Chapbook of a Wizard

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I have arrived in Baldur's Gate and can not find the good Squire Caine. She must be on a mission for her church. I did go to the temple in Beregost but found something was going on. Seams the elf Doartho had some doings with the Baelnorn watching over Firewine. The elvin guardian went mad and was sending out attacks against Gullykin. I think that all started when we went into the ruins a while back and all the spirits started walking among us and talking to him.

We all went back into the ruins and confronted the guardian. There were three elves of note and they took over a bit. I met a fine lad named Horatio, he said the elves tend to snub everyone else. I explained to him that the elves are interlopers and we humans are one of the creator races. Sad to see so much prejudiced. I ahve only read vague notes about this elvish liche or some such. It was amazing to study it up close. I spoke with Lady Requl about it and she say the Baelnorn isn't a proper lich but something akin. Some how it is blessed and the souls essence can sustain itself and not be corrupted by the negative energy. Interesting indeed.

On a side note I have met a score of people from Calimsham. Strange so many would come to the north. LAdy Requl said she thinks Baldur's Gate is a hive of villany. I was discussing Lord Drake with her and she told me he was a devilpacted one. Lord Drake said he was a spellfire wielder... He has a smooth tongue, to lie so easily... Or am I so easily deceived?

I hope I can find squire Caine so I can get to work on my goal...

Oh I did trade a scroll with the Archmagi Laniara. I was very surprised she would do so, as she does not know me well and I am not an elf. Perhaps there is hope after all! I jest of course but I was happy to have such trust.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I have come to the isles and will soon go back to Waterdeep to try and find that Theurge. I first wanted to go to my warehouse and check some scrolls.

I ran into Zyrus the Plane Born. He said the guard wish offered work to deal with that vampire we found. We camped out that night and could not find it. Just a swarm of bats that we angered... Zyrus suggested we use Detect Undead. Good idea, I should have thought of that. The next day I searched the town over, nothing at all.

So I went to the ruins on the Kingsway. Talked a bit with the Kelevmor priests there. See if they have heard anything about this vampire and what he is working for. Also checked the woods by Skull Castle, the woodsman there who loves big axes may have seen or heard something.

Oh and there was that Revenant we found in Skaug. He hired us to go kill a Drow Necromancer...

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

When I was in Corwell I found an old friend Balkr. Nice to be remembered. He wanted to go out and about as we adventures do. Took him out to that ruined keep on the way to the High Home. The undead there are a bit more to handle... Speak of them I got something from them. They have some sort of rot or another. I took them all back to civilized lands after. On the way we saw an injured giant kin. Everyone wanted to go fight it. The didnt realize it was next to their fort. We go fight it and a ton of them would rush out to end us...

We made it back to Corwell and I didnt wish to go in the gates. I didnt have any symptoms but I felt that I was sick. Zyrus came out after me and told me to come inside and get a room away from everyone. Took me almost a ride to sleep it off...

Going to make my way to Waterdeep and the Spires of Lathander.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I took the time and went to Waterdeep. Visited the Spires of the Morning and spoke with a Prior Athosar. He said to take my request for a meeting under advisement. I offered a small gift and asked he send post to Corwell when they make a decision.

I also went to the House of Wonder. Why not discuss this matter with the church of Mystra? After some time waiting I met with a Ilbrost Mythyl. Elder of sorts, I donated a few scrolls to gain some attention. I discussed my desire and he said he would discuss it with the faithful. I also gave him some coin to pay for postage when or if he heard anything.

This trip was a bit better I admit.

Out of Game: I referenced http://www.realmshelps.net/faerun/organ ... eep3.shtml for my information.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I have made a realization as I sit waiting for others.

Why?

My desire to become a Mystic Theurge as they are called has to have self discovery. Others can point me the way but I should try it alone first.

So I found a quite beach outside of Corwell and sat a while. I watched the water and pondered. How is it the water and sand do not mix? I am got a vial of sea water and a vial of sand. I poured them into a basin and stirred them. Both mixed for a time but as I patiently watched they separated. Both in the same container, both different. The magic of the weave is the same, be it of the Art or Divine. Like water and earth are both elements. Mix them together, you get mud. Allow them to settle, they separate.

