////Meta Post, so I can keep things straight when I get around to writing some of these.
Laura Reynolds is from a family who's great great great grandfather was granted a small tract of land and a minor title in exchange for a service he'd provided. Since then the land has been turned into a normally productive apple orchard.
The keep hasn't yet fallen under the sway of a more powerful or ambitious family because it isn't much of a prize. Although it can turn a profit and pay for itself higher nobility tend to consider it as a buffer against any threat and aren't willing to take on the potential expense of maintaining a military force there.
The keep itself is unimpressive. Built on a small hill overlooking the orchard and nearby settlement, it has enough rooms to house Laura's family, a dozen guards and several servants, and entertain guests (which are few since the structure lacks even a stable). The keep's wall is only 8 feet high and falling into disrepair. The keep does maintain a shrine to Chauntea. The keep is just large enough to support the small settlement of 30 people who live nearby and tend to the fields.
It is located a few days away from Dagerford on the south bank of the river.
Laura Reynolds family includes:
David and Ann Reynolds: Laura's parents. They handle most of the business of running the small keep. Minor nobles who haven't sworn fealty to any lord (and her father intends to keep it that way).
Christian Reynolds: Eldest child of the family and the small keep's weapon master. He is 7 years her senior.
Kevin Reynolds: Second oldest. He showed some talent for magic at an early age and went off to study it under a mentor before returning. He continues to study independent and also keeps most of the records. He can cast up to 3rd level spells.
James Reynolds: Third oldest and black sheep of the family. He ran away when he was 14 and hasn't been seen or heard from since.
Megan Reynolds: Laura's younger sister. Often had a tendency to run off when she was younger but has since settled down and is becoming a cleric of Chauntea.
Richard Reynolds: Laura's younger brother and the youngest of the bunch. He's aspires to be a knight of Waterdeep.
In addition to Laura's family there is a small settlement (of around 30 people) who work in the orchard or as part of the Keep's staff.
Letters Home
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Letters Home
Last edited by Blu C Fox on Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
How have you been? I expect all of you have been worried sick since I've left. Don't worry I didn't run away like James, I'm fine and currently staying in Candlekeep. There is an inn there that is actually quite nice so you can tell mom and dad not to worry.
As I'm sure you can guess I've been quite busy since I left. Sorry I left so abruptly but I was certain that father wouldn't have let me go if I'd asked. I suppose this is one of those times you used to tell me about where asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission.
You'll be happy to know the trip south was uneventful except for a slight skirmish with bugbears. I'm not sure where they came from, they seemed to just be marauding. Thankfully the caravan guards were more then enough to discourage them from doing more than throwing rocks at us. Annoying, and one of the traders got cracked on the head badly, but not all that dangerous.
I must tell you Baldur's Gate is much larger than I ever imagined. When I first arrived and departed the caravan I felt quite lost. A helpful gnome named Nerbert was able to give me directions, however. We ended up talking for quite some time.
Let me tell you something about these big cities: people are always in such a hurry! While we were standing there talking I saw so many people running as fast as they could. Some would even run into you without so much as an excuse me. You'd think nobody taught them basic etiquette.
While we spoke a few elves came over, and I'm embarrassed to say I almost mistook one for a drow because of her white hair (luckily I held my tongue!). They were a bit haughty as elves have a tendency to be. It seemed like the first things out of their mouths were disdainful words for humans and how much they went out of their way to avoid dealing with them because they we're frightening. Well, I wasn't about to let such an insult stand and reminded them that it is the drow that everyone uses to scare their kids before bedtime.
The elves didn't turn out to be too bad, though, and I did learn a lot listening to their conversation with Nerbert. Unfortunately it started to get late all too soon and I had to go find dinner, then afterward made my way to the Ilmater temple to see if they could help us. I'm afraid everyone there was much too busy tending to the sick and poor to hear my case.
It was on my way out as night was falling that I started to miss my cloak. I'd promised myself that I would buy one first thing when I arrived at Baldur's Gate, but as you can see I was a bit overwhelmed and forgot. It was then that I found my purse had been cut sometime while I was busy. I thought to look for the thief, but I doubted he was close by at all. Instead I asked around and found out that there was a public fire out in the farmlands.
Lacking any coin for a room to spend the night and without a cloak that sounded like the best place to go. I'd intended to try and fall asleep there, it wasn't like there was anything else I had on me to steal (other than my armor and sword, but those are much too big to swipe, thankfully!). It was there that I had a stroke of luck.
There was a pair of people already there. One was named Selah Shartess, the other's name I quite catch. I told them about how I'd been trying to find someone from the Ilmater temple to help and asked them if they knew of any who might be able. I think this upset the second person because he got all tense and then left. Ms. Shartess, however, had me move closer and we talked for a bit before she offered to help me find a place to spend the night.
She took me to the local orphanage and there we talked about our family's problems over tea. She seemed to think she could offer some help as she is the head of her own merchant company. She also offered to help introduce me to someone from the Ilmater temple, so I am feeling rather hopeful.
During our conversation she did seem to have a bit of a fever and was coughing quite a bit, so we moved closer to the hearth. I also found her a blanket to help keep any chill away. She recovered quickly enough, though. I think I may have an inkling about what is wrong with her, although I'm afraid I don't understand it at all. Keven would probably have a better idea, but honestly it isn't my place to talk about it.
Later that night a young hin child named Jade arrived and managed to cause quite a stir. She is very energetic and just was always in motion except for when she took a short nap. Apparently she will be 16 soon. As you can expect she wants a Pony.
A bit later I met another lady named Joan Degaulle. She was also eager to offer some assistance, even not knowing what the problem was, but it was already quite late so I told her we could speak more about it tomorrow.
The next day I was quite busy. Big cities such as these have a lot of work and it seemed everywhere I turned there was someone willing to pay me for my services. My first job was to recover some goods from a local bandit gang that continually raids the trade route just outside Baldur's Gate. They proved to be rather tough foes, but I was able to handle them well enough.
Since I was already out I decided to explore a local ruin with a man I ran into by the name of Archibald. We explored it in a few carefully executed raids before retiring back to the city. It was during that visit that a shop keeper named Maltz offered to pay me quite well in exchange for making a supply run for him. Of course I eagerly accepted.
I met an odd fellow named David Bishop, and together we hired a dwarf named Ragnar Ironfaar. The dwarf was quite rude and seemed to have quite the low opinion of women, but I remembered how father taught us how to deal with them properly. It turned out to be a good thing we hired him, too, as there were very nasty goblins on the road that he was able to fend off.
The last job I had time to take on involved delivering a letter, and you won't guess where. Remember those ruins I told you about before? It turns out there is a second level with some crazy mage living inside. There is even a baby dragon down there, although it fled before the group I had put together. At least the job paid well.
By that time you can imagine I was quite tired. I returned to the campfire in the farmlands and ran into Ms. Degaulle again. After telling her about our family's problems she offered me a job working as a guard for Candlekeep.
Don't tell mom or dad, because I think they'll throw a fit, but I think I am going to take it. I doubt the pay is enough to really fix things, but right now every little bit helps.
How is the keep doing? And the orchard? I do hope the orcs haven't started to cause problems again, and hope the creditors haven't been putting too much of a burden on our parents.
