Nepheri

Often misunderstood cleric of the Raven Queen - a female aspect of Kelemvor. Or her own being. It's complicated. She's dedicated to fate, trying to do good. Her past is filled with tragedy and her using others for her benefit. By attempting to help others stay on the path their intended fate, she hopes to save her own. Death, the conclusion of someone's fate, needs to be understood and respected rather than feared.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Soft with some sharpness. Curvy but fit and usually hides it. Horns and tail fade to a more clear infernal red than the almost black red that covers the rest of her body. The horns are thick and ridged, protruding from the front of her head and then arch backwards. Her tail is slightly thicker than her forearm at its base. It extends for a meter and a half, tapering to the thickness of her wrist. The end extends into an arrowhead-shape.

Facial Features

Her eyes are completely white and almost glowing.

Apparel & Accessories

Usually dressed only in black, dark blue, and the white under the symbol of the raven queen at the top of her cloak. She often does wear some simple silver jewellery, including some earrings. And of course, she always carries the silver raven that is the symbol of her faith.

Specialized Equipment

She carries a shield that she usually brings out in combat. She's a lot less likely to use her mace, preferring to rely on the magic given to her by the Raven Queen. The silver raven on her necklace is her spell focus, and she never takes it off under any circumstances. Nepheri does own a scythe of a very foreboding design that she carries as a symbol. Harvest your grain too early, and you won't get any flour; harvest too late and all value has been lost. She'll leave this behind whenever it becomes inconvenient, but it works as a reminder.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Nepheri was born in Neverwinter in 1468 DR and has spent most of her life there. Her father, a half-elf named Barksos, left when Nepheri was seven, having fallen in love with an elven woman in Waterdeep. Nepheri's mother, Heaia, was killed four years later after she refused "extra services" to a bar patron and he didn't take no for an answer. Nepheri learned to trick people into giving her money very early in life. It's what most expect from Tieflings anyway, so why not just take the stereotype and run with it? After she realised she could practically live off of the sympathy received after her mother's death, she started using those sorts of tragedies to sell people false hope, fake cures and the like. At the age of 18, she was caught by the Order of the Raven Queen as she tried to pass herself off as a medium working for the order. As punishment she wasn't put in prison - she handed herself to the Order who in turn taught her their ways. She is filled with the respect she is now had as a very devout believer, ashamed of how she once used people and desperate to show the importance of the order's teachings to the people.

The life before

Sir? Excuse me, Sir? I can sense sorrow within you and believe you are the one I have been sent to aid. I'm cursed, you see. When a soul is struggling to find it's way, I hear the agony. You're recently lost someone, haven't you Sir? I can hear them. Luckily I have the charms you'll need to guide them away from a terrible fate. Place the charms on their grave and speak with them. Please Sir, don't let them suffer! All I ask is enough money so that I can enchant more talismans to aid others such as yourself. Five gold pieces is all.
— Nepheri, age 13

The day Nepheri was born was also the day her maternal grandmother, Feraia, died from a heart attack, making it both a happy and a sad day for the family. This combination of events left the newborn girl with only one living grandparent, her paternal grandfather. From what Nepheri knows, the first couple of years of her life were reasonably happy. Her parents shielded her from the less than honest parts of their jobs. Her father worked in a butcher's who helped fence meat from cattle thieves. Her mother was a waitress and tried to find ways to trick customers into spending more for less. Both of them ended up in trouble with people on both sides of the law more than once. It was during a business trip to Waterdeep that Nepheri's father fell in love with an elf named Kelara Laurel. Besides her name and the fact that Barksos - her father - was in a great hurry to be with her instead of his family, Nepheri knows nothing about this woman. Nor has she felt a need to find more out, and she assumes that Kelara is an evil one who destroys happy families. Her father leaving makes the first point where Nepheri decided that the misfortune of others didn't matter to her. She went to funerals for children and begged outside so that grieving attendants would give her money. She tricked temples into giving her money to take care of the burial of her dead parents. She pulled that last scheme so many times that when her mother finally died, Nepheri had to find a site and bury her mother herself. Before her death, Heaia, Nepheri's mother, had added things like pickpocketing to her repertoire. And she increasingly used flirting to get extra money from the customers at the pub. Her more sensual behaviour is what leads some of them to assume that she was also a prostitute and one of them was so upset that he couldn't buy access to her body that he preferred to stab her multiple times. The man, named Felcer Stormwreath, had contacts among the nobility in Neverwinter and was never put on trial. Nepheri tried to seek out her only living relative after her mother had died. But her grandfather, Kelarr, had been sick for years and only kept alive by ever more invasive treatments by local priests of Ilmater. When she finally got there, he was in such bad shape that he begged Nepheri to end his life. It took a lot of soul-searching for her to do what she did next. She managed to convince the priests to give her funds to take care of her grandfather at home. AsIlmater always preaches sacrifice, the priests obliged. The thirteen-year-old girl then took her sick grandfather home and gave him the death he wished for but keeping the money from the temple to herself. Getting a bit older, Nepheri could pull off different tricks to get money. She learned how to disguise herself so that she wouldn't get caught as easily. Those grieving were willing to pay for any chance to talk to the departed, and Tieflings already have a reputation for the arcane so convincing someone to pay for some divination was easy. The dying were willing to pay even more for a cure or at least something that would let them live longer. And Nepheri could fake a seance or make a pretend healing potion that was close enough to fool someone who had no experience with the real thing. It was to spot potential targets that Nepheri created a whole fake persona - Maleena Dream. Maleena was the outspoken, sensual and provocative person Nepheri couldn't be. She was also very good at spotting people who were suffering and she could exploit. What she never truly had was the feeling of an authentic bond of kindness with someone she could care believed in her for being here and not for what they had been tricked into.

Finding her Faith

Shh... You don't have to worry anymore. The pain will go away and you will find a place for transcendence. The Raven Queen will watch over you through me. We'll be here until the end. You're not alone. My Queen is with us all as we die. Trust in her.
— Nepheri - age 20.

Everything changed for Nepheri when she got caught in one of her most common schemes. She would go to a funeral, claiming the deceased had given her visions (and spout some basic information about them that she had managed to find out) and then she asked people for money so she could afford to go on some quest to find out more. Only this time, at the Temple of the Raven Queen, there was an actual cleric present who had indeed been communing with the dead man. Attempting a quick getaway, Nepheri pulled some things that looked valuable from the temple and scampered. She was found by the same cleric that evening. Given a choice between working at the temple for the cleric, Master Jint Silverlock, and being handed over to the city guards; Nepheri figured it would be easier to escape from the former. She was wrong. For the first six months, she did everything she could not have to adhere to the temple's strict rules. When that didn't work, she sulked and read the books there instead. And as she came to understand the role of death in people's lives. And she started to realize just how cruel she had been previously. The sense of regret that filled her fueled her growing conviction as she gave herself to her studies and understanding The Raven Queen. She shed all she could of her old life and spent hours in prayer every day. It took another year before she got over her shame and started to help out with funerals and caring for the dying and their relatives, but once she did - she put her all into it. She even volunteered to travel to places around Neverwinter to seek out those who could benefit from any solace she could give them. Anything to make up at least some of the sadness she had caused before. She made no real friends during her time in the temple as she was too busy focusing on her work. But there was a handful of people who she admired for their dedication. One evening, after Nepheri had helped a dying woman say farewell to her family just before she died, she sat in prayer in the temple as usual. Suddenly, she felt the presence of the Queen herself around her. The Raven had chosen her to be her cleric and help guide the people. She had was given a chance to call on her goddess' favour and magic directly.

Other pieces from her past

Good memories

When they had enough money, Nepheri's mother used to take her to drink chocolate in the Neverwinter harbour to watch the ships.

Bad memories

Most of her teens.
Nepheri spent a night hidden in fear next to a crypt as she was trying to get away from a tiefling-hating group of youths.

Sexuality

Pansexual

Education

Her only formal education consists of three years at the temple to the Raven Queen in Neverwinter. The first six months or so consisted mostly of escape attempts and trying to get the priests annoyed enough to kick her out. But once she took her position seriously, she was all consumed by studies. Never feeling like more than an outsider, she made few friends outside of the dead and the dying who came to the temple.

Accomplishments & Achievements

To her, leaving her old life behind and truly taking in the teachings of the Raven Queen is a significant accomplishment. And the things she realised means she struggles every day to keep true to her new path.

Failures & Embarrassments

Nepheri's past as a con-artist who abused people fills her with shame to the point where it defines her. To her, this is a sin so big that it can never be forgiven and she expects her soul to be dragged to the Nine Hells when she dies. She's not seeking redemption, only a chance to also leave some good behind. On a more personal level, Nepheri has written a lot of over-dramatic poetry in her teens. The kind where rhymes using 'fire' - 'desire' and 'hole' - 'soul' are common. She's become a much better writer and would hate for anyone to find any of these old texts. She isn't as bad a cook as she thinks she is. As a child, she thought she had talent in this area, but after serving other people she realised it was her mother being kind. Embarrassed, she stopped cooking until she had to. To this day she's convinced the result will be terrible which is also the major reason she's being held back. In reality, the food she makes is somewhat boring but perfectly edible.

Mental Trauma

Several things in Nepheri's life have left her scarred. Her father leaving her and her mother. Her mother being killed. And she's convinced that she deserves worse things in the future.

Intellectual Characteristics

Second-guessing herself constantly, but tries to keep a calm head about her.

Morality & Philosophy

Death comes to all. It has to. It is what makes life precious, knowing that we all have a measured out destiny to fulfil. Everyone needs to be able to face that and live their life in that knowledge. Have you got that sense of mortality? Good. Now you can focus on what's important.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

She has hurt a lot of people in their darkest hour; people who were mourning or had lost faith in life. She has a strong need to make up for that and show respect for the dying, the dead and those who are in mourning.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Feats of strength are not her thing. And she grew up on the streets, not among nobles. She can fake being upper class to some extent, especially to those who aren't part of it, but she has no way to know what to do.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes

Food and Drink When it comes to drinks, Nepheri enjoys wine and has a soft spot for mediocre reds in particular. anything warm is better than something cold and she would prefer not to have anything well chilled. There is one other beverage which makes her life better: coffee. Any day that starts with a cup is better, and serving her some is a good way to make her less cranky. Acrivities Nepheri did a lot of dancing and singing when she was younger, but when she joined the temple, she viewed it as part of her shameful past. She's slowly embracing these passions again but is afraid they might lead her down a sinful path. Humour Taking someone down a peg amuses Nepheri to no end. This goes double when someone is trying to be morally superior. Her attempts to bring about humility is essentially also the reason for her sarcasm. Also, while she doesn't want to admit it, 'dad jokes' usually results in a laugh. Other things She loves the night and the mysteries associated with it. The moon is the prettiest light as far as she's concerned. Symbols of death remind her of her Goddess and make her feel safe and at home.

Dislikes

Food and Drink Nepheri considers soup pointless as a dish. Foods should be something you can bite, otherwise it's a beverage. Weather Her tiefling blood sets Nepheri's body temperature very high and being somewhere cold feels even colder to her. And getting wet just feels like the world is trying to douse her. The combinations of those two are snow and ice, which makes her hate those even more. Few things make her grumpy and miserable the way cold rain does. Creatures As a servitor of the Raven Queen, Nepheri has a burning hatred for the undead. They are an abomination against the natural order of things and have to move on or be destroyed. The sooner the better. Also, Nepheri's maternal grandmother was raped by a devil, which led to the infernal blood that makes her a tiefling. As a result, she sees all devils as imminent threats. Which, isn't wrong.

Vices & Personality flaws

After much time where she had to hide her emotions, Nepheri has a hard time expressing sadness sometimes. Instead, when she's scared, she becomes very goal-oriented to the point of ignoring her safety. She doesn't want the world to think she might fail it again. Any time something goes wrong because of her, she wants to break down. And if she's feeling safe enough, she might allow herself to cry and fall apart.

Social

Family Ties

Every member of Nepheri's family is dead, as far as she's aware. Her maternal grandmother died the same day Nepheri was born, and her maternal grandfather was a devil who raped her grandmother. Her paternal grandmother died in childbirth when she had Nepheris father. Nepheri killed her paternal grandfather both as an act of mercy and as a way to get money. As far as she knows, Nepheri has no aunts, uncles, or siblings. Her mother was killed by a bar patron. Her father was turned into a vampire as he left the family to be with his sire and new wife in Waterdeep. He was later destroyed by Nepheri and her friends.

Religious Views

A very devout priestess of the Raven Queen, whom Nepheri thinks she owes her life and every bit of good in her to. She shares a lot of her Queen's views on the other gods, including a dedication to Kelemvor, appreciation for the fates laid out by Savras, and hate for Myrcul. But Nepheri also looks down on Ilmater - not because she thinks self-sacrifice is bad, but because she believes his priests prolongs suffering when it should end.

Social Aptitude

Nepheri's calm demeanour often makes her seem trustworthy, even when she lies. Maybe especially when she lies. She tries always to appear kind and helpful.

Speech

Nepheri usually is very soft-spoken and rarely raises her voice. She tries to navigate between being gentle and not sounding like a devil trying to trick someone.

Relationships

Nepheri

Ally

Towards Dworik

Dworik

Ally

Towards Nepheri

Nepheri

Ally

Towards Ellywick

Ellywick

Ally

Towards Nepheri

Nepheri

Ally

Towards Phennyr

Phennyr

Ally

Towards Nepheri

Nepheri

Girlfriend?

Towards Lavia

Lavia

Girlfriend?

Towards Nepheri

View Character Profile

Professions

Priest

Year of Birth

1468 DR 22 Years old

Birthplace

Neverwinter

Parents

Heaia

Spouses

Siblings

Children

Gender

Female

Eyes

White

Hair

Light blue, nearly white

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Very dark red

Height

172 cm

Known Languages

Common and Infernal .

Journals in order

Eye

Nepheri's trusted familiar has so far only taken the form of a raven and it remains unclear if he could take on any other form. His name captures what he often is to Nepheri, what he is for the Raven Queen to watch over her cleric, as well as the name of some favourite food of his. Click here for the stats: Eye

Visits in the Cloudtops

Alhura and Kima indeed are excellent hosts. I haven't even heard of some of these dishes. Seriously, who thought of stuffing something into a tiny bird? How are you even supposed to eat that? It tasted nice enough, though, and their staff was really friendly. Dworik always seems able to handle situations like these, but I'm not sure the food agreed with him. In any case, we brought up the whole dragon plan and possibilities of getting closer to Cedery, and they seemed to think it was a good idea. Especially the laxative part. We even got Kima to agree to join us for the endeavour. She seems more than capable, which will be helpful if we're to fight another dragon. After dinner, we headed to Cedery's home to better understand what we were up against. It's easily twice the size of Fate Manor back home and has a large garden at the front, which might make it difficult to enter unnoticed. What's worse is that every entrance has runes that will alert someone inside to one's presence along with a vision. Not great for us. Even at this hour, several lights were burning in the windows, indicating people being awake and active. The fact that a couple of guests, likely students, left while we were there probably provides at least a partial explanation for it. They weren't the only ones leaving — a girl, maybe five or so years younger than I, snuck out not-so-stealthily. She met up with some friends. I know some of the people I met while I was a teenager, the ones who had proper homes, sometimes did this. The great thing with those people was that they often had things like gold or alcohol to waste and could be made to provide for me. Provided they were given the right motivation, at least. Maybe the same tactics might provide us with an advantage here?

Plagued Possibilities

Do you ever get that strange feeling where you hear the bells of the clock towers in Protector's Enclave showing that it's only might night while you could have sworn you've already had a full night? I suddenly have that, but at an intense level. Like, I'm afraid the others will catch me misremembering something from just earlier today. I guess it might be knowing how many months have passed in our own world while we're here that's getting to me. Or maybe it's because we all took the time to talk through our plans again. Our plans for the evening changed from B&E to surveillance of Cedery's house. Instead, the others also want to get into the man's good graces by doing a job for him. I know I was open to doing that job, but the very idea of aiding someone that sure of his privilege hurts a bit. I don't know if he's actually the sort of person Vesper believes him to be, but I am more than willing to listen to her. Most would have claimed I was unreasonable in the same way as her when I insisted the Temple of the Harvest and the Silent House were the ones harming people. Once Cetery's time has come, I wouldn't be saddened by seeing his soul move on. In any case, the potential job for the archmage would include having a diamond pass through the digestive system of an adult green dragon. My suggestion was to feed the jewel to a cow and inject the creature with laxatives, let the dragon eat it and then we could collect the tressure. This might work if such things have any effect on green dragons. Meaning I have no idea. I do feel somewhat bad for the pain we will have to put our bait through, but a merciful death is clearly not its fate. We need some supplies in either case. For instance, it would be of great benefit if we could get hold of something to let us contact each other at a distance. Even something relatively short range would be extremely helpful in many different situations. Thus, that's where we're headed next, after which Dworik is going to seek out some shadier people for contacts. He knows how to move even in the circles I otherwise feel at home in. I might be able to seek out Neverwinter's criminal underworld while avoiding the wererats, but he picked up on the signals in a foreign city in a foreign world. I'm not sure if I should be grateful or envious, but I'll try to focus on the first. I'll try to not mess up too much as back-up to him. I hope we can manage not to be a complete mess by dinner.

Hypothetical 5: Bard (Ginny Di video)

Clover, addressing Nepheri first and then the waiter: Ah! I was hoping you'd come by! Good sir! Dinks for my friend and I!
Clover checks his finds he has no money.
Hm, alas, I am a little short. — a halfling joke I've heard a lot. Would you be a kindly sort and pay for these, since I can not?

Nepheri smiles gently and hands the waiter a few coins.

Clover takes a grateful swig: Ah, poetry! The food of love! Words both fair and true! Tell me friend, do you enjoy hearing a verse or two?

Nepheri, mildly amused: At times, from those who make words sing or give solace to those whose loss still sting.

Clover: Well, all have heard of your recent success and epic tale! But me, I hope do go deeper — learn some new detail. I hope to share your life in full — from start to current day! The insight scoop! A true tell-all! So, what do you say?

Nepheri: My life shouldn't be described in glory. It's far more that of a cautionary story. If there is any wisdom one might glean it's how I found purpose to serve my Queen.

Clover: Let's start at the dawn of your life! You were a babe in arms! Your parents —were they kind to you, or did they do you harm? Sweet, living parents make for poor ballads; it's sad to say. If they were kind, maybe they died in some cruel, tragic way?

Nepheri, visibly wincing: Though first kind, they have reached their death and while I loved mother even as she drew her dying breath my father was dead to me before his blood was drained, all before his ashes scattered as my companions aimed.

Clover: Yes, I see. Understand, I only do my best to write compelling openings. Please don't be distressed! When you were young, did others tease you? Bully you, poor dear? Or, were you much beloved? Or source of other childrens' fear?

Nepheri: If you have this skin, horns, and tail, all assume you think their soul is for sale. While being devilkin gave me much abuse, I learned to retort with some clever ruse.

Clover: Now, many heroes of the past have destinies, it's said. Born beneath a prophecy, or curse upon their head! At first, did you believe that you were meant for greater stuff? Some auspicious dream, or even wish, would be enough.

Nepheri: My sins are my own; I can't blame a curse. My Queen allows me to have it not be worse. She appeared to me, showing me her might despite my sins, I can aid, cleansing the world's blight.

Clover: Hm. I can work with that. Let's skip a bit ahead! How long was it before you left your home and childhood bed?

Nepheri, with increasing discomfort: I was twelve when I buried my mother, bloodied red and a child can rarely afford such a permanent bed. The longer times somewhere I got safe and good rest by ill-gotten coin, I was undeservedly blessed.

Clover: When you went, how did you feel? Joy or some malaise?[ Did you high-tail it out of there? Reflect with wistful gaze?

Nepheri: I've said all I want to say regarding days of moral decay.

Clover: Now is the part in any tale where you'd have learned your trade. You must have had some teacher? Trainer? Some to give you aid? If not, please dig! Your victories were fated! Every hero has a mentor! ...Even if exaggerated...

Nepheri: The priests of my holy Raven provided for me a sacred haven. I learned fate and death has laws I had violated, and suffering did cause.

Clover: What would you call the greatest lesson learned during this time? What skill or understanding did you take into your prime?

Nepheri: We will all suffer and all die, but I can bring solace if I try.

Clover: And when you now reflect, how do you feel about that stage? Do memories warm your heart, or do they fill you up with rage? Some youths, you know, will look to ballads as they plan what's next! Should we then encourage them? To follow in your step?

Nepheri: In regards to my time in the temple, of faith and learning? Yes, those who seek and those whose sols are concerning. Each must seek their own fate and faith to follow Respect what fates, or your soul too will be hollow.

Clover: When did violence start to rear its head? Struggle and strife! Tell me, what was the first fight you ever won in your whole life?

Nepheri, with a chuckle: Some kid teased and pulled my tail! Tried to stop her to no avail, Pain reminded her of my blood from hell that gives me some sharp horns as well.

Clover: Nature has a balance, so each win must have a cost! Tell me also of the first battle you ever lost!

Nepheri: An older boy kicked me, describing me as foul-blood. He tried to banish the devil he saw, leaving me in mud.

Clover: Now, I must describe you! How your features are designed. So that our listeners can picture our bold hero in their mind. Great poets can bring imagery to bear with every line. Describing you will surely make my skills in this field shine. What colour would you call your eyes? For then I could compare their lucid depths to molten honey, spring leaves, or... stoneware.

Nepheri, blinking with her solidly white and gently glowing eyes: I doubt anyone with sight would say anything but white.

Clover: How would you describe your build? A rippling muscle mass, shapely curved, or towering high? A slender blade of grass? We don't need to worry quite so much about accuracy... the goal is just to make you sound like quite a sight to see!

Nepheri: A devil, feared by many, by others desired. I hope, whatever the cause, they are inspired.

Clover: Now, say a fan who loves my work should happen into you, might you have a catchphrase? Or a banner they might view? How could they recognise you if they stumbled across your path, so they could have a portrait made, or have an autograph?

Nepheri: I do have Eye, my raven, if that is what you mean? Otherwise, my exact shapes and colours are rarely seen.

Clover: You should really prepare yourself for fame to come your way! My ballads, well, they top the charts! At least, they will someday... I hear you recently had a victory of great renown! But every bard will sing of that. I would dig further down! Please think of some past venture that will never leave your mind, that's shaped you — that your memory just cannot leave behind. Victory or tragedy — yes, either will suffice! Winning's good, but it's dramatic if you pay a price! Set the scene! What triggered this adventure at the start? Seeking revenge? Some artefact? What made you first take part?

Nepheri: When investigating a temple and supposed house of healing found links to deception and vampires they were concealing. The undeath at this the centre had my father and his whore I felt sadness, hate, and solace seeing his ashes on the floor.

Clover: Now it's time to introduce the villain of the tale! Who stood between your party and your goal, hoping you'd fail?

Nepheri: I guess many different have filled that role — a result of not just having a single goal.

Clover: And why did they oppose you? What did your foe have to gain? Would they be sympathetic, or did they want to cause pain?

Nepheri: I would not oppose causes of pain that were meant to be, only those who put themselves above fate and reality. If I do misjudge fate — who should die and who is to live, I trust my Queen, any guidance or punishment she'll give.

Clover: Now, how did your opponent look? The visuals are something many poets overlook? I hope they had some facial hair! A villainous goatee? Perhaps I'll write they had one. Makes them sound beastly!

Nepheri: My father from the story I told before? A handsome half-elf beside his whore. Both pale from death, bloodless abominations twisted away from all my faith's foundations.

Clover: I'll share with you a secret, known to writers truly skilled! There must be stakes! Your reader must think you might be killed! What weakness do you have that might have caused you to be beat? What could have ruined everything and brought on your defeat?

Nepheri: I know I'm destined for the Hells, and my weakness is my strength. I trust the Raven to die when intended, and follow my faith to any length. I believe there's greatness in those I have found and dared to trust, I will protect and grant them life, but also let them die when they must.

Clover: No! For the final moments! The dramatic ending scene! I must invoke your senses — what was felt and heard and seen! What can you still remember from the moments at the end? The scent of smoke? The dying wheeze of one you once called friend?

Nepheri: Feelings of ash in my mouth, in my head a solemn score, radiant energies around me, and ashes in a corridor.

Clover: Woah! I really think this poem is headed for acclaim! Soon every hall and tavern will be ringing with my name! I mean, your name. Now, it needs a title! Something noble! Something grand! Do you have a better name? Something not quite so bland? Some call me "Clover Honeytongue!" Not many... But still! Some! By what name would you be known, if you had such a one?

Nepheri: I don't think I'm worthy of any such a role, such an honour is for less a cursed a soul.

Nepheri: Well! This has been delightful! I'm sure this tale will wow! This will be great exposure! Truthfully, you owe me now! I often take commissions, yet I'm writing yours for free! Make sure to tell your friends, in case they'd like such a story. Wait, is that the guard? I actually have to go! I just realised I'm very late for something very important! Goodbye! Myst... fly!

Nepheri, dropping her own attempts to rhyme: Well, that was certainly... Interesting.
Nepheri pets her prettier lyre.
I doubt this one will ever be a threat to your beautiful music. For one, I think I've heard enough contrived rhymes to last me a lifetime.

