2021/06/10 & 17 - Nirruk's Journal - Back to Ios and the Path to the Master

 As soon as we were teleported back to the material plane, we noticed things were different quickly.  We found ourselves back in Glade's Edge but all the guards now wore the orange and white colors of Woodberry.  Wulf had asked the first person he could find what hear it was, and was told it was 21ADC, a full year had past here too.  Wildworks had been boarded up, Wulf's mom and friend had been taken by the Woodberry guards .  We even found out that Falanton was destroyed about 9 months ago.

It seemed like an odd time for this, but the walking fuzzball decided to get his hair styled and change outfits.  Sometimes I find his actions confusing.

But with Wulf in his new digs, we gathered outside of town to camp and plan.  The group decided to get to know each other a little more:

• Atheya was born in a brothel and her mother abandoned her in a forest.  She grew up mostly on her own and has been out adventuring for the last couple years.
• Wulf though he was an orphan, but "some other shit" happened.  He grew up with his parents in Glade's Edge.
• Corvus grew up in a trading village that burned down (he never said how).  He was a carpenter before he found his sword Wrathe and then traveled with a carnival.  Following some rumors he heard about his sisters location, he came to the Grove.
• I also shared a little bit about my past and what I saw in that awful mirror.
• Finally York showed his face.  I think we all felt a little let down when he just looked like a normal, but weary, human.  He grew up in Zanidonia and his father was a swordsman that trained him from an early age.  When he became of age he went traveling and ended up in the Grove.  He did share the real reason for the helmet and I decided not to press.

The group talked about what to do next.  Atheya, Corvus, and myself wanted to go to Woodberry and see if we can get a hold of that Von character or gather more intelligence.  Wulf and York wanted to go see Mira in Falaton.  Since I felt like I had made a mistake going into that yellow portal against the Walking Carpet's objections, I decided to retract my vote and go where he wanted to go.

The following morning, the Illithid showed up and in his creepy voice said "Good! I had heard you found your way back, and did so well at the area, growing strong, it is good to hear your praises."  He was not there in reality, but rather was just a mental projection.  When we asked what he wanted he said "I need my protégé back, you can deliver him to Woodberry, kneel before me and I will let you live!"  Much to my surprise, Wulf blurted out that he can expect us in 2 weeks.  For a moment, I was not sure if he is turning me in or not now.

The Master then said "Good, I have all the time in the world.  But not everyone does."  Then he showed a image of Mira, Silt, Amber, Nathee, & Piper all chained to a wall.  "You know what, two weeks sounds good, every two weeks I shall eat one of their brains.  Take all the time you want."

He followed it up with "I know your intention was to offer your services to me, I am not interested in that, you have already betrayed me once.  All I want is Nirruk, deliver him and you can walk away; I will also give you back your love ones." To which Wulf just turned to me and said "sorry".  I had begun to fully trust him and the rest of the party but I am not sure how to take that.  He may have been saying that to try to fool the Master, but I am going to be on my toes as we approach Woodberry. 

I retorted to the master that the didn't keep his bargain with my parents so will likely not keep this bargain.  Then the conversation when south with the Illithid threatening us and Atheya demanding a better deal and trying to find out if the Master will take someone else other then me.  It got ugly.

The Master started to look impatient and eventually about 100 soldiers came out of the forest and surrounded the group, the Master called out to them "Take the Gith, kill the rest!" And then he vanished.  The battle that ensued was epic and all the party members fought bravely and we were eventually victorious... well kind of.  It seemed by the time we got to the last few we noticed that they were practically killing themselves on our weapons like they were thinking death was preferable to control by the Master.  I understand that sentiment.

In the fight we managed to kill all of them except one, Wulf's friend Silt's little brother.  Wulf couldn't kill him so just knocked him out and took his uniform.

The following morning, some other people came around our camp and just stared at us.  They were obviously under the Master's control.  We took the hint and more innocents would suffer if we did not make our way to Woodberry to we started heading that way.

Throughout the entire journey we were followed by similar people under the masters control.  Corvus was worried about the Master tracking me through my focus so he destroyed it and gave me one of his own.  

On the second day of the journey, we were attacked by the smartest displacer beasts I have ever heard of.  None of my psychic magic seemed to influence them.  Eventually the group dispatched one and the other ran away.  The following night it came back and tried to ambush the group only to die as well.

Atheya finished some potions she was working on and I managed to compete 2 Crawler Poisons.

On the end of the 3rd day when the group was just about to camp for the night, about 10 people were around our camp and appeared to be under the Master's sway.  One of them pulled a knife to his throat and killed himself.  Wulf ran to heal and save him but the group took the message and decided to head to town even though we were near exhaustion.

The crowd under the Master's sway walked with us and kept growing.  York looked exhausted, even though all he did was lounge around that day while Atheya and I toiled over our creations.  Eventually we arrived at the south gate and battlements of Woodberry.  There were people on either side of the road, possibly a hundred deep, lining the path.  We entered the city and found 1,000s more clogging the streets to the town but leaving us an open path to the Master's tower.  I handed York one of the poisons I made, I thought with this many onlookers that being sneakily was pointless.  Wulf gave me the Lesser Potion of Blue Exaltium and as we approached the tower, both Wulf and Atheya drank their potions of Psychic resistance.

