1372 DR Eleasias 14

Elder Boyington Jzeravizcious Manuelo al’ Jankmonn

Honored Father,

I send you salutations and greetings from Assur. I hope that this letter finds your house and my mother Marthasia Valenia Jankmonn healthy and happy. I imagine that the gardens of my childhood home are in full bloom by now, the divine scents of lavender, mint, and raspberry wafting anew across the verandas with each afternoon gust of seaborne wind. By the time this missive arrives on your desk, my newest sibling should have come into being. May you be blessed with another magician worthy of being your relative.

Assur is a most intriguing city, unlike any other I have encountered. The overpopulation here is incredible, the streets and parks overflowing with people day and night. This place was definitely not designed with such a number of persons. The housing situation surprised me the most, with only two places in the city of thousands with lodgings available, even those at a premium.

The only true advantage I have found to this plethora of persons would have to be the ready availability of stories, true or otherwise. A gold dwarf called Morrogin Steelaxe claimed lineage all the way back to Clangeddin Silverbeard himself, but he seriously undercut himself asserting only three generations of separation. Mayfair Antallus told of her times as a scullery wench aboard the pirate vessel Astuteness in the Sea of Fallen stars under a captain Morgan Rafael. My favorite tale thus far was the Hin barber Silvershear Wigglebottom singing his memoirs of tending to traveling nobility throughout the Shining Lands. His voice was truly magical.

The perfunctory duties you assigned me were fulfilled within hours of my arrival in Assur. I sent your greetings and word of the arrival of twelve crates of smoked haddock to Jonathan Alfredo Williamson first. He wishes me to convey his thanks to you, for both the quality goods as well as the nestled figures you sent for him. His gift of a packet of phosphorescent sulfur was most mesmerizing. If you ever visit Assur, I recommend that you take the time to see his koi ponds.

The remaining crates, 22 in number, were delivered to Marcus Vein at the Dareus Wares warehouse here in Assur. Manager Alton Bean signed and sealed a writ of receipt for the crates after inspection. All the requisite paperwork is included in this package for your perusal and filing.

With these two deliveries, I consider my primary duties complete. As luck would have it, my exploration into new trade venues and partners has stalled, as there is a vast shortage of supply of goods here at this time. There is scant little dependable information about what is preventing the arrival of goods, but the church of Lucha is hiring at a gangbuster pace. Any manner of adventuring capability seems to have a place in their current plans.

I chose to join up with a small group of warriors who needed expertise in The Way. We have been offered the opportunity to escort a small caravan to Lastar. The pay is marginal, but any spoils seem to be ours for the taking. I would rather stay here in town where someone else can tend to the daily mundane tasks, but I am out here to improve my lot in life.

When I return to Assur, the possibility exists that my funds allotted for my travels could be depleted. I ask that you send me further money for living expenses, as they are substantial at present. Rest assured, I can provide a full ledger of my expenditures upon my return home.

May your health remain high and your opportunities abound.

Your second son,

Mikaelus Alphonso Boyington von Jankmonn

My pen weighs heavy this night, not from word or from the heat. I find myself fearful to admit what troubles my mind, as if the very thoughts would trumpet from my head to my companions about the camp. The crash of my horse’s hooves pound into my brooding, remembering that thick, hot air whipping about me as I fled the fray has kept me from studying my spellbook. I best be on with it then, for I know if I didn’t have to admit my shame pen would not feed the ink to the page. Mystra forgive me.