Hypothetical 4: Prison guard (Ginny Di video)

Na'Krasha: This is longest shift. They should have blown horn by now, yes? Don't you think? Maybe you fell asleep.
I know it does not matter to you! You're stuck here. But I want to go home! And eat. Maybe I want to be here even less than you! Well, probably not.
I am Na'Krasha!
Ah. Yes. Shackles. Those do not look very comfortable.
What is your name?

Nepheri, after making a choice in her head: ...Nepheri.

Na'Krasha: I know. You do not want to talk to me. I am keeping you here. I understand. Sigh
I have idea! I take shackles off — you talk to me. Yes? I'm so bored.[be] Na'Krasha takes off the shackles.
This is not dreamjob. Lots of sitting around. And sometimes captive spit at me. Ugh.
Tell me —why are you here? Did you make trouble?

Nepheri, leaning against the bars as it's the only wall almost guaranteed not to be covered in urine: I aided in the rescue of a creature in agony, preventing some deaths while possibly opening up for others.

Na'Krasha: There is no shame in making trouble. I like a little trouble. Is this first time behind bars for you? Or is this something you've done before?

Nepheri: Not the first, no. Can't say I've missed it.

Na'Krasha: And how is experience here? You have been here few days, yes?

Nepheri after a dry laugh: On a scale from one to five, I'd rate this prison experience as a four. Mostly getting better thanks to you, my new friend. I still prefer freedom, given the choice.

Na'Krasha: I know — it is prison! It cannot be good experience. How is food? I wonder if they feed you same thing they feed me? Not very good.

Nepheri: I would assume we get the burnt leftovers of what you get. But it's ok, I've had worse. Had I been allowed to pray, but my faith would surely sustain me. (thinking: because I can cast Create Food and Water, not to mention all other spells with somatic components)

Na'Krasha: Does it bother you? To sleep on floor? How is your back?

Nepheri: I've slept in much worse places.

Na'Krasha: At least you have little window. For air. Cells without window, they smell very bad. Very bad.
What is worst part, you think? So far?

Nepheri: Of prison? Mostly, I can't check in on the rest of my party. I think they escape. And an evidence locker is bound to be less nasty... never mind.

Na'Krasha: Yes, that is not good. How will you get out then? Make escape or try to prove you are not guilty of crime?

Nepheri: Well, since I'm very evidently guilty of breaking the law, I double pleading innocence will get me far. I'm not sure I should discuss any options with my guard, though. No offence.

Na'Krasha: Of course. Why would you tell me this? I will not tell. No one listens to me anyway. Sigh. If you do have trial, what will you tell them? How are you defending yourself?

Nepheri: I will tell them what I know to be true. I contributed to as little chaos myself as I could while doing what should have been done in the first place. Not learning what they dealt with was a mistake on their part and it forced our hand. Communication and understanding must be the beginning of any endeavour.

Na'Krasha: Do you think you would be good at this? Do people believe you when you tell them things?

Nepheri: Usually. I sometimes find it easier to sell a lie than convey a complex truth. Depends on how self-righteous they are, I guess.

Na'Krasha: I believe you. I think you are very persuasive. But, I would not be judging you. Really though, do you make crimes sometimes?

Nepheri: I used to. These days, I might follow a higher law more than I care about the law of the land, but fortunately, they usually align.

Na'Krasha: I make crimes. I am not ashamed to say it. I do what I have to do. Even, I once killed someone, but don't worry — he deserved it. What is worst crime you have made?

Nepheri with a voice somewhere between deadpan and mournful: I'm responsible for the deaths of likely dozens of people by selling false hope, destroying possibilities and making them waste what little coin they have.

Na'Krasha: What drives you to make these crimes, do you think?

Nepheri: Back then? Selfishness and a sense of revenge against the world, all masquerading as a desire to survive. I no longer pretend to worry about my own death.

Na'Krasha: For me — it is rage. I have much anger inside. About everything. Sometimes, it simply comes out of me. But also, lots of things are against law. So many things. I wonder, who makes law and why? Not every time does against law mean wrong to do, would you agree?

Nepheri: I do. Laws are written by mortals with their own agendas and they can't account for every possibility. I will follow the guidance of my Goddess.

Na'Krasha: Maybe you never get out of here. Maybe you die here! Do you think? It is possible. Some die. The sick ones, mostly. If you died here — who would miss you?

Nepheri: The rest of my party, probably. Hopefully, Lavia wouldn't feel too hurt. My eventual death is inevitable, as it should be, and I hope they have learned from me to accept it. I will atone for my sins.

Na'Krasha: I would miss you. Little bit. You're good talking partner. You were probably in the middle of doing things when coming here, yes? Important things? What would— what would not be finished if you died here?

Nepheri: I wouldn't get back home. I would say that would prevent me from any tasks in my own world, but if it's my time to move on, fate clearly didn't include more.

Na'Krasha: Unfinished business. They call it this, no? If you are ghost? If you become ghost - who do you haunt?

Nepheri, suddenly looking horrified: Unable to get past death?! I would hope I'd have the capacity to seek out a cleric of the Raven Queen to destroy me or force my soul to move on! Unless it's a direct intervention by my Queen, that sounds very much like a nightmare!

Na'Krasha: You cannot haunt me! Even if you die here. I did not kill you, it would not be fair! I am not afraid of many things but I am afraid of ghost. Weapon would go right through ghost! How do you kill them — they're already dead! I do not like that. it is probably best if you do not die.

Nepheri, calming down a bit: Probably. And call on a cleric if you have issues with the undead. Or get a magical weapon.

Na'Krasha: I could let you out. Should I? Give me your pitch! Why should I unlock door?

Nepheri: Because, like you, I understand that law should be about making sure death happens when it should, like with the one you killed and is prevented when it shouldn't. And if I'm free, I will lay any ghost or other undead I encounter to rest.

Na'Krasha: Hmm... You are making good argument, actually.
Horn sounds.
Ah! But that is the horn. Time to change shifts! Yawns and hands over shackles. At least make it look like you are wearing this, yes? Otherwise, I get in trouble. See you tomorrow, my friend.

Nepheri nods and waits for the orc to be out of sight before pulling her holy symbol out of... an uncomfortable place: Thank you, but I think I have everything I need now to help the others help me.

For my Beating Heart

(If you want to listen with music, the lyrics start at 0:36 of Send a Raven North by Una Luna.) With a beating heart, I bring a fumbling start, and treachery the only part that I knew. Fire in my veins, a fire Hell contains like holy oil and all remains is you. Miss me too, as I miss you? This song is to let you know black raven feathers will hold you tight You bring vibrant life, (song, light, and colour) I bring death and dark sorrow But you make me feel protected and safe here (Musical interlude until 1:41) With a beating heart, I bring a fumbling start, and treachery the only part that I knew. Fire in my veins, a fire Hell contains like holy oil and all remains is you. I can't see, you love me though I do hope to let me cope and my back feathers will hold you tight.

Hypothetical 2: Villain (Ginny Di video)

Nepheri isn't happy about her meeting but will at least find out what this less than reputable job is about. And so she enters and has a seat.

Augury: You're late. We agreed on sundown, did we not?

Nepheri: I guess I must have had things to consider before coming.

Augury: I hope it's not a habit.

Nepheri: Considering my actions? It hasn't been, but I'm cultivating it.

Augury: Would you normally consider yourself a punctual person?

Nepheri: When possible. Especially if I'm eager.

Augury: Well, let's not waste any more time. I am Augury, of course. My business needs no introduction, I'm sure. And it is best we not name it - one never knows who might be listening.

Nepheri: That does make sense.

Augury: Tell me, what makes you think you would be a useful addition to my guard? What makes you so special?

Nepheri: I'm used to balancing life and death, fearing neither. I'm sure that is something you might appreciate?

Augury: This work requires a very particular set of skills and we'll get to that, but it also requires a certain mindset. Would you consider yourself a moral person?

Nepheri: Yes. My morality might sometimes make others uncomfortable, but it is one I stick to.

Augury: And were you raised with this outlook or did you come to it on your own?

Nepheri: My mother tried to instill some values, I guess. But I take my teachings from the Raven Queen.

Augury: As death is a necessary part of life, it is also a necessary part of this job. You've killed before, I assume?

Nepheri: We agree there. And yes, I have.

Augury: Please describe your first kill.

Nepheri: I likely caused death long before I caused it directly. The first intentional one... was my grandfather. I strangled him with his linens.

Augury: How old were you? How did you feel?

Nepheri: I had turned thirteen by then. It was an act of mercy as much as anything else. He had been kept alive through suffering by priests who valued life more than death.

Augury: Interesting. Would you say that you believe some deserve to die and if so, what circumstances might merit such a punishment? In your view?

Nepheri: I believe we all should die, it is just a matter of when our time has come. I try my best to only interfere in either way when I think my Goddess wants me to. Which means I will kill when that is the only way I see to help as many as possible reach their fate. I will save the lives of those I think will contribute more.

Augury: Hmm. And what are your feelings on torture?

Nepheri: I think it is pain that for no reason and thus should be avoided. Those who must suffer should be given the respect to do so, but to needlessly put someone through it is a terrible thing.

Augury: Is anyone off-limits to you? Women? Children? The innocent?

Nepheri: All will die when it's there time and my Queen will take their souls no matter what they were. That said, I will not take a life or hurt anyone unless I believe it's needed to safe the fates of others.

Augury: I see. Well, then let's discuss tactics. I'm not merely seeking brute strength, although, of course, that can be useful in its own way. If given the option, would you rather deceive, convince, or threaten someone into doing your bidding? Or my bidding?

Nepheri: I've been known to use all of the above, depending on what I think works best in the situation. Though... I guess I mostly use threats if I'm angry. Or scared.

Augury: And are you a good liar, then? Can you keep a secret.

Nepheri: Much better than I'd like to be.

Augury: I want to be clear with you - I understand that each living being has their own mind. Their own believes. My goal is not to change those believes in you, but simply to identify the cost of overriding them. Money is no object here, I'm seeking the very best and I'm willing to pay for it.
Let's imagine, for a moment, that someone bribes you to turn on me. To reveal my secrets. Could you be bought?

Nepheri: With gold? No. Not anymore.

Augury: And if they torture you? Will you break easily?

Nepheri: No, I believe my willpower is stronger than that. Pain might break my body, but not my mind.

Augury: Well, I'll tell you in advance: Anything anyone offers to turn on me, I will double it. Consider it a reward for delivering them to me.
Come, it's not all so dark, what about errands? Chores? Are you too god for them? Delivering messages, for example. Refilling my wine?

Nepheri: I've done things of lower status. And the temple taught me the value of humility.

Augury: You will not be my soul guard, of course. I already have many formidable creatures in my employ. Do you play well with others?

Nepheri: Depends on the others. I'd like to think I get along well with my party and the staff back home.

Augury: And if you were to identify your main weaknesses, what would they be?

Nepheri: My soul is bound for the Hells and all I can do is try to make up for some of the reasons I'm going there. And on a more practical note, I always feel like the inexperienced child in my party. I never know society, the wild, or even the streets as much as the others. Uhh... I mean, I'm pretty good at improvising, so that compensates, right?

Augury: Interesting. I do like you, I admit it. I find you... unique. You would bring something new to my offices, there is no doubting it. What will it take? How much a week to tempt you away from your party and whatever your current objectives are and bring you into the fold?

Nepheri rolls 25 on her Charisma (deception) check in order to infiltrate: Twenty-seven gold. I can always find a new party.

Augury: You could have anything you wanted, you know.

Nepheri: Great, I'll change my request to one Wish spell scroll a week.

Augury: Consider it, don't be hasty.
Augury gathers her things.
We're in the city three more days if you decide to accept. Inform me by then, and if you don't, well, let's hope we don't run into each other again.

Nepheri: Let's hope.

Augury: You may go.

Nepheri: On my way.

Hypothetical 3: Matchmaker (Ginny Di video)

Nepheri cautiously steps into the parlour.

Edith: Oh! Good morning, my dear! May Sune shine her light of love and beauty upon your days. I'm so thrilled to meet you! Now, please tell me the name of the ravaging creature standing before me!

Nepheri: Uuh... Do you mean me? I'm Nepheri.

Edith: Oh! Breathtaking!

Nepheri looks around for signs she's being pranked.

Edith: Well, I'm Edith Helmyna Fairthimble and I'm so happy you have decided to welcome love into your heart. You know, I work with people all across the world who are just like you. They're all looking for that special someone! Or a few special someones - we don't pass judgement like that here.
Today, I'm just going to ask you a few questions about yourself, about what you're looking for, about your past. I know that you don't know me, but I'm going to have to ask you to be honest with me. It's the only way this works! But don't worry! It's completely confidential. This stays between you, me, and Sune herself.
First things first. We have to get down the basics. So! How old are you?

Nepheri: I'm 22... Also, I'm actually looking for some specific advice. But I guess this is the territory of your goddess and if you think we should go through the generalities, I guess we should.

Edith: Ok. Do you have a preference in regards to gender?

Nepheri: Is gender important? The one I'm thinking of is a woman, but that's not really why I feel what I do.

Edith: Okay, noted. Any objections to fangs, horns, wings, or tails?

Nepheri: Since I have most of those myself, hardly. I might not have much experience, but I think any body part can be pleasant way to get close.

Edith: Okay. Have you had a relationship before? And how recent are we talking here?

Nepheri: Not sure if what I had with Magoria counts. That was some relaxation a couple of months ago. My relationships have never felt 'real' in a sense.

Edith: Mm-hm. And do you sleep in pyjamas or in the nude?

Nepheri: That... was a sudden shift of focus. Nude, or at least very little, when I can get away with it.

Edith: Okay, I may be wrong but I can't help but sense a little bit of trepidation coming off of you. But some part of you must be looking fr love, even if it's not a concious part. Otherwise, Sune would not have brought you to me. So! Do yourself a favour, or at least humour me, and give it a shot, alright? Okay.

Nepheri: I AM looking. Sort of. I'm hoping to have found someone. But I have no idea how to handle this when I'm not trying to use them! I mean, I don't even know what I should want from her in a healthy way!

Edith: So! Let's talk about what you are looking for in a partner. What would you say is your type?

Nepheri: That's what I'm saying - I don't know! I guess I'm looking for someone to help me stay strong and who will appreciate me caring for them. I don't even know what that means. Or if I'm just trying to come up with things that describes Lavia because that's who I dream of.

Edith: What do you find attractive about a person? And don't say redheads, because I'll think you're flirting with me! I'm just joking, you can say redheads. It's true.

Nepheri: Physically? I don't know... Someone who is a bit different? Different people can be attractive in so very different ways.

Edith: Oh, of course. I agree with you completely there! Describe to me the perfect date. What would you want to do? Where would you want to go?

Nepheri: I'm not used to thinking about what I would want, but I'll try. I think any activity that celebrates life, death, or both would make me happy but in different ways. And a chance to cuddle would be... nice.

Edith: Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fun.
Based on where you are in your life right now, are you ready to settle down and raise a family? Or are you looking for something a little more casual?

Nepheri: Wow. Yeah. I haven't even thought about that. My mother was the most important person in my life, I'm not sure I'm worthy to be that for a child. It's a nice thought, but right now I'm aiming for a relationship that has genuine love. Anything beyond that is a much later discussion.

Edith: Oh absolutely, yes, we can work with that.
Now, I know you're an adventurer, probably do a lot of travel. Are you okay with long-distance, or do you expect your partner to come along with you on the road?

Nepheri: Well, we're talking about one of my party-members. In general, I guess physical proximity is nice but it isn't a requirement. I can sent messages often. And as long as they're not seeking intimacy with others instead of me but more in addition to me, that is a solution. One they'd hopefully allow in return.

Edith: What about deal-breakers? Annoying habits? Religious affiliation? Pets? Anything you absolutely would not stand for?

Nepheri: I'm a priestess of the Raven Queen - anyone disrespecting her teachings is out. I can understand that not everyone considers a graveyard romantic, and that's ok. But if they consider it a useful source of undead, they will get my spiritual weapon to their heart - not my love.

Edith: Ok, got it.
You know, let's get a little bit uncomfortable here. It's time to talk about your dating history. Now, if you have not dated extensively before, just think about relationships in your life in general. So, friendships, family.. We can learn a lot from how you relate to people. Even outside of a romantic context!
Although - look at you! I find it hard to believe no one has tried to snap that up!

Nepheri: I really hope my relationship with family isn't indicative of anything.

Edith: So! Are you usually the pursuer or the pursued?

Nepheri: For previous so-called relationships? I wouldn't have pretended to be into them if I didn't already think that's how I could get what I wanted.

Edith: Are you the one who breaks up or the one who gets broken up with?

Nepheri: I broke up with them. Or just left.

Edith: That is interesting. Tell me, what went wrong in your last relationship? Do you take any responsibility there?

Nepheri: After finally being invited to his parents' nice home, I gathered all valuables I could carry, including some medicinal herbs, and left through a window. I've never seen him again and doubt he'd recognise me without my disguise. Yes, I do take full responsibility.

Edith: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, honey. That must have been really rough. You know, sometimes things just don't work out. But you can't spend life thinking about it, or you'll end up like me! Always the matchmaker, never the match.

Nepheri: I think you misunderstand. I wasn't getting revenge or anything like that. I robbed a family of what they needed.

Edith: Never mind! We're talking about you. Let's stay on task!
Do you have a one that got away? Somebody you still think about a lot?

Nepheri: No. For a moment I thought I would, but I think it's much better this way.

Edith: Thank you for sharing all this with me. I know it can be hard to open up.
We're just going to get a little bit deeper now. Let's talk about you. What kind of baggage are you carrying with you? What do you need to work on? Trust issues? Abandonment issues? Don't be shy - this is a safe space!

Nepheri: Not sure where to start. I spent my teens using people in their weakest hour for my own gain and I work every day on trying to make up for at least part of that. My faith is all I have to tell right from wrong and I might fail that balancing act at any time.

Edith: Nm. Oh, I hear you there.

Nepheri: You do?

Edith: You know, people say you don't date the person, you date the family. So, in your case, what does that mean? If someone dates you, what else are they also getting in the bargain? Your party? Your patron? Someone else?

Nepheri: My Goddess. My faith is what has saved me and what keeps me sane. And my party is my found family more than the temple was, I think.

Edith: Let's talk about a different kind of language proficiency. I'm not talking about Dwarvish or Celestial, I'm talking about love languages. You know, your love language? How do you show someone that you love them?And how do you want to be shown that someone loves you? Gifts? Physical touch? Romantic words?

Nepheri: It might sound weird, but I think I trust my touch to be honest more than I trust my words. I was never good at faking the small things - holding hands or just resting in someone's arms. I might give gifts now that I can, but mostly if I come up with something anyway.
Edith: Absolutely! I understand that.
I know this one might sound strange, but you only have to rescue one client from a hostage situation before you start to put this in the paperwork. So! Do you have any extremely powerful enemies with a grudge against you who might want to use your partner as a way of getting back at you?

Nepheri: Understandable question, but I don't think so. Well, not actively. I'm sure there are plenty who wouldn't mind my head as a trophy on their wall, but they probably won't actively seek me out. Probably. Besides, Lavia is tougher than I am. I'd be more worried for them.

Edith: Duly noted. Okey. Last but not least, sexual compatibility. It's important! Would you describe yourself as adventurous? I mean, aside from the literal adventuring.

Nepheri: Ok, wow, that's another hard turn. But, I think I'd say so? I mean, as long as everyone consents I can't think of anything I wouldn't at least try. I certainly know more goes on in my head than I've explored... And I've thought a lot about what Lavia might like. A lot.

Edith: Well, I guess that word means different things to different people. Tell me, have your previous partners described you as being good in bed? Don't look at me like that! It's on the form!

Nepheri: I didn't go very far with most of them. Magora is rally the only one I've, eh, explored anything with? Not just give them the least possible for me to get to my ulterior motive, I mean. And she seemed satisfied?

Edith: Well, should we believe them?

Nepheri: I have no idea. She might have been as dishonest with me as I've been towards others. But, I'm not sure what she'd be after.

Edith: Okay, okay! Any weird kinks I should know about? Shapeshifting? Necromancy? Don't be shy! Trust me, I've heard it all before.

Nepheri: An absolute no to any necromancy. I will show absolute respect to the dead, whatever that means to them. And I'm not sure about things that carry a strong enough bad smell. Other than that, I think I'd be very happy explore anything and everything. Shapeshifting, whips, interesting magic... I'm not sure what role I'd like, but I guess that's part of the exploration. Not sure she she might be into, though... I think I'll be happy as long as we can connect. Just someone who could love me for me instead of a mask I've created.

Edith: Alright. That is all I need for the initial interview. We will go ahead and start looking for compatible matches amongst our other candidates, including other temples as well as here. I already have a few people in mind. Actually, I interviewed the sweetest healer yesterday...
Anyway! If we find a match for you, we'll be in touch. And if you are happy with our services we do accept contributions to the temple in the form of clothing, cosmetics, scents, jewelry, artwork, furniture, and chocolate. And statuary! Did I say statuary? And remember, true love conquers all! As long as you follow your heart all will be well. May Sune shine the light of her beauty upon you, sweetheart. Farewell!

Nepheri: Farewell, and you too. Don't put too much effort into finding someone, though. I mostly wanted to sort out my head, I guess. There is enough going on - I don't need to also handle one of your potential matches. Thank you.

Hypothetical 1: Healer (Ginny Di video)

Nepheri wakes up in a sick bed with female half-elf tending to her wounds.

Ellie: Woah, welcome back to the world of the living.

Nepheri: My Queen allowed me to return?

Ellie: Oh. No, I'm sorry. You weren't dead - it's just a figure of speech. That was quite a look. Have you been dead before?

Nepheri: No. It's just that I don't expect my soul to go anywhere but the Hells when I die.

Ellie: Well, don't worry - you were just unconcious. You are injured, though. Took an arrow in the battle, luckily didn't hit anything vital.
Oh - no, don't look down! You don't need to see all that blood! Just look at me! What's your name?

Nepheri: Nepheri. And trust me, I have seen worse wounds. If dead bodies were healthy they would still be alive. And I have seen plenty of corpses. That said... their wounds don't hurt.
Nepheri groans in pain.

Ellie: That's a unique name. Where are you from?

Nepheri: Neverwinter. It's... very far from here. You wouldn't know about it.

Ellie: Wow, you're a long way from home? Do you ever miss it?

Nepheri: Yes and no, I guess. I would like to be able to visit at all.

Ellie: Ever plan on going back?

Nepheri: One step at a time.

Ellie: I'm Ellywin, by the way, but you can call me Ellie - I don't mind. Do you have any nicknames?

Nepheri: Not really. I think I've heard the others use 'Neffie,' but I'm not sure I'm a fan of that one.

Ellie slowly moves a finger left and right a couple of times: Alright, seems like you might have hit your head when you went down. Can you follow my finger with your eyes? Very good. Any nausea? Do you know what day it is?

Nepheri: No. And, I'm honestly not sure how dates work around here. You only have week-periods of only seven days, I believe.

Ellie: Tell me, ehh.. your favourite animal?

Nepheri: I guess raven is my answer by default. I tried having a cat for a while and she brought me a lot of comfort when I needed it.

Ellie concludes that part of the examination and grips Nepheri's shirt near the wound: Okay, you seem fine. Hope you don't like this shirt, because I need to get a look at what's going on down there.
Ellie tears the shirt open.
Yeah, that is beyond repair. Do you have a lot more clothes at home or is this it?

Nepheri: Do what you have to. Nice clothes and armour is great, but I can always place an illusion on top to create variation in style.

Ellie: Wow, that is quite a nasty scar. How did you get that one?

Nepheri: I believe that one is from some Yuan-Ti we fought what feels like ages ago. I was tricked into rushing into danger and after a massive psychic blow their swords nearly killed me.

Ellie: Yeah, I bet you tell that story at parties. Well, you're going to add another story to the list after today. You're going to be fine, we just need to get that arrow out of there.

Nepheri: I wish I had more strength for spells today - I would be able to handle this myself.

Ellie: You're in good hands. I only lose half my patients. Sorry! Joke. My dark sense of humour sometimes makes for poor bedside manner. Are you a jokester too, or more of a serious type?

Nepheri: I think I'm serious... but there are times and subjects where I can resist jokes. Especially to make others not take themselves too seriously. And Ellywick, the gnome in my party, is prone to occasional hijinks.

Ellie grabs the arrow: Okay, this might hurt. One, two, - stop - stop squirming! Tell me about the last great meal you had. What's your favourite food?

Nepheri: Uhm, the food at the festival in Whitestone was great? And give me something nice served with red meat and redder wine, and I'll be very happy.

Ellie: Mmm, that sounds-
Ellie snaps the arrow. -delicious. Are you a picky eater, or will you sort of eat anything?

Nepheri: I wouldn't have survived this long if I didn't accept what I could find. But don't pretend soup is fooo-- OOW!

Ellie pulls out the arrow and places a cloth over the wound: Wonderful! Yea, you're doing great and... No, I'm sorry, that probably hurt.

Nepheri whines from the pain and clenches her teeth.

Ellie: How well do you deal with pain normally?

