The Journal of Aiden McBride.....

[blessedone]

Aiden McBride

Aiden was born just on the outskirts of Ashabenford on his family’s farm in the year 1334 in the month of Mirtul. He was five years old when hard times hit the family and they lost the farm and decided to relocate to have a fresh start on life. They gathered what little they had left and joined a merchant caravan in route to Tilverton and from there in route to Cormyr. Sadly the caravan never made it that far and was waylaid by a band of Orc and Goblins that had come down from the Thunder Peak Mountain range in Tilvers Gap. The few hired hands that were with the caravan fought off several of the raiding party, but, could not hold them all off. Several of the caravan’s travelers were killed and among them were Aiden’s mother and father. When all had settled down and the raiding party dispersed themselves back into the mountains, only a few survived. One of them was a crusty old dwarf by the name of Valborg.

Valborg found Aiden hiding under the ruins of one of the carriages and nestled as close as he could get to the dead horse that drove the carriage. He pulled the small boy from the rubble and Aiden’s bright red hair and fare skin was covered in mud and his green eyes were filled with tears. Valborg began to help him look for his parents only to find them slaughtered by the Orc. The few humans that remained refused to take the boy for they each had their own problems to deal with now. Valborg saw few other choices and took Aiden under his wing for the moment. They buried Aiden’s parents in Tilvers Pass and made their way to Tilverton. While in Tilverton, Valborg was gathering supplies for what appeared to be a much longer trip and all the while trying to find someone to take young Aiden. Alas, he found the same results that he did in the pass that day. Valborg finally decided to go ahead and leave young Aiden in Tilverton at the Inn, hoping that someone would finally take the boy in and headed North West to the foothills of the Desertsmouth Mountains. Little did he know, young Aiden followed him for the ten mile trip. Valborg discovered this once he reached a small camp outside of an opening into the mountains. Fortunately for Aiden, those Dwarves took him under their wing and raised him up in a Dwarven manner as one of their own.

Aiden learned the ways of the tunnels, the brewing of Ale and how to handle himself in a fight. Aiden spent many years with the small clan as they searched for an ancient dwarven kingdom in those mountains by the name of Tethyamar. Legend had it that the Kingdom once occupied those very mountains but fell to wicked forces hundreds of years before. Frequent trips to Tilverton for supplies helped Aiden to make human friends. One of those friends was Cecil Lumberton. He was a follower of Helm. Aiden did not know much about religion and did not know of the Deity Helm until he met Cecil and Aiden was intrigued by such as the notion that there was a whole group of followers of a Deity whose only purpose was to protect the weak and stand as a guard against evil.

Aiden began to make more frequent trips to Tilverton on his own to study with Cecil and learn more of the ways of Helm and his followers. Through the years of meeting with Aiden, Cecil learned of the search by the dwarves to find this lost Kingdom and suggested that they seek out Candlekeep. Valborg talked it over with the clan and even though they were stubborn and prideful and were sure they did not need the help, Valborg volunteered on his own to go to Candlekeep to search for possible answers to this lost Kingdom. The clan decided that since this was not the decision of the clan but the actions of one, they agreed to accept the offer of his volunteering. So, he and Aiden and Cecil set out for the Sword Coast in search of Candlekeep. They made their way to Cormyr and across the Stormhorns and into Iriaebor. From there they followed the river to Berdusk and then had to decide which route to take from there. Aiden and Cecil decided that they should follow the river to aid in keeping them from getting lost along the way and once they arrived in Scornubel, they could stay on the Southern edge of the River Chionthar and travel West to make their way to Baldur’s Gate and from there to Candlekeep. Valborg wanted to get the trip over with and it is hard to argue with a dwarf, and so, they took his route.

They traveled Southwest along the Uldoon Trail to Greenest to eventually get to Nashkel near the base of the Cloud Peak Mountains and then take the Trade Way North to Beregost and then to Candlekeep. Alas, they did not make it that far. They strayed off of the main trail and into the foothills of the Cloud Peaks. Valborg, stubborn as ever, insisted that they were on the right trail and that the town of Nashkel was in these foothills. He could not have been more wrong. The skies were beginning to turn a beautiful reddish orange as the sun made it’s way into the horizon and they decided to set camp since they had not found this town yet. Cecil was not happy about setting camp in these foothills not knowing the reputation of these mountains and the area. Valborg did not seem to be worried and went for a quick hunt. He returned not long after with a fresh kill. They lit the campfires and cooked the meat, but, Cecil could not relax. He had a bad feeling about these foothills and for good reason. That fire had attracted the unwanted attention of what seemed to be a horde of goblin’s. It seemed as if the area around them came alive with the rushing of goblins and the sounds of arrows swooshing by their heads! The fight was on and during the chaos of the battle, Aiden became separated from the other two. During the moving around, positioning and fighting, the group became spread out and separated badly. Once the fighting was over, Aiden searched the area for Valborg and Cecil but only became more lost in the night. Finally, he decided to find a location to get some much needed sleep and try to tend to his wounds.