Once we entered the tower foyer, the door slammed shut behind us on its own and there was only one way to go.... up the large circular staircase to the higher levels as we heard the Master say "Good!"

Wulf's Journal Entry 2

 Dad, 

Ugh. Am I a fuck up? So, we went to that cave to get the crawler poison and that task was completed fairly easily. I think it was so easy because of the new addition to our party as well as the fact the team is working so much better together. Atheya is the new addition by the way. Like Miriam, she appears to be able to shift into beast forms, so I’m fairly certain she’s also a druid. I wonder if she from the same circle as Miriam, or better still if she knows of her! 

Anyway, after we harvested what we needed from the crawlers, Corvus found a temple-like area at the back of the cave. It was very odd. Cut stone and magically trapped columns and a side chamber all in this random cave. On a pedestal at the back of the “temple” there was a chest. EDWarD triggered a trap while I was checking out the contents of the chest and we were attacked by these statues. It was a close battle, as Nirruk was completely out of the fight for some time since he decided to get drunk in the middle of the battle and Atheya got turned to stone. We were eventually successful though and after a rest I went back to the chest to continue to see what was in it. I found some Exaltium potions and another one of those golden cubes I talked to you about before!

Here’s where the dumb shit starts to happen though. Without thinking or caution, I threw the cube into my bag of holding and in hindsight I now realize that the cube must have some extra-dimensional properties as we were all immediately shunted to what I believe was a place in the Astral Sea. Yes. You read that right, Dad. The ASTRAL SEA!! But not just anywhere either. We arrived in a location where there were a circle of floating stone platforms. On each of the platforms there were colored portals. Now, having been the reason that we were there in the first place, I wanted to be extremely cautious about what we touched, however Captain Chaos (Atheya) jumped right into a blue portal on the nearby platform. 

Again, retrospectively, it was a boon and folly that she did that and that we followed. Dad, this place was a library unlike any I think I or anyone will ever see! Simply thinking of something you wished to know would conjure a book from the shelves, IF you had the mental determination, strength, and capacity to will it into your hands. … I found a book related to that, creature, that took you from us... Corvus found a book that would make us stronger, which later would actually bolster both he and York. Other attempts at retrieving other knowledge from the shelves were attempted, but none were successful, and for a while there, I suffered from a form of mental shock.

We decided to leave the Library and we found ourselves back in the main platform area. Once there we all noticed something odd though. York and Atheya appeared older. All of our food stuffs had rotted. Now, my brain wasn’t firing all pistons at the time, but I could still comprehend that a significant amount of time had passed. You’ll see how this bites us hard in the ass later.

We spotted what we believed would be a portal that could return us to the Material Plane, but again curiosity was a stronger lure than focus and caution to some of us and following Nirruk’s lead we entered another portal. This one was yellow. In there we found a hall of mirrors which upon touching them, you are shifted to this “mirror world” where you must fight all of the mirror images. It wasn’t too dangerous though. As I mentioned before, we’ve become a very cohesive fighting force, and we’re learning to use our abilities in a complimentary manner. Well… most of of that is. York’s mirror image put him to shame. We all saw how he could be an absolute monster in combat. I wonder if he knows that and is just holding back, or if it’s something else. Hmm.

Anyway, Corvus, Nirruk, and myself were the only ones left standing at the end of it all and we were “rewarded” by the hall of mirrors. My reward was seeing how you and Mom became my parents. Dad? What did you do? Where did you get that other baby from? I thought you guys found me. I thought my people left me out to die. I’m not angry at you or Mom, because as far as I’m concerned you two ARE and will forever be my Mom and Dad and after seeing what you two went through, I understand the desperation. My bigger concern is what about the parents that lost their child? Who were they? What did this Withered One do with that child? MAybe the book I found will provide some insight… Umm, yeh, so Corvus’ reward was seeing his sister, who apparently he’s been searching for. Nirruk didn’t really talk about what he saw, but judging from Corvus’ and my Experiences and Nirruk’s brooding and sobbing, it must’ve been terrible memory or event from his past.  

Whatever it was, it was enough to finally return the focus of him and the rest to try to find a way back. When we got back however, it wasn’t good at all. 

Time HAD indeed passed here. A year to be exact! A fucking year, Dad!! We were transported back to the Glade and everything had fucking changed! The guards were wearing different colors, Amber and Silt were gone from the smithy, and worst of all, Wyldworks was boarded up and Mom had been taken away with Amber and Silt to Woodberry!! Yes, THAT Woodberry! That piece of shit has them! And it’s likely because he thought we had bailed. I’m so angry. Angry at myself for not being cautious and taking the time to examine that damned cube. Angry at us for continuing to explore that place even though we had a sense of the passage of time. Angry that we weren’t here to stop that fucking mindflayer! It wasn’t just the Glade he took over either. He razed Falaton and has captured most of the other settlements and towns in the Undying Grove! I’m hoping Mira is ok and that we can find her... 

