De'land Maelstrom

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I was gifted a Dusty Tome with a name in it. I can not say how indebted I am but it was joyous to behold. I immediately gathered enough items to support my reading of scrolls and tested if I could use it.

I was able to pull it off but found my casting ability was not powerful enough to call the creature forth. At least I know now a non wizard can indeed summon a named entity, if they can use the Binding Scroll, have the deciphered Tome and have the overall casting power.

I am going to write a dissertation on this and submit it to the Wizard University here in Sshamath. Perhaps I can trade in spellbooks and join the University properly. My Assassin book is quite limited, compared to my Brother's Wizard tome.

Oh and my contacts discussed my request to be poly morphed into another race. My discussion with my Jann mentioned the powerful wish spell. But the university lists a poly morph, poly morph other, poly morph any object and shape change. Seams the high Faem do not think my change would go unnoticed by a true seeing spell. They mentioned contacting a druid, one is being asked currently. I know druids can shape shift but what could they do? I have heard mention of a reincarnate. I do not wish to be killed and brought back.

I have to wait for an answer.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

Well again me being young and dumb has paid off. I walked into Gloras and there was one of those beetles from the cellar by the door. I of course squished it, it was tough and took my foot like I do a giants club. Rather noble bug I do say. Then a surfacer walked up shrouded in black mist, just like Varissa was. I could peer a bit at his face and it did appear drow. He barked an order at me asking if I had a death wish. I played his game and apologized. He demanded a bag of gold for "damages". It was a good price, as I later collected his familiars juices off the floor. Now he can be scryed upon when ever I want.

I politely asked if he knew any Lo's. He asked human or hin. I said Human I think, as she was completely covered. He said yes and asked why. I told him she hired me to get information on the Silver Rose. I did that ages ago, even got her a pamphlet. I am not sure if the one I gave the pamphlet too, has collected on it.

Either way I hope this "Traveler" will speak of me. I have a reputation to uphold and a uncompleted assignment is bad. Besides there are other things in the works now, move forward they say. Curious if they will reach out to me for more work.

Oh and I followed the Traveler outside and thank him for his civility, few remember to be polite. I met up with him and he smiled and touched my shoulder. He then teleport-ed right inside Sshamath?! How did he do that? And he turned into a red mist? I will have to discreetly ask about that, if he is sanctioned to work magics of that sort within our city... Those sort of people you don't mess with. But if he has a away around it... People need to know.

Maybe soon the Arch Necomancer will get back to me on the vial of blood I have off that dead Assimar. It is hard to find people who understand timeliness. I always work hard to fulfill my requests or assignments in due time. I guess when you can bend reality, you forget to be nice.

Out of Game: did confirm with Avanos that I collected the familiar's juices. I took a screen shot and have a vial in my possession labeled as such.

[Verideth]

*written in draconic*

Arrived back in Sshamath, heard the ward go off when someone attacks someone else. Went inside Gloras, Narg was there with the mixed blood. I tired to tell them about squishing the mages familiar, very funny I thought but Narg was angry and serious. Then the orc showed up and they all went into the room to talk. But not before the orc told me I was under suspicion. Then Jaxon came in and stood with his back to the wall. It was like he had a mark or was expecting a fight.

The new comer I met a few cycles ago came in too. It was nice to see him but I had a bad feeling about everything. So I excused myself.

I had a talk the other day with the mixed blood. She said she worshiped someone new, kinda made a point of it I felt. Like I care anything about the immortals. She then asked how I got the pamphlet. I told her the truth. I asked for direction and a kind wizard cast haste and lead us all the way to the Rose's compound. I waited until a leader of theirs came by and we spoke. Then she gave me a pamphlet and sent me on my way.

Sometimes I agree with the Shadow, she travels alone for the most part. This constant suspicion, really gets to me. I hate our society. My family was different, but even I now wonder if the orc and the mixed blood are trying to pin someone on me... I have become suspicious and starting to suspect everyone...

Why am I writing like this? Books do not talk back. I do feel better after putting this to pen.

Oh yes, the School of Mages, branch of Conjuration got back to me. They wanted to buy my book. I was hoping to discuss theory but at least they invited me to join... Again, I am such an idiot.. Why did I think they would care about an non wizard. I think I will take the step and become one. I have a book, opening up to more of the weave would be a good thing. Least I was not laughed outside of the gates and my work confiscated.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I have been reading book after book for several turnings. I can not get enough! I need to decided if I will be a specialist or even join the schools here in Sshamath. I have always been very anti political but now that I am a wizard, that makes a statement in itself.