Aiden woke in the morning to make his way back out of the foothills and eventually found the small town of Nashkel. He did not find Cecil or Valborg there and the townsfolk knew nothing of a dwarf and human coming through last night. So, Aiden decided to make his way to Beregost. Along the way, he talked with some traveling merchants and was told that they saw a dwarf and human traveling together and looked to be heading towards Baldur’s Gate. Excited, Aiden made his way there with all haste only to find that there were indeed human’s and dwarf’s traveling together, but, not the two he was looking for. No coin in his purse and an empty stomach, Aiden looks for some small job to earn some coin and re-supply himself to search for his lost friends……

[blessedone]

It has been 3 days now and no sign of Valborg nor Cecil. I fear the worse for them. Coin in my purse is non-existent and I need supplies now in order to go back to Nashkel and search those foothills. I was a fool to come this far! My prayers to Helm are constant that he guide me in this search. I thought I would have found them by now. Did they fear me dead as well and go on to Candlekeep or are they still back there searching for me? I have to look within myself now and wonder my reason for continuing on the journey to Baldur’s Gate. I do not feel so brave at this moment. I feel as if I have abandoned them when they might have needed me the most. I am here in Baldur’s Gate and was looking for supplies to return to Nashkel when I discovered a job by accident. A day or so ago a farmer South of the Gate was telling me of a problem with wolves along the Trade Way and said that he would pay me for their hides. I did notice a large number of them on the way here, but just avoided them. This is a good start for some coin and to get moving along my way. It took some time to get used to hunting them and ruined several of the hides before I was able to get some for sell. During this time, I found a couple of caves and an entrance to some old ruins on top of a hill not far from the gate. I did not venture into these ruins or the caves for I have more pressing issues to deal with at the moment and they showed no sign of activity that I could see……

[blessedone]

It seems as if there is more going on around here than one would think upon first glance. I have come to know the old farmer by his name of Jorn now. He seems a simple man and does not talk much. I hope I have aided to free him from much of his fear of the wolves in the area. Their numbers will never thin, but, perhaps he can have more peace of mind now knowing that they are hunted regularly and that his livestock are better guarded now. I have met some others here who always seem to be in a rush to go somewhere. There is a hustle and bustle here that I have never seen in and around a city. Perhaps for good reason as well. No one lingers long along the Trade Way and I have found out part of the reason why this may be. The caves that I had seen on a tenday or so ago, are apparently the base of operations for bandits along the road. They are a vile bunch who have dwarfs in their ranks! This is not the worse of the news though, I have heard tale of Drow attacks upon the city itself. This took place not long before my arrival. I do not know if the Drow arrived through these caves or not, but, I plan to investigate further when I return from Nashkel. Although, I now wonder what it is that is going on around here and surely fear for Valborg and Cecil more than ever. For now, I have earned enough coin to travel back to Nashkel and search for Valborg and Cecil more and will leave as soon as I can. I only hope that my fears are not true.

[blessedone]

Cold has set in and I have felt the strong winds during my travel back to Nashkel. The journey went smooth enough other than an encounter with some strange dog-faced like beasts South of Baldur’s Gate along the Trade Way as well as Ogre’s having been seen. I do not know what is going on in that area, but, it cannot be good. The merchant caravan’s and the citizen’s surely travel in fear!
I have finally made my way to Nashkel and have spent a month or so in search of my friends. I have learned from the Inn keeper here in town, that, the two of them had come into town only 2 days after I did! The old man described them well and so I now know that they are alive! Praise be to Helm for this! I am now feeling relief at this news, although I feel a fool for not checking with the locals first and feel a coward for leaving them in those foothills like that. This does not sit well with me. The Inn keeper said that they were reluctant to leave thinking I was still in those foothills and it sickens me to think they risked their lives like that for me while I traveled to Baldur’s Gate. Still, they are alive and I cannot help but feel happy about that. I shall travel back North along the Trade Way and set my path for Candlekeep!