My resolve is firmly set, Dad. No more games, no more reckless actions. I’m going to rescue Mom, Amber and Silt and anyone else he has take. Then I’m going to end that monster! I need to make sure the rest of the team is ready to do this as well. Especially Nirruk. I don’t know how to get to him, Dad. I know he’s been through some shit, but I need him to stop shutting down and fight back. We all need him to do that. He’s got power beyond anything I’ve seen. I can sense it. I wish he would just understand that He’s not alone in this fight. If he keeps folding into himself, more people will suffer and more lives will be lost. I wish you were here to help me figure out how to talk to him. You were always good with understanding how to… navigate the emotional needs and terrain when dealing with others.

I’m gonna get Mom back, Dad. Mark my words. I will be smart about it. Of note, I’ve made some progress with the thing I was trying to invent to impress you. I guess I can now just talk about it freely and “consult” with you as I progress. Crossbows are great, but they just aren’t as effective as I need them to be. I’ve been able to enchant stones that are more damaging. I’ve recently made some progress in creating small explosions. The explosion idea came to me during my first experience with this group. I had disarmed this trap, which had a can of compressed poisonous gas within it. The can later exploded anyway, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the applications of a compressed gas, exiting it’s container rapidly. The top popped off, which got me to thinking, that any object could be propelled away from exploding gases if there was a sufficient pushing force created by the rapidly expanding gas… I feel like I’m on to something, but I’ll need a bit more time. Hopefully not too much more, because if I’m right, I think I can somehow make my bolts move faster and therefore more deadly with this compressed gas idea, which would be extremely helpful in this inevitable fight against the mind flayer piece of shit...  

Ok, I need to read that book now. I love you Dad. Miss you a lot too. I’m sorry I fucked up in protecting Mom, but I will make it right, I promise!

 Forever Your Son, Wulf

2021/05/13 - Nirruk's Journal - Things that go "Squish" in the night

We took a few days off to recover from the visit of the Master the Illithid.  Wulf looks like he has physically recovered other then his new hairdo, but emotionally I think he is still dealing with what happened.

After our trip to the library, I came up with this plan to try and poison the Illithid next time we fight it.  So I found someone who would train me on how to make and handle poisons and got some information about a cave where we might find some Carrion Crawlers to extract their venom.  The group seemed to like this idea.

While we were sitting there discussing it, a strange girl Atheya walked into Wild Works saying she got a tip from a bartender that should could find an adventuring group to join us.  We all looked at each other strangely trying to find out who would have done that, eventually it came out that it was Wulf's mom trying to find someone to heal her boy.

Image by York

She seems nice, but I have some concerns about the sanity of a perfect stranger wanting to join our little group in the upcoming fight against the Master the Illithid.

The group said their goodbyes to Wulf's mom and headed out on the road.  It was largely uneventful except for when we met this strange man on his way to Glade's Edge with a variety of potions.  He passed them off as healing potions but seemed a little disreputable about it.  We decided to buy them anyway, and they are awesome!  (but I will elaborate more on that later!)

That night we slept in front of the Cave, the others heard some squishy noises coming from the cave but they never seemed to come near us.

The next day we entered the cave and it was immaculate inside, like someone just swept and mopped the place.  We were exploring when all of a sudden I was ambushed and paralyzed by a Carrion Crawler.  Several more Carrion Crawlers joined in and the group fought them off.  I was impressed at how everyone has improved on their fighting skills; Wulf didn't get knocked unconscious and wielded his hammer like a frenzied...well bugbear, York didn't break a sword and sliced up the Crawlers with impressive sword strokes, Corvus ...well is Corvus and sent out a lot of flashy green bolts, and the new girl Atheya was a huge help healing us.  Normally I need to save them but this time I barely helped being paralyzed and all.

I was able to put my new training to work and extracted 2 intact Venom Sacks.  They will need some processing to make them into poison, but I am happy I got all 3 out and never paralyzed myself!

Image by York

While I was extracting the venom sacks, Corvus found a stone hallway off of the cave that led to a room with columns leading toward a big chest.  I hid behind a column while the rest of them checked for traps, picked the lock on the chest, and then opened it.  Once it was opened, a wired noise sounded and the columns sent lightning in the area shocking us all.  

I was hurt pretty bad at that point, so pulled out the best healing potion ever.  It was the one I got off of the strange man on his way to Glade's Edge.  Now most healing potions try and heal your body, this one was different, it really healed my mind!  It let me forget about all my problems, I was still wounded pretty bad but I felt GREAT!  There has never been a time I can recall where I was not worried about something.  I am going to need to track down that man and get more of these special healing potions.

Anyway, the Sasquatch then bumbled around the place looking for iconography and stepped on a trap making some new friends.  At first glance they appeared stoned.  