Nepheri: There's good pain and bad pain...

Ellie: Never mind! Don't think about that. Think about, uhm... your party! I noticed you came in here with a few others. That must be nice. Do you enjoy being part of a group like that?

Nepheri: I do. Which is weird. Ever since I found my goddess I think I've wanted connection. I know that I will die and that this is my chance to live.

Ellie turning to an apprentice on the side: Can you keep pressure on this, please? Thank you.
Ellie turns her attention to Nepheri again.
They seem like a really nice bunch.

Nepheri: They are. And since you think so, I assume none of them have put their foot in their mouth yet.

Ellie: All safe, by the way. A few of them are getting patched up too.

Nepheri: I assumed, since you didn't say anything. Death will come to them too, but I hope they get as much time to experience happiness as possible before then.

Ellie: Any party members in particular you were really worried about?

Nepheri: I really hope Dworik will remain alive or actually rest. I'm not sure what another resurrection will do to his mind. And of course I care about Lavia, but if she's not in the lyre, she's still an excellent fighter and able to tend to her own wounds if needed. Ellywick might have put herself in danger, but she's also good at getting out of it. And Phennyr is hard to take down at all.

Ellie: It's good to have people you can rely on. But we all need some privacy too. Any secrets you're keeping from your party?

Nepheri: Not really.

Ellie preparing a needle and thread: You know, there was a time I thought I wanted to do adventuring on my own. Never got the guts to actually do it. Now I'm too old - turned 90 last week. I'd rather drop dead right here than give up my mattress for a bedroll under a tree. Do you like travelling all the time or do you just put up with it?

Nepheri: The latter. But even cities don't always offer a mattress. Or even a bedroll.

Ellie applies disinfectant and starts to suture the wound: This might sting, by the way.
If I had to camp outside I would be up all night worrying. I just stitched somebody up yesterday who woke up with a blade at his throat. Good old bandit alarm clock. Are you an insomniac like me or one of those lucky bastards who can just sleep anywhere?

Nepheri clenches her teeth to deal with the pain: I worry sometimes, but not about being killed. Death happens when it happens. Sleeping in a bed is much easier, but I make do.

Ellie: Me, the older I get, the harder it is to sleep. Feels like I lose and hour every decade. Seems unfair, considering I feel more tired now than ever.
How old are you?

Nepheri: 22.

Ellie: You're doing great by the way. Just stay still - almost done.
Adventuring is a bit of a young person's game, don't you think? Are you worried how things will change when you're older? You have a five year plan, or just taking it day by day?

Nepheri: I'm not sure I'll ever be old. But maybe I will? A year ago I would have told you there's no reason for my life to last. But now, I have those I would like to live for.

Ellie finishes the stitches and reaches for a bandage: Well, when the time comes, maybe you can try something that is a little less dangerous. You have any special talents or fun hobbies you could pay the bills with if you sheathed your sword for good?

Nepheri: I'm still a priestess of the Raven Queen and will remain so for as long as my soul exists. Besides that, if Lavia wants me to join her for some performance, I'd be happy to. Especially if she's the one center stage.

Ellie finishes the bandaging: And we are done. Try to take it easy for a few days, don't get it wet. After about a week, you'll need to take the stitches out. Is there someone you trust to help you with that or are you more of a do-it-yourself type?

Nepheri: If Lavia isn't in the lyre, I might ask her. But taking them out myself won't be a problem.

Ellie: Well, in the future, do me a favour and try not to be shot by any more arrows. I'm sure you're a great warrior, just try to be a little less of a great target.

Nepheri: I've never claimed to be a great warrior. The others in the party might be. I see myself more as our spiritual guide.

Another healer: Ellie, are you done over there?

Ellie: Well, this has been a pleasure, but I have to lend a hand for an amputation. No pun intended. It's a leg we're removing. It was nice to meet you, I hope we never have to do this again.

A Calling

I need some grounding in all of this. I'm not cut out for politics. Let me give respect to the dead and support to the bereaved, or play some comforting music for those who care to listen. I know loss, and I understand the need for hope. Balancing different people's perspectives and intuitions is so much more difficult, especially if I'm not trying to deceive them. I sought out the temple to the Raven Queen in the city for some rest and prayer. She might not be my version of her, but their essence feels the same. And I got a chance to work on my new song. The others had sought out a place called Castle Greyskull, which seems to be a museum to this ever-present Vox Machina group. Seems everyone's a fan. Ellywick seems convinced insofar that she has found out she might be able to sell the note by Scanlan that we found. And judging by the exasperated look on Dworik's face, the two of them had had interesting talks with the staff. Me, I arrived just in time for lunch, which suited me better. Which is also when they decided to tell me the most shocking and hopeful news in a long while: Kaia had managed to get through with a Sending spell! I tried to contact our gnome friend in response, but the message must have been fractured in both directions, making it hard to understand. Maybe there is a spot somewhere around where the worlds are closer together? We have to investigate this immediately! Not sure why the others think sitting around is an option when we finally have a lead! One which might also provide information.

Insight into Emon

We have arrived in the big city, and I must say that no matter how much I love travelling with the group, there is always a feeling of home in the smell a lot of people around me. Not nessecarily a good feeling, but a familiar one. We, however, had some tasks to take care of before seeking out Vesper de Rolo. Including fish rolled up in bread, according to Dworik. Odd food, but I don't hate it. Seeking a place to possibly repair our Capet of Flying we sought out Gilmore's Glorious Goods in the trade's district we were already in. Behind the simple storefront was a large, cosy store with better stock of magic items than I've seen anywhere. I think Dworik scared the poor young store clerk, but that worked in our favour, I believe. We restocked our supply of healing potions, but repairing the carpet was a bit too steep as was a very fancy new bow for Ellywick. She considered a cheaper one but ended up with nothing. We did get two very important items, however. First of all, our Alchemy Jug will be extended so that it can produce coffee. Secondly, I got a cylindrical container that can hold said coffee warm indefinitely. This will make travel so much more pleasant. The others got themselves some clothes, but think I'll use my illusions to appear sophisticated for now. Not that it has anything to do with missing the input of the one I'd want to dress up for. Not at all. Though, I wonder what she would have— Anyway, we found a late inn called the Laughing Lamia that seems promising. A bed will be a nice change for a bit. And we visited a bath known as the Silverfish nearby. That's the name. The place was quite lovely though. And I think Ellywick has missed that kind of pleasant treatment. Dworik was a lot more eager to get going, and I agree that we should seek Vespar's help sooner rather than later. Verpar's workplace is, or was, the Alabaster Lyceum in the Erudite District. However, when we got there, it turned out that she had been barred from the premises. Seeking out her home near Assaleer Street Park in the Central District, we got some more information. Apparently, she's in a political feud with someone known as Cedory who wields a lot of influence in the Lyceum. And he's interested in a position on the ruling Tal'dorei Council as well. Since she needs access to the Lyceum libraries to help us home, we really have to help. Knowing her brother and, to some extent, her parents, I'm inclined to trust her perspective. But the things that has gotten her thrown out of their institution are alledged personality flaws and rumours leveraged by this powerful man. Really powerful, if that's all it takes to have someone barred from entering. Or the organisation is extremely flawed in itself, though Vesper said they operate by simple majority. The way to get her in would be to get rid of Cedory. Their rivalry seems to stem from the fact that she believes that he's up to something bad and he tries to shut any questioning down. But besides the fact that trying to silence opposition is shady, there is no proof or even sign as to what he would be up to. I'd love to help, but I'm honestly not sure what we can do. Attempting to break into his house might result in information, but seems very risky. Especially since half of us aren't the most stealthy. I can use the power of the Raven Queen, or even my infernal heritage, to force truth from someone. But doing that to a powerful wizard will likely be difficult, dangerous, and probably illegal. The only thing we truly have to go on right now is the name of a contact Vesper has — Allura Vysoren. Apparently, this contact is both a member of the Tal'dorei Council and the Alabaster Lyceum, which would be very useful. And will get us into the building where Cedory works. Heading back to the inn, I feel like my head is a mush of new impressions, information, and names. If there's time tomorrow, I'll see if I can find a temple. I need comfortnig darkness and prayr, just to catch up with myself. When we get home — if we get home — I'm going to have a proper temple to the Raven Queen.

Faith in Friends

We spent the night amongst a few abandoned building hat might be haunted. I wish I had the time to investigate further, but I understand that we have to move on, and I have to be content with just observing what I can. Ellywick could sense undead presence within a mile, but I didn't see anything in the places we checked. The only thing around was the spiders decorating the abandoned inn and the rats who used it for shelter before us. Which also marked the first time I was grateful Lavia was in her lyre. I'm afraid she might have taken her axe to the walls. Or refused to go near the building. In fact, I might neglect to tell her about that detail when singing to her. It seems Ellywick and Dworik have discovered a new trick with their magic to help make food more pleasant and keep clothes nice and cosy, which is very much appreciated. Starting to feel like I could kill for a cup of coffee, however. I even dreamt about the smell as I woke up in the morning. We kept watch during the night, in case any undead would show up, which led to Dworik pointing out a few uncomfortable truths. I've been so focused on unreachable redemption that it seems I haven't paid attention to the needs of those I care about. Especially since I try to use Lavia as a guide to help me understand what good is anyway. She would want to help those in need and wouldn't back away from a fight, and I want to make her proud. I'm ashamed to say Dworik is probably right — I haven't listened to him and the others the way I should. They deserve better from me, and I hope I can repay them. I'm sorry. He's a good friend, and I never want him to feel like I don't care about him. The Raven Queen asked me if I thought he should be brought back when his soul left his body the second time. I told her I didn't believe his full destiny was fulfilled. It seems part of it is to help me see what's needed at the moment. I should ask Lavia what her history with Dworik is. He made sure to point out that they hadn't been involved romantically or physically, which didn't really bother me anyway, but now I'm curious. I don't know nearly as much about her as I'd like to. Also: Emon. We're finally here, and the city is much bigger than I expected. It's hard to tell, but it might even be more impressive than Waterdeep! Outside is a large scar in the landscape, with embers and even fire burning along it. According to Ellywick, it's the remnant of a dragon attack decades ago. The city itself is strange. I'm used to big cities, but everything here is just a little bit different. The wind carries accents that had unfamiliar notes, the clothes follow unknown fashions, the sounds reflect foreign accents and beings. I don't think I've felt so far away from home since we first arrived in this world.

Roped in

The thing was big, deformed, and angry. I'm not sure if it was trapped until the acid set it free or if it caused the acid to spread or both. In any case, it managed to hit Dworik hard and created some form of anguish to both Ellywick and Phennyr. The latter of which also got physically twisted by its influence. It took many cuts before it fell, though I was preoccupied during most of it. Dworik and I were caught by the tentacles reaching out from what had first looked like a rock formation. The thing open a maw of very sharp teeth, and it managed to bite us quite a bit before Dworik got his sword into its mouth and Phennyr finished it off. Phennyr. That's what I should mention before the night is over. The malformed giant made something to him that twisted his body into a deformed version of himself. I had intended to seek some way of restoring him through the gifts of the Raven Queen, but it seems that the effects have faded with his rest. The gnolls are safe, at least two dangers of the cave are gone, and we got a reward. All in all, I think we had a good day. Time to tell Lavia about it while waiting for Thunder to return.

Acid Falls

We are both very mobile and very much not so. Lightning quickly took us to the cave we wanted to go. It then took us almost as much time to climb the little bit from where we were dropped off to the proper cave entrance. Granted, we spent a large amount of that figuring out in which order who should take what in which direction to get there, but still. Not to mention a stop to investigate the remains of some that came before us. The actual cavern was large and filled with pools of acid. At the back, there as even what I'd describe as a small waterful of acid. Behind it and below was a small platform of undissolved rock on which the dog patrol we were looking for was trying to survive. I'm afraid I couldn't do much to help, but Dworik managed to close off the waterfall enough for Ellywick to save most of them using our Carpet of Flying and one additional member got across via rope. There were casualties. One of them wasn't fated to return and fell to their death. And our carpet was badly damaged and can no longer exert all of its force. Even magic dies in the end. One of the surviving members of their group was balancing on the cusp of death and might not have survived the trip back, but I brought him back from the brink. The gnolls hadn't seen much of what was in the cavern before they got stuck, but we had heard noises from something moving. I'm not sure why I ended up being the one arguing that we should try to deal with what's in there if we can. I suspect Dworik is more scared of the guards coming after us than I thought. And Ellywick is eager to move on. Maybe it's Lavia's voice as a moral compass I hear, but I felt I had to speak up. Leaving is a choice. At least if there's any way for us to handle this. If we moved on and the thing in the mountain killed more people, that is on us. If we continued without interfering, those deaths are on us. I'm already damned, but I would prefer the others aren't as well. I played a few longing notes while tending to the wounded. That's when I heard Dworik and Ellywick scream that something was coming from inside the cavern. Phennyr and I were on our feen in seconds, running towards their shouting.

Skyfall

Airtravel is still new and I really don't know what to expect from it still. The bird shit seems reasonable, and I'm just happy it didn't hit me. Lavia suddenly being pulled into her lyre was something of a shock. It's been almost a week and I was really hoping I'd have her around. But that led to the first unexpected event, rushing after the lyre to save her from falling to the ground. Which, with Elly's help went well. Back to regular flight on our large friend. Regular flight? No, scratch that. Here's what I really didn't expect: flying gnome. A very interesting older gnome woman had strapped herself to some wings and some sort of fire-throwing machine, and she was propelled through the air will little control and less chance of a safe landing. If her finding us at a random point in the air isn't a sign that was fated to do more, I don't know what would be. We managed to help her land and she introduced herself as Goddika Deentickatick and asked for a ride home. This might be a good time to mention my conversations with the kind creature we're riding on the back of. We've been trying to come up with various names. The only thing we have to go on is the mental image of a large lightning bolt against a dark, stormy, sky. At the moment Lightning Black, Dark Lightning, or just Lightning, are the words we've used. The manta didn't like our other, a bit silly, name from what I can tell. But it seems happy to travel with us and left us to explore Gandarticka's home village while it went away to eat for a bit. The village was the kind of small podunk town that I feel is there in spite of itself. People moved there, forgot to leave, and just made a life for themselves. Nothing wrong with that. I mean, the ale is nice and all. I might prefer some wine and the smell of the Neverwinter River in the distance, but the people here are friendly. Which is interesting considering several of them are gnolls. I wonder if they feel the urge for violence in their blood or if it's just something they are taught in the worship of their god? Having met their leader, Voukaar, I suspect it's a bit of both. There is the animal instinct to devour the meat he was eating. Maybe it feels a bit like when my hellish side wants me to take away someone's will? But then, his manners were better than any of the others I saw in the establishment. He clearly wants to show others that he's civilized. He has probably spent a lot of energy practising looking in a way others will find less intimidating. Good for him. The gnolls of the village have founded "dog patrols," their name, not mine, that scout the surrounding area. One of them had set out to explore the cave of a long since dead black dragon, but they were late in returning and the village. We were asked if we could figure it out by any chance, but that leads to concerns. Dworik seems extra worried about possible attention from Westruun after when we broke Lightning free. I'm not sure if it's because he dealt the killing blow to the guard, a general healthy lack of trust, or an eagerness to move on. I guess I'm more used to having relied on trickery to get out of situations and have never been good at running. Streets can be slippery and it's not fair when people have torches when I try to be stealthy. Oh, and there was the... awkward thing. Dworik wanted to talk to me alone and hinted to follow and then left the alehouse to relieve himself. Of course, Ellywick had to make some sort of joke about that I would join him for implied sexual reasons. It's one of those times when there is no good option. I had to leave, but if I did it seemed like Ellywick was actually telling the truth. So I just got up and left. And before going back in, I told Dworik to look a bit happy and relaxed. I followed, "discreetly" pretending to wipe something from my lips. Dworik didn't have to deal with any suspicion and the others got their laugh. We did manage to talk, all of us, eventually. this included a chance to talk with Lightning. We'll fly to the cave immediately and stay there overnight, being picked up the next morning to continue our travels. If we can solve anything at that time, that's great. If we can't, we've tried. Regardless, we'll not be returning. And we've tried to give the people here a good impression, including Dworik being as charming as possible as well as bribing with beer. Hopefully, if someone arrives and say nasty things, they'll conveniently have trouble remembering where we said we were going. As we're flying towards that cave, I'm gently strumming the strings, trying to come up with a melody for telling Lavia about events in case she'll be trapped long.

A broken soul

Did I do the right thing, asking for Dworik's souls back yet again? She hesitated, but I have faith that my friend will have more to give. But what I brought back... The ordeals have taken their toll on him. He carved his way into the dragon we had killed to cut the heart out. And a day later he is still obsessing about that heart. And he had a bad dream, followed by that mysterious tattoo changing shape into a dragon. Which, understandably, is adding to his meltdown. I'm trying to help as much as I can... But I'm not sure what more I can do. Meanwhile, the fight with the dragon has triggered even more in Ellywick. She woke up with half of her body covered in dark scales similar to the dragon we killed. And with arcane powers. According to the man we met at Blackstaff tower, this is a common way for sorcerers to gain their abilities, but it added to the deterioration of Dworik's mental health. I seem to be stuck in the middle of this as the only one not having something of a crisis. Ellywick might be more excited than scared by now, but I can tell that she's still working on accepting what's happened to her. No surprise there. At least Vietchek and Kaja both seem ok under the circumstances. Just exhausted, which is about how I feel after dealing with all of this. And we are trying to get our new home in order, which includes hiring more staff and redecorating. We have things to do. Not to mention the fact that we need to look into what happened to Phennyr's village. There are too many dragons around right now...

Released

We're finally doing this. It feels like we've been in the planning stage way too long while this creature is suffering. Lavia and I made our grand entrance while the others snuck in from behind the tents. I'd like to think we did a rather good job. Her music was as enthralling as always and following its rhythms and melodies in dance drew nearly everyone to us and away from the manta. I couldn't see what was going on with the others until one of the guards spotted them. I tried controlling the guard enough to pull her attention back, but she could withstand the lure of the Nine. The rest of the Fate Watchers managed to get on top of the manta very quickly, while the guards were either shooting a few crossbows at us or attempting to get their ballista ready. As I used the carpet of flying to catch up with the rest, I saw Ellywick shoot one by the siege weapon, with Dworik finishing them off. I had hoped we could do this without any deaths, but I guess my Queen saw fit to take one life as we saved another. Our new friend was wounded and exhausted as we fled. All I could do was to give some encouragement and healing, but not nearly enough. They took us to safety and got themself some energy high above the sky. Lavia played us a lovely song about freedom while we had dinner. She's so much better than I. Fortunately, practice sessions with her are a fantastic way to get close. I wonder when she might be ready to talk more. I have no trouble giving her room to adjust, really. I'm just curious, I guess. She has so much energy in so many ways. Our morning has been one of preparation. We made something to enable us to hold on to our manta friend (who we need a name for) during flight as well as communicating where we need to go. I hope we're not disturbing their life too much.

Not Today

The dragon attacked during the night, long before any of us had a chance to regain our strength. I, in particular, was completely drained of any powerful magic and in essence no more powerful in that regard than when we entered the Echo Wave Cave. Way too weak to defend anyone, but I tried my best. I started with getting Tinu and her father inside while I looked for her mother, who I found all alone on a hill. I tried to distract the dragon from her, but she started speaking to it. In response, it snapped her spine, killing her instantly. The others came to aid as things got dire, but they were mostly too late. And the dragon's breath blew away out life force, which took Dworik's life. Two people dead in front of me as the dragon left. I quickly directed Ellywick to use the reviving energy stored in the ring to bring Dworik's soul back to his body. Thankfully, my Queen decided that his fate was not yet complete. When I first reached out for Myana's soul, I realised my powers were too tapped to bring it back. There was a moment of despair before I realised at the last second that I could keep her body from losing its connection just yet. I could keep it long enough to rest and regain my strength. We carried her body to the old mill, placing her in a bed there while I told her family. Tom understood, and I took him to her body where he watched over her all night. Finally rested, I could ask the Raven Queen to bring her back. Which she did, but she also noticed that the soul was broken and mended it before returning the soul of Myrna to her body. A lot of diamonds were used up that night, and I don't regret a single one of them. My Queen saw fit to not just revive Myrna, but also restore faith for the whole family. I'm sure she gained a few followers as a result, and I'm happy that I could be part of that. As for the dragon, Myrna had some interesting bits of information - partially when she was broken and confronted the dragon, partially as her mind had been restored. It turns out this dragon made a deal with the miller's father where the dragon would get the son as an apprentice. But then the dragon disappeared for some forty years with no explanation. When it returned, his would-be apprentice got himself killed by Kelara which presumably has led to a furious dragon who is slightly insane and feels like he's been cheated out of his prize. Another weird thing is that the dragon is supposed to be green - not this strange flying shadow. But we might be able to use that to our advantage. By trying to reflect sunlight into its lair and me using a daylight spell, we can keep it in light, which might mean a better chance. Possibly. Maybe. We also have some reinforcements. The city watch provided a group to watch over the village. They should be enough to annoy the dragon to go away. And with some new magical horseshoes on Night, I could ride to the city to recruit both Vietchek and Kaia. I hope we're well enough prepared. I can only revive someone so many times...

Lizards in a hole

Kobolds. I'm not impressed. Besides some general things, such as some shiny horseshoes, the cave the vrock had supposedly inhabited contained a summoning symbol. No gate to close, but this might be it? We destroyed it anyway, though I'm not sure that does anything. And we heard voices deep underground. Voices that turned out to belong to kobolds. I think Dworik is quite happy to work with stone again. I guess it's in the blood of a dwarf, though I prefer not to think of what that means is in the blood of my veins. The creatures had locked themselves in after their wish of having a dragon had come true but resulted in a few of them being eaten. So... Dragon, huh. They described it as shadowy, which isn't exactly a colour I've heard of. There are black ones, right? Maybe that's it? In any case, it's hiding out nearby. It is hidden behind the secret entrance to a cave with an illusion protecting its actual lair. It's really trying to be stealthy. However, I'm feeling very tapped out, and both Ellywick and Dworik are quite injured, so we paid the kobold who had helped us with some food and headed back to rest. Before sleeping, I cast Sending to reach our contact in the Waterdeep Watch, roughly explaining what had happened. We have a go-ahead with the dragon and a promise of reward. They also messaged me and asked if protection was needed. I said that the houses here were quite vulnerable, but the city itself should be safe. With that, I guess I'm going to turn in for the night.

Fall

My companions seem to become more of a group every day and nothing could make me happier at this point. We were attacked by the winged demons, Vrock it turns out, as we got closer to the mountain. They managed to kill two of our horses, including Ellywick's pony Mist, but we all managed to stay alive. For a moment there I'm not sure Dworik trusted in the Raven Queen to keep him alive past this point. But I felt confident it wasn't his time yet and brought him back long before his life as in true danger. t once the fighting was over, Ellywick brought up my birthday. Not sure what made her suddenly realise, but she tried to play it off as being more prepared than Dworik and Phennyr - both of which were obviously surprised. Not sure why she felt the need to overshadow them. It's not like I've had friends at all who've wanted to celebrate with me for many years. Dworik even gave me a flower. Sure, with the time of year, it was dying, but that made it special to me. I felt like maybe... I could have a home. Then they started talking about having a ball. Or some other large party. Because we have a mansion now. Three people genuinely wanting to be with me is huge for me... a large party... I'm just scared. There's no way that's for me, that's just showing off. And I don't have a mansion - not really. I'm allowed to stay in one. Not sure what to do with myself now... Better just focus on demons.

Catching up

We finally managed to get some information as to what happened around Phennyr's village. Seems plants and animals have been dying in localized but growing spots around the area. The wizards and Blackstaff Tower seems to suspect the Shadowfell might be seeping in. Atalas keeps being a reliable contact for us. It was good seeing Suffrax settling in. I suspect a life of research might suit him better than one in the trenches. Which serves as a good reminder on how much I appreciate being out in the field to help those who need me, no matter how much I benefited from my time in the temple. As for our plans to apparently make me an heiress, which still feels incredibly awkward, they're moving forward. Sort of. The city has made clear that they have no interest in making this complicated and some aid as a show of good faith in the form of investigating some problems near some farms in the Undercliff. Turns out, it's the same area Tinu from the house (.. eh... our servant, I guess...) is from and the events has scared her and her family as well. All the more reason to help out if we can. Ellywick has also brought back our newest addition to the group: the fully aware Chickiwick. He seems like a very nice person, though I admit I have limited experience with people who are squirrels. What he seems to be lacking is a sense of property. Anything and everything seems to be a possible gift to his former owner. And while I trust her to return things of mine, it might become a problem in the future... For instance, I hope he'll leave Tinu's family in peace. Her parents are lovely, and the way they care for Tinu's mother... I miss my own mother terribly. I guess I always will. The least I can do is try to contribute a little bit to the happiness of this family as I don't have my own. Protecting them is confusing at the moment. Our best clue is that they headed for some small mountains in the south and they may or may not be demonic in nature. Which is extra unhelpful since people mix up devils and demons all the time. And some creatures might seem demonic but not associated with neither the Abyss nor the Nine Hells. Investigating the windmill where they apparently spent that night yielded nothing and since we know what actually killed the miller, they weren't there to do that. Which we have winged, possibly demonic, beings that sat on the wings of a mill for a few hours during the night, scaring the locals but not doing anything, and then flying away. I'm beyond confused.

