Journal of Kaife Hemlock, Entry 1

The month of October, 3rd week, 1st year in Osterra

So...a lot has happened in the past couple of days. I figure that I should keep a running log of some of the events I have recently experienced in order to better process just exactly what is going on. This has gotta be my craziest week in years, let me tell you!

I’ll start by saying that, just a few mornings ago, I was panicking at the prospect of final examinations coming up at my place of study, the Grand University of Prestidigitation (what a name). I mean, I did well enough with general curriculum stuff. The fundamentals of magic, nature, politics...they didn’t always come naturally, but they were pretty straightforward to grasp. Too bad all of the damn theory in the world does not translate into real, tangible progress. I’ve been studying at this school for over 5 years. 5 YEARS! I’ve taken more magic classes than many seasoned scholars do in their own pursuits! And I still can’t summon up any magic, not even a spark. My mentors kept advising me to switch out to a better field of focus for years, such as agriculture, library studies, or hell, even knightsmanship. In spite of this, my own determination, or maybe stubbornness, kept me on the path of magical research.

So imagine you are coming up on your sixth year of study, you are well above the age of maturity in the lands, and you are so desperate to pass your classes, that you do something risky. Now stop imagining, me, because that’s what I did!! I “borrowed” a book of rituals and incantations from a beloved professor and went to work. In retrospect, that was incredibly irrational. I mean, what on the goddesses’ green planet was I thinking?

Great news though! I opened up a portal all on my own! Or, at least, I’m pretty sure I did, because one showed up in my ritual circle. If only I wasn’t such a klutz! In all of my excited victory dancing, I might have

accidentally

fallen in.

Whoops.

So, there I was, face planted firmly in the ground of fresh green grass. I got up, frowned at the state of my white clothes, then took a quick look around. Holy cramholy, was this place a sight! There was a surprisingly large amount of people fritting to and fro, of all different shapes and sizes. Some were opulent and pretty, decorated in fine silks and glittering jewels. Others were rugged, sinewy folks with sharp blades and sharper eyes. A couple glimmered radiantly in the sun, while others stuck to the shade of the tavern and eyed others suspiciously. One of them was carrying around a skull on a stick (what in the blazes was up with that?). None of them really seemed concerned that I just sort of appeared on the ground. As I soon came to find out, this was a surprisingly normal occurrence in these lands. This place was known as Osterra, and was some kind of multidimensional crossroad in the complicated webs of the multiverse. Many saw my mystical attire, complete with my large witches hat, and pegged me for a mage.

Shivershits.

I didn’t have the heart to tell them the only magic I have ever successfully cast was a lousy portal spell to one of the EASIEST planes to reach, apparently.

Alright, no big deal, I can do this. Sure, Osterra is in a different plane, but magic seems to be just as ambient here, if not more so, than my previous place of dwelling. I know plenty of fundamentals, maybe I just need a fresh perspective to learn?

Hopefully that will work. I’ll worry about that later. At that moment, I was in full-blown survival mode.

I was invited to partake in a feast that was happening that night, in celebration of a mighty artifact being reassembled. I went primarily for two reasons:

1. Any information I can get about my new surroundings would be useful, as it would appear that I would be stuck here for quite a while.

2. I had no money, and therefore, no food.

This is the last time I try to use magic without my personal effects close by.

It was certainly a riveting event! Factions of all sorts gathered under many banners. A hole that swallows the sun, a beautiful soaring bird, and a vibrant gold-green symbol. To me, that last one appeared to represent roots or vines, interlocking in a circle of unity. I guess I stood there in stunned silence long enough for somebody to notice. A fair maiden called me over to her table, where many other well-dressed folks were gathered. She introduced herself as Lady Gwion, leader of a faction called the Grove, a group of protectors who saw fit to stand as peace-keepers, mediators, and protectors of Osterra and her people. That caught me off guard a bit. I really admired that message, I must say!

So, we feasted. And I am not talking about a nice, quiet banquet hall where everyone follows proper etiquette. Blazes, no, we are talking about a FEAST! Folks were pounding back drink after drink while others recounted tales of heroism, bravery, and trickery. The whole gathering broke out into song, at one point, and this one guy kept talking about killing Geth. It was a bit overwhelming for having just gotten there! Lady Gwion introduced me to a few others who were nearby, such as Oonagh, Jay, Amathien, Dozu, Trez, Lady Amalthea...holy pits of flame, that’s a lot to remember. They were all very kind to me, though, which I definitely appreciated.

The next logical thing to happen after a feast was, of course, what happened next. Some folks in the room summoned the ghost of a long dead warrior!

Oh wait...

Yeah, that makes no flipping sense!

It appeared that the guardians of Osterra had deposed of their corrupt king in order to focus their attention on a group of “demons,” creatures without remorse that were trying to use Osterra as a staging point for a fiery crusade across the different planes. In order to prevent this, the group had been working together to gather powerful artifacts, one of such being this legendary “sword of Sylvia.”

The spirit of this remarkable woman had me in awe. What I was feeling was halfway between utter amazement and sheer terror, I recall. She spoke of how only a fair lady of honour could wield such a weapon, and that those gathered here today needed to determine a fair and just way to find this legendary warrior who would fill the shoes of Sylvia, and thus turn the tide against the demons.

No pressure, right?

Sylvia departed with several ladies, including two of The Grove and one of the White Ravens, I believe. Surprisingly, the conversation was quite well structured. Nearly everyone was fine with leaving the artifact in the hands of The Grove, and very quickly, folks began recommending a contest of champions in order to find the bearer of light.

At some point in the night, politics and plans were discussed. There were a lot of loud voices and loud ideas, but holy crap was that a lot to try and process. I just sort of sat there bewildered as people threw out plans for how to curb the demon’s march, who to elect as a high king, if we even needed a king...so on and so forth. Hey, at least the cheese was good, and a couple of the gents nearby seemed equally overwhelmed!

I talked with a few more members of The Grove, who offered me a place to rest for the night. I was all too happy to accept, as this was getting to be a bit much. Luckily nothing like a werewolf attack happened. At least, not right then. That was about 5 minutes later.

One of those fellows I was seated near had gone outside for something. He was Nargrax, I believe? We all heard a great scream, then came rushing out, weapons in hand. He was dead. Like, insanely dead. Hole punched through the body dead. I tried not to gag. I still don’t think I’ve fully unpacked what I saw that night. A weird guy in a coat started telling us about a guy named Lou, I think. I was a bit too focused on the gorefest before me, and the mysterious, enchanting lady in the black dress behind him. I should really work on my attention issues now that I’m turning over a new leaf…

The craziest thing was that this Nargrax guy just...got up. He was enveloped in some bright light first, but then he was fine. Apparently, travelers like us cannot truly die in Osterra. Good to know, I guess. But wow, was that a shocker! He didn’t seem to recall what happened right before his death, though, due to his mind shielding him from such a traumatic event. Probably.

Well, it was time to sleep. Soon, there would be a tournament, and all manner of intense action would likely follow. At least I know a bit of swordplay, I guess? Gwion was kind enough to lend me two throwing wands and a staff to use for my own special brand of magic: slicing and dicing.

In the morning, members of The Grove and a few others helped me get warmed up with some combat sparring. I was no professional, but at least I could put up a bit of a fight! I can’t say I claimed too much victory in those short bouts, though!

Afterwards, members of The Grove were mobilizing to conquer some more of the countryside in order to better fortify their territory and protect its peoples. I definitely owed them one, or two, or ten...I kind of lost count, at this point. Either way, I offered to help them banish a Wight from a neighboring area. I had never seen someone try to talk down a spirit before, but Lady Gwion sure did give it her best. Unfortunately, I am guessing that years of being a spirit drove this one to madness, as it decided to come at us. The thrill of combat was quite something! Though, admittedly, I did not exactly run up into the front lines. Nobody seemed quite upset that I was unable to cast any spells during such an encounter. In fact, many of the members congratulated me on a job well done!

That was not something I was overwhelmingly used to. But I am definitely not complaining!

Resting after such an ordeal left us all prepared for the tournament. A series of duels, consisting of the strongest and bravest maidens of the land, was about to unfold. I was hesitant to cast my hat into the ring. However, with some minor encouragement from a few of my new companions, I decided to give it a shot. I could always use the practice, after all! Secretly, I was also a little excited at the prospect of earning that haunting, azure blade which no doubt contained an unbounded magical force. Maybe, if I wielded it, I could unlock the magical powers within myself!

The fights were fierce. Many of them seemed to stretch on forever, a performance of grace and skill, as each valiant contender pitted their lives against one another to earn the right to wield the blade. In round one, I was pitted against Oonagh. Talk about a terrifying opponent! She was quite gentle and kind to me thus far, but in battle, she had this unnerving habit of smiling wide at me. It was very clear that she knew we would be doing this to the death, and her eyes reflected the skills of one who had seen battle many times before. I was not entirely hopeless, but blazes I was close!

Our swords clashed a bit, and I used my agility to avoid a few swings. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, a priest standing over me and raising me back to life. I remember thinking, “Dang it, I lost so soon!” That’s when I noticed that Oonagh had just been brought back, too. We...killed each other? At the same time?

Well, now I was feeling a bit better! I had a second chance! And I almost had her! Though, I suppose that means she almost had me, too. I felt the gap between us closing, just a teensy bit. We returned to our corners and came at each other again. The dance we shared seemed to last an eternity. That’s when I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, again.

Dying twice in the span of 3 minutes was certainly a new experience. But, goddesses be damned, Oonagh was dead again, too! At this point, even the resident necromancer was looking a little concerned. I recall hearing a stray comment from Lady Gwion at this point, “Qu3pha! You do not have to work so hard to impress! Your skills with the sword are close to equal!”

Woah, talk about a compliment! I didn’t entirely see it that way, but I knew I had a chance. I decided I would be a bit reckless this time, try and catch her off-guard. As soon as we got the clear to start, I ran in for the kill, aiming for a slash across the midsection.

This time, I was the only one killed.

After the battle, I was exhausted from having been slain 3 times and raised 3 times. I sat on the sidelines and observed the following matches. The maiden Oonagh, my opponent, came up to me and congratulated me on a hard fought battle. I was not used to this whole honor and bravery thing yet, but I think I am beginning to like it! Maybe one day, I would like to demonstrate my skills in another tournament...after some more training, of course!

The rest of the fights were certainly interesting. One fighter, Mercy, stood out as stiff competition. She was incredibly skilled and patient. She made her own openings, and reacted near-flawlessly to her opponents moves. Maybe it’s a good thing I lost that initial fight, because I’d likely be cut to ribbons in mere moments by her. Well, that, and the other possible finalist was flat-out terrifying. Ayla was their name. They were a proud warrior of The Grove, and their presence on the battlefield could only be described as overwhelming. They stood with such confidence, their moves all deliberate. I even saw Mercy’s sword shake a little while in combat with them. It was an intense bout. The first fight was inconclusive, but the second one was decisive. By a narrow, yet well-earned, margin, Ayla had claimed victory.

The legendary sword of Sylvia was bestowed upon them, as well as the title Bringer of Light. I joined the members of The Grove and some of the other contestants in welcoming them as our peerless kindred, who would banish the demons with a sword of holy power. Ayla tried to relinquish such a weapon to Lady Gwion and The Grove as a collective, a clear sign that they held great respect for their sisters. However, Gwion knew better. She insisted that Ayla wield the sword for the honor of The Grove and Osterra. It was...a really moving gesture, honestly. That sense of sincerity, the bond that these folks shared...breathtaking would be an apt descriptor.

After the fierce bout of battles, several members of the factions gathered together to discuss battle plans in a council. I was going nowhere near such a thing, not when I was so fresh to this place, so I spent some time in leisure, pondering what I would do while I was here. Could I really fight demons? I’ve never really attained any greatness before. I was a witch with no spells!

I did not have much longer to ponder before things went down. Way down.

Reports claimed that a group of demons had started a caravan to transport...something...to a stronghold nearby. We needed to stop them, because whatever they were doing, it was certainly to further their plot to open up portals to new lands. That’s a lot of pressure!

We left as a large band of warriors, steeled for combat (or in my case, mildly panicked for combat). We decided the best idea would be to set up a choke-point through a forest path to prevent the creatures from getting through their intended route. I took up the rear, ready to use my throwing wands as weapons (or distractions) when the time came. If only I had a morsel of magic to help the others!

I was assured that magic in this land was focused more on utility. Protecting allies, improving their weapons, or mending their armor. It sounded like a system that someone who deeply cared for their companions could take full advantage of!

That was what I thought up until the moment that one of our frontliners in the forest was engulfed in flame.

Goddesses help us.

The demons had powerful combat magic. It rendered armor broken, shields useless, and bodies charred. It was a massacre. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to throw myself on my own blade. Some weird part of me kept fighting until the bitter end, when I had seen nearly everybody else perish in front of this crusade of otherworldly hellspawn. Was this courage?

Well, at least I don’t remember everything. Looks like everyone experiences a small form of amnesia when they die and are brought back in Osterra.

After regrouping with a few other unfortunate souls, we found our way back to the battlefield. There, we watched as the demons slowly arrived at their menacing fortress: a pillar of pitch black hate that tore the sky asunder. I was more than a little scared. While discussing battle tactics, Gwion pulled members of The Grove to the side, and beckoned me to join. There, we were informed of a plot the faction had been developing for quite some time. At this particular place, they had constructed a rather large dam to stem the flow of a river. When the demons came charging into the dried river bed, the floodgates would be released and would wash them away. While many of our normal weapons had no effect on their thickly enchanted hides, it appeared that nature would do the killing for us.

Oonagh, Valos, Trez, Dozu and I were tasked with releasing the trap. Honestly, I thought my place was better served there than directly in the battle. The demons were quite far away. I could barely make out their voices. I heard them goading many of the fighters of Osterra. I suppose one of our own said something that irked them, because they came charging in as an imposing force. Once we saw their contingent move forward, we sprung the trap. A roaring wave of water crashed down upon our enemies, killing many in an instant. The tide, quite literally, was turning in our favor!