[blessedone]

Perhaps it is the will of Helm that I be in Baldur‘s Gate and begin those investigations for that is where my friends now travel to, Baldur‘s Gate. I have arrived to Candlekeep only to find that both Valborg and Cecil have been there already and that I am nearly a tenday behind them. I do look forward to seeing Valborg and Cecil again knowing that they are safe after that night in those foothills. My feelings of guilt are no less than they were a month ago and my prayers to Helm for forgiveness aid in my thoughts and I wish to prove to him that my actions were not out of fear, but, a bad choice on my part. Fear, was it fear that drove me to Baldur’s Gate? I do not like to think that it was fear that drove me so far from those foothills, but if this is the case, then, why did I now go to Candlekeep and wait for them there? Either way, I shall make all haste to Baldur’s Gate at first light and search the city over and the lands around to find them. They are the only family I know and have and do not wish to loose them as I lost my parents so many years ago. I will not stop until I find them!

[blessedone]

I have been in the area of Baldur’s Gate for some time now with no signs of Valborg and Cecil. I do not know what to do other than stand still for a moment. I need some time to re-group my thoughts and actions. Helm has guided me thus far, but, for now, I am lost. I feel torn now between the discoveries I have found here in the area and returning to Tilverton. What I have discovered in this area is something not to be taken lightly and it calls for action, though the course of action is to be weighed upon. During my searching of the area surrounding Baldur’s Gate, I have heard tales of bandits not far from the city gate and I had caught wind of people telling tales of the walking dead within those ruins.

So, I decided to check out the ruins thinking that it was just folklore of the area and that it might be where these bandits where living and using it to their advantage to keep unwanted people away. Upon arrival, I did feel a sense of heaviness in the area of that entrance. I did not get this close when I first saw it and did not feel this. I waited until dawn and knelt facing the East and began my morning rite to Helm. Upon completion I put on my armor and raised shield and hammer to begin my look around. The entrance gate was as sturdy as the day it was built and only sent a slight grinding noise into the darkness below. I could not see once I was past the entrance way and the light of day had no more influence below.

I asked that Helm light my way and thus he did. A divine light was raised above my head and what I saw around me was not for the best of situations! There before me stood the bones of the dead! Baring a weapon and old, rusted looking armor, but, as alive as I was standing there looking at it! It felt as if those flaming red eyes bore right into my very soul to take a look at who I was. Anger swelled up inside of me, for, this was against everything that Cecil had shown to me and against everything that Helm stood for! The animated bones rushed right for me to attack, but, it ran into something with more of a fight than any citizen who stumbled upon those ruins!

Helm guided my hammer with great strength and I felt a strong sense of duty to lay this foul thing to rest once again! It did not take long until the bones lay crumbled upon the stone floor of the ruins. I splashed a vile of Holy water upon the remains and ask Helm that they be allowed to rest once again. I then began to look around some more only to find that the animated bones were not all that walked in the dark of those ruins. I encountered one with some flesh still upon the bones and the smell was wretched indeed! It was near, what appeared to be, a great altar circle and it moved slower than did the bones, but, it was much more tough. The bones fell quickly to the swing of that hammer, but, these flesh covered ones did not. It was like hitting a practice dummy that just took the beating and stayed upright! Upon each swing, only the flesh would tear some or fall from the bone and the foul thing would let out a moan as if it felt the pain, though, I do not believe that it did.

Finally the thing did fall back to the ground and I splashed some Holy water upon it as well and asked Helm that this poor soul be allowed to rest once again. I did not venture any further into those ruins for, it was apparent that wickedness was afoot here and I was needing more Holy water. Now that I know what is happening here in this area, I am torn between finding my friends and staying here to protect these poor people like Jorn who live in fear because of the events in and around this Baldur’s Gate. The guard do not venture forth from the city Gates and there is no-one here to aid those who need it upon the Trade Way while the dead walk and bandits freely attack the citizens of Baldur’s Gate. These ruins are an abomination and should be cleansed! I think that, for now, I shall stay here and pray to Helm for guidance in what my choice should be…….