This letter should have arrived with a package containing 3,200 crowns. It is most of what I earned while running those jobs. I doubt it is very much compared to the family debt but please take it. Also, if you could please write me back to tell me how much we owe I will see what I can do to help from here.
Best wishes and hope,
Laura
How have you been? I expect all of you have been worried sick since I've left. Don't worry I didn't run away like James, I'm fine and currently staying in Candlekeep. There is an inn there that is actually quite nice so you can tell mom and dad not to worry.
As I'm sure you can guess I've been quite busy since I left. Sorry I left so abruptly but I was certain that father wouldn't have let me go if I'd asked. I suppose this is one of those times you used to tell me about where asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission.
You'll be happy to know the trip south was uneventful except for a slight skirmish with bugbears. I'm not sure where they came from, they seemed to just be marauding. Thankfully the caravan guards were more then enough to discourage them from doing more than throwing rocks at us. Annoying, and one of the traders got cracked on the head badly, but not all that dangerous.
I must tell you Baldur's Gate is much larger than I ever imagined. When I first arrived and departed the caravan I felt quite lost. A helpful gnome named Nerbert was able to give me directions, however. We ended up talking for quite some time.
Let me tell you something about these big cities: people are always in such a hurry! While we were standing there talking I saw so many people running as fast as they could. Some would even run into you without so much as an excuse me. You'd think nobody taught them basic etiquette.
While we spoke a few elves came over, and I'm embarrassed to say I almost mistook one for a drow because of her white hair (luckily I held my tongue!). They were a bit haughty as elves have a tendency to be. It seemed like the first things out of their mouths were disdainful words for humans and how much they went out of their way to avoid dealing with them because they we're frightening. Well, I wasn't about to let such an insult stand and reminded them that it is the drow that everyone uses to scare their kids before bedtime.
The elves didn't turn out to be too bad, though, and I did learn a lot listening to their conversation with Nerbert. Unfortunately it started to get late all too soon and I had to go find dinner, then afterward made my way to the Ilmater temple to see if they could help us. I'm afraid everyone there was much too busy tending to the sick and poor to hear my case.
It was on my way out as night was falling that I started to miss my cloak. I'd promised myself that I would buy one first thing when I arrived at Baldur's Gate, but as you can see I was a bit overwhelmed and forgot. It was then that I found my purse had been cut sometime while I was busy. I thought to look for the thief, but I doubted he was close by at all. Instead I asked around and found out that there was a public fire out in the farmlands.
Lacking any coin for a room to spend the night and without a cloak that sounded like the best place to go. I'd intended to try and fall asleep there, it wasn't like there was anything else I had on me to steal (other than my armor and sword, but those are much too big to swipe, thankfully!). It was there that I had a stroke of luck.
There was a pair of people already there. One was named Selah Shartess, the other's name I quite catch. I told them about how I'd been trying to find someone from the Ilmater temple to help and asked them if they knew of any who might be able. I think this upset the second person because he got all tense and then left. Ms. Shartess, however, had me move closer and we talked for a bit before she offered to help me find a place to spend the night.
She took me to the local orphanage and there we talked about our family's problems over tea. She seemed to think she could offer some help as she is the head of her own merchant company. She also offered to help introduce me to someone from the Ilmater temple, so I am feeling rather hopeful.
During our conversation she did seem to have a bit of a fever and was coughing quite a bit, so we moved closer to the hearth. I also found her a blanket to help keep any chill away. She recovered quickly enough, though. I think I may have an inkling about what is wrong with her, although I'm afraid I don't understand it at all. Keven would probably have a better idea, but honestly it isn't my place to talk about it.
Later that night a young hin child named Jade arrived and managed to cause quite a stir. She is very energetic and just was always in motion except for when she took a short nap. Apparently she will be 16 soon. As you can expect she wants a Pony.
A bit later I met another lady named Joan Degaulle. She was also eager to offer some assistance, even not knowing what the problem was, but it was already quite late so I told her we could speak more about it tomorrow.
The next day I was quite busy. Big cities such as these have a lot of work and it seemed everywhere I turned there was someone willing to pay me for my services. My first job was to recover some goods from a local bandit gang that continually raids the trade route just outside Baldur's Gate. They proved to be rather tough foes, but I was able to handle them well enough.
Since I was already out I decided to explore a local ruin with a man I ran into by the name of Archibald. We explored it in a few carefully executed raids before retiring back to the city. It was during that visit that a shop keeper named Maltz offered to pay me quite well in exchange for making a supply run for him. Of course I eagerly accepted.
I met an odd fellow named David Bishop, and together we hired a dwarf named Ragnar Ironfaar. The dwarf was quite rude and seemed to have quite the low opinion of women, but I remembered how father taught us how to deal with them properly. It turned out to be a good thing we hired him, too, as there were very nasty goblins on the road that he was able to fend off.
The last job I had time to take on involved delivering a letter, and you won't guess where. Remember those ruins I told you about before? It turns out there is a second level with some crazy mage living inside. There is even a baby dragon down there, although it fled before the group I had put together. At least the job paid well.
By that time you can imagine I was quite tired. I returned to the campfire in the farmlands and ran into Ms. Degaulle again. After telling her about our family's problems she offered me a job working as a guard for Candlekeep.
Don't tell mom or dad, because I think they'll throw a fit, but I think I am going to take it. I doubt the pay is enough to really fix things, but right now every little bit helps.
How is the keep doing? And the orchard? I do hope the orcs haven't started to cause problems again, and hope the creditors haven't been putting too much of a burden on our parents.
This letter should have arrived with a package containing 3,200 crowns. It is most of what I earned while running those jobs. I doubt it is very much compared to the family debt but please take it. Also, if you could please write me back to tell me how much we owe I will see what I can do to help from here.
Best wishes and hope,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
I don't expect you've gotten my last letter yet, or that you will for some time. Still I felt I should get in the habit of writing you fairly often if only so you can assure the rest of the family that I am alright. To be honest I don't expect I will be writing mom or dad very often except to answer their letters. Simply put I feel I can be more honest with you since I trust you understand me while they would just worry.
Today I only managed to find one job to track down and slay a kobold chief. Honestly I didn't want to head out, since it was quite cloudy and I could tell it would rain, but the pay was too good to pass up. On the way there I ended up encountering a small group and we talked a bit, while trying to dodge under shelter to escape the rain showers that sprang up from time to time.
Kiarri was the most interesting of the crowd, I think. A small hin who was quite passionate about what she called traditional hin spoon music. She played for me and I must say she is pretty good. I expect with practice she will be able to make a good living.
Sirion, her human companion, constantly complained about her and spoons, but I was able to tell he actually enjoyed it as well. I think that embarrasses him. He seems like a decent sort, though for some reason he seems to enjoy standing out in the rain.
A second halfling by the name of Sudok was accompanying them as well. He is much older from the look of him and claims to have raised seven children, although only two were his own. Apparently the others belonged to his brothers who died defending his village. I can tell those memories still pain him so I didn't press for more information. Still, I can tell he is very caring and he must have a big heart to have raised so many kids.
The final addition to our little improvised gathering was a third halfling who introduced herself as Midnight, a roguish name if I ever heard one. I suspect she may be a thief, though she seems to be good natured enough so I may be mistaken.
