You have been taken by the Mists

Author Topic: Journal of William Gatts  (Read 2675 times)

Hades

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Journal of William Gatts
« on: April 07, 2009, 09:31:31 PM »
The Journal



      "My name is William Gatts.  I was born in the great city of Waterdeep along the Sword Coast of Faerun.  Growing up, I wasn't much different than any other child.  My father was an urchin on Moon street.  My mother was a singer and song writer who worked at the nearby Foaming Mug Tavern.   During the time my mother was not working, she would teach me about the world.  She would use song to tell me stories of the dragons in Cormyr and the treasure's of the ancient Myth Drannor.  I learned a great deal from her.  I was heartbroken when she became ill with plague.  To help my father pay for her medicine, I got involved with a member of one of the local thieves guilds. He payed me to help him cut purses and swipe things from local merchants. 
      When I was sixteen, my mother passed away.  Her loss was hard on my father, who began to crawl into a shell.  A year later, he was robbed by a man who needed money to pay for the growing taxes our city was putting on households.  When one of the guards tried to stop him, he stabbed my father and ran down one of the alleyways.  My father passed away a few hours later from the loss of blood.   After his death, I took what money I had saved and joined with a merchant caravan heading east to the city of Tilverton, where I would attend the Bardic College.  A few short years later, I graduated and returned home to Waterdeep.  I rejoined with the member of the thieves guild, selling stolen wares with him.  Once I had enough coin saved up, I decided to begin my travels on the open road.  Then the mist came..."

« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:29:13 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2009, 10:05:34 PM »
      "I wasn't a days march north of Waterdeep when from out of no where, I was suddenly surrounded by a thick mist.  I hurried through it when from behind, I was struck by some sort of blunt object.  I never saw it coming.  When I awoke, I looked around to see my environment had changed entirely.  I was near some gypsy camp, in a harsh and cold region that I had never seen before.  Petre, one of the gypsies informed me that I had come to Barovia.  Apparently this is to be my new home.  Not likely, for as soon as I find a caravan heading back to Waterdeep, I'm joining it.  For now though, I may as well explore the nearby areas.  After all, that's why I set out on this adventure to begin with.  I waited in the camp until morning, when I decided to wander toward the sounds of nearby civilization. 
      Following the road, I came to find a large, rundown temple with boarded windows and small pyres burning near the main entrance.  Opposite the temple, was a small Inn.  The sign over the door read, "The Ladies Resting Place."  It seemed the best place to start, so made my way inside.  There weren't many people around, but it was still early.  After waiting around, I noticed a fair skinned elven man enter from the floor above.  I encountered him and engaged in pleasant conversation.  He said his name was Archelous and he had quite a bit of information to give.  According to him, this land is surrounded by that thick mist and passing through it is impossible.  I guess I'm stuck here for now.  Also, he warned me not to travel outside at night.  Apparently this land is plagued with Were-creatures and Vampires.  Doubtful yes, but he seemed sincere.  I think he may just have been a bit out of his mind.  Those things aren't real, are they?  I suppose for now, I will take a look around town.  More later..."
« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 10:37:08 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2009, 01:34:08 AM »
On Vallaki

      "I've just returned to my room at the Ladies Resting Place.  I spent the Morning Exploring the city of Vallaki.  I must say, I found it to be almost nothing like Waterdeep.  There is a harbor overlooking Lake Zarovich, but there is little in the ways of merchants or guilds.   I was troubled to find that the locals weren't very warm to my presence in their city.  I was regarded with suspicion and scrutiny by every native that I passed on the streets.  Some places of Interest that I located:

Mernu's Mercantile: A small shop in the Were House district that buys and sells almost everything except magic scrolls.  While magic appears not to be illegal, its highly feared.

The Vallaki Bank:  Speaks for itself.  Good place to store my earnings.

Tigans Rest:  A low quality tavern for thugs and thieves.  There is a blackmarket merchant there that I can get lockpicks and other supplies from.  It also appears to be the base of operation for a faction known as the Red Vardo Traders.  I saw a few of them enter one of the rooms upstairs.  With a quick glance in the door, I noticed a desk and clerk as well as a trap door leading somewhere below.

