Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Investigations into Lord Razeal Vol I
by Lucia Kayla

1. Introduction and Background

Here follows the account of Lucia Kayla of Evermeet, and my investigation into the Vampire Lord Razeal.

I first became aware of Lord Razeal not long after my arrival in Baldur's Gate. It began when a stranger by the name of Adam approached me, and asked me to deliver a message to Maura Charring, requesting to meet to discuss Grim Biteslayer's stake. At the time I found him a friendly, if rather forward, fellow, and did as requested.

I learned in a later encounter he was not what he seemed, and was actually a very dangerous spellcaster and servant of Lord Razeal when he appered at the Friendly Arm Inn, but was driven away by Eldarian Al'maire. Upon this discovery I warned Maura of his true nature.

II. Beginnings of My Research

Maura at the time was able to offer few thoughts as to why he was so interested in the stake, and instead suggested that it was her Razeal truly wanted. I was also disconcerted to learn the stake had already been stolen by a Tiefling woman.

Nonetheless, I found it worrisome that a vampire lord's servant would be interested in such particular weapon, so visited the Shelf of Many Books to see what I might learn about him that the locals could not tell me. Sadly, the material on both Razeal and Master Biteslayer was lacking. Of Razeal, all I could find was that some thirty adventurers stormed his lair. His army was destroyed, but Razeal fled in the chaos. It was assumed that without his army his power was broken, and he ceased to be a threat. His continued presence and machinations indicate the opposite; Lord Razeal remains a danger to this region despite this defeat.

There was little more to tell of Master Biteslayer, as well, save that he still dwells in Baldur's Gate, and is now of great age. I afterwards learned from Maura that the stake has been recovered, yet despite the use of alchemical silver and gold in its making, there is no particular enchantment upon it (though legend suggests that it is capable of penetrating certain magical shields). Perhaps I might learn more should the occasion arise to question Master Biteslayer directly.

I have requested a meeting with him towards this purpose.

III. Interview with Master Biteslayer

I met with Master Biteslayer one rainy night at the Blade and Stars in the East Gate District. He was, of course, not surprised to learn that Razeal was attempting to reassert his power in the region. According to Master Biteslayer confirms that it is the only weapon that can destroy him. The secret to the stake's power over Razeal is therefore in its making.

Unfortunately, Master Biteslayer's age has made it difficult for him to focus long on a conversation, and he soon fell into a rambling tale of hunting snow vampires. His mind slips in and out of focus. One moment his mind is clear, and the next it fails him.

Hesper, the Innkeeper at the Blade and Stars, was able to provide some further information. It seems that Adam had come to the Blade and Stars, specifically asking for details of anyone visiting with Master Biteslayer. He also made threats towards the Paladin Eldarian, particularly through a woman of his acquaintance.

Upon being questioned on this, Master Biteslayer did recall Adam the Handsome by name, suggesting that he wished for a bride of his own. In particular, he seemed to be targeting Alcarin Silversong, who was present at my last encounter with the man.
When pressed further, he acknowledged the possibility that Adam may not be seeking the stake on his master's behalf, but his own. In which case we could be witnessing a power struggle between Razeal and Adam. A troubling proposition for anyone caught in between.

The question before us now is how we shall proceed. With Adam offering coin for information on who has met with Master Biteslayer that is one avenue open to us, though I little like the thought of anything that could put the old Dwarf at undue risk.

[/b]IV: Hunting Adam[/b]

Maura Charring, determined to capture Adam, gathered a number of us at the Blade and Stars several days after our meeting with Master Biteslayer. Along with myself was the Paladin Eldarian, Kyotzen, Pashuz and Denton. Our plan was to raid Adam's house near the Chionthar in hope of restraining and interrogating him.

Knowing that Adam has had the Inn watched for anyone meeting with Master Biteslayer gives me a sense of forboding. Perhaps another meeting place would have been better, to avoid tipping our intentions too soon, though Maura believed any such effort would have been useless so long as we convened with Master Biteslayer were we set out.

We started out in the 9th hour of the morning, somewhat later than I anticipated, but with good fortune the light would last long enough for our task. However we did not make it beyond the Eastern Farmlands before Eldarian sensed something foul in the area. We were intercepted by an Elf woman named Aska Le'te'te'dwa, escorting a fellow seeking healing from a Paladin, and Eldarian in particular.

The man claimed to come with a message: His master, Adam, wished to know if it was dinner time, and should everyone be wearing formal clothes, or fighting. Throughout the conversation he laughed like a madman.

Through the babble we learned that, true to my fears, Adam already knew we were coming. His messenger singled out Aska, expressing intense hunger as if he were starved, and promised food for completing his task. As if to emphasize his madness, he rent the flesh of his own arm with his teeth as he spoke.

Fearing an enchantment or geas, Maura attempted to detect magical control, but sensed nothing. All she could read of him was that he was being watched from a distance. In an attempt to break contact, she cast a protection spell on him, which succeeded in blinding Adam's watch on his thrall. That nonetheless left us with the question of what was to be done with him.

As the man was quite ill in the mind, few of us relished slaying him, but nor could we leave him to his own devices. We decided our best course was to remand him to the custody of the Radiant Heart paladins, to hold and perhaps heal him of the affliction.
While Eldarian escorted him to the Radiant Heart stronghold, the rest of us continued on, with Aska joining our party. Worry gnawed at me as we made our way for the mansion, however. Not only were my concerns that Adam knew we were coming confirmed, but the delay took precious minutes of daylight from us. Nonetheless, I found comfort in knowing for certain he was aware of us, as at least we knew to be wary of a trap. My concern now was that the delay with the messenger would push our arrival to after nightfall.

After half a day's travel we arrived. The day was pleasant, but a dark cloud hung over the farmlands, casting shadows across the property. Maura confirmed my suspicions that it was magic of sort, providing cover against the sunlight. Someone was at home as there were lights in the upper floor.

Upon approaching the door Maura knocked on the door, attempting to gain access to the mansion by diplomacy. With the help of a well-timed Charm spell upon the Tiefling at the door, we were admitted into the house. The charmed Tiefling left us to wait in the entry chamber as she fetched her lord.

As we waited, the guards remarked upon myself and Aska, that their master expressed his interest in us. The attention made me distinctly uneasy, as I recalled the attention Adam placed on Alcarin. More disturbing was their revelation that they meant for their messenger to be caught: The poor fellow is in the process of turning, a trap for the Radiant Heart we left him with.
Maura sent to the Paladins to warn them of their danger, at which point the Tiefling returned and announced Adam was ready to meet us.

V. Meeting Adam

We were brought by the Tiefling servant to a dining hall surrounded by guards. Aska and I were discomfitted by a number of paintings of Elven women with blonde or red hair, making Adam's particular tastes quite clear to us. We were all directed to sit at the table, however Eldarian refused, and I remained with him.

After a brief moment alone to sample the wine (that Eldarian and I both declined), Adam arrived. Gone was the handsome and charming figure who approached me at the campfire, and in its place was a dark and towering, yet withered being, his skin taut against his bones, and with burning red eyes. Never before have I seen such a horrifying creature, and never before have I so wanted to be gone from its presence.

As our audience unfolded, Adam himself tacitly confirmed his desire to overthrow Razeal, claiming to serve only himself, and a belief that masters were meant to be overthrown. He believes himself to be free of the Gods, with his undeath as proof he has escaped their power.

Maura refusing to entertain Adam's boasting, interrupted with a demand he betray the location of Razeal, disintegrating his servant in the process. As the guards began to react I spun to the guard behind me, and emptied a Lightning wand into the creature, destroying it instantly.

A general battle unfolded in the chamber. Eldarian charged Adam in a blind rage upon seeing him wearing an inverted symbol of Lathander, while the rest of us slew the guards. The fight was over in moments, and Adam was thrown down.

Panicking in his new predicament, Adam revealed that Razeal has established a lair in the basement of an old inn, near Soubar. Apparently, Maura and the others hunting him were already so close had they not been distracted by wolves before.