Gotta run, I will write more about them soon.

Wulf's Journal Entry 1 5/13/21

Dad, 

From now on my journal will be letters to you to keep you updated on my journey. First and foremost, thank you. You haven’t been gone long, but knowing that I won’t hear or see you again hurts so much. You and Mom have literally given everything for me. You took in this little monster when no one else wanted him. You kept my busy hands and mind occupied and imparted skill and knowledge unto me. You held back the beast in me and taught me to use my mind instead. You showed me that anyone can be anything if they work for it. You instilled a sense of standing up for those that can’t do for themselves. You taught me the value of loyalty and respect. But above all, you loved me. So much so that after yet another mistake I made, you stood up for me and gave me another chance. This was the hardest and most painful lesson I’ll ever have, but it is one I will never forget. 

After things calmed down a bit, we held a memorial for you. We had planned on it just being an intimate affair with my new companions, Silt, Amber, maybe Miriam, and Mom of course, but the whole town showed up! It was amazing to see how many lives you have touched and how respected you were in the Glade. I know it made Mom’s heart swell as well. Corvus carved some beautiful statuettes of you and our other companions that fell due to the creature. He truly captured your essence in the carving. I will do better. Not only will I honor your memory, I will avenge you. That, Thing, that caused all of this will be ended. It will know your name. I vow this to you.

Backing up a bit, when we brought you back to the house, Mom formed you into a fire-colored gem and gave it to me. As it was when you were here, so it shall be now that you help me focus my magic. Even from beyond you are there for me… Mom also had some words for me, you know how she is. But her counsel was what you’ve both told me all of my life. I will use my mind and all of my abilities to figure out a solution to this problem. We will protect Nirruk and free and whomever else has been subjected to this madness from this monster’s malevolent control.  

We’ve done some research into his kind, Illithid or Mindflayer, and found a few vulnerabilities. One of which, according to Nirruk, is the blood or saliva or something of a creature called a Carrion Crawler. I think that will be our first step. We also just need to be physically stronger and more adept with our skills and specialties, but I think this will come with time. How much we have though is not known, but I won’t rest until this monster is dead. 

After seeing how the town guard fared in our battle with the Mindflayer, York spoke with the Captain and helped train up the force. Now that this threat is known, it’s important that we protect as many as we can from it. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. 

I’ve also done some research into the thing I was hoping you would be here to see. I need more time and experimentation, but the goal is to develop a handheld projectile launching device. I want it to be more powerful than a crossbow. I’m thinking explosive pressure in a contained tube or something could launch a projectile in a path with devastating effects. I just need to find a material durable enough to withstand such forces or a catalyst that won’t destroy the container. I’m looking into Exaltium as it is useful in many ways. My recent attempt didn’t fare too well, but given the recent events I don’t think my mind is fully into it.

Oh! I did manage to make another version of EDWarD to help mom around the shop. And to protect her. I like Alita for a name, but I’ll let Mom name it. Speaking of Mom, the guys told me about this person with whom you had made the trade with. The Withered One? How did you two know of them? Who are they? I wanted to talk to Mom about it, but there are bigger fish to fry at the moment. My biggest concern is your soul. Does he have it or are you free in the afterlife? 

I also went to the forest around my cave to see if I could get a better understanding of the magical connection between the Grove and the Feywild. Something happened. I’m not sure what, but I feel different and I feel like the Beast within me is stirring. Like something awoke it and changed it somehow. I now feel a connection between it, your gem, and the inherent magic of the forest. Whatever is happening, I feel stronger. I will keep you posted on any developments. My handwriting is different now too! 

Aside from looking into the connection, I was also hoping to see Miriam. Of course I didn’t find her, but I know how much she adores you and Mom and I’m certain she’ll be upset to know what happened and that she missed your service. I hope she is ok though. I know she had her path to take, but she’s been gone for a while now… 

Sorry for rambling on, but this helps. I know I’m just writing letters in my journal to you that I’m not certain you could even be aware of, but it truly does feel like I’m talking to you. Thank you again Dad. I will take it from here. My companions, no, my friends and I will eventually get to Woodberry and end this. Mom will be safe. We will get better. I will honor your memory. You WILL be avenged!

 … I love you and I will be looking for your red star Nebin Rivenstone...

2021/04/22 - Nirruk's Journal - The Eagle and the Snake

 I truly felt normal for the first time that I can remember.  Had fun with friends, met some of their family, joked around, we had each other’s backs in the arena….it was great…it all went to hell at the end.

 The previous night I had trouble sleeping again.  I kept seeing flashes of various experiments designed to train my psychokinetic rage.  I was given drugs, had enchantments cast upon me, I was forced to fight others… Playmates? Classmates? Victims? Friends?... I destroyed them all.  What did he make me do?  How much blood is on my hands?  This morning I am happy I do not have much of my memory of the past.

 There was a small scuffle in the bottom of the Inn when Wulf realized Edward had been left outside and some Dwarves took him; but we were able to get Edward back without a fight.

