criminals, pyrates and worse). I would not begrudge a rightful bit of charity, but the master knows much of the wood, food and clothing will be stolen and resold by the local rogues and the children will only continue to suffer. When I explained this to him he ignored me on our way to an even more expensive undertaking.
In the public square, he had hired a crier to issue a proclamation offering amnesty from taxation for any craftsmen who would relocate to his keep to help in its outfitting, and apprentice one of the orphans. Think of that, no taxes would mean the master would be responsible to the crown for the a thousand pounds of silver annually! The recruiting trip for workmen was wildly successful, and now he's planning a fund raising trip to pay for his charity. This would be a simple matter of petitioning a few wealthy patrons for aid if he were a proper knight ennobled at birth, but the master has other plans.
He has begun instructing me in self defense and special tactical employment of the magic he has yet to give me. I fear I may meet my end on this next trip despite his reassurances to the contrary. He has enlisted the help of a companion who appears wholly to be one of the enemy whom I am afraid even to look upon.
This has not diminished my will to carry on, only my hope of finding success and a way back to you. If I fail in satisfying the master, you may not hear from me again, if I find success I fear, he will send me again into the crucible and for fathers honor I dare not refuse.
Yours,
N
Dearest F (unintelligible),
It is with great urgency I dispatch this letter for I fear that I have become a witness to madness and wish in the sharing of the burden of knowing to lighten the weight bearing on my spirit. I had believed that this trip away might afford me some opportunity to continue on my appointed path and allow me to return quickly. Regrettably, father's well intentioned efforts have sealed my doom, but do not blame him -he only wants for my happiness.
The noble wizard to whom my education has been entrusted has only been recently knighted (under questionable circumstance) and he is in reality an orphan of no account, and a seaman by trade! Certainly he is handsome and dashing but he is also a fool, and may even have been a pyrate!
In a recent trip this winter to the coast, we spent three days and countless coin provisioning an orphanage (the issue of criminals, pyrates and worse). I would not begrudge a rightful bit of charity, but the master knows much of the wood, food and clothing will be stolen and resold by the local rogues and the children will only continue to suffer. When I explained this to him he ignored me on our way to an even more expensive undertaking.
In the public square, he had hired a crier to issue a proclamation offering amnesty from taxation for any craftsmen who would relocate to his keep to help in its outfitting, and apprentice one of the orphans. Think of that, no taxes would mean the master would be responsible to the crown for the a thousand pounds of silver annually! The recruiting trip for workmen was wildly successful, and now he's planning a fund raising trip to pay for his charity. This would be a simple matter of petitioning a few wealthy patrons for aid if he were a proper knight ennobled at birth, but the master has other plans.
He has begun instructing me in self defense and special tactical employment of the magic he has yet to give me. I fear I may meet my end on this next trip despite his reassurances to the contrary. He has enlisted the help of a companion who appears wholly to be one of the enemy whom I am afraid even to look upon.
This has not diminished my will to carry on, only my hope of finding success and a way back to you. If I fail in satisfying the master, you may not hear from me again, if I find success I fear, he will send me again into the crucible and for fathers honor I dare not refuse.
Yours,
N
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Coming of Spring
The Navigator made a trip to the coast to celebrate the end of winter with friends there. He made some detailed notes about preparations for the trip which show he traveled with at least three unnamed companions. The surviving journal fragments from this trip are in being restored and preserved in the archives. The display here is the only surviving intact journal entry from the trip.
The early onset of the melt, typical of the Sheldomar I'm told, is a terrific relief. The weather threatened to undo much of the progress we made in the fall. The enemy too is thawing and before I face them I've decided to take part in some early spring festivities. On the way our path was crossed by a most foolish thief who attempted to abscond with my mount, and much of our supplies, including my books.
My business colleague and the Srg. we're able to locate the scoundrel we recovered our equipment. The thief was sent on his way, with only a minor drubbing for his trouble, courtesy of the Srg.
At the coast, the festivities were most splendid in light of the recent hostilities. I made it a priority to do no work on this journey and have succedded beyond all expectations. I have been able to locate a suitable gift for the Srg. to repay him for all the work he has done to make this trip work, I do hope he likes it.
The early onset of the melt, typical of the Sheldomar I'm told, is a terrific relief. The weather threatened to undo much of the progress we made in the fall. The enemy too is thawing and before I face them I've decided to take part in some early spring festivities. On the way our path was crossed by a most foolish thief who attempted to abscond with my mount, and much of our supplies, including my books.
My business colleague and the Srg. we're able to locate the scoundrel we recovered our equipment. The thief was sent on his way, with only a minor drubbing for his trouble, courtesy of the Srg.
At the coast, the festivities were most splendid in light of the recent hostilities. I made it a priority to do no work on this journey and have succedded beyond all expectations. I have been able to locate a suitable gift for the Srg. to repay him for all the work he has done to make this trip work, I do hope he likes it.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Eureka!