We spent some time talking before I realized I'd completely forgotten about going after that kobold chief, so I quickly excused myself to do a search of the ruins. Unfortunately I was unable to find the cowardly beast and had to return empty handed. When I returned I found Sudak was quite upset that I had gone in alone, insisting I should have taken someone to watch my back. In retrospect I realize he was quite right, though I feel in this case he was worrying over nothing. Still, it is a lesson I tend to take to heart and will follow next time. At the very least it cannot help to have someone watch my back.
As night started to fall I realized I needed to get back to Baldur's Gate to report my failure to my employer and find lodging for the night. Sudok graciously offered to escort me, and this time I accepted. He walked me all the way back to the Blade and Stars where I stayed for the night.
On the way I stopped by Maltz shop to see about getting my sword reforged as it was starting to look quite banged up. He agreed to do what he could, though it turned out to be quite expensive! Honestly, prices are much higher in the cities I think. Thankfully he says it will be finished in the morning, so I should be able to continue working.
Once at the inn I spoke with Sodok for awhile before heading to bed. I offered to buy him dinner since he was kind enough to walk me back, but he refused (and seemed quite horrified that I don't cook, perhaps I should learn). He kept looking into the fire while we talked, I think he was remembering the attack on his home. I am a bit worried perhaps that was a trauma he won't ever fully recover from.
I hope this letter finds you and the family in good health.
Love,
Laura
I don't expect you've gotten my last letter yet, or that you will for some time. Still I felt I should get in the habit of writing you fairly often if only so you can assure the rest of the family that I am alright. To be honest I don't expect I will be writing mom or dad very often except to answer their letters. Simply put I feel I can be more honest with you since I trust you understand me while they would just worry.
Today I only managed to find one job to track down and slay a kobold chief. Honestly I didn't want to head out, since it was quite cloudy and I could tell it would rain, but the pay was too good to pass up. On the way there I ended up encountering a small group and we talked a bit, while trying to dodge under shelter to escape the rain showers that sprang up from time to time.
Kiarri was the most interesting of the crowd, I think. A small hin who was quite passionate about what she called traditional hin spoon music. She played for me and I must say she is pretty good. I expect with practice she will be able to make a good living.
Sirion, her human companion, constantly complained about her and spoons, but I was able to tell he actually enjoyed it as well. I think that embarrasses him. He seems like a decent sort, though for some reason he seems to enjoy standing out in the rain.
A second halfling by the name of Sudok was accompanying them as well. He is much older from the look of him and claims to have raised seven children, although only two were his own. Apparently the others belonged to his brothers who died defending his village. I can tell those memories still pain him so I didn't press for more information. Still, I can tell he is very caring and he must have a big heart to have raised so many kids.
The final addition to our little improvised gathering was a third halfling who introduced herself as Midnight, a roguish name if I ever heard one. I suspect she may be a thief, though she seems to be good natured enough so I may be mistaken.
We spent some time talking before I realized I'd completely forgotten about going after that kobold chief, so I quickly excused myself to do a search of the ruins. Unfortunately I was unable to find the cowardly beast and had to return empty handed. When I returned I found Sudak was quite upset that I had gone in alone, insisting I should have taken someone to watch my back. In retrospect I realize he was quite right, though I feel in this case he was worrying over nothing. Still, it is a lesson I tend to take to heart and will follow next time. At the very least it cannot help to have someone watch my back.
As night started to fall I realized I needed to get back to Baldur's Gate to report my failure to my employer and find lodging for the night. Sudok graciously offered to escort me, and this time I accepted. He walked me all the way back to the Blade and Stars where I stayed for the night.
On the way I stopped by Maltz shop to see about getting my sword reforged as it was starting to look quite banged up. He agreed to do what he could, though it turned out to be quite expensive! Honestly, prices are much higher in the cities I think. Thankfully he says it will be finished in the morning, so I should be able to continue working.
Once at the inn I spoke with Sodok for awhile before heading to bed. I offered to buy him dinner since he was kind enough to walk me back, but he refused (and seemed quite horrified that I don't cook, perhaps I should learn). He kept looking into the fire while we talked, I think he was remembering the attack on his home. I am a bit worried perhaps that was a trauma he won't ever fully recover from.
I hope this letter finds you and the family in good health.
Love,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
So much has happened over the last few days I am not even sure where to begin. I suppose the best idea would be to start with the good news, Candlekeep has accepted me as one of their new Gate Wardens. Although I am not sure I'll fit in I feel this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. A steady income cannot hurt, and apparently there is enough time between shifts that I should be able to get other work done as well, if I am careful with my time.
The next important news is that Maltz was able to get my blade reforaged on time, however he believes the weapon may be so damaged that I would be safer buying a new one. I am not sure if he is telling the truth, many of the people of the city say his prices are too high and it may be he only wishes to make another sale. I suppose I will wait and see how things go for awhile before I make a decision.
As for the last really major news, I would ask you not share it with mother and father, but while on the road yesterday I'm afraid I took a nasty injury. I was traveling with a group and we were beset by Ogres and a Hill Giant. I do not know why but the Hill Giant focused its attention on me, and the others were so busy fighting off the Ogres they were unable to help.
I managed to slay the beast alone, thankfully, but it was a close thing. It was able to land a single good blow and I only just managed to get my shield up in time to block it. Had I failed to do so I expect I would not be writing you this letter today, as it is my whole arm went numb for over an hour and when feeling finally did return it hurt quite badly. There was a dent in my shield the size of a watermelon and my whole arm was bruised. I expect I may not have full use of my shield arm for some time, so in the future I will need to be much more cautious.
There is one last thing I wish to tell you about, although I suppose it isn't really news. Were you aware that Baldur's Gate permits orcs and half-orcs to enter the city? As well as Candlekeep (and I expect Beregost to the south)? It is simply beyond belief that they permit those animals to run through the streets unchecked. It is all I can do to keep from drawing steel and running them through where they stand, but the city laws are quite clear and I understand they are only permitted access so long as they do not cause trouble.
If I must I suppose I can tolerate the beasts, but it is a state of affairs I refuse to accept. Should I ever get a chance to have a conversation with one of the Fist's commanders I will be sure to make sure my feelings are known on this issue!
That is all for now, I suppose. I hope you and the rest remain in good health and that the keep remains secure. As soon as I am able I shall send more money.
Sincerely,
Laura
So much has happened over the last few days I am not even sure where to begin. I suppose the best idea would be to start with the good news, Candlekeep has accepted me as one of their new Gate Wardens. Although I am not sure I'll fit in I feel this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. A steady income cannot hurt, and apparently there is enough time between shifts that I should be able to get other work done as well, if I am careful with my time.
The next important news is that Maltz was able to get my blade reforaged on time, however he believes the weapon may be so damaged that I would be safer buying a new one. I am not sure if he is telling the truth, many of the people of the city say his prices are too high and it may be he only wishes to make another sale. I suppose I will wait and see how things go for awhile before I make a decision.
As for the last really major news, I would ask you not share it with mother and father, but while on the road yesterday I'm afraid I took a nasty injury. I was traveling with a group and we were beset by Ogres and a Hill Giant. I do not know why but the Hill Giant focused its attention on me, and the others were so busy fighting off the Ogres they were unable to help.
