Lizmun

[There is nothing unusual about these entries] Entries 108 - 112 -108- Unfortunately, There was no brothel that I could find in Santegia. My warm bath will have to wait. The city is very nice, but I must move on - there isn't much for me here. Though, it was a welcome break from my travels. A much warmer chapter to this journey. I've bought some more rations, and a rather warm undershirt and some socks. I am tempted to buy a dagger, too. I've heard of bandits on the roads. I will be returning to Haense once more - I need to find that dark-elf bard, and I will try to ask around about Fenn. Hopefully somebody knows why the gates are shut. -109- [Another rough drawing takes up the page.] (( OOC note; This is not my drawing, it was done by barbarian_j)) The ducks and the gulls in Santegia are funny to watch as they intermingle. I caught this little display before I left. There is a duck-feather hat for sale in one of the stalls. I am tempted to buy it, but I do not have enough Mina right now. Oh well. -110- I made a brief stop in Aldenburg. There wasn't anybody or anything particularly interesting there, but a local merchant did sell me a finely crafted satchel at a discount. I traded him a painted stone and 80 Mina for it. It's a rather nice bag. -111- I passed by that shrine again, the one with the crystals and the marble spires. This time, I didn't show the same restraint as I had previously. It's properties are... odd, to say the least. I could feel something coming off it, some kind of power, but otherwise I couldn't tell what it was for. The stone it was primarily made of was unfamiliar to me. Featureless black flags hung from its side. I looked around for any key as to what it was for, but the structure is devoid of any markings. It excites me, the mystery, perhaps I could bring somebody knowledgeable on such things back to it at a later time. -112- I have Returned to Haense, and brought a cold, miserable rain with me. I like this town less and less with each passing day. I did have a talk with a highlander in the tavern, he wore odd robes of black, gray, and gold with a dark mask to boot. Something about him seems... off, but I can't seem to put a finger on it - I couldn't squeeze anything out of him in conversation, besides that his name was Thorvn. Out conversing was cut short as a brawl broke out in the tavern. I quickly retreated upstairs to the room I had bought. Back to a stiff bed.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries.] Entries 103 - 107 -103- I have left Fenn and its frozen countryside. Now, I am back in Hanse, resting after my frozen night in that crypt cave. I am lucky I didn't get frostbitten, or eaten by snow wolves. I'm going to see if I can meet back up with Valdun here, I have an answer for him. -104- I do not believe Valdun and his peoples are in Haense any longer. I looked around and asked around, and from what i have gathered, they left while I was heading to Fenn. I am not sure where they went, unfortunately. My talk with Valdun will have to wait. I am leaving the south, for now. I will return to Fenn at some point, but I grow tired of the bitter cold. -105- While on the road, I came across a number of interesting things. There was a forest ablaze, first of all. It was a frightful sight, and I sped up rather quickly at that sight. Hopefully some seasonal rains pass through soon and snuff those flames. The smell of smoky wood still sticks to me. I came across a city on a hill by the name of High rock. The path was too steep and winding for me to attempt, so i passed it by. I would later learn that Highrock is the vassal of a city called Holm. I came across a peculiar... altar, of sorts. There were four white spires curling inwards to hold up what looked to be some sort of crystal. Keeping my wits about me, I did not near, despite the temptation and curiosity that suddenly clutched me. I continued, heading in the direction of a city names 'Santegia'. -106- Santegia is a wonderful, colorful city! Its walls are high, the smells are fresh, the streets, painted! Music fills my heart at this wonderful sight! But, the sun is dipping low, I must find an inn and rest for today. -107- I suppose that every city must have its downfall. If I am honest, the inn is a bit... Lackluster. Santegia, from what I can tell, is largely a trade city, so it confuses me why this inn is so poor. Perhaps there is a better one somewhere in town? I hope so. I hope there's a brothel, too. The past few months have been stressful. I need a hot bath.

