Drasaas, life after the ogres

[Drasaas]

As my life seems to be settling down to something resembling ordinary, I long to record my new life and today seems as good as any to start. I have a place now to truly call home. it is small, and sparse but holds my belongings, guards my sleep, and it is mine. Considering the dank caves I called home for the entireity of my memory it is a wonderful place indeed! I have begun integrating myself into humanity, and have been surprised to find a good many kind folk to help me along, a few of which actually assisted me finding a place to build my modest abode. More interesting to me is the compainionship I am beginning to foster. I still do not understand everything going on in thier circle, but it seems that some truley dire circumstances have befallen them, though it seems to be under thier control. Most disturbing to me though is the presence of at least one vampire, beautiful and enchanting though she seems, and my newfound acquaintances seem to accept her as part of thier group!! I shall reserve judgement past my initial surprise however, I am still very naive in this new world, and quiet observation has served well as a learning tool for me in the past. All in all i am quite pleased that my broken form and infamiliarity of the land has not left me without a friendly face or two to share a drink, or in the case of the beautiful vampire a song. As I become mightier with the sword, stronger in my pursuit of chivalry, and gain the trust of these folk I yearn to share in thier adventures, and help them through thier trials in hopes of being able to call a few of them a true friend, and bring a measure of virtue back to this land that seems so devoid of it

[Drasaas]

the caves of the underground Lairs of elemental spawn known as Shame. this is where my travels have taken me thus far, and what a dark place indeed, and full of the anger of earth herself. never have i seen these earthen, rocky creatures that seem to materialize from the mud amd earth all around. i have worked counless hours over the last few days trying to rid the entrance to the caves of its hostile denizens, but for every one felled, another takes its place! despite my frustration at this, I can feel my strength growing by the hour, I can now take on a good many of these creatures and emerge victorious, short lived as my victory may be. its not without a decent amount of gold, and a good many of these creatures seem to hold on to some equipment and other items from what i can only assume used to belong to its past victims, as well as precious stones. I searched in the usual haunts this eve to share companionship as i drank away the horrors of the day, but to no avail. The few people that were at the tavern shunned me as usual, and the barkeep served me swiftly, and from a good distance as well. This face will always be a source of social shunning for me i suppose, perhaps I should hide it in public, rather than wear my scars openly. The philosophy doesnt feel right, but it would sure be easier to buy a drink!!

[Drasaas]

So fate has lead me to the employ of a trade and adventuring company calling themselves the emerald trading company. I am excited for this new venture even though it was made known to me that pay will be inconsistent. The pay is not what I really signed on for anyway, for the group is mostly made up of the folks that looked past my grim visage and have become companions in my drinking adventures in the various taverns i visit. I am eager to see how this budding friendship blossoms in the heat of battle, and when the chance arises to prove my mettle. also though my eye is admittedly untrained, these folks look the part of seasoned veterans despite the young age most appear to be and therin lies the true treasure for me in this endeavor..knowledge. I am very eager to learn advanced techniques and the ways a group can feed each others strengths and protect the weaknesses when it counts the most. also of note, I have pieced together a mismatched set of armor looted from the fallen denizens of shame and though it is not asthtically pleasing i am happy with the performance so far. Asthetics arent something I can ever aspire to attain at a high level anyway, and in a way the wild appearance of my mismatched pieces suit me well. I am eager to again wage battle with the solid stone creature I last encountered in the caves, for we have battled for hours to a complete standstill each time and with my "new" equipment it may be just what i need to gain victory over the fearsome beast.

[Drasaas]

victory! a small one maybe but it is a good feeling knowing my strength and skill with a blade are ever increasing. My new armor is proving to be much better suited for my style of battle though i will be watchful for the opportunity to upgrade it. After my battle with the stone creature, i decided to go to what is becoming my favorite watering hole. There were a few familiar faces there as I sat down with my drink, and a few i did not recognize as well. Most notably, i met a fellow by the name of Chanticleer who has apparently been beset by a vampiric problem. although there were a few details that seemed confusing and unclear to me, one thing is certain..It was definitely the vampiress i have met, beatrice. Also, the chap confirmed my suspicions about her "master' as well.it seems that an uncle of his was hurt, killed or abducted by them or thier agents, and he has sworn dire revenge on them. In the midst of our conversation, he showed me the weapon he plans to use, a formidable and obviously magical blade. Although he seems a fearsome warrior it seems as though he has made some powerful enemies, and i do wish him well. he turned down my offer to help in the battle, which admittedly is something i am sure I am not ready for...yet. My sense of honor and empathy bid me offer my services anyway, and I shall do what i can in the way of information retrieval or whatever else I can do. My relative anonymity may be an asset to his cause in some way. It is refreshing to meet a few brave souls who are quick to stand up for a loved one or family member, and do what is right even though the foe may be a fearsome one. I feel as if my virtuous path is being revealed to me, and that fate has crossed my path with these folk. I still have not heard from judas or any other authority within my new employer, perhaps I am not strong enough yet to be of much use. So, I shall keep up my training, and do my small part in ridding these lands of what evil denizens I am able to