I managed to slay the beast alone, thankfully, but it was a close thing. It was able to land a single good blow and I only just managed to get my shield up in time to block it. Had I failed to do so I expect I would not be writing you this letter today, as it is my whole arm went numb for over an hour and when feeling finally did return it hurt quite badly. There was a dent in my shield the size of a watermelon and my whole arm was bruised. I expect I may not have full use of my shield arm for some time, so in the future I will need to be much more cautious.
There is one last thing I wish to tell you about, although I suppose it isn't really news. Were you aware that Baldur's Gate permits orcs and half-orcs to enter the city? As well as Candlekeep (and I expect Beregost to the south)? It is simply beyond belief that they permit those animals to run through the streets unchecked. It is all I can do to keep from drawing steel and running them through where they stand, but the city laws are quite clear and I understand they are only permitted access so long as they do not cause trouble.
If I must I suppose I can tolerate the beasts, but it is a state of affairs I refuse to accept. Should I ever get a chance to have a conversation with one of the Fist's commanders I will be sure to make sure my feelings are known on this issue!
That is all for now, I suppose. I hope you and the rest remain in good health and that the keep remains secure. As soon as I am able I shall send more money.
Sincerely,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
I've started my job guarding the entrance to Candlekeep. The job isn't quite as difficult as I thought it would be, most everyone already seems to know the rules and I only have to stop a few people. I'm still staying at the local inn as Joan hasn't yet seen about moving me into the guard barracks, but the rooms there are quite nice so I don't mind much and honestly am not in too much of a hurry to move into a bunk.
The duties are actually fairly relaxed for the most part. The worst encounter we had was having to run down an orc who tried to slip past us at the gates. I know what you are thinking, however Joan told me that we allow anyone to enter the keep as long as they follow the rules. In this case we had to make the orc drop his magical warding and put out a lantern (Candlekeep has very strict rules regarding fire).
Aside from that minor problem things went smoothly. There were several other guards standing watch with me as well as a few visitors to keep me company. I ended up telling the story Kevin is so fond of, you know the one I mean. The gate Keeper, Emrys, seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Gradually our visitors had to move on, however, and when dawn finally came my shift was finally over so I headed to Baldur's Gate to see if I could find any other work.
The roads were safer this time around, which is good because my left arm is still bothering me. It tingles unpleasantly whenever it is jarred and the bruise has turned a sickly yellow color, but it is getting easier to move so I suppose everything will be fine. I certainly don't intend to take on anything challenging while alone until after it is fully recovered.
While there was no more work in the city I did end up meeting with a mage (unfortunately his name escapes me at the moment), and holy warrior by the name of Erica. She offered to accompany us to Cloakwood Forest. While there we joined several others and I remembered there is a mining company which pays well for ore retrieved from the Cloakwood mines. We were quite lucky to have Erica there, without her I am sure I would have been in big trouble. As it is we managed to retrieve the ore and make it out again.
After selling the ore to the mining company I met up with the Erica and the rest just inside the Cloakwood Forest. We ended up heading south along the Trade Way toward Beregost and just past the the fork back to Candlekeep a traveler warned us that the road ahead was plagued with goblins riding worgs.
This warning in fact turned out to be true and we were ambushed not far from where we received the warning by a couple of worg riders. There also seemed to be a larger than normal number of shaman and those blasted sappers, so pushing our way through to Beregost was difficult but at last we made the bridge, fighting off another pair of worg riders before we warned the city of a possible attack.
The traveler who warned us about the worg riders insisted there had been six, so we headed out, now in the company of an oddly cheerful woman named Blanc among us, and located a lair of the goblins. After some more tough fighting we located the last two worg riders as they were making a report to their leader, some sort of very powerful shaman who could take the form of a giant grizzly!
Afterwards we returned to Beregost to recover and relax. Stopping by the local tavern we happened across my friend, the old hin Sudok. He was with a group that was drinking quite heavily and one of them was quite beastly, clearly looking for female company although he could barely stand, much less walk. Blanc, apparently, has a way with such creatures and managed to handle him without too much difficulty while Erica and I kept our distance.
This letter is already getting longer than I intended! I suppose more has happened than I realized, so I will stop here. I'll find time to write you again and tell you about what happened after as soon as possible.
Until then I need to go stand watch over Candlekeep's gate again.
Thinking of you always,
Laura
I've started my job guarding the entrance to Candlekeep. The job isn't quite as difficult as I thought it would be, most everyone already seems to know the rules and I only have to stop a few people. I'm still staying at the local inn as Joan hasn't yet seen about moving me into the guard barracks, but the rooms there are quite nice so I don't mind much and honestly am not in too much of a hurry to move into a bunk.
The duties are actually fairly relaxed for the most part. The worst encounter we had was having to run down an orc who tried to slip past us at the gates. I know what you are thinking, however Joan told me that we allow anyone to enter the keep as long as they follow the rules. In this case we had to make the orc drop his magical warding and put out a lantern (Candlekeep has very strict rules regarding fire).
Aside from that minor problem things went smoothly. There were several other guards standing watch with me as well as a few visitors to keep me company. I ended up telling the story Kevin is so fond of, you know the one I mean. The gate Keeper, Emrys, seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. Gradually our visitors had to move on, however, and when dawn finally came my shift was finally over so I headed to Baldur's Gate to see if I could find any other work.
The roads were safer this time around, which is good because my left arm is still bothering me. It tingles unpleasantly whenever it is jarred and the bruise has turned a sickly yellow color, but it is getting easier to move so I suppose everything will be fine. I certainly don't intend to take on anything challenging while alone until after it is fully recovered.
While there was no more work in the city I did end up meeting with a mage (unfortunately his name escapes me at the moment), and holy warrior by the name of Erica. She offered to accompany us to Cloakwood Forest. While there we joined several others and I remembered there is a mining company which pays well for ore retrieved from the Cloakwood mines. We were quite lucky to have Erica there, without her I am sure I would have been in big trouble. As it is we managed to retrieve the ore and make it out again.
After selling the ore to the mining company I met up with the Erica and the rest just inside the Cloakwood Forest. We ended up heading south along the Trade Way toward Beregost and just past the the fork back to Candlekeep a traveler warned us that the road ahead was plagued with goblins riding worgs.
This warning in fact turned out to be true and we were ambushed not far from where we received the warning by a couple of worg riders. There also seemed to be a larger than normal number of shaman and those blasted sappers, so pushing our way through to Beregost was difficult but at last we made the bridge, fighting off another pair of worg riders before we warned the city of a possible attack.
The traveler who warned us about the worg riders insisted there had been six, so we headed out, now in the company of an oddly cheerful woman named Blanc among us, and located a lair of the goblins. After some more tough fighting we located the last two worg riders as they were making a report to their leader, some sort of very powerful shaman who could take the form of a giant grizzly!
Afterwards we returned to Beregost to recover and relax. Stopping by the local tavern we happened across my friend, the old hin Sudok. He was with a group that was drinking quite heavily and one of them was quite beastly, clearly looking for female company although he could barely stand, much less walk. Blanc, apparently, has a way with such creatures and managed to handle him without too much difficulty while Erica and I kept our distance.
This letter is already getting longer than I intended! I suppose more has happened than I realized, so I will stop here. I'll find time to write you again and tell you about what happened after as soon as possible.
