Lyra's Journal

[Earthsong]

Well, I am back in Baldur's Gate, but so much has changed since I was last here.

There are a few people who know people who might know some of the former Weave Masters, but beyond discovering what happened to ...well, everything, I'm not sure now what it might accomplish. Particularly if the one who became exarch got himself exiled from the city.

On the plus side, they must have done something right before they fell apart, as the roads do not appear to have quite so many obviously dangerous, menacing, or crazy people running around. Before I left, it got to the point that I was no longer sure what was even worth reporting on. All I saw anywhere around were masked men, assassins, red wizards, madmen and idiots, and I needed a break.

But now, with no one I trust to speak with, I am uncertain where to begin. I have been scouting the farmlands and surrounding area, to grow more familiar with the area again. There have been a few interesting tidbits of information about, but nothing really worth noting, yet. I think I will explore a bit further, and hear what there is to hear, before I decide who to contact next...

[Earthsong]

After a nice chat last night, it seems even more true that there is no point in looking for any of my former colleagues. I learned a bit more as well about both past and recent events. Perhaps I might be able to help with some of the orc problems, if I can get out that way in time.

On the plus side, I have been invited to see Doron Amar with an elf named Cela. Friendly enough to me, but not to one of the others around that was apparently butting in where they weren't welcome, who was possibly also a former Weave Master. Still, it was a definitely a nice change from some of the other conversations of late. I even played for a bit on my drum.

I was quite worried that I might end up a charred corpse for a bit the other day though, facing off to that deranged madman. Poor guy seems quite disturbed, talking to himself - managed to talk him down... mostly... but couldn't get him to eat anything or really find out what exactly he was on about. A bone woman, and a horned man, and a wish... and without helping get that wish, he wanted to burn down the entire coast - or rather, the people in it. He didn't want to harm the trees, or I know who I'd be talking to right now. As it stands I'm not quite sure who to tell to see if we can either get him the help he needs to not be so crazy, or put a more permanent stop to it if needed.

[Earthsong]

Doron Amar was beautiful. There is much still under construction, but the location was certainly chosen well. I feel blessed that Cela took the opportunity to show me around the whole area. Besides meeting a few... interesting people, the community was so peaceful and pretty. When I saw the children playing there, I couldn't help but imagine how it might have been had my mother brought me to such a place instead of a human city. And the things I could do with such a library...

It was a quieter spot that caught my attention even more so. The presence I felt, beyond the peacefulness and beauty of the spot... I'm uncertain where it will lead.

Cela shared so much with me about his past, amongst other things. But it was the invitation in my pack now that threw me the most. To become part of the community. He said that it wouldn't matter that I'm not fully Elvish, as much as I thought it would.

I never thought I'd be even considering being part of an Elven community. More so, somewhere where I'm actually considered kin. I'm moved beyond words, and I have a feeling what my response will be.

[Earthsong]

Why is it I seem to attract the unstable?

Now, it is a mage who says he can weave destinies. Perhaps he can. Perhaps he's just crazy.
But I certainly don't agree with whom he's been working for. I'll have to find out more about these

Hidden: show

Black Carnations, the growing army, and Candlekeep

, and the other things that were mentioned. And warn a few people, discreetly.

And then there was that Red Wizard right in the middle of them, joking with those at the fire. What had happened since I was away? Last I knew we were fighting a dracolich on the Lion's Way because of them. But maybe this Isabella and Tabetha knew about all that and are on their side.

Hidden: show

And they are helping Teris, being controlled by this Sparkyrix

...

It was easier when I could just report to Exarch Nahum and things would be taken care of, one way or another - as well as getting more information from others. But for the moment, I am still mostly on my own.

Perhaps I will find something more of use with this scouting expedition up north.

[Earthsong]

Turns out I was too late to head up north after all. Job got cancelled, seeing as the orcs attacked. So instead I've been poking around the city and the caravan routes instead.
Nothing too interesting so far, but someone's going through an awful lot of trouble to get alchemy supplies. The city is cut off from most of it's food supplies as well, but that is either a separate matter, or someone is helping it appear that it might be.

I've been dropping off what I can to the 'soup kitchen' that's been set up for those at the docks that can't afford the rising prices of bread and other goods. With all the break-ins around there, I can't blame them. I'd love to set up a foraging and fishing class for some of the young ones, but I doubt their parents would want them to go too far from the city walls.

It's keeping me closer to the city at any rate, but I wonder what I might be able to turn up along the roads...