The long walk home: Journal of Kaius Shieldbearer

[Thagrin]

The following is an excerpt from the journal of Kaius Shieldbearer...

"It has been several days since my meeting with the Helmite order, I have filled out a formal application to join the order, and train anxiously as I await a reply. I have been travelling with Mister Woodhold, a gnome of rough manner and speach, but dependable in a fight. I do not know this gnome's intentions, but he seems to possess a sort of gruff honesty and kindness, that though brash at times, is often a welcome change from those who speak honeyed words spewed from fanged mouths. I have learned the ways of this world through trial and error, sufferering much, but learning in equal measure. I have learned the value of a kind smile, a strong sword arm, and patience. I have learned that simply asking is often not enough for the people of this realm, they often must be bought with coin or words. However this makes me appreciate the honorable Helmites I have met in my travels that much more, for with them, the measure of a man is the equal of his heart, his faith, his dedication to defending those that cannot do for themselves. Knowing them renews my spirit, and offers me a new hope for the future. After my latest travel I decided to travel on my own to Nashkel, to bask in the presence of Helm within the Church located there. It was a much shorter journey than I was led to believe, it was however a dangerous one, as during it I witnessed a young girl running away from a dragon with a scorpions tale. It was a fearsome beast, but thankfully it turned it's attention away from the girl, allowing her to escape. Helm protected me that day as that beast clawed, and lashed, and tore into me, nearly rending spirit from flesh. I managed to escape with my life once the girl was out of harms way, it was however an ordeal that tooks it's toll on me. I managed to make my way to Nashkel, even though I had lost too much blood, and the beast's poison clouded my mind with fever, I made it to the arms of a Helmite standing guard in town. I awoke several days later, still sore from the experience, but glad for the chance to stand upon the ground that Helm himself graced, knowing that I made the pilgramage of my own strength. My body is wounded but for a time, but the healing this journey has brought to my spirit is timeless. I am nearly healed, and tomorrow I will set out once again into the world, a bit wiser, even if not stronger."

[Thagrin]

A weary and deeply wounded Kaius Shieldbearer struggles through the pain in removing his armor. Two deep punctures near his clavicle still ooze a deep black fluid under the bandage despite the careful tending and medicinal herbs. Despite the life saving efforts of a druid named Ivan, the deep gnawing pain still leaves him in a weakened state. After dropping his heavy breastplate and pauldrons carelessly upon the hardwood floor, he slowly moves towards the small writing desk in the corner of his room. This was not the quarters of a king, but they were private, and safe, the perfect place for him to regain his strength for the trials of tomorrow. Sitting down as carefully as he can, clenching his teeth against the pain inside his body, he looks to the quill and paper laid out before him. He removes the rest of his armor from his forearms, feeling the stifling weight of the heavy armor pressing against his flesh, and sets them down on what little room is left of the table and picks up the quill, ready to write his events and warnings of the day.

"...Another beautiful day of Kythorn, and another day of serving the good name of Helm. I was gathering husks from the beetles south along the coast when I noticed a rather large group of people run by. I was tempted to pay them no mind and go about my business, but they looked geared for war, but the way their hands trembled and the make shift weapons they carried, I was worried they would only find death. I decided it my duty as a Watcher to see them safely to their goal. I pursued them, keeping my distance at first till I knew their intent. After careful consideration I surmised that none of them would pose any real challenge to me if they decided to attack a lone knight, and then stepped among them with arms wide in welcome. I was right to come with them, many were new to the ways of war, but instead were relying on their sheer numbers to overcome any enemy.

Their party numbered eight, mostly archers, one wizard, a dwarven fighter, and all lead by a druid of some power. They informed me they were there to cull the numbers of the fierce Dire bears in the region, a task I had no immediate qualms about, but was concerned that by their numbers, they would not be satisfied with just the slaying of a small number. I offered what protection I could, gave the party the blessed protection of Helm, and kept a few from death's door. Yet in time, my heart grew heavy at seeing so many of the proud creatures slain. I trusted in the wisdom of the druid, knowing their kind far more attuned to such matters as nature's whims and carried on. Seeing as the beasts were no match for the overwhelming onslaught of arrow, steel, and spell, I suggested that we change course and seek greater challenges.

From there the party followed me to a cavern overran by gnolls. In this place their numbers were an equalizer rather than a exploitation. A few left the group, their desires for adventure and gold sated, and those that remained, I took under my wing and taught each in turn the military disciplines of fighting in formation. In time they were a formidable force, able to follow orders even in the heat and confusion of battle. We routed many of the gnolls this day, but that was the smallest of victories. Deep within the gnoll den, we happened upon a man of no small skill, his name was Tao and an aasimar like me. I felt a bond growing between us as we fought side by side for most of the day, constantly seeking new and more challenging opponents. My dear friend Darnys joined us as well, she seems a constant companion as of late and I have grown rather fond of her. She is always there with a sprite attitude and sure smile, and she has grown into a sure warrior as well.

