The Journal of Cranston Birchbrew

[chad878262]

Alone...

It's an uncomfortable feeling, considering how much time I spend alone hunting, foraging and fishing...but that isn't truly alone; not like this, I haven't felt like this since I was 6. Since he saved my life, but now I have cost him his...

It started innocently enough. I was hunting a diseased black bear that needed to be put down before he spread the infection to other animals. I knew Ellissar was nearby, even though he made light of it, as if I should be able to handle it on my own. He's always acting like as if I should have the experience to take on any task he sets for me, yet times like these I can feel his shadow, out there somewhere, like my own personal forest guardian. I suppose he is...or was. I knew I was close, I had been following the bears tree markings and had just found some fresh when I spotted them, the Drow.

The hated Drow... They Butchered my family and I wanted revenge. Ellissar had told me I must be patient a thousand times and, somewhere I knew I should hide and let them pass, but I found myself stalking the small party leading a dozen Orc's. I could hear Ellissar rushing to catch me, try to stop me, but I couldn't let that happen, I had to get my revenge, and I thought Shevarash had delivered me my first opportunity. I was wrong.

It happened so fast, I don't remember all of it, so I am putting it hear to make sure I never forget. I had picked my spot for ambush, my axe was loosened in a loop on my belt and I had a half dozen arrows in the ground at my feet to allow for quick draw and release. I had the lead Drow in my sight and was just focusing to make sure I had a kill shot when I felt the pinch in my shoulder. I lasted long enough to watch my shot go wide, but then darkness descended.

When I awoke there was a large wait on my head and I thought I was bound for a moment, but why was I so wet? I squirmed and eventually got out from beneath the weight, to find Foxtail, Ellissar's long time companion and my only friend, dead. I only realized then the wetness I felt was blood, the wolf's and mine; the final bolt had taken Foxtail through the neck and embedded in my cheek. Looking around further, I spotted Ellissar and ran to him. Upon reaching him I was initially elated to learn he was alive, but it wouldn't last as I saw the blood seeping out of his mid section. I cradled the Elf's head in my arm's and his eye's slowly opened. He smiled.

"You need to learn more patience...and more caution boy!" He always focused on the mistakes, but he was right. I apologized and hastily went about attempting to patch him up with the first aid supplies he always had me carry, but he stopped me. "I'm done for boy and you know it... By Shevarash you humans, always trying to fix what you know is beyond repair." I stopped, my head sinking and Ellissar did the strangest thing; he laughed. "Do not cry for me, I go to my ancestors, knowing my life's work. With you I finally have had a family I did not outlive, a wonder of all things, not even an Elf!"

He didn't have long after that, his spine had been severed and he was bleeding out, but in these last few moments he reiterated the need for stealth, patience and only striking with the advantage. I knew these lessons (should have known them better) already. Finally, he said something I had never heard from him before... "I love you, son" he uttered, and then he was gone. His eyes took on a far away, almost content look, his last breath was a long sigh, and I was alone. I am alone...

[chad878262]

Praise Shevarash, revenge is sweet!

It started like most days start... I was searching through some old ruins, seeing how deep they go, trying to locate any potential access point the evil denizens of the Underdark might be using to get to the surface. I have been at it for months now with no success. Just shallow caves, sunken ruins, abandoned crypts, but no paths the Drow might use to stage their raids from. I was elated with this most recent trip already as I defeated my first dragon! Only a wyrmling granted, but a DRAGON! It was about the size of a bull and it was almost the end of me, the god's only know how hero's I have read about face adults!