I made it to the battlefield as fast as I could with the others, where the seeds of chaos had definitely been sewn. Bodies of all kind littered the Earth. The grass was stained a sickly shade of crimson. I tried to find a demon to flank, knowing that I was nearly useless if I attacked from the front. I was able to temporarily distract one. Too bad that meant it was now focused on chasing me around with its giant polearm. I managed to stay composed enough to deflect a few of its blows, I think. My sword certainly had a few more knicks than it used to when I woke up. Something got me, that’s for sure.

Fortunately, it seemed we were victorious in that bout! We had rid the battlefield of many demons, and pushed the remaining few into their fortress. Unfortunately, the fortress was cram-packed with even more demons. Oh boy!

This is around the time that the man everyone had been talking about, this Geth, talked to me. He said that if I died, he was “totally going to raise me as a zombie.” Um...yeah. Didn’t really know what to say about that. I think I half-heartedly agreed in the moment. I was so scared of fighting these things, that when he said I would not even remember it, it almost seemed to grant me an inner peace.

We tried firing ballista bolts at the gates to cave it in. The demons, not simply resigned to this fate, were hellbent on pelting us with arrows and foul magics. Thankfully, our shield line held, and our contingent had gotten quite adept at dodging a stray fireball to the face. Their gates came crashing down, the demons came flooding out, and then...I don’t remember anything. I don’t even know if Geth made good on his promise. Hopefully, whatever happened was not something I would regret!

When I returned, the warriors of Osterra were rejoicing in their victory! Thanks to the immense efforts of everyone, led by Ayla the Light Bringer (and the collective of fine warrior women who held the blade when they no longer could), we had defeated the demon horde against all odds! Two of the major demons were captured, chained with immense shackles so they could not escape. I was told that our next goal was to build a portal to send the creatures back to where they came from, banishing them from Osterra forever.

We returned to the tavern and rejoiced! We danced, we sang, we drank...it was a wonderful time. That feeling of euphoria after a hard-fought battle was incredible! I had never felt something like that before, something like pride in what I stood for. Maybe this was something I could do to make a difference?

Before I got TOO introspective, many great and powerful casters helped to activate a portal to throw the demons into. They were not too eager to go, let me say. One had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the ethereal passageway! They were adorned quite beautifully, and must have been a powerful noble in the demon’s lands. They almost took someone with them, but by nothing short of a miracle, the portal was shut off just in time.

The libations continued for quite some time after this, but first, something a tad unexpected happened. The Grove extended an offer: that I could join them as their sister. Bewilderment is a great word for what I felt. “Why me?” I kept thinking, over and over. Still, I just couldn’t bring myself to voice those concerns. Deep down, I wanted a place to belong. Somewhere where I could contribute towards a collective, towards a goal, towards peace.

We gathered in a copse, lit only by the full moon and the unity candle, our own smaller candles in hand. Gwion led us all in what she called a Unity Ritual. When new members wish to join The Grove, they undergo what can only be described as a deeply spiritual communion in order to formalize and solidify their bonds with the group.

It was...beautiful.

In my world, I had seen many rituals, but this one was on a whole different level. The many warriors and rogues of the grove, as well as our resident bard, took turns circling the central candle, chanting their vows. To be strength, to be cunning, to be wisdom. I was mesmerized. When it came time for me to circle, I was nervous as I had ever been. This was it. This is where I needed to decide to be who I need to be. That day, I became accepted as the White Witch of The Grove.

There’s a lot of pressure on me, as I am (currently) the only mage in our faction. However, I think I am finally ready. Ready to meet those expectations. Ready to live for a purpose greater than just myself.

I am ready to be great.

P.S. After the ritual, Jay and I decided to turn in for the night in our sanctuary. Apparently, some of the other warriors of Osterra were turned into werewolves??? And there was a huge fight while we were asleep???

What in the blazes have I gotten myself into!?

Journal of C@yfa Hemlock, Entry 2

The month of December, 2nd week, 1st year in Osterra

It’s been a while since I've written in this old thing. I swear, I have a decent excuse, though! Being the only witch in The Grove is a looooot of pressure, and I’ve been working my hardest to live up to expectations. To say that I feel like I need to do my best all times is an understatement! This is just like university, but now other people are actually counting on me…

Just breathe, Kaoife, you’re going to do great things! Just, don’t panic.

Don’t panic…

I’m going to just get to the recording-what’s-happened part of the journal entry. Let’s go through a quick rundown of the crazy events that have been transpiring around me. One day, I’m sure I’ll look back on these memories fondly!

First off, I began to study how magic in Osterra worked. Plenty of the fundamentals were easy enough to grasp, and the basics of the fabric of reality and mystical energy transferred over quite nicely from my studies back in my world. In Osterra, to give your magic a bit of oomph, you need to maintain a proper and well-kept spellbook. Writing your spells in arcane ink helps you manifest the words into power. If I get my spellbook in proper order, I should be able to actually cast spells! Me! Casting SPELLS! Oooh, boy! I am SO FLIPPING EXCITED!!!!! ❇💜❇

…

I swear I am a professional.

My studies and preparation were cut short, though, by another strange set of events. Firstly, I learned very quickly that this world not only has these peculiar “werewolves” flitting about the place, but there are apparently many, many were-creatures. It would only be a K-Fah problem that, after finally coming to terms with humans who transform into wolf-like creatures, I would then be forced to encounter humans that took on rat-like qualities instead. Now, you’d think that being part rat would make them less fearsome than the wolves. Disturbingly, this was not the case!

The Grove, along with several other factions, were invited to the bustling city of Tharroppolis, on the western coast of the main continent. We did not get to enjoy the sights long, though, as the people of Tharropolis needed help exterminating rats. Seemed a little intense to hire a group of deadly warriors to fight rats, but whatever.

Of course, we weren’t only there to play pest control. We also came to track down one of the only remaining demon generals. He had a funny name, like Ferdinand or something. I have no idea, frankly, but it sounded important. I did technically drown dozens of demons about a month before this, so I thought I may as well help finish the job. That, and I wasn’t going to leave my kindred spirits all alone!

We headed over to the entrance to the sewers of the city. Goddess, going into a grimy sewer while dressed in my premier white outfit was…not ideal. But, I wasn’t going to let a little grime stop me from helping the people of Tharropolis and my fellow members of The Grove!

Sir Thanos insisted upon going in, alone and unarmed, before anybody else. The man certainly is…bold? No no, that’s not quite right…Well, I’m sure the word will come to me eventually. From the entrance, we could make out the faint shapes of three humanoid creatures circling around the well–armored lord. Unfortunately, the man’s tongue is nowhere near as sharp as his blade, because those guys straight up killed him. I’m talking a brutal stabbing.

Oh no, who could have seen this coming?

Well, we all rushed in. There were far more of us than there were of these wererats, so it was not a particularly fair fight. However, some of them could really take a beating! Apparently, the longer you had been such a creature, the more resilient to the weapons of normal folk you became. Non-magical weapons would hardly do the trick against them!

I stayed towards the back, keeping an eye out on our rear and following the lead of the group. We encountered quite a few wererats and even some illithids (the scariest things I have ever seen in my life! Who the hell made squid people a thing 0.o) before making it to a different threshold. This was nothing like the separation between the surface and the sewers. This was far more…unnerving. I was told by Oonagh that what we were approaching was called the Underdark, a vast cavern underneath Osterra where a race of humanoids known as the Drow reside.

Drow, apparently, live in a very matriarchal society. Women are great councilors, queens, generals…all the positions of status, honor, and luxury. The men, well, they didn’t get such a lucky draw. The Drow’s culture actually reminded me of the tales that a certain member of our faction told me of the world she came from. An interesting parallel, to be certain! It makes my scholarly mind buzz with possibility. I can’t help but wonder if there are any people or places in Osterra that are similar to my own home!

Oh, right, Drow. Let’s just say the initial negotiations were not going very well. The Drow court, as mighty and imperious as they appeared, did not seem to intimidate some of our more…shall we say, brash warriors? A couple of them went directly into their court and started hacking, slashing, talking out of turn…Honestly! Do any of these fellows know how to treat a woman in charge? At first, I was just rolling my eyes at the arrogance of Sir Thanos and the others. Once I felt the air start to crackle and the hair on my neck stand up, I suddenly became more nervous. The Drow Queen radiated immense power. By just holding up her fingers, ready to snap at any moment, I could tell she was capable of wiping out every living thing in the room.

Talk about a role model 💜 No, bad K@efeh! Don’t make the murder woman your magical idol!

She was really cool, though…

Uh, anyways! It seemed like, with enough heckling from our level-headed members, me, and Oonagh (who had quite decisively appointed herself leader of this little expedition), Sir Tanos and the meatheads realized that threatening the reality-bending matriarch of a macabre underground society was not the best plan they’d ever had.

The negotiations were relatively short, after that. The Queen confirmed that the demon we were looking for came through there at some point. Score! Unfortunately, if we wanted to know the whole truth of the matter, we would all be forced to fight each other in a bloodsport. Entertainment in Drow society can be a bit dark. UNDERdark.

Heh, that’s not bad! If the whole witch thing doesn’t work out, maybe I can be the faction’s comedian?

So, we attempted the magical-crystal-kill-all-your-friends-for-pretty-ladies-game. It was just as violent as you would expect. The Grove did…well, some of us made it on the winning team, alright? That’s what counts!

I kind of lost track of what happened to the members who had been led onto the field of victory. I’m sure they had a lovely little recess with the Drow. Probably with tea and biscuits. Jealous!!

Anyways, a few of our Grovemates came back and reported that Fernando or whoever traveled across the ocean to one of the other continents. I mean, that’s fine, but that means we get to cross the ocean! On a ship! Honestly, I’ve never even been on a boat before, so this presents an exciting opportunity! I can take some research notes of the ocean up close and personal. I’ve read plenty of theories that stipulate primitive life and magic all originated deep in the ocean many moons ago. Maybe I’ll make my own arcane breakthrough while we travel~

That was about a month ago now. After the whole ordeal, I spent plenty of time laundering my favorite outfit to get the grime, blood, and crystal sparkles out. It was a nightmare! Ah, you know how it goes. High fashion comes at such high costs >.<

Soon after, I went right back to researching, of course. The Grove is a small faction land-and-resource-wise, and, as I recently learned, is relatively new to Osterra. Still, the information I could dig up was more than enough to get me started. Lady Gwion even introduced me to another Wizard who was happy to help me figure out the do’s and don’ts of proper spellbook etiquette!

I’ve been brainstorming the verbiage of my spells for quite a while now. Apparently, you have much more freedom in that department than I initially realized! In fact, personalizing a spell to your style can really help you memorize and cast more efficiently. I made sure to give each one I was attempting to learn that special Cæqhah Hemlock touch! I’m actually really proud of the words I’ve come up with~ However, I still have to commit to writing them down. I’m a little nervous about botching the whole thing. This spellbook needs to be absolutely perfect so that my spells don’t backfire, or fail to cast, or liquify someone!

At least, I think that can happen. I feel like you can never be too careful with magic!

In the first few days of December, some members of The Grove gathered for additional combat training. I decided to go, in spite of NOT being much of a warrior, to see what I could pick up. We used practice weapons and went at it for almost two hours straight. Oy vey, I sure did learn a lot.

First! Shields are not my forte.

Second! Just because we used practice weapons did not make the injuries less real.

Third! Those dedicated to the arcane arts cannot easily learn the healing spells the more clerical casters can. Those bruises are a lovely reminder of that…

Well, at least I got to have a good time. I learned plenty through observation as well as experience. I’m not one to hold a grudge, but I have to find a way to even the score a little bit! Amathien and I went 20 - 1 in her favor. And then there’s Ayla and I…on second thought, I don’t want to talk about it!

Later that week, only a short time after our previous adventure and training, I was informed that The Grove and the other factions would be participating in a sort of game for the local holiday, Trollsmas. Considering the last game we played in involved murder, I was a bit skeptical.

Bad news: the game still involved killing.

Good news: it was really fun and I finally got to kick some booty with my swordsmanship!

Here’s how it went down. We entered a portion of the inner continent known as the Yule Glade, likely named this because Yule regret setting foot in there unprepared :P As we found out from personal experience, a large group of trolls calls the glade their home. There, they prepare toys and gifts for the folks of the realm. Seems nice enough! However, some of them get a bit…overzealous. In exchange for gifts, they’ll often take what they please, cause property damage, and unwittingly terrify the folks of the lands.

So, that’s where we come in.

The first task of the day was to gather ribbons from the forests of the glade, then return them to our campsite to claim points. The faction with the most ribbons would gain control of the Yule Glade and it’s money-making potential! Of course, just finding the ribbons would be too easy. There were plenty of trolls in the forest, not to mention how hazardous the terrain itself was! Blazes, even the other factions presented danger, as anyone with a ribbon could challenge you to a duel for one of your ribbons!

The Grove determined beforehand who would be teaming up together, for it would be easier to cover more ground in pairs than it would be as a larger group. I was to go with Lady Gwion, Amathien guarded the lovely lady Potato, Ayla was flying solo, and Valos and Bee made up the last wonderful pair.

To decide who entered the forest first, all factions participated in a huge battle. The Grove was pumped and ready to go! We really made a killing~

Too bad that the goal was to die early so you could enter the forest first.

Whelp, we totally missed that part of the instructions >.<

So, yeah, we got in a little late. No big deal! There had to be something left in there, right?

That was pretty much what I was thinking as Gwion and I descended into the forest proper. We decided to avoid a large group of people by following a narrow, uphill path, hoping that not many folk had traveled this way yet. The forest was coated in dried, dead leaves, so minding one’s footing was incredibly important!

Up on the path, who would be engaged in combat with a troll but the “noble” Sir Tanos! Lady Gwion offered our assistance in dispatching of the colorful crimson-clad creature, which led to Tanos scuttling back towards us like a crab.

That was totally worth it~

With our combined efforts, we were able to slay the troll, who decried that we ruined “Chris Mass.” I don’t know who Chris is, but I hope he recovers soon!