Investigations into Lord Razeal Vol II
by Lucia Kayla

Here follows the second part of the account of Lucia Kayla of Evermeet, in the pursuit of the Vampire Lord Razeal, continuing from the first part, which ended with the battle against Adam, his servant.

VI. The Slaying of Adam

Following our battle with Adam, rebellious servant of the Vampire Lord Razeal, he confirmed that Jake, the man we sent to the Radiant Heart to be healed, was instead a trap intending to turn everyone there into wild vampires. With the whereabouts of Razeal ascertained, and with nothing further we could learn from him, Maura gave Adam a taste of Master Biteslayer's stake, that he so coveted before.
Eldarian destroyed Adam's remains to prevent him from rising again.

With Adam defeated, that nonetheless leaves his Lord and Master, Razeal, with which to contend, and I suspect he will not be so easily defeated. There is also the matter of the Radiant Heart, who are now in danger from within by the man we hoped they could aid. At Eldarian's direction, Maura sent to the Flaming Fist to warn them of the threat.

We were nonetheless left with a question of how next to proceed. Eldarian suggested splitting our efforts, some to focus on the Fist, others on hunting Razeal.

Jergal - Lexicon of the Reaper Vol I
Death Resigns

by Nyctored Nachtbar

In the beginning, there was life. And when life ended, the domain of Jergal began. Centuries ago, in the time of Netheril, Jergal held dominion as a Greater Deity over Fate, Death, Tombs, and all associated with the above. He was the shepherd of the living to the realm of the dead, and their caretaker from the moment they drew their last breaths.

There was neither good nor evil in death when this was the domain of Jergal. Instead, death was merely an inevitable end to life. An ordered and structured end which deserved only to be respected. Ensuring that the dead were buried properly was one method of showing this respect. However, eventually Jergal grew tired of his position as Lord of Death. And it also happened that three necromancers grew ambitious enough to desire his position. With a stroke of luck (Or as many believe, unluck) these incidents occurred in tandem, causing a wild chain of events to unfold.

The Dead Three, as these necromancers were known, plotted to overthrow the Lord of Death. Jergal put many trials before the three, forcing them to fight, manipulate, and think their way through numerous deadly situations. However, wanting to be relieved of his position, he also made numerous artifacts and magics available to the three. Eventually they put to rest a Lost God, which Jergal had placed in their path, and divided the essence of said God's power between themselves. Eventually, Jergal was confronted by the Dead Three, and rather than fighting Jergal, the three fought among themselves for the claim to his throne. Jergal stepped in and offered to divide his powers among the three, allowing the winner of a game of knucklebones to pick the domain he desired first. And so it came to pass that the title of Lord of Fear would fall on Bane, Lord of Bones would fall on Myrkul, and Lord of Murder would fall on Bhaal.

The three combined usurped Jergal, and Jergal would from that day on remain subservient to another.


Signed - Nyctored Nachtbar, Paladin of Jergal.

Jergal - Lexicon of the Reaper Vol II
Clergy

by Nyctored Nachtbar

The clergy of Jergal are a rather paradoxical bunch. Many view them as vile cultists, and in many situations this is the case. However, the clergy of Jergal have a more serious duty assigned to them.

The Clergy of Jergal are tasked with recording the names of the dead, the times of their death, and the situations which caused their demise. Many devoted to Jergal spend their lives behind a scroll, recording death after death, but most simply record those which they personally witness. While the life of a scribe is not fitting for all, those Holy Warriors who choose to do battle in the name of the Old Death God rest and pray at the dusk, the time most symbolic of death.

This is not to say that those devoted to Jergal are of a superstitious nature. In fact, beyond this general prayer time, the only ritual required of a Jergali worshiper is the celebration of the Night of Another Year.

On this night, the last of the year, one devoted to Jergal reads his list of recorded deaths from the previous year aloud, sprinkles an offering of bone dust to the wind, and sends his list to the Sriveners of Doom, based mostly in Thay, to be filed away.

Jergal, The Scribe of the Doomed, The Lord of the End of Everything, The Forgotten One. He strives for numerous ideals. While he no longer holds dominion over death itself, he struggles to ensure order in death. As part of order, he seeks proper burials for the dead. Improper burials are sign of chaos in death.

As such, many devoted to Jergal see it as their holy duty to properly bury their fallen comrades and enemies alike. A number of holy Priests and Paladins have also seen it as their duty to put the undead to rest. However, there is contention on this point, as Jergal is said to take the form of any undead creature he desires, and it is feared that a warrior may inadvertantly attack and anger the God of Death himself. The God of Death is a glorious one, and should never be confused with one of The Dead Three: Myrkul, Bhaal, or Bane. These three are the successors to Jergal, but it is of extreme note that while Jergal holds death as an orderly thing which simply must happen, The Dead Three crave the power of death, and killed to get it. The Dead Three are, in the eyes of many, evil gods. Jergal, simply put, was not. While it could be said that The Dead Three are concerned with plots and motives for death, Jergal views the goodness or evilness of death in the same way a bird views the goodness or evilness of gravity. It exists, it impacts us, it is predictable and orderly, but it is neither good nor evil.

Signed - Nyctored Nachtbar, Paladin of Jergal.

Journal of Saru Kaiju Vol I
by Saru Kaiju

And so begins the written journey of my, Saru Kaiju, sojourn through the lands of the West.

Day One.
That's it. I've really done it. I have finally set out to find a life outside the place I grew up. Nothing is left for me here. I wish that were not true, but alas it is. I do hope that not only will I find a new life, but escape these nightmares I keep having.

Day Three.
I had the nightmare again. Yuki. Poor Yuki. I wish I had not been born. It is all my fault.

I found a decent farmer who is willing to take me as far as the coast. Then all I will need to do is find a boat that will take me. It has come to my attention that I will need to hide the way I look. Apparently I am not as common sight as I was in my village. I will also need to begin shaving again. How many years has it been since I've needed to do that?

Day Six.
Poor farmer. I did not wish such ill will on him, let alone anyone. Again it was my own fault. I really wish I had not been born. It is these times that I can tank The Way to keep me grounded. If not for that saving grace I would have found the tip of my own sword in my stomach many moons ago.

Day Eight.
It only took me two days and a night to reach the nearest village. Luckily I was able to put together a robe from that poor farmers canvas sacks. I do look a bit destitute, but it definitely matches how I am feeling.

I found another Farmer who is heading to the coast. Unfortunately it seems that it'll be more North, then west, but the coast is all that matters. I can find my way.

Day Ten.
We left the village. I'm glad to be going, the villagers were starting to give me odd looks, and children were asking too many pointed questions. Just in time.

As we were leaving this morning I thought I saw a shadow move about by a tree. I did not see anything that betrayed what it was, but it probably was just a bird flying over I suppose. Yes. Just a bird. I hope...

It's mid-day now, we're a bit of a distance from the village and everything seems to be going fine. The Farmer brought his young daughter with him, which surprised me greatly, but to them it seemed to be a common occurrence. It is nice to find such kind people in these lands still.

Day Eleven.
She is a scoundrel! Even if an adorable scoundrel. She cannot be more than seven seasons old, but she is smart. We've been passing our time playing a sort of board game with pegs. She's won the past 10 games, and nearly half my rations for that day. This truly is nice.

We are setting up for camp for the night. I noticed that there seemed to be smoke in the sky from back where the village is. I'm convinced it's nothing bad. Probably some sort of controlled field burn. It is that time of the year, so nothing to be worried about. In any case I've caught some rabbits for the Farmer, I've got to get them to him before he starts cooking.

It's not the food that is the problem. It's actually very delicious, the daughter will make a good wife when she comes of age. It's just that the farmer has been giving glances at the sky with a worried look. Is the smoke in the sky getting darker? no... It's nearly night fall, must be just the light playing tricks.