Pray for a quick end to our deception

Lavia is back! I mean, that's cool and everything. And having her next to me in bed at the end of the night is fine. Saving on a fifth room and all that. Never mind that I feel... Yeah, so, anyway. The evening continued included some scouting and some conversations. And some more conversations with our new friend. Hopefully friend. Either that or this is how we die. The guards around the manta seem to keep more of an eye on it than anyone else. I guess they're worried for their lives. I can't blame them, I guess. Dworik and Lavia went to question one of the guards while I sought out The Pike. He's not the sharpest, but he's sweet and tries to be as helpful as he can. It's rare to meet someone that genuine and a kiss on the cheek seems like the least of a reward I could give him. He did provide a whole lot of detail about the guards that will be there tomorrow night, including who's in charge, who's the meanest, who has information, and who might be the least scrupulous. I forgot to ask him for a description first and had to go back later, but that kissed him on the other cheek. I'm not sure I picked up on what Lavia and Dworik found out as they seemed way more engaged in some plan to make Lavia seem promiscuous. I should feel jealous about I think, but I trust her to not forget about me just because she's having fun. What I'm confused by is why parading her around with two different dates contributed to this. Wouldn't she being flirty the next evening sell that all on its own? She's hot; I doubt most people would avoid looking at her just because they might have seen her on an awkward date the night before. Even in what they had talked about, Lavia seemed less than thrilled about Dworik adding prostitute to the list of characteristics of this fake persona. Good on her - the deception should never include something you're not prepared to follow through on. Don't be a prostitute unless you're ready to have sex with people. Don't be a surgeon unless you're prepared to cut into the dying. The second one can be scary, even if your patient survives. We did have a chance to find out some more things about the creature. Lightning seems to be what sustains it, and right now it's weak enough that just flying away with us will take the last of its energy. Normally it would be able to create a lightning storm around itself, but there is even less of a chance to do that. Of course, I'd prefer not to be new, much less on, it when it creates that storm. Or when feeding off of electrical energy. Let's cross those bridges when we get to them - for now; we need to let it be able to fly at all. And I have some ideas for ropes to help us not fall off during flight. Right now though, I'm happy just falling asleep next to Lavia with my tail wrapped around her leg and hugging her back. If taking it slow means this, I have all the patience in the world. Goodnight everyone.

At dusk we... do something?

I have no time to write Lavia a song about what's happening, but some simple chords might make her feel less lonely at least. We've met a couple of people. A guard friend of Deedee's, Jeffery or "The Pike," showed up and might be sympathetic to our cause. He's still part of the guard, however, which means I don't entirely trust him. But we also met Deedee's wife, Nadja. While she worries about the whole thing, I trust her loyalty to Deedee. I've seen similar dedication at funerals where those left behind must be convinced to honour the dead in deeds - not following them blindly into death. And so, Nadja promised to enlist someone stealthy to aid us. But this also means that we have to wait for a day before we can properly execute any plans. After getting a room at the Little Dragonfruit Inn, we've set out to case the area near our manta friend. The plan might be to have me distract the guards while the others free the captive, with Lavia assisting me if she returns in time. I just hope this doesn't go too wrong. And we have some questions for the manta.

Freedom of Movement

I hope I never get used to flying ships because this is amazing. The others are a bit more social than I'm feeling, though. After the conversation with Lavia, I felt like I was at risk of using someone again. Coming clean about the basics of my background felt good, but I'm not sure she understands the depth of the tragedies I put people through. Still, having her support means a lot, and I want her to have a reminder of how much I appreciate her, so I used my magical paints to create a raven decoration on her axe. Balancing getting closer, not scaring her away, and battling my demons is hard. When we arrived in Westruun, I spotted the giant creature we had seen flying past the ship earlier, but it was on the ground outside one of the gates. At the time, I didn't think much more of it, thinking it was typical for this area. We headed to the Cobalt Reserve for information instead, to do some research. Which led us to meet the fantastic Deedee - an extremely agile monk who doesn't seem hold back in the slightest by her missing legs. It's been several months since I left the temple and it feels familiar to be pouring over tomes again. And it's been fruitful as well, learning that various gods have been able to travel to other worlds. Or might have been, at least. Maybe that explains how my Raven Queen and the one here is the same but also not? One possible portal was mentioned. Unfortunately, it is said to have belonged to a powerful efreeti, hidden under a mountain of slaves at the City of Brass on the Elemental Plane of Fire. Which doesn't sound great, and a bit too Hells adjacent. But I still seem more accepting than the rest. Of course, Ellywick has reason to hesitate, considering. Let's move on to the big event of the day. The giant creature outside the city had been nailed down and obviously in great pain. All the guards around seem focused on using it as a weapon rather than seeing it as a living being. At the very least, it deserves death. A Sending spell confirmed to be intelligent and very much want our aid. It's just a matter of how to best do that. We could try stealth, an outright attack, political manoeuvring, or even offer our services in return for the creature's freedom. It may or may not be its time, but I will do my best to remove its suffering. Hopefully, my friends have some ideas as to how.

Flight and Flutter

Lavia is back! And my song helped make her happy while her curse kept her captive in her lyre - which makes me extra delighted. I think she was pleased to come back in the middle of festivities, including music and dancing. Maybe should have gone easy on the drinking, though. Meanwhile, Ellywick flirted with Vax by drinking themselves to oblivion, and Dworik enjoyed being the centre of attention. I can understand if Lavia likes him for that, but her flirting with both of us is... confusing. More about that later. The following day has been filled with the ordinary, the exciting, and the fantastic. We started with both Ellywick and Lavia buying some gorgeous dresses. Thanks to my new trick, I can alter my clothes to match, including the choral greens and pinks in Lavia's presentation. Dworik was happy mostly having his boots seen to, but he's usually well dressed as it is. Blood and claw marks notwithstanding. As a whole, I'd say we look pretty while still ready for battle - a combination that may be best exemplified by Lavia who takes both to their extremes at once. The flying ship, though. Seeing it almost swim through the air is an astonishing sight. I think we're all taken with it and Lavia, Dworik, and Phennyr stayed all afternoon to watch it., but I haad an errand before I could move on. I got my scythe when I first left the temple and was nervous about finding my way. The best description of my Queen's principles I've heard is the analogy of grain. Harvest too early, and you won't get the full potential of what could be. Harvest too late, and the result is spoiled and might even spread sickness. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to remember that lesson, so I got a tool to remind me. But now, I trust the Raven Queen to be with me in what I do. I have faith in her to guide me if I go astray, and I trust myself to do my best until then. And so, I gave my reminder to the local temple. It's scary, but I have to leave it behind to grow. Of course, explaining this to the others is difficult. Ellywick had a lovely afternoon too, judging by her expression before we left. She might have dismissed everything between her and Vax as nonsense, but I have a feeling there could be more. I'm not sure if she wants it to be more, especially since we might not see him again, but I hope she'll at least realise what she has. I'd be happy to send messages on her behalf, but we'll see. I have things on my mind too. And that brings us to the highlight of my day. Possibly the highlight of... I don't know. Lavia. She's been flirting with me more and more since we first met, and I haven't been anything but unresponsive to that. But she's also flirted with Dworik, Vax, and to a small degree, Ellywick. I'm not jealous - I've never been good at that - I don't feel like it has anything to do with her flirting with me. But it makes me confused. Does she want something emotionally from all of us? Just sex? Just some fun chatting that doesn't mean anything? Does she want different things from all of us? And, I really need to know what she means when it comes to me before I read too much into it. After my previous crush went, well, nowhere, I try to be more careful. I used the word crush, didn't I? We'll see. I needed to confront Lavia as soon as possible, and this fantastic evening seemed like a good time. Butterflies in my stomach and hoping she wouldn't be yanked back into the lyre in the middle of the conversation, I found her on the foredeck. Her attitude towards Dwork has to do with them having some history which I don't feel is my position to dig deeper into. But... she means what she says to me. And she thinks I'm cute. I'm not going to pretend what I'm feeling is nothing anymore. But she needs to take it slow, and I get the feeling that she doesn't trust herself to take things seriously if we don't. I can sympathise completely - I've used many people's desires for my benefit. Trusting myself not to abuse relationships is something I'm still working on. If she needs time, I will give her time. But I also won't let her forget about me. It is so easy to avoid anything real by pushing it away and pretending that it was all a ruse. She held me. I held her. Then we passed the manta ray. The giant manta ray was causing thunder and lightning in the clouds it passed. Lavia might be eager to fight something, but I'm happy this one passed us by instead. Fighting aboard a ship very high up in the sky seems like a bad idea. All of us falling to our death because the creature damaged something essential part of the vessel sounds like an odd plan for us. Fortunately, all seems well, and we can get some sleep in our cabin. Lavia was even kind enough to make her magical cover to bring the temperature up. I know she wants to use it to help her feel safe, but I'd like to think she also cares about how much I hate the cold. I wish I could curl up next to her, but we're not there yet. And I don't think either one of us wants the teasing from the others in the group. This is about us - not them.

Relief is one hell of a drug

The Raven Queen came to me in a dream, telling me that I've done right, but my story isn't finished yet. I'm so grateful I might start crying any second. I did her work. Maybe this is a step on my eternal strive towards redemption? In any case, I awoke with more hope than I've felt since. I don't know when. Of course, this will mean returning focus to my life, but I will allow myself some respite. A quick detour to my temple led to us gaining a diamond worth enough for me to be able to bring someone back from the dead. We could also tell them about the unfortunate innocent killed as part of the fight with Kelara, and they promised to take care of him and anyone he left behind. Of course, some more money after all this wouldn't go amiss, and the others suggested going back to, ugh, "Laurel Mansion" to collect some valuables. Along the way, the conversation as to what will happen to the house itself came up, and I realised that I'm technically the heir we know of. The temple has been the only permanent home I've had for nearly a decade. And this would be quite the home - especially if my compatriots want to live here too. True, our missions might take us other places, but we'd still have somewhere to return to. Thus, once I had the chance to look at enough papers to forge a will for Kelara, I did so - leaving me the property and everything on it. Two servants were around as we arrived: Genua Milton and Simon Milton - the two who had run away while charmed. After Simon had hit me in the head with a rolling pin, we talked calmly and ended up quite amicable. They helped us search the place and, possibly, more importantly, made us tea. And I got to burn the portraits of the former owners. If we manage to get the property and if they want to, I'd be happy to hire them. To wrap up our day we went back to the Splintered Stair to see Syrine about some more Bliss and possible information on Phennyr's uncle. She had both, taking me to à drug den where said uncle was supposed to be. A nicer den than most I've visited and patrons were more happy and chatty than strung out. Of course, that means they're not dealing with reality but instead living a dream that will destroy them. Case in point, a woman there wasn't facing the death of her son. I hope my little conversation with her will lead to her seeking out the Raven Queen. The Firbolg we were looking for was indeed there, ignoring whatever reality he's trying to escape. Something is dying, and it's too late? It took some convincing to let the bouncer, possibly some supernatural such from Dworik, which is new. And some tempting free Bliss made it easier to get the man himself to come with us back to the mansion. I look forward to learning what he has to say.

Celebration

Judging by the speech by Cassandra de Rolo, we're seen as heroes of some sort. I'm just happy the population of the city is allowed to live and die as they should be. Back home, a massive celebration in honour of the Raven Queen would seem absurd, but here she's revered in a way I wouldn't have thought possible. Everyone seems to understand that being a goddess of death also makes her, in a way, one of life. Those killed gave those alive a chance to honour them through living. Souls can finally move on to the rewards the afterlife here provides. It all reminds me to seek out the temple and move on from a perspective of my Queen I no longer need a reminder of. A talk with Vex'halia has made our plans more clear. We'll take a flying ship to a place called Westruun to visit the Cobalt Reserve, whatever that means. But apparently, they might know how to help us get back home, which might also help us understand this world. If we don't find the answers there, we'll continue our search in the great city of Emon. Vex'halia's daughter seems to be a powerful mage living there, and she might be able to help. No matter how impressed I am by this version of the Raven Queen, I miss mine. Maybe I can share what I've learned with my church and spark some ideas. The evening ended with another performance of the ballad I wrote the night before as well as some dancing. Lavia should have been here - I'm sure she would have loved the entertainment. At least I'll keep playing her lyre, and hopefully, she'll feel like she's part of it.

A Song of Ice and Fire

The warm tavern and the people able to live gives me hope. I had already placed Lavia next to me, and I wasn't even thinking about anything in particular when I first strummed her strings, lightly trying out a melody. I tried out some words with a simple structure that allowed me to build on them as I went along. My song starts with how we arrived alone to an even more lonely city. Ice holding both life and death hostage and no raven but my own. Amongst people of glass, we found light drawing the cold into the world. I sing of my companions and sighting a frightful dragon. Ice in the creature's lair, creating see-through covers over snowy seals. The magic broken, life and death returned and ice thawed. The melody turns from a cold sorrow to a smouldering tale of righting a wrong. I sing of the distraction that let us escape the dragon's lair and see warmth throughout the palace and the city. The dead may die and find their rest as the living live and may follow their fate. My song declares the vision from the Raven Queen, showing the dragon's demise, and portrays our mission back to that dangerous foe. With a crescendo, I tell of the tunnel we collapsed in order to slay our ice-cold prey. Towards the end, I give a line or two each to those who are to thank. Ellywick, fearless hunter. Dworik, resourceful and wise. Phennyr, loyal and strong. Vax'ildan, a watchful protector. I give a thank you to Kynan, who risked his life to give us a winnable battle. With gentle caress of the frame, I mention Lavia, with us in spirit when she can't be in the flesh. The applause after my final note caught me off guard and I look up. An attempt to tell Lavia about what had happened seemed to have gathered most of the tavern. I need more to drink. And there seem to be some festivities coming, which I'm looking forward to. The tension leaving me as I see off of these people moving makes me so happy I can barely keep myself from crying.

In the afternoon, we plan!

The others seem hungry. Really hungry. Myself, I'm a bit too nervous for an appetite. If we fail at our task, the dragon will return to bring death to those we have just brought back to proper life. This is why I suggested to the group we collapse the tunnel behind us as we encounter the dragon. It might be our time to die, and I'm ready if that is the case, but the city should at least get some extra time. The creature will be forced to fight us before it can break out, and we will hopefully at least weaken it enough that others will have an easier time destroying it. While my belief told me the Raven Queen would judge it time for the dragon to die rather than us attempting to lure it away, the rest of the group didn't share my faith. From my point of view, hundreds, maybe thousands, have been locked between life and death partially by this white dragon. It is responsible for crimes against fate itself, and I'm ready to carry out the sentence. Trying to trick it the way Ellywick and Dworik want to do is extremely risky at best, and at worst it's setting free the worst kind of criminal. But I agreed to ask the Raven Queen, in so far as I can do that. Her temples in this reality seem... starker. The architecture is more brutal in its elegance, and there are fewer decorations. There is even a small font of what I can only assume is constantly flowing blood. It made me miss the temples I'm used to and the goddess I worshipped there. But at the same time, this is familiar, and it carries the beauty I see in my Queen even more strongly. It's like her - but with more force imbued in every detail. It's confusing. And I have no idea how I'll feel when I hopefully am back to talk with my version of the Queen. Donating to the temple also allowed me access to incense and herbs to attempt to divine how I could best aid. The answer seemed pretty clear in light of the magic item I had just received. I can cast fireballs on enemies, and the vision showed me the dragon burning. It must die. The others agreed, even to my dangerous addition of collapsing the tunnel. We enlisted Vax'ildan who in turn talked to Kynan to help us rig the black powder so that the detonation will collapse the cavern but not kill us. And with him borrowing our carpet of flying, he should be safe from any avalanche. I've been playing on Lavia's lyre when I've had a moment. I should probably play on my own more, but I want her to know that she's not forgotten. And if she can hear my music, maybe she can hear my mood as I play. The frightened stress from breaking the sigils, the relief as the city woke up, and the nervousness of our current prospect. And if you can hear me, now would be a great time to have your aid. But I will leave the lyre with Kynan before he collapses the tunnel if you're still in it. If we die, you might return and help save the city in our stead. I wonder which ones of us are fated to return.

The Dragon's Lair

With the dragon out, we figured we might have a chance to look around before it came back. And immediately our chances of fighting it were reduced as Lavia was once again captured inside her lyre. I picked it up, of course, but with a huge dragon nearby, I wasn't about to pluck any strings. Inside the dark cave, we found four different sigils, on in each cardinal direction, from which the beams originated. I have no idea if there was a way to destroy these sigils. Maybe hacking away at them would have done something. Or maybe it would have triggered some sort of defence. All I could do was to pray for a solution. Literally. I prayed for the Raven Queen to help me dispel the magic locked in the seals. And it turns out that being a tiefling came in handy since I, eh, keep my tail flexible. One sigil was in a narrow crevasse where the rest of my body couldn't fit to touch the symbol, and one required the rest of the group to hack away enough ice that my tail could poke through. With the latter of those, Ellywick's new ability to call forth fire from her hands turned out to be really useful for melting the ice. And thanks to Dworik we found the position of the sigil fast enough to reach it in time. With all four sigils broken, the temperature was starting to rise from unbearably frigid to merely extremely cold. I guess we shouldn't ask too much when in the lair of a white dragon. Speaking of which, said creature returned just as we were about to leave. We hid, but I suspect not very well. At least, with the city hopefully restored, I was at peace with that this might be the end of my story and was prepared to die - hopefully letting the others escape. I know that who dies has nothing to do with if they deserved it, my punishment lies in the Nine Hells after I've died, not in when I move on. But the others of this group are good people and I wish for the world, all worlds, to see more of them. Fortunately, no one had to die. Ellywick somehow managed to convince the dragon that if it let us pass we would keep it fed and satisfied. Even more incredible is that Ellywick herself seems dead set on keeping this promise. This being helped disrupt the very flow of life to death by freezing it and then snapping the connection to life at will. We all know about how undead are kept from completely dying, but what the wizard who set this up did was create unlife, prevented from fully being alive. Both seem equally perverting what is meant to be. I wish I could reach out to the Raven Queen for answers. I wonder if I could reach out to this Raven Queen for answers... We've returned to Castle Whitestone, and the people are waking up as everything thaw. Balance is being restored and those who are alive also live. There's a lot to take care of, but at least we can gather the dead and let them rest.

Hot and Cold

This place continues to feel like a graveyard without comfortable rest granted by death. And the snow itself can rise and freeze our bodies. But as we fetched the 'rifle' Vax'ildan wanted, things started to heat up in strange ways. Dworik wanted to take some of the other artefacts with the nephew of the owners of the castle there. Without us having any idea what any of them do. The rest of us were opposed to this, with the possible exception of Phennyr who never has a strong opinion. In particular and, in my mind most importantly, Vax himself, didn't think it was a good idea, and we need to trust him is we're to succeed. I'm less and less sure if this group has warm, friendly banter, heated arguments, or hot flirting. I'm not even sure if anyone knows which it is, or cares. Dworik seems to either tease whoever spoke last or defend his dear friends if someone else teases any us. Ellywick is her usual, unevenly pleasant self. And Lavia knows how to bite back but is otherwise lovely. Lavia is the one who confuses me the most. She's very kind attempting to teach me how to play the lyre when we have the chance, and hopefully, I'm making some progress. But also, she cuddled with me for the whole night after we went to bed. Is she flirting with me? Or is she just being cuddly? Is she interested in something physical? I have no idea what to do about this... On the cold and horrible side of things, no one seems to be around the ziggurat. The arcs of light stretching above it have no good explanation and shoot up from the ground, crossing above the spinning orb of death in the top room. Nothing else seems out of the ordinary according to Vax, and that's the only thing we have to go on. There is a small crack in the cavern floor next to the structure, but not wide enough to get through. There might have been some snoring below us, but after Lavia attempted to use an axe to widen the gap, it stopped. Which means whatever it was is now expecting us. We headed for a different tunnel that Vax knew of, in the hopes that it would lead us down below the ziggurat chamber. Meanwhile, Dworik keeps acting strangely. I'm not sure what it is, but he seems suspicious of everyone. It feels like he's more of a hot-head than usual. I'm not sure if it's Ellywick getting on his nerves again. Quite likely. He even tried to act wingman for her to flirt with Vax. I'm not sure ith's the time or place to talk to our human friend about such things. The only advantage is that I realise that I feel ok with it. If Ellywick wants someone else, I wish her the best of luck and will only be happy for her. Anyway, the cold and icy tunnel ended up on the side of the mountain but with no side tunnels for us to explore. These bad news were followed by much worse news as a huge white dragon emerged from a cave and almost saw us. We would be dead because of our carelessness. The slight upside is that the dragon's lair might be the entrance we're looking for. The downside is that the entrance we're looking for is a dragon's lair! If we survive this, I need some hot coffee and hard liquor. The order doesn't matter.

Life, interrupted

The city of Whitestone. I understand where it gets its name from. But right now, it's less of a city and more of an eerily quiet tomb. Except I'd feel at home in a tomb. They're relaxing places of contemplation and rest. This is just life stopped in its tracks. I don't sense death, exactly - just life not present. Vax'ildan helped us navigate the city, and we tried to keep away from the giant insect-like snakes burrowing through the area. But they caught up with us just as we passed by a giant tree at the centre of the city. While the tree might symbolise life, the remnants of one of the scouts sent to the city were nearby, several of the people frozen in place had become food, and both Lavia and Phennyr were in grave danger. I will continue trying to keep everyone on this side of death until it's genuinely their time, but I'm not sure what this version of the Raven Queen thinks... We made it to the castle anyway and got some warmer clothes. Somehow, the sadness and loss these walls have seen still linger and makes the halls even more devoid of life. We found Vax' parents and his aunt, Cassandra, frozen solid like everyone else. They look like kind people. I hope we cat to talk and not just me speaking at a funeral. The question now is, do we wander the castle looking for unlikely signs of life, or do we head down below to investigate this Spinning Orb od Death without a proper rest first. While I could certainly do with some rest, I'm reluctant to let these people be neither dead nor alive much longer. They need to be allowed to push to either side. On a personal note, I wish I could figure Lavia out better. I think she's flirting with at least Dworik, but I'm not sure. Is she flirting with me? Is ay of it serious or just the way she tries to connect to people? Not that I mind. She's gorgeous and kind and having her attention makes me happy. And I hope Dworik gets to feel the same. I've never been good at understanding jealousy - if she can make several people feel better, that seems fantastic. Death awaits us all; it seems wasteful to not enjoy life. And watching her certainly helps me move on from... Yeah.

Cold
Tal'dorei, day 2

This place is so different, yet familiar. Our currency is valid, and we can speak to these people, despite their accents being weird. But the sites here and the people we are assumed to know... and... my Queen. She appeared to me as I prayed for spells as I usually do in the morning. I was already worried that she might be too far away. It turns out she was. And wasn't. I'm not sure who appeared before me, and she seemed unsure who I was. Is she the Raven Queen I know and love? Are they reflections of each other? I don't know. I don't even know how I could know. But she granted me the powers I asked for, and if I'm able to spread the wishes of my own Queen through those powers, maybe that's enough. I feel so alone... The temple rescued my soul, and the Raven Queen gave me purpose and hope when I had none. But my soul is forfeit anyway, so I'll keep what faith I have and try to do the best I can. At least Lavia is back, and not as distraught over where we are as I feared. I think she's taking all of this more in stride than any of the rest of us, with the possible exception of Phennyr. Maybe being isolated in her instrument now and then gives her perspective we don't have. I'm happy she has agreed to give me some lessons on how to play the lyre, and I hope I can keep her company when she's in there. I know what it feels like to be isolated from the world, and I'm starting to like her. Maybe our lessons will also be a way to get to know her better and get some time without having the rest of the group over our shoulders. Speaking of which... I'm not sure what's up with Ellywick. I've been, eh, handling my feelings and for the most part, I think I've gained some distance. Having others around who also trusts me helps get perspective. For some time, I was jealous when she hit on others. Then I thought she did it to spite me. Now I'm wondering if she's getting desperate. She tried to bully one of the captains into a date. I get trying to convince the grumpy man that we're good people, but I'm not sure that's the way to do it. I prefer to focus on the older one: Kynan. Kynan has all the signs of someone who has gone through bad things and struggled for the respect he holds. I think I like him, and for now, I trust him more than most others here. Especially since he trusts us enough to tell us what has happened and the basics of where we are. We are in the Parchwoods near a city called Whitestone on the continent of Tal'dori. The city has just suffered a disaster like it, and the people in it was frozen solid six days ago. The soldiers here are only around because they happened to be out on patrol at the time. They've sent scouts in, but those two haven't returned. They're about to send others for help, but that will take many days. Investigating this possible unnatural death of an entire city seems to be what is right, what my version of the Raven Queen would want me to do, and could give us friends in this strange place. On the out path through the forest, we first encountered a giant wolf that just watched us. Two yetis did not just watch. While most of us were only slightly hurt, they managed to tear into both Phennyr and Lavia. I'm not sure if this Raven Queen will give me back souls I ask for, so I try to pay extra attention. Someone else paid attention too - Vax'ildan, the nephew of Cassandra de Rolo who I understand is the face of the Whitestone government. He used one of the metal pipe things the other soldiers had, and it seems to be able to kill a yeti very efficiently. I can see the worry and sadness in his eyes as his parents are in danger. Or might even have passed on already. I'm preparing to aid him either way. And, Ellywick, not try to bed him when he's scared for the life of his loved ones. We need to patch up, and then we're headed into a frozen hell. Tiny part of me wishes we'd head into fiery hells instead at some point, but for now - I just want to keep those around me safe.

