November 16, AoC 64
To begin, I would like to state that if the worst should happen to me, that this journal would be returned to my love Anariale. If that could not be done, then I wish for it to be given to the archives at Academos, as part of my final deposit.
I have started this journal eleven months after my arrival here in Corsotha. Forgive me for starting late, but every resident of the town has been busy, but now that the winter has set in, I have found the time, and now can reflect upon my first year here.
The “excitement” did not start until May, when the town apparently rediscovered Unholy, who had thought to be removed with the previous year’s defeat of the Bone Lord Morgrath. Nonetheless as my own eyes can attest, I have seen walking corpses, and skeletons moving on their own. Truly this was horrifying for me to behold. Additionally, the town was met with the arrival of Dark Elves, and I was able to see one for the first time in my life. He came out during the day, and I was actually able to help capture the creature of darkness. The town was charged with stopping the Dark Elves from opening a portal, but we fear we were unsuccessful. May also marked the official proclamation of the formation of a Town Council to govern in the name of the Prince.
In June, Unholy continued to attack the town. June was relatively uneventful, but I did meet a new friend by the name of Aramil, who I have unfortunately not seen since. I hope all is well. The only major victory that can be claimed for the town is that we were able to slay a Dark Elf mage that we feel was responsible for controlling the creatures known as Ratkin, through the use of magically enhanced earrings.
August was met with surprises. We encountered a group of individuals who claimed to worship a fifth God by the name of Hyptose, the god of feeling and emotion. It is hard to determine the legitimacy of this group, but they are extremely devout, and at this time seem to be non-hostile. The town also came across a cavern that held what was believed to be the “second key” for a weapon of unimaginable power, which we feel we can use against the Unholy legions. However, at this site we first encounter the Unholy creature the town is calling “Revenants,” which have the ability to bring zombies back to life that the town has already subdued. We also met with the Magical Fey who gave us an Invocation to use against an Unholy strike force later that evening.
September I was absent from the town, on business in Anchor Point. I believe that this was the month that the fire elemental creatures known as Ashnacks were discovered. I do not know the full story about these creatures, but I do believe the town was able to restore order, with the help of the Elemental Fey.
October might have been the most interesting month by far. First, an extensive Dark Elf offensive was unleashed upon the town. All but four of the townspeople were captured. A few hours later some townspeople who were away, returned, and with the aid of a detachment of the Prince’s Guard, the town was able to rescue all those who were held captive. In celebration, the Native Elves held their “Last Harvest” festival.
The next night brought upon us the largest Unholy force that I have ever seen unleashed upon us. We finally met the fabled Macheadon. We were able to beat the Unholy, but at great cost. We also were able to pick up the third key from the fallen Macheadon. Then, the great tragedy started. One of our Native Elf friends named Tetraillian actually turned out to be our greatest enemy. He used mind control to dominate one of our Councilors named Tristan. Tristan, under control, ordered the town to the artifact chamber. The artifact was believed to be the weapon of immense power, mentioned earlier. After three hours of attempted to solve puzzles, we finally made it to the chamber itself, where a small black orb stood on a pedestal. Our gallant warrior Magnus Von removed the artifact thinking it to be in the best interest of the town, but then the Guardian, or a large stone construct, sprung to life, and killed brave Magnus. Tristan was able to quickly pick up the artifact that Magnus had dropped, but then surprised the town by giving it to Tetraillian, who then ordered a group of Unholy to attack the waiting townspeople. Magnus’ body was retrieved and he was resurrected. We later found out that Tetraillian was actually a very powerful vampire, and we fear that the artifact maybe lost to us forever.
November met us with more Unholy. We also met Galgeose, who are stone creatures claiming to be the children of Diakonoff. They were extremely upset that we removed the “heart stone,” (what we had been calling the artifact.) There are four heart stones that form a seal to prevent the greatest form of Unholy, the Liche, from breaking free from it’s prison and reemerging into this world. They charged us with retrieved the heart stone. Tetraillian came the next morning to retrieve Morgrath’s pole-arm. I meant to hide it, but at its touch, I fell under the control of Tetraillian, who took it and made me strike Magnus. An action for which I was rightly placed into the prison for most of the day. When Magnus let me out, the town followed Robert Alan to the site of two soul stones that were destroyed. A large pitch battle with Unholy cost the town, but Robert and the Will of Kishar brought them back to us. Other than local creatures, nothing more eventful has happened since, other than the removal of Tristan from Council, for his dealings with the vampire, though he is of his own mind again.