A days travel back east had us following the south road back to Assur, yet our destination was not to the great city but instead into the mountains, an endeavor whose inception I will detail later. We had fallen off the road after spotting a wicked three headed beast rend two behirs asunder. I swear to Ao himself the Gods conspire to have us meet our end in these sun blistered lands. To our better judgment we avoided the fight and continued on, only to find a simple pack of rats about the field. Syratore and Falafel insisted we kill the vermin for food to conserve our supplies and without hesitation he struck with his crossbow. Unfortunately these were no mere rats. Suddenly we had found ourselves in the midst of a pack of wild, humanoid rat beasts keen on repaying our aggression. Grolm was beset on all sides by the pack while we rushed to his aid, yet our steel barely penetrated their hides. Spell nicked them slightly, yet my longsword was only able to strike true when I endowed my blade with the essence of the weave. Grolm, strongest amongst us, was devastated from their assault and fell while the pack moved from each person to the next with a primal tenacity only these wicked lands could house.

And in the ensuing chaos we fled. No, not we, but I. I remember Syratore was on the verge of being overtaken, Falafel had mounted a donkey and sped from the fight and Mikaelus was assaulted as he attempted to steer the wagon away. I had mounted my steed and took a fleeting gaze over my shoulder, Jaun had dismounted and charged the beasts, yelling at us to leave. In front of him lay Grolm, lifeless and lacerated, a wicked gouge upon his arm at the center of a pool of freshly spilled blood. I gave no pause to aid them, I thrust my steed forward and sped from the battle. That panic filled moment weighs heavy on my heart as it did when I realized what I was doing. How could I just leave Grolm there? Jaun had met the beasts on, not in hope of coming out on top but because it was the right thing to do. Here I was so adamant to cling to life that in fear of Kelemvor’s grasp I had abandoned them. It didn’t matter if I was urged to, it didn’t matter that I knew we couldn’t overcome the beasts. Shame overcame me, a guilt I could hardly stomach as I rode away. What would my parents think of me, what would any Chessentan worth a damn think of me? Perhaps reason compelled my flight but honor pulled the reigns back and I found myself galloping back to their aid.

Mikaelus atop his wagon was speeding away in reckless abandon as I came upon three of the wererats unconscious, no doubt by his art. I dismounted and engaged two more, quick to render them helpless by a hasty color spray and suddenly the pack was defenseless, the tide inexplicably in our favor. Even in their slumber the beasts clung to life stubbornly, but with a few well placed blows they met their end. In the end we had saved Grolm’s life and all lived to see another sunset but I can’t bring myself to proclaim victory. If anything, all I feel is defeat. I reacted with cowardice, it doesn’t matter if it was a prudent withdraw. There was a weakness that compelled me to leave my companion’s side in the midst of death to save myself. I’ve contemplated it all afternoon into this night and I realized I had reacted in instinct but thankfully I chose to return to the fray.

So many of my days were spent in preparation of moments like this one, so many hours had I dreamed of dancing with death amongst the most challenging of foes. No training can prepare you for the reality of battle, the mortality you and your companions face against this unforgiving world. I feel shame because I thought there was no part of me that would ever act the way that I did this day, and I fear in my darkest hours that weakness will bring me to my knees once again. I’m not sure how my companion’s would feel about what transpired and I don’t think I will ever admit it to them. Nine hells, I don’t believe they even know what actually happened in those frantic moments. Surely they would say I at least did the right thing, the good thing. I don’t give a damn about either, I care about stomping out the fear and the weakness in me. Courage, strength, honor; these are the Chessentan ways. Though she may not care for my plight or conflict, I ask Mystra forgive me. Perhaps I just want pity or reassurance, but I deserve none. I will be better next time.

Despite all this, I did come to a great revelation in battle. Impulse had me weave a spell not with my free hand but quite literally channeled through my blade as I struck. I’m not sure how I came upon this but I was able to cast with my longsword and I feel I could have even weaved another spell in concert with it. This was what I needed, its the reason I left Chessenta in the first place. Had I not encountered the hardship of this quest I would not have evolved my art. Maybe Mystra is watching over me then. I’ll continue to refine my way in the coming battles, but for now I will resign to slumber. The spellbook can wait until tomorrow, with any hope my spirits will be lifted to meet the next day.

