Rain

[Verideth]

Some time ago, a young Grey Orc was found in the hills near Sestra. The adventures who found it took pity, as it was such a small runty thing. They decided to take it to the Monastery and see if the monks would raise it. The monks decided to accept the child and his new life began.

First it was decided to name it, none knew a suitable orc name. After some debate, it was decided to keep things simple. There was an unusually heavy rain storm that month and that was what the child was called "Rain".

Raising the child was difficult. Not everyone was as open minded as the monks. The child was constantly accused and harsh words always trailed him. The monks taught him to see past the present and open his mind to a possible future of him living in society. To several peoples surprise, Rain accepted everything offered to him. The brutishness and evil many expect from him did not grow. Instead discipline and wisdom filled his heart.

As his mind grew, so did his body. By age eight he was as large as many adults. Sadly the prejudices against him also grew. Until one day Rain saved the life of a young child. Rain was sitting alone on the docks of Sestra, peacefully watching the water. Several children liked to bully him and came down to torment him. One of them slipped and fell in to be carried away by a rip tide. Rain jumped in and grabbed the child.

Things got better after that but he was never fully accepted. When he turned twelve, Master Kozken sat him down. It was discussed that he should go out into the world and make something of himself. Rain obeyed and left Sundren.

He wandered for several years, going here and there eventually settling in Sembia. In the beginning he experienced the same prejudice as before. After some time he earned some trust and word got out the he kept his contracts to the letter. It was then easy for him to find work but coin is not everything. Rain had many questions and decided to visit his own people. The brutality and evil he witnessed drove him away. He could not abide such chaos. He decided to settle outside of Selguant and kept to the woods outside of town.

Little did he know he was being watched as he lived in the wilds. He was an odd orc and several druids took a liking to watching him. One day it was decided he would be approached to test his metal. Rain acted with no aggression and took ill treatment with ease. His patience won them over and they took him under his wing. The druids were very different than the monks. Rain was shown not discipline but instead how to open his heart and call out to nature. Rain heard that call and embraced it.

The druids also taught Rain of balance. To keep life's flow in harmony. That was something the monks also taught. He began seeing similarities in the two teachings. After several years these thoughts weighed on him and he desired to go home to Sundren. He wished to see were he was raised and find a new balance within himself.

He sojourned back to Sundren and was immediately greeted with suspicion and fear. He had come to accept this treatment but found out this time there was reason behind it. An army of orcs were marauding across the land. Rain kept to the woods and slowly made his way home to Sestra. Luckily for him the guards there recognized him and he wasn't killed on the spot. He returned to his old masters and told them of his experiences. They pondered his words and said they would think upon his future.

[Verideth]

Journal entry

*written in the trade tongue*

I have yet to do this before but one of my masters at the monastery suggested it. So I will try and write my life on this paper.

Since I have returned to Sundren it has been hard. I do not complain as I am glad to be home. The towns are harsh and my blood line is often noticed. I did find a merchant who would trade with me. I acquired a cloak and helm but these do not always hide my face well. At night I slip into towns quietly and sometimes am allowed to trade. I have found some work but have not asked around much. I am trying not to be noticed.

To spend my time patrolling the roads to limit banditry. I discovered a tribe of goblins and we did not see eye to eye. I often visit them to work out our differences.

Something unusual happened, I met a young hin who did not mind my blood. He then introduced me to some of his friends. They begrudgingly allow me near and we traveled down into the goblin caves. I believe I died during this. I sat to meditate and awoke in a grey dream. After some time I thought of my body and awoke in the shrine in Sestra. I do not understand what happened, I will have to look into this.

The small hin still enjoyed my company and through him I have met a few others. There is a hin tailor in the capitol that will barter with me. I am trying to make a hood so I can travel more freely. It is hard as my clumsy hands do not like holding thread and needle. I will keep trying.

I have yet to meet another druid or this orc army I have heard about.

Rain

[Verideth]

I finally found the Glade. I was rather excited but that melon was soon squashed. The druids there were suspicious and the rangers as well. I took my time and spend several fortnights but no one approached me. Seams I will have to do some drastic or it will take a very long time to be acknowledge by anyone there.

Few days after that I spoke with one of the Legionaries, a dwarf even. He said the Head of the Glade went crazy with some sort of corruption and the druids and rangers fought each other. Things have calmed some but there is no longer a leader and almost everyone has left.

This makes me more than sad. I can only assume the balance has shifted and this is part of the results. I have been patrolling the forest to see what can be done.

I did met a lovely lass or she tigress named Nayda. She is a follower of the Wind god. She is an outsider like me and has been good company. With the limited acceptance I have found, I have tired to help her as well.

The most odd thing happened, I met an orc female that has training as I do. Her name is Bulga, she is gruff and has much of our blood ways about her but she could be a true friend. Then soon after I met another orc named Creed. Seams he has been following me about watching me. I sense he respects the law as I do but he would twist things to work in his favor. I do not hold that against him. I just do not want to follow in his example if my instincts are true. It is a nice surprise to find others of my blood.

