[Eldurin]

Note that I wrote this before I had the game, so some of it is wrong.

JOURNAL
I will begin with a few words about my five companions. For truth be told, it is likely that we will all die in this quest. If so, I hope this journal finds its way back to the hands of someone who will read this and mourn our passing. If we somehow survive, I hope this work serves as a chronicle of the my brave companions who, though rejected by the world, helped to save it.

Although I am happy with my fellows, I must admit that I had hoped for more racial diversity in my companions. I could not, however, find any Oomphazs, Timagri (whom the common folk call Whiskas), Boujiri (whom the common folk call Ratlings), or Kilnar Sst (whom the common folk call Lizzords) willing to help me. Perhaps in time I will be able to prove my worth, have a bit of coin, and then enlist their help.

Although a Gourk warrior did approach me (I believe their racial name is actually Gaermal Oruk), his raw aggression unsettled me, and I felt led to decline his offer of companionship. He laughed at what he called my foolishness and as he left me, he made some comment about seeing my "scattered and whitened bones" before too many days hence. I hope my refusal was due to spiritual insight and not because of any racial enmity I might have over the Gourk's and Ogre's brutality against the Elves and Oomphaz in that terrible and bloody war.

Since I have spoken of the other common races, I should mention the Petani, whom are often called by the racial slur Gnobbits. The Petani have always disturbed me, due no doubt to some character flaw in myself. But whatever the reason, I find the jovial and warm Petani frightening. I think it is because it seems to me that they often have no allegiances. And someone with no allegiance could today be your friend and tomorrow your enemy. Although I hope to meet Petani that will prove my prejudice wrong, I cannot in good faith ask one to be a part of my party at this time.

Because I am not a man of great fame or wealth, I could only gather to myself this small band of five misfits and outcasts. But in my companions I see great potential. I pray that I may be able to focus that untapped potential until it grows into a force of good that will send Cet Ude D'wa Kahn into the Pit, from which there is no escape.

Here, then, are my companions.


Aspasia (Pixie)

Exactly why Aspasia has come to the Village of Valeia is unknown, for she listens much and speaks little. But I have heard a rumor that she is the daughter of none other than Seraphia, one of the Pixie Queens from the far-off Ishudo Karan Valley between Mt. Chayka and Mt. Dhar'fiam.

Unlike many races, Pixies (whose true racial name is Seragaia Aeiro) do not shelter their royalty. On the contrary, Pixies of importance are often subject to horrors that are kept from the common Pixie folk who are under their protection. One of the great treasures in the hard and wicked world is the beauty and sweetness of a Pixie's heart. It is to protect the Pixies' innocence, wonder, and faith that some brave and noble Pixies are chosen to explore and know the outside world, face its dangers, and return tell their tales to their chosen leaders.

If Aspasia is one of those so chosen, it would explain why she has come to the Village of Valeia. Perhaps she, like many others, seek to know how far the dark grasp of Cet Ude D'wa Kahn may reach.

Regardless of her reasons, I asked her to join me because a Pixies are devout and a blessing upon any party. I was surprised and honored by her acceptance, though it saddens me to see such a bright spirit afflicted by the evils of the land.


Eldurin Eventide (Elf)

He was once called Eldurin the Unfallen, for he came from an little-known Elven race called the Luahthan, who existed for generations and had never been touched by evil. Male Luahthan are recognizable by their stylized facial hair, something rarely seen in other Elven races.

Because humans were the ones who first brought the disease called evil to the Luahthan, humans are not well liked by Luahthan elves. But it is said that Eldurin once loved a human woman, which is, no doubt, related to his secret pain. He claims that he is a man at peace, for he knows his purpose in life, which is to forge himself into a weapon against evil. Yet at moments, when the fire of laughter has died from his eyes, they betray a deep unrest that speak of deep wounds.

Eldurin told me that this quest will involve the legendary Mavin sword in some way, though I throught that blade was long lost. Perhaps, even as Eldurin helps me fight against the evil of Cet Ude D'wa Kahn, I can help him find true peace.


Jael Saer (Elf)

Jael looks like a young, fun-loving human teen, but she is actually an Elven pariah. She left the Elven community of Laenar Rihl as a child and since has rejected all contact with other Elves. The only thing I have heard that might explain her behavior is a rumor I heard from that there is Timagri blood somewhere in her family's past, but such inbreeding is considered impossible. Although she keeps her ears hidden, her awesome intelligence and seemingly frivolous behavior reveals her true Elvish nature.

Although I was a bit concerned about her secrecy, my deep respect for her simple wisdom (a type of wisdom many people call foolishness), and her massive intelligence compelled me to ask her to join my party. With a sly smile and shrug, she said simply, "Why not?" And that was enough for me.


Rachel Le Minamor (Human)

Rachel was the fourth child of Baron Huk Le Minamor III, an un-noteworthy nobleman in the Deep Forest of Rane, far beyond the western sea of Svee. The Baron and Baroness were both killed by a powerful Warlock named Rezek Lar, and Rachel's three older brothers challenged the wizard in order to avenge their father. Despite Rachel's protests, they prohibited her from coming with them. Sadly, her brothers too were killed by Rezek.

The Baron's most trusted advisor came to console Rachel for her tremendous losses, but Rachel had left the ancestral home and was nowhere to be found. Several days later, word spread that Rezek Rane, the great Warlock, was found dead.

Now, Rachel has suddenly shown up in Valeia seeking adventure. When I first saw her, she was being attacked by several giant bats. I assisted her, but one by one, she took them down, her face never betraying the slightest hint of fear or uncertainty, though she was gravely wounded. Whether such eerie calm in the face of danger will lead Rachel to greatness of death remains to be seen.

I fear that I have asked her to join my party because of compassion and a wish to protect her, but in truth, she will no doubt protect me. I hope convince her to seek the path of Valkyrie.


Rhone Axegrinder (Dwarf)

Rhone appears to most who do not know him as a typical haughty, angry, but noble Dwarf. But he is not angry, he is afraid. He is afraid that the evil of Cet Ude D'wa Kahn will destroy his people. And fear is the most terrible and guarded of emotions in a Dwarf. Fear often causes humans to cry, be weakened, or run away. But fear in a Dwarf causes them to filled with a battle lust no wound can diminish, no weapon can break, and no enemy can withstand.

I asked Rhone to come with me for obvious reasons, such as his strength and fortitude, but also because his fear for his people shows the noble nature of his soul.

Ravanthar (Human)

Although I am a traveling musician, and am sometimes called a bard by my friends, the truth of the matter is that I am a Monk of Yahweh. It is unfortunate that Bards are now often called Tricksters, but I must admit there are many than carry a lute in one hand and a lockpick in the other. I, however, just like to play and sing as I travel the lands in my spiritual journey.

I grew up in an orphanage run by the Sisters of Mercy Mission,

Though I do not agree with many of the teachings of Anephas, he sought the greater good, and the threat of Cet Ude D'wa Kahn cannot be ignored. Although I supposed I have always been an adventurer at heart, I am a man of peace and have never raised a hand against an enemy. For good or ill, that peace must be broken, and I must wield the implements of war. I will study all things from weapons to wisdom; from spellcasting to stealth. Perhaps in time I shall undertake the path the Zen Master. Only Yahweh knows.

Tomorrow, I hope to speak to the town elder G'arreth, for I have heard he has some knowledge of the path I must take. But for now, I must rest. My spirit is restless, and I believe the morning will be the beginning of a great adventure.