In time there remained only the three of us as we heard rumor of the minotaur's maze and thought this an exciting adventure for three friends to seek out. On our way there we met two more travelers who in turn joined us as well. They both seemed quite capable, but the elf had a certain pride and mood about him that did not sit well with the rest of the group. Through diplomatic approach I was able to cool tempers and focus their attentions upon fighting our real enemies and not each other. I find that even though some people bring about your anger, and nothing would satisfy you more at that moment than drawing steel, finding a mutual enemy will garner a respect and fondness for one another that otherwise may not be attained. Words have their uses, but my closest friends are those that I have stood with in battle and those that prove their unfailing loyalty when all hope seems lost. Darnys has proven to be one of those friends time and time again, and today Tao has proven himself as well. I suppose it was the bond between us three that gave courage enough to face the next challenge after we had traversed the minotaur's maze, a victory I must attribute to the cleverness of Darnys, for next was our most daunting task yet.

Tao had explored deep within the cloakwood before, and happened upon an abandoned house infested with all manner of dark creatures from beyond the grave. The place had proven too difficult for him at the time, but was sure the three of us could stand our ground and so we made our way. Deep through the winding forest, we faced against giant vermin, and druids so lost to society and took offense at our existence, seeking to kill us for our exploration. We even were set upon by giant living trees! All these things failed in comparison to the horrors within the house we were destined towards. Upon seeing the unremarkable looking house it did not seem so daunting. The most terrifying sight was it's state of disrepair and decay, but upon entering the house, the space inside was so much larger than lead to believe. The house seemed eerily quiet until a great armored figure charged towards us with it's sword drenched in fire. A quick struggle toppled the giant only to reveal emptiness inside it's frame. This horror combined with the shadows that attacked, as they faded in and out of reach of our blades, and their incessant taunting and cackling laughter, was all still just a prelude to the true threat living or rather, not living further in.

The three of us fought our way to the second floor, still hopeful of some way to lift the curse upon the manor, only to stumble into a room full of slumbering vampires. We tried to slowly back out of the room, deciding it best not to disturb such great numbers, but as we neared the door one opened its eyes and called out to the rest. Several of the fiends set upon us in a frenzy of fang and claw. Tao and I held the front line as Darnys hit their flanks. We did our best to crowd them into the doorway, limiting their superior numbers. Near as the last devil fell, one leapt upon my flank and sank his fangs deep into my flesh. Tao Threw him off of me as Darnys sank her blade into its heart. However victorious we were, it felt short lived as I felt the vampire's curse taking hold of my life.

Immediately I felt weak, I thought I could carry on, but with every step I felt the gnawing hungry pain devouring me from within. In a short time I came to the realization that what illness had befallen me, was not passing with time, and no divine prayer I knew by Helm could release me from it. Though we had proven to be a match for the denizens of that foul manor, we had no choice but to leave. Tao and Darnys never left my side, carrying me when I fell to weakness, and defending me when my blade alone was no longer strong enough. They saw me to the Friendly Arm Inn, where I hoped the priest within could cure me. My hope was misplaced however, as the curse of that vampire's kiss was too dark for even the prayers of that priest. It was with the last ounce of my strength that I found Ivan, a druid of reknowned strength in the region, sitting by the camp fire. I pleaded with him for a cure, knowing the power of the druids and the healing that connection with the land can offer. He motioned me closer and cleansed my body of the plague. Though I feel the darkness is lifted, the pain of the ordeal was too much for my body. I found it time to retire and wished the blessings of Helm to my fellow travelers.

Despite my current state, today was the best of days. For in three friends seeking out exciting new adventures, bonds were built, limits were tested, and we each gained new respect and love for one another. I believe Helm watched over us this day, as death and worse was always just ahead, but by the friends at my side, we managed to stay alive...

[Thagrin]

Kaius awakes to the new day, feeling rejuvenated from his trials the day before. As he dons his armor and walks out of the Inn, a courier delivers to him a message. He takes the letter and tips the courier a few gold coins. Seeing the waxen seal of Helm upon the letter he quickly opens it and scans the contents of the letter. A response from Wai Li from the Everwatch Knights, he is to be tested and thoroughly examined for his possible induction into the order. He folds the letter and places it into one of his pouches, a smile upon his face. His many battles, his diligent training, and ever growing dedication to Helm have brought to bare the fruits of faith. He heads out of the Inn with renewed energy, ready and eager for today's adventure.

[Thagrin]

An excerpt from the journal of Kaius Shieldbearer.

"It has been nearly a week since the battle in defense of Farhill, in this time I have been training the locals to better defend themselves and have been assisting in the repairs on the walls and around the town. A few homes were reduced to ashes in the attack, it saddens me to see the despair on the faces of the townspeople who lost everything that day, but they still rejoice at having their lives. The morale wavers from the triumphant victory of battle to the disheartening sadness at the loss of their neighbors in the attack, taken hostage by the ogres for some nefarious purpose. The ranger who resides within this town set out to track them and has not yet returned with word of their fate. I awake each day and look to the horizon for his return before setting to my duties. My efforts here have nearly come to fruition, and soon I will return to Baldur's Gate to continue my efforts along the coast..."