The Hero's Shadow - Tobar Suresteel

[MrPsion]

This is a journal written in common that is carried on Tobar's person.

***

Should you find this journal I ask you to carry on my service in Torm's name. I am the Sorcerer Tobar Suresteel of Heron's Hollow, just south of Shadowdale. The other book in my possession was written by my mentor, Belzerath, and is bound for the great library of Candlekeep on the Sword Coast. Tis where he mastered the craft, having spent much time there as one of the Avowed before leaving to see what he might learn of the world from the world itself. He could have done anything with his knowledge and formidable spells. Indeed the man could have wanted for nothing. Belzerath chose to settle in Heron's Hollow and teach the many Sorcerers living there. He became a valued member of our community and we have lost much with his passing. His other apprentices and I agreed it would be a suitable token of gratitude that his writings be returned.

I am accompanied by my elder brother Rolf, sworn to Torm. Many people in our family through passing generations have sworn themselves to the Triad. Tis a worthy but dangerous life, and it is so that we have no surviving Suresteels behind us. He jokes that making more will be a simple matter after we are heroes. For now we test ourselves with this journey. The road to Candlekeep will be long and there will be danger.

Now that Belzerath's journal is in my possession I have begun to read it and I am surprised to find that aside from some sketches of and commentary on the Dalelands, much of what was written is about myself and his other students. It is as if the man believed he was learning from us, a concept I have trouble accepting for surely I was the one who was learning, as were Drem, Hivar and Ansella before me. Part of me wishes for a tome that includes my childhood shenaniganes not to be interred and read by various mages for hundreds or maybe thousands of years. I have sworn to Torm that I will complete this journey or die trying to honor Belzerath, and this is to be taken no less lightly despite my never having become a Paladin as I originally wanted.

***

It took longer than I would have liked to reach Shadowdale. Rolf insisted on taking back roads lest we encounter bandits or other things. He reminded me more than once that the glory was not in dispatching them but in completing our duty, which must always come first. Having been a proper Squire and now a Paladin, I do find myself with little choice but to accept his interpretation of doctrine. For every hour I spent with Belzerath, he spent an hour himself learning of the Triad and how to best serve them.

***

We are now part of a trade caravan. Tis not accurate to say it is bound for Baldur's Gate, the closest city to Candlekeep. The caravan will continue on to Waterdeep and Neverwinter after that. It is apparently acceptable that Rolf and I only sign on as guards until we reach our destination. Rolf says there will be relative safety in numbers and that this is a good way for us to earn coin as we go rather than spending it.

***

(Here is a sketch of the Desertsmouth Mountains)

Our scouts found goblin scouts and there was a skirmish. I suggested it was not safe for us to continue on the road through the valley before we reach Tilverton. Now I know why many of these wagons are made from the remains of dire tortoises. Apparently the raider's arrows will not be able to penetrate and since the raiders are goblins they will not be smart enough to attack the animals drawing our procession.

***

(Here are sketches of Cormyr the countryside and city architecture. Arabel in particular is shown in the process of rebuilding due to the events of 1352 DR one year prior to Tobar's journey.)

King Azoun Obarskyr IV is very popular in his kingdom of Cormyr. Last year a man named Gondegal, known as the Usurper King, gathered multiple mercenary bands in an effort to forge a new kingdom for himself with Arabel as its capitol.

Rolf has been most interested in gaining whatever insight he can into the history of this battle with particular interest in the why of it as well as tactics. He tells me that it is not the King's alliance with many Purple Dragons that caused Gondegal to fail but instead the man's own tactics. He simply let them loot and take whatever they wanted. The cause of his men was self-centered. Apparently they laid down their arms not in fear of the dragons but because they were offered food and shelter.

Let this be a valuable lesson to any who would rule: know the hearts of your followers.

***

(Included are sketches of the Dragon Coast)

Proskur is an independent city-state with a curious form of governance. It is ruled by a council of merchants. Though the place indeed seems prosperous I was offered alchemical compounds that are recreational in nature. Such is a curious waste of coin and I did not indulge. Though Waukeen does have a hand in leading civilization to prosperity, this merchant city of hers seems oddly full of people leading meaningless lives. There is prosperity here, yes, but tis better to have virtue.