Until then I need to go stand watch over Candlekeep's gate again.
Thinking of you always,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
Sorry this letter is late, guard duty at Candlekeep has been keeping me busy these past few days. Nothing interesting has happened really, just the sort of things you have the guard deal with back home when things are calm. My only real project was finding someone to deliver this package.
In my last letter I believe I told you about the drunks. Well, after they had passed out (or in the case of one of them, knocked out by a fist to the head) I left along with Erica, Blanc, and Sudok. We decided to head north back to Cloakwood and adventure deeper to see what we could find.
Oh, let me tell you, that place is quite nasty. There are these HUGE spiders in there that just give me the shivers. I almost decided to leave right then, but all of my companions had bows or throwing weapons to engage them at a distance so I didn't have to get close to the creepy things. Right then I decided it would be a good idea to invest in a crossbow. I swear, I will never complain about smaller spiders again.
There were also several Druids that attacked us without even a word. This seemed odd to me because all the druids I had met before seem to be much more reasonable. Perhaps I should ask someone about it.
In any case, we managed to push past the spiders (shudder) and the druids and eventually came to a cave. Erica wanted to explore it so we all followed her inside. As you might expect the cave's passages twisted without any real sense to them, but they were wide enough for us to explore. As we continued deeper we encountered several Minotaurs! I hadn't really believed such creatures existed.
Minotaurs are tough foes. They are very strong and seem to favor great axes for weapons. Still the four of us were able to handle them without too much difficulty so we continued on deeper still. Eventually we came to a large gate and for a moment I feared we had reached some sort of Drow city or outpost, but Erica informed me it was in fact the entrance to a Minotaur maze. The statue overlooking the gate was very ominous but we pushed forward just the same.
I wouldn't say that we got lost exactly, but we kept getting turned around and ending up back at the entrance to the maze. It was really quite frustrating, as we continually ran into dead ends or paths that doubled back in confusing ways. Not to mention we started encountering more minotaurs, including a few much larger ones who I think acted as their captains or something.
After a few tough fights we finally made our way to a planning room filled with maps and a few chests. I opted to take the maps because I wish to study them if possible. We then pressed on deeper and ran into a throne room of some sort. It was there that Erica and Blanc mentioned that there is a powerful Minotaur mage that wanders the maze. I'm not sure I believe them, are Minotaurs even smart enough to use magic? Still, I suppose it is best to err on the side of caution.
By then our party was tired and so we made our way out (thankfully without much fighting). A couple days later I told Joan about the adventure and she mentioned that selling horns of Minotaurs is a good way to make money. I hadn't known that, however I did take four horns during the trip, mostly thinking they might make a good trophy for a wall.
I've decided to send you the horns (they are in the package this letter arrived with). I'm not sure what they are worth, truthfully, but perhaps you can sell them and use the gold to help with the debts. Or maybe they can be carved into some sort of ornament or Kevin might be able to use them to brew a potion for sale. I really have no idea.
Let mother and father know I am fine and I wish you all the best.
Laura
Sorry this letter is late, guard duty at Candlekeep has been keeping me busy these past few days. Nothing interesting has happened really, just the sort of things you have the guard deal with back home when things are calm. My only real project was finding someone to deliver this package.
In my last letter I believe I told you about the drunks. Well, after they had passed out (or in the case of one of them, knocked out by a fist to the head) I left along with Erica, Blanc, and Sudok. We decided to head north back to Cloakwood and adventure deeper to see what we could find.
Oh, let me tell you, that place is quite nasty. There are these HUGE spiders in there that just give me the shivers. I almost decided to leave right then, but all of my companions had bows or throwing weapons to engage them at a distance so I didn't have to get close to the creepy things. Right then I decided it would be a good idea to invest in a crossbow. I swear, I will never complain about smaller spiders again.
There were also several Druids that attacked us without even a word. This seemed odd to me because all the druids I had met before seem to be much more reasonable. Perhaps I should ask someone about it.
In any case, we managed to push past the spiders (shudder) and the druids and eventually came to a cave. Erica wanted to explore it so we all followed her inside. As you might expect the cave's passages twisted without any real sense to them, but they were wide enough for us to explore. As we continued deeper we encountered several Minotaurs! I hadn't really believed such creatures existed.
Minotaurs are tough foes. They are very strong and seem to favor great axes for weapons. Still the four of us were able to handle them without too much difficulty so we continued on deeper still. Eventually we came to a large gate and for a moment I feared we had reached some sort of Drow city or outpost, but Erica informed me it was in fact the entrance to a Minotaur maze. The statue overlooking the gate was very ominous but we pushed forward just the same.
I wouldn't say that we got lost exactly, but we kept getting turned around and ending up back at the entrance to the maze. It was really quite frustrating, as we continually ran into dead ends or paths that doubled back in confusing ways. Not to mention we started encountering more minotaurs, including a few much larger ones who I think acted as their captains or something.
After a few tough fights we finally made our way to a planning room filled with maps and a few chests. I opted to take the maps because I wish to study them if possible. We then pressed on deeper and ran into a throne room of some sort. It was there that Erica and Blanc mentioned that there is a powerful Minotaur mage that wanders the maze. I'm not sure I believe them, are Minotaurs even smart enough to use magic? Still, I suppose it is best to err on the side of caution.
By then our party was tired and so we made our way out (thankfully without much fighting). A couple days later I told Joan about the adventure and she mentioned that selling horns of Minotaurs is a good way to make money. I hadn't known that, however I did take four horns during the trip, mostly thinking they might make a good trophy for a wall.
I've decided to send you the horns (they are in the package this letter arrived with). I'm not sure what they are worth, truthfully, but perhaps you can sell them and use the gold to help with the debts. Or maybe they can be carved into some sort of ornament or Kevin might be able to use them to brew a potion for sale. I really have no idea.
Let mother and father know I am fine and I wish you all the best.
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
Nothing much to talk about this time, just trying to keep everyone back home informed about what I've been up to so you don't think I've dropped off the face of the planet like James.
These past few days I have been getting used to my duties as a Candlekeep guard, which as kept me very busy. On the plus side it has let me rest my hurt arm which is getting better faster than I could have hoped. There is still a slight sickly yellow tint to the flesh but most of the bruising has gone.
Yesterday I headed to Baldur's Gate again, once more to check for any jobs and to shop for some additional clothes. Today I got lucky and found Maltz was looking for someone to get more supplies. Maybe I can turn this into a regular way to make money?
Although I am a little more confident about my abilities to make the trip now that I know more about the dangers on the road I still decided to travel with others. This time I was able to find three who were willing to make the trip with me. The first, Aethor, is a knight-commander of the Order of the Radiant Heart. Thiago, my second companion for the trip, I had met before at Candlekeep. Then there was Uriel, a man who seemed slightly odd but has befriended a young dragon hatchling.
Once the delivery was finished I tended to a few matters in town then started out to return to Candlekeep before Joan decided to make me stand out in the rain again. On the way I ran into Ms. Shartess again. I'd been looking for her over the past few days since she loaned me a dress but started to think maybe she had gone elsewhere along the Trade Way since she is a merchant.