All for now, I have more studying to do.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

Decided to take a break from studying and went fishing. I caught this enormous fish, the dock workers called it a marlin. Heard some rumors about people hiding out because some lich and dracolich were at it. Not sure about that but something about it seamed credible.

Found my friend and we both looked all over the upper-dark. Ended up finding a camp in Blackrock but it was deserted. I could have been a place the refugees were at. I searched all over, the mines, the kobland lands near the orcs, Kro's... Only sign was in blackrock. Perhaps next cycle will be more fruitful.

Nice to spend time with my friend and not be studying.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I worked hard to find some of those lost recruits but came up empty. Only my friend though it was worth his time and everyone else just liked the story of a Lich and a Dracolich....

Then as I had given up hope, I saw someone sell a band of recruits to a slaver! I went and quickly freed them. I quickly setup a safe house for them and got them cloths and food.

So now what do I do with them?

I am going to have to ask about, while I keep them safe.

Again fate smiles upon me... I will keep the experiences of my life close to my heart and remember to treat others as I wish to be treated.

I have decided to be a Generalist. That school is not high in the political order and I expect freedom to come and go as I wish. I am not planning on being an Archmage, so leadership is out of the question. Seams a good fit so I do not get involved with politics.

the school of Necromancy has told me they have the name of the Druid I saw get slaughtered. I will use sending on him when I get that blood and name.

[Verideth]

*written n draconic*

I just had what some would say a defining moment. I was traveling with a Jalil named Lomith, I met in the goblin fire caves. Found out that warded compound, near were all the mushrooms are, is her house hold. So I was traveling unaccompanied with a Matron!

The one called Blackblade was waiting for us, I should have politely excused myself right there. But she invited us in. Blackblade was completely the subservient Jaluk inside. I wonder if she is his patron and the patron to the 7th Circle. Either way they left me at a bar inside the compound and went off to discuss business for quite a while.

They came back and started questioning me. I told them I wanted to see the surface and travel the lands. They asked if I had any allies and I mentioned a few surfacer's I had recently met. Then the mood changed and they demanded I tell them names. I recalled a few names, which I am sure were aliases, and they recognized one of them. I was puzzled as to why the mood changed and I was asked if I knew where I was. I of course did not know and was told I was in the Zau'afin House, loyal to Lloth. Blackblade drew his sword and the Matron pondered what to do with me.

My training I believe saved me. The lack of fear I have, allowed me to remain calm and I tested an old proverb. Offer something more valuable in exchange for something less valuable. So for my life I began bartering.

I offered a Blue Diamond, which changed the mood immediately. To sweeten the pot, I then offered an unread Dusty Tome. It was agreed. But of course I do not carry these things on me and my offer was dissolved. I do not understand, if this Matron to House Zau'afin is so powerful, why did she balk at the boundaries of Sshamath? Surly Blackblade if not her servant, he is subservient to her and he could easily arrange for me to go missing. I am a Wizard but I have yet to pick a school. I am vulnerable right now. Besides I would have honored the deal, I do not want threats lingering over me.

Either way I am lucky I carry trade bars, I offered 250 bags of gold and that was accepted as well as a vial of my blood. Now two pleasant people have my blood.

So what did I learn? There is a powerful, well established Drow Household loyal to Lloth near Sshamath. That Blackblade is a Lloth worshiper, which means the 7th Circle is too. The coin I paid is worth my life and that knowledge.

This all as changed my thinking. Truly I was just a leaf in the wind before. I did my best to avoid evil and not travel with it but I accepted our peoples evil ways as long as I was not apart of it. All I wanted was to see the world and sing about its beauty. Now I want to change the Underdark. Oppose evil directly, oppose Lloth and help Eilistraee offer something better to all Drow.

Something funny to ponder. I will not be traveling in the fire caves ever again, the Matron said she never wants to see my face again and I agree. Wonder what will happen if we meet in Gloura's.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I felt something move... I am surprised, I thought I was all alone in the dark but now I know I am not.

This has again given me new perspective. How do yo over come evil? With more evil? No. You over come evil with good. I have met a few of the main players and older people of Sshamath, all of them have something in common. They are looking for something new. They have seen it all, found every treasure... Overcome all foes. This Matron accepted my offer and I did not have to even lick her heels. She even escorted me out herself! She was walking the tunnels alone and remembered me from the other cycle in Gloura's. It is obvious she is searching for something.