***

(Included is a sketch of the caravan sailing down the River Chionthar. There are a few boats that appear local to the region. The dire tortoise husks mentioned earlier float in tow.)

Now I know the real reason this caravan uses tortoise husks. Very little aside from the pack animals required paid transport down the River Chointhar.

***

(Included are sketches of monstrous demihumans being held captive in deplorable conditions.)

Scornubel is also known as Caravan City. They used to have problems with raids and turned it into an advantage, or so they think. These monsters are now captured and made to dance or perform for the amusement of others. They are often made to fight Humans in mock battles. Before a performance, I heard someone wonder whether the monsters will break free and attack again. There was eager anticipation in this person's tone.

I am disgusted by this place. It is what Proskur will become without moral guidance. I spoke with Rolf late into the night about putting these creatures out of their misery. He is convinced one way or another that our duty must be seen to before we choose new duties for ourselves. I simply point out that this den of corrupt indulgences will be on our way home.

***

I am a fool and I will curse my foolishness until the end of days. The night was to be our last in Scornubel. Even in writing how upside-down this place is I did not think to keep my cards off the table until they mattered. I told the wrong caravaneer that I had a book bound for Candlekeep and he must have assumed it was worth a lot of coins. We both woke as he attempted to rob us and in response the man stabbed Rolf. The two of us were able to subdue him but Rolf kept bleeding. Even his healing was not enough to stop it. I believe a poison was used.

This man -- I never learned his name -- was the first person whose life was in my hands. I ended it in a rage. I have nothing now. I do not even have my self control. As we continue down the River Chointhar I contemplate throwing Belzerath's writings into its depths. Once we reach land our next step will be Baldur's Gate. I can hardly bring myself to care. Rolf deserved better than this and he deserved better to be buried in that cesspool, Scornubel. May he rest in the House of the Triad with our ancestors.

[MrPsion]

(Included is a sketch of Baldur's Gate)

I have arrived in Baldur's Gate and will not continue with the caravan as it continues north to Waterdeep. Accommodations at The Elfsong Tavern were better than I've been used to lately. The establishment's lore features a namesake ghost of a maiden who can be heard singing at times but sadly I missed this phenomena. I ran some errands through the city and heard of a nearby bandit gang who made off with stolen goods.

I can't tell which is the best service to my peers, my mentor, my brother and Torm: risking my life to attack these bandits so that I can be better armed for the long road ahead or focusing entirely on my duty, which requires that I venture forth relatively unprepared. I know exactly what Rolf would say about this but he is no longer here to protect me... or tell me what to do.

*****

The bandits are now dead. I relied on summoned creatures. I am not used to killing nor do I ever hope to be. Seeing people fight for their lives is a terrible thing. And yet there must also be justice. It is my power to kill (o the better to be a talker like Ansella) and I have a responsibility to use that power for the right reasons.

I found a cloak to enhance one's strength. It reminded me of Rolf. Selling it to acquire the Staff of Frost I had my eye on was most bittersweet. I have a large cache of potions and some useful scrolls. Now I move on to the Friendly Arm Inn.

*****
(Included is a sketch of the Friendly Arms Inn. The people pictured all have one and only one thing in common: they seem dangerous.)

It turns out I am not yet powerful enough to kill a bear. I hurt it enough that it didn't give chase when I ran. I feel fortunate to have made it to the Friendly Arm Inn. This is a peculiar place. Whereas Baldur's Gate is a trade hub this seems to be a hub for adventurers of all kinds. I even met a group of people who speak Draconic of all things. Unfortunately I did hear rumors of a deep schism among the Scholars of Candlekeep which caused some to break off from the rest.

*****
(Included is a sketch of Candlekeep)

After my fight with the bear I decided to hire an escort for the last leg of my journey to Candlekeep. An elven woman who seemed capable and confident, Mizz turned out to be generous as well. She charged not for her escort services and provided me with a ring that has a useful Abjuration woven into it.

I would surely be dead without her assistance. The road was littered with dog sized, acid breathing beetles. Ogres and gnolls. The staff and potions were most useful but Mizz seemed capable of handling all on her own, had I purchased a potion of invisibility instead.