[blessedone]

Helm’s guidance has brought me to my choice in what course of action to take. It has been some time since I last made an entry into this journal and so, I shall bring it up to date. Over the last two tenday or so, I have been looking into this problem with the undead. I have since found no source to where they are coming from and now think that perhaps it is an outside force that is coming into the ruins and performing wicked rites to bring them back to an animated state because every time I enter that place, they walk again. One of which I know I laid to rest the day before! The sinister one behind this will be discovered soon I feel, because I frequent this place too often not to run into them face to face. I have also sent a letter to the head of the Holy Order of Helm there in the city to let him know of this problem and, if it is Helm’s will, to become a member of their ranks. As for the bandits along the Trade Way, well, they too are a problem, but, I do not believe they will be so open about their attacks on the Trade Way so close to the gate now! I went to the cave to speak with their leader should he or she be there, but, they were not having that at all. I fought a few of them within the cave, but, there were not many in there and I thought that perhaps they were out on the Trade Way spreading fear for traveler’s. So, I left the cave to search the area of the Trade Way but did not find humans along the route. Instead I found some strange dog-faced like beasts roaming the night. They attacked me on site! This was not the worse of it though, as I traveled even further South, I observed an Ogre! I returned to the city to get a nights worth of sleep until dawn again so that I could renew my efforts against the ruins and perhaps those bandits again……

[blessedone]

Only five days have passed and it seems as if an eternity has gone by. I met a beautiful lady today who calls herself Amber. Her beauty was unlike any I had ever seen before! There was a sense of awe in her presence that I cannot describe. When she moved, it was as if magick itself was all around her. I spoke with her about why I had come to Baldur’s Gate and to make general conversation, but, I almost felt as if I could not speak around her. I felt a fool! Another one I met was a green skinned fellow who called himself, “One Who Walks.” Now that is no name for a person! He said it was tattoo’s upon his body that gave it the green hue, although, I thought he might have been one of those half-orc I hear tale of. He asked me a question that has since been bothering me. He asked how strong the guard was within the city and if there were many in numbers. I told him that the guard was strong enough and then asked why he inquired of such knowledge, he only said that he wanted to hunt within the city itself! I do not know if this was a joke at my expense or not, but, did not want to take a chance that it was not. I told him that should he decide to hunt within those walls, the guards would indeed have fun with him and he just smiled and said, “No, I believe it is I who would have fun with them.” as some sort of magical lightening jumped between his fingertips! I immediately began to ask around about who this one was and Amber said that he was a wicked Druid. Not much is known of him or his intentions and I have not seen him since. I will report this to the Flaming Fist at first chance I get……

[blessedone]

The people here are indeed different than most I have met in my travels. I met two Elves along the Trade Way South of Baldur’s Gate. One carried a bow and the other was armed with nothing but his fists. We decided that it was safer to join forces and deal with the problem of the Ogres together. We did this and while dealing with these Ogres we met another person along the trade route. I cannot remember his name, but, he was a massive fellow! I believe they said his surname was Bonebreaker, but, I cannot remember for sure.

We returned to dealing with these Ogres to keep them from coming to the roadway, when, the group became a bit split up in the chaos. This did not sit well with me at all. It was as if I was teleported to the night in those foothills when I became separated from Valborg and Cecil! That in turn made me think of them more. I have since sent word to Tilverton that I am alive and well and told them my location and the reason for not having returned as of yet. Still, I do miss them so. Perhaps I will make a trip back to Tilverton before the Summer Solstice. The cause of most of the chaos was not the fighting, but, that wild elf running around laughing like a mad man and attacking without abandon! He had no disipline at all in his tactics of fighting. It was random and wild!

Somehow, we three ended up heading into the Cloakwood. During the course of fighting, the very large fellow left the group and headed South along the Trade Way with others. I cannot say that I blame him for his actions, because I should have left as well to let the wild elf kill himself in his wild abandon. Still, I felt as if it was my duty to aid in guarding the two of them on this journey, besides, I had not been into the woods for my pre-occupation of the Ruins and Bandits. The three of us traveled into the woods and it was not long that we found ourselves under attack by walking lizards and soon after, once we went deeper into the woods, we found bull-like men who had the strength of ten men! We nearly lost our lives in the deeper part of that forest. I decided it was time to leave this wild elf to himself before he got us all killed! He asked if I feared death, but from a distance of course. I told him that I did not fear an honorable death, but, what was happening here was madness. The bow carrying Elf agreed with me and the two of us left the mad monk there on his own.

I do not know what was the matter with that one. He seemed to be sick in the head for some reason. I retuned to the city to better care for my wounds and now I think I will have a scar on my arm from that bull thing. He nearly shattered my shield with just one blow! I had to replace that shield and mend my armor on my fore-arm area. On another note, I was told by one the secret to the flesh bearing undead. They gave me advise and said to use a slashing type weapon. It did indeed work much better than the hammer did! I now have a battle axe and a hammer for the foes within the darkness of those ruins and plan to return again to investigate deeper into the ruins because I found a door deep within that appeared to lead to a lower part. I did not venture forth that day because I was already very tired and needing to tend to my wounds.

