23rd day of Icemelt, Year of the Scarab -- It was today that I arrived in the city of Arcadia and was approached by an individual named Gahad. He offered us a simple task. Retrieve an item from the city of Brandywine in the neighboring Middle Kingdom. He would not tell us what the item is, only that we would know it when we saw it. To our advantage, Gahad gave us the location of the item. Against my better judgment, I accepted the task. It pays well and I will need to cover my expenses somehow.
I was not the only one to be hired either. Two others, both humans, will accompany me to Brandywine. Whether to keep an eye on me or as extra help, I know not. We depart at first light.
25th day of Icemelt, Year of the Scarab -- Arrived in Brandywine just after mid-day of the second day with the aid of a group of goblin merchants. The shorter of the two humans, a rather unscrupulous merchant, is a slow one. He was able to bribe the merchants with an offer of some sense-dulling drugs. This one may be trouble. For now, we have found an inn and have bartered for rooms. It seems the humans here dislike me. I believe we were overcharged, particularly given the condition of accommodations. After learning as much as possible about the area, we decided on a plan of action. It will be implemented after the festival begins.
1st day of Greenview, Year of the Scarab -- It was a difficult task, but it is done. After escaping the city, we stopped for the remainder of the night in an area away from the road. The palace was more heavily guarded than I had thought, given that the nobles were at the gladiatorial games. I believe I'm going to speak with Gahad about his lack of straightforwardness, however. The bastard had us steeling a rather large throne.
2nd day of Greenview, Year of the Scarab -- We were attacked by a small pack of wolves last night, one of which was of supernatural origins. I believe Chantico may be operating in the region and they seem quite interested in the throne. During our travel and after pitching camp, I was able to gather information about the throne. I went in to the city to determine what else I could learn.
The throne had a carving written in runes and a second written in the Western tongue, both of which I copied and brought with me to the local scholar's guild. There I learned the first was a cryptic phrase referring to one's weapons of war and where they are stored. The second, written in Western, was a single word: "Averlus".
It seems Averlus is a local legend, a dragon of some type that enjoyed playing pranks. What his name is doing on an ancient throne, I'll likely never know. There are rumors that the beast is still alive, but not many believe them. Tomorrow night we meet with Gahad. Perhaps he can tell us more.
It also seems I was also followed when returning from Arcadia. A group of ratlings attacked Sonin, Dagmaer, and myself. They appear to be mere thieves, but I believe they may have some other motivation, especially given the interest in this throne.
4th day of Greenview, Year of the Scarab -- Gahad is a deceitful pig. He led us to believe he was a councilman and he is nothing. Upon attempting to return the throne to Gahad, we were ambushed by a wizard and his cronies. The wizard, who we learned is named Blaine, escaped and his thugs were killed. They seemed to be targeting Gahad. The city guard believed we were responsible and they are rather unhappy about what our deeds may have done to the peace between their two provinces. We're to take the throne with us and protect it. The province has banished us for now.
I believe there is more to be learned, both about my two companions and the throne. Our first lead is to Averlus, rumored to have lived in the Scarlet Mountains. We go south.
I have learned a few things about my companions. The woman, Dagmaer, has some kind of ability. Her hands glow when I open to myself to detect magic and she is able to heal mortal wounds. I do not believe she is human. At least not entirely. The other, the merchant Sonin, is apparently a man with talents of the mind. He is able to communicate with others and tell if they are lying. A most useful ability. Perhaps these two would make fine additions to the Guardians' ranks. For now I will wait and see.
8th day of Greenview, Year of the Scarab -- It seems that our small group is able to attract the attention of almost anyone. Upon reaching the base of the mountains one day and a half past, we stopped for supplies in a small town where we stayed the night. It was there that I learned the throne is far different. I had been suspecting for some time as the throne has been moving itself and even Sonin's detections of the throne show that it has been used by supernatural forces. But we are still no closer to learning what it does. I have learned that there are several spirits living within the throne. I do not say trapped because they claim that they belong there and that I, when I opened my mind to them, was the intruder. My head still aches from the experience. Sonin tried as well, but was able to get little more than I.
We began our ascent into the mountain pass as we decided our next destination was Colfax, the regional capitol. Upon nearing the summit, we were attacked by a pair of elementals, one ice and one fire. Were it not for my leg-shattering blow, Dagmaer's quick thinking, and the appearance of Averlus, my journals would not continue.
Averlus, while stories abound about his mischievous nature, is quite sociable. After helping us, he even gave us some of his horde. I believe he may be dying. His legends are thousands of years old, after all. Nevertheless, I thanked him for his generosity and have gained additional weapons in my fight against Chantico. Two new spells, a Ring of Multiple Image, and a number of gold pieces have been added to my collection, as has a new Voulge. We have not yet identified some of the potions, but we will in time.
10th day of Greenview, Year of the Scarab -- Once again, our deeds are haunting us. During our travel toward the Kighfalton Plains, our next lead, I attempted to learn these two new spells. The first was not a problem. The second, however, left me in a bit of pain and drew the attention of a group of Tuskers. I and Dagmaer nearly died. A ranger aided us and a use of my latest spell allowed me to control the Tuskers and send them away. Dagmaer was in far worse condition. Unconscious, but healing slowly thanks to the ranger Faran, she woke at dusk. Faran led her aside and Dagmaer is not being forthcoming with what transpired. She is hiding something. Perhaps she is not suited to become a Guardian. Guardians don't keep secrets from each other.