 We then headed to Wulf’s parents house/shop called Wild Works.  Nevin and Nathee Rivenstone were great; I have no idea what happened to Wulf, but his parents are good people.  Inside their shop they had this teleporter and used it to bring in a dining room table for us all to eat at.

 Wulf told them about our travels, and we asked them if they had heard anything suspicious about Woodberry; but they had not and mentioned that the people of Woodberry often keep to themselves and are a little strange.  They did not know any other arcanist who was powerful with psionic magic but suggested we go talk to Von, a Dwarf Arcanist in Woodberry.  They had never met him but thought he might be a good source of information.

 Next, we headed to see one of Wulf’s friends Silt the blacksmith and he was hilarious.  Of course York bought another sword.  Although it got a little awkward when he asked if I ever masturbated with my telekinesis.  Talk about a mind fuck.

 Silt harassed Wulf a lot about a girl named Mirrium.  It seems like Wulf has a huge crush on her.  It sounds like she is a druid that lives just outside this town.

 We started heading to the arena and jokingly talked about strategy.  I guess when one of us yells “Eagle” that means to spread out.  If someone makes the bird call “Caw-Caw” it means they want me to talk with them telepathically.  And “Snake” now means to hide in a box.  I do not understand but was happy to listen if Wulf and York continue to agree to get between me and the monsters.

 In the Arena we did well, we won both fights we entered and made a little prize money as well as some bets.  The best part of the day was after the Arena fights just joking around with the guys in a bar.  York demonstrating the “Snake” helmet technique was priceless!

 

Another amazing York sketch!

That night, we went to Wulf’s parents house and stayed there.  Wulf’s dad made this amazing casserole for breakfast.  Halfway through breakfast the worst thing happened:  Wulf’s parents turned to the group and had purple flames in their eyes and said, “The Master is here!” and walked out of the house.

 Everyone got up to follow them.  I was so scared hearing that the Master is here.  I was not sure what to do and almost panicked and ran.  Ever since I have been with this group, they have stood up for me and that was the only reason I found the strength to follow them outside the door. 

When I exited Wild Works I saw a 7’ tall, purple Mind Flayer standing there with Wulf’s parents standing on each side…..

Nirruk’s Journal 4/22/21 - (Session ? - in game date?)

Nirruk’s Journal

As I sit as this in trying to recover, I decided to try to write it down to process what all just happened over the last few days.

I was thinking I was safe, that I finally found a group of good people, odd people to be sure but good. I thought I would be able to put past behind me, but I was wrong, so very wrong, and the Master knows where I am, and I do not think he will stop until he has me again.

Nulka was missing that morning so we wandered the city doing a few errands while asking questions about Nulka. We met some strange people in the bar named Ash and Jerry. I guess the rest of the group had asked them to investigate a strange farmer. The farmer had caught Jerry and took out his eye and tongue. All they could tell us is that in the middle of the night he left with empty carts and brought back full carts but nothing else, other then that the farmer really wanted his privacy. I feel bad for Jerry, but I think both may just be useless.

In the late morning, we were heading to see the captain of the city guard about Nulka when we were surrounded by purplish fog and suddenly Nulka showed up with two other people that the rest of the group knew: Tito and Rendar. Without saying anything, Nulka launches a fireball at us! I do not remember him being this powerful when we fought the Manticore, but he injured everyone badly and even knocked the fuzzball unconscious. All 3 of them then pointed at me and said in chilling unison “we need that one!” In fear I just reacted and yelled out “No!” as I reached out with my mind hurling a big rock at Nulka.

We fought back and forth, and I thought we were all going to die at several points. A lady Mira showed up partway through the fight to join us. The others knew her as the owner of the magic shop. We ultimately won but Rendar died while we had knocked Nulka and Tito unconscious.

The group had seen similar purplish fog before when they went to some temple to Kovish, but they think this was different and just an illusion. Wulf was on me right away with questions about it and unfortunately, I do not have a lot I could say. My memory is too fragmented and scattered to know but it did feel familiar. All I could really tell them is that a powerful person, who once tortured and experimented on me, wants me back. They let it go, but I do not think it was sufficient an answer. I wish I had more to tell them. The research I had done led me to believe they were not nearby but up in Woodberry. I think it is to the northeast about 5 days from what I am told.

We took the bodies into a special room Mira has in her shop to hold people. I have to say the fact that she had such a room was creepy. Suddenly, when some of the group went to leave the hidden door swung shut and we were locked inside. Nulka and Tito’s bodies rose from the floor and they both spoke with the master’s voice saying, “My pet, why do you resist?”. I told them I was never going back, and they responded with “You will, one way or another”. When I said no again, the master made Tito’s head spin completely off!

I asked the master what he did to me and he said he unlocked my potential, but I do not want that, I just want to be left alone. The master then threatened me with “Come back to me or one by one anyone you come in contact with will fall under my gaze and control”. I was terrified of both going back and others being hurt. There was nothing I could do so fled into the corner as far as I could, shaking, and saying “no”.