The two of us decided to move on ahead, leaving the armor-clad Tanos in the dust. As we followed the narrow path, we simultaneously spotted a beautiful scarlet ribbon tied around the branch of a tree. We almost walked straight through a patch of thornbushes to get it, but it was fine! I grabbed the ribbon and we decided to hightail it back to the base before anybody attempted to take our ribbon. Lady Gwion graciously offered to stand as my representative in any duels we were challenged to. Is this what it feels like to be royalty??

As we followed the trail back, I learned that trolls don’t really “die.” The one we had dispatched with the Captain of The Caste had come back from the dead, just like that! He no longer held any interest in us, of course, as we had already proven our worth by defeating him in glorious combat! Or, maybe the poor guy was just burnt out from all the fighting. Who can say?

It was around this time that the peculiar necromancer Geth would make his appearance. He happily introduced us to his new friend, a “nice” troll! Unfortunately…nobody could speak troll, and that troll was certainly not speaking the common tongue.

I learned another two important things here. First, trolls can throw fireballs (is everyone a better spellcaster than me?????)! Lady Gwion protected me by sacrificing herself to the ensuing inferno.

Second, Geth is actually more villainous than I gave him credit for. He just watched as I struggled to fight off a troll that had a six-foot polearm while I was only equipped with two throwing daggers and a shortsword. What a jerk!

Well, no matter. Some other folks in the area rushed in to help, and we eventually defeated the beast. I felt really awful about what happened to Gwion, though. I wonder if I can come up with a spell to prevent such a thing from befalling my friends in the future?

Fortunately, I sat next to her for a minute or two and she was back to ship-shape! Osterra’s magic is so weird!!

We exited the forest proper and headed out onto the field of battle from the start. We met Ayla about halfway through the trip, who very directly asked to have our ribbon so that they could start dueling. I was apprehensive, but Gwion was all in on the idea. I couldn’t really argue with that enthusiasm! I handed over the ribbon and we watched as The Bringer of Light waited outside the forest for any adventurers who were hoping to submit their own ribbons.

Ayla beat the sense out of one poor soul. Then, another fella came by and actually won the duel (by a slim margin, might I add!). At least we still had one ribbon! Ayla handed back the ribbon, seemingly regretful they could not win more. I think they did an excellent job all the same!

As we started to make our way to the campsite, this Garron fellow approached us! He had a big tower shield, long-flipping weapon, chainmail and leather armor…also, he was kind of short. The guy challenged me to a duel over the ribbon! Can you believe the nerve? Challenging a girl who is not equipped for a fair fight over her only ribbon?

Fortunately, Ayla whacked the crap out of his backside while he was snidely issuing his challenge, so I did not have to fight him. Was that the most noble thing to do? No! Did I really mind? Also no!

It was decided that I should “haul ass” back to the base to submit our ribbon. I took off in a sprint towards the campsite, desperate to turn in at least one of these stupid things. Unfortunately, another warrior had cut me off and issued a duel. I really need to work on my cardio!

Ayla talked this guy out of fighting me instead of slaughtering him like Garron. That was really sweet of them! I have lots of great friends and bodyguards in The Grove~

We turned in the damn ribbon, which was far more trouble than it was worth, and then watched as more and more folks came back from the woods. I caught up with Amathien, Potato, and Valos and we shared how the search went. The rest of The Grove managed to bring back 5 more ribbons, bringing us to 6 in total!

Unfortunately for us, Black Sky had retrieved 13 RIBBONS! I’m still not sure whether to be impressed or disturbed at their dedication. That put us in a solid 3rd place, but that’s alright. We still did pretty well, and I personally had a lot of fun being babysat by two way more competent warriors!

After all of that, the traditional way to end Trollsmas is with a game of trollball. Just as dark as the magical-crystal-kill-all-your-friends-for-pretty-ladies-game, Trollball involved tossing the disembodied head of a troll into the opposing team's bucket to score points. Thank god they at least put the thing in a sack, because…ew. Just ew.

This game was much more interesting, though, as an enchantment on the playing field negated the effects of magic, armor, and other such natural abilities. Everyone was on a level playing field, and everyone had a one-handed sword. This was a game that I could play! Once you take away all of the armor and flair, I become something close to competent!

The teams had formed and the games had begun! The basic breakdown was Black Sky on one team, Thanos and Geth heading up a team together (are they friends?), and The Grove with a few nomads making up the last team. The games were all close and brutal, let me tell you! I am not the most athletic witch in the land, so pushing myself as hard as the team needed was very challenging. I played all kinds of different positions, from healer, to goalie, to skirmisher. I did best when I was picking people off when they least expected it. For some reason, people easily lost track of the witch wearing purple stripes and bright white clothing!

It was really a spectacle to behold. Some standout players were Amathien, who charged onto the field of battle every time she was starting. The lady locked down the middle fast, and it was remarkable how she was able to keep doing that throughout all of our matches! Ayla was a killer goalie, and just a killer in general. They barely let anyone get to the bucket when they were on the field. Valos and Gwion were excellent healers, bless them, and Bee did very well, too! Everyone gave it their all, which is something we should all be proud of!

On the opposing teams, there was a fellow named Riastrad who was able to steal the ball from the center consistently. That guy put in so much effort, it was scary! I liked the big Vidarian with the axe, too. He was fun to stab~ Also, I felt bad for this, but I killed one healer about 3 different times. It was a pretty good strategy to help us keep people off of the field, though, so I don’t feel too bad!

In one of our matches, we were faced with an overtime/sudden death situation! If we won, we could move on in the tournament! If we lost, we were out for the count. After the battle had been raging for quite some time, I was finally able to get out on the field. The opposing team was in shambles, while at least three of our players (me included) were still in play. I managed to grab the ball and run it towards the opposing goal.

There stood Tanos, wearing his imposing armor (in spite of its uselessness in the game), guarding the goal. He was certainly taller and wider than I was. However, he was just as vulnerable as me, which meant I had a chance. I decided to rush him. I don’t really know what overcame me, but I stabbed the man in the chest, bellowing, “Get out of my way!” The shock on his face was palpable, and he shouted out in confusion as I maneuvered around him to score the winning goal!

I didn’t realize how frightening I had been, because after the tournament concluded, Tanos came to talk about how the frail little witch scared the piss out of him with that assault. I don’t think anybody had complimented me quite like that before! I kind of liked it~ I wonder what else I can do to psyche out our opponents in battle?

Oh right, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. Team Geth claimed victory in the end. For being the guy that almost everyone hates, he sure is good at what he does. I don’t personally dislike him, but I need to think about that whole troll ordeal for a bit longer…

So, the event ended with no overall victories for The Grove, but everyone seemed proud of the effort they put in! We put up a hell of a fight, and that is good enough for me. Some of the other members even told me I did a good job during the trollball match!

I don’t survive off of the praises of others, but I certainly won’t complain when compliments comes my way~

With the event over, we’re nearly all caught up, diary journal! With renewed confidence, I have been diving into magic more and more. I haven’t actually tried the casting part out yet, but I have begun material component and spellbook preparation. The next time I am called upon to help The Grove, I should be able to finally provide some mystical assistance! I’ll be able to cast SPELLS!!! Now I just have to get a lovely victim volunteer for my very first cast~ And, who knows, maybe one day I can scare the plate off of Tanos again when I finally figure out how to throw lightning!

P.S. I almost forgot! While we were exploring to expand the territory of The Grove, we happened to meet a group of adventurers. Lady Gwion, embodying the true benevolence of The Grove, wished to settle our meeting peacefully by offering to hire the mercenaries.

This noble action did earn us some new land and new allies! However, we also lost an enormous amount of money for the initial hiring costs. This was when I, and perhaps the rest of The Grove, realized that Lady Gwion comes from a world with no concept of currency. We…may need to be more careful with negotiations in the future. :P

Journal of <ai9huh Hemlock, Entry 3

The month of May, 3rd week, 1st year in Osterra

Good Goddess, I sure have been busy lately! After crossing the ocean to find Ferdinand, messing with scavengers, _{getting cursed}, and fighting a death cult, I’ve been a little…preoccupied.

First off, Sir Artorias and I have been pulling double duty researching the new creatures of Osterra. Kraken, Lobster-folk, Cactus Trolls…all kinds of weird things seem to lie beyond the borders of continental Nova Regnus! I’m so happy to be apprenticing under Sir Artorias, so I really can’t complain. After all, he’s so noble, cool, kind, and knowledgeable about many things, both natural and supernatural! I really look up to him, so hopefully my researching skills have been even the tiniest bit useful to him and the rest of the realm. He’s really taken me under his wing, so to speak, and I feel like I’m really starting to get a handle on this whole monster hunting thing!

Furthermore, The Grove has made movements to the aptly named Cactus Island off of our coasts. It seems to be a good halfway point between us and the mostly unexplored vastness of Mundus Ferox.

More importantly though, THE CACTUSES!!!!

Or cacti? Cactodes? Cacteese? Ah whatever!

Those plants are fascinating! I’ve been messing with them for weeks now! Sturdy, well-built flora with natural spines are already fascinating, but the fact that they only grow in deserts, which are often completely inhospitable to plant life? Talk about FLIPPING FASCINATING~~~~~~~

From what I’ve gathered so far, the spines not only taste awful, but really hurt! Even if you boil them, they don’t do much but cause pain. I guess that means that the pointy bits really are purely for defense, and don’t seem to harbor even an ounce of magic. Picking those off of my tongue was not fun, but for research, sacrifices are to be made.

The cactus itself is quite tough to chew, and rather…well frankly, they’re gods awful. I understand why Cactus trolls prefer rocks over these things any day! Worst of all, even after the excessive vomiting, I couldn’t detect any magical energy from these bitter buds! Bleh!! Raw cactus is just horrific!

Now, Cooking the cactus did improve its flavor. I experimented for quite some time on how to prepare the prickly plants, and found that, with the right ingredients and methods, one could make cactus taste pretty appealing! After a while, though, I kind of realized that I…got distracted. I was trying to prove that cacti had magical properties, NOT that they were delicious!

I prodded around with the inside of a cactus, cutting cross-sections in one, while slowly peeling away layers in another. The cactus itself is rather fascinating! They have specialized tissues that seem to retain water extremely well, making it so that the cactus itself can store and thrive with little to no rainfall all on its own. Groundwater and other basic sources of moisture seem to allow the cactus to carve out a path of its own. It’s almost like some sort of…complex enchantment. Can you imagine how much we could do if we unraveled this ancient, powerful spell? Water skins that can refill, purify, and retain water with just a simple dusting? Spells that let us waterproof a structure by reversing the cactode’s effects? Heck, even making a bountiful forest on barren land!? The Green Goddess has truly blessed us with such a precious island overflowing with such mystifying plants!

I mean, I still haven’t figured out how the magic works, but…I’ll get there! I hope.

Of course, I got a liiiiiiiittle carried away with the island. My research was chugging along at an expert pace considering all of the violent upchucks, but then I realized that I…was supposed to help the realm in Vetus Mundi. Shivershits.

So I hopped on the nearest vessel and made it over to the mainland, then rode over the west coast, then across the sea to the rest of my companions. Goddess, it had been well over a month! Apparently, there were corrupted elves at a fort? Some of them were really strong mages, too! I checked in with my kindred of The Grove and quickly got to work seeking out the elven sisterhood I was told so much about. Unfortunately, they seemed rather…reluctant…to share their secrets with me. It’s just like the Risa Fae all over again! What is it with uber-powerful and wizened beings and having a general dislike of me? Is it because I talk too fast? Or maybe it’s my clothes? Nah, everyone loves a fun hat! Maybe my love of magic is too offputting?

Well, whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to talk to me about their actual magic, so I settled for other research instead. Their culture, people, style…everything they would talk with me about, I wrote down and committed to the memory banks! Their sense of style is absolutely impeccable! I mean, purple, silver, gold, and sparkly? What an aesthetic~~~~ I felt right at home!

As the days marched onwards, the Osterrans had gathered some of their bravest fighters to forge ahead into the forests of Misriki, the elves guiding them along. I tagged along too, of course, but…well…I didn’t really end up leaving our camps much. I was a little…preoccupied with other such interesting research topics.

You see, at one point, Nargrax came to visit me in my quarters. I thought it was most unusual for him to take an active interest in my research, so we chatted for quite some time about the topic of his interest. While we had dis ed me helping him with a little… of his in the past, I thought it would be quite some time until we could make some headway on it. However, he seems to have a lead on a particular cre hoping to find in order for my research to enter the “active experimentation” phase. Oooooooh! It gets me so excited just thinking about what I could potentially do with a few samples of

Ah, Goddess above! I spilled my drink on this damn thing. Ugh, that’s really not coming out, is it? Flip it all…

Whatever. In other news, Illithids? Illithids.

Ever since my most interesting encounter with the creature’s while assisting Black Sky out in the field, I’ve been somewhat, um, obsessed! I HAVE to figure out by what fascinating and unknown magics they are able to subvert the willpower of a living creature with just a single, simple touch! I mean, what?? I remember it feeling like awful, inky black tentacles were wrapping around my brain, squeezing what little resistance I could muster clean out of me before everything got hazy. That…that is incredible magic. Imagine what could be done if I could master it?? Heeeeee…the thought is exhilarating!!!!!

While my research has thus far been book based, and somewhat unwittingly aided by my apprenticeship under Artorias, I have not seen hide nor hair - no, wait, tentacles! Not hair - of the Illithids since our encounter in January. That all changed very, very suddenly, though!

I was out assisting Black Sky again, as working closely with Artorias and the others has proved to be both incredibly fun and beneficial to myself and The Grove. On our adventure, we encountered three haggard people, who instantly reminded me of the wizened, dusty-skinned men who tricked Brennan, Zenric, and me long ago. These Illithids were searching for Zio. Apparently, he had stolen something of great importance to the Illithids known as the Elder Brain? This told me two things.