Day Twelve
This cannot be good. I woke to find light in the sky from above where we came. I cannot dilute myself into thinking it's a mere field burn. This is too much light. I should go take a look around, make sure nothing is skulking outside our camp. In fact I think I'll take up watch. Damned the gods. I do not know what I will do if something happens to the Farmer and his daughter...

I did not sleep at all. Nothing came in the night, but I have a bad feeling about this. When daylight broke, the sky was nearly pitch black with smoke from where we came. Not good at all. The Farmer is now just openly gaping at the sky.

We left with some haste. I believe the Farmer just wants to put some distance between us and the village. I do not blame him.

The Farmer has been giving me odd glances. Every time I attempt to talk to him he just answers curtly and lets the conversation drop. Even his daughter has not been talking much.

Day Fourteen.
We're half a day away from the coast. The Farmer and his daughter have been keeping their distance. This feels about right. Feels like home.

We are setting up for camp for the night. I was able to track down and kill a deer. The Farmer wouldn't take the meat. I don't blame him. I get a feeling he's afraid. I just wish we could go back to ho.......

Day Sixteen.
Damn them. Damn the gods. Damn me! I tried to save them. All I got for it were wounds and more regret and fuel for nightmares. At least I was able to make the Farmer's end quick. I don't know what those things were. Dark... Shadowy things. I don't understand what is going on anymore. I thought perhaps it was my enemies who were after me... but these things... I do not understand and it does nothing but anger me thinking about it. That's enough for now though, I need to prepare food and poultice for the girl.

Day Twenty.
She'll live. Thanks the gods.

I've finally asked the daughter what her name is. Akemi. How cruel. I can see how once the name was fitting, but it does not fit this husk of a girl. She has lost the brightness that was once there, and the scar on her face will never go away. But what am I saying, at least she is alive. No thanks to me...

Day Twenty Four.
We've been wandering the country side for a while now. I think it is time for me to find a safe place for her. I'll be going into the town in the morning.

Day Twenty Five.
Getting into town was a bit difficult. News of the razed village has made them all jumpy when it comes to unknown travelers. Luckily coin smoothed over any issues they had.

Nothing. This town is not safe, outside the enemies I bring in my wake. There is a yukaku, a bank, merchant warehouse, dock, and a place of worship for some gaijin god. No good place for a child.

Day Twenty Six.
I've come to a decision. I will be leaving Akemi with the most respectable house in the yukaku district. I will pay the matron whatever I have left after purchasing passage on a ship. I will also be leaving my Wakizashi in Akemi's hands. I hope that my payment and the blade will aid in keeping her safe.

I spoke with the matron of the House of Petals. I was surprised to find that she was an Oiran. She has agreed to take Akemi in for apprenticeship for 10 thousand gold coins. This will bankrupt me... but it is the least I can do for what I've done to Akemi's life. At least now she will have a trade and education.

Day Twenty Seven.
After giving Akemi a few lessons in using Yokusoku, I delivered her to the Oiran. She was scared, but bravely went. She will be OK. She will be OK. Now to find a way across the sea to the west.

Day Thirty.
I've finally found myself passage. I will need to work on the ship as a seaman for a thirty days to pay my way, but it is worth it. I do not know what lays before me, but at least They cannot follow me on the sea. I hope.

In hopes to keep my pursuers from destroying this town and killing Akemi, I've mead an appearance in every public area, making sure to be memorable and to let everyone know where I was heading.

Day Thirty One.
I'm on my way to the ship. Last night I've come to a realization that I will not be able to keep this journal for much of the time I am at sea. I will keep these pages with me in hopes that I will continue at some point in time in the future and to remember what and to whom I owe. Not like that will be hard to remember...

Knowledge Adapted Vol I
by Leo Smith

Here are written, findings and concepts of one, who has traveled this foreign land and adapted. On Honor;

The concept was alien to me and hard to understand until explained thusly:
"When you grant a boon or a service to another, it shows that things they desire and things that we (or I) can freely discard.Thus, us as a group, or myself as an individual gained honor."

It is enough for some. On Corruption;

"Where there is uncertainty, I shall bring light
Where there is doubt, I shall sow faith
Where there is shame, I shall point atonement
Where there is rage, I shall show its course
My word in the soul shall be as my sword in the field.
---Litany of Devotion

*scribbled at the bottom*Thus seduces a man of faith or a devil in disguise. Both equally effective.On Devotion;

What is your life?
- My honor is my life.
What is your fate?
- My duty is my fate.
What is your fear?
- My fear is to fail.
What is your reward?
- My salvation is my reward.
What is your craft?
- My craft is death.
What is your pledge?
- My pledge is eternal service.

This is true devotion. On Knowledge;

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it,
and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it.

This is knowledge. On Ignorance;

The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don't know anything about.

*scribbled at the bottom of the page* Thought of often when pondering on law of the land. I came to this place seeking knowledge, yet I found ignorance.
I leave this part to my knowledge as the first in line to guide future seekers. For it I ask yours.

Leo Smith

Krynd kynj z ohen
by Raven Devilscry

This collection of pages seems to be describing... something in great detail. It is riddled with text and contains occasional diagram, which you may be able to recognize as being magical related. The language, however is neither common nor arcane.

With sufficiently high knowledge you may be able to recognize it as written form of infernal.

Handwriting is neat, but without unnecessary embellishments. It may appear to be written at great speed.

Short Sword of Fire

Riddled with text and occasional diagrams, this collection of pages appears to be describing something magical related.

A wizard or someone incredibly skilled in spellcraft or possessing great knowledge of magic, would realize that this paper describes magical enchantment of a short sword.

The author displays good intelligence, appears to be somewhat knowledgeable with actual forging of a non weapon, and possesses great knowledge of magic.

The approach taken in this paper, however, is purely theoretical, and the means of making enchantments are unusual and strange. It would not look like something created by arcane spellcaster. On multiple occasions document speaks of hellfire. This page appears to describe a fire enchantments of sorts.

It seems to be fairly efficient, but you may realize that along with opponent, this weapon would burn the wielder as well. It would appear to be aflame when unsheathed.

Several approaches are proposed.

The author mentions attempting to obtain divine blessing in Kossuth, but remarks that such event is unlikely.

After that it describes an approach of shaping the weave in the fashion wizards would, but you may get the feeling this is based on theoretical knowledge only.

After that it spends a great amount of time theorizing about the possibility of capturing the essence of hellfire in the weapon, in fashion that would keep it burning for all eternity. The author would appear greatly knowledgeable on the subject.

The consequences of all approaches appear to be the same: a fire enchantment, for a weapon that would burn both foe and wielder of said weapon.

The author, apparently, does not find this to be a problem.

This page appears to describe safety measures for the weapon.

If taken by hand that knows not hellfire, the weapon would burn it greatly. Same would happen if the weapon were taken by a paladin.

Upon mention of paladins, the text sounds incredibly sarcastic. You may also be able to feel a hint of bitterness behind it.

This page describes another enchantment.

If completed, it would make it incredibly difficult for the wielder to lie outright. The enchantment appears to be fairly simple, but designed to be incredibly powerful.

The author trails off in few places and sounds somewhat bitter and sarcastic in a couple of places.

You may be able to figure out that whoever wrote the document would find it humorous if a thief or a liar would take attempt a blade enchanted in this fashion... or even two of them at once.

The document abruptly ends at this point. Several diagrams are provided.

The diagrams appear to be describing minor details of the enchantment, with written notes in infernal. An incredibly smart wizard may find those unnecessary.

Li Modo ub Ragnon: A Martial Arts Treatise
By Master Adallan Ragnon, Reader of Candlekeep

With Intent to be Donated to the Bladestone Foundation Libraries

Special thanks to Lyria, for Her Donation of Time and Skill in the Illustrations Found Within

Preface

Thank you for taking the opportunity to read this humble text of mine. I hope it is able to convey what I have learned over the years, though it is no substitution for hard work and discipline.

The title, as many may already know, is loosely translated from the Celestial tongue as meaning "The Way of Ragnon." It is, in a way, my path, and I hope I can share it with you.