The most amazing thing happened through, Wulf, York, and Corvus came to stand in front of me like a wall.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

 

I am not sure that the Master would have been as impressed, especially given that York had already vaporized the end of another sword just a few moments prior, but it was the only time I can remember people ever standing up for me like that. It felt good to have people like you enough to stand up for you.

The Master then killed Nulka too, exploding his head.

People are dying because of me! I do not want to go back; I want to refuse but I do not want others to die. Can I really escape him?

The group was still in shock when we went to bury the bodies.

Later that night they asked me more about what I knew of the master. Again, I said that all I have are fragments of memories, but that all I remembered was that the master was a tall dark shadow to me seen through flashes of arcane light. He was humanoid in shape, but I have no idea what species but that I remember it looked like he had purplish flesh. I was usually below him, but he seemed tall, like 7 feet tall and thin, wearing robes. And finally, that I did not remember ever hearing his name, only that he was called Master.

Our only lead to find him is the town of Woodberry, but I am scared to go. We decide to get any needed gear and go seek Wulf’s parents in Glade’s Edge for advice as it is partially on the way to Woodberry.

That night I had horrible nightmares.

I was a child, walking along the beach, feeling the sand between my toes as waves wash over them. I see another Gith child nearby and off in the distance is another person… a bald-headed woman… possibly Gith? She is out of reach but as I move closer, I see that purple fog again and her eyes are glazed over with purple flame. She reaches over and she rips off my arm!

Then I see myself in a dark small space, void of light and I can only perceive things with my mind’s eye. A doorway opens and I see the silhouette of the Master and hear “Come my child” scream through my mind. I crouch back into the furthest corner and start shaking in fear. In my mind again he says “No my child, I said come” as I begin floating forward toward him…

Then I find myself in a large metal room with a window overhead and again I see the same silhouette above me that says in my mind “Begin”. There is another child tied to a chair across from me. I try to talk to the other child but he lefts himself off the ground with his mind, bursts his bonds, and tries to strangle me with psychokinetic force. In a panic, almost instinctually, I fight back and the psychic energy springs from me pushing against him. It goes back and forth until the other child’s brain implodes, and I hear the master whisper proudly in my mind “Good. Good. Good.”

Was that a dream? Was that a memory? I do not know. I am afraid of him and afraid of what the Master was trying to do to me.

We leave Falanton the next morning for a horrible trip to Glade’s Edge. The first few days were raining, and York looked exhausted. Then it was foggy and could only see a few feet in front of us.

At one point we were attacked by a spider and Corvus tried to hit it with Alchemist fire only to catch himself on fire. I made the mistake of trying to help him only to get the Alchemist fire liquid on myself too. I won’t make that mistake again.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

When we got close to Glade’s Edge there was a Gith in the middle of the road. He was massive and wielded a great sword. He did not look possessed like Nulka did, but rather extremely calm and dispassionate.

 

He said in my mind “The Master Calls”. I asked him why he served that master and he said that the master makes him powerful. Indignantly I told him that I did not want to serve the master and to leave to which he replied with only “No” and teleported behind me. York then attacked him there.

 

He was a powerful foe and swung his great sword with not only the force from his body but also from his mind with psychic energy. At one part of the fight, he knocked Wulf unconscious and held his sword above Wulf’s head saying to me in my mind “The Master Calls”. I did not know what to do. Wulf had clearly stood in front of me like a shield just a few nights before and keeps putting himself in harms way to protect me. I would fight for Wulf, I may even die for Wulf, but I totally panicked at the through of going back to the Master for Wulf. I am ashamed of myself. I should have given into the Gith to protect Wulf, but I did not. I tried to reason with the other Gith but he just struck at Wulf. Fortunately, Wulf did not die, but I am ashamed.

 

After the attack on Wulf, I was so angry with myself and the other Gith that I lashed out at him with my mind just like I did at the other child in my dream and was able to toss him aside and into a tree.

(The picture is not part of the journal, but I had to include York’s amazing drawing)

 

It made me exhausted, but it also felt good. I believe the Master is wanting me to be able to do that and become his soldier like that other Gith.

The fight continued when Corvus struck a strong blow with his sword and cut off half of the Gith’s face.

The Gith never flinched or even reacted to any pain.

Finally, I was able to strike a blow to his head with a rock and kill him. In my fury over trying to kill my friends, I used that rock over and over to bash the rest of his skull apart until he was decapitated.

As a sorry bunch, and with Wulf still unconscious we limped into Glade’s Edge…

I do not know what to do. I do not want to go back, but I do not want others put in harms way for me.

Wulf's Letter Home 1

 Mom,

I hope all is well back in Glade’s Edge. I miss you and dad, but I am learning so much in my time away. I’m currently in the swamp town of Falaton working various tasks to help the locals here. And let me tell you Mom, I know I always complained about how small Glade’s Edge felt, but wowsers! This place make home look like a Palirano! However, while some of these people can be (and talk) a little slow and sleepy, they are nice enough and quite helpful. Oh! AND they have the most interesting means of moving people around town here! There’s a vine lift and a water fountain lift! Quite remarkable really.