It seems that every one I speak with about cleansing the area just say, “Good luck cleansing that area” and not much more. Do they lack such faith? Do they know something more than I at this point? I do not know, but plan to find out.

[blessedone]

It has been two tenday since my letter to the Holy Order and I have had no reply. I understand that they are busy with other matters, so, I shall take up the banner of investigation into the situation with the undead. I have visited the Temple on several occasions and I have never seen anyone within its walls. This is the largest Temple of Helm that I have been in and the statue of Helm they have is a wonderful display! I knelt before it to pray and ask for strength and guidance and to give thanks for the many blessings in my life and truly I can feel his presence upon me. His blessing was of guardianship upon me and a strong sense of peace. I have asked that he show me the path upon which I am to take with the Holy Order and trying to become a member of it’s ranks. It seems that I will need to have patience until the moment is right. My arm has healed up nicely with only a small scar where the wood split into my fore-arm. I am fortunate that the beast did not completely break my arm in two. I looked upon that shield for a coule of days after the incident to remind me of my purpose as a follower of Helm. I need not stray from the duties at hand and galavant off into the sunset for no reason’s at all. This, perhaps, was my lesson learned from being in those woods. My duties are of guardianship and protection of the weak as well as a call to arms against powerful enemies, such as those Drow, who would encroach upon the city. I again give thanks to Helm for allowing me to live that day.

I have since learned that those bull things are called Minotaur and the dog-faced beasts are called Gnolls and the lizard things are simply Lizard folk. The Gnolls and the Ogre are what bother me more than the Minotaur, for, they are the ones on the Trade Way attacking traveler’s at random. The Minotaur and Lizard Folk are simply in a deep part of the woods for now and do not seem to pose any threat to the city at the moment and have not shown agression upon the trade routes in the area. I am planning on gathering some of these adventurer’s running around the city together to go and to cleanse those Ruins and attempt to re-locate those bandits. They are the two problems closer to the city than any other, then, next will be those Gnolls and Ogres. From here on out, I ask Helm for his guidance first before I make a choice on matters that do not call for immediate and obvious action. I feel that he has forgiven me my mistakes, now, I must move on and rely more on my faith now, more than ever before. These people are in need of peace and protection especially since the Drow have indeed decided to take notice to this city…….

[blessedone]

Drow. I have heard Valborg and the other Dwarves speak of these things while living in the foothills of the Desertmouth Mountains. They call them the dark Elves of the underground. Wicked beings that are dangerous. I have never seen one, but, they make their mark upon the city of Baldur's Gate. Upon rising and heading out towards the Gate, there before me was a gruesome site to behold! The bodies of, what appeared to be, militia men, lying in a circle just inside of the Gate! Slaughtered! I knelt near them, confused and angered. I kept thinking how this could happen...



I was lost in thought when I heard the heavy footsteps of someone approaching the Gate and looked up to see an armor clad soldier bearing sword and shield. I asked him if he knew of the events that took place and why the bodies where here. He said that there was a Drow. A Drow that was powerful, like a foul knight. We discussed the event and he said that the bodies were those of some of the local militia. His name was Henry McDuggle. He said that he was a hired hand in the Flaming Fist and that he was a follower of Helm as well! He seemed to be alright, but, had an accent that I almost could not understand. There are so many different people here, it is like a large pool and a variety of races and types of people have been placed into it!

Well, I asked him if he knew where all the Priests where in the Temple. He just laughed and told me that they were indeed out and about fighting in the fields as I had suspected. We then talked about the Temple of Helm and it’s Holy Order. There is good news! I have been accepted into the Order as an Initiate! This is both a day of rejoice and one of thought. I rejoice for my good fortune and having run into McDuggle, but, also a day of thought with the recent events of the attacks on the city by the Drow. Word has spread like a wild fire in the city that there is now a reward for one Drow who lead this attack.

They call her by name, Ne’leena. They say she is a Priestess of a dark Goddess, though, I do not know of this dark Goddess. I will start to do some research on who this Goddess is of the Drow and see how I can help in this hunt. I feel that Helm watches over me as he watches over all of his followers. Especially now with the recent events and the fortunate meeting with Henry McDuggle and my acceptance into the Holy Order as an Initiate.


Perhaps, I can be there when the Drow arrive again so that I can take part in the battle against this evil!

May Helm guide us and guard us on our way…….