The martial arts, by definition, are a measure of artistic principles devoted to a martial discipline. In this case, I have devoted this book, along with my studies throughout my lifetime, to the mastery of the unarmed martial arts.

The Foundation

With proper foundation, that which is built may withstand the test of time...

[a relatively accurate illustration of a man wearing a tight-fitting martial arts outfit is shown, with notes pointing to various parts, such as "Bent knees, for balance" and "Partially extended arm for intercepting blows at range." One more note states: "Proper posture mantained at all times"]

This stance, as shown above, is a modified version of the stance I learned when I was young, from the Monastery of the Sun Soul. In my youth, we would stay in this for extended periods of time, usually while meditating for the sunrise and sunset.
The key points of this stance are in staying low, for better balance (respect for the sun above), keeping ready at extended range, and positioning the body so minimal movement is necessary to get to where it is needed with proper power.

[A set of illustrations are shown, with the same man throwing a punch, one with the man kicking, and one with the man mid-step. In each one, two lines are drawn, as though showing how the body stays balanced comparatively, and showing the ideal movement.]

Of the Fighting Mentality

Many who consider the martial arts focus solely on the form, but to truly master it, mind, body, and soul must all act as one. In the monastery, this is considered mastering your ki. Though this manual will not explore ki fully, it is important to understand the spirit that guides it.

[An illustration is shown of the same man as before, sitting in meditation with his hands on his knees. Concentric circles overlap the figure, starting at his stomach, and moving outwards.]

Center thyself, and the rough path becomes a smooth one. Empty yourself of expectations, and the instruction becomes clear.

Emptying your mind, clearing it of expectations, focusing on a single drop. These are all aspects, equally important. There is no substitute for stopping, breathing, and looking on a situation objectively, in the martial arts or elsewhere. Remember these well, and the journey will be a more forgiving one.

Of Striking

A proper strike will begin from a balanced position, as shown earlier. To punch, kick, or even strike with other parts of the body (head, knees, elbows, back) one must consider two things.

The first is proper technique. By utilizing the whole body, one can provide enough power to stop a fight in a single blow.
[A picture is shown with a figure snapping a kick, frame by frame for four images overlapping one another. The body stays relatively still, except for the hips and feet that generate the power. His arms seem to stay in a defensive position.]

The second is that, much like with the foundation, all things must remain balanced. For every strike, you expose yourself. My own experience has led me to compensate for that by covering those openings, as shown.

[Two pictures are shown. The first is a man punching, with an arrow pointing to his non-punching arm and text "Covering arm."
The second picture involves the same man doing a low kick, and an arrow pointing to his arms "In position to block, or strike" as well as an arrow pointing toward his non-kicking leg "Balance at the core to allow legs to move with power while retaining position and mobility."]

Be wary of overextending through the strike. By doing such, you expose yourself to attacks, and push yourself off balance.

[A picture is drawn with overlapping images of a man punching. A line is drawn at his extension, and one image pushes past it. A note is written: "Consider the man's balance, and his defense. He cannot defend himself as easily, and has overcommitted himself to his action, preventing him from changing to a better course"]

Of Proper Distance

Though we do not seek out combat, when we find it, we must not approach our adversaries hastily. Always keep them at bay, until, like the viper, we strike quickly and without mercy.

As with many things, my own experience has dictated much of my fighting stance. I am a shorter man, though stronger, physically, than many. As a rule of thumb, consider the following:

-The taller man should keep further distance from the shorter man, striking him where he cannot strike back.
-The shorter man should keep out of distance of the taller man, closing the distance quickly when he can to deliver his blows, never resting in this range.
-The stronger man should opt for more contact, as he may overpower his opponent and force the advantage.
-The weaker man should fight from absence, positioning to avoid contact until strikes are delivered.

The distances to keep in mind are the length of your opponent's blows with their feet, and with their arms.

[A picture is drawn below of the man in stance, overlayed with the man kicking, and the man punching. A line shows the distance he is kicking from, marking his punch as well. A third mark indicates his core, and the fourth his back leg, with a note: "Distance can be determined through your opponent's position"]

Consider further the ways to enforce such distance, and the methods to avoid blows. Parrying can be used to stop blows that find their way within range.

[Four pictures are drawn. The first is a man parrying with his left arm, showing the starting position, and an arrow toward an ending position. The second is a man parrying with his right arm, in the same fashion. The third is the man parrying a low blow with his left arm, and maintaining a defense with his right arm. The fourth is the man parrying a low blow with his right arm, and maintaining defense with his left]

Movement, however, is the ideal way to prevent one from being struck. Wither through evading a blow outright, or through moving outside of the opponent's distance.

On Brawling and Grappling

Be not stiff as the old branch, for when stress comes, you will snap. Instead, consider the young branch, flexible and giving. Do not resist the stress, but flow with it.

Fighting within range for an extended period of time is a tempting art, especially for the untrained. It should be noted that, like most other things, brawling can be learned. Most easily, this is achieved trough practice and drills, for there is little I can write here that can replace experience in the brawl.

There is, however, one option that is a thorough set of maneuvers. Grappling the opponent, that is, wrestling them in close quarters until submission or inability to continue on.

Much of grappling is a matter of understanding positions of strength. At the monastery, the idea of grappling was not encouraged as a form of meditation, but as a means of understanding how our bodies work.
[The next picture appears to be the man, arms outstretched, and arrows pointing at different areas, showing movements. A note is written: "When bending the arm in this direction, proper leverage can be achieved. The same is true of the legs."]

In order to take advantage of this leverage, we must fight for position to apply it. Therein we begin the game of lanceboard that is the fight.

Using Timing and Different Lines

Though only a brief note, one must consider these two aspects with great respect, for they will change, and allow one to master this game of lanceboard we play.

If we look at one another, and consider that each of us moves at a similar pace we can use these timings to understand how to open up weaknesses in the opponent's defense. Feints, misdirections, even settings and breaking patterns take advantage of this very aspect.

The second aspect regards another way to get through a defense. Consider the hallway. Two warriors battling within it, defenses centered. Now, consider if they battled outside of the hallway. Oftentimes, these defenses are the same, leaving them vulnerable to attack from the sides (even slightly). Moving at a slant, one can take advantage of this.

[A very simple picture is drawn, showing two people from above in stances. An arrow is shown going straight forward, and one shown diagonally, as though demonstrating this movement.]

In Closing

Though this does not include all of the techniques that I have learned over the years, it does emphasize that which I have learned. Though the base came from monastic origins, much is from experience, from work against those from many backgrounds, and as a follower of the Red Knight.

If you are to learn my way, this art that I have learned, use it to better the world.

Beware the shortcoming of man for he is impatient and foolish but respect him, for though he may fail, he will get back up and improve until death takes him.

Liams Book of Riddles
By Liam the Golden

Dedicated to the survivors of the siege of Baldur's Gate

"Hope...

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great and no tonic so powerful as the expectation of something better on the morrow.

Hope is needful because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe tomorrow will be better, we can bear the bitter hardships of the past and today. Let us have our hopes, not our hurts, shape the future; for hope is sweet-minded and blissful. Hope is a thing with feathers that perches upon the soul. Despite the looming darkness of troubled times, hope draws pictures, it weaves fancies, and it fills the future with a delightful rosy hue."

- Eldarian Al'maire

Good fortune finds those who seek it, and those without course are at the mercy of misfortune, which has no mercy at all.

Many of you will have decisions to make, decisions which only you can make for yourselves, about where your life is now headed. I urge you to set your own path and follow it without bold ferocity. Do not fall into the pattern of mediocrity, do not be satisfied with average, and do not condemn yourselves to the mundane.

Dream big, and then strive to grow and learn until you can take hold of that dream, and grasp it and make it yours.

For that is the nature of boldness, and Tymora favors the bold.

- Liam the Golden

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on pure white snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight of the calm dark night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die...

-Liam the Golden
((RL credit to Mary Elizabeth Frye))

1) What has a single eye, but does not see?

