Letter about Polemos
High Marshall,
I trust that this missive finds you. The words contained within are Meant for you alone. I pray that Tyr grants us strength in these trying times. If you are not already aware, Stevyn the Just has been taken captive by an evil artifact. The item in question seems to be bound to a creature most foul. The creature came to us as a wizard Offering assistance in our battles against the powerful drow. It was not until later that the wizard, Trumanor, revealed his true nature. The amount of influence the wizard has Over Stevyn has me fearful of what might happen should they Not be stopped. The events I am about to describe I have witnessed first hand, and I pray you take them Seriously.
A tenday ago, we found a curious ring which would cause frostbite if Held for too long without protection. The ring itself was made of gold, inlaid with A pattern of silver which was designed to resemble a cold frost. Simply holding the ring in my hand, I could hear the whispers of those I assume it had claimed. Stevyn would not relinquish the artifact, insisting that it would be best suited to remain in his care. Knowing him to be honorable, and the strongest amongst us, I convinced the men that this was the best course of action. Trumanor supported this course of action, so it was decided.
The change in Stevyn was gradual. His temper was less subdued, and his patience grew short. At one point he punished the men for failing to clean their boots after a long day marching through the Endless tunnels. While I contend the rebuke was not justified, the punishment definitely did not be-fit the crime. We had been travelling with a prisoner for the last half of the day. After consoling with Trumanor, Stevyn offered to free the prisoner should he win against the soldier In a duel. The fight was over quickly, with the drow winning. Stevyn then offered the prisoner a choice: take his own life, or return to his family and be hunted. The drow thought about the choice for a moment before charging a Soldier and catching a bolt through his skull.
Stevyn continued this behavior as we swept through small villages carved from the Underdark itself. Each time we were ordered to capture the families and forced them to fight. Regardless of who won, every prisoner wound up dead. The fighters tried to kill each other, and those victors that were unwilling to take their own Lives watched as their families were killed before their very Eyes. Stevyn claimed to be carrying out Tyr’s justice, but I could not believe that what we were doing was just.
We returned to the Surface after spending a few tenday underground. It was there I witnessed the most horrendous act. Trumanor, under the guise of friendship, had sent a Message requesting the presence of Michelina. Stevyn seemed relieved at first to see his wife, but I saw a wave of discomfort wash over him as he looked upon her. It Is my belief that his conscience was catching up with him for the atrocities that were committed below ground. He turned to Trumanor as if to ask for guidance, who I watched simply respond with a Nod. I watched as Stevyn’s blade pierced his wife’s belly, and was Twisted within the wound. We all watched in horror what happened next. The wizard’s skin began to peel Away revealing a skeletal figure adorned in black Robes. The creature pointed it’s finger at Stevyn and a ray of dark energy washed over him. His armor began to shift, taking on a dark appearance. I ordered the men to kill Trumanor, but Stevyn came to his aid. They slaughtered more than two dozen men before I ordered the retreat.
We have won many hard fought battles during these turbulent times. The men that we have fought with, and those that have died facing off against the armies of the Underdark I pray have not been lost in vain. I have returned to Waterdeep and implore that you send the Necessary forces to recover the artifact that has claimed Stevyn’s soul. I will be taking Stevyn’s son with me to protect him from his father.
May Tyr’s Justice Guide You,
Evelyn the Pure
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