Far From Home
?? ?? ???

Ok, so this will be a long one. And one with a lot of headaches. We left Timotej with quite a bit of gold and a mission to build a business out of our home in Waterdeep. Which is good, at least the staff will hopefully be seen to, which might be useful, considering later events. We passed by Thornhold again, going north, and apparently, the brief friend we made in Sendrek Ironbeater has been the victim of an attempt to frame him for attempted murder. Or, at least, I certainly don't believe he would try to murder the groom at the wedding, even if he was in love with the bride. He had resigned himself to a life of bitter drinking of bitter beer. Having chosen a trial by strife might have been a good option for him in the hopes of proving his innocence. But his life might well be lost now, either he met his end, and Moradin can claim his soul, or he's still alive but with the yuan-ti. I pray it's the former, but our obligations to Phennyr prevents us from making sure. I saw the snake people at a distance that night. I still have flashes of the illusion they created for me - the one of Ellywick lying dead on the road. I loved her so much... I guess I still do. Maybe always will. I left the temple before I met her, but I might never genuinely have dared see the world if it wasn't for her. But she wants only to be friends, and I'm trying to respect that. A lot of thoughts followed me as we arrived at the clearing that is Phennyr's village. The village elder turned out to be the twin brother of Pergolor - the drug addict we found in Waterdeep. Fortunately, Pergolor himself seems more healthy. We also got to see Vensana, Phennyr's mother. She seems like a kind woman and proud of her son. I hope he can see the ideals to strive for, just like I try to appreciate the things mum might be proud of me for now... In any case, we were warned about treeants nearby being driven insane by the spreading death that forms an uneven circle out in the forest. And to no surprise, one ran into us on our expedition to figure out what's wrong with the wood. Lavia has more than a little fury in her it seems, even if the spiders kept getting in her way. We did defeat the treeant, although two rocks thrown at me left me bleeding and bruised. But during our short rest, what Lavia had warned us about happened... He vanished, leaving only her lyre behind. I'm not sure what I expected, but the whole thing is strange to me. Looking after souls is what I do, and hers is just... sucked away. I find myself oddly protective of the instrument, worried that scratches on it would somehow carry over to Lavia. I need to stop that line of thinking before I do things like tuck the lyre in at night or give it hugs... But we had to get on with what we were doing - which took us to a cave that the firbolgs considered forbidden, Not at the epicentre of the dark phenomenon we're investigating, it could lead to something underground, which it did. But first, we had to get in, which required simultaneously singing, laughing, crying, and screaming. Which, having shown both Phennyr and Dworik their deaths, and Ellywick was pulling hairs from Phennyr's ear, worked. I'm sorry, Dworik - I know you have a hard time with your mortality right now, but you need to get used to the fact that all life will end. Including ours. We need to do what we're meant to while we're still alive. The tunnels contained various nasty things, like stalagmites with tentacles and strong jaws, and creepy white creatures with arms, tentacles for legs and the ability to scream into someone's mind. But in the middle of a lake, there were big doors, guarded by a riddle. And inside was some huge arcane symbol. The pattern seemed incredibly intricate and, most likely, very dangerous. So, of course, Ellywick went in and triggered it. All of us were sucked into... somewhere else. At first, I thought it was the Shadowfell, since the people at Blackstaff had suspected that. Everything seemed like a strange, cold, copy of where we had just been, after all. Except that here, the arcane symbol. Getting up to the surface... It's night. In a different forest. In a place with two moons. In what seems like the middle of the winter. This place doesn't seem like the Shadowfell I read about. This seems much more like just... wrong. And someone showed up, asking if we were from "Whitestone," but had never heard of Waterdeep. I'd ask what kind of place is named just for the colour and material of the ground, but then I'm from a city named for the lack of snow. I don't trust anyone here yet, but I deal better with talking to someone than I do snow. And I'm really, really, exhausted by now. Some rest would be nice. Are you there, Lavia? Did the lyre pull you with us? If so, I'm sorry...

Redbrands II

We took some rest after dealing with Redbrands bandits. As we did so, Ellywick had a chance to consider the description of the monster that our goblin captive, Dorryl, had given us. Apparently, it's called a Nothic and is seriously an ugly thing with some psychic abilities. and it eats people. We got to experience the Nothic soon afterwards as we made our way into the central chamber. It seemed that it could be reasoned with - especially after being fed one of the bodies of the bandits. I figured that we could have it leave us be as we explored the rest of the area and then we'd come back to kill it later. But once we discovered some treasure in the cavern, Ellywick apparently couldn't keep her hands off of it, which drew the creature's anger. Fortunately, it turned out to be easier to defeat than I had feared and we could be on our way. Entering another chamber, we discovered some animated skeletons. The abominations were swiftly dealt with, but during the battle, Rupert saw fit to release our prisoner. Fortunately, Ellywick managed to kill the creature before it could alarm any of its kin. Delving deeper, we found a small prison of sorts that held a family of three: Mirna and her daughter Nilsa and son Nash. The children's father had already left this world as we had found his corpse earlier. It's unfortunate that I failed to console the family, but maybe this is a pain they have to suffer through,

Redbrands III

Having rescued one family, we set out to empty this nest that we had found. And at the top of that list was taking care of the wizard we had been told of - Glasstaff. We found him roughly in the area he had been said to reside and as we took him by surprise, he wasn't able to cast a single spell before he met his intended fate. Besides finding a couple of magic scrolls and the like, we also uncovered letters revealed treachery. This wizard was none other than Sildar's supposed friend Iarno Albrech, the representative of the Lords' Alliance. Further, it revealed that he was acting at the behest of this "Spide" that Sildar had said the bugbear who captured Gunnel was talking about. More things revealed through letters was that Arakaia - Ellywick's elusive cousin - was caught overhearing something she shouldn't. In response, the gnome had been sent on a mission she wasn't supposed to come back alive from. But the woman seems a cunning one and escaped on a caravan south. Where south is currently unknown, but Waterdeep seems a logical first step. Back in Phandalin, we had several errands to run. We confirmed with Sildar that the wizard was indeed his old friend. While he seemed saddened by his loss my companions seem to suspect him of hiding something from us. They went so far as to have Ellywick shadow him, something I understand didn't pan out as intended. This, of course, just increased everyone's suspicions (because how could someone catching them in the act not be suspicious?). From what I heard before I went to bed, the squirrel was sent to follow Sildar and Ellywick and Rupert went to investigate the results. My hopes for them doing anything but embarrass us further remain low. One more good thing happened today. I've had the construction of a shrine to my Queen commissioned from the local mason. He might not be the craftsman I'd want ideally, but he'll do. I've paid for half of it, something that has severely drained me of coin, but I've very much encouraged people to donate all evening. Hopefully, some gratitude for vanquishing the Redbrands has earned us some goodwill and that will carry over to a desire to have another goddess watch over the village. I, for one, can feel the Raven Queen's trust in me has increased, and I'm forever grateful.

Orc hunting

Judging by Ellywick's... health this morning, their investigations into Sildar weren't successful. Her drinking seems to have been, however. It feels like a lifetime since I was as drunk as she. On a more rewarding note, it seems the village did decide to contribute to the shrine - if only a little bit. The whole thing has come at some expense for me, but hopefully, it will spread the word and help keep the people of Phandalin in safe hands. The morning also allowed me to do another thing: summon a celestial spirit to aid me. To honour our Goddess, he is of course in the form of a raven and I call him Eye. Because he will be my eye to see through just as I am the Raven Queen's. Also, he seems to like the taste of eyes. Ellywick seems less than enthused by Eye, however, worrying about the safety of her squirrel. My attempts at telling her that Eye is not a threat seem only partially successful. We decided to leave Phandalin east along the Triboar Trail, which I take that everyone else felt satisfied with the Sildar situation and had no need to wrap up any of their other business. The day of travel was mostly uneventful, rainy and grey. Hurgh entertaining us with music did little to make it more than dull. Some excitement did find us when Eye spotted a campfire in the woods. Declan and Ellywick scouted ahead and found the two Redbrands camped there. Declan quickly made one meet his intended fate while our ranger made sure the other one didn't escape but was available for questioning. We learned quite a few things about the caravan Arakaia had escaped on. Or at least that she had been left for dead outside after the attempted robbery. Apparently, it was headed by a man called Leopold Silverstar, a human, and headed towards Waterdeep. The dead man had more respectful things to say about The Spider who "kills his enemies without mercy," and "will make them rich." Glasstaff gathered the Redbrands for The Spider about a year ago. Once we killed the remaining bandit we used their camp for the night. The next day we set out to find the orcs that we were hunting, which we did. A bit abruptly thanks to an unfortunate placement of a rabbits hole, sending Declan out in front of the orcs rather than stealthily sneaking around them. Still, we managed to defeat them all, despite my Queen tempting several of us. We'll see what tomorrow holds.

Path to Thundertree

A brief recon with Ellywick and Eye taking point showed no signs of more orcs in the area and so we headed back to Phandalin for our reward. And a warm bed where it wasn't raining, I'm really starting to enjoy the village and its friendly people. My kind isn't always so welcome. It seems Ellywick got caught up in a web of lies, pretending to have a crush on Sildar Hallwinter. Which, of course, is too amusing not to poke her about. And we found out a bit about Sildar's old friendship with a man called Daran Edermath who lives in Phandalin. The mayor appreciated how we solved his orc problem of course. And realised the benefit of the village being in the Raven Queen's favour rather than the opposite and thus he welcomed the shrine I've had constructed. He was less interested in the Tresender family signet ring we found in the Redbrands hideout, despite it being platinum and part of local history. Not that he seemed to know or care that much about history in general. If this man is still alive when his time has come, I pray I'm nearby and can rectify the situation. In any case, our task was to get to the druid Reidoth in Thundertree and so we headed north along the edge of Neverwinter Wood. And for the first day, everything went smooth. It wasn't until night that things started to go... Wrong? Sideways, at least. During my watch, I saw a woman appear among the trees near the woods themselves. She was a stunning presence, naked, with golden hair, and certainly a spiritual air about her. Dryad is my best guess, but I can't be sure. I woke up Ellywick, as I gather she and Rupert are the ones least likely to make a delicate situation worse. Getting Rupert up too, we spoke to the woman, who introduced herself as Niena. And she's very obviously some form of the fey. Apparently, her friend in the forest, Nanna, wanted a kiss. Maybe I should have suspected something from Rupert's friendliness at this point, but I didn't. The friend looked like a beautiful elven woman, which really made me suspicious. Fey always have an ace up their sleeve, a way to manipulate or another angle. Having to kiss a beautiful woman didn't seem enough of a sacrifice. Rupert being immediately forthcoming gave away that they had influence over him and I was prepared to call on all the wrath of the Raven Queen that I could. But I didn't have time to stop the kiss from happening and the elven woman simply turned into a hideous and malformed creature and only by generous imagination resembled a human woman. Rupert seemed less than pleased after the kiss, but as the two beings returned to the forest, I drew a deep sigh of relief. Still, there's no telling what that kiss did to Rupert. A day later, he's still under the spell of Niena, so how long can the hag's influence stretch? We kept our distance to the trees the next day, despite Rupert's reassurances that we weren't in danger. and eventually, we arrived at the ruins of what was once Thundertree. With a stroke of luck, the first house we knocked on was inhabited by none other than Reidoth - the druid we were looking for. It appears that besides being able to give us the location of Cragmore Castle, Reidoth was able to give us quite an update on Thundertree itself. There were three things that he warned us against:
A young, green, dragon has taken residence in what remains of the central tower. Ellywick immediately wanted to investigate, but I would prefer not to have to guide everyone's souls to the afterlife just yet.

A group of people in black cloaks are lurking about. Sounds like some sort of cultists to me, but the danger here is that we know nothing about what we're dealing with.

Lastly, there are a couple of locations haunted by the undead. This, of course, needs to be rectified and eliminating these unholy beings is now our highest priority.

Thundertree I

Evil death. It seems to lurk everywhere around this place. Even on our way to the first building the druid had indicated contained living dead, we were attacked by giant spiders. Fortunately, the creatures burn easily. The dead that rose as we entered the building were more of a challenge. The old dust inside their bodies was an unwelcome surprise and not an aspect of the basic undead I have been taught about at the temple. This also meant proceeding with caution towards our next location. There were some Twig Blights in the way over there, but the creatures were quickly dealt with. Unfortunately, even though Declan and Ellywick did an excellent job scouting the next location, our plan of attack failed early on. The Raven Queen chose to not push away the undead as I had hoped and we were left having to fight ourselves. Through luck as much as teamwork, five more were laid to rest. Now remains the question of what to do next...

Thundertree II

With the undead taken care of, we still had one mystery and one big danger in Thundertree. I should have known they were connected. We headed towards the building Reidoff had indicated as the headquarters of the cultists in the village. Only Rupert and I approached the house and knocked on the door. They seemed quite surprised to have quests but still welcomed us in and explained their great mission. Which was to die. They intended to befriend the local Green Dragon. I felt that it was probably their time to go and their leader must have sensed as much. Quite offended, she told us to leave. I guess I can understand her feelings. Telling the other ones about what we had learned about the cultists didn't go as planned. Ellywick immediately saw this as a chance to study the dragon and there was no talking her out of seeing the cultists herself. Which she did. She did come out unharmed and contemplating joining the Cult of the Dragon as they set out to... talk to the dragon the next morning. I found the prospect of the gnome reaching the end of her life sadder than I thought I would. Maybe more than I should. Maybe I could find penance and see if I was meant to keep her from death at the same time. So I gave my word that I would die by her side if it came to that. And it almost did. The cultists discovered Ellywick and Rupert in their hiding spots near the tower with the dragon. And the two of them ended up following the cult inside. I followed as close as I could and when the dragon, predictably, killed off nearly the entire cult, I was able to rush in to help. The dragon managed to claw Ellywick to the point where I could feel her soul be ready to move on. I'm grateful the Queen let me use her powers to revive my friend. And with that, we just barely managed to run away from the dragon and hide far away from it. I think even Ellywick has the sense not to take on dragons again anytime soon. Spurred on by a desire to get away, we left Thundertree and headed for Cragmore Castle. We followed the treeline just as we did on our way north. And we must have kept very close to our old route for, in the middle of the night, we were visited on by the same dryad as had made such an impression on Rupert last time. But this time she honestly seemed upset. The hag that got a kiss from Rupert had sent spiders to threaten the dryad's tree. We managed to take care of her problem for her. So between the cultists meeting their intended end and the dryad being protected, at least some things were set right. My concerns remain at the back of my head, however. Am I doing the right thing in protecting my fellow travellers when they walk into almost certain death? Is helping them subconsciously a way of using them to get help rather than a genuine effort to find actual friendship?

Crisis of Faith

I might have made a terrible mistake. But I'll get to that. After waking up near the dryad's tree, we headed for Cragmaw Castle. The places proved, unsurprisingly, to be completely infested with goblins and other goblinoids. And one nasty snake with a beak and grappling tentacles. And there was a chained up owlbear that must have been a prized capture before it died. The castle itself is nothing but an overgrown ruin and it must have taken some effort to make it habitable, even for goblinoids. Our little group is fast becoming quite skilled in the art of combat. But in light of recent events, I must question to what extent this is a good thing. At long last, we found Gunnel Rockseeker– held captive by a bugbear and what turned out not to be a drow, but a shapeshifter. But there turned out to be an even greater threat to her as Declan seemingly switched sides and struck the dwarf down in the middle of combat. This led to a situation where our two clear enemies were dead, as was Gunnel – our employer and lead to unravelling the rest of this mystery. Hurgh and Declan were both unconscious and in risk of death. We had just found a Scroll of Revivify, which meant I could bring someone back from the dead as long as I did it within a minute of their death. Not counting the two enemies that had tried to kill all of us, that left three people I could choose to save or let die. One of which had just betrayed us and one whose soul was already headed for somewhere else. With only a fraction of a second to guess what my goddess would want, I stabilized Declan so that he wouldn't slip away, I healed Hurgh so that he could stay by our side, and I used the scroll to bring back Gunnel. Because ending her life to correct that mistake will be a lot easier than bringing her back if the mistake was to let her die. And she doesn't actually seem to have arrived at the Fuge Plane to be judged yet, so it might be that her soul was only held until I retrieved it. Declan, when he came to, explained that he had been hired by a (likely dwarven) group from Mirabar to kill Gunnel so that they could retrieve the treasures in the Wave Echo Cave. He is obviously convinced that the choice was between Gunnel dying and both she and himself dying. Personally, I have a hard time believing in this dichotomy. The fact that we found the scroll when we did and that the Raven Queen didn't intervene, are signs I interpret to mean that my choice might have been the right one. But I need to spend more time in prayer. And I need to talk to Declan to understand his reasoning and see if he can understand mine. There are two sides to the Raven Queen – life and death. Both options need to be considered. It's with a heavy heart I approach this from a sense of duty. I was hoping these people could eventually call me friend. Right now, I fear I will seem a monster in at least someone's eyes, no matter what I do.

Rest in peace, Declan...

It was a long night, for many reasons. Let's start with the elephant in the room. Declan is dead. While I'm certain it was his time, I'll miss him. He understood the necessity of death, even if he was a bit too eager to cause it at times. He was a comrade who just had a hard time finding his way. I had intended to have a conversation with him about what his role actually was, but we were interrupted by the very assassins who were after him. Deciding if we should hand him over to them or take him to Phandalin anyway was a hard one and the group was certainly divided. It took a scroll of augury and me contacting the Raven Queen to show me the way. Indicating I should release him, I did so. Which resulted in him running, only to be hunted down and killed. One of the assassins was killed in the fight and considering the other one was his older sister, I doubt we've seen the last of her. After burying Declan, we continue south. But my heart is heavy. Life outside the temple is so less clear and I don't know what to do...

Return to Phandalin

Returning, it feels like I need to focus on something current. Something more tangible. So I started off by checking the progress on the shrine I commisioned, which is coming along very nicely. What's not coming along nicely is my sense of direction. Unless that direction is towards ale. Lots of ale. The rest of the party had met a wizard at the inn - Suffrax. An eccentric but pleasant traveller all the way from Calimshan and with an interest in the Wave Echo Cave. Sildar had already vetted him, so I guess he's in. I didn't care at the moment. I'll admit that part of me simply longed for the simpler days when I would have danced and swindled my way to food drink and shelter and not have thought twice about placing any meaning to it. I tried to talk to Ellywick about the problems of not knowing what the right path is, but I'm not quite sure how that went. I'm a bit hazy at that point in the evening and onwards. I think she said something about finding a third path? That's not really applicable to me. Is it? At least I woke up the next day with a sense of purpose. And an upset stomach and a headache that it took a spell to take care of, but more importantly a purpose. The mayor of Phandalin rules through his own hubris instead of remaining humble in the face of fate. Who should die when might not always be clear to me, but this is obviously going against the Raven Queen's wishes. Enlisting the aid of Ellywick and Suffrax, I headed towards the town hall. Suffrax made his coffee taste of blood, while I darkened the room and let the sound of ravens be heard outside while Eye was staring at him. Ellywich added an illusion of a second, still, bird. I reached out and asked my goddess to give him a vision of his own possible death and he would sense the Raven Queen's power within me as I told him to step down from his position and enact an election for a new mayor. From the look on his face when we left, I doubt he'll disobey. Maybe this is what the Queen needs me for? To take down those who abuse their power? To show the world that even the mighty who think themselves invincible will one day die? Maybe there's even room for reminding those who feel trapped that they can live while they're alive. I wish I could talk to someone about this, but the clergy at the temple is far away. Declan might have understood, but would have had a hard time looking past the need for people to die and also see that death affects the living. As for the current members of our party... I don't know. At least Ellywick listened.

Wave Echo Cave

We've entered the cave. One of Gunnel's brothers laid dead outside the main entrance, so we did the only reasonable thing: we went in to investigate further. Which led us to a myriad of different tunnels of going back and forth. This cave continues to be a maze of death and violence. Not only is it infested with the undead, but there are various kinds of animals that have made a home in various nooks and crannies. And for a while, we were scraping by without too much of a risk to our lives. Then we encountered a Flameskull. Of course, we're not the stealthiest of adventuring parties, I'll admit that we didn't employ much in the way of tactics, and I realised too late that I hadn't rested enough to turn the undead away from me. Needless to say, the magic fireball the skull threw at us hit hard. I was only barely on my feet and Hurgh would have been out had the half-orc blood in his veins not made him more durable. The other three were unconscious and dying. Keeping Ellywick and Rupert from death while Hurgh woke Suffrax, I joined the others and ran. We found an abandoned warehouse of sorts that we've barricaded and made into our camp during the night. Because we really need to regain our strength, and probably talk strategy, before we move on. The night's rest had one other, big, advantage: I got to talk to Ellywick about the conversation I had drunkenly started in Phandalin the night before we left. I told her about how lost I feel. Or, at least I tried to tell her. I'm not sure she realises to what extent I've hurt people when I've been left to my own. But she insists that the way the Raven Queen came to me and selected me as her cleric, and the way my powers have grown, means that I'm trusted to do the right thing. My powers have shifted slightly, lessening the focus on undead and making it easier for me to guard death's door and keep people alive. With Ellywick's words in mind, it seems the Raven Queen would entrust me to know when someone is to live or die? But what if I make the wrong call? Do I wait for the divine judgement of having broken the rules before I take a step back? With the knife to someone's throat, the wrong instinct can have more severe consequences than following the wrong trail in the forest. I guess the point still stands. And I'm sure there are a million potentially deadly decisions a ranger makes while out travelling where their instincts help. I'll see what my instincts tell me. And I completely agree with Ellywick about one thing: the monsters in here cannot be allowed to continue.

Wave Echo Cave II

We've made it past a few more of the dangers of this cave. The Flameskull has been destroyed along with some animated dead. We found a drow who I, based on his attire, assume was The Spider. He was also assisted by a shapeshifter, making it two such creatures under his command. The, presumed, "Spider" tried to bribe us to leave the cave to him. But someone who cares that little for life and who doesn't seem bothered by the undead haunting the area doesn't deserve trust. Some beings need to die so that others can reach their destiny. And if Ellywick is correct in that the Raven Queen trusts my judgement, then I have her blessing in vanquishing these bandits. In return, I will do my best to prevent them from returning to life. We did find Gunnel's other brother, Nundro Rockseeker, locked in a small room. Of course, we were weary to open the door at first, fully prepared for danger. Instead, we found the somewhat worse for wear dwarf. The news of his brother's death at the entrance of the cave wasn't welcome, but he did accept that it was a natural end and that his brother had been able to give much in life that should be cherished. Death is always what most gives life meaning. We did get some useful things from the drow, but maybe none more useful than a partial map of the cave. This allows us to be able to find a path to help our new dwarven friend out, even if the apparent shorter path is partially one we haven't travelled. But Suffrax seems to have figured out ways to make his magic more capable of fending off monsters, and with Rupert and Ellywick's fighting skills and some inspiration from Hurgh, we can probably handle most things... I hope. We brought the brother we had rescued to the brother who no longer needed a rescue. It was a small ceremony, but I did what I could to honour both the living and the dead. The Raven Queen's blessing lies over the grave and I hope that will help his soul. I look forward to seeing the living members of the family once we get back to Phandalin and see to it that they are cared for. As for the cave itself, we seem to have excavated most of it as we found mostly more of the victims of the conflict here dead, at rest or not. However, we did run into one... unforeseen obstacle. Seems the previous owners of the make had summoned an aberration, a floating eye with four more eyes on tentacle stalks, to guard it against others. One that is waiting for its dead patrons to return... We have already dealt with the restless bodies of the dead in this mine and I guess it was time for us to face some spirits perverted by holding on to the material plane. Luckily we managed to dispatch them fairly quickly. And thus, the place seemed cleaned out with the exception of the room full of fungi that have to be burned and the Spectator in the Spellforge. It was already clear that there was no way the Spectator would leave unless we could somehow convince it that it could no longer fulfil its obligation to guard the forge. But the others suggested that maybe we could trick it into thinking we had found someone to release it. Suffrax made an excellent disguise of a very, very old dwarf and we walked to the Spectator again. And it worked. Somehow. Suffrax the old dwarf told the aberration that it was freed from service and should leave. And so it did. The whole thing almost made me miss the old days when I could relish in a good con after really tricking someone out of something. I shouldn't, but there is a part of me that is just itching for a chance to dupe people. I wish I would at least feel more shame about those thoughts. What I am feeling better about is my role as guardian at death's door. I will pray more to the Raven Queen and as her to guide me if I follow the wrong instincts, but until then I will try to follow Ellywick's advice and guide death to those who I feed need it and away from others. I should find some way to repay her kindness. But repaying hasn't been part of either of my lives and I'm not sure what it would entail. Teasing her is easier.