Oriseus Phaeridian

Eleasias 1372
__
12th – It’s been quite a ride across the seas. I’m out of my element here. It’s warm, there’s hardly any wild game, and there’s no forests as far as my eye can see. I need to find some work before I run out of money.

13th – I really need to learn to shut my mouth. I might have made some enemies; they probably want my head. I bet it’s worth a lot of money back in Tethyr. Ugh…Tethyr. That’s one place I’m glad I was able to escape. I met a dwarf named Grolm. I’m not sure of his true intentions, but I’m going to stay close to him for the time being. He should keep me safe for now.

14th – What a night! Juan, Grolm, Oriseus, and I took turns keeping an eye out, but luckily we made it through the night. These dangerous men were the ones I met yesterday. Surely they must be after me. It cannot be coincidence. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stay in the city for much longer.

15th – Juan, Grolm, Oriseus, and I met up with Mikaelus and Byrus before we took off. We have the water on wagon. It should be enough…hopefully. Grolm told me to expect some intense heat, so I’ve purchased some desert gear, sunglasses, and some extra food. I can’t believe the prices their charging now. As we’re about to take off, Juan and Grolm suggested I scout in front about 100 yards or so. I’m better on my own anyways, and I need to keep an eye our for my enemies from town.

16th – We made it through night. The temperatures are getting warmer and dryer. We’re drinking 2 gallons of water a day now. Hopefully it won’t get any hotter.

17th – Another uneventful night. It’s 125 degrees! We’re drinking 3 gallons now just to get by. I miss the shade. I miss the trees. I miss the endless amount of game in the forest. I miss Wealdath Forest.

18th – I woke up to a downpour. It is such a nice break from the heat. I met up with a group of people who seemed friendly, but I remained cautious and kept my distance. We moved on, and everything seemed fine until a giant salamander attacked. It was an ugly fight. Grolm went down fast, and none of us could hit anything. I’ll chalk this one up to the rain. I need to pick up a sword next time I’m in town. This dagger won’t do me any good up close. We’re lucky we made it out. We need to do better next time. We took it’s head, gathered the wagons, and moved on.

19th – Scouting ahead, I began smelling something foul. A little farther ahead there was this…this…giant evil daemon. This….thing…was just tearing these warriors apart like they were paper. I’ve never seen anything like it. I ran back to the horses as fast as I could and tried to explain what I had seen. I could barely get the words out of my mouth; I was so afraid. My hands with my bow held tight were still shaking in fear. Luckily we decided to go around this BEAST FROM HELL. I hope we don’t run into it again.

20th – The winds are down. I’ll be able to use my bow should the need arise. The rain is also down as it heats up a little.

21st – Another uneventful day. The group is growing anxious. We have to be getting near.

22nd – The temperature is up to 140 degrees. It’s very dry.

23rd – The heat has dropped. It must be around 100 degrees today. The wind is just barely noticeable. We ran into a second salamander. We were on top of our game today, but the caravan lost a horse. I’m not sure what they’re going to do. We grabbed the fresh head and moved on.

~ Falafel Stinkerton

Well past what would be dusk and the sun still glares in the distance. The caravan moves on, more content to get to Lastarr than travel comfortably. My only mistake thus far was to not buy a horse, but with the chaos of the city driving prices ever upward I’d be quick to find myself indentured to get my feet off the ground. Tales lingered in the city of dread that has befallen the great city of Assur and what we’ve encountered thus far gives credence to the rumors. Several days ago we were intercepted by behir, a savage reptilian adorned with quick, jerky limbs that cracked lightning from its maw. Our encounter with the beast almost cost me my life, a sensation I can hardly put to words. Everything was so sudden, the last thing I remember was my spell dissipating yet my sword striking cleanly. I was then overwhelmed with a roaring buzz and everything faded to black, only to wash back into my blurry vision as Jaun stood over me and the creature lay at my side still.