1. Mages with great tastes in hats really have a lot in common!

2. Zio studies Illithids and he never even mentioned it to me????????????

In my excitement, I may have…accidentally mentioned that I was…friends with him. In the moment it felt right, okay? The Illithids seemed keen on getting the facts out of my poor noggin, but Brennan would not allow them near. He really is a great fella!

After much debate, Riastrad allowed the creatures to search his mind instead. That worked out well because, as I gratefully recall, Riastrad was mostly absent from our adventures in the new lands! Thank the goddess for that one!

As a reward, I totally convinced the Illithids to give me part of their tentacles! While I’m not violent by nature, I would have liked a more…complete sample? But it wasn’t in the stars. At least Black Sky let me keep the tentacle! I’m sure Artorias will want updates on my research, which I will gladly give! Mostly.

Afterwards, Riastrad offered to let me study his decapitated head and brain to learn even more about Illithids. Talk about a sweet score! I’d get a fresh specimen and be able to be one of those cool witches with a brain in a jar??? AMAZING~~~~~~~~

Amathien was more than happy (actually, was she happy?) to rend Riastrad’s head from his body. Then, Artorias held it steady while I yanked at the brainstem. I should have worn gloves, though, because all that came out was a viscous stew of what was once (I assume) perfectly functional brain matter. Artorias must have seen some awful things as a witcher, because he hardly flinched. He just uttered a sigh of restrained disappointment.

Either Illithid magic LITERALLY scrambles your brain, or Illithids are clever enough to put a failsafe on their puppets in case a crafty witch tries to pry. No matter which it was, I don’t have much more to go on than this tentacle. I’ll make sure to ward it up nice and safe and hope that Illithids and starfish have nothing in common!

I did approach Zio about working on Illithid research together, especially because he has a fully intact and super cool Elder Brain! I’m still not entirely sure what that is, but I bet it’s super amazing and magical!!!

In fact, I went out on a little adventure to help him move the brain! Much to my surprise, many members of The Grove, like Lady Gwion, Amathien, and Ayla, as well as others, like Ristrad, tagged along as well! It was pretty wild! I remember killing Kobolds and Illithids, then transporting that brain all the way to a safer place! Though I…can’t seem to recall exactly where we placed it? Also I thought it was sort of…strange. The Illithids’ corpses were totally gone by the time I went back looking for them! It couldn’t have been THAT long since we moved the brain, but I…huh. I guess it was just late and I lost track of time?

Either way, Zio HAS to make me a research partner after that little performance, I’m sure! Working with someone who GETS how cool that magic is, and finally unraveling some real arcane secrets…it sounds so flipping incredible!! And with that, I’ll be one step closer to-

Well, I wouldn’t want to jinx myself. That’s better left as a surprise, don’t you think? ;)

I was so preoccupied with cacti, rituals, Illithids, and more that I hardly left the tent. I mostly just left to check in with Sir Artorias and Lady Gwion at the makeshift tavern we had constructed. I even made a new friend in Kython, a half-dragon humanoid! I love making new friends so much~~~~

Also, he may be useful in…future research, let’s say!

Besides that, I did step outside long enough to go on a stroll through Misriki with The Grove. We searched high and low for spirits with this really cool goat fairy named Julius! I believe he is a satyr, or something like that? A very interesting fellow, with a love for games and riddles! Totally my type of pal!! He especially appreciated our faction’s commitment to honoring the forest and venerating the Green Goddess~~

It did so happen, though, that I came out during the time when the forest was literally, LITERALLY, trying to rip people apart. The trees and vines writhed around in the darkness surrounding us, snaking at our ankles or grasping at our necks. It was a waking goddess-damn nightmare! It’s no wonder I wanted to spend the whole time researching…

I resisted the urge to warp and decay the trees themselves to get them to leave us alone. I didn’t want to make a horrible impression with the elves, but the forest…it was so hungry and scary…I was really close to doing it anyway. Thinking back on it just…Bleh! I’m so glad that’s over now!

I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t mess with the forest, because the elves barely found us worthy of continuing our journey for the Celestial Key. Whoo, thank the Goddess all was okay! Even better than okay, actually. The spirit of Sylvia herself apparently manifested before Lady Gwion, granting her both knighthood and the Celestial Key!

I’m so happy for her, I could cry! She truly is the most noble and amazing leader in the realms!! She always looks out for us and the refugees of Osterra, and has so much wisdom and patience! I wish I could have seen the ceremony myself. Our noble leader, so humble and kind, being granted such high honor by one of the most legendary paladins of the realm…huh. Some part of me finds it…strangely easy to visualize the ordeal. How odd!

Now that we are guarding the Celestial Key, my Vigilant warding efforts are more important than ever! Thank goodness I worked out that spell a while ago! I appreciate Sir Artorias helping me get the ropes on that one~~

All I have to do is not experiment with the key.

That’s right! No…playing around. Figuring out just how magical it is. Or maybe who made it. Nope.

It has an interesting name, I will say. A Celestial Key! Celestial has to do with the stars, yeah? Haha, what a coincidence! I mean, I get my magic from the stars and my friends! Hmm, So maybe…

Maybe…

Nah. I’ll be a good witch. For the sake of Osterra and The Grove.

But would anyone really notice if I…took it for a spin?

Journal of Ke|f* Hemlock, Entry 4

The month of July, 3rd week, 1st year in Osterra

So…I made a series of interesting decisions since we left the Elven forests of Misriki. During our travels in June towards the orclands and Three Peaks, the supposed resting place of another celestial key, the knights of the realm decided we should review the basics of combat. I’ve been told that mastering those small, reflexive parts of the battle can really up your fighting game, but…I’d really prefer to leave the heavy combat to the armored monoliths I hide behind. I’m good with using support spells, and occasionally releasing the wrath of The Green Goddess upon our foes. My weapon skills have been mostly neglected since I’ve been able to feed my obsession interest in magic. Whoops! My old instructor sure would be ticked…

Still, that training day did teach me something surprisingly valuable! As it turns out, the application of a spell can be way more important than the simple benefit it confers! Or, in other words, even a weak spell can totally shift the tide of a battle when used by a wise witch :3

Amathien, Do’su, Kython, Elora (she’s new!), and I formed a team for a training scenario Sir Tanos cooked up. We entered a tight corridor, with high walls on either side. Enemies were perched high above us, pelting us with a barrage of rocks and arrows, which was not exactly my idea of a fun time! Worst of all, they were so high up that only a well-placed spell would do anything.

Too bad I can’t really…cast any offensive spells. The Goddess’ blessing of decay does NOT work if people are just pushing loads of rocks onto you!

Note to self: I wonder if I could enhance that spell to decay other natural materials…

Well, no matter! Amathien’s shield proved to be indispensable in protecting us less armored folk from such a deadly ordeal. After struggling to push forward together, we finally arrived at something I was qualified to deal with: a Ward! It seemed pretty imposing, about as good of a ward as I could create, but it wasn’t impenetrable. My little ritual to break apart that spell was going pretty well! Until I was stabbed.

Who hides spears inside of walls!? That’s just messed up!

Luckily, my own magical armor did a good job of keeping me nice and safe. Mostly. I still needed a bit of a pick-me-up from our resident healer at the moment. Kython was more than happy to get my arm fixed up so I could finish banishing that ward to…wherever broken wards go, I guess. Perhaps a happy farm?? Or a really big treasure chest in the sky???

Aaaaaaanywas, beyond the ward was quite the sight! Nargrax and Dima had teamed up to guard our way out of here, standing right in front of a trap that Elora needed to examine and disarm for us. What followed was perhaps one of the strangest bits of slapstick comedy mixed with a deadly combat that I have ever borne witness to. While Amathien and Do’su attempted to block off and divert strikes from both proud warriors, Elora attempted to squeeze UNDERNEATH their flurry of swords and shields to get a close look at that trap. This seemed to go on and on for ages due to how difficult it was to inch closer with the two warriors holding their ground steadfast at the trap’s location. Luckily, I had a plan!

I would simply impart the blessing of the Goddess onto Nargrax’s wonderful shield 0u0

In other words: rot the straps off of everything that man owns.

It is very fortunate that Nargrax’s shield is large enough for me to nail with magical energy! Thoroughly unequipped, Nargrax decided to excuse himself from the action.

The trap was disarmed, the golden warrior was dispatched, so surely the rest of this would be quite simple, yes?

No. No, of course not. After all, Dima is a freaking one-man army!

Do’su and Amathien worked together to try and defeat the dual-wielding maniac before us, but it was slow going. Dima gave absolutely no quarter, and took every advantage to strike at whatever limb he could see. This is why I tend to avoid the fighting parts, by the way…

As the battle raged on, Amathien had given me an unexpected request: her armor was in need of repair, and she wanted me to fix it. Well, I must say, I’ve been able to repair armor for many, many moons now, but I’ve never actually gotten to do it in the heat of combat! Still, I was relatively safe in this tight corridor behind the Shield of Syliva and the Blade of a..Baker(?), so I channeled the power of love into my body. With my command, magic wreathed around her plate, repairing every bit of damage Dima had done on the spot.

Though our communication started off a bit clumsy, we soon fell into a rhythm. This spell of white magic, so simple in its aims, was instrumental in keeping Amathien in good shape to win the war of attrition with Dima! Hahaha, who knew I could feel THIS useful?? If I could master this level of teamwork with other members of The Grove…I shudder to think of how effective we’d be as a unit~~~~ (but, like, a good shudder, ya know?)

Eventually, the efforts of our noble warriors stopped Dima in his tracks, and we managed to finish the training module with excellent timing! Talk about a flipping rush of joy!! I was overjoyed that our team worked so well together. Between the healing arts of Kython, the swift disarming by Elora, and the dual-leadership of Amathien and Do’su, we really kicked some butt! I even felt like my studies had begun to pay dividends. The White Witch of The Grove may earn that title yet~~~

Training went on for many days after this. After all, our contingent needed to better understand how to take advantage of each other’s strengths and cover our allies weaknesses while in the heat of battle. It seemed like we were getting pretty pumped up to start investigating the plains before us, until…The White Ravens came forward about some unusual happening on the eastern shores. Apparently, some pirates had been causing issues near the White Ravens settlement. This itself was not unusual. After all, The Principality of Nuln was nearby, and not every “privateer” was as good-intentioned as the few we met upon our arrival in these lands.

Things became more interesting when we were informed that these pirates were not exactly alive, nor dead. I believe everyone’s collective thoughts began to drift to Geth, but apparently, these undead were a bit different than usual. Much less like skeletons, they were more like the semi-rotted corpses of humans. Unlike the typical zombie, though, they were apparently intelligent enough to speak, crew a ship, and fight as a unit.

Well, talk about strange! Not everyone was interested in joining the White Ravens on this adventure. The Cast insisted on staying back to both monitor the situation in the Plains of Sorrow, as well as stay vigilant in the plains west of The Great Forest. Most of Black Sky was off managing their newly-formed continental route over Nova Regnus. Grimfrost was off doing…whatever they do, I guess. Honestly, I still don’t have a read on them.

I was more than happy to tag along. After all, Terra is a very close friend and associate of mine here in Osterra! I couldn’t let one of my magical buddies go at a group of surly undead swashbucklers without backup~~ Fortunately, a small contingent of The Grove saw that helping the White Ravens was well worth our time, so we had solid force to back up the expedition!

What nobody could have anticipated is that some newcomers had recently arrived in Vetus Mundi through a ferry. Oh, sorry, SOME is an understatement.

There was an absolute frackload of fresh adventurers near our destination.

Aspiring wizards trying to find their place, a few sea-farers hoping to get in on the action, an interesting nomad flinging about pelts of beasts he had slain…Heck, there was even an entire contingent of bee-striped folk here to claim treasure and glory. Goddess above, what a mess!

Still, I guess meeting some new allies is nothing to complain about! After all, Ferdinand is quite the obstacle. With enough bodies brave adventurers to throw at him, he’ll have to go down eventually!

After meandering about a bit and chatting with new and old friends alike, the mage’s guild decided to host another meeting. It was wonderful to see so many new faces among our recruits! It seems that the alluring draw of magic is only becoming more potent in Osterra as time goes on~~

It was my great honor and pleasure to have Oonagh join us as a priestess of the Green Goddess! It turns out that she wanted to better learn how to harness the magic that she had been blessed with. And. She wanted to learn. From. Me. ME!!! Can you believe it?????????? I mean, she’s been in Osterra for sooooooo much longer than little ol’ me! It’s like taking my big sister on as an apprentice! Oh Goddess, it really just hit me again how wild it is that someone else in The Grove has a fine taste for the arcane~~~

Actually, I guess she’s not the only one! Kython had also approached me about a bit of collaborative effort. He saw the way my staff glistens with arcane energy, and wished to learn such power for himself! While the fairies had been happy to teach him spells aligned with a druid and healer, he figured it would be simpler to go right to the source for this one!! And I can’t say I disagree with that assessment, either~~~

So…yeah. I’ve got three two apprentices to keep track of now! How wild is that?? Haha! Heh…

No pressure.

After amassing on the shore and organizing, it was time for us to sail the seas! According to the White Ravens, the pirates were coming from an island wreathed in rain, fog, and general grossness not far from our location. Thus, everyone split into crews and claimed a boat. The Grove’s contingent, backed by a few highly…intriguing nomads…crewed up a much smaller vessel than everyone else. Why do I always get stuck on the tiny, vulnerable boats??

We were a bit later getting onto the waves due to the difficulties of sailing in choppy water. By the time we caught up with the other ships, they were fully engaged with the undead crew. Some of them ran across the waves, threatening to pick off anyone onboard who was distracted, while others sailed a small vessel of their own to board and raid the larger ships. Thankfully, most of the pirates didn’t notice our diminutive ship sneaking by. A few stray pirates tried to swipe at our crew, and a very boisterous dwarf was killed and dragged into the depths below. Yeah..definitely dragged…

After a well-placed lightning bolt from the Sword of Sylvia, one of the skeletons was dispatched.

Oh yeah, did I write that down yet? I finally used the Sword of Sylvia!!!!!

