Patches from MapleLeaf's Journal

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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(5/29/02 12:24 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del All  Patches from MapleLeaf's Journal
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What has come before joining Saga? I really don't know where to begin. The past fifteen years of my life have been full of change. I doubt that it will ever be as calm and peaceful as the first twenty years of my life.

It was a frosty day in early summer. I was sipping lavender tea and listening to my mentor Lachlaine recount the story of my birth.
"Your father," Lochaline said, "was quite young when he met your mother. He was one of those suspicious Halflings who leave Rivervale to seek a fortune in distant cities. He became of all things, a horse trader. He was journeying with your grandfather through the Kithiicor woods with a new herd of white ponies destined for sale in Highhold, to the north. Your grandfather was renowned for his horses. People would travel from afar to see his beautiful steeds It was on this trek through the Kithicor that your father happened upon your mother. He told me that he had taken the herd down to drink from the Serpent River, where he found two Rivervale maids bathing in its waters. You must realize that the Kithicor was not such a dangerous place in those times. Your mother said that she saw no horses on this particular day, and that he was spying on the two from amongst the reeds on the rivers bank. Well, I am not sure but I think your mother may have been more accurate in her story. She was such a beautiful woman!"

Suddenly Lachlaine paused in his story. We both sat frozen. I realized that this wrinkled man who was my mentor had heard the moaning sound as I had.

"Do you think they're back?" I whispered fearfully. It had only been four nights since the lifeless creatures had found our last refuge. Their attacks were becoming more frequent and I knew that Lochlaine could not continue living this way.

The Undead began their mindless assault on our temporary dwelling. Their attack was relentless, and soon I was forced to slip down the secret passage moments before they were flooding into the hovel. Lachlaine had refused to come. I knew somehow that he never had any intentions of moving again. We had been on the road for nearly fifteen years and I could see his health deteriorating more quickly these past few months. I also was aware that the only thing that had kept my old mentor alive these past years was his desire to see me to adulthood. Now I had passed the sacred rites of his order. My order. I had learned the secret lore of the Disciples of Rain. I had become a Druid. This must have been the tenth time we had moved in the last two years, and the Undead attacks were coming with more frequency.
As I raced down the passage, I thought about the countless times Lochlaine had blessed me with the story of my parents meeting. But despite the fact that I knew the story perfectly well, I wish he could have finished. I will never forget Lachlaine.

My parents were quickly married and returned to settle in the woods outside of Rivervale only months before their first child, my sister, was born. I was born on the 12th day of spring thirty-five years ago . I was the second of three children. I am the only one who is still alive. The day will come when I will avenge my family's death.

My mother became quite a prominent figure in the village in The Misty Thicket. She founded a small church to her god. This church became an abbey, and continued to grow until enough funds were raised to erect a large temple to her woodland deity. I remember that even some of her reclusive relatives from Rivervale came to visit the temple. My father ran the home, large farm and estate where the family lived.

Then Koralth Lement arrived our village. He had an enigmatic and intriguing way about him that let him quickly enter the temple and begin advancing through it's ranks. Looking back on the numerous evenings when Koralth would dine with my family, I am enraged that I had not seen the deceitful man for what he was.

The Dark Elf Koralth quickly and thoroughly immersed himself in the clergy and began to secretly sway many of the temples followers into believing that my mother was deceiving them in their worship. The distrust and miss-aimed accusations were all that was necessary to stall the people long enough for the seed of Koralth's pestilence to germinate.

I remember the evening in late winter when I assisted my mother in hauling water from the well. I remember how gently she had caressed my head and carefully heated the water over the fire for my bath. I will never forget her sweet smile as I slipped into the bath and began to wash my hair. It was the last time I saw my mother alive.

This plague was swift. From the moment the first signs of the pestilence (usually a reddening in the whites of the eyes) appeared on a person, through the progress, and finally termination of the disease, barely half an hour had passed.
I was underwater when I heard the thud of her body fall onto the stone floor. When I emerged from the bath to investigate the sound, she was lying face down. Her blood was so thinned that it escaped though the pores of her skin, and out from her nose, and eyes. She barely had time to hand me the crystal key, before she was dead. I was naked and covered in her blood as I ran out of the house in a panic.