Perhaps she is also looking for something new. I think I will give her that extra tome I offered and a game of Sava. I am already on the edge of the knife, perhaps I can move the knife to an en-garde position. Also standing there squared off with Blackblade made me realize I need to learn a few skills. I like magic but I originally relied on melee and bow. Something I think would serve me well to guard against.

Now the trick is to find Blackblade and ask him to deliver my gifts without him wanting to kill me again.

I am at peace with this, it is better than trying to out-game someone who is already one of the best players in the dark.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I have decided to not involved Blackblade or anyone else. I am already a suicidal mad man in his eyes, prefer to redeem myself. I gathered a Dusty Tome, a Sava set and a note.

"I appreciate you keeping your word Yathrin, I hope this offered Tome shows you I also keep mine."

I then left all three at her gate. One of the guards took it inside and I quickly left.

I ran into the best Bard in Sshamath and prepared him a meal. I then asked him about the Matron Lomith. He said she has been around a long time and is a fanatical believer of the spider queen. He mentioned her daughters were just the same. At first he thought I was trying to woe her... No, I am trying to survive and maybe if my gift is accepted, start a dialog with someone who is very powerful. I like playing Sava, few care for the old ways. I say this for sure, the Matron was so polite, so polite it threw me off...

Time will tell. I will soon propose my bid to enter the Abjuration school. If I am to play the game, I may as well start at the top.

[Verideth]

*written in draconic*

I have finished my placement tests for wizardry. I passed and have been given the rank of wizard. I have been reviewed by several Faern based upon the choices I made for a school. Abjuration, Conjuration and General all had words with me. It seams to my surprise, conjuration is the best fit. The least fit was Necromancy and surprisingly, Evocation.

Odd.

I wanted to go with Abjuration but I do not have the temperament. I was told it would be rough for me. Which is a polite way of saying we do not want you. In reality it was the Dusty Tomes that lead me to this path so I see why conjuration is such a fit for me. I will make my declaration this turning and take my badge.

I think my gift was accepted. I have not felt anyone breathing down my neck. I mentioned what happened to a few select allies. They wanted to do something about it, get me my gold back at least. I told them no, it was my own foolishness and I will not be a burden to anyone. Besides, coin is just coin. Now my blood is another matter. I will see what I can do to get that back from both sources.

Still have not reached out to that Druid. Did run into a "friend" and traveled about with him. It is good to build up trust.

The Pact Wizard wants words with me, pondering why a meeting in the Spider's Kiss. Heard some rumors the yathrin have been removed? Need to confirm that and I will make some time after I get sorted in my school.

[Verideth]

*written in draconic*

I believe I died. I touched a trapped chest and then I awoke on the ground with my summons above me. It either healed me back or used one of my scrolls on me... I expected pain or some sort of memory but instead nothing. Maybe I just blacked out, I am not sure. Either way I will treat traps with more reverence.

I had a chance to speak about emotions and virtues with two others. Patience and how it is a formidable weapon, especially against us drow. Also about the virtue of doing things with no other motive. Unselfishness I believe it is called. We then discussed Love. Not physical intimacy but unselfish care for others. Both agreed they experienced this but they both expected that love should be returned. I agree but what if it is not? I think we should love with no expectation. Needless to say this train of thought was questioned by both but at least they saw my point. Either way it was refreshing to talk with others about such things. I may not be being a temple to someone or being a priest or even a true believe as many would say. But I do carry the tenants in my heart and agree good will overcome evil.

I have noticed I often do things just because people ask me. I want no reward, just believe to treat others as I wish to be treated. I met a Jabress in the tunnels and she wanted to hire me to fight our way to the Ogres. I said no need, I would be happy to accompany her. She scoffed at me and said why. I told her of the probability of luck and the best way to unbalance oneself is to do things freely. She said she would not be in my debt and I said no the cosmos itself would be the one to repay me. She laughed openly and said good luck with that. But I already now this works. Who finds a blue diamond and four dusty tomes in their first four turnings of hunt? I know many powerful and epic hunters that have yet to find that much. I believe it is the cosmos itself repaying me for being unselfish. I know my best friend says I am the most lucky Jaluk he knows. I will continue monitoring this phenomenon but of course my motivation is not a new gimmick but a sincere lifestyle.

Becoming a Wizard of Conjuration scares me some. I still wish to see the surface and I ponder if the Conclave will disapprove of this. I could probably pay off my commission if it came to that.