And do not worry, I have brought together a band of capable individuals to go on these exciting adventures with and we have done quite well for ourselves and helped the town greatly. Today we took down a manticore that had been endangering the good folk of Falaton. In fact, one of the newest members of our crew nearly “single-handedly” defeated the monster! It was quite the experience! Oh! And I built a mechanical helper like Dad has! I call it EDWarD (Experimental Defense and War Device). EDWarD proved very useful in helping us and even sacrificed himself to prevent us from being eaten by a ginormous bear after he provoked it’s baby into attacking us! What a saint! I’m learning a lot out here. Like, skinning animals and harvesting them for materials is not the easiest of tasks. Made a bloody mess of some wolves and almost died trying to gather bits from the manticore! Oh and being prepared for travel! I bought the group some healer’s kits and boy did they come in handy!

Oh yeh! Let me tell you about the crew! Starting with the new guy, umm, his name is Nerruz, Nerruk, Crusty Arm, or something like that. He’s great so far. I think he was robbed or something, Mom. And in a bad way too! They took all of his clothes, armor, and his arm to boot!! Insane! I never thought a Gith would let themselves be robbed but learning more about the world is why I’m out here. But, I’ve got to “hand” it to him, he can really throw magic around with great skill. He even put some wolves to sleep which saved us from the ambush the wolves had set upon us. Ya know, in hindsight, I think if we had been less nervous about being around these animals, the bears and wolves, we may not have had to harm them, hmm.

Anyway, next we have Nulka the chatty pirate Tortle. He’s also a skilled mage, but he carries a magical cutlass (which I’m dying to examine with my glove). Odd thing is though, he was kinda quiet today. I wonder if he misses the seas or something. Or maybe he was thinking about the golden box we found in the temple for Mira. He WAS very interested in it. I think I also heard him say something about trying to extend his life. I dunno.

We did have a druid with us, Tito, but his grove needed him to return and help them or something. Sad to see him go, but he said he may return someday. We’ll see.

Next up is Corvus. Judging by how my glove reacts with a necromantic glow when he casts spells around me, I’m assessing him to be a warlock. He has a interesting sword as well, which he can wield with fairly good e ect. He was also quiet today, but he’s always kinda quiet and gloomy. Maybe it’s a Tiefling thing?

Finally, there’s York. I think he’s a human? Not sure though, he never takes o his helmet. I bet it stinks under there! So, I used to think he was the best fighter amongst us. I mean a couple of days ago we were set upon by a large group of bandits and York really showed them what for! It actually inspired me to consider adding some martial skills to my repertoire… I’ll explain further down. Anyway, today though.. .yeesh! Not only was York super clumsy, he presented a sub-par performance in combat! He even broke his sword trying to fight the manticore! Then later when I lent him my axe to use, he got it stuck in the giant bear that unjustifiably attacked us! Fortunately for us, Nerrup was there to provide a helping ‘hand’. I think maybe over the next few days since we’ll be taking a break, I’ll train with York on how to fight after I fix his sword.

Oh. My. Goodness! It just hit me! Maybe he was giving us all a first lesson on what NOT to do as a warrior!

Wow! What a interesting way of instruction! I mean… it does make sense. Better to show than to talk about it!

Yes! That must be it! Oh I will definitely have to have him teach me and EDWarD the ways of melee combat!

How exciting!

Oh and that leads me to my next point. I’ve come to realize that the skills Dad has taught me may not be enough to ensure my survival out here. As such, I will be learning how to be more e ective in melee combat in order to increase the chances of survival for myself and my companions. This will allow me to better protect those that can’t protect themselves and stand up to those that would seek to harm others unjustly. I know you and Dad have taught me that violence is the last course of action one should take, but out here… I will need it to survive. And I NEED to survive if I’m ever going to create something Dad will be proud of me for. And I’ve got some ideas Mom, but they’re still in development so I’ll let you know about them later.

Anyway, enough about me. How are you and Dad? Is the shop still running well without me there? How’s the Glade? Oh… and.. Ummm.. have you heard from Miriam? Did she send any word about finding her clan or grove or whatever? Ok, well I’m gonna go and rebuild EDWarD and fix that sword. Love you Mom. Give Dad the same from me. Oh yeh! I’ve copied my map with this letter so that you can track my adventures. Bye!

-Wulf

 P.S.- Dad, we found an odd golden puzzle cube in an ancient and haunted temple dedicated to Kovish to the north of Falaton. The mage here is very secretive about it. Might you know or have heard any stories about such a box? Thank you.

Nulka"s Journal Summer 20 ADC

I have finally reached Undying grove after traveling the coast for the better part of 2 weeks. Leaving one life behind to start another is always a daunting task, lucky for “I NULKA” has a contact in the area her name is Mira. Mira and I go way back as she is an acquaintance of my Master’s circle so it not like her and I know each other very well. 