We spoke for awhile then she decided to accompany me back to Candlekeep. It was a pleasant enough walk even though it rained for a time. I commented that I really should find a cloak with a hood, but Selah protested and offered to get me an umbrella. I can just imagine how that would work out. I don't know why I mention it, it just seemed like a silly suggestion at the time.
At the keep we each got a drink from Winthrop. I had an apple cider, like I typically do while Selah instead favored a drink that was so complicated to make I couldn't even tell you what went in it. As we talked I started to worry about her health again, but she does seem to be better. I told her a little bit more about home and she assured me that she was trying to think of ways to help.
Tell mother and father I miss them both.
Laura
Nothing much to talk about this time, just trying to keep everyone back home informed about what I've been up to so you don't think I've dropped off the face of the planet like James.
These past few days I have been getting used to my duties as a Candlekeep guard, which as kept me very busy. On the plus side it has let me rest my hurt arm which is getting better faster than I could have hoped. There is still a slight sickly yellow tint to the flesh but most of the bruising has gone.
Yesterday I headed to Baldur's Gate again, once more to check for any jobs and to shop for some additional clothes. Today I got lucky and found Maltz was looking for someone to get more supplies. Maybe I can turn this into a regular way to make money?
Although I am a little more confident about my abilities to make the trip now that I know more about the dangers on the road I still decided to travel with others. This time I was able to find three who were willing to make the trip with me. The first, Aethor, is a knight-commander of the Order of the Radiant Heart. Thiago, my second companion for the trip, I had met before at Candlekeep. Then there was Uriel, a man who seemed slightly odd but has befriended a young dragon hatchling.
Once the delivery was finished I tended to a few matters in town then started out to return to Candlekeep before Joan decided to make me stand out in the rain again. On the way I ran into Ms. Shartess again. I'd been looking for her over the past few days since she loaned me a dress but started to think maybe she had gone elsewhere along the Trade Way since she is a merchant.
We spoke for awhile then she decided to accompany me back to Candlekeep. It was a pleasant enough walk even though it rained for a time. I commented that I really should find a cloak with a hood, but Selah protested and offered to get me an umbrella. I can just imagine how that would work out. I don't know why I mention it, it just seemed like a silly suggestion at the time.
At the keep we each got a drink from Winthrop. I had an apple cider, like I typically do while Selah instead favored a drink that was so complicated to make I couldn't even tell you what went in it. As we talked I started to worry about her health again, but she does seem to be better. I told her a little bit more about home and she assured me that she was trying to think of ways to help.
Tell mother and father I miss them both.
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
A lot has happened since my last letter. Some of it is good, some bad, and some I am not really sure about.
I suppose it would be best to start with the bad news. While exploring the Cloakwood mines with my halfling friend Sudok we encountered a pair of very large Bugbear. Although I warned him Sudok ran at them anyway and took a nasty blow that knocked him against the wall. I managed to drag him out of there, barely, even though he was out cold. I got him to the temple in Candlekeep and the monk there was able to revive him.
Even so he has a very bad limp that hasn't gone away yet. It took almost all night for him to walk from the temple to Winthrop's inn. I've arranged for him to stay there until he gets better, and petitioned Candlekeep to allow him to remain until he heals fully. Honestly I feel responsible since he wouldn't have been down there in the first place had I not asked him to accompany me. I hope that he gets better.
Some more troubling news I heard from Rhys, one of the elves that stops by sometimes. He told me about a mob that gathered outside of the temple Beregost because some moron decided it would be a good idea to bring an orc there to be healed. Apparently the temple was slightly damaged during the riots. Then as if that wasn't enough trouble some goblins showed up, apparently having heard about the orc being treated there, and also demanded healing.
For some reason the fool who brought the orc to be healed then decided that goblins weren't worth the same and said they should be attacked. WHILE THEY WERE IN THE CITY. Needless to say it sounds like some of the civilians were killed as fighting broke out, how many I do not know. If only the whole situation wasn't handled by a fool. If the orc needed to be healed they could have given him a hood to hide his features. Even though goblins are certainly worthy of death in this case they should have been sent away diplomatically to avoid putting innocents in danger. How the person who caused this escaped without being arrested I will never know.
I'm sorry, I suppose I am getting preachy. Let me move on to the good news then. Recently I was able to meet with Rente Ashall, one of the members of the Ilmater Temple in Baldur's Gate. I told him about our problems with the orc attacks last year, and of my expectation that they may resume again this year, and he agreed that the temple should be able to provide physicians should anything happen. He also suggested they may be able to send someone up soon, so please tell father so he will know to expect guests.
Rante Ashall also suggested I speak to the Order of the Radiant Heart. Honestly the possibility has occurred to me before, but I worry that perhaps father will be stubborn in that regard. You know how he can get. Still, perhaps I will take the advice. It would be better to wound father's pride than allow something horrible to happen to everyone.
Which leaves me with the odd piece of news. While sitting out in the Farmlands outside of Baldur's Gate a few nights ago an orb of light appeared. It danced around me for awhile, then floated off. I followed it along with a few others, curious about what its intentions were. After traveling a short distance it opened a portal. Foolishly I entered it with the others.
We then found ourselves on a hill surrounded by powerful undead, including a demi-lich. We were told it was a test of faith, and after praying to our gods found ourselves aided by angels. In the battle that followed I felt mostly like a spectator. Between the angles and my powerful companions I honestly didn't need to do much besides defend myself. Truthfully I am glad, though. I would have hated to face such foes alone. The whole affair has left me rather confused as I don't really understand what happened. I suppose it is a better question for a cleric.
That is all I've been up to these past days, please let everyone know I am fine still. I got your first letter just yesterday, it is a relief to know everyone is fine and that this year's crop is coming along well. I hope to hear from you again soon.
Until next time,
Laura
A lot has happened since my last letter. Some of it is good, some bad, and some I am not really sure about.
I suppose it would be best to start with the bad news. While exploring the Cloakwood mines with my halfling friend Sudok we encountered a pair of very large Bugbear. Although I warned him Sudok ran at them anyway and took a nasty blow that knocked him against the wall. I managed to drag him out of there, barely, even though he was out cold. I got him to the temple in Candlekeep and the monk there was able to revive him.
Even so he has a very bad limp that hasn't gone away yet. It took almost all night for him to walk from the temple to Winthrop's inn. I've arranged for him to stay there until he gets better, and petitioned Candlekeep to allow him to remain until he heals fully. Honestly I feel responsible since he wouldn't have been down there in the first place had I not asked him to accompany me. I hope that he gets better.
Some more troubling news I heard from Rhys, one of the elves that stops by sometimes. He told me about a mob that gathered outside of the temple Beregost because some moron decided it would be a good idea to bring an orc there to be healed. Apparently the temple was slightly damaged during the riots. Then as if that wasn't enough trouble some goblins showed up, apparently having heard about the orc being treated there, and also demanded healing.
For some reason the fool who brought the orc to be healed then decided that goblins weren't worth the same and said they should be attacked. WHILE THEY WERE IN THE CITY. Needless to say it sounds like some of the civilians were killed as fighting broke out, how many I do not know. If only the whole situation wasn't handled by a fool. If the orc needed to be healed they could have given him a hood to hide his features. Even though goblins are certainly worthy of death in this case they should have been sent away diplomatically to avoid putting innocents in danger. How the person who caused this escaped without being arrested I will never know.