I have made many friends since my arrival at Corsotha. First would be Robert Alan, a human Cleric of Kishar. Robert and I both share a respect for life and both serve to maintain and restore life. Usually on the battlefield Robert and I serve as “healers” as the town has come to call us. Although most do not realize it, and I am not gloating, but without the “healers” the town would suffer greatly. The town however does not realize it, or when they do they acknowledge Robert for his speed with his divine prayers. I heal by physical means, I cannot accelerate the natural, I am not a God. I can only do so much, but it distresses me that I cannot save more than I do. It shames me to acknowledge this, but I must acknowledge none the less, but this distress and depression have led me to be a more frequent consumer of our Citrona. To any Oelyte who reads this, I’m sorry.
However, another friend I have made has given me more encouragement to keep to my trade. His name is Tristan Ny’Dell and he is a True Elf Mage, and he is very powerful. After the large pitch battle in November, Tristan came to me and personally thanked me for saving as many as I could, and that the reason there were so few deaths was due to my efforts. It made me feel appreciated, but some still passed so I feel very disheartened. When I came here I never dreamed that I would need to employ my skills as a physician so often. However, I enjoy Tristan for he is highly intelligent and rational. He is also very wise, though elves live for quite sometime, so they have experience beyond any Oelyte, due to our significantly shorter life spans.
His companion is Y’sandre Goldmoon. She is also a very powerful mage and is interested in “Spell Weaving,” a concept that I believe has to do with the beginning of civilization. She is a True Elf and also has the ability to prove quite useful at figuring out little details of larger problems. Combined Y’sandre and Tristan in all senses are a forced to be reckoned with. She is very friendly and provides the constant intellectual debate that keeps my mind working.
Next I shall speak of the Council. The most prominent member is a Dwarven Cleric of Diakonoff named Ayhor. He is a Dwarf of great faith and prowess on the battlefield. However, he is not always the most prominent speaker, but then again Dwarves are not known for their public speaking skills. On the other hand Dwarves are known for their stubbornness. Although it may take Ayhor some time to make up his mind, once he does he follows it through to the end. It is this sort of dedication that contributes to the town’s success.
Councilor Tater Knoll is a human lumberjack, however I rarely see him lumbering. He is very stealthy and often times behaves more like a thief in the night than a member of the Prince’s Council. He is an expert intelligence gatherer, and ever sense Tristan’s removal from Council, Tater has become more prominent and more decisive in the matters of the town, and is accepting his responsibility as a Council member. Tater is also very well versed in almost every type of weapon imaginable.
Tater’s cousin, Brian Knoll is the fourth member of Council, and is the other primary physician in town. He is more skilled than I, but he has been at the trade longer than I have. Hopefully he will be able to teach me some things in the coming days. As a councilor however, Brian is very quiet and upon passing, one might not realize that he is a Councilor. He is a good man, just not one of action, which is what the council needs.
I will concede the fact now, that although it would deter me from my objective of observing the town, I would not be opposed to casting my lot for the new seat on Council. As an Oelyte I feel that I could offer a lot, but more specifically I see the need for quick action, which I know I am capable of making. Anyways, back to those who are my friends.
The single most brave and cunning warrior I have met, would be Magnus Von. He is a human and is very skilled. He has been named Master of the Watch, and leads it with a Mythrill will. He shows no fear and will fight to the end. In the times that politics have failed the town, Magnus’ leadership has saved it. Due to the inspiration that I have felt while around Magnus, I have been considering joining the watch as a battlefield medic. I feel that I could save more lives by attacking our adversaries before waiting for them to come to us. I shall have to meditate on this.