Seduction

We finally returned to Phandalin, having finished our quest and earning our rights to the new mine of Phandelver. And it turns out the former mayor had found an urgent reason to leave the village and leaving the position vacant. I hope he finds a more meaningful way to spend the life he has left than to boss people around to feel important. The altar I had commisioned was ready and beyond my expectations! Reno, the mason, seems to have quite the talent and even consider creating elaborate gravestones for those who want to honour their dead with such. I feel confident that the Raven Queen will have reason to watch over Phandalin and give it her protection. But onto the highlight of our return: the drama between Ellywick and Sildar that has followed the former's lie about being infatuated in order to get away with failed attempts to spy on the latter. When I returned to the inn, Ellywick was dressed up and looked stunning. All in order to tease Sildar when he showed up. And wow did that teasing work. Watching the man squirm was hilarious and I did my best to help. What I wasn't prepared for was that Ellywick eventually managed to break him into wanting to be with her. I was even less prepared for her actually going through with it. I'm not sure why, but I felt slightly jealous. Not that I want to deprive neither one of them a fun time, certainly not Ellywick. But it strikes me just how long I've been at the temple, studying and not focusing on intimacy - emotional or physical. And before that... I guess it was all just about getting money, things or something else. Never about wanting the person or even the sex. The idea that they get to be with someone they actually like... I wonder what Ellywick actually thinks now that she's gone through with it... I wonder if she feels less lonely. Going to the shrine to Tymora the next day seemed like a good idea for clearing my head and focusing on something different. But there was more to focus on there than I had expected. Outside was a woman crying desperately and telling me how her baby daughter had been taken from her out in the forest while she looked away for a second. I fear for the life of the child... Before seeking out my companions I visited the temple, vaguely hoping to both get guidance on what might have happened to the child and to gain assistance, or at least acceptance, with the newly placed altar. I got neither but only scorn towards my goddess and the woman I wanted to help. The party gathered, we headed out into the forest where Ellywick picked up a trail which we, with the help of some woodland animals, followed. During reconnaissance, Eye spotted the illusory shape the hag who stole a kiss from Rupert used. All we can do is follow...

Cenceptions

The search continued, guided by Eye, until we arrived at the hag's hut. Everything was just... wrong around it. Vines on the ground moved on their own and the very building looked like it had grown into place rather than been built there. And then there was... The pregnancy. The woman claimed it was Rupert's, from when she stole a kiss from him a couple of weeks ago, which was obviously a lie. Not that our dear innocent fighter realised, prompting Ellywick to make fun of him a bit. Sometimes I feel like I'm older than him, rather than the reverse. The obvious explanation here, with one baby missing and another one appearing out of nowhere, is that the two are one and the same. How or why the hag has somehow implanted herself with the child, I have no idea. But it's clear we need to get hold of her and do something about it without sacrificing the young life before it has a chance to fulfil what it's fated to do. Ellywick and I agreed to take her out, but the witch went invisible as soon as we drew weapons and instead called on two pet trolls. Trolls that nearly took out Rupert a couple of times... And knocked Ellywick out once as well. Speaking of Ellywick, she's very proud of getting Sildar in bed yesterday. And, apparently, he was quite good at what he did - something she keeps repeating. Which is great. I'm happy for her. But... I don't know. I've grown very fond of her and... Maybe her being so excited about Sildar has made me want to feel closeness. I don't want to make things awkward with Ellywick, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't feel the same. Whatever that feeling is. I'm not even sure she's into women. Or tieflings. Or, even more, someone serving a goddess of death. So I'll just be there to keep her alive and well as best I can and be happy. I'm sure it will all pass eventually... Some tracking led us to the mound Nana - the hag we followed - had made her lair. Her and two other hags as it turned out, and according to Rupert hags forming a coven like that are more powerful than the sum of them combined. Which means we mostly seem lucky to only have had half of us on the brink of death at one time or another. Poor Ellywick got struck by lightning no less than four times, with Hurgh and Suffrax faring only slightly better. And Rupert even ended up turned to a frog for a while. He... does not seem to have the best experiences with hags. Ellywick helped me cut the baby we had come to save out of Nanas dead body, but sadly its soul had already moved on and life escaped it. I think serving the Raven Queen has actually taught me to mourn the dead while it taught others to accept it. I cried for weeks after mum died, but I can't recall any other time someone's death bothered me. But this baby... I had hoped we'd be able to bring hope back with us and give this child life before its time. That wasn't to be. At Rupert's request, I did pray to the Raven Queen that night, asking if she would restore life to the little girl. But I knew the answer even before I got a response. The child's path had already reached its end and all I could do was to bring whatever solace I could by bringing the body home. Walking back to Phandalin gave me time to think about the mortality of those around me. Each one of us has a destiny and when it has been fulfilled, our lives too will end. My life is in service to the Raven Queen and I trust in her to guide my soul when needed. But the others... I don't want to be without them. I don't know how many times while we walked I found myself glancing over at Ellywick or walking closer to her as if I could somehow keep her safe. I don't think she noticed, thankfully. During the night on our way back, Ellywick was fortunate enough to track down a couple of boars and provide us with both fresh meat for breakfast and more to feed the people of Phandalin. Rupert didn't seem to approve, seemingly equating the slaughter of game with the death of the baby I was carrying. Their souls work quite differently, but I guess I'm more used to the death of humans than he is. Rupert and I found the baby's mother and conveyed the sad news. There's not much one can do to console a grieving parent at the moment they find out besides helping them see the reality so that they can start to process of acceptance. That and offering a shoulder when they are ready for it. I hope she can find the support she will need. Sadly, I have low expectations of the priest remaining in Phandalin after I leave... While we took care of the sad task of informing the grieving mother, the rest took the meat to the inn where they also got us rooms, food and ale. And, it turns out, Sildar and his friend (boyfriend?) Daran Edermath. With Ellywick sitting next to Sildar and teasing him again. It might feel... slightly awkward for me too, but I can't help thinking about how cute she is when she does that. I should probably try to push my thoughts of her. She looked at me as if she knew something was up. I tried focusing on my ale and pretend that there's nothing. Preferably while being as close to her as I can. And she said she liked my horns... That made my heart skip a beat. Maybe she... Stop it Nepheri! I better get some sleep. Try to think of something else.

Dangerous Gnoll-age (sorry... the puns are spreading...)

Ok, the not thinking last night didn't go great. Ellywick didn't seem to mind having to sleep alone... and noted that Sildar is "just another human". She might not be interested in me, but at least it's not because of him. And I'm not human, so maybe... No. I'm being stupid and should focus on travel. We have a long way to go to get to Waterdeep by foot. We had travelled for most of the day when we saw smoke from a distance as a farm had been set ablaze. While cooperation and quick action were able to save the house, the barn was left as only ash and cinder. The family who had lived there, and what remains of livestock we could find, had been killed by various blades and eaten. Not necessarily in that order. With enough bite-marks on bones to go on, Ellywick was able to determine that the attackers were most likely Gnolls. I've only heard a few stories of these creatures before, but the stories are always clear on the raw viciousness of them. I left a couple of feathers on top of the grave we dug for the family. I hope their souls are able to find peace together under the protection of one of the more pleasant gods. Chauntea often wants to protect farmers and those to care for the land. One dead child the day before, seven more at the farm. It seems a lot of destinies are short. In any case, we followed the tracks. While they might not be difficult to see this time around, Ellywick still got that focused expression. Which has nothing to do with what's important and luckily Eye interrupted me from watching the gnome, telling us about the gnoll camp further ahead. Not wanting to face the pack tired or with two of our allies having trouble with the darkness, we set up camp ourselves. While I did make sure to keep watch, my eyes did wander. And at one point they fell on Ellywick's quiver and the three enchanted arrows she had bought. I'm far from an expert at anything related to archery, but they really seem well made. Though... One of them had a tiny red string tied to it, next to the feathers. I wondered if this was something Sildar had placed there to remind her of him. I hate the idea of her pushing me away because I actually tell her how I feel... But maybe I could show her... something. So I got another string and wrapped it around one of the other arrows. I tried to make mine even shorter and more discreet than the other. Eye isn't a night bird and had lost track of the gnolls when they left in the morning. At least he compensated and was able to help us see them at a distance as we closed in on them. And closed in we did, even if I barely had a chance to contribute to the fight. Suffrax' studies have clearly paid off since he was able to send two huge fireballs that burnt most of the gnolls to a crisp. It also burned Rupert, but he seems to understand that there weren't many options. And burning those who had burned down the life of that family earlier seemed fitting. Happy to move on, we continued to Leilon. And like most of the trip so far, I have had trouble not trying to be close to Ellywick. Not sure if she's noticed, but I try to look like I'm focused on other things when she looks over. I need to stop this... It's getting ridiculous. I'm behaving like the younger ones of my marks back when I tricked people for a living. I guess she sort of got 100 gold from me the other day, so... Good accidental swindling? Back to the adventuring. Telling the captain of the guard about the gnolls, she didn't seem overly concerned which surprises me. Nor did she seem to care about sending word to people about the family that had been killed. But I guess part of it could be explained by worry over the attacks on livestock that has apparently happened a lot lately. Attacks by something that burrow. We'll check that out in the morning but the immediate need was for a room. And beer. Hurgh had somehow gotten himself kicked out of the inn. Impressive for someone who can normally sing himself into free lodging. At least the rest of us could get rooms, food and drinks. Me sharing room with Ellywick. Because it's practical. Not because I'm torturing myself by wishing for too much. Nope. Not at all. The evening was filled mostly with Ellywick telling stories and drinking beer. I helped out with some special effects here and there, but she was quite mesmerizing on her own. However, any evening comes to an end and once we went to our room, Ellywick barely got into the bed before she fell asleep. I didn't think much of the fact that I unpacked my backpack in the evening in order to make sure that everything is clean, intact and not crumpled together in a mess. I know what sleeping with a blanket with incense smushed into it smells like, and I'd prefer not to repeat that. I can't go through it while we're out in the woods or curled up in some abandoned mine, but staying at an inn seems like a good time to unpack as I go to bed. That turned out to be riskier than I expected. Packung up in the morning, Ellywick noted my.. other clothes. I guess I don't really present myself the way I used to, so the difference between the cleric Nepheri and the scantily clad Meena - my alter ego. I guess, in a way, Meena now represents a part of my real self more than she was first intended when I forged the documents. It was... awkward and I was half in panic. I tried to explain that I had used people, but ended up sounding like I had been a prostitute. I tried to go for the angle that it was just a tool and sounded like it was my normal attire- which it obviously isn't. So I decided to go with it and show my disguise kit and tell her what I can do. I don't know what to make of this... Maybe I've gone about it all wrong, trying to hide my past from her. I might need to show her. She even seemed curious about the idea of me in my dance clothes... Of course, I know that this is approaching some sort of a point. In retrospect, my feelings for her have been growing for weeks but I'm too good a liar to even have discovered it myself until it was too late, and I certainly don't blame her if she hasn't figured it out. Gods I hope she hasn't figured it out - I'd be mortified. But I also need for her to know. Goddess, I need for her to know. But the idea of telling her and her pushing me away makes me feel sick. Continue to help her while we travel but not more, I could live with... Well, I'd have to. But completely losing the only person I've ever had feelings for and can be reasonably sure I'm not just trying to exploit. Yeah. This is going to be a fun day. Let's focus on defeating cattle killing moles

Landslide

A day that started amazing has very quickly gone downhill. In part literally. We went to check on the mysterious disappearances of cattle around Leilon. The first victim we spoke to was a not very helpful halfling named Brod Nitwickle who could mostly just point us to the already obvious large hole in the ground. Fortunately, Hurgh could identify the tracks around the hole as being from Ankhegs, which he described as large, underground, lobsters. Now having seen one, I'm not sure I agree with the description. And no lobsters I've encountered tried to melt me with acid. The other two farms were only slightly more useful. Mary at the second farm had been legitimately overworked but the farm had been hit twice - both during the first night three days ago, and last night. And her useless husband "The Cheese" (hehe) didn't seem to be any help. The third farm was run by an old couple that seemed happy arguing with each other, but not very aware of what was going on around their farm. All in all, we were left with very little information, despite Rupert being quite good at talking to these people. Farming village background, I guess. Ellywick even pointed out his superior knowledge of cows. I guess she considers something like an owlbear inherently cooler than a cow. Can't say I blame her. Not sure her telling the farmers that they suck at their job for not paying more attention helped, but she does have a point. Two plans of attack were suggested as our main options: either we light fires and try to smoke the ankhegs out, or we wanted into the dark, damp, fragile tunnels were the monsters are likely hiding. Even before I sent Eye to check, I suspected there were more opening holes to the network than the three we had found and therefore it would be more useful to enter the dangerous area. But to know better, I cast an augury spell to get the guidance of the Raven Queen. This is where things first went bad. In my eagerness to be right at the entrance for the spell (which was to make sure the spell focused on the right thing, not to be closer to Ellywick at all), I slipped on my way down and basically pushed Ellywick down the slope and mostly made it myself thanks to Rupert offering me a helping hand. Yup, that was embarrassment number one. My Queen indicated that entering the tunnel was at least not a bad idea and so we progressed. It had been agreed beforehand that we should mark our path in order to find our way back, but we forgot to bring something. I suggested we simply place something on the wall as a marker and took out a candle. But I must have seriously misjudged how unstable the tunnel was because it instantly came crashing down on us, seriously injuring several of us in the process. Needless to say, the others were not impressed, and to make matters worse, Ellywick disapproved of me frustrated throwing the candle at the pile of dirt. Yup, I fail today. Badly. I was almost happy to see the actual ankhegs when they attacked since I knew I could provide proper support during a fight. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared for the showers of acid that could have taken me out before I got a chance to help... A couple of well-placed arrows and some sword cuts later, the creatures were dead and we got a chance to recuperate. And, I hoped, to get a chance to redeem myself. Sometimes things are eerily familiar despite being different. I should appreciate the gift the Raven Queen has bestowed upon me because without her intervention I would likely be dead by now. Or worse. We continued through the tunnels, killing another group of ankhegs on the way. With Ellywick looking badass as usual. I just hope it doesn't make her careless. Anyway, add some brute force from Rupert and elemental doom from Suffrax and the creatures were soon destroyed. Once we returned to the surface, predictably at one of the other attacked farms, we discovered a symbol that had cleverly been hidden in the grass near the hole. Suffrax concluded that the symbol had likely been used by a novice but talented magic user to lure the monsters to the farms. The farm we had ended up at was that of Brod, the halfling we had first talked to that morning. And who, it strikes me, mostly just talked to Rupert and Ellywick, despite me asking questions as well. And while we were invited in for tea (Rupert still seem to have some issues with the beverage), the reasons soon became clear. I've seen the looks before. The assumption that I carry with me the treachery that my skin and horns indicate. It was no surprise when he blamed the "devil children" who had moved in a couple of years ago. It's sometimes hard to describe what it's like growing up when your very looks are enough to make most people pretend they aren't looking down on you, a lot of people refuse to talk to you and a few simply spit at you. So many just assume we tieflings are up to no good. We're sort of like devils, they assume. I tried to explain to the others... But even Ellywick felt the need to point out that many tieflings do end up on the wrong side of the law, or at least end up using people. And a lot of us do. Because when every other option seem closed by those who hate you for who you are, what else is there to do? That's the situation I was in after mum died. I used people and was the devil who endangered their souls. And Ellywick... out of all of them, her... That hurt. I prefer the monsters that just stab me or pour acid on me. The family, a human father and his three tiefling children, seemed happy enough. I would have wanted to spend a little time with them, but we had an assignment and I was still reeling from the racism. And from my own experience just having dismissed, if maybe unintentionally so. It soon became evident that the oldest child, Fayle, was the one behind the ritual to summon the ankhegs. He had wandered off during the night and he clearly recognised the symbol. The older of his two younger sisters, Rebekah, recognised it too, but she seemed more generally bothered. The youngest, Noksie, seems like a carefree and innocent as they come. I really hope she gets to stay that way. Fayle was attacking the farmers who were threatening his beloved family. I didn't have anyone to love for most of the time I was at my worst, but I imagine that what he has done is gentle compared to what I would have done to save mum if I had the power at the time. He's pushed into a corner where hurting people and being that devil everyone says he is, is the only option he sees. I suggested we try to just make him stop rather than take him out. Suffrax took me up on that and then some, wanting to send the kid to Calimshan to be trained as a wizard. He would get a second chance, just like I was given one at the temple. The others were a bit too eager to point out that the alternative was the guard and a probably unfair trial, but I'm really happy to be able to help. And we might be able to help his family too. Letting the boy pack and the family say farewell, we headed back to the inn ourselves. Which is where I am now. Carefully watching Ellywick out of the corner of my eye. Trying to decide if I should tell her about my background. If I should tell her about what I feel. If I should simply make another offer to dance. Life is difficult and this beer isn't strong enough.

This is awkward....

Fuck, fuck, fuck! Three days for completely messing this up. Good job, Nepheri. I'm sure you've made a fantastic impression. What will the next trick be? Make her think that you're going to kill her in her sleep so that she has to run from you? Because right now, I'm sure that's where her feelings are headed anyway... So, I had messed up a few times underground and spent the rest of the day dealing with racism. Including Ellywick's comment about tieflings. Naturally, I wanted to tell her that she shouldn't expect that from tieflings and even when the stereotype is true, the expectation of it is often a large cause of it. But she had also used me as an example of a tiefling who stands above the rest. And while I'd love to be as much as she expects me to be, I'm not. And I can't lie to her. How could I ever expect her to care for me if she doesn't even know me? Turns out telling her both of these things during the same conversation was a terrible idea. I don't think I managed to make my point about tieflings at all, and... I'm just happy if she doesn't outright hate me. The look of shock, sadness and, worst of all, disappointment, on her face. I offered to switch rooms for the night and of course, she said yes. I'm not sure I want to sleep anywhere near me. Awkward night became awkward day. With Ellywick seemingly just ignoring the whole thing. Not sure if that's a good thing and part of her accepting me for who I am, or a bad thing and part of her pushing me away. But she was happy to help me pick out a horse for when we move on, so... She doesn't seem to mind me being around? We even talked a bit about the future and she seems ok with me staying with her on future travels. Maybe see where she's from. She seems a bit on edge about her thesis at the university, but I don't feel this is the time to pry. Having gained one to the group in the form of our young apprentice wizard, we lost one as Hurgh decided to go his own way and teach the fan of his living in Leilon. No idea where they'll go. I never got close to the half-orc, but I wish him the best of luck. We also gained a companion as Mika, a dragonborn merchant, teamed up with us as they wanted to track down their former guards and the cargo the guards had stolen. And we set out at first light to head south and hope we could catch up with the thieves. Which we did. They were dead. The former guards had set up camp just at the edge of the Mere of Dead Men, which strikes me the kind of stupid idea only someone who thinks they should be more scared of the living than of the dead would have. We encountered some large person who had followed some will-o-wisps to the Mere. Not sure what he is - certainly not a race you'd typically see in Neverwinter - but he turned out to be very handy in combat. Yes, the combat. While investigating the campsite, we were attacked by a group of the glowing lights of undeath, as well as a large living mound of mud, moss and branches. I was barely standing myself afterwards, but Ellywick took the brunt of it. Twice she was pulled into the monstrous pile and crushed between its branches. The second of those times was when I panicked. The sheer force of the thing hitting her knocked her unconscious and I could only see her bloodied body being swallowed whole. Rupert managed to reach for her and pull her out before I had come to my senses enough to react, but I could feel her life fading before my eyes. My Ellywick. I didn't even realise what I was doing until my arms were around her, my lips on hers and all the healing magic I could muster brought her back. When I realised, it was too late. I could feel myself go a pale grey while somehow still blushing. Trying to focus on the monsters instead, I returned to trying to finish them off. So. Yeah. Awkward is where we're at. Ellywick is avoiding me because I'm a creep and a manipulative tiefling who hurts people and now has basically assaulted her. I need to tell her how sorry I am, even if she can't forgive me. And somehow I need to know what she's thinking. Even if it hurts.

Friends. Right.

I guess I had to have that talk with Ellywick at some point. I just really wish I could be the better person that she deserves. But she didn't push me away at lest. And she said I'm attractive... That must mean she could still be into me eventually, right? I'm hoping too much. I know I am, but I can't help it - I just want to be close to her. She says she needs time to get to know me, which hopefully means I can show her that I'm trying to be a better person than the user I used to be. I so want to be someone she can respect, even if she'll never love me the way I love her. I'll offer to share a tent tonight, and whenever I'm anywhere, I will always leave a gnome-sized space for her, should she want to be close to me. It's ok, I will be here for her as she thinks things through. No matter what her conclusions, she still makes me happy.

Thank you, my Queen

Apparently, it is not yet my time. But today has been a sharp reminder that my destiny lies in the hands of the Raven Queen and when my time has come, she will be there collect my soul. After Ellywick's and my talk, the rest of the night went rather smoothly. The biggest scare was a snake at the outskirts of the camp, something that, in hindsight, I should have paid more attention to. The next day we encountered a surprising side-road leading into the Mere. While a chance to lay the lost souls in there to rest is tempting, it would also likely be a deadly endeavour for all of us, so we kept to the high road. Where we, blocked by a fallen tree, were ambushed. Our assailants must have delved into my mind, as they created an illusion of Ellywick dead on the road. When I, in horror and panic, ran up to "her", I was hit with a psychic backlash that felt like it would rip me apart. When I saw the snake-people (Yuan-Ti, Ellywick later explained) I could focus on nothing but the image of loved one with her throat slit, and my rage at them for making me feel that way. The problem? When I attacked, I was standing at the very front of our group and soon found myself surrounded by the yuan-ti and their swords, teeth and claws seemed to come from every direction. I spent most of the combat unconscious. I think. There was too much pain to keep track, but at least I kept our tiefling boy from dying. During some ultimately failed mid-combat negotiations, Ellywick woke me up with some magic. The next time was... worse. I could see her. The Raven Queen. I'm not sure how close I was to die before Rupert managed to get some potion of healing into my throat, but I felt the cold darkness and feathers around me. I'm convinced that the only reason that potion did anything but just spill over my dead lips is that my Queen decided that I still have a purpose. I've saved Ellywick from the very edge twice. I think I came closer than that. I should probably be scared, but I feel comforted. Death has meaning because it gives life meaning. The fact that I'm not dead means that there is more to my story and my Queen believes I can fulfil that. Ellywick... I know this might be awkward... But I could really use some comfort tonight. Just a hug. Or something. Just let me know that I'm alive.

Festive Thornhold

Finally, we arrive in Thornhold and thus the beginning of the final leg of our journey to Waterdeep. And it turns out our reason to celebrate this coincides with the city itself having a reason for festivities. Lady Stoneshaft, who I understand is a high ranking member of the clan, is about to marry captain Brendan Ironbeater. Good for them, I guess. Meanwhile, my feelings for Ellywick aren't exactly going away from her knowing about them. Rather the opposite. So, yeah... That's fine. Not at all feeling like a melodramatic teenager crying over unrequited love. Not that I ever felt that as a teenager, but a lot of those my age that I conned seemed to. I want to give her time and space... but I'd rather give her kisses. And more, but kisses sounds more romantic than wanting to show her I can treat her even better than Sildar did... Ahem. Back to the celebrations. Besides the chance for a bath, what immediately caught the attention of Ellywick, Fayle, and I was an archery competition. Not that I think I'm much compared to our ranger, but still. Could be fun. Ellywick won the whole thing, of course, but at least I made it past the first round. And had I not completely failed with one of my arrows, I might have made it to the finals. The runner-up, Cendrek Ironbeater, a cousin of the groom with a secret crush on the bride, brought us all to a beer tent where most of the evening was spent. He had also seen Ellywick's cousin come by a month ago. Chained upon a caravan, being nasty to anyone who came by. Charming. Me, I had one more errand before every establishment closed. Which required me to ask for my payment for escorting Myka to Waterdeep early, which they graciously allowed me. I need two platinum rings, made to be a pair, to cast Warding Bond to help protect someone. And since Ellywick has a tendency to throw herself into the middle of things without wearing as much armour as Rupert or being able to just ignore injuries like Phennyr... She could do with some extra protection. I might have gone a little bit too far with the rings, however. They don't technically require personalized engravings. Or the words "mine to protect" written inside Ellywick's... And now I need to come up with a way to present her with a very nice and expensive ring, engraved with something that might sound like a declaration of love; while not making it seem in any way like I'm proposing to her. Even I don't think we're even close to that point. But being able to give her a gift that also allows me to protect her... Having my own room tonight has advantages and disadvantages.