I write this now having finally completed the journey. I sit just outside the famed library perched upon the steep cliff side. Now I wait to speak with the Guide so that Belzerath's writings may be interred almost like the deceased to a crypt. Now I finally begin to wonder what I will do with myself after my duty is done.

*****

I spoke at length with a Reader who had previously been a Seeker. I do think the Seeker life could be for me were it not for their third vow -- that of political neutrality. The Banites are to be opposed anywhere. The Red Wizards of Thay have an enclave in Baldur's Gate. I do not plan to address their evil with tolerance, much less a diplomatic smile.

The Guide herself seemed a diplomatic sort without being stodgy. She skimmed Belzerath's writings and found them to be curious. I hope others will enjoy reading them. I do still have trouble wrapping my mind around the idea that the other young Sorcerers and myself were somehow the ones teaching him about magic.

I thought to access the library to see if I can learn more about Heron Suresteel. It would be interesting to see what tales of his exploits made its way to the great library. The Guide did not feel the journal was an acceptable entrance fee on its own and I do suppose it must seem thin on the shelf with those other tomes. However she made the suggestion that I add on to his writings somehow. I have decided on an accompanying text about my efforts to apply his teachings in my transition from apprentice to journeyman.

The Guide was most kind to gift me with an amulet that bore protective Transmutation magic. It seemed that I received it because the rest of her guild already had protective amulets. Now I have one too and I'm grateful for her kindness. The amulet and the ring Mizz gave me have come to symbolize the journey now that it is done.

She sent two mages to accompany me back to the Friendly Arm though I was embarrassed to discover the road was hardly as chaotic as before.

Now that the road is behind me I feel an odd sense of loss. My duty was the center of my world and now I have to find a new one. Returning to Scornubel seems the obvious choice but I can't bring myself to begin the journey.

[MrPsion]

I died today. I wanted to avoid it for as long as possible and I'm lucky to have been brought back to life by other adventurers. It was requested that I pay for this service. I provided a tip since I do value my life.

It started with meeting Feylar. I approached a merchant and he asked me who will stand against the darkness? I was stunned at first and agreed to help him against the undead. We even slew a necromancer. But there must have been others because quite a few powerful skeletons proved to be too much. Feylar urged me to run but instead I used a scroll. It was not enough to kill the skeletons so they killed me.

I feel that I need to make the most of this second chance. Rolf did not have one even if he was more deserving.

I have learned that Feylar is part of the Order of the Radiant Heart, something I'd like to learn more about. A musician whose magic is more powerful than my own, Iris, encouraged me to speak with Reineke who apparently was part of the schism at Candlekeep and is starting his own guild. I intend to find out more about both even if a small part of me wishes to put my staff and my spells down. I have been reckless lately. Iris thinks I have something to prove. Maybe I do.

[MrPsion]

(Included is a sketch of the Order of the Radiant Heart's Chapterhouse)

Brother Simon is a most wise Priest of Torm and I feel privileged that he provided me with counsel. He confirmed my hopes that Rolf rests in the House of the Triad as his death was intertwined with his duty. We spoke of my own decision to kill our attacker after he had been subdued. Whether it was justice or revenge. This question has bothered me much since that night and he sees room for passion in justice. Having passion does not necessarily make it revenge as I worried.

We also spoke of my lack of motivation and how lost I feel. He recommended a few people to speak with in the coming days. There is not enough left for me in Heron's Hollow to justify a return trip without my brother. I will make a place for myself here.

[MrPsion]

(Tobar's account of his journey from Heron's Hollow to Baldur's Gate has been written in the first post.)

I have completed the tome that the Guide suggested I write and I have been granted access to Candlekeep's library. My writings essentially cover the approach to the arcane that Belzerath instilled in me. That since my connection to the Weave is felt as emotional, stoicism and meditation become the path to self-mastery. I hope this and Belzerath's writings regarding his time teaching myself and my peers proves valuable to mages seeking to understand this condition or how to teach young Sorcerers.