[The writing is uneven, as if the writer was shivering uncontrollably as they wrote these entries.] Entries 99 - 102 -99- Valdun and I had a conversation before leaving the city proper. He wants me to join his Chieftancy, along with his other farfolk. In truth, it would be nice to no longer be on my own. It is frightful, being lonely on the roads and in the cities. It is rare to see other farfolk. But, for now, i declined his offer, and said I'd give him an answer when I returned from Fenn. I neglected to tell him why I am going to Fenn, and I am thankful he didn't press the matter. However, he did offer to send Melesse with me, to which I declined too. The best excuse I could come up with was that my tarot cards told me that I should go alone, and to my surprise, he believed it. If there truly are necromancers and dark mages in Fenn, I do not want a potentially moral man to accompany me as I seek them out. -100- The road to Fenn was harrowing, cold, and bitter. There was really nothing to note for the most part, but I did come across some skulls on spears. A rather morbit sight. At the base of these spears, the words 'Death to the Vaeyl Specters!' was carved boldly into planks. As I continued down the road, snow started to accumulate on the ground. I detest the cold, if I find nothing in Fenn, I am leaving the south. -101- Along the road, i found a rather nice statue of a dragon in the snow. It was made of stone and marble, it looked quite pristine. Just past it, on the sign post, one of the signs read "D_ATH." which I can only assume was supposed to be 'Death'. Perhaps this city will be promising. Where there is death, there is necromancy. Keeping better judgement about me, I continued to Fenn. -102- Just my luck! I arrived to Fenn, and the gates are closed. The sun is getting alarmingly low, and it is getting cooler every passing minute. Nobody is answering when I called. I tried to take a walk around the walled city in hopes of finding an entrance, but I had no luck. I did, however, find the entrance to some crypts. Though they appeared sealed further in. The sun is gone now, but I've gathered some firewood and started me a small fire in this enclave. At least I am safe from the wind. Hopefully the gates will be opened in the morning, or else I am forced to return to Haense.I really hope my fingers do not fall off from the cold. I hate the south.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries.] Entries 92 - 98 -92- I have been in Haense for two days now. The town is dull and uninteresting, and its people even worse. Colder and much more bitter than the winds. Though, I did meet three new fellows in the tavern I have taken to staying at. (The beds are firm at this tavern, they hurt my back.). Two highlanders and a halfling. The halfling's name is 'Hiro D'elril', the Male Highlander's name is Karyssmov, and the Woman has a name much long to remember (I suppose she was trying to impress me with the length of her name?). She told me to call her Sylvia. I mentioned Fenn, they mentioned the undead. Apparently Fenn is known for the practitioners of dark magic in the area, as well as a few resident necromancers. I will head there next, perhaps I can further my quest there, perhaps even find a suitable mentor? -93- I met an interesting woman in the tavern, as well. She was highlander, yes, but she also looked to be a scholar. She had a lot of papers and books with her. We had a short conversation, and I learned that she takes interest in the Ash March ( or March Ash ) and saw the same banners I have. After talking some more, I also learned she studies history and faith primarily. She is a nice woman, though admits reluctance to leave Haense. -94- I have learned that casting magic in Haense can be punished by death on the stake. Perhaps I should not stay here much longer. The city is too bitter for my taste, and it seems very anti magical. -95- I have heard whispers of a mental mage in the city. Supposedly a dark-elf bard. I approached him today as he was in what he called a 'Musical duel' with another musician of some sort. I have agreed to wait and judge the duel when it is finished. The music is lovely. I half consider declaring him the winner to gain favor. Maybe he can tell me who taught him if he truly is a mage. -96- The other musician was superior, I will admit, but I could not bring myself to admit a favorite. I declared the duel as a draw. I was not able to speak with the dark-elf musician, unfortunately, but I did meet Valdun once more. He brought two other farfolk with him; A man named Melesse Alem Zewedu. A tall, lean man who seemed very... Formal. And a woman by the name of Cadyna Zewedu. I did not get as good of a read on her. Valdun wanted me to come with him and his people to the square, so I followed. Truth be told, however, I was quite ready to get out of Haense. By that point I had already seen enough of the city. -97- The visit to