A very different city

So, we've finally arrived in Waterdeep , encountering no problems after we left Thornhold behind. And I managed to give the ring to Ellywick without her being too upset about it. If anything, I think I managed to give it too little emotional impact. Oh well. This new city has come with some.. surprises, however. Since my normally talkative gnome has been slightly uncomfortable about the subject of her colleagues, I haven't been able to resist teasing her a bit for it. Maybe that was the wrong thing to do. Everybody decided to join Ellywick on her walk to the university, which she didn't seem very happy about but accepted. It started interestingly enough as we snuck in through some stairs clearly not intended for visitors. Sadly, Ellywick's office had been converted into storage while she was gone. No wonder... I knew she had been away for a while, but more than four years?! At least the office things that were hers were really interesting. For one, I had no idea she's a talented taxidermist. Then... She changed. Putting on some garb that seemed very much not her. But she seems to grow ever more at home in what must have been her old role at the university. She clearly lived here rather than dealt with the real world out there. This isn't the practical, down-to-earth woman I've come to love. For one, Ellywick might put her foot in her mouth by being too direct at times - but she still has a kind heart. Now... She tried to test me on things, clearly wanting to mock me for not being able to tell wines apart or knowing about fancy cheeses... I more or less grew up on the streets. I can bluff my way through most things, but... What have you actually thought of me? I must be an embarrassment to you with my simple ways... No wonder you don't want me closer than arm's length. Is this the real Ellywick? Have I fallen for a lie? Even if it isn't... This is clearly part of her. She's worried about my past, but at least I'm trying to put it behind me. She seems to want this life. A life where I could never fit in.

Worlds Collide

The plan for the day was simple enough: find a ride for Fayle to Calimshan, visit Blackstaff Tower so that Phennyr could look for his uncle and Suffrax could do... something. Then onto the autopsy that I wanted to see while Ellywick wrapped up some work, and finally look for Kaia - probably at Castle Waterdeep. Basically, none of these things went as planned. Looking for a ship: it turned out the best candidate had been leased by none other than, Leopold Silverstar, the merchant who had brought Kaia to justice. An unexpected way to have a reason to look into the man. So far so good. Except for the rain. Gods I hate rain. It feels like Umberlee's attempt to drown the land as well as the sea. Maybe it's my infernal heritage making me long for heat and fire instead because I can practically feel the cold dampness steaming from my body as it seeps into everything. Right now, I could deal with just a little bit of hellfire just to not be soaked. Having had enough, I found a small magic shop to purchase some sort of item to keep the water off of me. Unfortunately, the bloody thing is in the form of some ugly glasses. But for now, it's worth it. I'm not sure if the others are more jealous or amused by the ugly trinket. I digress. We found Leopold's store - Leopold's Luscious Luxuries. They were, of course, more than willing to accommodate another passenger on the ship south, provided the captain agrees. Also, they told us they had handed Kaia over to the Watch and she had subsequently ended up in some temple. They didn't know which one, but at least we have some sort of starting point. Ellywick remained mostly silent throughout the conversation. I can understand her not wanting to reveal the familial connection, but I doubt its that bad. For one, her cousin doesn't seem nearly as nice. In general, the morning saw glimpses of the old Ellywick. I hope that's mostly who she is... But we all have our past to carry. The visit to Blackstaff Tower was seemingly mostly a waste of time. Phennyr got a clue as to his missing uncle. Some tavern called the Splintered Stairs or something. I can't say I listened all that much, instead, I was taken in by the magnificence of the place. I knew Fayle would prefer to study here, and frankly, I would be happy to have him here. But I don't have the clout that Suffrax has and feel that I must abide by our wizard's judgement. Now, returning to the university is when things got interesting... First of all, Ellywick was dragged away by the dean, obviously to be told off for her absence. I wish that didn't make me a bit happy, but it made me feel like she isn't as home in this environment as I thought. Ugh, I'm a bad person. Next... The autopsy. I don't think I've ever heard anyone make death sound so boring. I mostly stayed awake in order to prevent Fayle from falling asleep. But then, as professor Susana was finally going to pay the cadaver any attention, it rose as a zombie. Now, I might not be a fancy professor, but undead - that I know how to deal with. Making quick work of the corpse together with Suffrax, I also stabilized and then healed the professor. Who had decided to wake the dead, and why, remains a mystery for now, but suddenly I feel at home. Maybe this way I can make Ellywick not be ashamed of me? She even said that I don't need to uphold a facade. Maybe that means she can see my use as I am. Or maybe she thinks I'm a hopeless case...

Unexpected Meetings

The world is weird and so dense with things that happen that it's hard to keep track. I wonder if its Waterdeep being this huge city or if it's just that we keep running into things. Or both. First of all, we investigated the students that were supposed to attend the lecture where a cadaver turned out to be undead. One of them had seemingly been too hungover to be there, but the rest had. So, a quick overview:
Francis Cloudfang: Our drunken, lazy student. Doesn't seem capable of raising the dead. Not sure he's always able to raise himself.

Hisni Traser Torlyn Kelfu: Seems more interested in partying than raising the dead, but at least he pays more attention than Francis. Including to autopsies.

Nelandrie Falavul: Seems to compensate for everyone else's laziness and then some. Not sure she has the time to wake the dead, honestly. I spent all my waking time studying at the temple, but next to this woman I feel like I just procrastinated.

Ralf Miller: Was in Nelandrie's room, somewhat flustered. By all accounts a boring man and more average than I would have thought Nelandrie go for. Oh well. His brother, however, was the one who brought the cadaver in from the prison in the bay.

Emeline Spring: The one we haven't managed to interview yet, so all we know is that she hangs out with Leo and that he once saw her hiding a probable spellbook... but for abjuration. Not necromancy.

Leo Fenwick: Is... rich. I guess? He had a snobbish person open the door at home and his house has its own library. Not sure what's going on there. Francis called him a toady, but really, I just think he's out of touch. He studies at Blackstaff Tower, so there's some magic there... Mostly transmutation, though.

Magoria: ...Cute.
Magoria seems to be interested in everything she comes across. Not in Nelandrie's way of taking on a ton of studies, but simply with genuine curiosity. Which means her room is full of things - including a collection of bones. Death seems to be one of those fascinations. And she tried to use magic at one point but didn't manage to do anything. Maybe she could draw on her infernal blood, as I do with some things? Maybe I can help her? No, I need to focus on the fact that she's a person of interest in our investigation. She also showed an interest in understanding death better and I suggested a visit to the temple of the Raven Queen in Death Ward. Which apparently became a date... So much for the focus. I suck. But maybe I can find out more this way? No, no, no! I've promised I would never get close to anyone again in order to use them for my own interests! She's probably not even really interested. I mean, who wants a date going to a temple to a death goddess in the middle of a graveyard? She's really cute though... I spent the past three years in a temple, it's not like I've had the opportunity to get some in a long time. And we're back to using her! I should probably break it off. But she seemed rather casual, so maybe she won't mind? I hate myself... And... There's Ellywick. It's been almost a tenday since we talked and she asked for time, and she hasn't said a word since then about my feelings. Seems pretty obvious she just wants me to go away. But it's not that easy. Maybe this thing with Magoria might help clear my head. Part of me hopes it will shake Ellywick enough to care... But I'm trying not to get my hopes up. This city Ellywick doesn't seem like someone who'd want to even touch me, anyway. The day after our interviews is the day with the planned date in the evening. But it started with Ellywick calling us to Blackstaff tower where Atalas himself had a mission for us in exchange for either a large sum of money or some sort of favour. Apparently, a very important book on how to make golems has been stolen and gone for a few months now. The people they sent themselves had tracked it down to be under Virgin's Square. So, another thing for us to solve but I want to help if I can. And prove myself worthy. To my Queen, to Ellywick, to Magoria. Speaking of Ellywitck. It's time for her lecture. That's going to be interesting. And then I might try to get Magoria something for the evening. She does seem nice. Unless she's a necromancer. Ugh, when did life get so complicated?

Friendly or Not

Today has been... enlightening, on a personal level. Maybe less so when it comes to our investigation, but the others might have some clues for me in the morning. Interviewing Emeline resulted in very little new information. Perhaps the most telling was how she hid her own interest in magic. And the connection between her and Leo (later more or less confirmed by Magoria). This left us with Ralf's brother as our best lead, seeing as he had been the one to transport the body from the prison to the university. It's hard to figure out why someone might hold a serious grudge against the professor at the autopsy. Being extremely tedious isn't typically enough for murder. Especially not an elaborate murder via undead cadaver. Speaking of lectures... Ellywick must not be at the top of her game. Or not care for the crowd. The times she has been kind enough to teach me about things during our travels, she has been very engaging. This time... Not so much. And I have no idea what fecundity is or why it's affected by ecosystem variation, whatever that is. But it seemed important, so I nodded along with everyone else. Seems the dean was pleased enough though, but still wanted her to write something about all of it. For the next couple of months. Does that mean we'll stay here? Will I stay here if she doesn't want to stay with the group? Are we even a group? Suffrax might leave for Calimshan at any moment, Phennyr has barely joined and is just looking for his uncle, Rupert I don't even know why he's tagging along at all... I'm almost happy that Ellywick basically got thrown out of the dean's office after asking for a paper showing that we're conducting our investigation. She was already getting angry, and it seems this pushed her over the edge and she decided to dress in her regular clothes again. While I hate seeing her suffer, seeing her dressed like that reminds me of the woman I fell in love with... We went to the Death Ward and the temple of Kelemvor. The tombs dedicated to the dead and the thin veil to the other side that they represent truly made me feel at home. I could easily see myself helping here and care for the dead. I wish Ellywick could relax and let me show her the beauty of this place. But I have to settle for showing her the practical advantages of serving a goddess (or god, in the case of Kelemvor) of death: waking the body so that it could talk about its final moments. While not much information was gained this way, the lack of information also told us that the man had not been killed to become undead and his body had likely been used because of an opportunity rather than something to do with him. Ellywick's fascination for the dead faded pretty soon after we left and her bad mood returned. In fact, it made the interview with Ralf's brother a tad difficult. I guess even love doesn't prevent frustration, and I suggested getting something to drink to help her relax. And give me a chance to get something for the evening. Magoria... I... I don't know what to do. She's very nice and we had a lot to talk about during our picnic in Death Ward (and thank you Suffrax for the wine). She's interesting, and into such a variety things that I could spend days just listening to her. And I'm almost certain she's not a necromancer, which is a plus... Anyway, one thing led to another and we ended up in my room. I think that if I'm using her for pleasure, she's using me at least as much back. And I really don't mind that... though others at the inn might not have appreciated how hard it was to stay quiet. My feelings for Ellywick are still there. But right now she doesn't even seem to want me as a friend. Fair enough. Even if that wasn't the case I could appreciate Magoria, so I guess I should do that and otherwise just focus on my duties towards the Raven Queen. See if I care...

Shipping

Wow. The night with Magoria was... I had no idea she'd be into... I had no idea I would. Or that some were even possible. I'll look at the tails of other tieflings differently at the very least... Ahem. Right. Other things. Breakfast was even more awkward than I had expected. Ellywick was positively fuming because Suffrax had seemingly disappeared with Fayle. I'd be upset too if it wasn't for the fact that I've resigned myself to that this is the way it will be. I have no idea how to get him into Blackstaff and even less how to get Suffrax to agree to this. And the breakfast was made slightly more awkward by Rupert giving me a high-five for my night with Magoria. I have no idea how to respond to that... It's not like I won her in a contest or something. We met, we liked each other, one thing led to the next... Ellywick seems upset with me... But I actually get the feeling that she's more upset with everything at the moment. And she seems to want Magoria out of the way than having anything against her and me. Which means my assumption that this is about the fact that I can't live up to her expectations seems correct... I wish she'd talk to me. Just talk to me. They had arranged for us to get a ride with the Waterdeep Watch out to the prison, which is great as our search for the necromancer continues. I made a weak attempt to talk to Ellywick on the way over there... But considering her short replies, I doubt she wants my presence enough to have a longer conversation. I might press the issue, but I don't want to. Once at the prison, it turns out a big snake-lizard-weird-thing creature had broken into the lower levels from what must have been some abandoned tunnels. Some great teamwork and a lot of luck meant we managed to take it down. It ate Phennyr, but fortunately, we managed to kill it soon enough to drag our friend out. At least the whole thing as likely put us in good graces with the prison staff, which should make the rest of our mission easier.

Catching up

I feel like there is a lot to catch up on. First of all, we talked to the unhappy guard at the prison and it seems he is simply mourning his wife. I wish there was more I could do for him, but we don't have the time and I'm not sure I have enough training. Oh, and then there's Rupert's drinking. There was a lot of it. And eventually, he forgot all about what had happened that morning. A greater restoration spell returned him to normal, but I still worry. Next, we finished one thing on our to-do list. And possibly added another, but we'll see about that. We found Ellywick's cousin at the Garl Glittergold temple where she seemed quite happy. I hope her family will have the sense to live and let live since the whole thing seems to stem from them having kicked Arakaia out for being gay. And that started a terrible series of events that led to Kaia now being here. Apparently, they are investigating the Temple of the Harvest, a newly opened temple known for treating people for free but not being very friendly towards any other clergy. And I agree - even temples need to pay upkeep and feed those working there. Who is funding them and for what? Picking things from the list of things to do, we had another go at finding Phennyr's drug involved uncle. Getting a bit fake drunk I got on his dealer's good side and purchased some product. Should be able to make further inquiries the night after. The undeath investigation has finally yielded some results, to say the least. Gathering all of our suspects under the pretence of an extra lecture, I cast a zone of truth to interrogate. Which mostly went great as one of them rather teleported away than answer our questions. Naturally, we gave chase. Seems the old man living with Leo is a mage, necromancer I assume, too. He teleported to his... Master? Student? In any case, past the zombie remains of Leo's family, many traps, and a labyrinth of corridors - we seem to finally have caught up. Oh... I should probably do an Ellywick update. I tried to talk but happened to mention that if she needs more time that's ok. Which she immediately declared she does. I hope she will soon. I want to explain what happened with Magoria. How I still love her, Ellywick, but it hurts to know that if anything, she's embarrassed about me. I'm not sure I can move on... But I'm certain I can't unless she tells me to. I need to still have hope. I need to think of my body being curled up around hers.

Dead Necromancers are the Best Necromancers

Leo is dead. Turns out the reason this older man was living in the house was to teach necromancy to the boy, and that he certainly did. The family and the servants, and maybe some other people, had all been killed and experimented on with various necromantic techniques. Seems our student was quite the psychopath. Searching the house led to little else, besides a vague idea of what pieces of art Ellywick prefer over which other ones. And we found an elegant pair of gloves of missile snaring. And an alchemy jug that can create water on command, an effect I learned by accident. Hours later and I still feel like I'm not dry. The city watch has been told. The teachers and students have been told. And we told the dean... I'm so sorry for Ellywick. I'm not sure what she actually wants and I wish I could help her through it. But being absent from a job for several years doesn't seem like a situation where there's any chance of saving said job. I'm astounded she's still welcome. and that she tries so hard to be welcome. Being told to clean out her office must have been hard. I tried to help without pushing. Meanwhile, Suffrax seems to be leaving us. And apparently, that's not even his name but his title. He's wanted for some sort of project between his home university and Blackstaff Tower here in Waterdeep. Not sure what to make of this... Are we even a group at all? I wish I could talk about it with the others... But Rupert is so little himself than I'm not sure who he really is, Phennyr is too simplistic, and Ellywick doesn't want to talk to me anymore. I wish I could have curled up with Ellywick tonight to make her feel better about her life. But I'm not welcome. For many reasons. Instead, I'm happy to get a night with someone who seeks my company. And might comfort in hearing the message of the Raven Queen right now. Life is difficult. Death is so much easier to understand.

Disposed

Today started with another awkward conversation after a night with Magoria. Though this night was less about sex and more... I guess I feel lonely. I'm reminded every day of what I can't have, what I'm not and where I don't fit in. It's nice to have at least one person who seems happy just holding me. Anyway, our to-do list in Waterdeep isn't done. And since focusing on that is only barely keeping us together as a group, I'm happy to do that at least. We all seem like more of a unit while on a job, and Ellywick seems to relax more around me. Next up: Sewers with golems! With Ellywick's help, we quickly found a way down near the spot we had been pointed to. With Rupert and Phennyr's combined strengths, they eventually got the grate covering the entrance open. The tunnels themselves are even more disgusting than I had imagined. Most of the sewers of Neverwinter were destroyed with the eruption of Mount Hothenow and the remaining ones are less accessible. Not that I was surprised that giant maggot monsters had found this a place to breed. We did meet someone tied up down there, however. Dworik, a beat-up looking dwarf, trapped in the one trap he missed walking down the tunnels in the opposite direction. A thief most likely, judging by his chosen path of travel. I've been around enough of that sort to know their use as well as to keep good track of where my money is. And, as Ellywick explained to him, he was happy to show us the safe way to go where we were going as a thank you for untying him. Turns out the door into the chamber we were headed towards had a fail-safe. Not sure what would have happened had we not solved the puzzle that acted as a code, but I doubt it would have been good. Our new acquaintance eventually managed to get the door itself open. It took annoyingly long, but at least not as long as it took the two strong men in the group to lift some iron. Inside were several Flesh Golems, including an unfinished one. Stitched together body parts given a semblance of life... They might not technically be undead, but I'm pretty sure my Queen would agree with me that they are not far behind in the list of worst fates after death. The fight was also my first use of the warding bond I can set up between Ellywick and me, and it really made a difference, I think. She was able to be her amazing dual-wielding self and not have to worry as much about the punches they threw back. But, I'll admit being in more than a little pain afterwards. A punch hard enough to nearly crack a rib is somehow even less pleasant when you don't really see it coming but it just happens to your body. The room did contain some interesting tidbits - including some much-needed gold, and the Manual of Golem Making that we were looking for. But also a letter to the head of the oddly generous temple that's on our list to investigate. And the letter says to meet up with "Barksos" in three days. ...It might be someone else with that name. Goddess, I hope it's someone else with that name. I have no desire to get to know a man who didn't care to know me. And now he's part of this mess? Maybe I should show him that I can take care of him better than he ever took care of me or mum? Or let the rest of the group deal with him... But... I don't really want him dead unless it's his time to go... I want to yell at him, spit at him, or just ignore him... But... He's still my dad...

Dead feelings

Rupert Miller is knocked out by a poison arrow. And well decorated by Ellywick and me to wake up in a nice way. Oh yeah... Speaking of Ellywick... I finally managed to corner her to apologize. Which is all I was after, which has been hard considering how she has been avoiding me. For good reason, it turns out. I tried to convey how sorry I am that I don't know how to live in her circles. She took it as me confronting her about my feelings. And told me how she doesn't reciprocate. I'm... fine. No, I'm not. But I will be. Eventually. I hope. But she told me that me not being able to be as fancy as she is one reason why she could never love me. And I'm sorry... You have no idea how badly I'd like to change my past. But I can't. And the fact that it prevents you from... I'm sorry. At least she said she'd like to be friends. I'm going to cling onto that for now. Being her friend is so much better than not having her in my life at all. And no matter what, she will always have my loyalty. Ahem. Oh yeah, we met Kaia again. Turns out she and Dworik know each other from prison. Which tells me even more about Dworik - including that he has failed to not get caught. I also later managed to get it confirmed that the event in prison that made Kaia turn her life around was Garl Glittergold resurrecting her after she committed suicide. I made sure Ellywick was there when I got someone to confirm that... Maybe she'll go easier on her cousin when she knows what lengths being rejected has already driven Kaia to... We are now also formally hired to figure out what's going on at the Temple of the Harvest. A name that sounds a lot more ominous when you know it's not dedicated to Chauntea. Of course, we should probably have asked for a monetary reward, but oh well... And Dworik seems to be joining us for a couple of things... I guess our group continues to be in constant flux.

By the Book

Our plans all get in the way of each other it seems. We were going to seek out the woman about some more drugs. Then we got sidetracked. Again. Dworik had been at the Temple of the Harvest before and been instructed to perform a service as a thank you for their aid. Delivering a package. Which seems incredibly menial in return for healing... At least Rupert is awake again. And suitably confused and embarrassed. I'd feel sorry for him if it wasn't for how he really needs to learn to keep to reality. Seems he just goes back to drinking, however... We need to have a serious talk with him about this... We went to the building to which Dworik had delivered his package. Turns out it's some kind of asylum called the Silent House. From what I've been told following the attempt by our dwarf and human to scout ahead: a) Rupert completely ruined his and Dworik's cover, and b) those running the place don't seem like horrible people at first glance. Something is really weird... Contemplating what weird in particular they might be up to, we went to a nearby tavern... Something that led to an assault in an alleyway by someone named Mahry and her friend wrapped in shawls and fabric. Turns out they were the ones who had that instruction on how to make golems. Which makes me want to hurt them. But a fight became avoidable as I convinced them to follow us to Blackstaff Tower. So, the question of who book it actually belongs to was left to them to sort out while we got paid. Which resulted in more drama than I expected. Ellywick wanted a spell performed on her pet squirrel, Chickiwick, to make him into a fully intelligent and aware person. Which is an interesting prospect. And... I can't say no to her. She's my... friend. So. Yeah. We'll see how this goes. Looking forward to meeting you, Chickiwick.

Insane Plans

Isn't it wonderful when you make some great plan and then everything just goes smoothly as you achieve your goals? Picture that. Now, what we did was the exact opposite of that. We started very carefully. Let's just study the Silent House from the outside. We'll come back tomorrow. But we found a basement door, so might as well open it, just to have a peek, right? And once inside, it would be silly not to check on the patients. Sure, we almost alerted a guard, but he went away and we remained stealthy. Then we found a guard blocking our way. I was all for seeing what was behind the guard, and Dworik's plan seemed... acceptable. He lured the guard down to where Ellywick and I could ambush her. And that's when things started to go really wrong. I was supposed to get a pillowcase over the guard's head. Which she dodged. Ellywick was supposed to hit her pillowcase:ed head to knock her out, but the guard didn't go down. By the time Dworek had knocked her out, the guard has already screamed for her colleague. Who we then had to fight and knock out as well... Running up to the top floor we, thankfully, found an unbarred broken window. I won't say out exit was elegant... But we made it out alive and without being arrested. But Ellywick and I should probably not show out faces anywhere near that place for quite a while... Dworik is proving himself useful. And now he has something on us, as Ellywick and I were seen but he was wearing a disguise (side note: seeing a man with a big beard turn into a young girl is somehow extra disturbing...). I understand why Ellywick is still defensive, but I honestly trust this thief more than I trust Rupert. I would say more than Phennyr, but I'm not sure the firbolg is actually able to plan something as complex as treachery. Not everyone is Declan. Lots of adventures, and what did we get for it? They have baths on the top floor, the knowledge that insane people might focus on things like 'water' and 'thorns' when writing, and that they think tying violent people up is a good idea. So, to recap: A temple is healing people for free and also helps run an asylum for those they can't heal. The asylum is run by a kind old man, and they provide plenty of entertainment for patients while being able to restrain the violent ones to protect everyone. I really hope we're on the right side of this... I think I might need to spend some time in the morning in prayer...

Recovery

New day, and hopefully new chances to do better. But, Dworek, sending the women shopping isn't always the way to cheer us up... Also, not a way to cheer me up is talking about my dear father. But I had to tell them who I think the mysterious contact tomorrow is. They asked me if I want him dead... Before I really knew what death meant I would have said yes. After mum died, part of me wanted him to come back and tell me he loved me. But I've grown to despise him... but also to respect death. I don't want him to die. I want him to suffer and I want him to know what he did to us, but I don't think I want him dead if it can be avoided. But we scouted the Red Eyed Owl. Or rather, Ellywick and Dworik did as I'm trying not to show myself anywhere near that place, just in case. Instead, I waited outside, pretending to look at... A useless and probably extremely uncomfortable piece of chainmail. I guess it could be used to seduce a very particular kind of person? In any case, seems it might be hard to hide well. But if I can borrow Dworik's Hat of Disguise... Anyway, we had some religious things to take care of. The first temple of the day, the sermon to Garl Glittergold. It was... very different from what I'm used to. It might not touch me as deep as a Rites of Memory, remembering those who have passed, but it's certainly more fun. A bigger shock was the two there who know Ellywick. Parents of her ex, it turns out. An ex who claimed that she had left him for someone else, while in reality, it was the other way around. But apparently, he's single again, from what Eye could hear. I'm not going to pretend that I'm not jealous. ...Fine, really jealous. But she's made her feelings, or lack thereof, very clear and I'm trying really hard to accept that. But... She's talking to me again! Like we used to! Which is how I fell for her in the first place, but at least I know not to hope for anything. And having her as a friend is so much better than how alone I've felt lately. And maybe I understand her better now. I've always thought of her as complete. She's always seemed like the one who has things figured out. But I think sometimes she's as lost as I am. And I'm incredibly grateful she's letting me in enough to see that. It makes me admire her strengths even more. It was a good talk, about all sorts of things. I just want to hug her tight... But I guess that will make things weird again. But she didn't seem to mind a gentle side-hug. I'm not sure I like how it makes me feel like I want to skip down the street, but still. I wish circumstances were better though... I'm worried about Kaia. And I can tell Ellywick is too, and at least partially blames herself.