I was worried that my writings would be rejected as useless and without merit. I told myself as a stoic exercise that such would only be an opportunity to improve my writing. Convincing yourself of it is not so easy however. But I was wrong about what their assessment would be and was pleased to be wrong. I feel good to have accomplished something since my journey ended.

I believe that finishing something will prove more useful to me than any tome contained at the library. I have simply petitioned to research my ancestor, Heron Suresteel, for which Heron's Hollow was named. The hero is said to have ended many threats to the innocent people of the Dalelands a few centuries ago. I am merely curious to see how the oral traditions I was raised with compare to written accounts of the hero's deeds from that era.

I am not the only person here of course and it will be time before the Avowed can assist me. I will make the most use of this time by keeping the road to Candlekeep clear and by speaking to mages about... I suppose the topic does not truly matter. It is simply nice to speak with people who are interesting.

[MrPsion]

The Guide accepted my piece as an entrance fee to Candlekeep and I stayed there for more than a few days. I feel better acquainted with the famed institution and have even seen a lighter side of some of the scholars who reside there.

I found a collection of ballads from the Dalelands and the era my most heroic ancestor lived. At first I felt the stories I was raised with were exaggerated because they always described Heron as a solitary force against evil. Indeed, this poet, Illnuveal accompanied Heron and three other heroes on their travels. The deeds written in this book do correspond with many of Heron's tales: the medusa, the Grimclaw Clan lead by a Goblin Necromancer of some skill. The other four people he traveled with were simply never mentioned.

However it would turn out that the stories I was raised with were not nearly so difficult to believe as one particular ballad. It speaks of a cruel would-be tyrant and the how the heroes set out to end him. This tyrant transformed into a red dragon. The bard fled for her life and three of the heroes were slain. Heron himself transformed into a gold dragon and their fight devastated the countryside. Heron was victorious and would go on to found Heron's Hollow as well as the Suresteel family.

I do believe I have found the source of my sorcerous power though I am concerned by the number of sorcerers from Heron's Hollow that I have no known relation to. It would seem there were quite a few adulterers in the village through the passing centuries. I am most uncomfortable with the prospect that this was good for the village as well as for me -- without so many sorcerers to catch Belzerath's attention he never would have settled in Heron's Hollow and I fear I would be quite a different person today.

I have begun to consider at length that since there are so few generations separating my Draconic ancestor and myself that there may be a way to amplify the potency of the Dragon blood that flows through my veins. Conceptually I envision transitioning from a Human to something that is more like a Genasi (which is technically Human as well.) I am not sure exactly how I will do this, but for now I will try introducing Draconic words and concepts to my arcane meditation. After all, it is hardly a coincidence that the Rune of Fire I discovered during this very same meditation has turned out to be Draconic in origin.

*****

I have returned to the Friendly Arms Inn and I have also passed through Baldur's Gate. The Radiant Heart has been sermonizing about the dangers of tolerating the Thayans, the Zhentarim and the Drow. They even accuse Sirion, whom I am to speak with about joining an arcane guild of consorting with the Drow.

I am encountering a disturbing number of individuals who are willing to engage in obtuse and vigorous mental exercises to find reason we should all let our guard down and tolerate a Drow presence on the surface. These same people engage in similar exercises to find reasons why Paladins in general are terrible, corrupt individuals who will harm you unless you are careful. I am thoroughly disgusted by this rhetoric and for the first time part of me is glad Rolf is dead, lest he be exposed to this most tragic stupidity as well.

The Radiant Heart spoke against the Thayans, the Zhents and the Drow. Of all the despicable things to defend, these people choose the Drow time and time again for reasons I hope to never understand. I fear I would need to sacrifice my reason and my sanity itself to understand such drivel.

[MrPsion]

(This entry is really hard to read)

I have claws now. And a monster's set of teeth. What have I done?

*****

(Quite a few pages of penmanship practice follow. Ultimately Tobar's handwriting improves better than it ever was before due to extra diligence.)

*****

I've learned Ser Anthem, the Paladin speaking out against the Banites, Thayans and Drow has been reigned in and it seems he's been relieved of his command as well. I spoke to their new leader and zealotry was mentioned. I'm not used to Paladins disagreeing and this is confusing.