I started wondering about rivers and streams. The water is clear (well in most), how is that? Rivers and streams are flowing and have movement. Unlike how I separated the water from the sand with patience. A stream keeps both separate despite not being having calm.

I left and went outside of town to study a stream. Off the King's path I found a nice clear stream and I sat beside it watching it. I ponder how this stream was clear and not muddy. I put my hand in and found the bed with gravel. So this is how the stream did it. A fine barrier separated the earth from the water, allowing a clean stream.

So to achieve a combination that allows both to be what they are, you need patience and calm. In times of strife or conflict, you need a barrier to separate the two. The barrier I will use is discipline, which will come with time.

I began meditating to calm my mind. After some time, I became relaxed and I tried casting a spell that is common between my two aspects, detect magic. In this calm state I cast one of arcane, the other of divine. I did this several times over the next hour to try and get a feel for blending the two. My last attempt I meant to cast the arcane spell but instead pulled from the divine. A bit of a shock actually. Similar to being drunk I suppose, reaching for one thing but getting another.

Not sure if this is exactly what I need but I feel I am going toward the right path.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I had some business in the Gate, shield I wanted to buy, made of a special wood. The boat ride over was easy. I took the time to continue practicing on my meditation and blending. Was easier as I had done it before, perhaps once I master this I can try to do so in battle.

I ran into Luke in the Gate. Surprised he left the North. I also met a priest of Tempus Olin. We went after the spider under the city, we found it sure enough and its mate too. How can such huge spiders come to be? We found some young and destroyed them as well.

Later we ran into Olin again and we talked some. He has decided to join me over in the Moon Shaes. Told him how Tempus is honored among the northmen, it will be nice to have a staunch ally beside me. Perhaps Luke will come too.

We shall see.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I had some time waiting for Olin to be ready to leave and went to dockside in the Gate. I have been pondering what I am doing and realized in conflict we can achieve things quicker. So perhaps some place not so comfortable will be better to practice. The docks are a bit noisy and it was raining of course. I went to the end of a pier and sat meditating. I tried to cast a detect magic put pull from the divine instead. I was amazed as I felt the spell to start to be cast! but then I lost it...

((Out of Game: trying to roll DC 30 SC check))

So close... But major progress. I just need time to perfect this.

I also have been thinking from Olin's conversation about my plans. He thinks the Red Knight would be proud of my attempts. It is a new strategy and would give me a significant edge. I will take the time and do some Augury's to determine her will in this.

((Out of Game: sending pm to DM's to try))

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I finally met with Squire Caine in Beregost. Seams Lady Raqel was correct, things have been quiet. I got a chance to ask the Squire about some things in the area. Rather nice Lady I do say. She was frustrated because things have been quite. She did give me a letter of reference to the Spires in Waterdeep. She said she knows the High Priest there. Least I think that is what she said. Either way I am in her debt. Funny, now that I am making some headway, things start happening on other fronts.

I met with Olin again, Rain the plane born and Luke. We help each other complete some work from the Captain in the Gate. I was ant like. Antsy? Not sure the word. I wanted to get this letter to Waterdeep and left that next dawn.

Trip was quite, I meditated some more but did not achieve that state of near enlightenment like the past day or two on the dock. Looking forward to arriving soon.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I do not know what to write....

I am married.

My Father Teslo, Sir if you ever read this I mean this respectfully. What?!

When I agreed to an arranged marriage, I expected a few years to pass. And I expected to marry a fellow wizard and a human. Leshariel, I hope you do not get upset when you read this. I just never expected this. Not in any way possible did I expect this. How could an elf so easily marry me? Who am I?

It seams Father, that when you were in this land of Chult. You saved Leshariel's Father and tribe. Some sort of unnamed horror lurks and you stopped it Sir. Leshariel said she was offered as a bride to repay the debt. She said my Father refused for himself but said his oldest son would fulfill the honor. That was twenty years ago. All this time Leshariel knew she was to be married to me. I questioned her a bit and she told me of her tribe and she was happy to marry an honorable man like me. She said if I was half the man my Father was, she had brought great strength to her people. Father I have never seen this side of you. I will question you at length about this one day.

