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Greetings and salutations, 'tis the famed bard Galen doing the bardic thing, as I elucidate to you the trials and tribulations of our various quests. It is rare that I express myself in this manner, as I prefer poetics and the great oral traditions of song and music to enlighten and inspire those around me. But alas Oliver (who owns this fine journal and usually maintains a stellar record of our travels), is presently indisposed at the moment with a tankard of ale and that mysterious and addictive deck of cards! And yet who am I to comment on addiction? I can hardly scold my friend since some may say that I came close enough to destroying myself with the powerful, enticing, exotic, and wonderful Holy Smoke of Olidammara. Even now as I write this, I am still tempted to seek out it's comforting billows as they caress my mind, causing me to transcend into enlightenment. Had it not been for a brief moment of clarity and the foresight to allow Cedric to destroy my pouch, my writing would cease now as I would be exchanging pen for pipe! 'Tis no wonder my spiritual side is in crisis. The Trickster's priests have tricked me too often and I wish no longer to serve or honor Him. But I digress. I prithee that Oliver bares me no ill-will for writing in his book, or marking it's pages with the exhaled fragrance of sweet-grass, but I have nothing else to do in this strange, strange town. Where to begin...
17th Coldeven
Since our arrival here, Isaac too was having his own issues with spirituality. I must say however, that his experience with the various Rel Deven clergies was apparently much more positive, informative, and rewarding than mine. On the morn of this day our lawman friend sought out the local temple of Rao in order to satisfy his pious curiosities. I must admit a hint of jealousy of his success, since it appears that the local priests of Rao are far more civil and willing to extend their insight than the local priests of Olidammara! Upon meeting the head priest Raimegh, formerly of the same temple in Chathold as Talzeal (the priest who introduced Isaac to the teachings of Rao), Isaac obtained much information pertaining to the observance of Rao's holy ceremonies and rituals. As well, Isaac revealed to Raimegh his immense interests in all-things archery, especially in how Rao's teachings had improved his skill through sheer focus and clarity of thought and purpose. Raimegh extended an invitation to Isaac to visit and possibly join one of Rao's largest temples in the Great Kingdom, located at a castle in Serrand just southwest of Ralsand. There, practitioners of Rao's faith use His teachings to hone their archery skills through focus of mind, and vice-versa. I cannot imagine that Isaac will refuse such an offer, but it is unfathomable to conceive that Isaac's ability can improve much more. He has incredible skill already with the bow and has performed miraculous shots thus far. 'Tis frightening to think what he may accomplish with further instruction!
Did I just compliment Isaac? 'Tis a good thing that Oliver is the proprietor of these pages and that Isaac will never bear witness to these words of praise. Despite what we think of each other, I do possess slight feelings of admiration and praise towards him. Perhaps one day I'll tell him with song or verse, but that day is not this one.18th Coldeven
This was one of our busiest and most enlightening days of our journey to Rel Deven. In the early morning, a message was waiting for us with the barkeep of the inn which had our patronage. It was from Ilgrar, High Sage of the Eldritch Lords, who agreed to meet with us at the temple of Boccob during the lunching hour. Most of our group enjoyed an extended breakfast and relaxed around the inn for the morning: Oliver was busy with the cards once again, Cedric retired to his room (most likely to pray to St. Cuthbert since "spreading the good word", or cudgeling of local townspeople as we affectionately refer to it, was strictly prohibited in the streets of Rel Deven), Isaac and Darcius conversed, and yours truly was busy composing a ballad... which reminds me, I must seek out a new mandolin of exquisite workmanship while I am here. Ryvvik however, set out on his own to complete the task of scanning the mysterious blue orbs with Francenn's wand.