Broken Bell Tavern:  A middle class tavern in the Market District near the General Store and Smithy.  Good place for some wine women and song.

Blue Water Inn:  A high class establishment.  Maybe a good place to meet people of importance in Vallaki.

Temple of The Morning lord:  A small temple in the slums.  A good place to hide from the creatures that prowl the streets at night.

The Ratter's House: Some short and ugly man apparently pays a good amount of coin for rat pelts.  Not sure where he gets the money, but whatever. Coin is coin.

The Prancing Nymph: A casino in the Slums.  Great place for underhanded trading and gambling.

The Drain: An underground society hidden within the Market District Sewers.  Home of the Caliban and of the scallywags not fit for daily life.

      There were a few other locations worth taking a look at, but the ones mentioned are what appeal to me the most so far.  I find traveling in the city to be a depressing endevour.  The locals are unhospitable, most live in poverty and the streets are filthy.  Their close minded behavior and xenophobic superstitions annoy me, but there is nothing I can do but try to blend in.  The government appears to be run with fear and force and woe is the traveler who gets on the bad side of a city guard."

« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 02:55:28 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2009, 02:28:00 AM »
      "I met a few interesting people so far while exploring around town.  First I met the blond Elf, Archelaus.  He wears a black suite and a nice hat, even in battle.  From what I've seen he is a very good spell caster, but he is very stingy with sharing his magical protections.  There was also an elf called Karavas, or "The Snowman."  He wears a red long-coat with a red hood.  He's a priest of some god, though I don't know of who.  I also met an attractive young girl named Sholah.  She's a ranger of some kind from one of the neighboring countries of this land, on the west coast.  Her and I stayed a night at Tigans rest.  I enjoyed her company."
« Last Edit: April 10, 2009, 02:30:04 AM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2009, 04:27:29 AM »
      "I began some exploration with Archelaus and Karavas.  Over the past weeks, we have explored several different crypts and locations of interest, among them are:

The Vallaki Sewers: Disgusting, but full of riches to be found.  I can only assume the riches make their way to the sewers because of the large population of Wererats within them.  I hear they are known for stealing from their victims.  Avoid the Docks District, for there are very large ones present on occasion.

The Orphanage:  Of all places for evil to be nesting, why an orphanage?  We heard rumors that there were tunnels beneath the basement full of rotten creatures.  They were right.  We traveled through the caves and killed any foul beasts that we could.  We eventually found their leader to be a form of Hag.  We dispatched it and took our leave.  There was some slight treasure to be found.

The Von Zeklos Family Crypt: To the far east of the outskirts, past the Zeklos Keep is a crypt plagued with undead creatures and the bodies of fallen adventurers.  Something terrible dwells there.  We found little riches, but a large glowing orb of some sort.  Fearing its properties, we left it alone. 

The Morning Lord Temple: Beneath the Morninglord Temple in the Western Outskirts, I found that the catacombs are plagued with Undead creatures of different manner.  Its a vile place but there is some riches to be found.  Also, for every five skeletal knuckles I bring to Mother Lizuca, she will pay me with a Healing Tonic.  That could prove very helpful.

The Coven of the Damned: A place I don't wish to return to.  Karavas and Archelous showed it to me on the way to a tower, far north.  Its a bloody Vampire coven!  I was astonished and terrified when we encountered the denizens and their guardians.  Such power they had and were it not for my new elven companions; I would surely have perished.  There was a moderate amount of coin and scroll to be found.

Elketh's Tower: As if Vampires weren't enough, my new companions decided that while on our way to the Mage Tower in the far north, we would stop at Elketh's tower.  That place disturbed me.  According to Archelous, it is the home of a Dark Elf turned Lich.  What a horrifying thought! We fought our way through the tower, fighting the creatures creations.  When we reached the pinnacle, we found that Elketh was no where to be found.  Lucky for us I say.  A large amount of scrolls and a decent amount of gems and coin was found.

The Mage's Watch-Tower: Finally, a place without death.  A tower far north on Mt. Baratak, ran by a group of Magi.  They sell many different magical items and scrolls.  When I have enough money I will surely return to take advantage of this place.  There is much to be learned from them.  I am pleased to have been shown this beacon of hope in this land of twilight.  At least magic is welcome somewhere here.  That puts me at east.