I found my father in the field behind our plague infested home, he was cradling Beladonna, my dying older sister, in his arms. She was convulsing wildly as the last throes of the pestilence took her life. My father never let her out of his arms, even as his blood began to seep from the pores of his skin. The sun was beginning to set and the whole field took on a crimson color. I fell to my knees, terrified and in tears, and awaited my fate.

I don't remember much of what followed on that evening. I know that Lochlaine our tutor was supposed to visit that night. He must have arrived early. I saw his silhouette emerge from the burning sunset. In his arms he carried my younger sister, Lavender. He took us from our home and we passed through the doomed village. People were dying everywhere. Blood ran like a river in the streets. It was as if the entire town was engaged in a sort of macabre writhing blood-dance. I remember seeing one of my friends, a boy named Talin, look up to Lochlaine in desperation as we passed. But the whites of Talin's eyes were already filled with the scarlet horror. He shed crimson tears as Lochlaine clutched Lavender and me closer to him and steadied his pace past the dying boy. We were nearly out of the town when I felt the wetness next to me. I looked up to find that my sister's white dress was wet with blood. She trembled only slightly. She was very brave. Just before the fever overcame her, she managed to smile and say goodbye to me. Lochlaine left Lavender's blood bedewed body, under a beautiful pine tree on the edge of town.
I don't know why Lochlaine and I were not affected by Koralth's vile pestilence. It had come like a thief in the night over the peaceful town of my youth. Even more unsettling was what we discovered a few weeks later. Lochaline had left me in the forest and went back into the village for supplies. He retuned empty handed, and refused to tell me what he had encountered until years later. The entire town was populated with walking-dead. Some he recognized. I asked if Lochlaine had seen my parents as undead and he shook his head, but I suspect that even if he had, my kindly mentor would have lied.

Lochlaine and I found a nearby cave, just a few miles south of Highhold, and made it our home. But within three months we were on the move again. The undead followed us. They came swiftly in the night and we barely escaped. After their second attack, a few weeks later, we realized that they were somehow following us.
My mentor and I spent over a year as nomads, before we finally decided to enter the city of Freeport. Neither myself nor Lochlaine much liked the idea of dwelling within city walls, but we thought it a safe haven from the tireless creatures that pursued us. We were mistaken. A few months after our arrival, half a dozen zombies and skeletons were pouring into "The Jade Tiger" the tavern, which had been our home. Here however, we took a stand and, with the help of bard whom we had become friends with in the tavern, succeeded in defeating the evil horde. This is where we discovered that the creatures were not exactly following us. With a bit of investigating we found that the creatures that attacked us in "Jade Tiger" had dug out of their graves in a local cemetery and made their way to our dwelling that same night. Korath was able to awaken the Dead from their slumber, and send them after us.

The morning after this discovery, we were passing through the gates of Freeport and again on the road to nowhere. Months on the road turned into years wandering and fleeing. Lochlaine continued to tutor me as he had always done. As we traveled the land he schooled me in the proper uses for herbs, and how to befriend animals. He taught me languages and art, and about Karana.

It was in late winter when Koralth, summoned yet another troupe of undead, but this time my mentor was unable to escape them. We had recently returned to the Misty Thicket and had been wandering daily through the frosty hills. It was in the Thicket that I met Tuppen, who offered me refuge in The Saga. The guild could never replace my mentor, but I think after so many years of being alone with Lochlaine it would be good for me to have companions. I hope my curse will not cause my guild-mates to resent their decision to accept me into their ranks.


-MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rian


Edited by: MapleLeaf at: 6/14/02 9:26:56 am

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 21
(5/29/02 12:33 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  Running from Koralth
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The night is clear and the stars guide the ship through the Ocean of Tears. I think I've finally found my sea-legs (after two nights of severe vomitin)

Soon I will land in the Butcherblock mountains. I have left Rivervale in search of more adventures and to escape from Koralth's endless attacks. I DO NOT KNOW WHY HE IS AFTER ME. What could he possibly want?

Waid SolidOak has suggested that I visit one of his clansmen who apparently has great skill in crafting Scarab Armour. I have seen such armour and find it's color and protective qualities to my liking.

-MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 22
(5/29/02 12:40 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  Koralth's Minions Attack in the night
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After spending a few weeks in Kaladim I was able to learn a bit of the Dwarvish language. But soon a small attack of undead came in the night. I found myself running farther east... Into Faydark. I have not been to this majestic forest since I was a child, when my father had brought me here for the funeral of one of his close friends.