Ryvvik, having met all of the previous requirements laid down by the curator by becoming a licensed card-caring member of the local artist's guild, still found the curator's position firm and unaccommodating. The curator's arguments for preventing Ryvvik from sketching or painting the town were as before: "legislation has been passed restricting access to the 2nd floor and higher", "you can see the tower perfectly from the 4th Moon Café", "artistic license dose not supercede rulings of the town hall legislature", "the walls provide an appropriate site for viewing the town as well", blah, blah, blah, blah, blah... I am truly amazed that Ryvvik, unable to convince or dissuade the curator after a much heated debate, simply left his office without any major incident (other than slamming the door and promising his eventual return of course). But 'tis simply because of a truly amazing characteristic which our secretive friend possesses and I lack - patience. Ryvvik merely waited in the building's foyer for the curator to leave his office and quickly returned to the chamber's door. Finding it locked, Ryvvik peered through the keyhole and invoked some of the magic he had acquired from Bigby's tower. I believe he refers to the incantations as Bigby's Feeling Fingers and Bigby's Dextrous Digits. At any rate, Ryvvik sent his mystic helpers scouring the office for official, governmental type curios. As it turns out, the curator had been firm in his position for reasons other than protecting the legislature. Ryvvik reached this conclusion after uncovering a blue stone pendant necklace, identical to the ones worn by the cult members, in the curator's desk drawer. He also found an official seal of the curator's office which was soon brilliantly applied to a blank parchment that ultimately read:
Please ensure that my man Ryvvik has my permission to access the tower in order to conduct a commissioned cityscape sketch.
And as quickly as he had come, Ryvvik slunk back to the inn to revel silently in his success.
As Ryvvik usually is, truly amazing. Part of me cannot help to feel a little bit of distrust towards him due to his mysterious and reclusive nature. And yet it is unwarranted. I owe him so much, including Dedric's life. He has always come through for our group, been there for me, and has, unlike some, always treated me with noble respect. He is the friend I know absolutely nothing about. In that I can take an uneasy confidence.Ryvvik arrived back at the inn in order to meet up with us and journey to the temple of Boccob. The entire group went to meet with Ilgrar except for Darcius, whom I'm sure, after growing up around and being exposed to countless meetings between our fathers (the Prince and the Reeve) knew what he'd be missing. Ilgrar was an extremely charming man entering his elder years, slightly portly but with a pale and healthy demeanor one can only gain through retirement. Upon reading the letter penned by his old friend Adamaine, he was very eager to aid us with our questions. Isaac educated him further with the varia that comprised our quests and Ryvvik provided him with Delbin's book. Ilgrar ensured us that he would consult "with the beings that know no time" and the numerous texts containing the forgotten legends from long ago.
O what knowledge one could gain ... what inspirational tomes to peruse... sorry, I got carried away with a daydream for a moment.
At any rate, Ilgrar set to work to uncover all he could about Tehlei the Slayer, Pervost, The Order of the Raven, the lycanthropy-like demonic curse of the raven, and the like. All we had to do was wait for his findings, which meant a few more days in Rel Deven.
Meanwhile, Darcius journeyed to the business center of Rel Deven in order to conduct some of his own. Our acquisitive comrade garnered 100 Ivids from a local armorer and weapon smith for the breastplate we secured from the Balzite goon in Olderidge.
I am sure Darcius will share his assets with the group. If not, I will have to solicit Oliver's help in performing the tested and true 'fascination-pick-the-pocket' routine. Just ask Cedric as to its effectiveness.
More important than the business Darcius conducted was the news he brought to our attention when we all met back at the inn. Upon returning, Darcius had spotted a conspicuous golden-robed figure lurking and skulking about the inn's vicinity. Well no time for lunch, at least for Cedric. Our ever-zealous friend immediately stormed out of the inn, accompanied by Angele, and headed straight to the temple of Pelor to demand an audience with the same high priestess. Darcius and Isaac also recognized the seriousness of this situation and set out in search of a boarding house, something off the beaten path and away from prying eyes. A wise move considering their "condition" and the party's financial situation, to which the local inn's fares were detrimental. They eventual secured a house of squalor for 12 Ivids per month and were quick to set us up there after ensuring they had not been tailed or observed. As for our righteous friend Cedric, I only wish that I could have observed the events leading up to the Holy War that almost erupted in Rel Deven. Alas I can only narrate what I was told after the fact. Nonetheless, the whole situation reinforces and parallels my entire feelings towards religions of all type in general. So before my pen strays off course...