2) I am light as a feather, yet the strongest man can hold me for mere minutes, what am I?

3) What has towns without people, oceans without water, and mountains without peaks?

4) What must be broken before it can be used?

5) What gets wetter as it dries?

6) They say that what goes up must come down, for what is this never true?

7) Everyone has it, and no one can lose it. What is it?

8) What has been around for time immemorial, but is never more than one month old?

9) What is tall when it is young, but short when it is old?

10) How can a purse be empty yet still have something in it?

11) What is the longest word in the common tongue?

12) What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

13) What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

14) If I have it, I don't share it. If I share it, I don't have it. What is it?

15) What starts with the letter "t", is filled with "t", and ends with "t"?

16) If you draw a line on a page, how can you make it shorter without disturbing it?

17) How do you make the number one disappear?

18) They come out at night without being called, and are lost in the day without being stolen, what are they?

19) A horse is bound to a 24 foot chain, but wants an apple 26 feet away. How may he reach it while still bound to the chain?

20) Which weights more, a pound of feathers or a pound of bricks?

21) What has no legs to stand on, but still travels faster than you could imagine?

22) I am always on my way, and yet never arrive, what am I?

23) When you have me you never need me, and when you need me you can never have enough, what am I?

24) Mr. Paul is six feet tall, and works in a butcher's shop. If his shoe is for foot two, then what does he weight?

25) What sort of room has no windows or doors?

26) What gets broken without being held?

1) A needle, 2) Your breath, 3) A map, 4) An egg, 5) A towel, 6) Your age, 7) Your shadow, 8) The moon, 9) A candle, 10) It has a hole in it, 11) Smiles, because there is a whole mile between the first and last "s", 12) Short, 13) The letter "m", 14) A secret, 15) A teapot, 16) Draw a longer line near it, thus it becomes the "shorter" line, 17) Add a "g" to the beginning and it's "gone", 18) the stars, 19) If the chain is not bound at the other end, 20) They both weight one pound, 21) A rumor, 22) Tomorrow, 23) time, 24) meat, 25) A mushroom, 26) A promise

Longswords and how to fight with them
By Master Fiores Di Liberti

This book contains a wealth of information about sword techniques, it is a fine reference for beginners and masters alike. Contrary to popular belief, using a weapon is not something you will learn in a day or two, you will have to practice as much as any magician, do not anyone tell you otherwise! This book alone will not make you the best sowrdsman there, but a good base always help. So we enter our subject, the longsword, a versatile weapon used by knights and villains alike. Not only can slash your enemy, use your pommel to deliver blunt hits but the tip is good enough to deliver solid stabs, especially in conjunction with the half swording technique (see page 6). You may with to use with either one or two hands, allowing a wealth of techniques and combat styles. Choosing your weapon is important, make sure it fits your dimension, that the blade is flexible enough to deal with the stress of combat. Don't be afraid to spend your gold on quality equipment! A quality sword will bite deep in skin, its a weapon that needs some finesse to use, as you do not have the weight of a greatsword to relay on, aim for the weak spots of your enemy, know where and when to stab, slash or pommel strike your foe. Keep the vulnerable spot of a humanoid in mind, the hips, the side of the head, the shoulder and the chest. Don't swing blindly or for no reason at your enemy, as it will leave you open or too tired. Remember that your stance matters a lot! The most popular companion of a longsword is the shield, which will allow to cover most of your body, forcing the enemy to limit his strikes to your head and legs.

You will want to keep the shield away from your own face, as to not blind yourself. Your feet should be in a such a way that the foot shield (left foot if you use your left hand to hold the shield) is facing your enemy and your sword foot behind, offering you stability.
Furthermore, you will not only use your arm to deliver the hit, but also your body, which you will rotate to increase the power behind your blow, it will help greatly when it comes to deal with tougher creatures.

Your shield is an integral part of your offensive capacities as well, stick in the face of your foe and disrupt his attacks with it is an excellent use of your shield. You don't have to strike with the blade to hurt an opponent, the pommel of your sword is a lump of steel, bash the enemy on the head with it if you can, even if you cannot make the blade connect. Not everyone likes to use a shield however and some will forgo it.

When using a longsword with both hands there's four basic stances that one should keep in mind, plus the half swording style.

First is the Ox stand. Keep the sword over your head, the blade should be standing slightly toward the ground with the point in the direction of the enemy. This stance offers you a solid defense as well as a longer reach for your stabs, which thanks to the way your body is posed, will be accurate. You will also find yourself able to do effective diagonal slashes.

The second one is the stance of the plow, where you keep the sword pointed upwards towards the face of your foe, while the pommel rests close to your hip. This will not only allow you for a great defense, but you will be able to make all sort of strikes, from the upward thrust to a slash to the legs.

The third is called the fool, once again the pommel is held at your hip level, however this time the sword is also pointing downwards to the floor. It offers a great defense in the sense that it will be easy for you to counter attack, it will also leave your enemy with the false impression that you have opened your guard.

The fourth stance is called from the roof, you keep your sword high over your head with the blade pointing backwards. This stance allows a variety of strikes and parries, but is best used to disorient your foe as you can easily change stance after a few strikes to throw off a foe.

Finally, the technique known as half swording is pretty simple, one hand on the blade and one on the handle, hold the sword like a spear and stab your enemy, this allow stabs that are a lot stronger, perfect to pierce think hide and armor alike.

In conclusion, hitting your enemy as strong as you can will not win you battle, you will have to keep both your stance and the enemy's in mind, as well as what is more appropriate to defeat your foe. A book about common monsters in the area where you live is a great addition, as you can practice the techniques that will offer you the best chances as you go along with your training.

Book written by Master Fiores Di Liberti

Love
By Rai Kuu Kynttila

Roses are red
Violets are blue
My heart is dead
And soon you'll be too

Meals of the Sword Coast I
By Jandar

This book is meant as a guide to others, to help the people of this fair land enjoy a good meal at little to no cost! Anything, save the pots and pans required for each meal, can be cooked from food found exclusively on the land, and not purchased from any merchants, although that option remains available if the cook desires such. It was written by the Druid of the Oakfather, Jandar, in an attempt to assist people in living off the land, rather than relying on gold, as well as to assist the less financially fortunate within cities.

Fire Beetle Wrap

Ingredients-
Two large cabbage leaves, or any other large edible leaf.
Two first fulls of Fire Beetle meat, carved from the beetle's belly.
Two stalk vegetables, such as celery or carrots
One onion
One tomato

Instructions-
First, cut the tomatoes and onions up into strips the size of your pinkie. Next, warm a fire, and cut the fire-beetle meat into strips about the side of your thumb while the fire warms. When the fire is sufficiently hot, grill the fire beetle meat and onions until it is firm, and slightly crispy on the outside. Next, cut the stalk vegetables into quarters, and take the two large leaves. Lay a stalk vegetable, a slice of meat, a tomato slice, a slice of meat, and a stalk vegetable into one of the leaves, repeating the pattern until the leaf is half-full. Wrap the leaf up, until it circles around the meat and vegetables, then wrap the other leaf around the leaf with the vegetables in it. Grill it in the fire, and count to one hundred and eighty, then flip it over, and count to one hundred and fifty. After it is done, take it out, let it cool, before enjoying.

Sweet Barking Beets

Ingredients-
Three beets
Two fistfuls of wolf meat
Two honeycombs
Two apples

Instructions-
First, start a fire, and put a bowl over it. Then, place the honeycombs and the apples inside, and cook it until the apples are dry and the honeycombs are melted. Take out any solid remains, and leave it on the grass, or outside for the animals to eat. Crush the wolf meat, and spread it over the beets. Then, cook the beets inside the liquid, until all the liquid is absorbed and the meat has formed a crispy lair around the beets. Cook for a little bit more, afterwards, counting to two hundred. Afterwards, take the beets out, and let them cool, before enjoying. Pour the thickened syrup over them, as a sauce, if desired.