Still I just cant understand this right now... Leshariel I imaging over a hundred. I am eighteen!! I had to read the letter my Father gave her three times. Indeed it has his rune. Who would face the trice curse of Mystra over something like this?

I talked with Leshariel a while longer. We took a boat to the mainland from Waterdeep. Then walked to Corwell. She did not seam an elf. Well like the few I have met, so distant and aloof. She was very new to the city, very innocent. She described her home of jungles and deep thick rain forests, roaming beasts like dragons. I asked if she truly wanted to go through with it. She again calmly reassured me. At least one of us was prepared for this. I image she has already met my family. Surprised my Father did not teleport and allow my Mother to put a wedding together. I know Wendy will be angry. Cant image the crude things Benjamin will say. "Way to go Big Bro! you bagged an elf!" My gosh, I this is a serious matter.

I asked Leshariel what she wanted. I assumed a few years of studying one another, a hand tie. Formal announcement. She said to do what ever humans do. I said most women like big fancy affairs. Lots of guests. She shied from this. I said we ware rings and say vows in front of a priest. We were near Corwell so I took her to the grove there. She felt right at home, I asked her again if she wanted to do this. She patiently said yes again. She said the trees would witness for us and that was enough for her. Indeed the Treant sat quite over the affair watching with I hope was its blessing.

We went to the High Druid there and requested a private witness and marriage. He was a bit surprised and politely questioned us both about our commitment. After a few hours and the Moon was full in the sky, we tied hands and said our vows.

I admit it was something out of this world.

We then went to Corwell and I took her to the Trappers Inn. Only place I knew of to get a room. Cutty was there and I can only image how I acted. Even now I am still embarrassed. Well not embarrassed, I am happy. Just this is a lot to take in. Cutty took me aside and told me to let her take over and to enjoy this. It is once in a life time. He gave me some whiskey.. phew. Not like the Dwarven ale I tried a while ago. After I coughed it down, I did feel calmer. Leshariel and I excused ourselves and well... I will not write about the rest but I say I am a married man now.

I hope I can love and protect her.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

These past few tendays have been... Well interesting in a wonderful way. The craziness of everything has set in and I have been doing my best to be a husband. Oh a certain scurvy dog lead us to a hidden elvish villa. Lesharial was more than ecstatic, I did my best to follow customs I know nothing about and blend in...

Lesharial is interesting, I think (mind you I am not sure) when she mentions things, that is her way of complaining. Maybe that is an elvish way of doing things. Most definitely it is something I key in on. She doesn't like the water too much, better than stinky walled cities mind you. So I mentioned the Sword Coast to her and we decided to go visit The Gate.

We arrived and I immediately ran into Luke again. He is a good friend and I was sad I didn't invite him to the wedding. He was not offended but a bit surprised. We decided to take a walk south to Naskell. I had forgotten how the Amnish treat elves. The trip was mostly uneventful, except for a few stares. We took on some work and went after a gnoll clan. I recently sold my light ring.. Forgot how dark things get. I felt around and fought by the firelight inside. We then walked north and stopped by the Cloakwood hills. Someone needed to scout the towers for the captain. We were ambushed by a wizard and some hin. It was a hard fight but we took them down. As we healed up, we heard a fearsome giggle. Then a shriveled old man appeared. He drew a weapon and attached, cackling madly. He hit so hard and our weapons did very little to him. We tactically retreated for sure!

The next few days my wife and I enjoy the woods and she asked if we could go back to the isles. If that is what I wanted to do. I was fine either way. I sense that was again her mentioning what she wanted to do, but indirectly. I took the hint and we went to the docks. As we were boarding, I saw the pier I had come so close to blending the Weave. I decided to go try again, as we waited for high tide to leave. As I sat and started to meditate, a thug came up behind me and demanded coin. I refused and we traded sword cuts. He didn't have the stamina to keep up. In that moment I cast a healing spell but the source was of the Art!