(Written in the margin) Ser Anthem stepped down of his own accord. He faces serious charges in violation of the Duke's law.

*****

Teris called my claws cute. I insisted they weren't. I pointed out I killed a bandit with them. This horrified a woman. She treats me as if I am a monster. I remind myself that I am not entitled to any kind of thanks, adulation or respect for what I do. I leave her be.

I have no place among the guilds here it seems. I have the thirty seven bags required to have the tales of Heron Suresteel scribed by Candlekeep. I could take this home and it would be treasured for many generations I am sure. I find as my mind wanders and as I meditate that what matters more to me is the journey. Walking alone on the long road and destroying everything I find that would prey on innocent folk. Unleashing havoc at Scornubel's foul arena like Rolf and I once agreed.

*****

I returned to Rolf's grave for the first time. We had a predictably one-sided conversation. I prayed to Torm for a purpose to match my power.

*****

I checked out of the Friendly Arms and was on my way to Candlekeep when I learned of a devil infestation at Dragonspear Castle. This is clearly not how Torm responds to anyone's prayers and yet in a macabre way my prayers are answered. Be careful what you ask for?

(Included is a sketch of what a devil might look like. )

*****

I was part of a group that scouted Dragonspear Castle. I have seen the devils for myself, a scouting party of five some distance from the castle. This is quite a threat and something must be done.

(Included is a sketch of what a devil actually looks like.)

There is a fortification near Dragonspear Castle that the adventurers appear to be using as a staging camp. The leader of this camp is blatantly uninterested in any aid I may provide due to my words in support of Ser Anthem. She accused a Helmite I spoke agreeably with after a speech of being a Banite. This person's name is Mae M. I will not attempt to spell her last name.

I suppose a Banite using hatred against Bane to corrupt the hearts of men is incredibly clever. If this is true I must admit that I have a lot of hate and there was a lot of anger in my words a few pages earlier. This is all troubling to consider. I'm not convinced the accusation is true.

Even earlier in this journal I wrote that I hope to never get used to killing. I have become very used to killing. Each time I call a missle storm I recall the memory and exact feeling of the night I avenged Rolf's death with a magic missle. Pulling the missle storms from the Weave is so much easier the brief moment I put myself back in this memory. This emotion / memory recall technique has provided me a lot of power but at what cost? Is being in this state of mind so many times through the day influencing me? Killing... killing is easy now. I become more of a monster inside and out with each passing day.

[MrPsion]

Ser Anthem replied to my letter voicing support for his cause. I will not summarize its content here for he provided much insight that is cause for serious concern. I regret that we did not know each other but it seems he had faith in my faith. His letter cautioned me to burn the documents included with the missive after reading and part of me wanted to. There are more important things than my safety however.

*****

Ser Anthem missed his trial. He intended to redeem himself by bringing Mae yr Machshikhah to face justice with him. The letter mentioned Corm Orp though I will ask about both of them in Soubar as well.

*****

I personally believe that Ser Anthem engaged in combat with Mae and lost. With his and the Radiant Heart's reputation such as it is I must be open to the idea that he has escaped justice, though this mental exercise pains me. Once again it is a small mercy Rolf did not make it to the Sword Coast.

What I have learned in Corm Orp also suggests I have something Mae would kill to have. Michael Dunn will be able to confirm she is the author of these documents. I know him not and will turn them over to the Flaming Fist with haste, they are easier to find after all. I need only keep the letter that mentions him by name.

*****

Captain Beluarion was in my personal opinion incredibly obtuse about whether my investigation and the documents prove Mae's status within the Black Network. Ser Anthem was to face charges of sedition for speaking out against the Grand Dukes and their deals with Darkhold. Since this is now a case of extraterritorial justice why will leadership not use those very deals to their advantage? Extraction will be a case of diplomatic pressure unless Mae does something dumb.

I also spent some time at the Ducal Palace asking administrators about the city's supply reserves. The Devils at Dragonspear Castle... I believe assumptions are being made about whether this is just the beginning and how far their influence will spread. I was all but laughed at for suggesting that a refugee crisis or major trade disruption could harm Baldur's Gate. They believe being a trade city makes them immune to these problems?