the square was a failure. There were closed doors, and we could not get inside. Valdun lead us back to the gate, where a local took to insulting us. Called us 'black ones'. I've suffered much worse, so I do not much mind name calling anymore. Instead of getting angry, I offered my wares to her, Much to my surprise, she agreed to take a look at them. She wasn't at all interested, but she was generous. She gifted me 100 mina, and her name. Hillith. We had a short discussion before we departed. She mentioned Xan, who apparently is the Aengul of guardianship. Valdun didn't seem to pleased with Hillith, I'll admit, nor my association with her. -98- I am leaving Haense. Finally. Though, in the company of Valdun. I am not sure where he is wanting to go, but I'll likely break off if he does not travel to Fenn.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries.] Entries 87 - 91 -87- I stayed nearly a week extra in Sutica without progress, I am moving on now. I do not why fate brought me back to the city, perhaps only to meet Valdun? regardless, I grow restless, I must move on. I will leave in the morning, but not before buying some more rations. I saw a vendor selling cooked hazelnuts, perhaps I should try those. -88- [The page is taken up by a drawing. Gawa is no master, but she's at least somewhat decent at sketching.] ((OOC note: This art is not mine! It belongs to Stephen Haws. I think.)) I saw this beetle on a branch today. It was a peculiar color, and I felt compelled to stop and draw it. Too bad I have no charcoal pencils that could adequately catch how beautiful it was. It was like the ocean's eye, an illustrious teal and blue that shined in the sun. -89- I have come to a crossroads. Unfortunately, I lost time when I decided to draw, and it is now night. I will stop under the signpost, but I do not think I can sleep. It is all field here and it would be unwise to try and sleep on the grass or the road, lest I be ambushed by snakes or bandits. I will stay awake tonight. It'll be easier to just press on come morning. Besides, it is currently too darkvokewn [ There is a sudden, panicked scribble, messing up the word Gawa was writing. The scribble was smudged, as if the writer had tried to wipe it away.] Two horsemen just passed me by, galloping fast. Their horses nearly trampled my legs as I sat! Perhaps it be best I don't sit on the road. -90- I want to die. Dawn is coming and I have not slept a wink. I am tired. So vary tired. But I can't sleep now. The sign I am following says Haense and Fenn. I will follow the road. -91- I have arrived at Haense. I am going to find an inn. I am too tired to think.

[There is nothing unusual about this entry.] Entries 82 - 86 -82- I am leaving Sutica. The city is very nice, but I believe I have hit a dead end, for now. Nearly two weeks in the city with little progress. I will return, but for now I head elsewhere. Arbor, likely. I told Orym I would visit him again, and now that I know a bit more of the nature of his order, I feel it time to try and befriend more of these knights. -83- I met a fair-haired woman on the road. She was kind and chatted with me. Unfortunately she didn't want to stop for long and buy any of my wares. I could have really used the coin. My bread ration is running low, and my wallet is getting dry. -84- I took another wrong turn. The road I took did not lead me to Arbor, and instead I came across a city named Azadar Az'Adar. The city looks dwarvish, but when I approached the gate it was firmly shut. No guards, and the only sound I heard were crows. Smoke rose lazily on the dusk breeze. My accidental detour cost me time, I will be sleeping outside again. Unfortunately, I did not anticipate this, and did not bring anything to set up a tent. Pray that I don't get rained on. Or that the wolves don't get me. If some unfortunate soul were to come across this Journal, and this is the last entry, let it be known that I perished. -85- Luck have it that I came across Orym on the road! He ran by me and waved about halfway between Arbor and Sutica, so I chased. He brought me back to Sutica. I suppose it is fate that I should stay a bit longer. I wasn't able to find Orym again after entering Sutica, he outpaced me on the road. Though, another knight did approach me and offered me bread, 'Alms', he called it. A much needed boost to my rations. -86- I decided to stay in Sutica for a few days more, at least. I met a kind man by the name of Valdun. His accent was odd, but I didn't have too much trouble understanding it after talking for a short while. He is farfolk, I learned, and supposedly a Regent ( A ruler of some sort) of some tribelands very distant. (Apparently these tribelands do not connect to the Atlasian mainland.) He is an important individual, I suppose, as he mentioned a need to contact Sutican leadership to discuss trade deals. I hope things go well for him, it would be interesting to visit his home.