Glazed Root and Stem Delight

Ingredients-
Two root vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes)
One stem vegetable (broccoli, asparagus)
Two honeycombs
Two beets

Instructions-
First, start a fire and place a bowl over it. Place the honeycombs inside, and let them melt. Take the remaining solid wax out, and crush the beets into pulp. Place the beet pulp and the juice inside, and take a second bowl. Fill the bowl with water, and boil the root vegetables and stem vegetables inside it, until they are tender, but firm. While the vegetables are cooking, stir the beet pulp and honey until it becomes a thick syrup. Pour the water out, and drain the vegetables of any remaining moisture, before placing them in the bowl with the syrup, rolling them in the syrup until they are fully glazed, and slightly crispy. Take the bowl off the fire, and serve at your leisure.

Thirsty Berries

Ingredients-
Ten fistfuls of any berry
One bowlful of any juice of your choice, with the pulp

Instructions-
Place the berries in the bowl full of juice, and let them absorb it until they are twice as big. Then, place them over a fire, and let them sit. Once the liquid is boiling, count to fifty, then take them off. Drain the liquid, and serve the berries as garnish for another meal, or just eat them on their own.

Beetle-Mushroom Soup

Ingredients-
Ten mushrooms
Three fistfuls of any beetle meat
Two onions
Two stalks of celery
One beet
A pinch of salt

Instructions-
Place the onions, celery, and beets in a bowl of water, and let it boil. Once it boils, let it cook until the vegetables are tender. Once they are tender, add in the salt, and stir it in until the crystals have melted. Crush the beets, and place them and the mushrooms in, stirring. Keep it boiling until the mushrooms are cooked. Take the beetle meat, and dice it, grilling it over the fire. Once the beetle meat is cooked, and slightly golden, but not crispy, stir it into the soup, and keep stirring for another five hundred seconds. Then, take the soup off the fire, and eat at your leisure.

Bean-Vegetable Bread

Ingredients-
Thirty fist-fulls of your favorite bean
Three carrots
Two stalks of celery
Five potatoes
Five onions
A bowlful of water

Instructions-
Place the beans and potatoes in a separate bowl of water, and place them over a fire. Once they are boiling, leave them for one spins of the hour-glass, or one notch on the sundial. Once they are done add the water, mashing until it is a thick paste. Place the celery, carrots, and onions in a separate bowl and fill the bowl with the remaining water. Once the water boils, count to one thousand, then take the vegetables from the water, and chop them up into pieces about the size of a kernel of corn. Stuff them into the bean and potato paste, rolling the "dough" together with the vegetables until the two are inseparable. Then, mold the "dough" into any shape you desire and place it over the fire until it is crispy and firm. Take it off, let it cool, and eat it at your leisure.

Rat Pie

Ingredients-
Refer to Bean-Vegetable Bread on page eight
Ten rats worth of meat
Three onions
Five potatoes
Two stalks of celery
Seven cobs of corn

Instructions-
Make the Bean-Vegetable Bread from page eight, and mold it in the shape of a bowl. While that is cooking, cut up the rat meat into cubes, and roast it on a fire for half a spin of an hour-glass. While the rat-meat is roasting, take a bowl, and boil the potatoes, celery, and onions in water. As well, skin the corn of the cob, and put that into the water. Let the vegetables boil until the potatoes are soft to the core, then drain the majority of the water. Put the roasted rat meat in, and mash the vegetables together, until the rat-meat and vegetables are inseparable from the mashed potatoes. Place the mixture inside the bread-bowl, and take it for half a turn of an hour-glass. After, take it off, let it cool, and enjoy at your leisure.

Purple Tender Legs

Ingredients-
Eight beets
Four skinned wolf legs
Some salt
Some thyme

Instructions-
Crush the beets in a bowl, and add salt and thyme, stirring until it takes on a paste consistency. Smother each wolf-leg with the paste, and put it over the fire, roasting the paste-covered wolf legs for one turn of the hour-glass. After, take it off, and enjoy at your leisure.

Savory-Tangy Oats:

Ingredients-
Three fistfuls of oats
Three oranges
One cabbage
One onion
One tomato
Some salt
Some thyme
Two carrots
Two stalks of celery

Instructions-
Take the onions, celery, cabbage, tomato, and carrots. Dice each vegetable until they are about the size of a kernel of corn. Put them, as well as a pinch of salt and thyme into a bowl. Fill the bowl with water until the vegetables are just covered and boil the mixture. Count to seven hundred, then skin and crush the oranges, adding them in. Stir in the juice and pulp from the orange, then put in the oats. Stir the oats in, and keep stirring until the oats have absorbed all the liquid. Serve and enjoy at your leisure.

Bear Foot Soup

Ingredients-
Ten bear feet
Five fistfuls of bear meat
Twelve strips of inner bear-hide
Three onions
Two stalks of celery
Some salt
Some thyme
Three tomatos
Two potatos

Instructions-
Slice the onions, carrots, and celery up into think pieces about the side of a kernel of corn. Cube the potatoes into cubes the size of small pebbles. Boil the vegetables together in water, with the thyme and salt for half a spin of the hour-glass. Place the bear-meet and feet in, and cook for another two spins of the hour-glass, stirring every half-spin. Once that is done, put the strips of bear-hide in, and cook for another spin of the hour-glass, stirring a couple times throughout. Serve at your leisure, with a loaf of vegetable-bean bread.

Nutty-Fruity Soup

Ingredients-
Twenty strawberries
Thirty blueberries
Ten apples, sliced
Thirty raspberries
Twenty walnuts, opened and crushed
Five honeycombs
Five beets

Instructions-
Crush the honeycombs, and boil them over a fire, until they are thin. Scoop out any remaining wax, and crush the beets, placing them in, and stirring, pouring enough water in to keep it just thinned. Scoop any beet pulp that might remain, and place in the walnuts and fruit, stirring the soup constantly for half an hourglass worth of time. After it is done, take it off the fire, and let it cool for one night. Enjoy the soup cold at your leisure.

Baked Pearpples

Ingredients-
Five pears
Five apples
Some cinnamon
Some almonds, crushed
Some crushed beet juice (crush beets, remove pulp)
Honey (take honeycombs and crush the honey out)

Instructions-
Slice up the pears and apples. Cover them partially in cinnamon, then glaze them with honey, and stick the crushed almonds onto the honey. Then put more cinnamon on, and pour the beet juice into a bowl. Place the glazed apples and pears into the bowl, and place it over the fire. Boil the contents of the bowl for half a spin of the hour-glass, then take the apples and pears out. Let them cool and harden, then enjoy the slices at your leisure.

Glazed Ants

Ingredients-
As many ants as desired
Beet juice (crush beets, remove pulp)
Honey (take honeycombs, and crush the honey out)
Walnuts, crushed
Almonds, crushed

Instructions-
Mix the beet juice and honey into a glaze, then mix in the crushed nuts. Place the ants on a stick, then dip them into the glaze. Place the glazed ants on a fire, count to ten, then remove them and enjoy.

Medicinal Oil and Tea Recipes
By Rania Marie Ragnon

Bath Oil Recipes

Divination Oil

3 drops Sandalwood Oil
3 drops Lavender Oil
3 drops Patchouli Oil
1 cup fine sea salt

Blend oils and add to the salts. Set aside to infuse awhile. Use for divinatory work or just relaxing and centering.


Cold Care Oil

5 drops Eucalyptus Oil
3 drops Lavender Oil
2 drops Peppermint Oil

Use any time you feel congested or achy. Oils can be added to three drop sweet almond oil to massage onto arms, chest and neck before going to bed.


Inspiration Bath

10 drops Beregost Oil
8 drops Lemon Balm Oil
8 drops Bay Oil
5 drops Grapefruit Oil

Inspires contentment, sharpens concentration and promotes creativity.

Medicinal Teas

All teas are to be consumed hot, so the vapors may be inhaled. Maybe premixed and stored in airtight container. Add one heaping tablespoon to one mug boiling water, steep five to ten minutes then strain and enjoy.