I'm frankly disappointed by the quality of people one encounters in the Gate's most prestigious district.

*****

No activity in Soubar or Corm Orp for the past week. I have ventured out to the rest of the Sword Coast for arcane supplies and to get things done.

I saw Teris first. He wanted me to research where butterflies come from. Now he wants me to research robins? I think his goal is to make me have more respect and wonder for life itself. This process only confirms that life is miraculous and precious and worth protecting, which at times requires taking life. Tis the decision of the aggressor and mercy for the rest. Still, Teris is as Ilmater in my ear and this has value. He's a good friend and I'm glad I saw him.

Also happened to see the Hin merchant, Pokey, who pledged two hundred bags to stockpiling supplies for the people of Baldur's Gate. He was disappointed that the Ducal Palace didn't take the idea seriously. He suggests I speak to Lord Darius. Whose speech I heckled. At least the conversation will be interesting.

Michael Dunn confirmed that Mae authored those documents. (He also called me a half breed.
That's a new one.)

I visited the Temple of Torm and swore to him that I would not rest until Mae faced justice. Two people investigated what happened in Corm Orp before I did. But a vigil is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Now that I have a purpose I do find it funny that it does not require my power.

[MrPsion]

Soubar is a terrible place where my own experience growing up under the Zhentarim comes in handy. This is not a place one wants to rock the boat unless they have a clear goal and the means to achieve it. One simply does not mouth off to the wrong person for emotional satisfaction. The residents include full blooded Orcs, Tieflings, Genasi, Wererats and even Mind Flayers. I have growing concerns that for the apparent result of my dragon transformation this is where I belong. A ruined temple of Bane can be accessed via well or the tavern's basement. It is overrun with hostile wererats and I even interrupted some sort of meeting of masked Banites. They attacked me and slaying all four of them with a single spell was most satisfying.

*****

Corm Orp is an idyllic settlement comprised of Halflings and a few Humans. It is a verdant and beautiful place with waterfalls and quaint structures. If I were to take up painting as a hobby this would be the ideal spot. I'd take Teris here to relax were it not for growing Zhentarim influence. That would stress him out. It stresses me out as well. Shadowdale was not the same after they killed Aumry Obarskyr and took over.

*****

Another week has passed without sign of Mae. I have returned to Baldur's Gate to resupply. While there I was privileged to meet Sir Aaron Lysander, sworn to both the Red Knight and the Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate.

He told me of the Black Orc War in which agents of the Zhentarim are known to have armed an Orc tribe and use them as destructive pawns. They also prevented him from delivering a cure to some terrible illness so that they could have the credit for such themselves.

He says the treaty between Darkhold and Baldur's Gate was signed due to need. The events above left Baldur's Gate hurting and continued hostility was not expedient to its interests. I reviewed the document and historical record while at the Palace District. A few things are of interest.

Article Three is a Zhentarim agreement not to engage in "adventures or intrigues that threaten member polities of the Lord's Alliance" which accurately describes the Order of the Radiant Heart. The Dukes grant the Zhentarim the right to proportional self-defense. Mae's attempt to corrupt the then-leader of this Order is clearly an intrigue that threatens a member polity of the Lord's Alliance. Darkhold was rather assured of its defenses in the event that the Order attacked them. It would have been very smart for her to manipulate Ser Anthem into making the attack and then calling it a day. They could have destroyed the Order and the treaty would have been on Darkhold's side. Some things, as an aside, are best considered with a bottle of whiskey.

Article Nine is even more interesting. This is a Zhentarim agreement not to conduct ritae and profess dogma wrought from the Lord of Tyranny. Why is this a secret in the Dalelands but so well known in the Sword Coast? Is concluding that the Zhenatrim who operate back home are therefore also inspired by dark Gods an assumption or logic? I keep second guessing myself on this. Regardless I know a few people back home who would be interested to see this document and hear of the Black Orc War.