[There is nothing unusual about these entries.] Entries 79 - 81 -79- I met two strangers in Sutica's tavern today. An elvish man, named Fylkir and a woman, named Lucy. The elvish man's father, from what I learned, is named Arik and is an ascended. A healer that uses magic. From what I learned, Sutica was once a clerical city (Perhaps it still is?). The Ascended, from what Fylkir told me, are an order of magi dedicated to destroying Undead, abberants, and Dark mages. This order of clerics follow an Aengul by the name of Aerial. Aerial gets her power from the Ohr. I should be wary of this group as I continue my quest, from what I know the members are numerous and vigorous. -80- I have learned that Lucy's mother is part of 'The Enchantry'. She clarified the Enchantry was made up of voidal mages, whom I originally thought were dark mages, but made a further distinction for me. Unfortunately, Lucy herself doesn't know much about magic. Perhaps I should speak with her mother, Eris. Apparently Lucy lives with her, and has agreed to introduce me -81- Fylkir has offered to introduce me to Crumena, a prophet of the Ohr. I am not sure about holy men, I have rarely had a good experiences with them or their apostles. Regardless, I agreed to meeting him, despite my internal reluctance. I'm not terribly religious, this I already know, but it's best that others don't know that.

[A leather-bound book with considerable wear. The owner of this diary has had it for a long time. The writing is orderly, but is in charcoal.] ----- [All the pages before this one have been forcibly torn out.] Entries 73 - 78 -73- My journey has begun! I left my caravan behind this morning to set off on my own. With nothing but a few possessions, rations, and a pack on my back I set out, ready to take the world on. I was heading to Sutica, the city I've seen in my dreams. What I seek will be there, I am sure of it. -74- Unfortunately, my journey had a few unforseen bumps. I'd never really payed much attention to the roads my caravan traveled, nor the directions. I've always just followed my family, and entrusted them to get us where we were going. I'd never counted on getting lost not even ten minutes after leaving the caravan. To make matters worse, the wind had snatched my map from me, blowing it into a stream. I was able to recover it, but not without it being ruined. A very poor beginning to my adventure, perhaps a bad omen. -75- Along the initial roads, I witnessed many black banners with white eyes on them. Apparently, these banners come from the 'March Ash', or the 'Ash March', I don't quite remember the order of the words. Feral druids, from my understaning. They won't likely target me, but I should probably avoid them nonetheless. -76- Further down the road I was fortunate enough to be greeted by two knights. They were friendly and very... approachable. I learned that they were 'Knights of Arbor'. An order which, I would later learn, is primarily Aspectist. [A religion born from druids and wood elves.] They seem like they do good deeds, for the most part. But they are disliked by the 'crazies', likely groups such as the March Ash (Or Ash March?) and other extremist or savage groups. One of the knights personally saw to helping me when I asked for directions. He escorted me to the right road. His name was Orym, and he suggested I speak with him again if I pass by Arbor. I intend wholly to do so. -77- I arrived finely in Sutica after Orym's help. The city's walls are massive, towering high above even the tallest trees! It, truly, is an awesome sight. The salty sea air, too, is an oddly wonderful aroma. I made my way to the merchants square (Or what I assume it to be) and took a rest in the tavern. I started writing, thinking my day was done, but was approached by an elderly by the name of Vivec. Vivec seems kind enough, we chatted for a while. Apparently, he is a notable individual, according to himself, and I believe it. He was able to shed light on the Arbor order and the White-eyed banners. I also learned from him that Voidal magics are quite common in Sutica, as they are not strictly outlawed. He is knowledgable in the city, and its surroundings, as it seems. He warned me of The Enchantry (A collective of volitile mages), and a man (or woman?) named Loras. Perhaps my dream were right. My search starts here. -78- Though, Vivec doesn't seem too fond of Voidal mages and magic users in general. He did mention he was a killer. I do hope he does not get in the way of my quest, that would be quite unfortunate for me. But now, I must rest. Tomorrow, I will get to know this city better. I wonder if I can sell wares here.

I realise now that I don't think I was actually logged in when I posted this. Whoops.