I hate to admit that death kissed me that day, that I couldn’t hold my ground against the behir. I could have done better, I could have focused just a bit more or at least given more will to my evocations. I wonder how many times the veteran adventurers have felt as such, or even my parents. So many must of felt that heavy sensation of stillness wash over them, like sinking in an inky quagmire, before Kelemvor shepherded them to the afterlife. I won’t allow that to happen to me, I have too many years yet and too much to learn before my sun sets. Weaving spell and sword seemed haphazard against the agile behir but I was able to better compose myself the second time we encountered one. It fell quickly, but not without more folly in its wake.

Sir Mikaelus said these types of behirs are native only to Halruaa and used exclusively by the people, which raises many strange questions in context to what I’ve heard in Assur. Forces stir all throughout the shining south, some sort of kindled anxiety on the verge of panic. I can’t say for certain the behir hints to more, but I feel my companions and I will learn more the sooner we get to Lastarr. I’m confident we will get there, but I can see the worry in the Durpari’s eyes. I can’t blame them. After this task I’m not sure where I’ll find myself but perhaps it will at least open the door to someone to help progress my art. This lot seems to be a good one and if we can triumph over the coming days why not stick together. But first, Lastarr, and hopefully some decent wine.

Oriseus Phaeridian

I hope I can see my wife and children again. I miss Jaruun, Ili, and Fajeer so much.

Luchi said this caravan run wouldn’t be a big deal at all, but it has turned into a nightmare. I can handle the most difficult of weather: the boiling summer savannah days, the occasional torrential downpour, or whatever else. I am from these lands, know them well and know how to survive. So, since all of this trade trouble started happening with many in the area concerned about how trade would even happen, wages have been skyrocketing. The fear of what many thought were terrible creatures never seen before harassing, stealing, and murdering merchants, got many people riled up despite me knowing they were wrong: unfortunately they were not wrong.

We’re in our our eighth day of travel now. I can see the Curna Mountains off to the east and love how beautiful they are. I wish I was there, or anywhere else for that matter right now. I wish this because one of the caravan guards, a Halrauaan wizard named Mikaelus has said that two fearsome, nightmarish creatures that have attacked us twice are called Halruaan behir’. Who am I to argue, since they appear to come from his damn country. They are about 10 feet long, have an almost rough purple color to the bodies, run very low to the ground and are ferocious in battle. They spit lightning from their very mouths and can gut a horse with one terrific rip of its claws. However, that isn’t what scares me the most…..

A few nights back, Falafel, a reasonably well skilled survivalist and wanderer was out ahead scouting in the rain when he came back pale as a virgin white silk. You don’t see a man go white like that unless he has seen something of the Pits themselves. Falafel said he did see that very thing……right out of Hell! A red beast, thin as could be in the center wielding a halberd like a toy, taking mens heads off in one swing, while taking a full swing of a khopesh to its back without a single scratch!! He also said you could smell this rancid, burning smell of brimstone all in the air near this creature, even while the hardest of rains fell around us. Wisely he came back right away and found a route around those poor souls being slaughtered like sheep. I will never forget the sounds of those dying men being ripped apart. How many of them had family like me? Little Fajeer’s crawling around waiting for their father to come home, only to grow up without a father. What the hell kind of a beast is that, and why would it be here in the Shining Lands? We are peaceful, loving people who trade and make our way through life without hurting anyone.

I honestly think it is the Veldoran beasts come to take our lands from us, and our very souls. I know the military units that have moved to the border between Veldorn and Durpar have done so only because the situation is dire: the Lands never mobilize military units in that number.

I hope we get to Lastarr in one piece, get whatever goods we need and get back to Assur alive. I want to hold my little baby Fajeer so bad. I can’t imagine dying on this Beshaban forsaken road without ever seeing my family again, no matter how much they pay me.

Hjukil Ejekluh
Merchant Caravan Driver
23 Eleasias 1372

If someone should find this letter on my body, please send it to Assur back in Durpar and let my family I have gone to the afterlife to be in Waukeen’s eternal grace and to wash in the holy bathes of gold.