The most stunning revelation: that the Captain of the North Watch who shunned my efforts to assist the cause and so haughtily at that was indeed part of Darkhold's delegation to Baldur's Gate when this treaty was signed. I had to reread that three times to make sure I had it right before I moved on. She objected to my speaking in support of Ser Anthem and his supposed sedition but surely far worse has been committed against the Grand Dukes by both her word and her hand. I thought about this and felt the urge to defecate so much it would make a mountain. Apparently she is formerly of the Zhentarim as if anyone privy to their secrets would be given leave. I hope at least she had the wit to fake an assassination attempt or three.

[MrPsion]

As meditating on one's most intense memories facilitates intuitive access to the Weave so it would seem that meditating on Draconic words and concepts facilitates the power of the blood. The scales thicken and my beard is becoming impractical to say the least.

Fire (inc. Draconic translation of the word 'Fire')

Necessary for life yet also a weapon to end it. Required to eat meat yet capable of rendering it inedible. Fire demonstrates the character of the one who uses it, whether prudent or lacking in control.

Power (inc. Draconic translation of the word 'Power')

Power is the ability to change a life, change a place, change the world. With power comes responsibility. Part of this responsibility is to refrain from idleness.

Humility (inc. Draconic translation of the word 'Humility')

The stories I was told of Heron Suresteel, yet he did not seek glory. He had purpose and that purpose was not the self. Not even my family knew he was a Dragon. For a Dragon to walk as Human, live as Human, be Human when there are many other options.

*****

Rania Arowaven and Nezkreal Sezafear are the hardest people to find in Baldur's Gate. Dove will attempt to facilitate my meeting with Rania which I am grateful for. I left the Gate after speaking quite rudely to a Tiefling who got under my skin. This usually does not happen and I will have to assess why my emotions are out of control. This is a dangerous situation and clearly I must do better.

*****

Still no sign of Mae in Corm Orp and Soubar. I'm starting to feel especially unwelcome in Soubar. Perhaps there will be an attempt to end my life if I stay longer. Considering the quality of these people's character I would welcome any opportunity that gives me an excuse.

This vigil has been going on for a month. In duty the most important thing is to always take the action that gets you closer to the goal. I am not certain what that action is but this isn't it. I must seek counsel, allies and so on.

*****

I have returned to Heron's Hollow and I also passed through nearby Shadowdale. To have spent so long on the journey to the Sword Coast and even to lose my brother along the way, only to return in an instant. Power can be most bittersweet.

Helgrid is with child but as usual she has lost interest in her suitor. She has always been a flower that goes from bee to bee to bee, not that there's anything wrong with that -- this is 1354 DR after all. She was quite shocked to see what I have become but instead of being scared she was filled with a hundred questions, each of which I answered. I told her what I learned of Heron Suresteel in Candlekeep and I let her down easy that the reason why so many of us in the village have sorcerous power is most likely a few centuries of adultery and the revelation that many of us are related. She was most interested in my transformation but lost interest in the details of the method. I don't think she's a good fit for meditation. It was good to finally speak to someone other than Brother Simon about Rolf.

Drem and Hivar have both joined the Zhentarim much to my dismay. Hivar was conscripted because he's the sort who just can't keep out of trouble. Helgrid and I agreed that Drem most likely joined in pursuit of his ego. She was dismayed when I told her what I learned of the Zhentarim on the Sword Coast and the likelihood they are being indoctrinated to serve dark Gods. Even more so when I said I would end them if I had to. Apprentice against apprentice, tis a terrible thing indeed.

She suggested I take the treaty between Darkhold and Baldur's Gate to Ansella who had relocated to Shadowdale and ingratiated herself to prominent and wealthy individuals. With Ansella you can never be sure how much exaggeration is going on but a kernel of truth is always present. It was not difficult to find her though like Helgrid she did not recognize me at first. It was an hour of whisking through spectacular and hidden parts of the city before she could be convinced to discuss business. Ansella believes the treaty might convince certain fence-sitting parties that it is indeed time to push the Zhentarim out of our lands. I promised her that I would return to fight once I got word of such on the Sword Coast - but also that I had duty there and that I must return.

I believe it is time that I return my attention to my abandoned childhood dream of becoming a Paladin. It is time that I accept another who is more capable of setting the wrong things right as a mentor.