This is a short hand written note included in this periods collection showing that the Navigator did not abandon magical research during this time and very well may have had some help.
Churchill has on more than one occassion saved my life, that of my comrades and allowed us to find success in our most recent campaing in the R'marche. However, I was concerned with some of his limitations in escaping some hazards. For example during the storm in which our battle concluded, he very well could have drowned. Were he a different manner of creature; toad, tortise or fish he might have been safer. At other times the power of flight might have kept him safe and allowed us to gather still greater information on our enemies. To this end I have been working to produce a magic that might allow him to change his shape to that of another animal.
I believe that I have mastered the means by which to allow him to do this however I am, suddenly reluctant to risk him in experimentation with this magic. Far to precious is he for me to risk and I can imagine the same puzzle has vexed many other conjurers in the past. I have shelved the completed formulae (never verifying it works) and begun crafting some new concepts to help him do his work. I hate to think I may have wasted some time and now need to return to research to craft something useful.
Churchill has on more than one occassion saved my life, that of my comrades and allowed us to find success in our most recent campaing in the R'marche. However, I was concerned with some of his limitations in escaping some hazards. For example during the storm in which our battle concluded, he very well could have drowned. Were he a different manner of creature; toad, tortise or fish he might have been safer. At other times the power of flight might have kept him safe and allowed us to gather still greater information on our enemies. To this end I have been working to produce a magic that might allow him to change his shape to that of another animal.
I believe that I have mastered the means by which to allow him to do this however I am, suddenly reluctant to risk him in experimentation with this magic. Far to precious is he for me to risk and I can imagine the same puzzle has vexed many other conjurers in the past. I have shelved the completed formulae (never verifying it works) and begun crafting some new concepts to help him do his work. I hate to think I may have wasted some time and now need to return to research to craft something useful.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Interlude
Few of the Navigator's entires over the next few months survive today. The few that that do are still being investigated by museum archivists. The vast majority of them record simple mundane entries. An typical sample entry follows:
Godsday, too cold to snow. Drazil returns.
Other entries record business transactions surrounding the construction of his home:
Shipment #11235 arrives short, inquire with Mitch
And drafts of correspondence with the admirialty court in Gyrax pertaining to his most recent sailing abord Tempest.
There are also hotly debated, undated, partially intact letters that reveal a possible romance with one or possibly two partners at this time. The debate surrounding these documents is related to the code names of places and times the Navigator often utilizes in his letters. Some have suggested that now Sir Kildare was involved with another man. This has caused great anguish for his heirs, and his order and most mainstream researchers belive that the code names used represent only the young lady he would marry the following year. What follows is the only fully intact, restored and suitable for display writing of the navigator from the period.
Interlude: 11 Sunsebb, Godsday: I have returned from the coast to find the bitter cold of this early winter to have halted all work on the keep wall and defenses. The Sea Prince or Barons if you prefer have been most active along the coast and word of war on the Wild at Safeton-Bar Harbor have reached our shores. I would trust my own judgement and dismiss these rumors as just that however, after the most recent experience with my own judgement about such activity I will consult a seer before dismissing such horrible news. Ms. Leipzig is well, having recovered fully now from her illness. Her work has suffered but she is in good spirits and on the mend.
This is the only occassion in which the Navigator is known to have refered to a woman living with hime prior to his marriage the following summer. It is not know who exactly she is.
Godsday, too cold to snow. Drazil returns.
Other entries record business transactions surrounding the construction of his home:
Shipment #11235 arrives short, inquire with Mitch
And drafts of correspondence with the admirialty court in Gyrax pertaining to his most recent sailing abord Tempest.
There are also hotly debated, undated, partially intact letters that reveal a possible romance with one or possibly two partners at this time. The debate surrounding these documents is related to the code names of places and times the Navigator often utilizes in his letters. Some have suggested that now Sir Kildare was involved with another man. This has caused great anguish for his heirs, and his order and most mainstream researchers belive that the code names used represent only the young lady he would marry the following year. What follows is the only fully intact, restored and suitable for display writing of the navigator from the period.
Interlude: 11 Sunsebb, Godsday: I have returned from the coast to find the bitter cold of this early winter to have halted all work on the keep wall and defenses. The Sea Prince or Barons if you prefer have been most active along the coast and word of war on the Wild at Safeton-Bar Harbor have reached our shores. I would trust my own judgement and dismiss these rumors as just that however, after the most recent experience with my own judgement about such activity I will consult a seer before dismissing such horrible news. Ms. Leipzig is well, having recovered fully now from her illness. Her work has suffered but she is in good spirits and on the mend.
This is the only occassion in which the Navigator is known to have refered to a woman living with hime prior to his marriage the following summer. It is not know who exactly she is.
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