My fellow Sava opponent has not send me her first move. I did run into her at Mist Lake but I kept walking. She told me to get out of her face and I will not press injury. Others have said she has talked about me, I await the game to start.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

I am very happy her Royal Majesty the Grace and Wisdom of Rockrun has accepted my request. I am also surprised the 7th Circle has also followed through. I assume it is mostly her Madam the Secretary's efforts. I have not heard of Ilmater, seams they were interested in taking the recruits. Have to look into them. I tried to reach Nat but our sending efforts did not get a date.

I am glad my efforts to save these young humans has produced fruit.

I also am looking forward to meeting with Cat. Seams Rockrun could become a stable meeting place for surface and under dark groups. I would like to open up Sshamath's surface trade with someone besides the zhents or other dark groups.

I still have not run into my gem collecting friend. I have the gems the monk gave me for him. Soon enough I suppose.

I have begun looking into Blood Magic in deal. I have the names of two local practices that come recommended from someone I trust. I need to formulate a defense and preparation for when my debts get called in. The Art is self is a bit barbaric for me but like all things, it is good to prepare for war but plan for peace.

I have progressed in my summoning. I may try the tome I translated again, call that named being. I saw a posting long ago, when I was in Soulbar, someone had the name of a powerful Solar. I hope I can find that merchant and open up trade. Doubt I have anything they could want but I can wait a few years.

Met a young Jaili that had a thing for mushrooms. Bit odd but I assume she was a druid. Not yet met a Drow druid. She was very "high" on them. She had her lucid moments and was very perceptive despite her condition. I would like to get to know her more.

A certain someones fancy told me my outfit and my baldness was unsuited for me. Specially now that I am a ranked wizard. She said purple and silver would suit me more. She set a date to take me shopping. I had left all that behind when I focused on the Art insead of performing. But she is right, I have not abonded performing, I could never do that. So I need to blend the two as I try with the Art. I still like singing to the Weave.

[Verideth]

*written in Elvish*

I am so tired. An Archmage showed up and needed to fill a large order of scrolls. I have spend the last turning working my fingers off coping and studying. Not like I could say no.

Maybe this next couple cycles I can get a break and some back into public.

[Verideth]

*written in draconic*

The meeting with those of Rockrun went well. I found out a lot of useful information.

First I only had four real recruits. When I saved eight people from the slavers, I assumed all where recruits but in the end four people were tagging along. One of them was a dwarf as well, I though he was a short human. I need to get some more experience and hands on lessons.

I let those four non necromancers go and took the four to Rockrun. I met a priest of the tortured one named Mr Halle. He offered to take the four up to the surface for a chance at a better life. One of her Majesty's guards was worried as similar trips where betrayed or attacked. He ask if I would interview the four recruits. I had not thought to do this before, so I agreed.

Two of the recruits straight off seamed as if they wanted a new start. I felt they were safe to travel with Mr. Halle. The two others could be a potential problem.

The Dwarf in the group was named Norgard Nuggerthammer and I sensed he wanted power. His goal to join the Cult of Plovich the Lich was to become a lich himself. I suggested he join the Necromancy School of Ssahamath and he agreed. I will draft an introduction for him.

The male said he was a spy sent to learn something important from the Cult of Plovich. That one I feel is a true threat. I offered my contacts to arrange for him transport alone to the surface and he agreed. But the next day I received word that he suck out and it is assumed when to the surface. I may try to scry upon him to learn more. When I go close out the safe-house I had for them, I will try and find an item of his.

All in all it was a good effort to at least save two of them. The gnomes were apprecative of the efforts and I hope I have gained an ally there.

Speaking of which I need to reach out to Cat and the 7th Circle to go forward with that trade agreement. I am remiss on keeping that appointment.

[Verideth]

*written in Draconic*

It has been several years since I have been back to Sshamath. Since I had that run in with that Matron.. I thought I best to keep low. We she see if she is still around.

My time away was not spent well, I crawled inside a bottle. I feel like I lot just about all my skill and I need to retain everything. Least I am alive, I hope I find Jaxon, my old shadow friend but i doubt he is still around. The life of an Adventurer in the Dark is a deadly one.

I have given up on being a Bard.. My will is not what it once was to get acceptance from others. I hold to soo little know. The only thing I feel is an odd connection to the natural world... I remember those old words from that Shift. Maybe my heart has found something to replace this void in me. I will get a few things in Sshamath and then make my way up to the gnome home. I have lost all my possession but do not really care.