I have been running up and down the road looking for bandits. Keeps me fit like I did in Sembia. I do not think the Legionnaires will trust me to be a runner for them but I want to keep in shape none the less.

Finally I met an elf named Alyrian. He was very accepting of me. He was surprised I was a druid and listen to my goals of wanting to rebuild the glade. He was very supportive and we worked out a small business arrangement for me gathering components. Funny thing, no one has any types of trade skills that I have found. Everyone seams to think being able to kill is enough. I did get a chance to meet one of the red robes. He know alchemy and soaked up the respect I gave him. I wanted to honor him as they were the ones that moved the mountain long ago and opened up Sundren to the rest of the realms.

I have been enjoying fishing and perhaps will take up a trade soon. I feel lazy not being able to product anything.

Rain Storm

[Verideth]

It has been rather busy. The rumors that the head druid is dead are wrong. I met one of the glade named Rose. She challenged the Red Robed named Santo (or something to that effect). She told him never to go into the woods again and he refused her demand. She was very persistent, they began to glare each other down and the red robe killed her before she could do anything.

Murder right in the Legionnaire's camp and no one did anything about it...

I am confused what to do. The Red Robes have honor here for opening the gate and their power is obvious. I am certain Rose would not make a legal matter of this but I have lived in the city for some time and the law is MOST important. I will take it up with the next Legionnaire I meet, perhaps the women leader I see so active.

I responded to the call the Legionaries made to fight the Bloodmain Tribe. There was little I could do, magic was blocked by some sort of Banes? And the power of my blood kin was massive. They painted their faces and incited the blood lust. You could shoot them with many arrows but they would still walk. I did my best to bandage the wounded. Several men complained that I was an orc, one of them really had a loud mouth. I was amazed that the loud mouth started doubting the dwarf left in charge. The dwarf to his wisdom, backed me and told everyone to shut up and accept my help. The dwarf did promise to buy everyone drinks and pay would be given out but I have yet to see any reward. It angers me how quickly people forget their promises. Maybe it is an oversize and I should discuss it with the Legionnaires when I discuss the murder I witnessed.

If everything I mentioned was not enough, two other things of note happened.

Rose told me about the politics of the glade. The head druid has given an order: none druids that enter the glade are to be killed on sight. It was implied that extends to the entire forest but I hope that is not true. I was glad at least to meet another of the wood and learn some truth.

Then to complicate matters, I met someone I will not write much about. People should not talk so openly in languages they think no one else knows. I think it would be wise for me to get involved with them. I will be honest and tell my character immediately upon next meeting. If we can come to an accord, I see great profit for both parties. I have heard the Order of Helm has opinion on this group and I respect Helm's order and honor more than any I have met before.

Much to think about.

[Verideth]

have heard several conflicting reports about the glade. So I went to see for myself again...

How could I have been so wrong? Was it a vision I saw before? What I had dreamed it would be? Perhaps those I saw were just looters, picking over the bones. For now I see clearly and indeed the glade is in ruins.

Shara must have been out of touch. I hope she has not lost her grip on reality. Perhaps she fled so far away that she did not know. The elf Eldeas told me what happened. The Keeper fell to Talos and attacked even the elven Queen. He forced Druids to choose or die.

I am almost completely alone.

Still this red robes villain menaces me. I was in the woods tending as best I could to it and then he arrived with an undead in tow. My blood boiled, I almost lost control. I know that scum of a human is more powerful than me but even wizards must sleep!!! I went to the Legion to handle this within the law and spoke with Scholli Drumand. His demeanor was insulting. Murder in their very own fort and they dont care about it? If indeed the druid circle is gone and so few of us are left. I will rebuild it and the Legion should not be so flippant to make an enemy with all that has been happening.

I will give their female commander a chance. I must calm down and understand they do have a lot going on. I am willing to wait for Justice if they give their word to try this thavian Sandros once things are calmer.

I did met with someone about my earlier writings. We shall see how that goes. I was honest during my interview and I have a hunch they are a bit surprised by me.

I faced the grey robed one several times this past week. My soul was a bit drained. I went to the east road to rest and I found a few decent people. Before we could enjoy any commerce, this being arrived. It summoned several dire wolves and proceeded to demand we bow to it. Well bow to a Paladin named Dain. In the end the conversation went bad and death ensued. I survived some how. The dwarf who owes me a drink, was their watching in the shadows. Speaking of dwarves another one actually took the time to drag my dead body to the Temple of Helm. Perhaps there is hope yet still?

SO much has been happening, I feel very disturbed and hope my writing isn't as chaotic as my heart.

[Verideth]

Again much has happened.

I found Shara again and we discussed the future of the glade. We both decided the glade must continue and she as oldest claimed leadership and title of Keeper. She then started giving me orders as I was one of the Legionnaires. She said I am not to join any other faction and I can only journey with people she meets and approves of. Even I who uphold law above personal freedom, was very surprise to hear that command from a fellow druid. I submitted and went on my way.