I'm sorry, I suppose I am getting preachy. Let me move on to the good news then. Recently I was able to meet with Rente Ashall, one of the members of the Ilmater Temple in Baldur's Gate. I told him about our problems with the orc attacks last year, and of my expectation that they may resume again this year, and he agreed that the temple should be able to provide physicians should anything happen. He also suggested they may be able to send someone up soon, so please tell father so he will know to expect guests.
Rante Ashall also suggested I speak to the Order of the Radiant Heart. Honestly the possibility has occurred to me before, but I worry that perhaps father will be stubborn in that regard. You know how he can get. Still, perhaps I will take the advice. It would be better to wound father's pride than allow something horrible to happen to everyone.
Which leaves me with the odd piece of news. While sitting out in the Farmlands outside of Baldur's Gate a few nights ago an orb of light appeared. It danced around me for awhile, then floated off. I followed it along with a few others, curious about what its intentions were. After traveling a short distance it opened a portal. Foolishly I entered it with the others.
We then found ourselves on a hill surrounded by powerful undead, including a demi-lich. We were told it was a test of faith, and after praying to our gods found ourselves aided by angels. In the battle that followed I felt mostly like a spectator. Between the angles and my powerful companions I honestly didn't need to do much besides defend myself. Truthfully I am glad, though. I would have hated to face such foes alone. The whole affair has left me rather confused as I don't really understand what happened. I suppose it is a better question for a cleric.
That is all I've been up to these past days, please let everyone know I am fine still. I got your first letter just yesterday, it is a relief to know everyone is fine and that this year's crop is coming along well. I hope to hear from you again soon.
Until next time,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
I am starting to wonder if maybe strange things are the norm around here because everyone around me is insane.
Let me explain. I arrived back at Candlekeep from a visit to Baldur's Gate today and saw a burning horse carcass outside the keep walls. Obviously this was very troubling, so I hurried inside to make sure nothing was wrong. Upon finding everything else in order I started gathering supplies to clean up the mess, figuring it would probably disturb guests as much as it had myself.
Just as I was about to get started a fire genasi by the name of Sammaster appeared and started making offers to get rid of the carcass. His promises were vague enough that I was alerted to danger and refused his offers for assistance even after he informed me the carcass was burning with hellfire. He had a crazy laugh and seemed to be at least slightly unhinged. The last thing I needed was to upset a borderline insane mage of great power so I politely refused his help and tried to get aid from the First Reader, and when he proved unavailable turned to Rhys who also was preoccupied.
By the time I returned to the front gate one of the bystanders, a troublemaker named Faberge, had dumped water onto the hellfire making the blaze much worse. I only just got out of the way of the spreading flames. With the situation getting much worse and no real way to extinguish the flames on my own I was ultimately forced to accept the mage's aid in extinguishing the fire, and ordered Faberge to carry out a service in repayment to make up for the trouble he caused.
At this point I thought I could perhaps relax, but one of the visitors started making a fuss, insisting that Sammaster was a lich. A serious charge to be sure, but as far as I could tell this was definitely not the case and the visitor had no evidence to support his claim. Realizing such wild charges would likely frighten and upset guests to the keep I asked the man to stop, and when he refused I got some more guards to help me expel him from the keep.
Faberge then returned from his task (retrieving the ominously named "Nether Tome" from the trolls) and delivered it to Gorion as he'd been asked. I then told him he should avoid the keep until I'd spoken with Joan to see if he would be barred for his actions.
Later that day Rhys ran into me in quite a panic. Apparently he'd heard about the whole affair and suddenly worried for my safety. I assured him I was fine, and we spoke for awhile where he told me that apparently the Weave Masters seem to have been corrupted by several members. This was shocking news for me as I'd been previously assured they were a group I could trust. I suppose I will have to be a bit more careful in my dealings with them. I hope Nerbert isn't one of the corrupted members.
Things are settling down now again, thankfully. Hopefully my next watch won't be as eventful. Well, I can always hope anyway.
Thinking of all of you,
Laura
I am starting to wonder if maybe strange things are the norm around here because everyone around me is insane.
Let me explain. I arrived back at Candlekeep from a visit to Baldur's Gate today and saw a burning horse carcass outside the keep walls. Obviously this was very troubling, so I hurried inside to make sure nothing was wrong. Upon finding everything else in order I started gathering supplies to clean up the mess, figuring it would probably disturb guests as much as it had myself.
Just as I was about to get started a fire genasi by the name of Sammaster appeared and started making offers to get rid of the carcass. His promises were vague enough that I was alerted to danger and refused his offers for assistance even after he informed me the carcass was burning with hellfire. He had a crazy laugh and seemed to be at least slightly unhinged. The last thing I needed was to upset a borderline insane mage of great power so I politely refused his help and tried to get aid from the First Reader, and when he proved unavailable turned to Rhys who also was preoccupied.
By the time I returned to the front gate one of the bystanders, a troublemaker named Faberge, had dumped water onto the hellfire making the blaze much worse. I only just got out of the way of the spreading flames. With the situation getting much worse and no real way to extinguish the flames on my own I was ultimately forced to accept the mage's aid in extinguishing the fire, and ordered Faberge to carry out a service in repayment to make up for the trouble he caused.
At this point I thought I could perhaps relax, but one of the visitors started making a fuss, insisting that Sammaster was a lich. A serious charge to be sure, but as far as I could tell this was definitely not the case and the visitor had no evidence to support his claim. Realizing such wild charges would likely frighten and upset guests to the keep I asked the man to stop, and when he refused I got some more guards to help me expel him from the keep.
Faberge then returned from his task (retrieving the ominously named "Nether Tome" from the trolls) and delivered it to Gorion as he'd been asked. I then told him he should avoid the keep until I'd spoken with Joan to see if he would be barred for his actions.
Later that day Rhys ran into me in quite a panic. Apparently he'd heard about the whole affair and suddenly worried for my safety. I assured him I was fine, and we spoke for awhile where he told me that apparently the Weave Masters seem to have been corrupted by several members. This was shocking news for me as I'd been previously assured they were a group I could trust. I suppose I will have to be a bit more careful in my dealings with them. I hope Nerbert isn't one of the corrupted members.
Things are settling down now again, thankfully. Hopefully my next watch won't be as eventful. Well, I can always hope anyway.
Thinking of all of you,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
Not much has happened, lately, but thankfully all of it has been good. The best news is that Sudok seems to be getting better. His leg is still stiff, but he is able to walk and is getting around much better. I'm sure he'll recover almost completely. He's also starting to get back to his firey self, so maybe if he doesn't over do things he'll be healed up sooner than I dared hope.
I also managed to buy a better set of armor, which is quite fortunate as my last set was proving less resilient then I'd hoped. The cleric I'd met previously, Erica, had a spare and gave me a very good deal on it. Of course I had to get it fitted still, but that proved to not take too long. I also decided to sell my old armor to Candlekeep since the guard always needs more.
Recently I also received a letter from Rente Ashall, the member of the local Ilmater Temple. He told me he's taken the liberty of contacting the Radiant Heart on my behalf. Hopefully this will mean several battle clerics and knights will be available to help if orc problems spring up once more.