I figured that a holy relic such as that would be exceedingly effective against the undead we’d be facing, so I conferred with my kindred and they agreed that I should wield the blade! I’ve been putting that one off for a while. I mean, you know…there’s now way around it. Most of my life, I’ve been a failure. My own parents cast me aside, my teachers belittled me, even my peers turned away from me…all because I couldn’t conjure the smallest spark of magic back in my home old world.

Ever since I arrived in Osterra, though, things have changed. I’ve been able to find the power of magic, to experience it, for the first time in my life. Here, the Celestial Goddess’ blessing finally reached me. The stars shimmer with a bounty of magic, ripe for the weaving! Furthermore, I’ve been able to power my magic through a powerful, yet unorthodox source: love. Here in Osterra, the bonds I forge and the connections I make give my magic the extra oomph it needs to shape the starlight within me~~

Suffice it to say…I’ve grown a lot. I went from flunky to accomplished witch over this past year, and my knowledge has actually made a difference. This time, a positive one!! I felt it in my heart that I could wield that blade with no fear. I just wish that Lady Gwion could have seen me do it…

The Grove’s lovely leader had a bit of an accident recently. I…I can’t write this right now. Later, I’ll leave a postscript. It…weighs on my heart heavily. Very heavily.

To the matter at hand, then. I need to focus on keeping a good record. >.<

As we felled more and more pirates on the open seas, we happened upon a scrap of parchment that one of the skeletonized fiends held on their person. Jay was kind enough to fly it over to me so I could examine it. Apparently Geth loaned her some powerful fairy wings?? I knew he wasn’t all bad ^u^

The paper, adrift in the waves, was actually a weathered map, detailing the location of the purported Treasure of Santiago. I don’t know who this Santiago guy was, but my guess was that he was one of the pirates. While I wouldn’t describe myself as treasure obsessed, it was increasingly clear to me that these pirates were likely preserved by some sort of powerful, bewitching spell. You know what that means!

Magic treasure!!!!!!!

Under my advice, the crew landed on the northwestern shore of the island, which was closest to our destination. After tying up the boat, I informed our party that we were searching for an old grove of small trees. That would be the resting place of the chest!

We began our trek into the island proper. There were many words to describe such a place. Wet, humid, slimy, wretched…I think I’ll settle for the best descriptor: odious. The air was too still. Not a breeze blew, though we were upon an island by the sea. The scent of stagnant, muddy water was only overshadowed by a slightly sweet smell of rot. I don’t know how necromancers get used to that! It was so gross >n<

As we picked our way through the path, Amathien at the head, Bee and Kython posted at the rear, and Xune and I taking up the middle with our myriad crew of new companions, we saw some significantly more bony foes awaiting us. They were sturdy for being calcium-cretins, that’s for sure! Before long, we were fighting a gruesome war of attrition. Our knives and pokes did nothing against them, and I had used up all of the energy the Sword of Sylvia was willing to lend me. Even my reserves of Repair Minor were starting to wane with how much armor I was fixing! That’s when the skeletons fell back and disengaged.

I hadn’t the time to think about it, though. My first inclination that something was wrong was that foul…whispering. It was just like that time I was cursed by demons, or even similar to when the Illithids held me in their grasp. An invader had entered my mind, twisting my passions. Looking back now, it seems obvious that the island was doubtlessly cursed, not just the pirates!

My desire to find that chest, and my desire to put down others in my path, were intensified ten fold. Where I had once seen friends, I now saw competition…doubters…enemies. I quickly scurried to my own crew, now wary of the other Osterrans who had come in behind us. I was having none of that, no ma’am! Having foes to your back is just foolish!

The curse had clearly affected everyone. Eyes became shifty as everyone tried to size up friend from foe. The tension was high as we bickered back and forth between a group headed by Terra. I found no kindness in her eyes, and I doubt I had any to return her. After a moment’s hesitation, Amathien did something unexpected. She allowed our competition to strike out ahead of us. I mean, that’s one way to keep foes off your back, but still!!

We stepped to the side and allowed the much larger contingents to push ahead towards the heart of the island, and undoubtedly closer to the pirates deep within. I was completely confounded by this strategy, until our Dwarven friend from before (now much less dead) beckoned us over to the foliage further off the path. He revealed that he had happened upon a treasure chest by wandering off-path further ahead, and sneakily dragged it back to us. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed a chest in an old grove of trees, so…Huzzah! Our group took a moment to confer, patch up injuries, and carry the booty (hah) out of the woods.

Upon reaching the mouth of the forest and the start of the shores, however, we were attacked from behind. To my surprise, it was not this dreaded Santiago or his pirates again. This time, it was a smaller force that had been sent back from the folks we let pass us. They were told their goal was to stop us at all costs. As our companions carted the chest away, Amathien and I stayed back to hold them.

Well, they should have sent some better equipped troops! Amathien felled a knight clad in white in mere moments. Then, she used her shield to block shots from an errant archer who had sequestered themselves in the forest. Vidar was blocking the path with his shield, making our approach difficult.

It’s a good thing I had been frugal! I had one last cast

Of the Goddess' Blessing of Decay >:3

Though it took me some time to charge the negative energies required to sling this one, I was perfectly safe behind Amathien. A buzzing orb of power in my hand, I looked at Vidar and cast it right into his shield. The poor guy didn’t know what hit him! Thoroughly, unequipped, I bid Amathien to rush in and end them while they were weakened. We did so with little difficulty and hurried to join the rest of our group.

It took us some time to haul our spoils up the shore and to the boat, but once onboard, everything else was smooth sailing! Once we arrived in port, we swung by Pie-Rat Industries to get some help with this chest. Xune had already been stabbed and poisoned by one trap so…we figured she could use some help from a professional. Fortunately, Trez was more than happy to oblige us!

After Bee and I thoroughly scanned the chest for signs of cursed energy or magic, Trez started cracking locks and disarming traps one-by-one. Inside, we found many things! A chest of valuable gems, a pouch heavy with coin, and a beautiful ring (which I claimed fast) awaited us within. There was also a rat (the Dwarf’s preferred prize) and a snake (which Kython gladly adopted). All in all, we made out quite well! Amathien convinced (read: demanded) that the chest of gems go to the Goddess. The loners who had joined us had little to say about that, which worked well for the large contingent of The Grove that made up our crew! Everyone else got a fair share of the coins.

Amathien and the others trusted me to get Trez to appraise the gemstones we acquired. I’ll admit, I was tempted to…misplace some of them. After all, I could probably use such pristine crystals in all sorts of experiments on Cactus Island! Oonagh must have caught wind of that, however, and decided to stalk follow me closely while I turned the gems in. I did sneak a particularly pretty one to Terra, though, as a sign of good will for my good friend~~~ UwU

All in all, The Grove found massive success for the day! Bee and Kython kept our combatants up and healthy, Xune helped with initially opening and examining the loot, and Jay was instrumental in our high-seas adventure and in tending to the Phoenix (I guess I didn’t notice her slip away…). Hopefully all that gold we hauled in can go to good use!!

Another exciting development happened right towards the ends of our escapades. A traveler, quite fresh to the realms, had approached me with a desire to become my apprentice!! Another one for KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAfu 0u0 (That one was obnoxiously long…)

I was extra surprised she wanted to learn from me considering that I…accidentally…turned her into a plant. I guess fae folk really do have more levity about such whimsy and pranks! I think we’re going to get along absolutely swimmingly

:333333

Things are looking up right now as we make camp, heading back towards the planes to regroup with our travelling companions.

And yet…something grips me. Holding me far too tight in the cold embrace of nightfall. By the sparkling starlight of my Light spell, I’ve been writing. But I…I didn’t just want to write about my recent journeys with my friends…About the good times and the silly antics…

…

…………………………

………………………………………..

I need to get this off my heart. I’m tired of just hurting. I know my sisters, my brothers, my kindred…they too, feel pain. But I’m…not strong. Not like them.

My magic comes from the stars and from my bonds. The connections I’ve made vary in strength, for certain. While some people in Osterra are my mere acquaintances, others have become friends. Few have become confidants. And fewer still have become as powerfully important as Lady Gwion. She had welcomed me into The Grove, she worked tirelessly to break the curse on corruption that consumed me, and she always strove to defend me in battle. She was is a sister, a role model, to me. I was on the far side of camp, reorganizing my alchemical reagents and spell components. Night was swiftly catching up to us as The Grove finished setting up camp. From behind me, I heard merry laughter as my companions skittered about.

Without warning, my hands froze. I felt a sudden absence in myself, an emptiness. It was like the air was knocked out of me all at once.

It was the feeling of a bond…severing.

My skin was crawling and frigid, my heart rapid. I turned swiftly. Trez, Elora, Oonagh, Amathien, Jay, Nargrax…but not her.

I couldn’t see her. I couldn’t feel her.

My mind had a singular question, which had rebelliously escaped my lips in a haggard rasp.

“Where is she?”

I sprung to action, my hand darting to the knife I keep in my boot. A reflex, I guess. After all the training with “wands” I had…It’s my second nature to use blades before magic.

I wasn’t the only one to take notice.

Nargrax had hurriedly begun searching the rocks and trees nearby for any signs of a perpetrator. Jay and Oonagh were close together. One somber, the other seething. A quiet fury had consumed my partner, but I was too preoccupied to stop. I rushed over to where they all were and felt it. There was a subtle vibration in the air, too subtle for someone unattuned to the arcane to feel it. A great spring of energy had just shot up in this area, and now Gwion was nowhere to be seen.

I asked Nargrax what he saw. He didn’t stop his search, nor even look at me. “There was a portal.” He said, few of words. I could only imagine what was going through my oldest companion’s head right now. I left him be.

By now, the stirring and commotion had spread to the rest of our friends. Everyone began to cope in their own way. Some used words, others searched restlessly, some communed with powers higher than us…but not me.

I was possessed. It felt a lot like that time, back in my old world. It seems so long ago, now. I did it once, I bet I could do it again.

Nobody noticed as I slipped away, hurriedly making my way towards a dusty outcropping beyond the borders of our camp. My fist gripped the blade in my hand, my knuckles bone-white. A sliver of moonlight reflected off of the steel, slicing through the darkness.

I breathed in deeply, then moved quickly. I let some blood.

Methodically, I traced the oozing, vermilion liquid around me, forming a perfect circle. I didn’t know much about portals, but that ritual had not left me. If I could just do it again, I could…I might…I would…

My thoughts went blank as I traced the runes into the earth below me. The world around me was drowned out by the boundless silence within my body. I felt the stars, peeking out from the darkened sky, blanket me in their power. I closed my eyes and started chanting. The pain in my palm was throbbing, but I refused to let it distract me.

I felt magic course through me. I was a conduit. I was its shaper. I focused with all my might, everything I had. I had to try. I had to. What good is magic if it can’t save them? My family?

The blood, the dirt, the runes…it began to shine. Then, there was nothing. The energy escaped my body, suffused the dirt, but it…it wasn’t enough.

I still wasn’t enough.

…………………………………………

I kicked dirt over my ritual site, frustration boiling over. It was in that moment of clarity I knew what I did, what I had thought, was childish. I never opened that portal in my old world. It was impossible. I was just in the right place at the right time. Even after how much I have grown, I still couldn’t make one. Even if I succeeded…there’s no guarantee I’d find Lady Gwion. In all likeliness, I’d end up just as lost as I was upon my arrival to Osterra.

Tears fell from my face as the feelings boiled over. I rummaged around in my bag until I found a bandage. As I gazed upon it, I remembered. Lady Gwion had given me this. She made several for us, just in case of emergencies. She knew how to treat the wounded on the battlefield, and offered one of her tools to me, just in case.

Strangely, a smile formed on my lips. It’s like she was watching over me, though she was far away.

I took care to bandage my cut and return to camp. By now, the commotion had died down, for the most part. Forlorn faces fell upon my kindred. We all knew, we all felt, what a great loss this was.

I immediately sat down and reached for my experiments journal. Someone, I don’t remember who, asked me what I was doing.

All I could say was, “Thinking.”

I scribbled rapidly, ideas pouring from me like the ink from my quill. There were other ways to do this. I had to augment my power, or perhaps someone else’s, to help her. Many ideas crossed my mind.

Nargrax was transported here by a dragon, and the newly conquered dragon we met supplied us with a few samples of blood. I knew he cared just as much, maybe even more, about Lady Gwion’s well-being. Perhaps our experiment could help bring her back…

In the meantime, the Illithids seem to know their fair share about magic and portals. Perhaps my research into mind control should shift focus, ever so slightly. Maybe…I can use their Elder Brain to get the knowledge I seek. I should see Zio at once about this.

I have one final idea, though Lady Gwion would not approve. I know that Geth is something called a “Planeswalker.” Whatever that is, it means he knows how to travel between worlds. If that is a skill that can be learned, perhaps I need to strike a bargain with him. Though I doubt Lady Gwion would allow me to take such a risk…she’s not exactly here to stop me.

I’m not strong. But I’m crafty. I’m bright. I’m determined. And I will become strong. No matter the cost.

Goddesses above and devils below, witness my resolve.

Kaoife Hemlock

White Witch of the Grove

Journal of Qeph() Hemlock, Entry 5

The month of February, 4th week, 2nd year in Osterra

It has been many, many moons since I last wrote in this journal. As I hold it in my hands, I feel my fingers clench tightly around its small form. It is all I can do to keep myself from throwing it away, or tearing it apart. Well, honestly, I did not do a great job at preserving certain parts of my entries, but…oh well. For now, I will continue to use it. Perhaps it can serve as a helpful reminder of days gone.

Last I wrote, things were very, very different. I was in The Grove, and was a bit of a fumbling witch. Well, I still fumble around a bit, admittedly! But I have something I never thought I would be able to gain: confidence. Confidence that I truly am becoming the witch I always dreamt of! That quiet little girl would be so proud to see her future, even if it’s not all the sunshine and rainbows she thought it might be.

Oh, right. Like I said, I was in The Grove. I served faithfully as our faction witch. I learned a lot and grew a lot. But, when Gwion disappeared through the portals, things were…different. On a magical, faith, and leadership level, I had a sort of, “disagreement”, with a rather prominent member of the faction. It left a sour taste in my mouth. One I shan’t soon forget.