[blessedone]

Today is a day that will be burned into my memory for some time to come. I ran into a Flaming Fist Soldier on the road South of the city. It looked as if he was searching for something and so I stopped to speak with him. He advised that he was not looking for anything, but, that he was just on patrol. I had never seen patrols that far south on the roadway before. I spoke with him for a bit and discovered that there is something killing off Priests and Holy Warriors!

He says that the bodies are found in a "peaceful" position. I do not know what that means though. He claims that it is most likely a part of a deeper cover up within the Church. Legend has it that around 400 years ago, something ravaged the lands. The dark part of this story is that it is rumored to have been caused by the Church! Which one I do not know. He mentioned the Temples of Tyr, Illmatar and Helm but then claims that the Temple of Tyr is trying to keep it covered up. Beyond this, he did not know much more and those he spoke with prior to me had traveled to Beregost. He also mentioned that the Thayans and Iron Throne have continued their fighting and it has spread onto the countryside killing innocent people! This has got to stop!

The people of the land need peace now. They live in fear of both factions being at war with one another. Rumors are running more wild than disease or hunger! Between those two fighting and the Drow raids, this city and her people need aid. This soldier also told me of a rumor that there will be some reinforcements to arrive soon. Some from the Chult Divisions and even the famed Purple Dragon Knights may arrive. This will be much needed aid. I do what I can to relieve the pressure of the wild wolves and gnolls roaming unchecked on the Trade Way, but, this is a drop in the bucket to the bigger picture indeed. I pray that Helm guide me in these dark days!

So, I decided to travel to Beregost in search of those who might know more of this "cover up" and rumor. Tensions are high in these lands right now and even the soldier did not wish to speak much more than he did. To know is to be silenced he said. On my way South to Beregost, I once again had to battle those dog faced Gnolls. They roam freely and unchecked and attacked me on site. Helm guarded me and my faith kept me alive and they were cut down quickly. I continued on to encounter Goblins. Yet, these Goblins were not like the ones I had encountered in the Desertmouth Mountains. No, these were very tough indeed! Some wielded two weapons with ease and others had a nasty surprise waiting for those who cut them down! I was burned badly by that one! I took some time to tend to my wounds on a bridge just North of Beregost and then continued on. I finally made it Beregost in one piece.

Once in Beregost, I wandered around to see if I could find those that the soldier spoke of, but, alas I saw no one in town other than those who dwell there. I entered into the Thunderhammer smithy to look around for a few and that is when I saw Amber Rose again. She possess such beauty! I have to mind where my eyes wander and my thoughts drift when around her. We spoke for a few, but, she had not heard of any rumors. I was on my way out when I almost ran into a halfling. We spoke for a little bit and she said that she was going back to Baldur's Gate as well. So, we traveled together. Her name was Anatsu. We encountered more of those Goblins and eventually an Ogre as well. These roads need a regular patrol that is strong enough to put these beasts in check!

Soon, we ran into more adventurers and I spoke with them as well, but, still, no one knew of this rumor of the Church. This bothers me now. I would speak with the Church, but, I am nothing more than an Initiate. I know my place and that subject is not within my know. Therefore, I stand still until more comes of it. Anatsu thanked me for my protection along the roadway and the new adventurers I met said that they were heading South to Beregost. So, I decided to travel with them.

That choice is one that I am glad of now. I have seen the true nature of the Thayans as well as the Throne members. They are both ruthless and lack morals. The Throne set up a toll upon the bridge just North of Beregost and began to charge all who crossed it 100 gold! When we three arrived to the bridge, there many merchant caravan's along each side of this toll. They were edgy and angered and rightfully so! I asked the one who appeared to be in charge why they had set up this toll, and he said that it was for the protection they provided. I then asked him what protection they provided since we three battled our way through Gnolls and Goblins. He had no answer to that and an angry merchant stated that they were no better than the Thayans and he was cut down by an arrow! An arrow right in front of me! I stepped forward and asked him for what cause did he cut him down and he said that he was a spy. We exchanged words and it was becoming heated when, suddenly, a Thayan appeared right next to me! Needless to say, I nearly shite myself!

The two of them exchanged heated words and not long after, a massive battle broke out! There was fire everywhere as if the Hells themselves opened up and spewed forth it's anger upon us! The Thayans and Throne alike made no attempt to spare the innocent lives in the area. They were slinging spells and arrows to all who were in their midst. I was nearly struck by an arrow myself. This I could not stand for any longer. I waded into the fray with my faith leading the way and my hammer swinging with wild abandon. I do not know what came over me at that moment, but, to see innocent lives being taken was more than I was going to stand by and watch. Helm says to guard those who cannot guard themselves, and this I did. When it was all done and the dust had settled, not many survived the battle.