I was in a bit of a bind noticing that the goal I wish to achieve feels like crossing a deep abyss knowing what secrets may lie in it maw will give me what I crave but at the same time it can consume me in one deathly grasp. As I waste all of my gold to gather what tools I may need for the voyage and to pay the smugglers to get me as far north as they can get me. I took the time to get myself settle in the local area as I ran into Mira at the local tavern. We talk a bit to catch up and to waste a bit of time, but as blunt as ever I get straight to the point and ask her if she has any side jobs she needs help with. By the Exalted ones, she did have one and it deals with my expertise. Eagerly to get the task at hand Mira told me that expedition doesn’t leave until the end of the week. So in the meantime, I work some odd jobs for Mira as much of I love catalog a collection of magical items to make a small profit and also to have a roof over my head. My mind and the fiery soul told me that need to fight and bleed to prove that Magic is as much as an art as mastering the sword nothing feels better than show one fortitude as two people risk it all for just a couple of gold pieces and their pride on the line. Death scares me nonetheless as my master told me something which I will keep close to my heart, “A man can do anything if only he is the will to sacrifice anything”...

 It is now the Day in which we set off to escort Mira to some unknown tome I am excited, nervous but excited nonetheless. Oh my before continuing about that, I met the new crew that I shall be traveling with for the time being of course. At first glance, you can tell even if you are a nautical mile off the port bow of a ship that these are adventurers. The first person of the group that

caught my eye is a dwarf druid that goes by the name Tito strange creature but knowing druids on how they perform out in the world they are like fighting a tree with steel plates for fist. Standing next to him is a Human male fighter nonetheless... how plain... but I may be quick to judge the human race as they tend to be very adaptive to stressful situations. Next came the tiefling man called Corvus can’t say who he is yet but the sword seems to be magical at first glance…. Very Interesting… Last but not least is Wulf the Artificers to be honest it maybe my eyes that are going to shit. I can’t tell if Wulf is a Bugbear or Hobgoblin….. I will have to further inspect that theory later. Though Wulf seems a capable fighter in my eyes as his contraptions have a lethality in their functions. A mighty fine crew they all have their quirk and skills but we shall see as the best test of fate is when you have to depend on each other in the fray of battle...

 We all arrive at the Ancient ruins teleport by none other than Mira as... I do have to admit she is the better spellcaster of the party for now at least. The ruins themselves are simply marvelous for Aeonian but one can only wonder how long did the Divine Cataclysm last as if it killed an entire empire in a matter of years only leaving the structure they left behind. While I was at school many Scholars have theories that there could be a couple of years missing history in the actual events of the Divine Cataclysm… Nonetheless but to the topic at hand. I have discovered a purple mist in the interior of the ruin the main school of magic at play is transmutation. It didn’t ring to me that as we slowly delve into the ruins many of the crewmembers are increasingly getting hungry as almost full of gluttony. I do hope we find what we need in godforsaken ruins for Mira and If I can gather more knowledge for the goal before it too late for------

 As Nulka drools on the Orange leather book smearing the page with his saliva, losing the sentence in the process 

(Nulka's session 2)

Well well… where to begin, now that we have camped for the night. We delve deeper into the ancient tomb encounter many different obstacles. One dealing with placing a set of dragon statues we have collected throughout the tomb, and another one was pushing 4 doors at the same time splitting the group. Arrrr... All task were trivial at best, just have to set your scopes at the larger picture. At the very end of the tomb, we entered a large chamber at the center of it lies a large sarcophagus to what lies inside at that very moment was definitely the question we all were asking in our heads at the time.

Out of nowhere came the monster that guarded this sarcophagus. Took us all surprise as it FELL from the ceiling! As everyone was shocked and getting ready for combat I took a moment even in mist combat to admire this creature. It shows so many strange characteristics as this “Red Blob” created a strange aura that emanated the atmosphere stimulating the endocrine glands in a creature’s body assume the creature has one, of Course, HAHAHA!! . YES me Hearty!, I will call it the Red Blob from now on until I have researched it a bit further. I did collect some samples which I am glad to acquire. Then came what was inside the sarcophagus what lied inside of it where:

● 1000 Gold

● 1700 Silver

● 3000 Copper

● An Unknown Potion

● An Unknown Scroll

● A strange Relic which we gave to Mira…

 

I have a mild paranoia about Mira and her intention toward that relic we have recovered in the tomb… I do hope that what I am pondering about lies fictional instead of becoming the truth. Nonetheless, we must have a wary eye on Mira on the upcoming events that. Only when it’s complete darkness is when evil will come out.

Once the dust had settled, I had a chance to talk to Corvus about where do we go from here. Corvus invite me to stay with the crew for a bit and I accepted the offer… Maybe what I am doing is wrong... I should’ve just left while I had the chance. Then came to shoot out the cold dark night, “The Red Star in the sky” is supposed to show that a

great soul has ascended from our mortal realm. ARRR… bull shit to that…. If that the case WHY

AM I NOT UP THERE!!!