Divination Tea

3 tsp Black Tea
2 tsp Lemon Balm
1 tsp Eyebright
3 tsp Mugwort
3 tsp Rose Hips


Dream Tea

6 tsp Rose Petals
3 tsp Mugwort
3 tsp Peppermint
3 tsp Jasmine Flower
4 1/2 tsp Cinnamon


Headache Remedy Tea

3 tsp Lavender
3 tsp Chamomile
3 tsp Rosemary
3 tsp Mint


Meditation Tea

6 tsp Breakfast Tea (or light blend tea)
2 tsp Chamomile
1 tsp Rose Hips
2 Elderberry Flowers

Four Thieves Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar is used in many banishing spells as well as for treating numerous illnesses and cleaning.

Needed:

*Empty bottle of jar
*Apple cider vinegar
*Lavender
*Garlic
*Sage
*Peppermint
*Rosemary
*Thyme
*Black Pepper

Put all herbs together in jar and fill to top with vinegar. Shake thoroughly. Keep in cool, dark place. Shaky every day for three to five weeks. Strain and rebottle when done.

Musings of a Justicar I
The collected writings of Sir Tegeus Cromis

The Knight of the Rose
Remnants
Justice Unlawful
Menace of the Weave
The Means of Justice
True Justice
Vigilance
False Doom

Through Wisdom, I Observe
Through Observation, I Know,
Through Knowledge, I Judge,
With Judgement, I Act,
Justice Comes to All

- Doombringer Tegeus Cromis, The Code of the Justicar


The Knight of the Rose

Wrap'd in black plate with
black maille, dark steel and
adamant blade held in
steel-gloved hand,
an evil green roaring
flanked by lights blazing,
the Knight rode, soaring
o'er the farmland, razing
t'was easy pillage for
the Knight-who-soared
he served the lord Bane
Tyrant of the Dead Three
and as offering to his fane
he gave lives to He,
upon his foul steed,
from which high perch
he struch, did his deed,
yet higher still
another Sir rode
he saw the Knight kill
those in their abode
Sir gathered his will
and donned his maille,
took his shield and flail,
and met the Knight
steel to drawn steel
the totalled might
as they clashed then 'n there
shook the ground as steel
sundered, flashed and bared
flesh, the Knight-who-soared
fell from his saddle
his dragon mount roared
raging with battle,
lust for blood poured
from the throat of his foes
unsated, by the
Knight of the Rose,
who stood yonder
astride a war-steed
grim as he-who-would-soar
continued to bleed,
Justicar of Lord Hoar
as he was, with need
for vengeance, for those
that were slain, and so
the Knight of the Rose
made his resolve firm
and let out a yell
as charger met wyrm
the dragonling fell,
with the town guarded
he set to his task
of giving the dragon,
and he-who-soared
back to the Tyrant,
Bane, their lord
their mission done,
Bane took many souls
a dragon and knight,
among peasants they'd slain
sacrifices all, in view of dear Bane
as such, they'd face
hellfire the same

Remnants

The darkness of life
opposed by light
terrors strewing strife
herald the night,
but who yet remains
for those who need aid
when night comes for all
spare'n none the blade
as city-states fall,
crowns change their wearers,
the commoners suffer
Kings and Lord profits
walls keep hold of folk
the stone mason's yoke,
as armies strip the land
while justice is a farce
Kings rule with searing brand
the spectre of death
disguised with a ring
servants of Bhaal, falsely
named King
with corruption and fools
who yet remains
for those who need saving
when those who speak out
are declared mad, raving
fools and naive,
perhaps this is so, and
there is no reprieve
yet still I hold hope
that justice will come
a savage end to
savage reigns when
King murders King, with a
blade of terror tempered
in the blood of men
so I ask yet again
who yet remains


Justice Unlawful

Justice, force of good
'tis meant to be yet
many are they who would
twist it, corrupt the
vengeance given form,
as they sit upon
high thrones, legal pawns
yet they do not, or
can not comprehend
that the feature of
Justice is it's ends,
the means of a court
the fool judge's gravel
gives fine to peasants
while goodness unravels,
Justice and law are
not companions, nay
one works for all,
the other must fall
for how else can good
men do as they must
when the court rulings
call vengeance bloodlust
'tis not the mewling
of a childish babe,
a malcontent beast,
nay, the tip of the blade
or an armspan at least
bring vengeance to they
who'd escape as judges
bicker, the evils slayed
fulfilling grudges
as justice is paid,
'tis not the work of
courts, who name it foul
yet revenge, force of
the fallen who howl
in pain, grief for
the slain, the dead
unavenged by law
but vengeance prevail,
not having this flaw
of limited scope,
the fragmented hope
of those turned aside
by the lawful fools
without friends who've died
so without court tools
jesters and jundges
I stand to avenge
fulfilling grudges
do not look down on
the dish called revenge
the only force of law
unbound by fool men


Menace of the Weave

The power of mages
so beyond what should be
the flame of dragon rages
the spells of the gods
contained in a shell
of a man, mortal
being, most often
acting as a portal
of hell, sowing death
reaping chaos and
maiming with a breath,
all of this damage
in a wisdom-less
fool who can ravage
armies or innocents
as he please, with no
discipline required
to bring folk to their knees
the death that was sired
by fool mages, 'tis
most frequent found,
the lady of the Weave
fills burial mounds,
give reason to grieve,
yet she does not repent
or limit those vicious
battle mages, who're bent
on missions capricious,
how then can she be good
when given the chance
to aid those in need, she would
not, giving power to the dance
of death, the gestures
of a wizard, made
in her own Weave
putting folk to the blade
she must do naught but cease
giving power to
evil men, and release
those put down low
by Necromancer, or
the Evoker's blow,
but she does not,
hear this, Mystra, your
score won't be forgot

The Means of Justice

What end is served by
Vengeance, or Justice?
those who live or die
on the whim, caprice
of those above them
in power or rank
but not morality,
are served, the hem
of their moral frailty
hangs in the balance,
fear of the blade staves
of the savage knaves
whose deadly dance would
gladly spread its grasp
shed innocent blood
to gain from pained gasps,
that fear must be maintained,
respect for vengeance
unlawful keeps kings
from turning tyrants,
leaders of cruel rings
of crime gaining hold,
this is the end,
and unclean, cold
blooded revenge is the means


True Justice

I am often told
of the havoc wrought
by savage orc, bold
beasts 'venge feuds forgot,
perpetual violence
between orcs and men
so should one dispense
justice to orken
for collective crimes
Perhaps all goblins
will in their own time
come to earn this fate,
but to prejudice man
is worse than too late,
and why are goblins
so unlike elves, dwarves,
in their receptions?
Innumerable accounts
name Luskan reviled
yet if soldiers pounced
on a Luskan child
Justice will find them,
to judge without cause,
infer from legend,
blindly follow laws,
such are fool errands,
all men are their own
the orc with sharp axe
hacking to fell a throne
or serving their lord
guard, they are not one,
yet folk would bring sword
leaving sense behind
as they, rush without mind,
what havoc is wrought
by armed peasants, bold
fools 'venge feuds forgot,
murderous reprise
rage made substance
while justice dies


Vigilance

Vigil, the mark of
the wise, noting threaths
to their sigil, rare
done in balance, a
bare blade and fierce flare
swatting all who near;
cautious violence unfair,
Justice is a force
acting earnest, bringing
to all their due course,
in this way one must
be wary of all,
yet retain patience,
swift is the fall of
those who seeing lense
is clouded by falsehood,
or left dark by lack
of gnossis, which would
illuminate the scene,
reveal villain and foe,
show intended woe,
and with this wisdom
one many know vigil
from blind reaction,
yet observance and
wisdom are not all,
the courage to stand and
deny foul plots to befall,
these principles tree;
Wisdom,
Observance,
Courage,
They are the true meaning
of Vigilance