The innocent ones suffered more than those foolish factions! The innocent merchants and travelers who were not armed on the Trade Way that day. This is the character of those two factions laid bare before me. Ruthless murderers! There were only us three who survived. I thought it proper to gather the bodies for a burial, yet, the other two did not think it wise to set fire to the bodies and attract more enemies or wild beasts. This I could understand, and so, we pulled all of the bodies we could together and set them into the river. The supplies upon the merchant caravan wagons was gathered as well. There were many bundles of arrows and healing supplies as well. We all three decided to gather these and get them to Baldur's Gate for we know that they will be much needed. Especially with the Drow raids upon the city as of late.

I end this entry with one thing upon my mind. This foolish battle today was all over gold and nothing more. Innocent people lost their lives today, and it was all for gold......

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these dark days......

[blessedone]

I have spent some time in search of the lore in regards to the Drow Goddess. I have not found much as of yet, but, I do continue the search. I have also contintued seeking a source to the Undead problem in the Hill Top Ruins, with no results there either. The Bandits, I have found, seem to be nothing more than a group of vagabonds and not much of a threat. They are kept in check on a regular basis now and I have not heard tale of an attack on the Tradeway in some time. This is good news, but, a much more strange event has taken place now that takes my attention away from the Drow and Undead at the moment.

A day or so ago, while speaking with one who called herself, Isande, a little boy appeared on the bridge just South of the gates. He was a strange little boy and had nothing to say other than something about having to beware of a red hued beast and how the flames are now hot enough to cinder the land in oppression. This seemed strange enough, but, events have been taking place as of late that I believe have to do with one another and the little boy. Adventurer's all over Baldur's Gate are speaking of the little boy and his message of doom. I ran into some of these adventurer's just South of the city on the Tradeway and asked about the killings of the Priests. Some of them had heard the same. After speaking for a while, some of them came up with the idea to try and go to Candlekeep to seek the knowledge. I did not think that Candlekeep would just let us in, but, still we decided to go anyway. What did we have to loose?

Safety was one thing I noted to those who wished to investigate further. I told them what the soldier had said about 'those who know are silenced'. This, I think is truth. While preparing to head to Candlekeep, we came under attack. Wicked flames came from the skies and suddenly spells were being slung at us! Still, Helm guarded us and we survived the initial attack. I do not think the attackers were ready to meet such a quick end. They sent another wave and still, Helm guarded us to their end! We decided to make all haste to Candlekeep, thinking that they were trying to keep us from getting there to discover the secret.

We began our journey and then, out of the skies, flames came down again. Only this time, a wave of spells did not follow. No, instead it was one massive column of fire that fell down upon only a couple of the group as we ran as fast as we could to get to the Keep. We ran, for, we had not way to fight something we could not see at the moment. We finally arrived to Candlekeep and then, it became even more strange. A beasts wreathed in flame was outside of the Gate to Candlekeep! I had never seen one such as this before! The power it wielded was just as strange as the being itself. I felt a sudden and overpowering urge to begin to dance. My mind was my own as well as my soul, yet still, I had the urge to just dance! By Helm I do not know what that thing was, but, it seemed to get a pleasure out of making all of us dance!

What made it even more strange was that we were covered in flame as well. No burns, singes or anything! Just flames! These lands are strange indeed! I asked him why we must dance and it just said that it enjoyed it. It spoke of a master, though, it did not name the master. The beast eventually left us be, but in a state of confusion. Why did this beast show up like this? Why were we attacked? Does this all have to do with the killings and the child doomsayer? We discussed the event and how this all came to be and one mentioned a Knight that was in search of a beast. A Red Dragon. I do not recall the name of the Knight, but, some of our group had heard his tale and said that he lived in a land far away now. I suggested that we send word to this Knight, perhaps he will know more and be able to shed some light on the situation at hand here and see if the 'red hued beast' is indeed this Red Dragon they called, Cindanithalixis. Strange and dark days are upon us. I pray that Helm keep me on my course and that I may serve him appropriately so that I bring glory to his name....

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these dark days.......

[blessedone]

Several hours have passed and the young man continues to pace back and forth as the click of his heels echo in the halls of the Temple. His mind races in too many directions to focus on one thing and he only stops for a moment to look upon the statue of Helm. "I ask your guidance in this task for I am lost. I ask that your guidance bring me to my choice in these duties. I ask that I may perform them well so that I may bring glory to your name.", he whispers as he lowers his head and begins pacing once again.