It was through this change that my mind started to wander. It began to ask if this is where I belong. The pleasant and calming feel of Aspen’s Rest was a comfort, but…was it where I had roots? I had friends, sure. But what was I really doing here? The answer was, well, not much! I spent most of my time researching on my beloved cactus island, only rarely returning to my little spot in town. I helped at the Blue Phoenix, but seldomly. I usually only had the time to exchange pleasantries with Jay and deliver a new set of elixirs before I was being dragged off somewhere else, adventures or otherwise. The Green Goddess was always with me, of course. Through her, I felt so much more connected to the land, the people, and their needs. I enjoyed the company of the dryads, whenever I could share it. So, stayed I did.

It wasn’t until Amathien and Orion came to tell the rest of us that they were heading out to Vetus Mundi for the foreseeable future. I felt my heart waver, just a bit. The quaint town we helped save during the skirmish between Valon and Nuln had reached out in dire need of assistance, and they were answering the summons. I had grown very close to the both of them, and thinking about how empty it would be without them around was challenging. I still had so many, others, of course! Do’su, Nargrax, Valos, Bee, Trez…all true friends. But Gwion was gone. And now, too, were my combat partner and sparring partner. They pushed me to greater heights than myself, just like Gwion had. Without them…

As my heart, mind, and soul fought it out within me, I noticed changes. Namely, my magic began to suffer. I gain my strength through love, primarily. That’s how it has always been since I’ve been in Osterra! The battlefield waging within me made it hard to focus on those bonds. It’s like I could feel the love of my friends, but…I couldn’t touch it. I couldn’t harness it with any real consistency. I felt hollow. Numb.

But I put on a happy face and toughed it out. It’s what a good witch would do!

That’s what I told myself, anyway.

Lies are only sustainable for so long, I suppose. I knew something needed to change. I packed up my belongings and some food, and I made the voyage to Vetus Mundi once again. My goal: Crescent’s Edge.

It wasn’t long before I found myself among the people of the town. They seemed to be possessed, almost, as if in a frenzy. I followed the din of clanking metal until I located my companion Amathien, again, who was surprised at my arrival. I guess she didn’t think this witch was any good for warfare, huh!

It was a joyous time catching up with her. For the first time in several weeks, I felt my spirits lift. She introduced me to several folks I had never met before. Sarnai, the sea elf and Marza, the dryad (kinda?) were among several new friends I got to make! That feeling, the one of making a new connection, brought me right back to being lively!! I was so happy, I almost did not notice that Seta must have snuck off to Crescent’s Edge earlier without me knowing! And here I thought I had such an original idea >.<

Amathien explained that the people here were tired of being at the mercy of great threats, and that they needed help learning how to organize and defend themselves. Luckily, that gal’s armor isn’t just for looks! Amathien’s advanced training as a soldier, and in battlefield tactics, gave her a good basis to begin training the troops. Orion’s expertise in martial skill made them a great teacher. Marza taught some folks the art of healing, and Seta shared the secrets of scouting and blending in with nature (though I’m not sure how that girl blends in so well with all of that bright red!)

I was a bit intimidated at first, but…perhaps my own knowledge could be useful. I started to find folks, the outcasts, or the frail, and began to teach. The fundamentals of magic, how we feel it in our bodies, and how we can harness it though willpower, word, and wonder! These lessons I taught with a vivacity and enthusiasm I had not felt since Mayhem!!

Though not everyone could pick up on it right away, soon enough, I had folks deciphering basic runes and writing their own light spells! Within the next month, some learned to repair, to protect, and to ward! But, I’m getting ahead of myself just a teensy bit~~

Before the month was out, I told Amathien about the tournaments being held in Osterra, and how they were slated to pull in champions from far and wide. I wanted to go desperately. Partially for the tournaments, but mostly because I had made up my mind. She was reluctant, at first, to leave Crescent’s Edge. But, with some prodding from Orion and me (literally, in some cases), we finally convinced the one-woman shield wall to budge! Amathien and I traveled back to Nova Regnus, leaving it to our companions to continue working with the citizens of Crescent’s Edge.

Upon our arrival, I met with Nargrax and the other mages and healers I had asked to help in our ritual. Though it was scary, standing there by The Green Goddess’s altar, there was no more fitting place in all of Osterra for such a ritual! It was a beautiful ceremony, and, unbeknownst to myself at the time, a roaring success (literally)!

As the weekend progressed, Amathien fought in many, many tournaments! She even won two of them, my little heartthrob brave friend! I heard murmurings of some “Red Caps” up to no good, and of one particular little weird one who was a bit vacant, but I never met them myself! A real bummer, I’d say, since they seemed kind of interesting!

By the end of our time in Nova Regnus, Amathien and I had officially left The Grove. We were given a small ceremony of sorts, and presented with necklaces. Mine was a beautiful green leaf, an amulet to represent the Green Goddess. I took it as that, and continue to wear it as nothing more than a symbol of love and devotion to my goddess.

We returned to Crescent’s Edge, only to have war on the horizon. An orc warlord and his horde of goblins had gathered not far from the town, and the smell of blood was fresh in the air. They’d soon be upon us, and we needed to act fast. Fortunately, my magical abilities gave us a much larger leg up than I had previously anticipated! I warded a large part of the entrance to town, facing the invaders. As everyone gathered within, Morgwae and I began to provide magical shielding to our comrades, dishing out spells left and right. It honestly felt really great to be so useful again!! If only it wasn’t accompanied by the backdrop of death and despair…

Grayson the cleric and Sir Tanos the Bold provided much assistance as we met the conquerors head on. This was a war band, and they had no need for words. They charged us, but soon found they were unable to reach us through our little safety bubble! Score one for Qu3pha :D

We soon adopted a hit-and-run strategy through the ward, striking at stragglers where we could. I harnessed the power of the Goddess’ fury and melted the gear off of a particularly armored orc. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention!! I have been doing more research into the Goddess’ gift, and…Actually, hold on. I’ll write this up in my research journal. Oopise~~ XP

Though the battle was difficult and bloody, and I actually had to pull my full weight in combat as well as support, the day was won. The orcs and goblins were dead or driven off, and Crescent’s Edge was safe!!

That was the birth of my new group, my new place of belonging: The Irregulars! Though we’re a militia, of sorts, drawn up from all sorts of folks, to me, they’re like my family!! Though my conflicted heart has not stopped aching, finding myself here has brought me some amount of peace, and of joy!

At that point, I was basically back to my old self, baby!! I could feel the magic, the splendor, the stars and hearts and love and laughter and everything else all swirling around me~~~~~

Love is back on the menu, folks >:D

With the splendor of Keighph@ Hemlock, strongest witch in the realm (I stopped using White Witch, by the way! I’ve grown fond of black lately :3), on full display, it was time to do what I do best! Support my friends, however spread out they are~~~

Come October, The Irregulars found themselves in our neighbor’s capitol of Miri Kel’im. The Orc Lands were mostly widely foraged plains, but the city itself was…

Well, it was a wreck.

The Destroyer, or rather, DESTROYERS, had ravaged the lands, killing anything with a heartbeat they could find. It was gruesome, and despicable. To put an end to this carnage, our group of adventurers delved deep into the earth after the mechanical monstrosities. It was in this I discovered a beautiful, secret blessing: we had to pass by an ACTUAL LIVING FRACKING LEYLINE in our search!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Goddess, there is so, so much tempting stuff I could do with that!!!!

…..

…..

No one’s going to read this, right? If you do (looking at you Amathien), I would only want to tamper with it for totally benign reasons 0:)

…

Aaaaaanyways, we destroyed the destroyers and moved on with our lives. I just feel so awful for the poor orcs. They’re entire stronghold was decimated, and they hardly have any resources to rebuild it! I hope we can help them, at some point soon.

Next, I spent WAAAAAAAAAY too long looking for a familiar egg in the forests around our campsites in desperate hopes to hatch a new, lovely friend! Thanks to the efforts of my friend Seta, we actually found some success here! A lovely green egg has been in my care for several months, and I feel its warmth growing. By Rites of Spring, my lil precious baby might be ready to join the realm!!!!

Now, I may have…kind of a little bit…messed up. Apparently, the rest of the realm ran off without me to fight off an entire horde of demons and FLIP-FLAPPING FERDINAND HIMSELF!!!!!!!

So, uh, oops. At least I gave Amathien some potions and casts before she left!

To be fair, I was researching some things! And stuff! And things! Namely, in no particular order:

1. Necromancy

2. Magical Engineering

3. Familiar hatching rituals

4. Monsters (specifically, these things called “night hags”)

…I have a diverse range of interests, okay??

On the bright side, we managed to snag a new member in Sunny! Amathien bribed here with cursed gold. Kudos to her for having a unique sense of magical appreciation! Now, I’m just going to keep monitoring her and see if she experiences any horrific “accidents.”

I missed the adventure in November. I was incredibly busy familiarizing myself with logistics, resource management, army movements…a whole lot of stuff. I have officially become the Logistics Witch of The Irregulars, and I am putting my heart into making sure that our faction is supplied and safe!!

Too bad I missed out on this Malakor fellow. Oh well…He seems…kinda freaky.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! I am researching his amulet with a group of companions in THOTH.

Trollsmas is Trollsmas. What more do I have to say? It was fun! I killed a ton of people in Trollball, so that was pretty neat :))

And then…Winter Council. What a blast! As in, it really blew up in my freaking face

>.<

The good:

1. I DIDN’T sell out my research group to Wolf and Malakor!

2. I was officially inducted into the Sanguine Order under the tutelage of Sir Artorias!!!!!!!

3. War hasn’t broken out yet!

4. I had a great time with my companions. Terra, Seta, Kára, Kython, Elora, <3 Amathien <3

The bad:

1. The Negotiation between Vidar and the elves was tense

2. War hasn’t broken out yet!

3. I…lost parts of the day and night. I had some weird dreams, the night before council, and then…I wonder…

4. I had to put out tons of fire related to the theft of an amulet, a demon heart corrupting my friends, and a strange, armored fellow threatening me with his sword.

Holy shivershits…I now know how Sir Artorias must feel all the time D: What have I been putting that man through???

So yeah, exciting council! I got to wear a beautiful dress and spend time with my loved ones. All in all, who can complain? :D

Me, is the answer. Just a little.

Soon, The Irregulars and other factions will be attending the Tharossian War College in order to better master the art of combat and warfare. I’m a little nervous!

It feels like a precursor to disaster.

We play fight Vidar today. But tomorrow?

We might not be playing anymore.

Tensions grow between our allies in Misriki and the Vidarian Khanate. It seems that things may not be worked out so peacefully. It’s a little awkward! I’m a painful optimist! I get magic from love and friendship! And yet, I feel as if the only outcome here spells doom. Doom for lots of people who never asked for war.

I don’t want to hurt people.

But if we have to hurt invaders and protect our people, so be it. It’s what I signed up for. Not even just by being an Irregular, but by making my friends! By loving and caring!

Sometimes, it hurts. But it is always.

ALWAYS.

Worth it.

This witch is not backing down. Not in negotiations, nor in battle, should it come to it.

Whatever the future holds, I found where I belong. I won’t let anyone take that from me. I’ll do whatever I must. I won’t make the same reckless mistakes I made back then with Gwion’s portal. Never again.

I AM strong now. And I’m only getting stronger.

Journal of Xkeighfu Hemlock, Entry 6

The month of May, 4th week, 2nd year in Osterra

Soooo….yeah…about that whole war thing…

Against all odds, the Vidarians avoided a war! I think most surprised of all was likely the Khan, for the elves, after much resistance earlier in the negotiations, decided to relent on everything. Everything. How in the hells does someone like the Khan’s new advisor waltz in, demand results, and…just get them?

Peace is peace, I guess. But it rubs me the wrong way all the same. So much stress. SOOOOOO much stress! Not to mention the preparations and extra training, too! And it was all for the world’s most numbing, hour-long negotiation ever. Bleh.

I slightly regret handing my spellbook to Sir Tanos at the door as a sign of good faith that I wouldn’t use magic during the tree-tea. I mean, I would never sabotage Maple’s beautiful ceremony! But…I was tempted UwU

I’m just going to push this out of my mind until we finally gather the resources to negotiate with the Khanate ourselves. They seem mighty pleased with their peace terms, and they shouldn’t want for wood any longer. Hopefully that means I can convince them to buzz off leave us alone. Although, I have a feeling Amathien will be leading the conversation on this one. The Khan and I never see eye to eye, and I constantly find myself making that known. I definitely do not always do so in the politest of terms, either, so...Whoopsies!

While The Irregulars, The Prismatic Troupe, and some spare Osterran adventurers, like my lovely mentor Sir Artorias, fought an honor duel alongside the elves, the rest of the realm was engulfed in war. The united Osterran forces of Nova Regnus (or, at least, the easterly factions) joined forces to lead an armed force into the Demonic Dominion. I really would have loved to be there to help, but…up until a day before, we were convinced we’d have to defend Misriki. Even with magic, there would be no time to move all of those forces and supplies halfway across the world! I hear their mission was very successful, and that (despite the storms) nobody was maimed in a way that matters :D

To the south of us, a short burst of violent acts occurred. The Tharossians, aboard their mighty War Galley, sailed to meet a fearsome ship of Corsairs from the Principality of Nuln. The rag-tag crew of pirates, though doubtlessly fearsome in their own right, were no match for the Tharossians. I swear, those people live and breathe just to bring themselves closer to the next kill…

In their great show of might, though, they did make one mistake. They hoped to deal catastrophic damage to Nuln’s ship, but did not anticipate the nobility of the pirate prince, Rory. I was told he threw himself in front of a disintegration spell in order to stave off death for his crew. While his sacrifice was in vain, as the Tharossians had way more than ONE disintegrate, it did present a problem. Though the Kingdom of Valon assured us they would not get involved in a conflict between the Khanate and the Elves of Misriki, they were highly interested in the conflicts to the south. Rory was to be captured alive. But now…the only thing left of the guy would be ashes, lost at sea. At least, I think that’s all that would be left. Folks have been dodgy on the details, for now. Perhaps to save face.