After a short conversation with the crazy old sage who wanted me to play at mail carrier (hey, he paid me the 300 gold, perhaps more will come) I located a path further in to the depths. I was losing interest after running in to nothing but bats and not seeing any more paths deeper in to the earth when I saw him. A lone Drow hunter around the corner; he seemed to be guarding something surrounded by webs and, looking back, I'm amazed I was able to move with the possibility of Spiders near by! However, my rage boiled and I knew Shevarash had presented me with a test of my determination for revenge. I could not fail him! Amazingly, the hunter had not noticed me (or at least seemed not to) so I decided to spring a trap. I used one that would stun him when he triggered it to give me the advantage and then backed away from it and prepared myself. I loosened my axe's in their belt loops, readied a 2nd arrow and took aim at my enemy.

My first shot struck and the hunter immediately began sprinting toward me. Damn my poor aim, I only grazed his arm and my 2nd shot went wide of the mark. Then my enemy, in his senseless charge triggered the trap and the concussion did it's job, the Drow was disoriented for a moment and I struck. He came to quickly, defending expertly - looking back, without the trap my revenge would have gone unfulfilled and I might be in a very deep grave right now - however, the trap gave me just the edge I needed and with one final swing of my axe, my foe lay dead at my feet!

It was my first kill that has ever mattered. There will be more that matter. Shevarash aid me, there will be more!

[chad878262]

Whispers in the dark...

I had been searching some caverns near the friendly arm when I heard him. Quiet, imperceptible at first, then all of the sudden I heard him clearly. Definitely a him, but if I could tell nothing else.Not even where the whisper was coming from!

Yet even with all this, it was him who was interested in me. He said he has been watching me for a while and was impressed with my skills. He said I was prepared, versatile and mixed my stealth and combat well. Ha! If only Ellissar could here that, me prepared. Well at least I learned from my mistake, this time. The strange voice said there is something larger out there if I can pass his tests. He will find me when it's time to start, he is to be my mentor. Time will tell if he can help me to my goal...

[chad878262]

My first test has come and gone, as has my second. The first was made difficult not by it's end result - it's been some time since killing kobolds was difficult - but by the method of the kill. Trying to navigate their Warren to kill their chief without engaging the rest was a challenge, but my mentor said I passed, so it seems I have at least the beginnings of what it takes.

The second test was much more unnerving; out of my comfort zone, but still I was successful. My mysterious new mentor directed me to approach an adventurer and learn as much as I could about him without alerting him that he was being interrogated. I followed him from hill top to the friendly arm before engaging him in conversation under the guise of trying to learn more of local geography. The ranger knew less of the local area than I and paid little to no attention to anyone he had traveled with. I learned of his wolf companion and some of the places he frequented, but nothing that seemed of any usefulness. However, I passed the second test and eagerly await my next.

I am still apprehensive of this mentor. He is teaching me many useful skills for which I am grateful, yet doesn't trust me enough to reveal himself even when there is little risk of anyone happening upon us. On top of this he has yet to tell me of this group for which I am being tested. However, thus far he has been helpful and is obviously a powerful individual whom can assist me to accomplish my goals. Perhaps Shevarash has sent him... The gods work in mysterious ways, and he is definitely mysterious.

[chad878262]

My third test is complete and it was immensely successful!

My Mentor showed up - or rather, I heard his mysterious whisper - while I was exploring a cave system in the cloakwood. I had managed to complete a circuit of the third floor down when I heard him. However, in a new twist, he stepped out off the shadows! He was cloaked and hooded so I didn't get much of a read on his features, but he must have been two hands shorter than me and seemed almost...frail? I must have been mistaken, for I saw him briefly in combat and there was nothing frail about him!

For my third test I was to exit the mines without disturbing a single trap our engaging any enemies, a tall order when these strange Batiri see humans as food! However, I was able to succeed against the odds, even when the ceiling nearly fell on my had! I hung to the bridge by my finger tips and the Goblinoid took no notice beyond checking to see the bridge was still in tact. At another point some dwarf came running by fast and loud enough I was surprised a dozen Batiri weren't chasing him! I hope he survived, but I have my doubts with how reckless he was in tearing through the hall. On the plus side I stepped out of his path and was successful in remaining hidden.