I finally did it! In that moment of conflict, I was able to do what I have been trying to achieve!

Amazing.... So many wonderful things have happened to me recently.

Out of Game: was attacker by an NPC thug and then rolled a natural 20 on my spellcraft

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

We returned to the isles after showing her the sword coast a bit. The elven villa seamed to reach my wife the most, water or not, this looks were I will be staying a while.

I returned to Corwell to drop off some mail and items in my warehouse. I found some Mithril armor... I really can not believe it! I secretly got it for Lesharial, right now she does not want to wear any metal and constantly teases me how noisy I am. She is use to hides and tanned leather. I had to constantly show her how useful metal swords are compared to a wooden club. One thing at a time, maybe I will put my plate off in compromise. Either way my adventuring days seam limited as of late. I am saving the special shirt for later, when she would perhaps consider using it.

In Corwell I got a room to scribe a few scrolls, while I was doing I felt a heaviness on my chest and an odd sensation. I rubbed it and felt my Holy Symbol. I have been praying to seek confirmation on my desire to blend the Art and Divine. This heaviness and the sensation I take as a sign. I realize I have been rather one sided lately in my devotion. Yes I have been trying to educate people about strategy but what about something more? I remember those training posts in the Heartlands. Perhaps I can build some here in Corwell? Maybe build a training ground and start drilling like they do in Silverymoon, I could open a War College to train Strategy and Tactics. I will contact the local guard here in Corwell and get this started.

At the least this has started me thinking that I need to put more effort into my faith.

My wife and I have been happy. I feel like a little bug on a big tree. I might be a better warrior but she has such a way about her... I am finding elves rarely speak their mind directly. They tend to mention something casually and that is akin to screaming. They expect you to notice problems from subtle clues... I can kind of understand this, Halruaa is populated by extremely powerful Archmagi and diplomacy becomes quite the art when the person you are talking to can turn you into a fish if you displease them...

So much to learn.

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

I got a chance to go after those Slaads finally. Also got a sending from the Skeletal Scale. He has some information and will contact us all when he is ready. Strange the Blazing sword and Starry Eyes said the opposite, all's quiet. Well I am looking for ward to seeing what he has.

I met someone I knew in passing, this young zany purple haired lass. She took several of us out to the Fens were these Slaads had holed up. With this one named Buckman, by the way he seams nice but leads people to death, we stormed the Firbog Fort. It was an easy route. The young lass is quite the swords lady, even Buckman is quite the heavy hitter. We collected a few magic items and got a reward from the Senescal. To bad my masked friends was not around to claim some valor. I think he is trying to retake some fame here in the isles. He sure is bitter about his ex wife. He belittles marriage but then gets upset when he talks about her. I did get a chance to ask the seneschal about drilling some recruits. He said to get my name known a bit more, prove I am a strategist. Easy enough, need some time. I am going to ask about buying a decent house in Corwell and begin setting up a training house. Perhaps put up some dummies like I found over in the Heartlands. I learned a bit beating on them.

Still trying to work on getting a magical shop to make some items. Have a few people asking for cloaks of invisibility, helms of true strike, you name it.

Lesharial is doing fine, she spends most of her time in the druids grove. I join her a lot, learning to sleep under the stars more. Camping when I am out is different than living under the stars.

That Deep Folk I know got me a book written in gnomish. It teaches the basics of the Earthen tongue. I am using comprehend languages to decipher it and teach myself. I only get a half hour a day but that is about what my mind can absorb right now! That sky plane born in the Gate would of course be upset I dared to learn the de-genie tongue. I plan on using it to communicate with Elementals.. Not genies.

One last thing, Zyrus has not been seen lately. Several people have been asking about him. I am quite sure he is off doing that plan he was talking about. I told them to send word to the temples of umberlee around the isles. Sure they know were he is.

[talonbreak]

*written in Elvish*

My love, I have discovered a group of people were captured by dark elves. I have to try and save them. If I do not make it back, I have left this journal, some coin and my key to my chest in the warehouse here at Corwell with Big Annie.