[MrPsion]

Not only was Rania receptive to the ideas I spoke to Lord Darius with, she was beginning to organize a similar initiative herself. We three met at the Temple of Ilmater and these efforts have been combined (though I will need to speak with Pokey about how we are going to proceed in plain terms.)

I learned he may be involved with trade in Rockrun. I realized some time ago I would have confronted the merchant about this and disassociated with him. Others react to me differently since I started my transformation and I did manage to stay in despicable Soubar for a month without harming anyone who did not try to harm myself or others. I was there for a purpose and conflict needed to have a purpose greater than my duty lest that conflict hinder me in duty.

*****

I was told of a place where teleportation was not possible and ventured there with Cylissa only to learn that it was indeed Rockrun. The act turned out to be beyond me, trying to pass through so much density is difficult to describe. The answer is simply no.

I did not ever envision these underground caverns could be so big and I have seen mushrooms larger than myself, as well as a strange variety of Gnome. I was pleased to see their laws forbid use of magic for immoral purposes through I wonder if there are cultural differences in what is seen as such. Their laws are very explicit in clarifying that their settlement has sovereign law and that attacking people due to what they are is forbidden.

We encountered a woman with a tail who turned out to be this Dasha I hear of. She was incredulous about the foolishness of walking around down there to conduct gem trading and running around with magical lights. She mentioned she was already tired of convincing surfacers of this the previous day though I took heed of the warnings and will not return until I have a solution for seeing without light. It is apparently customary to wear masks and I believe it is possible Mae yr Mackshikhah operates here.

*****

In training it is often useful to make circumstances more difficult so that it is easier to perform in a difficult situation. I assisted some merchants with deliveries and I walked the road to Beregost and back without wards, without stopping. I asked that Torm be my shield in this lesser duty (which is duty nonetheless.)

While I have previously trained by drawing out my power over long distances this exercise was about quickly destroying enemies before they do the same to me. There were no wards for the goblins to hack through and as the wounds mounted I did not slow down but instead found power in this. One uses the pain as affirmation that one is still alive and hence has potential to see duty through, then one sees past the present moment and recalls the most intense memories that prime the mind for intuitive access to the most complex applications of the Weave. Three of their warriors ambush me and I incinerate them in an instant. As I clutch my wounds and hobble forward I remind myself there is enlightenment both in service and tribulation.

As I returned to complete the task I found three Ogres waiting to prey on travelers to Candlekeep as I once was. I was filled with rage and slew them all with a single spell. I found their corpses to have multiple holes large enough to put my fist into should I have wanted. Two more come and their deaths are just as effortless.

I looked upon the grisly carnage and knew this is great power and great responsibility. After my duty was done I went to the Temple of Torm and swore to bind myself such that this power is forever used only in service to others and in duty. After the oath was taken I felt different though I know not how.

[MrPsion]

I have met another so-called half Dragon though I will not write details of this person here. I have chosen to use Winter as a moniker in this text.

Winter has concerns about cabals of mages, especially blood mages who are interested in using our own as reagents. I believe Winter has personally dealt with this problem in the past. I myself am thrilled by the idea of evil that will seek me instead of the other way around, Mae yr Makshikhah remains publicly inert. Winter advises caution and has concerns I will get myself killed.

Winter mentioned we are influenced not only in body but in mind by the blood of dragonkind. My own proclivity for walking down the road and seeking trouble is sufficiently explained by this theory and Winter's description of gold dragons. It also addresses concerns others have had that I am too calm and casual about killing bandits, monsters and so on. I do feel a measure of relief that this is not the path to hubris after all. My vow to Torm remains unchanged of course.

Winter was surprised to learn I know very well of my draconic ancestor and that I do not know much at all of dragonkind. For Winter it is the other way around, this surprised me as well.

We have come to the same conclusions regarding this feeling that we are on the fringe and how it is best to deal with this. That the things we hear Tieflings say in their own defense when it comes to this same problem are wrought in self-centered greed.

And we have both wished for the transformation to be reversed. I do not think I will be able to go back to a normal life after the Dalelands have been liberated of Zhentarim influence but quite a few normal lives will be possible for others.