A boisterous ranting and raving Cedric eventually found himself face-to-face with the Pelorite high priestess. Upon challenging the Pelorites' true motives and intents, Cedric inevitably unleashed a cascade of events ultimately spiraling downwards into a veritable holy war of words. Twas doctrine versus the extreme interpretation of doctrine, and neither side was flexible. Cedric demanded to know why she had sent spies to observe our movements around the inn. The response did not appease nor satisfy Cedric's question, since by her reply it was obvious that she nor her followers had any intention of "curing" Isaac and Darcius at all. And the reply you wonder? According to her, Pelor had revealed true goodness was lacking within Isaac and Darcius when she had examined them earlier the day before. Thus, she stated: "I believe the searing light of Pelor should burn all evil from the land. Truly moral individuals would be unaffected and those who are affected are thus proven to be weaker and will be purged!".
I surmise it was at this moment in time that "all holiness broke loose". I can only visualize in my mind's eye Cedric's face upon hearing her words. I am sure that the vein in his forehead, the one that throbs when he gets irritated (believe me when I tell you that I have noticed it many times in the past when Cedric was upset with my various idiosyncracies) must have been pulsating extensively. Cedric roared his reply. "This is not the result of moral failings but an evil curse!".
Even Angele piped in that it was obvious that the Pelorite was blinded by her own religious views. The priestess imputed "They are not worthy of Pelor's help... they thumb their eye at morality and shall be purged. We will remove this curse!". She further added that Angele, and especially Cedric, were no better than Isaac and Darcius: "You consort with the abominations. Your minds are closed since you associate yourselves with evil and darkness! You as well will be purged".
With the blatant assail on the entire party's lives, Cedric demanded clarification as to just how the Pelorites would remove the curse. Of course the response of "The true path to salvation is to meet one's maker." did not surprise Cedric. The altercation subsequently escalated as the exchange of words and religious banter grew harsher. Angele stormed out in a tiff, quickly followed by an extremely frustrated Cedric, kindly "escorted" out by a handful of Pelor's finest.
I guess one good zealot deserves another more extreme zealot. Let the cudgeling begin (and this time even I sanction it!).19th Coldeven
Waking up on the makeshift, hard, burlap bed in our new accommodations reminded me of my youth and the days when Oliver and I used to camp out overnight in my father's barn and stables. Unfortunately I am not a kid anymore... it was wretched and uncomfortable compared to the inn, but at least we were not pestered by unwanted observers.
With our coffers low, Isaac set out in the morning to find work as a bow-maker. A risky proposition since it required finding a local merchant willing to undercut the guilds. He was successful in finding one however, and spent the next few days at a shop constructing a decent specimen that ultimately garnered 14 Ivids (after spending 10 Ivids for the materials). Not much of a profit, but I guess Isaac also used this as an opportunity to hone some of the skills he'll need to finish his own work in progress.
I'd be willing to compose a quick sonnet to inspire him in his work, if he'd only ask me. But with his contemptuousness judgment, I doubt he'll ever want my help.
Cedric, having time to mull over the events of last day, concluded that the Pelorites in Rel Deven were obviously a sect which had focused solely on certain teachings of Pelor and interpreted them to the extreme. They were not reflective of Pelor's true nature and doctrines. Cedric was determined however, to resolve this situation and began brainstorming. It was obvious that he could not rely on his fellow local St. Cuthbertians, since they too were an extremist sect. In fact, evidence pointed to an allegiance between the St. Cuthbert hoodlum gang and the Pelorites. In other words, the local priests of Pelor would find the evil and the St. Cuthbertians would smite it. Cute arrangement, no? At any rate, Cedric decided that when an opportunity arises, he would inform the Pelor temple in Chathold about their fellow clergymen, and allow them to deal with their own.
Speaking of Holy Wars, I do believe I spotted a sanctioned temple of Nerull in town. I am sure they would be interested in knowing the whereabouts of an illegal Pelor temple...