[Drasaas]

WhAt an embarrassing evening, after being thrown out of a tavern with some other folk, a couple of them invited me to a different tavern to have some drinks and assured me the quality was top notch. After a bit on conversation with the two ladies I accompanied to the place I made a terrible error of judgement and boasted of my drinking abilities. The drink i was then offered was both sweet and potent and before i knew it i had drained the entire bottle. My memory of the evening becomes spotty at this point but i have vague memories of disrobing and dancing and giggles of my companions. I awoke in a terrible state (but at least i was home!) and it is only today that my head has stopped throbbing long enough to finally put pen to paper. I shall have to temper my pride and boastfulness in the future for my actions were not befitting a hopeful paladin of virtue. I cannot deny the pleasure of letting loose a bit, let alone in such comely company however! Also of note I am again in a state of confusion a out the nature of this world, i have learned that even vampires and half drow half demon vampires are capable of working for the side of good and arent always the bane of man (unless they ask you to drink with them). I am pleased that my naivity hasn't made enemies of those i judged prematurely and I may even make a friend out of them. I cannot help to feel some skepticism but to trust openly and quickly is just as much of an error as judging in a similar manner. I have finally heard a whisper of possible work or adventure within the company i am employed with perhaps i can finally do something more notable in this world than slaying the endless denizens of the earth that dwell in the sinister caves i have been trying to clear. I hope I am ready, i would hate to be a burden to my budding companions. My heart and resolve are definitely in the right place i just hope my sword arm will be as well!

[Drasaas]

So it seems the company to which i am employed is full of very capable and seasoned warriors! we went to a network of caves in search of a particular bandit known as Judd. Never have I witnessed such a fighting force, I could nary ride up to face a foe before he or she was quickly cut down, set afire, or beaten down by summoned forces, we barely had to slow our riding pace to enter the hold of the bandits. once inside it was more of the same, and although we are not certain we found the bandit we were looking for, we were able to secure a map from a locked storage container. We brought back the map to show the owner of the company I work for, a Ms. crowley. Apparently they had secured a similar map from a previous bandit raid and now we are faced with trying to decipher thier connection and what or whom is responsible for the theft of goods. judging from the demeanor of the lady in charge I believe she thinks there is something more sinister going on than a mere theft. there was talk of finding an expert in relation to the map, and i eagerly await news. On another note the swordswoman Aingeal gave me a few lessons on battle, I learned much in our sparring, at the price of a few bruises and bleeding wounds. I look forward to learning all I can from her for she is quite skilled with her blade

[Drasaas]

All is gray, displaced. Where am I? Who am I? vague recollections of a life gone past, comrades in arms flash through what memory I still retain. My body is wasted, thin, frail. My mind fuzzy and nearly blank but for a terrible horror I cannot yet remember.

[Drasaas]

Strange, I look through the pages of this journal written in my own hand, yet the recorded history are unremembered. At least there are clues to my previous existence. I must seek a town and begin my search for the names I have in my journal, as well as this trading company i seem to be employed by. I can only hope that they are still to be found, and that the budding friendship we have forged provides an opportunity to regain some memory, or at least a starting point for a "new" life

[Drasaas]

I am having trouble finding my way, I can feel memories longing to escape the confines of my subconsciece, tantalizingly close and yet inaccessable. I have clues to the location of my home, near a place called "Ashencrosse". I do not know how long I have been away, but as I travel around I see what is becoming of dwellings left unattended and I hold little hope that my home remains. Judging from what I know of my past through my journal writings I have rebuilt my life on more than one occasion, to do so again will be a challenge I am sure I can overcome. This morn I was surprised to find a clear, sharp memory...a beautiful creature bade me sing a tune, and though I am loathe to be the center of attention (especially among beautiful females) I was unable to resist her request....and a name, Beatrice. Though the thought of presenting my twisted form to such an enchanting creature weakens my knees to the point of finding it hard to stand, that name and face are all I have in the way of remembering who I am. It seems I have no choice but to seek out this Beatrice...though there is something dark and sinister associated with the memory of her....