Oh yes, and while the Tharossians, gifted in the art of warfare and combat, fought on the sea, the White Ravens, renowned as skilled seafarers, fought on the…the land. Huh. Why…exactly did they do that again??

No matter! The end results were equally horrific as they would have been the other way around. I was told by Terra that, through many months of hard work and study, she had managed to use a spell to summon and command a powerful being! I expected something simple, like a minotaur, or maybe a stone Golem of some kind. But no, no. Terra never disappoints! She summoned and incarnation of the White Raven themself!!

You know. The mythical god raven. YEAH. A GOD. THE AVATAR OF A GOD OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOODDESS!!!!!!!

_{I wonder if I could do that, too…}

Anyways, that sounds so amazing and cool and…from the reports, terrifying.

Goddess, I hope that those people were given quick deaths.

So, yes. Nuln is down a major vessel, blocked from leaving the bay, and missing a huge chunk of land. They…are not doing great. I feel so awful for the people there. If there is anything I learned from Rites of Spring one year ago, it’s that Nuln is complicated. Not everyone there is a bloodthirsty, swindling pirate. Heck, I don’t even think most of them are pirates!! Most of them are just people. People who didn’t want to live under the heel of a king. They’re really not all that different from the many townsfolk of Crescent’s Edge, or the shamans and witches of Witches’ Wend. I don’t blame the White Ravens for seeking retribution for Terra, and I suppose Tharossian bloodlust is a given. I just…wish that someone would look out for the people.

I guess that is our job, though. Amathien is adamant that we take in refugees from Nuln, and has even extended offerings of a safe haven to Carcarius and his crew for helping to guarantee Crescent’s Edge’s sovereignty so many moons ago. Most of The Irregulars agree that this is the best course to take. The White Ravens and Tharossians bear no ill will towards the innocents. Just Rory and any who would die in his name.

Between this and helping the orcs rebuild and keep food in their stomachs, we sure have began to branch out! It is good to do good, after all. I just hope that we can balance the books~~

In other Rites of Spring related news, it seems that the cult Sir Artorias, Triss, and I looked into last year is active again. Or maybe, they never truly stopped being active. The cultists had made sure to heavily trap and obscure their lair on Kraken Island this time, perhaps learning from their mistakes in the past. After deftly avoiding the Kraken’s grasp (the main reason we crewed up a small skiff instead of a massive ship), we made landfall on the island. After undoing some wards and curses, we found an orb that allowed us to open a portal to the cultists’ lair.

Except…there was nothing there. Just an empty rock face.

At least, that’s what I thought! Then, Zio, Bren, and I took a closer look. As it turns out, the cultists had mastered illusions. They created the image of a rock wall to trick our minds and bodies! With a few words, we all handily dispelled the magic and headed deeper in.

Now, I bet there were traps and tricks galore! Unfortunately, I did not have time to worry about those, as the gross sea-monster people kept rising from the waters behind us, trying to cut us off in the tunnels. It felt like an eternity of repelling monstrosities while the folks at the lead chipped away at the lair’s defenses. Finally, though, we managed to make it inside. The cultists were chanting a name that we were all too familiar with, at this point. Pinchy Fatagan. Or Fhtaghan? Phatoggon? Ah, shivershits. I wonder if Pinchy’s name is cursed like mine, or if I’m just a really bad speller…

That’s not important right now, I guess! Though, I should make a note for later…

A very prominent woman stood in the middle of a circle of defilement. I’m not even a healer, but I could feel the odious presence from all the way at the edge of the sanctum. Apparently, this woman was Asenath, and she was a high-priestess of this cult, a death cult that worships a being known as He Who Eats. As with all things Osterra, this resulted in a bloody conflict. Yay!

I did get to raise a body or two with my necromancy, which was fun! I mean, they didn’t last long. But it was still fun! And luckily, whoever those anonymous bodies were will never, ever remember :P

Though we had to fight a turbo-charged, massive Pinchy, we were victorious in the end! Or, at least, kind of victorious? No one could find the body of Asenath in the carnage. It’s almost like she just…disappeared. If there was a portal, though, I’d have felt it. Something feels off about her. Very off.

On the bright side, The Irregulars got a very nifty Tactician potion! It should make our scouting jobs just that much easier, I hope. Amathien was very pleased :3

Also, speaking of pleased Amathiens, she managed to win the Assassin’s Tourney this year!! That makes two Irregulars, two years in a row!! All hail the queen :D

Actually, she’d hate it if she knew I wrote this.

…

Oh yeah, I’m going to go shout it at her >:3 Steadfast that!

After things began to quiet down from the tumultuous events of Rites of Spring, it came time for The Irregulars to join together with those from Nova Regnus to assault the demons’ citadel. There was a pressure in the air. Rain poured down from the skies above. Though we were many, and we were ready, it seems that something, or someone, had other plans for us. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, the winds screaming in agony at our approach. Though the fortress was visible in the distance, only a stone-throw away, the weather was too much. If we continued, our armored fighters would be zapped senseless. Our siege engines would prove useless. My poor spellbook would be ruined!!

So, we turned tail and ran. Not the most heroic, I know. But I definitely saw a demon take a lightning bolt right through his raised sword in the distance.

Worth it.

With our plans delayed, a regrouping was all but assured in May. But that’s when we heard news of something quite disturbing from the head of the United Osterran Forces. Garon sent word to the various factions of the land that he had recently had dealings with Lizardfolk in the third and far-off continent of Mundus Ferox. Their leader, Azull, spoke of a wicked cultist by the name of Asenath, who had taken their shrine and twisted the minds of the denizens of their lands. It became crystal clear. The demons were a threat, yes. But Asenath was active again, and she was trying to find a way to bring this mysterious He Who Eats even closer to Osterra. Flipping fantastic.

We loaded up on ships on the eastern shore of Nova Regnus (gosh, those obelisk portals make things so much easier now!) and set sail for the relatively unexplored northern lands of Mundus Ferox.

I…must confess. I missed out on so much of this journey. I was a bit…preoccupied. At first, it was trying to make a dang camp! You see, Mundus Ferox is a very primal place. Ancient swamps and dense vegetation made up most of our sleeping places. I figured that, with a bit of the Green Goddesses' blessing, it would be easy to clean up the place for us to make a camp!

Well…I was wrong. Oh so very wrong.

The bugs over there were massive!! I mean flipping HUMONGOUS!! While I normally love a big ol’ buggy-wuggy, I kinda don’t love it when they’re trying to suck out my blood. Or bite my toes!

Kaoife vs. nature did not go very well, even with the Green Goddess on my side (mostly).

Though it took most of our first day, I did manage to get enough space cleared to allow The Irregulars to rest. Being the Logistics Witch is TOUGH, let me tell you. I never should have put my name out there for all that responsibility >.<

…No, no. Responsibility is good! It feels like only days ago that I was a cowering witch-wannabe, desperately clinging to anyone who could fight for protection. I’m different now. More competent, for sure, but also a bit more brave! I have had to put my life on the line for the Cadireach Freehold, for my family in The Irregulars. My magic has grown to the point that I can keep so many people safe, and even turn our enemies strengths against them. A little bit of responsibility? Ha! The new and improved K@Yf$6 Hemlock, the strongest witch in Osterra, can easily shoulder that!

So…yeah. Camp was cleared, and I was beat! I slept the rest of the day off, hardly able to lift a finger. I was only roused once by the cold. The marshes dropped to such low temperatures, I felt like I was freezing! That, and I couldn’t find any of the extra blankets I packed! I stumbled out of my tiny personal tent and, through the darkness, saw something peculiar.

It was a glowing sigil, seemingly carved into the air. A crescent moon with a flame. I thought I was hallucinating vividly, and reluctantly stumbled forward. As it turns out, it was indeed our symbol, illuminated vividly and magically on a gate. I remember Maple working on a gate like this…

And then it hit me.

Did someone already clear us a flip-flapping campsite!?!?!?!?

I just spent ALL FLIPPING DAY DOING THAT!!!!!

Too frigid and tired to care, I stumbled through the gate, crawled into the first tent I could find, and buried myself under a blanket mountain. Blankets that seemed awfully familiar. I soon felt the warmth permeate my body, and my sleep-addled mind let go of the thought. I fell asleep once more. For a brief moment, I awoke to a relieved sigh and someone crawling into my fortress. It was Amathien. I latched onto her for warmth and comfort like a witch to her staff, and the rest was a blur.

In the morning, I woke up and regrouped with my many travelling companions! Elora, Kython, and Gunther of the Troupe make excellent companions for a morning meal, and afterwards, we headed into our larger force’s makeshift bazaar for some social mingling! I helped Sir Artorias find a magical butterfly, saw a minotaur (not Steve, unfortunately), and learned that Imra had acquired a special decoction of Illithid Ichor! Sir Artorias thought I had suggested the idea! Can you believe him?

I mean, I wish I did. But still!

I’m half-tempted to beg her to show me how to make some for myself, but I know better than to beg the Master of Elixirs. Some knowledge is too great for mere mortals to bear >.<

Ooh, also! Through the grapevine, I heard that there was a secret tea party being held somewhere in the jungles of Mundus Ferox. My hunch was that those owl folks I met back before the Vidarian’s negotiations (did I write about them? I don’t think I wrote about them!) were the hosts. Through my readings, I learned that owls are often considered to be great gatekeepers of wisdom and knowledge, and who loves knowledge and wears a funny hat? This girl!!

So, I…might have gotten distracted. Then lost. I scoured those jungles for hours, searching for any trace of this tea party. I guess I didn’t get the invitation, though. Either I am really bad with directions, or their meeting spot was magically obscured to prevent unwanted guests. And I thought we could be friends TnT

Even worse, the jungles were INFESTED with a load of awesome creatures! I’m pretty sure I even saw some dinosaurs! And…I narrowly avoided becoming their lunch >M<

The only silver lining is that I DID find an invitation!! Just…not for the tea party. Apparently, late into the night, there was to be an auction of valuable and horrific items!! And with that ticket (and some potions to offer for the bidding), I could get in :D

Excitement aside, it would only matter if I could make it back! It took me so long to find my way back…the sun was starting to set by the time I found our set of camps. I’m not sure entirely what everyone did without me. Apparently there was chaos that caused everyone to fight each other? And then they entered the ancient Saurian shrine! Inside, a fierce battle must have taken place. Amathien didn’t have all that much to say about it, which tells me she must have bitten it at least once, poor thing :(

She did tell me that Asenath escaped, though. And, that she participated in a ritual to try and revive the lost souls of the Clan of the Wolf. I found this…intriguing, to say the least. She doesn’t often do cleric’s work. Could she relate to the struggle of these peoples? Maybe they reminded her of something personal. Perhaps…I will find a way to discuss this with her. Tactfully. I worry about her.

After a lovely dinner with friends, we headed to the tavern for a large council meeting. While folks were meandering in, I couldn’t help but notice Vargr sitting over a particularly beautiful array of gemstones. They were making my senses fire on all cylinders. The magical potential they had felt absolutely outrageous!! I commented on how pretty they seemed and reached out to touch the strange device. I was promptly told that if I touched this device that he was guarding, I would be killed.

Once upon a time, I think that would have scared me. But he does not frighten me in the least.

Although, It might have helped that I had at least 6 swords worth of backup.

I suppose we’ll never know! :P

The grand council began not too much later, after I got a bit of an earful about starting trouble. It’s not my fault that some people are so terrified of magic!

There were many interesting topics brought to the table. I learned of how far Trissana’s research has been progressing! Though she could not join us, she was happy to announce through proxy that she was hoping to unite the factions of the realm in order to construct a magical greenhouse! It sounds like her plant research is going absolutely swimmingly, and I am excited to convince our faction to lend her what little resources we can spare after the summer harvest~~

Next, Sir Tanos (also through proxy) gave a long-winded speech about maintaining peace and order in the face of demonic extinction. Something about how stragglers will likely turn to lives of crime, and that pickpocketing, murder, and assassinations might become a shared world-wide issue. His Order of Light aims to establish basic laws and consequences in neutral lands to regulate these problems. This is also around the time that I learned Amathien was in the Order of Light. She seemed just as surprised as the rest of us about the proposed laws, though >.<

Fortunately, horrific magical experimentation was not on the list of laws! I hope that I can inspire the first rewrite :D

It was also brought up that we, as a group, had no idea what to do with the control panel. There was some admonishment from Vargr on how reckless everyone treated the artifacts protection. Seems awfully strange since many folks worked together to secure it in the makeshift, yet heavily guarded, “Temple of Tharros.” Ah well. It seems I’m not the only one The Vidarians are aiming to antagonize.

Apparently, the rest of our group learned through some diary entries that Asenath is actually her own grandfather??? Or something?? I honestly have no clue, and it just sounded like complete nonsense. Just what in the Goddess’ name did everyone discover while I was out??

At the conclusion of council, folks began to disperse again. Before the bulk of folks could leave, though, Zio erupted into the clearing. He claimed that Asenath had opened a portal in a clearing nearby, and was attempting to flee!!

Well, that was that! Nearly everyone picked up a weapon and rushed behind Zio, into the darkening woods. Through the trees and their many leaves, we could all make out a faint, ethereal glow. Before long, we stood in front of a massive portal. Bracing ourselves, we stepped inside and found something terrible.

The ground itself felt living, yet empty. It was horribly dark, with hardly any light in sight. Some bizarre bio-luminescent flora, not that dissimilar to the coral off the coast of Witches’ Wend, was the only thing to guide our path. That, and a MASSIVE glowing ward. Outside of the ward stood several illithids and deep ones, menacing and threatening us as we inched ever closer. I was spitting off spell after spell in the dim light to protect Amathien and I against their forces. Before our advance, however, something miraculous happened.

There was a great golden flash of light, and a strange person cloaked in shimmering gold appeared. They began pelting the creatures with a barrage of fire, lightning, and entropy, magics on a scale I have yet to witness. Startled, routed, and down a few bodies, our shield line fell on the surviving abominations before they had a chance to react.

