October 24, 767
I recall the stories I was told as a child of men making deals with devils to learn magic. Ultimately, the men would always win by outsmarting the devil, by finding a loop out of the contract. The tales are fanciful, a wizard needs no devils to study. Yet lately these stories return to the forefront of my conscious. I am beginning to believe they are metaphors for the trials one encounters amidst a sea of sin, that the devil is in fact my fellow man.
Vallaki is a manifestation of these trials. For some, sin and responsibility weigh down upon their shoulders; For others, they are the devil that tempts. Never have I seen so much blatant magic and witchery as I have now. A man who turns into a black crag cat, proud of his most vile sin. He boasted of how the Church would have his blood drained to try and cleanse him of his taint, implying the Church would be somehow wrong for doing so.
The trials even extend into Vallaki's Church. I met a few others from home two days ago, all of which struggling with their own peculiarities. A man from Levkarest with the strangest accent, most likely a street rat. A woman also from Levkarest who seemed honestly surprised at the quiet deals that take place. Or perhaps she is simply a most fine actress and maintains the Church presentation with utmost care. The only thing which is surprising about the current situation the Church faces in Vallaki is the blatant nature of it, which ultimately cannot be helped given the lesser degree of power the Church holds here than back home.
I still am at a loss as for what to do regarding the Red Vardo Traders. I fear for my life, but perhaps this is just the trial I face. No amount of success will appease the she-devil that rules it. I must take care to protect myself and not struggle for respect when it is clear there shall be none.