      They mentioned a Lycan Den and a Troll den.  I'm not eager to visit either of those, but in time I am sure my companions will drag me there.  These lands are very interesting and yet, terrifying.  The monsters that plague the night are enough to make most grown men piss themselves.  The fact that we're fighting them - and winning is astonishing to me.  How long will our luck hold, I wonder?  Scratch that, I don't want to know the answer."
« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 10:36:51 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2009, 04:45:11 AM »
      "While collecting rat pelts in the sewers, I encountered a Caliban (The native reference to Orcs, I believe) who called himself "Rat-Eater."  Ironically enough, he was on the verge of being eaten by a wererat.  I dealt with the creature with minimal difficulty, to my own surprise and saved his life.  In return he decided to tag along with me while I gathered pelts.  Having some extra help was nice.  I called my new companion "Rats" for short.  A fitting name given our meeting.  As it turns out, if I give him a simple 'Magic Weapon' spell he is rather useful.  Having him to carry the pelts and watch my back is a comforting thought, in spite of his heritage.  He seemed moderately well educated, though he speech would indicate otherwise.  He was perceptive at the very least.
      During our collecting, a pair of other people ran past us without saying anything.  They were trying to cut into our profits from what I gather.   Rats wasn't pleased about this, but the duo of thieves ran away too quickly for us to do anything.  Not long after they left, a young man in fur armor approached us.  My companion decided to make this man pay for the money the others had taken from us.  I watched quietly without acting in either manner.  Rats threatened the man with his Axe and the man appeared very shaken.  I was certain Rats would kill him for his coin, not that I cared mind you.  If the lad was foolish enough to stick around with an angry Orc, then he deserved to be robbed.  The stupid and the weak are deviants of the proper society and they are not to be given any pity as far as I am concerned. 
      The lad was in luck however, as the mugging that Rats was constructing was interrupted by the appearance of two more Wererats.  We dispatched them, but the lad fled.  After a few more skirmishes, chance allowed us to bump into him again - and again, Rats tried to mug him.  I watched as it was once more interrupted by Wererats that had closed in on our position.  Their numbers are growing at an alarming rate and they seem to be intent on killing us.  Reluctantly we pressed on before things started getting very dangerous.  The tunnels were growing ever darker and we could clearly hear a great deal of them nearby.  Luck was with us when two strangers appeared and offered help.  One was a pale young woman, the other a man clad in red armor and just as pale.
      We fought our way through the sewers, killing all breed of Wererat.  We saw very large ones and a great deal of them, but with our new-found help, there wasnt much trouble.  We tracked them to the location of their leader, but he escaped us.  We found in his stead, a bloodstained room.  On the floor was a single raven feather and a young woman's fingernail.  Something dreadful happened here.  Further more, the man helping us started acting strange.  He was recoiling from us and warning us to go away.  A few moments later he lunged at me in an attempt to dine on my flesh.  He was a Vampire!
     Before he got me, his female companion interjected and apologized on his behalf.  She then allowed him to feed on her.  Apparently this Vampire has reasoning skills and isn't keen on feasting on the lifeblood of those undeserving.  My luck is remaining.  Meeting a Vampire who didn't truely want to kill me was refreshing.  I learned a great deal from him and I hope we meet again.  For now though, I shall return to my quarters for rest.  More later..."
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2009, 05:57:52 AM »
Concerning Wererats



      "In my travels, I am finding all manner's of beast and creature.  Among them are the vicious Were Rats.  These creatures are dwellers of darkness and are found the most in the streets of Vallaki at night and in the Sewers beneath the city both day and night.  They are fast and strong, but a silver or enchanted weapon easily pierces their hide.  There are several breeds of them that I have seen.  I will identify them here:

Were-Rats: Shorter than an average human and very fast.
Strong Were-Rats: Roughly the size of an Orc or Caliban, stronger than your average and more hardy.
Greater Were-Rats: Roughly the size of an Ogre, these rats are very sturdy and very powerful.  They aren't as fast as their smaller brethren though.
White Were-Rats: Between your standard and strong ones in height.  These were-rats are very cunning and -very- fast.
Black Were-Rats: Varying in height, but always faster and more cunning than all but the White.  These ones are good at calling for help to overwhelm the unprepared adventurer or wanderer.
Were-Rat Lords: Bigger, faster, stronger and deadlier than any other were-rat.  Named for their apparent command of the lesser wererats. They are in charge of the packs.  The alpha beings.  Avoid them at ALL costs.