The only things left on this…thing, were us, this mysterious stranger, and (what I quickly recognized as) an elder brain.

The mysterious stranger was intensely friendly. They seemed so happy to see us, but had no memories of themselves, how they got there, or what had transpired. Only that their name was Zanithar the Golden, and that they had a craving to learn more magic! This Zanithar actually approached me. ME!! And complimented me on my magical aura!!!

Woo-Hoo!!!! YesYesYES!!!!!! I clearly made it into the big leagues if someone on THAT scale is complimenting me <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I was so darn bashful I could scarcely get a word out~~~ All I know is that I like them!! And they have a passion for making friends, too, so they can’t be all bad :D

Amathien still doesn’t trust them. But I’m sure that winning smile and love of magic will win her over yet! After all, it worked for me ;D

Oh, right! Zanithar. They handed out a load of magical trinkets to folks. All of the spells were things I already knew how to do, though, so I let others take them. While this was going on, my attention began to wander over to Zio, who was examining the shimmering ward behind Zanithar. We spoke about the elder brain briefly, and about his desire to make this one ours. It sounded great to me! Except…

Amathien was NOT pleased about that. She told me absolutely NOT to even think about trying to take that thing! She doesn’t trust Zio or his thirst for knowledge.

She really scared me. I had never seen her so dire, nor felt her worries more.

I feel bad. Really bad. I…well, I am parched for knowledge, too. Just like Zio.

While contemplating this dilemma, Kython and Gunther approached me and confirmed what I had feared: we were most certainly on the planet eating monstrosity, He Who Eats. They told me they wanted to take samples of the lifeforms growing atop the creature, to which I gave them the classic witch’s-thumbs-up of approval!!

While my companions went to work, and Amathien and the others were swept up in the crowd, Zio and I talked about the best strategy for getting at the brain. The ward was strong. Even with us two together, we might not have been able to break it!

Fortunately, as if hearing of our plight, Zanithar appeared behind us!! They offered to help us break the ward for the sake of magical research!! I KNEW I liked them :))))))

With our powers combined, the sinister ward stood no chance! I poured my magic into the act, focusing intensely on searching out weak points. Before long, the barrier was down!

With that done, we needed to shatter the control orb. Thankfully, I came prepared with my own mind shield spell!! The brain could only watch (actually, can it even see?) as our combined mights shattered the orb to oblivion, leaving its thoughts unable to focus on any one target from afar.

We chattered excitedly for a moment about the potential research that could be done, and also about a potential hiding spot! Zio mentioned we could take it to the Sentinels where the other brain was held, but then said maybe a more discrete spot would be better. I sort of forgot where the original Elder Brain was, so it was nice of him to remind me~~

With all of that hustle, bustle, and adventure, I was beat! I helped Zio locate a temporary safe space and ward it to all heck, then proceeded to meander back to the tavern. Apparently, I took so long that I missed out on the sketchy auction I was invited to TnT

Kython was a sweetheart, though, and helped me acquire some Demon’s Blood!! Not exactly the sort of thing I would get for myself, but oh BOY could I have some fun with that stuff :)

Too bad he already told Amathien! Now she’ll be extra on guard. Bleh >.<

With my special prize, and both the excitement and guilt of capturing another elder brain, I was ready for rest. I crawled into Amathien’s tent again, and dozed off.

We sailed back to Nova Regnus just recently, and have been preparing for the upcoming siege. The demons have lived far too long in the Planes of Sorrow, and we can abide them no longer. I’m a little nervous, admittedly. I fear the most I can do is provide everyone with the proper protections before heading off for my own investigation.

There have been murmurs. Rumblings from shady spots. Apparently, folks are starting to claim that Rory is back. You know, the prince of Nuln. THAT Rory.

Shivershits. I need to see if there is any credibility to that. It could make it difficult to offer refuge to the civilians of Nuln if their very wanted and charismatic leader makes a return. Alrightly, Logistics Witch. Time to put your hat on straight and get to work!!

P.S. I have recently helped another companion from many moons ago, Lilith, translate a note from this enigmatic L fellow. I still have no idea who this guy is, but in spite of all he knows, he is clueless that Kára and I have been translating his stuff! We’re just not eager to circulate such valuable information juuuuust yet.

Anyways, the new note is about monsters across the realm. Specifically, hybridizing different creatures to create abominable results! Talk about AWESOME!!!! I’m so dang tempted to get experimenting right flipping now…but first, I need to settle on exactly what to make ;D

Journal of |</-\|=/-\ Hemlock, Entry 7

The month of November, Week 4, 3rd year in Osterra

Goddess, I have been so busy and stressed out lately. Research, diplomacy, research, diplomacy, research, diplomacy, research, diplomacy…*sigh*. While it does feel good to be kept busy, it is starting to wear on me just a bit.

Overall, things have been somewhat quiet since the mayhem at Mayhem. Nothing super threatening or world-ending has happened since our last encounter with Asenath and her (or his, maybe? Still stuck on the she’s her own grandpa thing) evil plot to enslave the beings of Mundus Ferox and bring He Who Eats even closer to Osterra.

On second thought, maybe quiet isn’t the right term. Bardstock was anything but quiet, and mostly in a good way! All of the various Osterran adventurers gathered to enjoy performances of dance, song, poetry, and all sorts of fanciful artforms in an eloquent display of magic and expression! I was absolutely delighted by the merriment, and enjoyed hearing tales of bravery, sorrow, and conquest from the various denizens of the realm!

I even partook of the celebrations myself and performed! Not a song, mind you (never was quiet so confident in my singing voice >.<), but rather, a sonnet about my most treasured companions! Love is one of my mains sources of power, and I thought the opportunity was perfect to let my companions how much they mean to me~

Of course, it wasn’t ALL fun and games. I heard the Redcaps were out and about pinching purses. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), Amathien and I were rather delayed in arriving due to some business in the Freehold, so we totally missed them! Oh well. Maybe next time I’ll finally get to meet those cantankerous weirdos!

We also had several surprise guests! A unicorn, siren, leonin (a lion person), and a beholder all made their ways through a slight, um, tear in reality. Wherever all of us gather, trouble is never far behind -.-  Our performances were so powerfully attuned to the leylines that it became childsplay for a powerful (and very, very pretty) demon to enter our world, bringing her guests against their wills. Amathien insisted I cast Mind Shield on her again. I swear, that girl sees horns and immediately starts worrying about corruption!

She was right this time though, so…whoops!

The demon apparently used her magic to put us all into a deep slumber. At least, that’s what I was told happened. I was too busy sleeping to remember~

Amathien managed to resist her magic, though she dared not make a move against the creature alone. I can’t say I blame her. If she could cast an entire congregation of revelers into a nearly unshakable sleep, she could probably disintegrate someone by pointing at them!!  _{Goddess, Qeighfuh! You need to stop idolizing every absurdly} 

_{dangerous woman we meet…}

Thankfully, Biscuits the unicorn helped rouse us from our untimely rest, and the factions joined forces to banish the hostile creatures back from whence they came! I had a great time dismembering a demented beholder! I still have those eyes sitting around somewhere. I carved one out myself, and all I had to do to get a second one was help Elora with my autograph!! How cool is that :D 

After a day of adventures and merriment, it was time to face the demon. Many of the other adventurers participated in a combat game together to draw her near. I would have participated, but…I spent all of my energy screaming at a trial about how Dima was being a silly, whimsical man. THAT is a whole story on its own, though…

Once the demon was near, she tried to twist our minds to make us fight each other. Fortunately, many of us were able to resist her temptations, and we concluded with an epic clash of forces! Ya know, the classic Good vs sometimes good but temporarily working for a demon!! That is, for better or worse, extremely common in Osterra…

f course, having learned nothing from our last encounter, we were all put to sleep. AGAIN. Goddess above, I am a fool for not protecting myself >.<  At least Amathien was able to stay standing to watch the epic final clash

The demon, ready to flee at a moment's notice, was stopped by the shining golden wizard, Zanithar! They are SO flipping cool <3 <3 <3

From the ground, too fatigued to move, I could make out their movements against one another. Spell after spell was flung between the two before Zanithar sealed the deal with their incredible skill! Somehow, miraculously, we banished another demon. And with that, I went back to camp and collapsed. That party was too wild, even for me!

There were not a lot of movements from the demons or deep ones for many months. I heard that there was some scuffle with the skeletal servants of Malakor the lich. While many of our adventuring companions ventured into the dark tunnels below us to seek them out, I was preoccupied studying some texts that were discovered near the crypts. I figured that would be a bit more fruitful than a run-in with that kooky lich again!

Demon activity began to pick up more in the month of September. There were murmurings of a powerful troop of demons prowling Osterra after dark, up to all sorts of dark deeds and deplorable mischief. I didn’t run into any myself, but I heard that Orion ended up joining a search party in the dark hours of night. While they didn’t encounter the demons themselves, Orion and Kython told me plenty about the horrors they found lurking in the darkness. What a shame I missed it all (T n T)

Imagine what fun I could have if I had gotten samples of flipping ANYTHING that was lurking in the darkness that night!! Oh well! Researching those same beasties for Sir Artorias had taken so much out of me, I hardly had the energy left to lift a finger, let alone a staff!

Later, Sir Artorias confided in me that there were a few adventurers from that night of terror that encountered demons from the legendary Black Caravan. One of them was Maple!! He was left to die by the oh-so-brave Riastrad and Gwion.

_{What did I ever see in that man? Wait, no, no, Cayfah, you were cursed.}

Things were quiet after that. Nothing pressing had caught the attention of the realm, so I took a bit of time off from my research to enjoy a day out with some other fine folk. I had a lovely time meeting so many mages who were all relatively new to the realm. It swelled my heart with joy to see more folks with a love for magic in their system :DD

The most eventful thing that has happened of late was apparently a run-in with sapient scarecrows and talking crow-people. 

Oh yeah, and the flipping DEMONS again!!

I was too consumed with my research to notice what had happened until it was far too late. I had been experimenting with something…important. Very important.

I sat one night gazing upon the starry skies, thoughts bouncing around in my mind that I was unable to calm. I had come to accept that magic could come from almost anywhere. Some channel it from the earth, or from the moon. Some get it from a patron, others a deity. And, depending on the source and how it was harnessed, you could theoretically synthesize a myriad of magical effects. 

I started to worry I was limiting myself.

Love and starlight are both abundant and potent sources of magic. They are practically my entire magical identity. I’ve relied on them to guide me ever since I arrived in Osterra, and finally had my first real breakthroughs with magic.

While the stars are boundless in their shape, size, and power, love…love was quiet different. It was so STRONG. Love governs protection and companionship. It governs doing whatever you can to keep your beloved ones safe. It will always be a part of me, and I shall never forsake it.

However, I began to wonder. What if other emotions or bonds could produce magic? What if that energy, whether the intense joy of love, the fiery wrath of anger, or the desolate loneliness of sadness, could all fuel my magic?

I began researching the best place I had: The Green Goddess. She blessed me with her spell of rot and decay for a reason. At first, I thought it was to better protect my friends and serve her. As more and more time passes, and I have looked inward at myself, I realized that was only part of the puzzle.

The Goddess’ blessing of decay is a spell that relies on strong negative emotions. Hatred was the source I used to draw it at first, and it was reflected within my writings. The more I looked into the matter, the more texts I read, and the more I meditated and practiced, the more I realized the truth. Hatred was the wrong emotion.

The Goddess wanted me to channel something much darker than usual, but not that. She wanted me to feel her fury. Fury against those who would harm her forests. Fury against those who would stain their blade with the blood of the innocent. A righteous, terrible fury that would bend boughs, gnarl bows, and rot spears.

Fury. Though derived from love, mainly the unyielding desire to protect the things that one cherishes most, fury itself is much less positive. It is fiery. And thus, it gives me a new power that I would never have found on my own.

The Goddess has been silently challenging me to grow all of this time, and so I have finally borne fruits from my labor. It took many, many days of difficult research. I spent that time trying to harness an emotion I had been trying to repress for so long in the hopes it would give me a new tool to protect those who need me most. I began tapping into loss. Loneliness. Desolation.

It was a painful process, in more ways than one. I had plenty of failed attempts trying to harness my feelings. I learned very quickly that I had to control my emotions, because if they controlled me, my spells would either fizzle out or backfire in my face. Thank the goddess I wasn’t wearing my hat during my live trials >.<

I meticulously crafted, through research, trial and error, and belief, a new spell. One that would turn my feelings of isolation and loss into a weapon to break and batter those that would threaten that which I care for the most. I could finally harness a deadly combat spell. My first that could take a life. Ice Storm.

This is a spell with a gravitas that cannot be overstated. Using this can steal the life out of someone’s lungs before they even register what has happened. For that reason, I will endeavor to use it sparingly and wisely. Only against the strong or wicked will I try to kill with this spell. Otherwise, I will use it for its much more useful purpose: shredding the shields of our enemies, laying them bare to my companions’ blades and bow.

…

Oof, I got a bit dour there. Being in touch with that side of myself can be a pretty harrowing experience U.U

Anyways, that kept me entirely preoccupied during the events of this month. I hadn’t even known anything was going on until Bren came over to show me their best scarecrow impression. I got way too flapping carried away!

At least everyone was victorious without me! I heard that they even made friends with the crowfolk and helped them return to their home. It sounds like it was a day of great accomplishments all around (even if Amathien admitted she wanted to strangle some of her adventuring companions in the maze)~~

Joy is in the air as I look towards the future. Trollsmas is coming up soon, and I am so FLIPPING EXCITED!! I always take time off away from research and responsibility to enjoy the season with my companions. I can’t wait to delve into the forests, play some trollball, and do my best with the ones I love most. Plus, I might be able to test out some of my new spells in the heat of battle!

P.S. I might finally be able to use my new research into other emotions to start using a different kind of magic! With a bit of reverence to the Goddess of the Stars and the Green Goddess, would I be able to harness the power of life as well as undeath?? I can’t wait to see :D