Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 2:05 pm Posts: 99 Location: Texas
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14 The Claw of Winter, Year 1354
Fleeing Thay "Would ye spill blood for thy own safety, for power? Or Pact with Lower Planars? I would. Truly, power is the only currency that matters!" I fled Thay for Lake Mulsantir, journeying up the east side of the lake to Mulsantir, in Rashemen. The journey took me a few tendays, as I did nay desire to overtax the horse. I had only the provisions that I could, but I had also snagged a fishing rod before I left House Ashmeddai. I used bits of food and the rod to sustain myself when my supplies ran low.
Fortunately, I found a relatively ruin along the lakeside. I fished for a few hours, then headed into the ruin to start a fire and cook the fish. I spent a great deal of time thinking over the events prior. I admit I even spent some time grieving. After a few days of thought and grief, I made a decision. Obviously, I could nay return to my old life, so I would cast aside the name 'Barzal', my birth name. My old life was dead, and it was time start anew with greater mastery. I would now be known as 'Malign'."For I will turn the curses back on those who scorn me," I said to myself.
Exploring the depths of the cave over several days, I eventually stumbled upon a heretical text. This text detailed how to summon a demons. One passage specifically mentioned Alu-Fiends, describing how this fiend might grant a pact on behalf of a demon lord. I also read of the Demon lord Graz'zt and his Abyssal realm of Azzagrat (and a few other Abyssal realms). After weeks of study, Malign began the ritual." I summon ye, Alu-Fiend!" , I cried defiantly, and the comely fiend entered the summoning circle in a flash of magic."What do you seek of me, mortal?" , the Alu-Fiend taunted in a sultry tone, her wings flexing as her hands carressed her breasts, and leered at him."I seek power, power to reform this world for the better." The Alu-Fiend reached out, running one hand along his jawline teasingly. "I might be able to arrange that... with my master, the Demon lord Graz'zt." "I agree... I have read of thy master and his realm. Mayhap, one day, I will even visit? But, for now, the Pact!"
With his agreement, the Alu-Fiend clutched the side of my face. I momentarily felt weaker. Then, the Alu-Fiend vanished. Feeling drained, I flexed his hands. That night, dreams came to me of a city, of demons, and of the Argent Palace. When I awoke, I reached out with the tenebrous power I felt, almost hidden, beneath my mind. To my delight, I then conjured a ray of eldritch power!
I always feel such power now. And, truly, it is growing...
After forming the Pact, I considered my options. The Rashemi would be suspicious of Thayans and doubly so of a tiefling. So, I journeyed down the eastern shore of Lake Mulsantir, to Telflamm, the most important city in Thesk. Despite the wonderous markets in Shemszarr Square, I did not stay long in the city. Thayans know that the largest Red Wizard Enclave is in Telflamm, and my grandfather may have put the word out for my capture. I found a ship, quickly, bound for Zhentil Keep. Zhentil Keep is an inherently interesting city. Forty-foot-thick walls tower above the Keep itself, and the homes and businesses within loom several stories above the streets, like low cliffs. A city entirely ordered, great iron gates are periodically set into walls of the buildings, a measure against invasions. After the ship docked, I and my fellow passengers headed to the Foreign Quarter. Unfortunately, before I could fully explore the opportunities of Zhentil Keep, I was confronted with the reality of the high taxes levied on foreigners. I stayed in the city a few days only, taking care to visit the Black Altar of Bane for good measure, despite my lack of proclivity for the gods.
For the next few years, I journeyed across the North, ever heading westwards. I mainly kept to the trade routes, journeying with a mercenary squad here or a caravan of merchants there. I volunteered my "magical talents" and even accepted insults or derision, for the sake of pay and travel westward.
A tenday ago, I found myself here, near Baldur's Gate. And I am confronted with the ironic fact that, on this seemingly sleepy Sword Coast, all is nay as it seems! I first slept in the city itself, and found that I awoke in a state of intense dread, as if I somehow had learned a terrible secret. I had already severed ties with the merchant caravan I was working with, the day prior. I have decided to stay in Baldur's Gate. These dreams, I feel compelled to understand what they mean and how I can turn them to my benefit."This land... I will gain power here, so I shall ne'er again be powerless!"
_________________ Malign Ashmeddai, tiefling warlock
"Betrayer... In truth, it was I who was betrayed. Still, I am hunted. Still, I am hated." (Illidan Stormrage, The Frozen Throne)
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