I'm sending the money I have to spare. I know it isn't that much but hopefully it will help.
I hope everything is going well,
Laura
Not much has happened, lately, but thankfully all of it has been good. The best news is that Sudok seems to be getting better. His leg is still stiff, but he is able to walk and is getting around much better. I'm sure he'll recover almost completely. He's also starting to get back to his firey self, so maybe if he doesn't over do things he'll be healed up sooner than I dared hope.
I also managed to buy a better set of armor, which is quite fortunate as my last set was proving less resilient then I'd hoped. The cleric I'd met previously, Erica, had a spare and gave me a very good deal on it. Of course I had to get it fitted still, but that proved to not take too long. I also decided to sell my old armor to Candlekeep since the guard always needs more.
Recently I also received a letter from Rente Ashall, the member of the local Ilmater Temple. He told me he's taken the liberty of contacting the Radiant Heart on my behalf. Hopefully this will mean several battle clerics and knights will be available to help if orc problems spring up once more.
I'm sending the money I have to spare. I know it isn't that much but hopefully it will help.
I hope everything is going well,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
Sorry for taking so long to write back but my duties at the keep have kept me a bit busy lately. Could you please thank mother for sending my cloak? I'll be sure to keep it with me so I always have something to remind me of home.
I am also glad to hear that Kevin was able to find a way to make a potion using the minotaur horns. I'm not exactly sure what a caloric shield is, but if he thinks dragon slayers would be interested I am sure it will be able to bring in some money. Let him know I will try to secure more horns when I get the chance.
As for myself, I have kept busy. The only real thing of note, however, was my recent meeting with the Order of the Radiant Heart earlier this week. I figured since Rente, the follower of Ilmater I told you about before, had contacted them on my behalf I should at least speak to them myself to explain the situation.
I'm sure you can guess that they wanted to send some soldiers over right away, however when I explained father's stubborn attitude about receiving help they seemed to understand after a fashion. We talked for some time to come up with a plan and eventually settled upon the simple reality that it would simply be best to wait until word of help was received before sending anyone to help fight. They aren't happy about it, truth be told neither am I, but you know how father gets when it comes to his pride and independence. I simply cannot see how he would accept their help otherwise.
The main reason I am writing actually has to do with that meeting. You and I both know father won't ask for help until it is too late, so I have a request for you. If you think the orcs are becoming too difficult to handle with the men you have please send a letter to me and to the Order of the Radiant Heart in Baldur's Gate. Don't let father know you are doing it either, if he gets upset when I arrive with the paladins to help fight off the orcs I will take the blame for it, I would just rather bruise his pride than sit idle while all of you are at risk.
You might also want to send a letter to the Shrine of Ilmater. They have already agreed to provide physicians to treat the wounded, as you know, and I cannot see father objecting to that sort of help.
I'll write again as soon as I have anything else to tell you about. Please give everyone my love.
As ever,
Laura
Sorry for taking so long to write back but my duties at the keep have kept me a bit busy lately. Could you please thank mother for sending my cloak? I'll be sure to keep it with me so I always have something to remind me of home.
I am also glad to hear that Kevin was able to find a way to make a potion using the minotaur horns. I'm not exactly sure what a caloric shield is, but if he thinks dragon slayers would be interested I am sure it will be able to bring in some money. Let him know I will try to secure more horns when I get the chance.
As for myself, I have kept busy. The only real thing of note, however, was my recent meeting with the Order of the Radiant Heart earlier this week. I figured since Rente, the follower of Ilmater I told you about before, had contacted them on my behalf I should at least speak to them myself to explain the situation.
I'm sure you can guess that they wanted to send some soldiers over right away, however when I explained father's stubborn attitude about receiving help they seemed to understand after a fashion. We talked for some time to come up with a plan and eventually settled upon the simple reality that it would simply be best to wait until word of help was received before sending anyone to help fight. They aren't happy about it, truth be told neither am I, but you know how father gets when it comes to his pride and independence. I simply cannot see how he would accept their help otherwise.
The main reason I am writing actually has to do with that meeting. You and I both know father won't ask for help until it is too late, so I have a request for you. If you think the orcs are becoming too difficult to handle with the men you have please send a letter to me and to the Order of the Radiant Heart in Baldur's Gate. Don't let father know you are doing it either, if he gets upset when I arrive with the paladins to help fight off the orcs I will take the blame for it, I would just rather bruise his pride than sit idle while all of you are at risk.
You might also want to send a letter to the Shrine of Ilmater. They have already agreed to provide physicians to treat the wounded, as you know, and I cannot see father objecting to that sort of help.
I'll write again as soon as I have anything else to tell you about. Please give everyone my love.
As ever,
Laura
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Blu C Fox
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:25 pm
Re: Letters Home
Dear Christian,
I decided to write today because Sudok has finally recovered enough to leave Candlekeep. This is wonderful news, and though he still has a bit of a limp he is much more like his old self which has relieved me a great deal.
Guard duty continues to be dull, which is good, but I am continually bored. In my free time I sometimes head to Baldur's Gate to see if there is any work. I've taken to keeping an eye out for fallen travelers during my trips as quite a few people tend to run into trouble on the road ever since the Fist presence along the roads appears to be weaker than might be hoped.
Most of the time there is nothing that can be done for the dead, but sometimes I come to someone who can still be raised. A lot of people offer to pay for the raising, however I try to turn them down and generally donate any money they do make me take to the the Ilmater or Oghma temple, depending on where I am at the time. I suppose I consider it a service rendered by Candlekeep. It would be nice if we had enough guards at the keep to at least secure the Lions Way.
So far I've only managed to raise 3 people. I expect that number will grow with time, however. Things are unfortunately quite dangerous right now, with bandits on the Trade Way in addition to doppelgangers, worg riders, gnolls, cultists, ogres, and hill giants. Honestly it is amazing that the trade way remains open at all with all the dangers someone could encounter.
I hope you and the rest are still safe. Haven't gotten a letter from you in awhile. I look forward to the next one.
Love,
Laura
I decided to write today because Sudok has finally recovered enough to leave Candlekeep. This is wonderful news, and though he still has a bit of a limp he is much more like his old self which has relieved me a great deal.
Guard duty continues to be dull, which is good, but I am continually bored. In my free time I sometimes head to Baldur's Gate to see if there is any work. I've taken to keeping an eye out for fallen travelers during my trips as quite a few people tend to run into trouble on the road ever since the Fist presence along the roads appears to be weaker than might be hoped.
Most of the time there is nothing that can be done for the dead, but sometimes I come to someone who can still be raised. A lot of people offer to pay for the raising, however I try to turn them down and generally donate any money they do make me take to the the Ilmater or Oghma temple, depending on where I am at the time. I suppose I consider it a service rendered by Candlekeep. It would be nice if we had enough guards at the keep to at least secure the Lions Way.
So far I've only managed to raise 3 people. I expect that number will grow with time, however. Things are unfortunately quite dangerous right now, with bandits on the Trade Way in addition to doppelgangers, worg riders, gnolls, cultists, ogres, and hill giants. Honestly it is amazing that the trade way remains open at all with all the dangers someone could encounter.
I hope you and the rest are still safe. Haven't gotten a letter from you in awhile. I look forward to the next one.
Love,
Laura