False Doom

The dark man with sharp
blade and sharper glare
coated in maille, hood o'er dark hair
he prowled the night, cast
a gaze of bladed justice
at all in his sight,
he came upon an orc,
drunkenly sprawling from
tavern to tavern
seeking no mead, only brawling,
his face curled to sneer
"My, what have we here?"
the half-blooded orc glanced
at hum, unknowing
"An orckin it seems,
may I have this dance?"
And without a sign
so much as showing
the man drew his blade
then sheathed it inside him,
as orclife faded
red eyes growing dim
he slumped slowly down,
down, so far down,
the man carried on
prowling without sound
as he roamed the streets
seeking prey who'd meet
his queer code, to slay
only those he deemed worthy
of facing his blade
t'was then he spied more,
a pair of elflords
ruling his city,
in a mind without pity,
he muttered underbreath
then stalked forth as death,
unknowing he was watched
by a darker man in the alley,
he drew his sword quick
knew it mustn't be botched,
as he drew e'er closer
in the alley eyes narrows
he brought his blade up, the lower,
but before he could strike
a parry came, from a
man much like himself,
presence not known
the two elfs fled,
back to their beds,
the dark man asked the other
"Why did you stop me?
They are elves, dark brother!"
the darker man slew
him then, and he said
"Thy doom is brought"
he turned to the orc's corpse
"Ye've not been forgot"

Mystran Dogmatics, Vol I
by Aeili Azenci, Priestess of Mystra.

First Edition printed in the Year of the Morningstar, MCCCL

Introduction

The Mother of All Magic is a most blessed goddess, revered by all races for her bestowal of the majestic Art. While some argue she is not the greatest of all the deities that watch over Toril, there is no doubting her place of power amongst the divine assembly. Sages of old tell us that Mystryl, as she was originally named, was a product of the eternal battle between Selune and Shar at the dawn of the realms.

She has suffered one great calamity when the Netherese mage Karsus attempted to strip her divinity and take it for himself. That single act of foolishness not only destroyed the Netherese kingdom, whose floating cities crashed to the ground because the human mage could not fully control the entirity of the Weave, but also resulted in Mystra's sacrifice to ensure that the very fabric of the Weave did not tear the realms asunder.

The result of this calamity was the reincarnation of the goddess in the guise of a beatiful young girl, brilliantly adept at magic, who ascended to resume control of the Weave. This new goddess, Mystra as we now call her, put controls on the use of magic, limiting its power and expanse. Never again was a spell as powerful as that of Karsus to be cast, and those who sought the use of magic must strain their minds to retain and recall the spells they so dilligently study. Extensive experience or a simply brilliant mind might allow a magic-user to be able to memorize more spells than those less adept in the Art, but even such skilled persons must strain to memorize even the most powerful of spells.

It is in light of her intrinsic power that her followers be tempered with a sense of humility and wisdom in their practice of the Art. That will be the single focus of this work, which may well expand into more than this volume. With this goal in mind, let us first hear the depths of our most majestic Lady of Mysteries' Dogma, before we progress in later chapters to a fuller understanding of its meaning and application.


The Mystran Dogma

"Love magic for itself, not just as a ready weapon to shape the realms to your own will. Learn when not to use your magic, and you will have learnt true wisdom. Play with magic and learn how to best wield it, but not when the price is paid by others. Strive to use magic less and less as your powers develop, not more and more; often the threat or promise of the Art outstrips its performance."

"Remember always that magic is Art, a gift of the Lady, and that those who can wield it are priviledged in the extreme. Conduct yourself humbly, not proudly, while being mindful of this."

"Use magic deftly and efficiently; eschew carelessness and recklessness in the unleashing of the Art. When magic imperils you, hide it or hurl it away into other planes rather than destroy it, for any destruction of the Art is a sin."

"Seek always both to learn new magic and create new magic, but experimenting to learn to craft something oneself is better than merely buying scrolls or hiring tutors. Exult more in creation than in hurling spells, and ensure that your creations are shared and so outlive you. Those who succeed in this last thing and in maturing into true wisdom and consideration for the greater balance of things in Faerun in the use of the Art are most favoured in the eyes of the Lady and will serve her beyond death as beings who have become one with magic and live on it forever."

Chapter 1: Love and Wisdom

Love must, first and foremost, be the central motivation for one's desire to seek after both Mystra and her Weave. It is unfortunate that the annals of history are replete with examples of those who have sought the powers of magic only to further their own ends. In this regard, magic has become a means for the purposes of the spellcaster's own will, whether those purposes be good or ill. Once they have accomplished those purposes there is no acknowledgement of her who gave the Gift.

Those who would advance in their study of magic while also endeavouring to maintain the good graces of the Lady of Mysteries must be ever mindful of this subtle temptation. It comes upon us in many forms, not always apparent at first, but the final manifestation of lust for the power the Weave offers rather than a blissful delight in the majesty of our blessed Mother and her Gift.

Some simple examples may serve well to illustrate this point. There are certain groups of itinerant spellcasters who use their magic to befuddle and confuse the simple so that they may be exploited to the fullest extent. One bard was known to have employed a magically enchanted instrument on impressionable young women so as to satisfy his insatiable lust for their intimate company. In his wake he left broken hearts and broken homes, not to mention a score of illegitimate and fatherless children as he moved on to the next town or villiage to ply his trade over and again. Such towns are now loathe to accept other performers who may use their magic for the sake of entertainment and joy.

There are other accounts of wizards so enveloped in their lust for power that after decades of research they finally think themselves able to control and bargain with otherworldly forces. After summoning a fiend or demon to do their bidding for some or other reason, they quickly find themselves trapped by the natural wit and intelligence of those they thought to enslave to their will and instead find themselves enslaved at best, devoured at worst. Such evil outsiders are known to relish an excursion in the Prime and cause as much havoc as possible before they are returned to their native planes by show of force or magical banishment.

Hence, those who would find the most joy in the Art must temper their love of magic with wisdom. Use of magic should never come at the expense of the innocent or defenseless. One must carefully think through dealings with magically summoned entities, whether good or ill. Most of all, the wisest spellcasters will reserve their magic for the most dire of situations, and even then use only as much as is necessary. This is true wisdom, and the attitude that Mystra most seeks of those who would follow her teachings.

Chapter 2: Gift and Priviledge

In our last chapter we discussed first and foremost that love must ever guide those who would seek Mystra's favour. We ought to love magic for itself, rather than as a tool for our own use. In this chapter we will discuss the blessing of the Gift itself, and the priviledge of those enabled to make use of it.

One of the most significant aspects of magic is how it seems to permeate almost all of our existance, even if we do not sense its presence. Mystra's Weave extends across the planes as well, which is why magic can be used to channel energy from different planes into the prime in order to produce a desired effect. Because of this, the Gift is not withheld from any race capable of a mind attuned to utilising it.

The oldest races have used magic from the dawn of the ages. This ought to temper our pride in the present. We are not the first to use it, neither shall we be the last. As long as Mystra and her Weave remain, so shall there be those gifted with its use. I admit, not all so chosen will follow Mystra's desired path. But this is no excuse to us who know a better way, who have been given a deeper understanding of our Blessed Lady of Mysteries.

Pride in magic has lead to the downfall of more than one kingdom in the annals of the ages. We have already seen how Karsus' folly precipitated the destruction of the Netherese empire, an empire crafted out of the use of magic. Indeed, some might argue that Netherese insight into the nature of magic have provided the foundation and impetus of everything known about the greatest Mystery of all.

We must be ever vigilant and mindful of this wonderful Gift and priviledge. In the same way that we ought to love magic in and of itself, so we ought to behave when using it. Magic is to be a joy, a delight to the servants of Mystra. It should create a mind of wonder, of spectacle, of mystery. There will never be an end to the possibilities that magic can unlock. Let us not arrogantly assume the mistakes of the past will never befall us too.

In our next volume we will consider the practical aspects of handling magic day to day, including responsible spellcasting, magical research, and the creation of new magic.