      I've found that while its not lethal to them, they fear the sunlight in their true form.  They are weak against Silver and the larger ones should be avoided when the option is present.  Their bites can be infectious and appears to be how the disease is spread.  I'd better avoid taking any such wounds from them for I wish more than anything, never to come down with such a curse.  They breed as fast as rabbits and they grow very quickly.  The more I kill of them the better, but I shall be careful not to bite off more than I chew.  They enjoy ambushing their unsuspecting prey."


EDIT:  GREY WERERAT!  Master of the art of murder.  Tends to throw severed heads at its victims to terrify them.  Cant be defeated.  If encountered spend every second running like a bat straight out of hell.  NEVER ENCOUNTER AGAIN!

« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:28:08 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2009, 06:59:56 PM »
      Ive continued to explore the region surrounding Vallaki with the help of my new found associates and travel companions, Rats, Archelous, Karavas, Sholah, Natalie, Fufir and a few others.  Ive uncovered three more places of evil, riches and danger.

The Sullen Woods:  A dark forest north west of Vallaki.  This forest if the home of Shadow Creatures similar to the ones in the Von Zeklos Crypts.  I also noticed that some of the caves in this region are the home of undead creatures and on occasion Ogres.  A dangerous place, but with the risk comes the prospect of rewards.

The Lycan Nest: A series of caves and caverns along the north shores of Lake Zarovich.  Home of the Werewolves of this land and not a place for the lone wanderer.  Deep beneath the ground, within their caverns, we found a stream running in from the lake.  Along this stream, we found what appears to be the wreckage of an old Pirate ship.  The lycans living with in, I have come to learn, were once the crew of this ship.  We dispatched the ones that came after us and made off with some of the riches from the old ship.

Southern Forest Caves: A series of caves and caverns south of Vallaki.  Home of hobgoblins, umber hulks and other slightly dangerous beings. A small amount of treasure to be found.  Low risk.  Avoid the Orchre Jellies!

The Old Monastery: An abandoned monastery south of Vallaki.  Its inhabited by the cursed spirits of the monks that once resided there, I believe.  There is also the restless spirit of Gilos, a former knight of the order.  I've seen Gilos warring with the other spirits.  A moderate amount of treasure was found.


« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:34:25 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2009, 10:33:59 PM »
Concerning Lycans



      "Another species of Were-Creature, Lycans are larger and fiercer than their Were-rat brethren.  They are dangerous and should be handled with care.  Barovian werewolves (referred to as "Neuri" by natives I have met) are typically taller than an average human by at least a head.  They are very heavily muscled, with thick coats of fur.  I've found that normal weapons will not harm them.  Only silver or magical enhancements are enough to hurt these creatures.  Unlike the various breeds of wererats, I've seen only three types of wolves so far:

Lycans:  Standard wolves.  Quick, powerful and smart.  Use caution when dealing with them, but at the very least, I can kill them.
Loup-Garou:  Bigger, faster and stronger than your standard Werewolf.  They hit harder and are far more vicious.  I should never face off against one without my protections in place.  If at all possible one should try to knock them on their backsides to make piercing their thick hides easier.
Lycan Alphas:  The perfect killing machines.  If one is encountered, run as far away as I can as fast as I can.  I can not defeat them at all.  I cant even get past their ability to regenerate wounds.  Named for their command over the packs and their varying nesting grounds.  Alpha males of the wolf kingdom.

      I've found that these creatures dwell the most in a cave near Constantine's Fishing lodge.  One of the outlanders told me some disturbing rumors about that lodge, but I have yet to verify the validity of such rumors.  I've also seen them on the east road, past Vallaki.  They are prowlers of the darkness, so their presence would be most felt in the night time hours of this land.  More reason to stay indoors at night, I suppose.  Also, I have come to learn that unlike the region's bordering Barovia, only in this country is the werewolf population so high that it rivals and maybe even outnumbers the deer population."


« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:43:25 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2009, 10:52:37 PM »
      "Vallaki.  This place disgusts me.  I find that when I look upon the faces of those native to this realm, I feel nothing but anger.  They are pathetic and closed minded and the guards here are corrupt.  They care nothing for the populous. If only I could return home to Waterdeep.  That doesn't seem to be an option though.  So I will make due as best I can to make this place livable.  While here, I have come to find a close companionship with Rats.  Odd given that he is a Caliban, but we seem to see eye to eye.  We understand each other.  His people are secluded to living in the filthy sewers beneath town and they are tormented and murdered on sight when they are on the surface.  He's been forced to live a life of seclusion from normal society but still, he understands.  In this world there are a few types of people:  Those who are willing to do what is needed to better themselves and the place they live and those who are not. The people who don't, disgust me.  They are vagrants.  Leeches, living off the honest, hard working people of this city like Rats and myself.  These are the people who don't know how to survive in the real world.  They don't understand the dangers and they don't seem to care about the progression of society, but instead just add to the inferior and weak numbers of people who don't deserve to share the same air as I.  It is these people that I hate.
      While on our pelt collecting endevours, Rats and I have encountered many of these people.  They enter the realm of the Caliban acting as if they own it.  One even demanded that Rats give him his armor.  We have decided to educate these people and do them a service.  I think of our pairing like a paring of professors looking to educate the world.  We corner these people, rob them and leave them for dead.  In return, they learn a valuable lesson on life and hopefully make strides to become stronger so that such things can not happen to them again. Some, like Natalie, might look at our teaching as evil, but I do not believe it to be so.  We are doing these people a service.  We are teaching them about how quickly everything can be taken away.  In response they work harder and train harder so that they can do something to defend themselves should it ever happen again.  We are turning vagrants into respectable people.  No matter how much Natalie or anyone else protests, I know our workings to be that of the greater good.  Each person we educate later becomes a useful member of society.  Those who done, die.  What evil is found in the progression of our society?  As my father used to say, "The End Justifies the Means."  It is a valuable phrase to remember, for it is infact true.  Our lessons might be hard to learn, but in the end they are working towards a better world where people have the ability to protect themselves from wrong doing.  What greater good could there be?"
« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:10:38 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2009, 11:06:27 PM »
      "Even though Natalie disagrees with the ideals that Rats and I share, I have come to like her a great deal.  She isn't great in battle and her spells are not very powerful, but from time to time she has proven to be more valuable than even myself or Rats and I cant help but think about her a great deal.  She doesn't talk about her past much because of the painful memories. We've gotten in a few arguments over the lessons Rats and I offer.  One in particular was concerning a Kara-Turan named Chang.  He was with us on a journey before and had found us to receive his cut of the treasure, which Rats was the holder of.  Rats offered the man his share, but Chang's greed demanded that Rats instead give him his suit of armor and all of his coin. 
      Rats wasn't pleased with this, so he kicked the ever-loving hells out of Chang right there on the spot.  He then dropped Chang's share on his unconcious body and we left.  Natalie had a problem with this.  According to her, Rats' actions were archaic and cruel.  The way I see it, this is not true.  Chang attempted to get more than his fair share and in return Rats taught him a valuable lesson about greed.  If anything Chang should be thanking Rats for giving him a free lesson, given that we did not take his coin purse after it was done.  None the less, Natalie did not like this and she decided to part ways with us in a huff of anger.  I was angry that she left, but there was nothing I could do about it.  Luckily she returned after some time alone and apologized.  I'm pleased to have her back at my side ."
« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 03:02:44 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #11 on: April 14, 2009, 02:39:47 PM »
      "The Morninglord temple... Its a broken down and battered place that dedicates its time to helping the poor and the homeless.  They are also known for helping outlanders in this land, such as myself.  Often I go to mother Lizuca or father Ilie for healing, or restoring my body and mind after my long ventures into the wilds.  To be honest, I don't care much for their temple or its beliefs.  The Morninglord is not my deity, nor do I agree with his teachings.  While I can understand their helping outlanders who come in from exhausting outings,  I will not however, condone their assisting the poor, or the homeless in vallaki. 
      They are in such a state because they choose to be.  They have decided to live in such a state.  They chose not to find suitable employment and they chose not to work hard enough to better their living conditions.  Working hard at a near pay-less job, does not count as far as I am concerned.  Life is hard, I get it.  I've seen it first hand, but these people live off of the generosity and pity of their betters.  It is hardly adequate.  It in fact, disgusts me.  The weak and lazy should not be helped, they should be shunned or made to work harder and better themselves.  If it were not for the help that the Morninglord temple has given me, in exchange for the various tasks I have done for them, then I would likely have very bad feelings toward their faith and people.  Instead of publicly abusing them, I will simply make use them for what they have to offer and have nothing further to do with them than that.  A good source of magical healing after all, is a rare commodity in these magic-barren lands.
      On the topic of healers, I met a man by the name of Mastantias, whom I have come to know simply as Priest.  He is an interesting creature, from what I have seen.  His entire form seems surrounded in this unseen, but ever present holy energy.  As if he himself were from the heavens.  If I didn't know any better, I would think this man a Paladin of some goodly god.  I'm fairly certain however, that he is a clergyman at the very least.  His ability to magically heal wounds and his knowledge of herbalism and potion brewing is a useful asset.  Priest and I seem to make a good team in battle, with his blessings and my songs but I don't fit in with his beliefs very much.  He, like the Morninglordians, wants to be a defender for the weak and the useless.  I don't like that quality, but for now he and I are getting along fine and we are proving very proficient in battle, when paired together.  We seem to be as polar opposites who happen to connect during warfare.  More later."