Aiden's heart if filled with a sense of duty, yet, bound by the Laws of the Land. He walks back toward the entrance way of the Temple and takes a seat next to where he placed his journal only minutes before. He sighs slightly as he opens up the journal and begins to write.....

Rumors. They seem to flow more freely than the waters of the nearby river! I cannot seem to filter through what is truth and what is not. Just recently I heard tale of a winged man near the docks of the city. They say that his wings were red. Perhaps the tale of the dragon and all of the other tales floating around are all part of the same puzzling tale? I think this to be the case. Recently, the activities of the Ogres, Gnolls and Goblins has increased to staggering rates.

I continue to fight against there increasing numbers though. I do not know what calls so many beasts to this area other than it has to do with the tales of the Red Dragon. I pray that it does not inspire them to raid the Gate, for, there is enough going on there with the Drow attacks, much less the potential for the organized efforts of so many beasts lead by a Dragon! These things I pray that I do not see come to pass, for, it would indeed be a nightmare upon the lands!

My heart burns with the sense of Duty and it is because of this, that I seek an answer to the puzzle of all of the rumors and tales that run so wild. To have the knowledge before we are blindly struck, is to be prepared.........

~May Helm guide us and guard us in these darks days.......



With that, the young, red haired man closes his journal and looks upon the statue of Helm once again. A smile slowly crosses his face and a slight sparkle flashes in his green eyes, as he feels that he suddenly knows what he must do. He stands with peace in his heart and mind and as he walks out of the Temple. The words, "Praise be to Helm!" echo into the halls of the Temple as the large entrance door comes to a close behind him......

[blessedone]

His red hair flows out behind him as he quickly makes his way to the Temple of Helm. The clear night skies shine bright with the twinkle of the stars above his head, though, his green eyes do not hold that sparkle they did only a tenday or so ago. Aiden's mind races about with the recent events and he plays them over and over in his head as he rounds the next building and finds the doors to the Temple. "Fool!" he tells himself as he enters the Temple and rests his shield on the bench. He lays his sword next to his shield and looks upon the statue of Helm with lips pursed in frustration....

In a soft voice, "Why did I not see? It was right there before me and yet, I did not see." Aiden opens his journal and begins his entry....


Lies, rumors and war. The Throne and the Thayans have found that they have been used as pawns by a Red Dragon. The puzzle comes together and it is too late. These rumors, the doomsayer child, and the story of Cindanithalixis is indeed true and one in the same! I feel a fool for not having seen it sooner. Yet, even had I seen it sooner, what power did I have to stop it? This dragon was no young one at all. Massive was the jaws of the beast and the spread of the wings even more massive as it towered over all in the area. The power it wielded was of complete terror and destruction.

It layed down many of the Thayans and Throne that were gathered in the docks area of the City, if not all, as well as some who did nothing to deserve the death they received. Those Thayans or Throne soldiers who lived most likely fled. I too waded into the fray, but, it seemed that it was a mistake that I am blessed to walk away from. I did not even get within striking distance of the beasts flesh before a loud crack sounded into the air. The sudden and deadly flash of lightening shot out from the beast and struck many in the area. I was one of them. The bolt struck me in the left knee and I could feel the burn in less than a heart's beat up and out of my right shoulder. It was then that darkness surrounded me and took my sight.

Memory does not serve me well in the events that took place after that moment. They are more a dream than a memory. A dream like state that I was in. Darkness was all around save for a strange fire. I saw a vision, or what appeared to be a vision suddenly before me. The face was like that of Tyr, not Helm and then suddenly, light rushed my eyes! My breath filled my lungs in a flash and my heart beat strong. I felt cold and shaky. Someone helped me up to my feet, though, I felt as if I could barely stand on my own. Surely this was a blessing, but, why a vision of Tyr?

Why did I see or have a vision of Tyr? Was it that the Knight who spoke with the two factions prior to the attack by the Dragon follow Tyr and raise me in his name? Where was Helm? Does he lack use for me? Do I not follow his ways as a Guardian? Did I fail him? This does not sit well with me at all. I sit here in thought as I look upon a statue of Helm and feel as if I am the one who has failed in my duty. Only through prayer shall I find that which I need. This I know, but, do I want to truly find that answer? What if I find that I am truly not good enough, or, even worse...What if what I find, tears my faith apart? This line of thought I cannot go down. I cannot believe that Helm would still bless me with such strength if he had no use for me. I have to believe that it was because of the Knight of Tyr that I had such a vision. Surely, this is the answer.....

~May Helm guide me and guard me on this path.......