Upon exiting the mine I was elated! My mysterious teacher was also impressed with both my skill and quick thinking. He informed me that I am finally nearing the end of my tests and that my final challenge will come soon.

I'm low on supplies now so I should probably head to the Arm, maybe I'll celebrate and treat myself to some of Bentley's fine food and ale! A few days rest certainly sounds a fine plan!

[chad878262]

No rest for the weary, it seems my final test is upon me. As soon as I arrived at the Arm a serving wench approached me with a note which indicated I am to meet my mentor in Baldurs Gate as soon as possible. I finished re-supplying, had a quick meal and headed out so as not to miss my next challenge.

Upon arriving at the designated location I was told my last assignment was to obtain a suitable outfit, create a back story and head to the merchant league. There I was to talk my way in and to the basement door. I was advised not to use stealth or force - as if I'd harm an innocent merchant - and I had only half the burning of a candle to do so.

After coming up with my back story as a minor noble of a struggling merchant house in Amn looking for a trade partner in the Gate I picked up a suitable outfit and headed to the docks. It was no trouble entering the door to the offices, perhaps because I looked the part of the arrogant noble. However upon closing the door a woman, perhaps a bit older than me and quite beautiful stopped me and advised I take my leave. After pleading with the woman she finally agreed to speak with me further and took me to her office (walking right past the stairs that would lead me to the basement and successful completion of my mission). I did a horrible job convincing her of anything, but using my knowledge of trees I was at least able to strike her interests in possible Zalantyr and darkwood trade. However, thinking it wouldn't be enough, I also through in that my family had a small silver mine...big mistake.

She obviously knew far more about the silver trade than my rudimentary knowledge and I believe she was growing suspicious. However, perhaps because she was still intrigued about the possibility that I could deliver her resources she ended the meeting amicably. Thinking I might still be able to complete my assignment I took a shot and asked for a brief tour of the offices. Unfortunately this ended about as well as the first shot I ever took with a bow, that is to say my aim was wide of the mark and far too short. She advised me in no uncertain terms that the only reason she hadn't called the fist was essentially that I had amused her, and I left before she changed her mind. Just my luck that the woman was from Amn, she probably had me figured out before my second sentence was completed.

Upon arriving back at the meeting place my mentor asked for my assessment and I said dejectedly that I failed to reach the objective. He chuckled at my obvious disappointment and proceeded to tell me that I exceeded his expectation, that he was quite pleased I was able to talk my way in to an impromptu meeting and that I was able to rebound from such issues as my cover being woefully poor based on the woman actually being from Amn and getting caught in discussions I knew little about.

The end result is that my performance earned me a meeting with another member of this mysterious organisation and, perhaps some answers to my questions. Who knows when this meeting will take place, perhaps I will continue my search in the meantime. There is an abandoned mine in the cloakwood I've been exploring, perhaps it's time to see just how deep it goes...

[chad878262]

Setback...and maybe a new opportunity...

I have finally located a group of like minded individuals! I was making my way south along the trade road, moving cautiously in the shadows to avoid unwanted goblin attention, when I happened upon a small group concerning at the shrine of Mielikki. They indicated they are not a Druid circle and are, in fact lead by a cleric, but they did confirm they are Servants of Nature. I spoke with them for a time, and learned I may hear from them in the future, but they are a careful lot (and who can blame them in this area?).

I am glad I ran into them, especially for the chance to work with a master Ranger in the future. This meeting could not have come at a better time, since my mysterious shadow has not appeared in quite some time. His teachings were beneficial and I'm grateful for the opportunity to improve, but I was getting rather distrustful that I was never able to see this mysterious person and he never gave his name.

In any case, I eagerly await the opportunity to meet more with these servants of Nature and determine what service I can provide in the region. If I am able to prove myself to this group, especially to the head Ranger, perhaps they will help train me...maybe even one day assist me in delivering the vengeance of Shevarash...