"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2009, 06:03:25 PM »
Concerning Ghosts, Spirits and Shadows



      "Every culture, every society, and every religion have their myths and stories about spirits and ghosts.  In these lands that I now dwell, it would appear that these stories and myths, like everything else so far, are true.  In various locations throughout this country I have encountered these creatures.  Incorporeal and vile, they are a nightmare to the unprepared.  The slightest touch from one can drain a persons life force.  Only magic hurts them, be it a magical weapon, or an offensive spell.  Among the many types of spirits, I have found that most are harmed through the same means.  So far I have located these creatures the most in the Monastery south of Vallaki, in the Sullen Woods located North West of Vallaki and in the Von Zeklos Family Crypts, to the west of Vallaki."

Shadows: The corporeal humanoid shadow, resistant to fire and able to drain your strength.  A magical weapon is required.
Shadow Fiends: Larger than standard Shadows, stronger, hardier and more deadly.  Use caution but do not panic.
Apparitions: Hollow shells of what was once living, these creatures feed on despair.  Fire does not harm them, but other forms of magical energies may.  An enchanted weapon is required to fight them.
Wraiths: Malevolent and angry, these creatures despise undeath and focus their energy on making the living pay for their eternal curse.  They are strong and hard to hit, but magical weapons and spells will get the job done.
Visages: I'm not quite sure exactly what these creatures are, but they are powerful.  They appear to be an altered image of ones past life.  They hold on to what they once had in life.  I've often seen these creatures doing battle with other spirits, but make no mistake they are not friendly.  They have a frightening presence, so one must protect your mind through the use of magic if you are to properly defend against these foes.  Magical weapons work, as do spells.  Fire does not.
Greater Visages: Far more terrifying than their lesser forms, these evolved spirits have but one purpose - exterminate every living thing in their presence.  They don't seem to care who or what it is.  Their touch is more deadly and takes much more than a simple restoration spell or potion to cure.  Caution is advised when facing these creatures.


« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 08:50:45 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2009, 09:24:34 PM »
      "Not long ago, I entered the outskirts to find someone I know being harassed by Vallaki guards for witch craft.  The same woman that accompanied the vampire that I not long ago met in the sewers.  She is a member of the Vallaki militia and from what I know of her, based on our dealings together,  she is not a caster of any kind.  Given the company she keeps, and the amount of use she has had for me in the past, I decided to interject to the guard's public display.  I declared that the woman was no more a witch than the guards themselves were and as expected, this got their attention.  The came to me, forgetting about the woman long enough for her to make a quiet getaway.  The guards decided to make a public display of me under the pretense of "Supporting Witches."  They punched me a few times and kicked me when I fell.  In spite of their blows, not once did I stop smiling at them.  This flustered them even more.  When they were through, I commented on how noble they were and thanked them for allowing me to be their public display.  This not only confused them, but it disturbed them as well.  They quickly retreated back into their safe little citadel and left the outskirts alone for the approaching night.  These guards here are so...dimwitted and unintelligent.  Its almost too easy."
« Last Edit: April 14, 2009, 09:28:27 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2009, 09:27:35 PM »
Employment as a Hunter