I love elvish wine. I spent many days inside the HeartWood Tavern. And I would sleep in the woods at night, with moss for a pillow and leaves for a bed.

They found me in Greater Faydark during the early hours of the morning. I had just arisen from camp when they initiated their assault. Koralth's emissaries are swift. I had only been in Faydark for a few days.

I am forced to flee again...


-MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 23
(5/29/02 12:45 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  Candidate Quest Complete
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It has been months since I began my quest to join Saga. At last i am finished! I was able to interview Waid, Bippin, Katryna Mixxi, and Tuppen. Their answers to my questions have helped me to resolve my own inner conflicts.

The voyage across the sea is terribly frightning. My only consolation was that it rained the whole trip. I love the rain. It also helped to wash my vomit from the deck of the ship. My people were not meant to be sea-farers.

Freeport is a city of many delights. Anything you wish to find, you can likely find it here. The tall-folk rush by me, scarcely looking down to notice as I wander through their streets. I keep my eyes peeled, hoping to find a member of Saga so that I might continue my quest. Alas, here in one of the most populace cities of Norrath, I am frightfully alone.

The undead have not caught up with me yet. But they will shortly. I must leave on the morrow. Soon I will be back in Rivervale, where I will confront my past...

I have planned a counter-attack against Koralth.


-MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

Edited by: MapleLeaf at: 5/29/02 11:49:40 am

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 24
(5/29/02 12:51 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  The Death of Koralth
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My nemesis has found peace. I dare not speak of what horrid acts I have seen and committed. Suffice to say, I tracked him down inside The Misty Thicket and have overcome him. I should feel happy. I should celebrate. Instead here I sit at the BoneOrchard where my family is burried.

Luclin, in her orbit, sheds silver light down upon me as I pen these words.

Undead from Kithicor have made their way into the Misty Thicket and there is nothing I can do to prevent them. Dark Elves have also established a camp on the borders of the Vale. Our Troopers can barely hold them back. I must leave this place. I know that I should help defend Rivervale. I have only just returned but I can not stay here. I must get as far away as possible. Tomorrow I set out. Perhaps I will travel to Kelethin. Even the horrid voyage across the Ocean of Tears would be better than remaining in this place of bitter memory.

MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain 

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 25
(5/29/02 12:53 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  New Beginnings
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Spring is here. I feel reborn. Gazing out the window of the Inn where I am lodging, high atop the trees of Greater Faydark, my soul is at rest. The voyage from Rivervale has been a voyage of reincarnation.

Tuppen was so wise.

Mixxi's answers were so simple and yet so profound. I should have understood earlier. Her moral judgement came in facing the law.

Katryna told me that it was very important for her to face her inner turmoil, she had confronted the source and become a stronger person.

Bippin's words were "It is best not to dwell on the past. Of course with Undead tracking your every move it is difficult to forget the past! But now that Koralth is dead, I agree that it is best just to move on and look to the future...

Even Waid SolidOak's advice ring's in my ears tonight. He told me that it's not what you've done in the past that is important. It is how you live your life now, and what you do in the present that is the true judge.

It is how you live your life now.

MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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(5/29/02 12:54 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  A Familiar Face
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For the past few weeks I have been enjoying the tranquility of the Tree-City. Kelethin suits my nature.

Two nights ago I had a wonderful chance encounter. As I sat in the HeartWood Tavern I looked up from my goblet to see a familiar face at the bar! At first I hesitated to approach him because I did not know if he would remember me (and I was rather ashamed that I had a few drinks in me).

The last time I had seen this face was over a decade ago at his fathers funeral. Our fathers had been good friends, both involved in horse-trading. His father had saved my fathers life and my father swore that he would eternally be in his debt. When my father received word of his death, he brought our entire family across the Ocean of Tears bearing condolences to the family. This is when I met Dalanshin.

In my hesitation to approach him, Dalanshin caught site of me. His face brightened to a smile and he rushed over to clap me on the back and gather me into a huge embrace, lifting me off the ground.

Several hours later we were both drunk. We laughed to see each other again. We cried when we recounted our losses. And we drank well through the entire next day. I was so very happy to see him and I think he felt the same way towards me. The next day we dined with his sister and her family. For the first time in many years I feel as if I have come home to a family.

Since the plague stole my parents and sisters, and since Koralth began sending his Undead minions to hunt me down, this is the longest time I have spent in one place. I feel wonderful. There have been no raids in the night. I am beginning not to jump every time I hear someone approach from behind. I am at peace again.

MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 27
(5/29/02 12:55 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  A long stay in Kelethin
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The weeks have turned to a month in Kelethin. I can't seem to find a reason to leave. I love it here.

Dalanshin and I have become good friends. I've been traveling with him in his scouting missions throughout Faydark. I think my experience in the wilds has proven beneficial to him. We talk a lot and I enjoy his company. I feel that I have been rather relaxed in my advancement as a Disciple of Rain, but I have been needing a rest. I have been travelling for many years now. It is nice to sleep in the same bed night after night.

MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 28
(5/29/02 12:57 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  The abduction of Dalanshin's Mother
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Dalanshin and I were supposed to go to his mothers home for dinner last week. We decided to pass the afternoon hunting out in the Faydark but he had only just begun when Dalanshin's sister approached us with tears in her eyes and her clothes all tattered. She told us that their mother had been taken by the Orcs of Crushbone and they had made a slave of her.

We all three traveled as quickly as we could towards the Crushbone Citadel but the numbers of orcs was too thick and Dalanshin's sister was forced to flee while we two managed to enter the Citadel. Dalanshin and I set out steathfully to assassinate as many orcs as possible while we spoke to various slaves we stumbled upon.

Finally we found where she was held, but we lacked the key to free her from her shackles. We were forced to leave our steathy mission and assume a more overt approach. We simply began charging killing every orc we could see. With Karana's blessing we soon were standing back to back atop a pile of Orc corpses. Dalanshin and I learned how to tell the difference between Centurions and Slavemasters. It was the Slavemasters who usually held the keys to the slaves.

Near death, weak and scarred, we found the key we needed. We were able to fee Dalanshin's poor mother and escape back to Kelethin. She seems a bit shaken up, but we are just happy to see that she is in good health. Karana must have been watching over us for we were very lucky.

Dalanshin is growing into a fine warrior. His skills in the wilderness are to be commended. When I first started scouting throughout Faydark with him I felt more like I should be his guardian because of the vow my father had made to his. Now I am beginning to feel more as an equal. I think I would trust Dalanshin with my life. However, Dalanshin is rather ignorant about Norrath. He has spent his whole life here in Faydark.

Taking Dalanshin to Kaladim one day, I was surprised to find that he had never left the elven forest. I should like to travel a bit with him and show him the wonders of Norrath. Wow. I don't believe I just wrote that ! It has been two months since I've made Kelethin my home. There were days when I was on the road in my youth that I vowed "When Koralth is dead, I will never travel again. I will stay in my little Rivervale hovel and eat all day long" But something happened to me over those years of travelling. I suppose I actually enjoyed it on some level. This time when I travel do I will be able to do it leisurely and without being afraid to always look over my shoulder. Yes. I shall like to travel again.

MapleLeaf
Disciple of Rain


Edited by: MapleLeaf at: 5/29/02 11:57:34 am

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 29
(5/29/02 1:03 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  A new Saga member !
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Today I was accepted into the ranks of Saga. I am so very grateful to all those that have helped me along the way. Tuppen and Dara were so very kind when they presented me with my Guild Colors inside the HeartWood tavern here in Kelethin.

I will not speak of the vast ammounts of drink which was had, nor will I go into details about how I nearly fell from the Tree City as I tried to make my way back to Dalanshin's room after the ceremony.

For the first time since I was a child I feel like I have a family again. Dalanshin is like a brother to me, and many members of The Saga have also become my siblings. I am very happy today !

[Noa]

MapleLeaf
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Posts: 30
(6/2/02 1:40 pm)
Reply | Edit | Del  Leaving Kelethin
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Several nights ago Dalanshin and I left Kelethin! It was sad to say goodbye to the Tree City which has been my home for these past few months. Dalanshin's excitement was palpable. It is such a treat to be able to show him the world. Our first trip was to Ak' Anon where we met with Iniyu who gave us a wonderful tour of her city.

Tuppen had given me Iniyu's name and told me to look for if I ever made it to the Steamfont mountains. We became quick friends and invited her to join us in our travels. A few days later our ship docked in Freeport.

Tonight I sit gazing out at Luclin as she makes her decent into the distant desert horizon. The sands of No. It is amazing how sand finds its way into everything. Dalanshin is sleeping inside our rented hut and I suspect he will be awakening soon...

It feels good to be traveling again.

-MapleLeaf