The pages of this journal seem to have occasional splotches of what is likely dried tea throughout.
My name is Adallan, and these are my findings, tales, and experiences since arriving at Baldur's Gate. I shall begin this journal after my second day of wandering, exploring, and enjoying fine company. To this extent, I will happily be adding in a description of the acquaintances I meet along my way, as well as some of the more exciting adventures I come across.
For my first entry, I will simply name my tea of the day:
A Calimshan Green Tea Blend (with a drizzle of honey)
Of those companions, here are some that left more lasting impressions (to be updated periodically): A
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Alexandra
A kind woman, to be sure, Alexandra seems to be quite busy with her work as the Guide of Candlekeep. With as much as is there, I cannot say it is surprising, but I do hope things work out with the troubles that seem to happen.
As for her personality, she seems to be very knowledgeable, and is happy to share her perspective on a variety of topics. She also shared a fine Cormyr Grey tea with me, which was quite tasty. I was able to speak more recently with her regarding all of the going-ons at Candlekeep, and she seems to think I would do well joining their ranks.
Of some time back, I did so. And I hope that I have done as well as she hoped, at the very least. Her work ethic is still inspiring, though she often doubts herself despite such accomplishment.
Founder of the Bladestone Foundation, he and I went on some of the most intriguing of adventures. He has always been the type to take well to a challenge, whether in the arena, deep within a dungeon, or elsewhere.
His reputation, while it precedes him, is well earned. While I remain his only loss at hand-to-hand combat, I cannot think of a greater warrior.
An intriguing woman, to say the least. While there are several questions that remain unanswered, every conversation we have had has been interesting, as well as enjoyable, though she admittedly does not enjoy puns as much.
Despite this, I always look forward to our meetings, infrequent though they may be.
D
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Daelin
Though I have not known Daelin long, he seems to be a man who knows his way around Candlekeep, albeit one that is catching up on recent times. His own devils are an outward battle, but he is a man who is more than strong enough to overcome them. In a fight, I would trust him to have my back as much, if not moreso, than most others I have known. His thoughts seem measured, and reasoned. I am happy to have him as an ally, and as a friend.
A good friend, and fellow instructor at the Bladestone Foundation. He is quick to see the combat for what it needs to be, and I can respect his strategy from the Red Knight's point of view. Where his future is, I cannot say, but he is capable of great things.
A barbaric man from a tribe that seems apprehensive of the idea of magic. This man certainly left an impression, and asked me to join him in a "Truce" which effected to drinking some strong alcohol, then shaking his hand. All-in-all, a good time, but I am still not entirely sure what I agreed to. I have the feeling it is nothing bad, but there is always a chance I will regret it.
As for himself, he seems to have a firm sense of duty when it comes to getting rid of bandits, undead, and the like. Someday, I think he might do great things...or smash great things. Smashing great things is always a possibility.
H
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Hinzel
I am honestly not sure where to place the blind wanderer. He is a skilled combatant, and seems to know a large number of people. Still, it is hard to get a read on where he stands outside of being cordial. I suppose, in some ways, that may be all there is to it. Only time will tell.
I
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Isabella
The Gate Warden of Candlekeep. She has been a friend through and through, and offers sage, measured advice when it is needed. Were I to ever join the Guard, instead of the scholars of Candlekeep, her example would be one to truly live up to. Whatever the case becomes, I am happy to call her my friend.
L
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Lyria
A student of the Bladestone Foundation, and Derik's significant other, Lyria is quickly becoming more and more skilled, both with her magic and with a bow. Aside from combat, she is a good friend, and has been through some of the same trials as myself. It is a hard thing to live with some of the plights that we have been through, but she bears the burden well, and I believe she has overcome them better than most could. She is one who I would be proud to have at my side in any situation, and am proud to call friend.
M
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Mi-Le
A master of the Old Order, Mi-Le and I agree on many of the ideals that the martial arts, as well as life should hold. Still, there are some points where I cannot necessarily follow him. We are two who have walked different paths to achieve what mastery we have.
All in all, though, I respect him greatly, and while I know he would prefer not to fight, am seldom not for the better when he is nearby.