      "Natalie and I met someone of importance recently, while we were in the belly of the Drain.  It was shortly after the attack of that massive Grey Wererat. This woman, who's name I neither know, nor care to mention in this journal (in case it should ever be ready by another), represents an organization dedicated to the extermination of Wererats here in Vallaki.  She offered us a job and had us meet her somewhere secluded.  We were then blindfolded and taken to a location far away to meet with her companion and coworker, who's name was not given nor was it asked for.  We were given a lot of very precious information concerning the population and structure of the Wererats in the streets and sewers.  This information shall not be written as per request of the employers.  We were offered a job, but not until after our abilities were tested.  Natalie and I were assigned to killing the adolescent children of one of their wererat enemies. 
      These children were more powerful than most Wererats that I have faced (with a few good exceptions) and had black skin.  They were especially good at calling for help and moving about the rooftops.   We engaged two of these targets in the Slums District and then two more in the Market District.  All were slain, save one of the pair from the Market district.  It got the better of us and had our caliban companion, Rats not arrived when he did - we would be dead.  The fourth rat has since gone into hiding and I must find a way to locate and destroy it.  Once this is finished I shall see into meeting with our employers for more work and some pay.  Hopefully I can find this next target before my opprotunity escapes me."
« Last Edit: April 16, 2009, 05:56:25 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson

Hades

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Re: Journal of William Gatts
« Reply #15 on: April 16, 2009, 11:12:55 PM »
      "We all wear masks, to cover our true selves; to hide our true nature.  In some cases, these masks are more obscure than others.  Shadow is something that no man can avoid. It lays beneath and behind all of us.  Lurking. Waiting.  It doesn't matter if your a good man, or if you are a fiendish monstrosity, the shadow will always be lurking, ready to consume your heart.  Some of us, even the good men, have felt the chill of its touch.  Its always there with you, a dark passenger.  Feeding you urges to give into temptation and step into the gloom.  I have seen this.  I have felt this.
      I'm not sure what I am exactly.  Some would consider me immoral, or evil; but what is evil about wishing to see society progress and advance?  I don't wish for a world where people live in poverty or where a good man gets murdered on the street over government taxes.  I wish to see a world where people strive toward accomplishment.  Where they can actually have an impact.  In order to achieve this peace and prosperity, there must first come destruction.  The weak and unwilling will be turned or vanquished so that they do not insult the accomplishments that the strong or hard working have achieved.  Ironic as it may be, I feel that it must be done.  If people have no fear of retribution, then they will have no motivation to progress and further themselves.  This in its self, is why I walk this path. I shall not walk it alone however.  It will take more hands than my own to build this new age of man. 
      Some shall lift up a sword and fight for it, while others attempt to achieve it through diplomacy.  With their help, we can remove those who would stand in our way.  Those who would halt our advancement.  This service we are doing to society is far too complex to ever truly be revealed to the general public.  Some, who wish to cling on to an ancient fiber of morality will protest.  They will call us evil, not because they oppose us, but because they do not understand.  They see only the actions of the present and not the result that lays at the end of the road.  These people are blind and can not see the truth.  They unwittingly give into true evil by assisting those who would see society's progression come to a halt in order to save one solitary life.  If I wish to properly make use of my time here, I must work in the background and avoid those who would stand in the way.  To serve society without bother of restriction or morality.  To work toward my goals and desires without hindrence.  To walk in broad daylight without anyone seeing through my veil.  These are the reasons why I wear my mask."
 
« Last Edit: April 17, 2009, 06:00:49 PM by Hades »
"Alexander the Destroyer"

"In a closed society where everyone is guilty, the greatest crime is getting caught. In a world full of thieves, the greatest sin is stupidity" ~ Hunter S. Thompson