Ryvvik approached me this morning as I was enjoying my post breakfast sweet-grass, and requested my assistance. We quickly departed for City Hall and put Ryvvik's superb forgery to the ultimate test. We entered the foyer and proceeded down the hall to the guarded stairwell of the main tower. Upon presentation of the falsified document, the guards were overwhelmingly convinced as to its "authenticity", and it didn't take long before Ryvvik, unescorted, was scaling the ladders to the belfry of the top spire. My role in this whole affair was minimal, since as usual, Ryvvik came through in stellar form. I merely had to keep the guards busy just in case things went awry, which was easily accomplished with an enticing storytelling session. Ryvvik easily scanned the orbs with Francenn's wand, using his own incantations to send it out to the spheres with far-reaching orbits. Not a minute later, Ryvvik sheathed the wand and quickly sketched a brilliant rendition of Rel Deven from above. When he returned, we quickly headed back to the boarding house. I must say that Ryvvik's painting was quite good, even rendered in the short amount of time that he had. The guards were impressed as well. It must have been quite the view.
By this time, we had accomplished all of our goals in Rel Deven. We had scanned the orbs for Francenn (without incident thanks to Ryvvik) and had been to visit the Eldritch Lords. We still had to await Ilgrar's findings however, and therefore had time to squander. Addressing our desperate need for money, it was decided that we should try to sell some of the tomes we had recovered from Bigby's tower and Delbin's library. Ryvvik and myself headed off to the best place in town for such a venture... the temple of Boccob. Just prior to our leaving, we discussed with the group as to which tomes we should sell. It is here that I finally, and reluctantly, revealed to Cedric the book which I had been reading and incessantly hiding from him. When I pulled out Whispers of the Unseen (a tome dedicated to the powerful rise of Vecna and his cult), Cedric's forehead vein began to throb once more. As well, I noticed that his cudgeling hand was flexing rapidly, which indicated a greater level of stress than usual. I had to assure him repeatedly that I was not one of Vecna's faithful, all the while trying to prevent him from burning the book outright. It is true that I had been studying the book intently, but merely as a bard. I feel that all information, whether good, evil, or somewhere in between, is worthy of study as a source of inspiration. And this dark book was truly an interesting read. Cedric however, was not convinced by my arguments and permitted the book's existence as long as it remained in Boccob's Temple library.
When we arrived at the temple, Ryvvik and I met with a priest-negotiator. Ryvvik presented him with the "Internal Workings of the Finite World", "Structural Engineering", "The Shield: A Warrior's Best Friend", "How to Use Armor: The Basics", and "How to Use Armor: A More Complete Study", and pointed out that they had come from Bigby's tower. I added the additional argument that they had come from Bigby's tower with his blessings and permission. Truly a unique collection such as this to add to their library would garner us a handsome sum? Ryvvik handled most of the negotiations and eventually agreed upon 300 Ivids. Although he tried his best, Ryvvik's powers of negotiation and diplomacy are somewhat inferior as compared to my skills, which I honed after years of listening to my father babble in political meetings. I interjected that we would take 1500 Ivids for the tomes and pulled out "Whispers of the Unseen" to round out the collection. After reviewing it, the priest was impressed by the uniqueness of this tome and offered us 600 Ivids for the entire set. With a couple more quips and arguments, Ryvvik, myself, and the priest agreed upon 850 Ivids. Everyone received 100 Ivids for their own purse and 150 Ivids went to the group treasury.
Hey Oliver. Now you can afford 2 nights with Goldwhite!20th - 21st Coldeven
Everyone had their own affairs and varia of business to take care of while we waited to hear from Ilgrar. Isaac was still making a bow for the merchant and the rest of us hit the town to enjoy Rel Deven's sites and sounds. Nothing eventful happened, but I did manage to find some more rolled sweet-grass at a local market vendor stand. Anything to take my mind of the Holy Smoke. As well, I purchased a superb mandolin of exquisite beauty and craftsmanship for only 110 Ivids. Worth every bit of gold I spent on it!22nd Coldeven
We finally met with Ilgrar to hear all of the information he had gathered. In order to reveal to you, the reader, the riveting details of Tehlei the Slayer and the like, I will need a separate piece of parchment, for my ink is running low and Oliver hath just spotted me scribbling in his pages.- Galen -
