A questing soul

[magecat]

((loosely based on the character and experiences of Chrystoph, Heaven's Strike))

Grey eyes stared at the storm chased coast. The ship's Captain stepped up beside the cloaked elven form and pointed.

"Tha would be Ascension naer 15 degrees tae starboard."

The elf nodded and continued to stare. After a moment, he turned to the grizzled human.

"Do you believe in this quest? An artifact that grants everlasting life?"

The old man looked at the young Paladin for a moment in thought. " Tis nae what Ah believe, lad, tis what You believe tha matters..."

Rain matted hair shifted as the elf nodded. "True enough. Personally, I think it is nonsense, but the Order decreed, so I am come."

~~~~~

The docks looked like any other port Zephyr Gallowglass had been to; screaming sea birds, inns for the parting of sailor and traveller from their money, beggars and temples almost touching but ignoring each other.

A small corner of his mind smirked at the fact that some Orders would have lost their way in trying to resolve this berg into some sort of "better place".

His own people fought evil more directly, confronting monsters lest civilization fall from without. Let the temple of Lathander make this a better place to live in, he would assure that the town had that chance.

[magecat]

For such a small town, the market is amazing. I have seen equipment that would make the Order's Quartermaster die of envy. My modest stockpile of gold has outfitted me with armor, sword and shield and other supplies.

After asking around for a place to start my quest, someone pointed out that there are a number of people looking for errands to be run. It had occurred to me that this would help me to learn my way here abouts.

Eventually, this led me into a confrontation with a group of bandits to the west of town. There is nothing out there to speak of, but then, they are no longer out there either.

When I spoke to the militia Captain about this, he suggested that there was an Adept somewhere west of town. It seems the fellow had convinced the local orcs to make harassing raids, and it would be appreciated if they could be convinced to stop. Personally, I would think that any of the town Watch could handle the task. My suspicion is that they don't care to be bothered by "Crownseekers" and this is a "quest" to keep me busy. It is odd that they should take that attitude when adventurers seem to be the town's major source of income.

~~~~

I do not know whether to be angry or amused at this turn of circumstances. When I confronted the mage, he immediately tried to kill me. It was a near thing, but my Lord was at my side.

In investigating his tower, I discovered his documentation on the theory of having a dragon in one's heritage. This information was disturbing and fascinating. It led me to insights into my own person, and I fear that the Order may condemn me to heresy, although my spells still flow and I still feel on the Path.

The orcs will, for a time, not trouble the town. Without leadership, they have gone back to their clan wars, and are fewer than they once were.

There is much work to be done here, and it is definitely a good thing that this is now my home.

[magecat]

I escorted a young sorceress in a quest this past day. She was looking for a ring that would allow her to breathe under water. I could not get her to admit why she would want such a thing, but she was determined to acquire it.

I will admit that the monastery I grew up in had some small impact on my decision to go with her. She was very pretty, and my recent confirmation that the Dragon Disciple exercises worked for me had caused me to be more tolerant. The fine scales of her skin glittered most pleasingly in the light. It is probably just as well that I had this infatuation. She will probably be a skilled spells woman if she survives, but I had to resurrect her three times for her brashness in running forward to see what was beyond the next corner.

In any case, the fish beasts we slew to get the rings, yes I got one as well, were most unhappy with our presence. The legend of the Koa-Tou turns out to be true. They hate the surface dwellers with a passion. I do not know if the other parts of the legend are true, as I did not see any evidence of human sacrifice.

The place was infested with beetles the size steppe mountain ponies. I had been told by the Captain of the Watch that some hermit to the north of town would further my status as a crownseeker if I brought him proof of these bugs. We slew the queen, and I collected her vitals as proof.