I have been trying to master how to bend my form as a reed. It has escaped me so far. My other training is obviously interfering. I have been traveling with a priest of Try named Liam. He is very zealous of the law and I respect that greatly. He has heard what happened to Shara in the Legionnaire's camp and has come to me about details. He said several of the Legionnaire's are corrupt and he wanted to make sure my plea would not be ignored. This has brought me hope.

As soon I received hope, it was quickly dashed again. The Elven Queen has been following me it seams. I happened to smell a strange scent and found her spying my actions. This makes three different parties all watching me from time to time. If only I was a bard and could entertain them properly. I jest but this is a serious issue. It means people have realized, I possible am more than what I appear. My Masters at Sestra had hoped I would grow outside my birth and I am honoring their decision. This makes me realize I have neglected to continue my training. I will return to Sestra and work on my Katas.

The Elven Queen had much to say that was disturbing. She said she destroyed the glade and wants to keep it that way. I showed her the proper respect and kept my tongue. I will say this, no matter what has happened before, this is now. Those that wish to hold to bitterness only increases the blight. There is a time for everything but do not bend the cycle to your will. That is as unbalanced as necromancy and I oppose any who do this.

My discussions with Keeper Shara about the elven Queen were equally unbalance. Shara is caring a deep hate for the Elven Queen and does not recognize she has any authority over the glade. In that I agree completely with Shara, druid affairs are druid affairs. I sense a great unbalance in Shara with her hate. This may cause me to directly question her decisions. I had to shame myself and ask Shara five times to who she revers. I feared it was Talos but it is Akadi. That is a relief.

After all these troubles I decided to take a walk to the mountains for solitude. I sat near the Legionnaire camp and though. Soon the healer Abigale approached. She sat and we talked about some of the things that I have been experiencing. She said she had a friend that could change his form but doesn't remember the experience. She asked for my help. I of course agreed. Funny Abigale also questions the elven Queen's title. Abigale wondered how there can be so many rulers in such a small piece of land. Made me think.

I have discovered a joy though all this. I was honing my skills with the gnolls and was dealt a mortal blow. In that moment of pain my form changed! I became a boar. That was wonderful to experience. The constant anger my blood carries was gone! I could think clearly and speak more from my heart. I treasure this ability with all that I am.

I ran into Creed again, he was as impassive as ever. I told him I mentioned his name to those that are trying to court me. I wanted to warn him as I sense he has hidden affairs. He listen to some of what is happening and left to go do whatever he does.

I see a fight coming with the elves soon.

[Verideth]

I have not written in some time, the past month has been more than eventful. After what has transpired between the elves and druids, I decided to wander into the mountains.

I decided to return and vent my frustration against the goblins. I noticed there were a few more clerics of the black hand around but I did not see the importance of it. As I was leaving an orc patrol engaged me. They surrounded me and each orc in turn challenged me. After a few rounds, they wore me down. To my surprise they captured me.

The next week I was submitted to torture and repeated spells by the clerics of the black hand. They seamed to tire or became to busy to continue my abuse and threw me into a pit with other prisoners. The number of orcs and troops that were gathering were quite staggering.

I sense something was about to come to a boil and heard trumpets blow. Men and orcs and the undieing formed into ranks. We prisoners were dragged out and brought to a black altar. Clerics started killed us and raised the bodies to fill the ranks. Then the battle started and the sounds of chaos filled the air all across the hills. Something happened and the front ranks of soldiers broke.

I thought for a moment I saw men and women in silver armor batter through. In the chaos I shifted into a wolf and escaped my chains. Black hand clerics quick regrouped and I took my chance to leave. I bolted for the tents and by luck found a place to hide. It seamed an eternity as powerful magic raged back and forth. The color and plumes rose into the night sky, like lighting lighting up the bleak landscape.

Soon the camp was all but emptied as the clerics drove their undieing minions forward. The side of silver and light was fighting but being pushed back step by painful step. Huge creatures created by magic were brought forward. I saw their ranks charge and further push the defenders back further. It seamed all was but lost and they a massive firestorm rained down breaking the black hands momentum. Then a sight of amazement followed, a massive dragon descended upon the field wrecking havoc everywhere.

It became hard to see what was happening, as smoke obscured the carnage. I decided it was time to leave. I fled behind the lines, getting little notice as a wolf. I ran and ran. I thought I heard the dragon fly past and more trumpets as the battle moved. Then I sensed great evil fly over head. I heard shrieks and dark voices uttering an obscene language of hell. I ran further, trying to make for the forest but the battle seamed to be following me. I then realized that Sundred City was the new focus and I found a mound and watched the battle from afar.

I watched as the battle rang out in the distance. I then saw a glimmering light appear above the city and shapes flew out to meet the demonic host in the sky. The battle in the sky outweighed what I saw before. The heavenly host and the horde of evil fighting with all abandon.

Then something amazing happened, the entire city of Sundren shook and started to rise into the sky. I heard a reptilian laugh of victory unlike any I have before. The horde upon the ground looked up as their prize raised out of their reach. A silence filled the land and I retreated away to rest.