Close to Harvest
28 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

The only thing that angers me more than how thee people pretend that they're doing god work by extending life at any cost is how they twist the fate of those they claim to cure. And all under the guise of a fake goddess. We went to the Temple of the Harvest to scout the place out. While Phennyr somehow managed to both utterly failed with our infiltration plan and helped me get in, I did get a chance to speak to one of the "priestesses" of the temple. It soon became apparent that their goddess, "Zania," is merely a fabrication. They don't even have the full history of the divine straight. Question is what else they gain from this. And who, or what, grants them powers. If they have any. My, I'm starting to suspect the Nine Hells to be involved. Purely speculation, of course, but it certainly feels like a deal with a devil is a possible explanation. Curing one of their patients gave a better understanding of how they work. The gifts people give them might not be as much from pure generosity as they let on. And I still suspect an even higher cost. And I found out that they had brought Kaia to the Silent House, and she seemed to come voluntarily. Which seems like a charm effect to me... something I know I get from my infernal heritage... Following Kaia to the Silent House, I sent Eye to investigate. A bit more discreetly than we did last time. But when he saw Kaia being tortured in cold water, we had to act. I suspect Ellywick feels bad enough as it is, and I want to help them both as much as I can. ...Still working on the whole moving on thing. And I'm grateful the other three jumped into the fray. Which we needed to destroy the two flesh golems who I assume are "bringing order in the pantry." And we knocked out one of the guards again before making our escape. Joining up for a common cause, one might think we were a group... At least Ellywick and I seem to be a group again. Meanwhile, this so-called temple has tampered with enough people's fates and it might be time for theirs to end. My biggest question is what dear old dad has to do with it...

Dead to me
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Seems I finally got to see my dad again. I'm not sure what I expected out of that, but it wasn't this. Not at all. A few things happened first I guess. Kaia returned to her temple. We went to spy on dad's meeting with someone. That someone seems to have been Mahry who we previously knew as a golem maker. And both of them in league with the Hemple of the Harvest. So I confronted dad. Not sure if that was a good idea or a bad idea, but I did. He claims mum and him were drifting apart... Hardly the story she told me. But I'm not sure he cares enough about me to lie. And at first, I thought he had gone paler with time. It wasn't until I was about to leave that I might use the sight granted by the Raven Queen... and it revealed the lack of life in him and the stench of undeath. My own father... I didn't care enough to truly hate him before, but now... Somehow I feel more betrayed by him. The fact that he's my dad and so truly everything I hate. I need to destroy him. I need for him to be destroyed, but preferably I want to burn him to dust myself for everything he's done. And now he and, ugh, Kelara are destroying lives together and exploiting people's fear of death to feed themselves. I'm not sure if I'm more angry, sad, or horrified. But I know I have trouble holding back my tears. I managed to find some calm in prayer at the temple of the Raven Queen. The sanctum of fate and the natural progression of life brings me comfort and I have Faith in my Queen. Even Dworik tried to seek her aid, though I don't think he's a man made for faith. Meeting up with the others again, we apparently got a new friend - a member of the Harpers. Nutter - the seeming ally of Mahry from when they came asking for the Manual of Golem Creation. But he claims to have infiltrated the Temple and wants to help us take it down. Apparently, there is a basement to their building, which has a kidnapped Rupert as well as an altar to Cyric. Great an evil god involved as well. And one who killed Mystra and caused the Spellplague isn't one of the better ones in my book. But Nutter also gave us a list of the top members of their organization, A powerful bunch it seems... We need to be careful. And gather as much information on dear old dad and his whore of a partner.

Saving private Rupert
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Trying to think clearly here... We needed a plan to get Rupert out if it wasn't already his time to move on. It wasn't, it turns out, though I do find his apparent arrogance about that fact somewhat annoying. Sneaking in under the Temple of the Harvest, a silence spell, good intel on the layout, and a dwarf enabled us to make a hole and get our fighter out through his floor. Of course, to me - that can't be enough. This heretic organisation needs to be eradicated. They alter the natural passage of life to death both by preventing death and by feeding those who pervert death by their very existence. ...Like my father. Breaking into the upper floor, we pretty soon simply attacked. I should possibly not have run into the fray as much as I did, however. the Fireball Suffrax had stored in my rin turned out to be very useful. So was the poisonous cloud they used on us... My thread was nearly at its end. But I made it, and Ellywick used a cure wounds spell on me. I didn't have the heart to tell her that even using a weaker version of the spell, I'm likely to heal more than she would... But we have someone to interrogate at least. And if she's very, very helpful, her death will be quick and painless.

Lawful Stupid
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

All of them were dead. Finally. And we had a prisoner with a lot of useful information and completely at our mercy. Of course, with that symbol of Cyric there, I really wanted to just rip her throat out. But there are more important things than her. And she told us a lot about the organization, her role in it and its goals. I don't know who most of these are, but Dworik seems interested. My focus is on the abominations parading as my father and his whore. They are far more dangerous than any in my group seem to understand. Which is why I'm prepared to agree to the plea deal of letting Mahry live in exchange for information on how to get to them. I'd like her dead, but she's a small fish by comparison. And then Rupert happened. The idiot figured she should be brought to some sort of justice with the Watch of Waterdeep. There's a laugh. She's not afraid to die, would handle much worse torture than the law would allow, and we would lose all hope of getting the information we need. Not to mention that she could easily get the Watch to investigate us, which would get at least several of us in prison or executed. Basically, this was about as stupid an idea as anyone could possibly come up with. I tried to stop him. I called for him twice to bring her back. It's not like I'm strong enough to wrestle anything from that big man, so I decided to do the only thing I could think of at the moment - I used my spiritual weapon to deal a warning blow to show that I was serious. At which point he ran and tried to force his way out to carry out his idiocy. At least Natter and Dworik made some attempts to keep the hick in place, with Ellywick mostly seeming angry with me for not giving up. The others searched the place while I looked after Mahry so that Rupert didn't try to make off with her again. And I tried on the robe that had been brought to Waterdeep by us, only to be used by the temple. Turns out it could have been used to control a lot of people. Also turns out the feeling of power when wearing it is enormous and I had difficulty bringing myself to take it off... The others all seem angry with me. Angrier than with Rupert, the man who nearly ruined all out lives and let a couple of extremely powerful undead take potentially hundreds of lives and ruin dozens of souls. That's apparently acceptable, but the fact that I used the only tool at my disposal to attempt to stop this disaster, that's horrible. I would have thought Ellywick and even Dworik would understand the need to look at the bigger picture. Ellywick suggested taking Mahry to the gnome temple we have already allied us with and bring her to the docks in the morning. Which is a great idea, and hopefully we can talk once out prisoner is kept elsewhere. And Rupert refuses any healing from me. I can understand why he's upset... But the others... It hurts that they can't see... My father... He's a monster. I have to destroy him. I just want to break down and cry. I'm not sure how I'll be able to handle this. But I have to. The Raven Queen needs me to protect the living and the dead and I can't let her down... Just... Please, give me strength. And let them not hate me...

Day after
30 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

I guess it's starting to sink in... Yesterday was probably one of the worst days of my life. So far, I guess. The day mum died still haunts me. I'm guessing my dad was already dead by then... And I'm also guessing he might have cared at least a little bit had he still been alive. Instead he has become an abomination and likely by choice. Seems as much as I've hated him, I should have hated him more but partially for different reasons. I need him destroyed. I can't let him exist as a cleric of the Raven Queen, and I feel that he's my responsibility. I might die trying, but if that can at least weaken him it will have been worth it. The others are hesitant, which I understand. And I can't ask them to risk their lives for what's my responsibility, but I need to do this. Alone if I have to. Dworik tucked me in last night, I think. Didn't know he cares that much, and I'm afraid I haven't been able to express my gratitude. Maybe there's hope for making them see my point of view, but I don't think they trust me. Maybe they shouldn't. Getting a ship for Mahry wasn't that hard. Especially with Dworik managing to reduce the price significantly through an impressive game of dice. And there's no reason to give the witch any comfort on her trip - she's lucky she'll get out of here alive. And she'll sleep better than gagged in a closet. Which reminds me: Garl, thank you. Your people are good and I shall forever remember the strengths of the gnomes. Turns out this day also came with an interesting evening. as a contact of Dworik's, Ryany Wavesilver, shared with us an invitation to the villa of the merchant family El Niam, thought the family home and business have been taken over by... Barksos and Kerala(person). A chance for us to spy and to case the house, but also a risk of being caught. And we really don't want to have to deal with them unprepared. And certainly not both of them at once. Fortunately, our new friend Natter knows how to make potions that make it less likely that one of us be charmed. He just needed some elven blood to complete enough of them. Easy enough, there are always people in need of money. Walking the Dock Ward for a while, Dworik came across n elven prostitute. Which should have made things simple. Just proposition her for some blood play, extract the blood while pretending to be turned on by it and then leave. Instead, what I could get a glimpse of was the most awkward exchange between streetwalker and john I've ever seen. I kept close enough to be around if anything went wrong and a small bribe made sure no one cared about me seeking the woman out and healing her as a thank you. With that out of the way, time for the ball. And wearing the Hat of Disguise, I could pass for the blond elf I've looked like before. And as such, I could get a feel for the people while Ellywick and Dworik scouted the building. Also: how I've missed dancing. That feeling of just letting the music guide me. I wish I could have focused more on that and less on the task at hand. I've now seen Kerala with my own eyes. This bitch was worth leaving my mum for? A monster under a gilded surface of superficial beauty? He had a daughter who adored him and a wife who was the kindest creature ever - there was nothing she wouldn't do to keep me safe. But for some reason, he prefered this whore? But, looking around with the sight granted me, I could see they had been busy. I counted four more undead. Likely vampire spawn.

Julia Redderhox

Light blonf with a thin build and wide eyes. She almost whispers as she speaks. She's also the sister of one of the people associated with Dworik's friends.

Sed el Niam

Dark skin and his black hair is tied up with gold chains. One of the children of the merchant family that my father and Kerala has taken over. He and his twin are now servants of sorts, I gather. Which explains how the house was taken over to begin with.

Maryam el Niam

I'll admit she's one of the better looking in attendance, her twin brother Sed shares a lot of those traits, but not as much. THey're very alive, but her hair is long and wavy.

A servant

No idea what his name is or who he his besides being having short, curly, brown hair and being of the larger persuasion.

Besides these undead things, I did have a chance to learn about a few actual people.

Ryany Wavesilver

Dworik's friend who invited us. A handsome man and stylish even before the ball. Brown hair and eyes... So far, I trust him, but I should ask Dworik.

Nandos Raventree III

Redhaired man with a pointy beard who apparently works house El Niam (and thus now for our enemies). But he seems alive and not aware of the evil around him. Maybe.

Richard Redderhox jr.

Blonde, ever so slightly balding, thin... I'll admit I paid him very little mind.

Djana Raventree

Dusk blonde, sharp nose... Clever and well aware of Richard Redderhox jr's intentions towards her. Ryany would be a better match, obviously. But I wonder if she's a bit too clever for her own good. But then, this isn't my kind of crowd. I'm not quite as much a fish out of water as Dworik with that prostitute, but not far from it.

With that intel, we are more ready to find a way in tomorrow. I just need to ask the Raven Queen to keep my wish to be able to bring one of us back to life if needed, and so I've stored a Revivify spell in the ring and given it to Ellywick.

Daddy Dearest
1st of Uktar

It's time, and I have trouble thinking of anything but the goal at hand. And our trip through the sewers went almost unexpectantly with Ellywick managing to navigate our way and Dworik and Kaja together keeping us safe from traps. Once inside the secret room that allowed access to the house, we were discovered by the cook and, I presume, her assistant. Both of them charmed by the vampires of the house, of course, but some display of my devilish side later could convince them to give up some information. Not sure if the others are bothered by threatening to drag someone's soul to eternal suffering so that we could move on quicker, not sure I care. We encountered two of the vampire spawn in this basement, and I'm pleased to say that they are now dust. The servant whose name we never got, and Julia Redderhox are no more. The grave dirt in what I assume is their coffins, though it might be my father's and Kerala's, is now in the sewage outside, which should count as running water and make it impossible for the vampires to respawn. And they'd end up degraded in waste even if they do. Always something. We encountered a slight problem on our way up as two servants blocked our way. Not sure if Dworik's strategy of shooting one of them in the throat was a good idea considering the other likely went to seek help. I sent Eye to hopefully help us know if the Waterdeep Watch is about to interrupt us. And then we found him along what we assume is the last of the vampire spawn remaining in the house. My father was holding a knife to the throat of some hapless girl who, unfortunately, will have to suffer what she must. This is it. Either he is destroyed, I die, or both. It is up to the Raven Queen which it is.

Arrival at Phandalin

The trip to Phandalin was more eventful than I had hoped. Our employer, Gunnel, and her friend Silvar had travelled ahead for reasons not revealed to us. As we were about a day from reaching the village, we encountered what remained of their equipment as well as their slain horses. We ourselves were attacked by goblins almost immediately. My three compatriots and I headed into the forest where we found a cavern that served as home and base for these creatures. Guided by my Goddess' willingness to vanquish them, I did what I could to both aid in the killing of the goblins, and in helping my party to stay alive. In the cave, we found Silvar, whom we managed to free. He told us that Gunnel had come across a way to reach a cavern said to hold great magical power. [Really need a recap on the story here...]. As best he knows, Gunnel has likely been dragged to Cragmore Castle, wherever that is. Silvar also mentioned a friend of his, a knight representing the Lords' Alliance, who was supposed to be in Phandalin but has vanished. With Silvar's help and, I must admit, with the great advantage of the half-orc Hurgh, we killed the bugbear in charge of the goblins and made it out. That allowed us to reach Phandalin without any further incident. I found myself met with mixed reactions, but for the most part friendlier than expected. One out of the two traders we talked too seemed to ignore my disposition and the other did his best to remain professional. Sadly, I'm not sure if either one would be ready to listen to the Raven Queen's message of solace at this time. After handing back wares stolen by the goblins to Blue Shield Trading (?), and delivering the goods we were hired to deliver to (?) store, we were able to check into the local inn and tavern. I had the pleasure of meeting Pip, the son of the owners and, as it turns out, the best friend of (?). His mother seemed to disapprove of me at first, as I would expect a caring mother to do, but when she found out the next morning that I was the one who cared for Kilin, she warmed up to me. Once again this is proof of how being able to deal with death in a healthy way can bring happiness to the living. That morning was also the first we heard about the Red cloaks. This band of bandits has apparently been harassing the village for quite some time. When we visited Kilin later in the day she informed us that the attacks have become worse over time and by now they were killing people. Kilin, kind and friendly as always, took three of our group in while Rupert first slept in and then headed for the town hall. Besides telling us about the Red capes and their misdeeds she also told us about a druid who might know where Cragmore Castle is located, but sadly the man isn't presently available but instead is likely at Thundertree, the width of Neverwinter Woods this side of the Crags away. But her son could contribute even more useful information by being able to point out what is likely a secret entrance to the Red capes' hideout. Ah, the Redbrands. They're human - at least as far as we know. Simple bandits by the sound of it, but a bit too well organised for my liking. They seem to show up from east of the village and might well have an old, presumably abandoned, mansion in that direction as their base. But them being human poses a conundrum for me. Are they meant to die? Or is it time for the villagers, sad as it might be? But prayer at the local graveyard gave me all the clarity I need. It's time for these bandits to die. We were ready to attack through the secret entrance but decided to go look for Rupert, finding him and Silvar Hallwinter at the town hall. We also found the mayor who tried to convince us that dealing with an orc situation that was getting in the way of trade was much more important than helping his own village with the pressing matter of the bandits here. I gently tried to point out the issues with this reasoning, which he brushed off. And he seemed mostly confused when hearing the Raven's message. Further detail about these Redbrands was discovered, however. There is a small tavern of ill repute at the outskirts of the town that they frequent. Eager to investigate, we headed there to find out more. But we were met with nothing but insults and futile attempts at intimidation by the four bandits seated outside. The rest of my group seemed ready to retreat and find a different strategy. But I needed them to fulfil my Goddess' wish to have these men dead. And so a summoned her flames, leading to a fight that ended the lives of the bandits. Judging by the looks of people as we dragged the bodies away, they weren't unhappy to see the men dead. Exhausted and wounded we have returned to the Inn to get proper rest before we head out.

Redbrands I

I had an important quest before we could settle for the evening. Striking a deal with the innkeeper, I have been able to order a small sign to go with my alms box and be put up on display at the Inn. It will give the people of Phandalin a chance to contribute to the construction of a shrine to the Raven Queen and thus help them in times of sorrow. Once that was set in motion, our group could settle down for our evening meal. The others wanted to play a game of cards, but the memories of how I helped Fern Thistlefoot skin people are still too fresh and so I abstained. Instead, the others called over a gnome traveller who had just arrived, something that it would turn out was a very thing. Tymora's shrine here seems to benefit us. This gnome, Ellywick, told us she was in Phandalin to look for her cousin, Arakaia. By the sounds of it, this cousin might be the same gnome friend of Qelline Alderleaf who joined the Redbrands and then disappeared when she tried to leave. As it seems likely the cousin is dead, I don't want to alarm our new acquaintance unduly. There's no use in thinking of a departed loved one as less just because of a mistake they tried to rectify. Death is a fact either way. We convinced Ellywick that since the Redbrands was likely the best clue to find her cousin anyway, it was a good idea for all of us to investigate their lair together. And as morning broke, we headed for the secret passage that Carp Alderleaf and Pip Stonehill had shown us the day before. The narrow tunnel took us to a natural cavern, lit by lanterns along the walls. The middle of the cavern and chasm splitting most of it, with narrow bridges to cross. We decided to head into a side passage to make sure we weren't ambushed from every side. After a quick battle with three bugbears, we got ourselves a little prisoner, the goblin Dorryl. I don't trust the little creature, but he seems terrified enough that at least some of what he says likely resemble the truth. If it stays that way and he doesn't betray us, I'll try to make his death swift and painless. A couple of pieces of information the goblin gave us are worth noting. He pointed towards an area that is supposed to have undead skeletons, something that needs to be rectified. There are also prisoners somewhere in that direction, which might be good news for Ellywick. Dorryl also said that the cavern where we entered there is usually some beast with one eye, four legs and about the size of a tiefling. The beast can use telepathy and I would suspect that means other telepathic abilities. I need to know more to make a good guess as to what it might be. There is apparently also a wizard or other magic user, though I highly doubt the goblin's ability to understand what's what even if he knows the truth. This wizard, Glasstaff, has been feeding the monster bodies so that the monster would let them be here. We'll see how it all first together. The room close to where we found Dorryl and the bugbears (remind me not to suggest that as a band name to Hurgh) was a relaxation room for some of the bandits. Information that the goblin gave us that also turned out to be correct. With a little trickery, we managed to surprise the four of them in there and bring the death they deserved. With all of that, we're in some need of rest before we can even think of facing the monster in the cavern or the wizard.

Dust to Dust
1st of Uktar, 1489 DR

What remains of both my parents' bodies is dust. I'm not sure what I was supposed to feel after the fight when I saw the ashes of my father spread across the floor. The adrenaline was pumping through my ears and I was already repeating the prayers I'd need to call on another guiding bolt, but I just ran out of energy and instead sank to the floor. I'm not sure what this means for me. I've helped destroy a truly evil creature. But while my memories from when I was a little girl are mostly hazy, I do have a few treasured ones of that face smiling towards me. Not the smile he gave me when he tried to twist my mind, but genuine kindness. Now, even the lips that made the smile are gone. And I'm left wondering if there was any of his soul left in there. Or what happened t his soul at all. We escaped the house many thanks to a servant whose charm wore off once Barksos was head. He helped get rid of some fat, annoying, merchant at the door for one. But two of the other servants escaped and are likely going to inform Kelara Laurel as soon as they can. Provided her control over them doesn't break first. And I'm betting on her being angry with us for having killed the one she intended to spend eternity with. But right now is a time for celebration. And being thankful for my friends.

You killed my father, now prepare to die
2nd Uktar, 1489

We seem to have found some useful magic items along with the coin at the Laurel Manor when we destroyed my father. Or what was left of him, anyway. In any case, while we were able to get a night's rest, I'm not so sure we'll get a second one so easily. Vampires don't create others of their kind very often and I suspect that Kelara is less than happy that we've destroyed the one she decided to take with her into eternity. She is older than him, so likely more powerful. And a big reason we defeated him was because of his arrogance. She knows we were capable of taking out both him and three of their spawn; she's not likely to fall prey for the same arrogance. Having a good base where we can deal with her on our terms is our only real hope, which is why I asked at my temple for a potential location. We've been given access to what is an old storage building just outside the city. Which should help protect us from collateral deaths as well. I know the Raven Queen appreciates my desire to destroy her, even if revenge might be part of my motivation, but neither one of us want more people to die if it can be avoided. So here we are. Waiting for an attack that might not even happen. We can't even know if she's aware of what's happened yet. If I thought I could spare the energy, I'd make sure to tell her myself...

I'm ready for you, Raven Queen
2nd Uktar, 1489

I very nearly died, as did Ellywick. Kelara turned out to be a much, much more dangerous foe than my father. With one of her minions, a lot of bats swarming in everywhere in that barn, we all nearly died. Had it not been for the might of Phennyr, we just might have. I'm exhausted. And cold. Most of my life energy has been drained and I feel incredibly weak. I know how close I was to dying. But as long as my body hadn't been turned into an abomination, I was surprisingly accepting of it. Had this been it, I could have seen how my fate was to rid the world of these two vampires. What does it mean that I'm still alive?

Business...
11th of Uktar, 1489

Six months ago, I had only just left the ascetic life of the monastery. Six years ago, I had a roof over my head only when I tricked someone else into paying for it. Now I, on paper, own a mansion, and as part of the Fate Watchers, I have several employees. To call this experience, surreal seems like an insult to surreal events. Ellywick sent for a bard. Because of course she did. A tall, pretty, woman with pink hair by the name of Lavia Majarra who does seem reliable so far. Especially since she entrusted us with the knowledge of the curse that sometimes forces her spirit into her harp, I tried to remove curse spell, but it didn't help... Maybe if I understood more about curses and planar travel. Which goes well with our next mission and so I invited her to come with us. But first, there was... the ball. I'm not sure if they know how uncomfortable it makes me be at the centre of attention like that and have fun at my expense or if this is supposed to make me feel good. In either case, I don't feel like I can say anything, which meant lots of people, a buffet, dancing, and - ugh - a gift table. At least Kaja sympathised, which mostly meant she got extremely drunk while I had to play hostess. Extremely unfair. I'm so happy I managed to convince the others to leave soon afterwards. I never thought I'd be happy leaving the city, but for now, the lack of attention outweighs the comfort of streets and people. Though we did meet people as it started to get dark. The nasty businessman who had tried to do business with my father soon after we destroyed the monster. Both him and his assistant, Timotej, had been attacked by orcs who threatened them to get more loot. And he was trying to get them to kill his assistant rather than him. I'm pretty sure her fate isn't to end yet, and so we took care of the orcs in short order. Timotej seems to be the brain behind most of this merchant's trade, even if he's the blubbery face of it. We have some antiques at the mansion, I believe. At least some of the things look old, but I know nothing about these things besides how to sell fake items to gullible people. So, I guess we sort of hired her to start a business with us as patrons? I mean, if it helps the household to run smoothly, I'm all for it... But within the past couple of weeks, we have hired six people and requested the hiring of two more. Previously in my life, I've never employed anyone besides staying at an inn or sending a message. And a lot of those I paid with fake money or false promises. Life is weird.

Nepheri

Nepheri

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Facial Features

Apparel & Accessories

Specialized Equipment

Mental characteristics

Personal history

The life before

Finding her Faith

Other pieces from her past

Good memories

Bad memories

Sexuality

Education

Accomplishments & Achievements

Failures & Embarrassments

Mental Trauma

Intellectual Characteristics

Morality & Philosophy

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Likes & Dislikes

Likes

Dislikes

Vices & Personality flaws

Social

Family Ties

Religious Views

Social Aptitude

Speech

Relationships

Eye

Visits in the Cloudtops

Plagued Possibilities

Hypothetical 5: Bard (Ginny Di video)

Hypothetical 4: Prison guard (Ginny Di video)

For my Beating Heart

Hypothetical 2: Villain (Ginny Di video)

Hypothetical 3: Matchmaker (Ginny Di video)

Hypothetical 1: Healer (Ginny Di video)

A Calling

Insight into Emon

Faith in Friends

Roped in

Acid Falls

Skyfall

A broken soul

Released

Not Today

Lizards in a hole

Fall

Catching up

Pray for a quick end to our deception

At dusk we... do something?

Freedom of Movement

Flight and Flutter

Relief is one hell of a drug

Celebration

A Song of Ice and Fire

In the afternoon, we plan!

The Dragon's Lair

Hot and Cold

Life, interrupted

Cold Tal'dorei, day 2

Far From Home ?? ?? ???

Redbrands II

Redbrands III

Orc hunting

Path to Thundertree

Thundertree I

Thundertree II

Crisis of Faith

Rest in peace, Declan...

Return to Phandalin

Wave Echo Cave

Wave Echo Cave II

Seduction

Cold
Tal'dorei, day 2

Far From Home
?? ?? ???

Close to Harvest
28 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Dead to me
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Saving private Rupert
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Lawful Stupid
29 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Day after
30 Marpenoth, 1489 DR

Daddy Dearest
1st of Uktar

Dust to Dust
1st of Uktar, 1489 DR

You killed my father, now prepare to die
2nd Uktar, 1489

I'm ready for you, Raven Queen
2nd Uktar, 1489

Business...
11th of Uktar, 1489