The Humble Scholar

[Cort Thundershot]

The Passing of the Staff

Twice this year have I seen my master Nahum, and twice have been told by him of his endeavor. Twice I was filled with happiness at his safety, and twice with sadness at his not being able to stay with us.

Our second meeting was brief to say the least. He came to me on the tradeway, and stated his urgent business. He told me that he was proud to have raised such a fine student, and with that passed to me the Staff of the Exarch. He explained that I am to lead the Weave Masters in our future endeavors, and see to the teaching of our apprentices. A task that I will set myself to dilligently without hesitation.

The mysterious cube that we found so long ago is the cause of my master's inability to remain. A sinister force hunts tirelessly for the cube, destroying all in their path. A force that one man alone cannot stand against. Shortly after our meeting I was attacked by an illithid undoubtedly seeking my master and the cube he posesses. None of us doubted the power held within the thing when we found it, though we thought it to be a gift from the Lady herself.

Long have I yearned to be called a peer by my master and friend. Though I never thought my advancement among the ranks would come at a time when I would be left with no mentor to guide my steps. The council of the other senior members of our order sustains my ability to decide our future. Mysta is the only true mentor I have now, and her wisdom is that which I will follow for all of my days.

Exarch Elias Goodmane

[Cort Thundershot]

The Power of Confidence

Of all the trials and tribulations I've faced since my arrival here on the Sword Coast, none have instilled fear in me such as taking upon the role of the Exarch. Perhaps it was only my own self confidence, or lack thereof that had instilled this fear in me. I believed my fears to be very real however, and not unfounded. To lose one's own life is not so bad I believe, but to defame or shatter an organization such as the Weave Masters would be catastrophic in my eyes. Tentative steps and sheepish leadership were the order of things for the first few months of this new role. It was only the encouragement and support of friends that had brought me through those times.

Slowly, as with all things that grow so did my confidence in leading the best group of people I have known. Once the pieces were in place I began to teach the younger mages, and spend more time in correspondence with those seeking answers from us. These things have brought us to once again be a prominent and well respected order. With this newly found confidence our number has grown, and our leadership has grown stronger as well. It has become no question that the Weave Masters have a bright future here in Baldur's Gate.

Weave Master Exarch Elias Goodmane

[Cort Thundershot]

Resolve

The aged scholar whisked away layers of dust from the heavy tome he'd retrieved from his desk. He sat it down in front of him with a thud while he loaded his favorite pipe and began to smoke. Almost an hour of quiet contemplation had passed before Elias removed the wards from the tome, dipped his quill, and began to write.

I have travelled much since I last opened these pages. A great length of time has passed as well.

Rarely do I gain the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of Istari Tower these days. My friends, and others that have come to rely on me are sure to be disappointed by my hasty departures. It pains me greatly that I cannot reveal the reason for my travels to the closest of my friends, though it must remain this way for the good of all.

Once again I have returned to find Istari Tower to be nearly empty. Even though the staff remains, there is no thunderous spellfire from apprentices in the spell chambers, no sounds of blades clashing as the guardians train. None will rise to the challenge of keeping the place alive in my necessary absences. Perhaps this is a sign? That none have the heart to keep such a deep and honorable cause as serving the people through the use of the Weave.

I yet have steadfast resolve to serve Mystra's will, and the people of Baldur's Gate myself. I am fully aware that I am the last. The last original member of this great order to yet call this place my home, no matter how often my eyes rest upon it. I will remain even if others do fall by the wayside. Too many have given everything to see the Weave Masters stand. If I am to be the last and only one to proudly wear the symbol of the bronze dragon then so be it.

Weave Exarch Elias Goodmane

[Cort Thundershot]

Yet Another Chapter

I write now from the luxury of Gullykin Tower. The hins of this small village have been more than gracious to me in my time here by allowing this place to be built. More and more I find the comfort and privacy here to be exactly the things I need. When the order of Weavemasters is strong enough, I will call this place my permanent home. Leadership must be placed, and the council reformed, until then I am resigned to spend my days between here and Istari.

Many good folk have joined us since my return. Ivaris Aloman, the order's newest captain, is a man of exceptional integrity, and a rare find,as he is a paladin of Mystra herself. He has made my search for leadership among the guardians an easy one, and I have much appreciation for it. Still, there are roles to be filled.

I've weeds to pull yet, and flowers to bloom. The garden will grow, and those who wish to be gardeners themselves will show it by deed.

Weave Exarch Elias Goodmane