There is a wit about her, and an ambition few can match. She seems logical enough, though at times her pride may shield her from such. Still, I have no doubt she will do well in whatever she does.
N
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Netanya
Emphasized that she was a Lady by title, and certainly seems to carry an air of nobility about her. Netanya seems to live in the moment, which I can definitely respect.
She also seems to have the same enthusiasm for wine that I do for tea, which is refreshing to see! She also did seem quite happy to try the Calimshan blend I had with me at the time with her cook, Ramon. I am happy to say that she has definitely left an interesting impression, and I will have to consider trying some of the wine she continues to recommend.
Nex is one of my dearest friends, to be sure. She and I have shared many a story, and though she may seem carefree to some, she is a truly caring person. She is one of those that I would trust with my life, and gladly so. Friends like that are hard to find.
R
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Reineke
A friend of several journeys, and a man of some similar thought, when it comes to adventure. We seem to have a habit of journeying, then getting in over our heads. However, it has made for an interesting time, and I am happy to call him a friend and ally. I have no doubt, if it came to it, he would have my back should things go awry.
A fellow instructor at the Bladestone Foundation, and true friend, Ronja and I have gone on quite the number of ventures together. Each one always interesting, and I am honored to fight and travel at her side. Few are as skilled with the blade as she, and fewer still have the peace of mind and kindness of heart.
S
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Solwyn
As the Guide likes to put it "Surely Candlekeep would crumble without [him]." Solwyn is a grump, and a pessimist. But he is also one of the people that holds Candlekeep together. His view of the world is unique, and his poetry and song are actually rather good.
V
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Verek
A quick friend, who seemed to share a similar fondness for wordplay. It was refreshing to spend time with this fellow, and he was kind enough to assist in my joining with the scholars in Candlekeep. In addition, he and I are co-founders of the Pun Society of Candlekeep.
He is fairly skilled at lanceboard, or at least more skilled than I am (which, admittedly,
does not take much).
Z
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Zoe
An aspiring martial artist, she holds a regard for the art much like my own. Of recent, I have agreed to teach her the ways of unarmed combat. She has a good base to build off of, and seems to have a steady and grounded demeaner, if a bit shakey at times. Still, Athkatla was not built in a day, and I believe she will continue to make me proud.
Last edited by AquaShark on Sun Jun 18, 2017 3:06 am, edited 3 times in total.
Adallan Ragnon-Former Guide of Candlekeep, Master of Li Modo ub Ragnon, Council Member at the Bladestone Foundation, and avid tea enthusiast
Since last, I have met and enjoyed the company of several interesting companions, and so I will try to update the archives somewhat. I have also gotten to know many more of those who watch over, and take care of Candlekeep. While I do sympathize with their cause, I do often wonder how I could best help them. For the time being, a suitable thing to ponder.
I also had a run-in with a beast of an orc, but this one had similar monastery training to my own - except that he had such control over his inner ki that his body exuded it. For one with such control to have such anger does not sit well, especially when he harmed friends of mine through its use. We will have to see where this leads, but for the time being, I will hope, and observe.
Today's tea is a Cormyr Grey.
Adallan Ragnon-Former Guide of Candlekeep, Master of Li Modo ub Ragnon, Council Member at the Bladestone Foundation, and avid tea enthusiast
Time flies as we learn, and I feel like worlds have passed before my eyes. The more I take in, the less I know that I understand. However, I was reminded recently of the person I wish to be; that alone is enough to see the bright dawn at the end of the deepest night. Our friends make the world an easier place to live in, and I count myself lucky to have the ones I have.
My time at Candlekeep has taught me an incredible amount, and I have recently joined with the Bladestone Foundation, as a student. While I cannot say I know my fellows at the foundation well, yet, I look forward to doing so.
Of actual business...I have been working on several projects at Candlekeep, not the least of which being an understanding of my own use of ki. I've made journeys (though perhaps foolishly so) into the Underdark, and am gaining a greater understanding of why people fear those that make it out of the labyrinth beneath.
I have much to update on the people I've met.
Though the future seems bleak to many, hope remains, and always will.
Adallan Ragnon-Former Guide of Candlekeep, Master of Li Modo ub Ragnon, Council Member at the Bladestone Foundation, and avid tea enthusiast
