A Wizards Diary

[Verideth]

OOC: This is the Diary of Samuel, written in Halruaan.

I spoke with the Captain. Interesting that he would dare to broker such a deal. I remember the terror the Priestess of Bane would instill into the people. Umberlee is no different.

I almost gave him the stags he needed to pay the priests off. He never asked though. I may go to the Temple and see if they are game. I have no doubt them will gladly take good stags off my hands. I am glad I changed in all my coins at Waterdeep. Fewer questions about were I am from, the better.

Last time out, at least I did not release anything of home. I swear I will have to cast protection from elements on me ever day. It is so cold here!

S

[Verideth]

It's been long since I have written anything in my journal.

Since returning to the vale, much has happened. I arrived at an auspicious time, the orcs were building up to attack and I happened to wonder into the middle of it all. Everyone who answered the call the Legion put out was a season adventurer. I sure enough was not. My new faith in Tyr has given me such commitment. I know when I should be scared but I have no fear.

The group did some basic tactics and we went to the battle ground. The various leaders had words back and forth and an honor duel was arranged. Well that was the plan I guess for the duel wasn't honored by either side. One of our elves, some sort of queen they called her, shot the banite priest. Then some red lighting vaporized her. Then someone on their side stabbed the banite in the back, killing him. I am quite certain High Adjudicator Tombrook was not satisfied with that. I do not remember much as I was soon killed after that. I awoke in the flying city and was that not a marvel!

I contacted home and was quickly scalded by my Father. I asked the counsel be contacted to relay what was achieved here. He said he would do so. I spend the next weeks awaiting response but none came. I decided to descend into the valley and see what good I could do.

I started becoming involved with several other wizards. Found out a bit about the Hands of Mundus, I pondered joining and before I could ponder long I was assigned a few tasks to qualify. I quickly completed them and was initiated into the Hands. I did not think such a commitment would interfere with my faith but soon High Adjudicator Tombrook found me and asked me to choose. I have taken a week or too to fast and pray.

I feel peace about joining the Hands but know my faith would not grow as much. Being born into wizardry still runs deep. I have decided for now I will join the Hands. I will need to tell the High Adjudicator face to face.

I do wish to purchase some land and start a several large farms. I remember something from Halruaa about growing plants using only water. Have to find a way to produce vast quantities that is easy to protect. Food is the one thing we need as well as people.

S

[Verideth]

I have been having nightmares after my decision to join the Hands. I thought I had peace about my decision... I prayed and fasted but the words of the High Adjudicator ring in my mind "make sure to balance your faith with your chosen duties".

In my nightmares I see something beckoning from the woods. Death and decay has festered and it is spreading. A smell is all around me, it is like the air after a lighting bolt is cast. Hands reach for me from the sky, wanting to claim me. The woods themselves are crying for they are alone and they offer me a place.

What does this mean?

S

[Verideth]

My dreams are getting worse. I spoke with Magus Altherion about it and he was surprised a human would be attached to the woods. Well I agreed with him with a laugh. Still more darkness, fangs drinking the sap of the trees themselves... I get struck by lighting and I awake covered in sweat.

On a better note, Magus Altherion had a brilliant idea. He said we should add soil to the rooftops of Sundren City and grow food to help with shortages. He wishes to approach Arch Magus Swift and if he approves, go straight to the Imperious himself. That seams a bit high to reach for, I would not beg intrusion upon our Impiousness's time. Still a good idea no matter who or how it gets implemented.

No word from Halruaa yet. I can image they have scried the area and debating to send or not send anyone. Some things move so slowly... I should send Father letting him know I have obeyed his orders. You know, I am so glad he is arranging a marriage for me. I see so many misguided people chasing after love or what they think is love. I actually sat down and listened to some new adventures at Second Wind. I had to laugh. One of the lads was bragging about how he won the fencing contest in Luskan three years running. Really? Treena should stop by and test his metal. I am so glad my heart is locked up tight. Lets me focus on my studies and the land's needs.

I spoke with High Adjudicator Sir Tombrook about acquiring land and he mentioned several noble families to approach. I hope he will give a good recommendation if I need it. Cheapside makes me so sad. I hand out stags to all the beggars, especially the children. I want to see hope back in peoples eyes.

I am glad the Legion is patrolling the roads again. I ran into two dwarves, one was of the Skullcleaver clan. He had a big chip on his shoulder against the Legion. I want to try and change that... What I know of Mundus, he did not wish his legacy to be turned upside down as it is now.

One last thing, I asked Arch Magus Swift if he knew if the original Left and Right Hands were still alive. He had no idea and the look on his face makes he thinks that thought never crossed his mind. I know the Left Hand must be a lich by know. I ponder if the Right hand died and has a tomb or if perhaps he went to the Astral plane to escape death. Something to research. And what are or were there names?

