Journal of the Steward

[Intrepid42]

The cost has been a dear one, but we have a resolution of sorts for now. I have acted as I judged best, and my brothers endure. Though there is no doubt a further price yet to be paid, our Order shall continue, and our cause shall be served.

Mirakus has been retaken, and this realm knows renewed hope. Great threat yet remains, for the foe can strike again at will via it's portals, and the Dead God no doubt continues it's quest from within the fallen Great Tomb. But it is a beginning.

If we had not learnt from our Age of Struggle, then Dumathoin's Children would be but legend carved in the shattered runestones of the Fallen Realms. Our worth has been tested, and has not been found wanting. We are blessed with the Children of Thunder, and a new Age is forged.

This realm too must be shown that it is strong. Though such has it's own dangers, I see no other more able to resist the threats to the North that will spread should this realm fall. The mountains that trap both this realm and its foes in close embrace with each other, would repel outside attack with ease. The sea-lovers of Luskan would no doubt seek to deal, and the hammer then follow the Spine eastward to Mirabar, and beyond.

The Dead God must not rise.

The Tyrant God must fail.

Whatever goal the vampires seek must be denied them.

The threat to Sestra is lessened, and we can once more look to the North. Events have shown that we must strengthen ourselves and seek more allies.

Talks with Eriak are indeed long overdue. I leave in the morrow, to once again walk the paths of the Spine. We should re-learn it's ways and threats, before we speak with our cousins.

[Intrepid42]

The storm waxes strong outside, and I take shelter for a time. It is an opportunity as well as a loss, for it forces me to think long upon what I see here.

Gloirin's craft girds and guards me well. The sendings of the Frostmaiden are ever-present and ferocious in the Spine, more so than in the mountains above distant Shanatar. I must take care to remember this in my dealings here.

The Vigil is eternal. For always a Foe gathers strength.

Bristlebeard's Hollow stands strong. The hold is as well-founded as I would expect. And from what I know of Kharn's dealings, Eriak is a shrewd and tough negotiator. This is good, and bodes well for his kinfolk. And if they do indeed venture with the Exigo to Ixis, then perhaps they see more opportunity within the valley than just trade.

The pass remains as long and difficult as the land. I suspect Whurest is not self-sufficient in fermentables for ale, or in food. While they are no doubt secure in their fastness, their trade and supply surely depend upon the Climb, and the rumored pass to Icewind Dale beyond.

The metal Sundrite continues to fascinate me. I had not seen let alone heard of such a thing until my coming here, and the history of Iltkazar with metals is long. Truly this land is blessed with Dumathoin's hidden secrets. The full measure of His purpose remains ever-hidden, but the proper use of His gift of this metal is clear. It is only right that the sons of clan Battlehammer are here, for truly His children are meant to walk these mountains.

The Sentinel Protects.