This is a rash thing and I do not like the lack of planning. I can only hope the little strategy I have developed with help use and bring success.

Samuel your Husband.

[puny]

((heartbreakinglysweet! now i feel veryvery douchy for being on the other-reciving end of this letter!))

[talonbreak]

*written in Halruaan*

How or were do I even begin?

I died.

It was unwise... Only thing I say is I did so saving someone. Someone asked me what I remembered but she seamed to have the answer worked out before I said anything. I would laugh if I had the humor in me. I do remember laying in grass, looking up at the sky, the sounds of battle nearby. I had no memory of this life on Toril, only peace and contentment. Then a voice called to me, told me to follow it. I started to remember this world and had to choose to stay or not. The shame of what happened and my wife is what hit me the hardest. Either way I chose to be here now. I can think back on that moment, I will treasure it and look forward to being there again one day. Since this, I have noticed the Deep Folk has been following me around. He calls me a friend now. I am surprised my efforts were noticed. Lady Raqel I hope you get your faith back, for it seams not all that are lost are unfindable. You of course would say they will turn to evil in the end... Time of course will show. I do have a list of debts for being brought back. The lass of pink asked me to live my life to the fullest. The Deep Folk asked me to repay the coin he spend on the diamond. Sir Drake mentioned he convinced Her Royal Majesty to aid me. Of course Her Royal Majesty as well. Seams I will be staying a while in these lands to repay my debts. I have not told Lesharial yet of all this... I dread that conversation.

Now the rest of it.

Someone impressed me a bit. Obviously we survived the dark elf assault and even saved everyone. I was the second to last to leave. I heard an awful sound and great footpads clawing at the floor rushing toward us. Sir Drake said it was a Balor. I have read about them... Never did I image to have been so close to one... On a minor note, the Pies and Pennies said they would compensate me for all the scrolls I purchased and also take me to the Dragon Bellie raved on about. A certain pink haired lass again surprised me, she paid for half my expenses. Not that coin is everything but when you spend over three thousand... It tends to eat into ones pockets. I approached the hin bard at the festival but she was busy. I will wait. The sea genasi had nothing after all this affair. I gave him some coin and my enchanted platemail. He surprised me by taking me aside afterward. He told me of his family and to watch over them. I see this as a great honor. His family is the most precious thing to him and I will not betray his trust. That makes two now Lady Raqel. The final one is Sir Drake of course. I do not know if I can try and enter into the heart of one who willing made a deal with evil for power. I will try.

The festival was pleasant, my team ended up winning the magic duel. I didn't compete in anything else but I had to enter this one. Glad I could show my Father I have the family talent. Not there you were there Sir but I assume you will hear about it. Lesharial did not come at all... She was mad at me. I do not know what for... I do not understand. The second half after I was brought back... I was so weak. I started to want to join the contests but... I ended up loosing over a thousand coins in bets. It actually started making me feel better. I didn't care if I won, it was getting people into the spirit of the thing. I even gave winnings to those competing. Coin is good to gather proper gear to defend people and I think it is best spend on people.

Speaking of coin, I have been thinking more on my idea of a War college. If I can fund it, I have decided what I wish to build. First a free training grounds open to all with targets and practice dummies like they have in the Heartlands. Not simple ones you beat but the ones that move and strike back, to give you a bit of an experience. Inside I wish to have a college like Silverymoon. Instructors on basic ranged and melee fighting. The roles various professions should expect, how wizards can profit a band the most, how scouts should report and of course how leaders should utilize their talented people. I would need to find appropriate professors and set up tests like SIlverymoon would. Maybe even I could find some people who have mastered rare styles of fighting to teach what they do. It would of course be open to all, not just wizards or fighters. Each profession out there has something to add and I wish to sharpen their skills. I do think a cost per class would be appropriate, it would help keep the college alive and pay the professors. I hope this idea would benefit Her Royal Majesty and of course my faith.

If all this was not enough... A man named Tunland confronted me at the festival, I believe he was a spirit shaman. He said the spirit of the great bear is after me. Well after those that killed it...