S

[Verideth]

I got a chance to speak with Sesquiplcarious Ulsteru. Found out he was a Lord and his family has a lot of farms. He seamed very resistant to my ideas of acquiring farmland and building stones houses in cheapside. Yes I agree with him that normally it would take a long time but once I acquire a Fabricate scroll, it would be easy. I do have some skill with building.

I did meet a most spectacular Dwarf named Angus. He took me to see where Mithral was and was most kind. If he would allow, I will call him an instant friend. Even member of my own cloister have never treated me as kindly as he did. We also talked about acquiring stone for my building projects. He said that I could talk to the leader of the Skullcleavers, a Thane Bristle and see what could be arranged. The best site for a quarry is the very place Sundren City use to lay.

Now that I have a possibility of a quarry, I need to survey the City and see were wold be best to build and place gardens. Once that is settled, I perhaps will acquire land. The La Croix Estate has not responded to my queries. I will not move until I get an answer. I visited there tonight and happened to see Magus Goldleaf and Tirones Bjord doing a deed for the Lothanderites.

S

PS: oh the dreams are still there. A beckoning is what I call it. If I have not been sanctified by Tyr and fear absent in my heart, I would be in a state of disarray. I will go to the woods to see what that brings... To much to do.

[Verideth]

I went to the Pit with Magus Frazer and we both took some samples. I need to barter with an earth element to get a good layout of the deeper soil. I am hoping to get my ideas rolling with the quarry.

I have been working to hard, I have been so fatigued... I must get that from my Father or at least from all his encouragement over the years. I still do not have enough mithral. I need to be patient.

I have been keeping an eye on the patrols out of the gate, Making sure they are all healed. I ran into a cloaked figure one day, he could have been that monk I have been hearing about. He did not engage and instead went up to the crypts. I assume he heard me and didn't want complications if that was indeed him.

I need some rest...

[Verideth]

*written in Halruaan*

I was quite discouraged with my failed attempts. I took some time and went home to Halruaa. I realize I should have communicated with my Betters. I just needed some time.

I will soon send Arch Magus Swift and let him know I am fine.

S

[Verideth]

Returned

Well I am back in Sundren again and it appears things are stable in the city. I have left notice of my return and await word from my superiors.

I need to seriously take stock of my stores and reorganize everything...

I hope Magus James is fine and look forward to chatting some with him as I know he misses home too. I have gotten him a bottle to share as well.

S

[Verideth]

*written in Halruaan*

Now that I have returned, I must say things have changed but not changed. I know for sure that I have changed. I saw The High Adjudicator on the road and tried to hail him, he just kept walking. I am so glad I no longer try to live up to that man.

My new faith has cost me much... I do not know if it was vengeance or perhaps some cosmic balance but when I left Tyr for Silvanus I was so wracked with pain... It is only now I am back in Sundren I begin remembering some of my old skill. Thou I have a long way to getting back to what I was.

I ran some of my old Legionnaire buddies and of course the Myrios. She looks less sadden than last I remember. That is a comforting thought. I have considered getting her daisies but I think that would be a confusing message. It is very profitable to keep ones superiors happy and in a good mental state.

Oh I remembered that project Magus Frazer and I were developing. Looks like it was left behind. I look forward to the Myrios's update on what the Emperor thinks. My new talent with plants and animals will come in helpful to be sure.

I did wander the forest some. I did not see the presence of any druids but of course vampires still haunt the place. I met an elf named Valen, I asked if the elven court has been rebuilt. Seams it has not. Perhaps I can gather those of the wood and see what can be done about keeping the accursed vampires in check.

I ran into several other Initiates. Most of them are Mystics as myself. Rather amusing. There were no Mystics about a year ago and now they are everywhere!

S

[Verideth]

*written in Halruaan*

I met with Samak and he asked me to begin doing some research for him about devil possession. Seams there is a powerful fiend on the loose in the valley. I of course agreed and I will begin research soon.

S

[Verideth]

*written in Halruaan*

Feast or famine it seams... All the other Initiates I found are not about it seams. Perhaps its just my odd hours.

I still need to get formally recognized back into the hands. I will eventually find someone to handle that.

It has been so slow going regaining my foothold. My change in faith has weakened me...

On a lighter note I have tried to begin the rooftop food testing. I am awaiting response for the items I will need to begin.

S

[Verideth]

*written in Halruaan*

So I confirmed with the Myrios I could begin my growing. I will locate some dirt and water on their roof to start.

I met a very driven women, Abby of the bound god. She has taken such strict vows, like none I have seen before.

Oh that field near the legion walk has been restored. I would like to congratulate who did that. Wonderful work.

S