The next person who is an ally, but angers me to a slight degree is Brynn Resmerics. Although usually she is a wonderful and caring person, Brynn can sometimes loose those qualities when discussing matters of the guild. Brynn seeks to bring a charter to the guild in order to help start an economy within Corsotha. A noble goal to be sure, though her business mindset can sometimes be trying. She wants me to joint the guild as a craftsman, and force me to charge people for healing. This I cannot do, I know this. I will face hard times dealing with the guild, but it must be done. Life does not have a price. Being forced “out of business” is probably good justification to join the Watch.
Another person whom I know well and has saved me numerous times, is Sebastian Starsmoore. He is a Reverend of Diakonoff and a True Elf. He has a long and distinguished history and fights with a marvelous ancient weapon that bears his last name. We both serve as healers, however he fights better than I and with more fervor. He makes me feel safe and confident in battle or when the Unholy are about. He is a valued friend.
His friend, and our kindred, is Atticus Avery II, an Oelyte brewer. His profession…is well less than admirable. However so is my behavior with constantly drinking Citrona, so I am not one to judge. He fights on the Watch with this enormous sword, which he has named “Betsy.” It is the largest weapon we have. It is good to not be the only Oelyte here any longer.
The next three people are all native to this land, the Barbarians and the Wild Elves. First is a young 9-year-old barbarian girl named Awa. She has lost her family and now lives with a Wild Elf named A’helor. Away wants to be a Wild Elf; unfortunately for her it cannot happen. She will forever be devoid of happiness I suppose. She also has asked me if I produce eggs, for she was hungry.
The Barbarians are an interesting lot. The look like humans, save for much more adorned with nature. The dress in furs and have hair that covers their bodies. They use nature to their advantage and have survived because of it. However, their intelligence is lacking. Even humans have an edge of them. They are usually content, so I suppose what they do not know, does not hurt them.
As noted before the other new race are the Wild Elves. Masters of nature, and of the bow, these people have developed a peaceful coexistence with the land, which is a fact that I envy. I only wish I could be as immersed in nature as the Wild Elves are. They see themselves as Kishar’s children. They must hold some high regard with the mistress, for they have survived on the new continent amongst the Unholy for centuries. They are very unique.
They also have a custom that is slightly similar to ours, in that they take an apprenticeship at a young age. They have a rite of initiation known as a yai’sofel, which means, “first charge.” In this rite the elders of their tribes will give them a task that the must complete before they are recognized as adults in the eyes of their community. Two Wild Elves live with us in the town, A’helor and Elhod’rion, though the latter is known to us as “Tib.”
A’helor’s yai’sofel was to protect the nest and eggs of a bird who was killed. Much to my delight, he was able to perform this task. A’helor is somewhat silent and has an aura o f mystique about him. I have had many long conversations with him, and for someone who is unused to the customs of the people of Merdensa, he is very intelligent.
Tib, on the other hand, is not shy. In fact I would say he is just as curious as an Oelyte. He is a child in his people’s eyes, but in terms of actual years, he is older than myself. I have not yet been able to determine with certainty, the nature of Tib’s yai’sofel. Tib and I have formed a close friendship that I value greatly. It is rare to find someone so enticed with nature such as myself, but now that I have, I find myself enjoying his company all the more. However, he has recently parted with us to go home to his tribe, since the winter has set in. I do hope he returns soon, for I miss him.
The Wild Elves, or Native Elves, as I have been calling them, (“Wild” seems to imply that they are savage, when they are everything but,) are masters of the bow. They depend upon it; their very culture has been forged by the bow. They are also great woodsmen that can pick up and follow any trail as easily as a fish can swim in water. They also survive on the land without conventional prepared food, which is a remarkable feat. The Native Elves are not practitioners of magic, much unlike their True Elven counterparts, a fact that thrills me greatly. The Native Elves are truly a remarkable race that are deserving of respect and praise.
This will conclude my thoughts for now. I wish to head to the Iron Dragon Tavern, before the owner Rigaris retires for the night. Winter is setting in, so I expect nothing significant to happen over the season. Once things become active or interesting again, I shall continue with the memoirs.