[Drasaas]

The fates smile upon me, for I have found people of whom I was associated! The trading company That I was employed by before has new leadership as well as folk who remember me from my hazy past, but more importantly I was welcomed back with open arms. I am off to a great start rebuilding my life and reforging old friendships as well as starting new ones. The past I cannot remember somehow seems trivial given the opportunities my future seems to hold. At least my body recollects my skill with a sword, and my heart remains true that I can call upon holy warrior magic to aid me as well. I look forward to building a new home, and to continue doing what I can to rid the land of whatever evil crosses my path. Although I am not as fearsome as some of the others I have met last eve (or re-met) iIfeel my strength growing daily. The stone elementals that my journal tells me were besting my best efforts are now falling before me even when I am beset my 2 or 3 of the beasts, though it is still a stout challenge to defeat them. Tis a good thing they quite often have valuable equipment and jewels as I cannot recall any marketable skills by which to earn a living. I feel as though this is my calling, ridding the land of such hostile beasts, and the ability to make a living doing such, and connecting with good folk give me a peace I have not experienced since I awoke from whatever fate befell me. on another note, I cannot shake the memory of this Beatrice..I feel there is something sinister about her in my deep subconscience, a feeling made even more tangible by the Lady Faeryl's reaction when I mentioned her name. Though my head tells me better, my heart feels that I must seek her out and see what it is that brings her to my thoughts for she is the only vivid memory I retain from my past. I wonder if she is somehow responsible for whatever befell me......

[Drasaas]

Memories return, slowly but steadily. As the events of my life are made clear, I am starting to wish they had remained lost to me. Since my return however things are beginning to look bright. I have employment, and my skill with a blade is sure to show a marked improvement as a very skilled warrior has taken to training me in the finer arts of battle. Already I have learned much. I am thankful for the opportunity, and to Zoe for introducing me to William. I look forward to learning more, for I grow weary of slaying the endless hordes of ogres, trolls, elementals, and other meaningless scum that plagues the goodly folk of sosaria. I must keep learning and training so that I might one day smite the maws of the powerful lords, the shadows behind the scenes that are truly the heart of the darkness if this land. Let them hear, let them know For one day the power will be mine to face them!

[Drasaas]

Jin Brann...I remember him now whispering strange words, then I am falling, further still then all is black. Seek Beatrice he says, and then a whisper "to your doom". Who is this man and what does he want with me? Why would he want my doom at the hands of another when he already had me helpless? Strange happenings, as my power and skill grow so does the mountain of things I do not understand. I shall have to be watchful, I am sure no good can come from this

[Drasaas]

Still no sign of Jin, perhaps I am rid of his treachery. Maybe he is but a figment of my tortured dreams and doesnt exist at all. at any rate, I have been kept very busy with my training. william is a strict trainer, but already I have learned much in the way of subtle but effective common sense nuances of battle even down to what clothes are more restrictive or that make you a larger or stand out target. I have gotten rid of my beloved steed Charleston, I saw to it that he will be put to pasture and live the rest of his days as a stud horse. I have purchased a darker colored mount and had my clothing dyed a non discrept color as to blend in to my surroundings a bit more. i have also learned much information of the eight virtues, much more than my teaching of chivalry taught me. I have never considered myself studious especially considering that I rarely had the opportunity to learn much, but I am really looking forward to learning all I can from William, he is a seasoned warrior and I imagine he has forgotten more than I know now in the way of the sword. On another note my dreams of late have been haunted by the image of Beatrice that night at the tavern. I remember now that I was told she is the most foul of night creatures, a vampire!! Why is this creature so emblazoned in my mind? In my thoughts she is a misunderstood almost childlike entity, almost to be pitied for what evil she now posesses. I must remain firm, perhaps this is her game, to make me percieve her as harmless, to play on my kindness to lead me to her feeding grounds. I am resolute in the path I have chosen, there are too few that have the courage, or perhaps even the hope of rooting out and ridding the evil of the land, I cannot let this creature make me question myself. Though resolute the dreams and thoughts still come, though I havent seen her in quite some time, and even then it was very brief. Perhaps I am bespelled, an act of treachery? I know not but perhaps the day will come when I find out until then there is much to keep me busy, and much more tangible foes and problems to deal with

[Drasaas]

Whew, things are really taking off! I am currently in training with the prestigious advanced warrior training academy of Jhelom, I participated in a joust (where I was late, and then performed atrociously), the trading company has been active and I have escorted a caravan of valuable trade items through dangerous territory. I am learning much every day, though I am frustrated at the knowledge that I still am only beginning to understand the subtle intricacies of successful swordplay. This land is vast, and exploring it has become my favorite pastime, many glorious cities and different flora and fauna off all sorts I have seen and it is wonderful! Strange creatures, high mountains, clear blue seas, swamps and even deserts I have travelled through. On a negative note and much to my embarrassment both for my outburst and show of weakness I have encountered Ogres for the first time since my captivity, and it did not go well. First a wizard was entertaining the locals at the Salty Dog Tavern, and took on the form of a wretched ogre. it scared the life nearly from my body, I ran to recover my dragon mount and burst into the tavern in a murderous rage, much to the shock of the patrons, only to discover it was an illusion. Secondly on the caravan I was tasked to help guard an ogre happened to cross our path, and again a blind rage overtook me. This is something I must learn to control, and deal with. Though I still have much to learn one thing I do know is that a steady, sharp, and calm mind is my greatest weapon, and to lose it in a rage will surely be my doom.