Balandar

Have a story? Post in this forum and comment below were it should be included in the timeline. Thanks! The following is a list of stories by members of The Honor Empire (and sometimes others) starting from the most recent to the oldest based on the Shroud of the Avatar Timeline. These stories may be published after the date they take place in game, or written before they even happen (such as the case of Journal Entry: The enemy of my enemy is my friend). If you know the in-game date/year please mention it in your comment. Also mention if there are any copies for sale, that have been sold, or are displayed other than on your own property in game (doesn't matter if your personal vendor or through Womby and Vyrin's bookstores). Don't have a The New Britannia Book Number, aka: NBBN? Reply to this post with the 5 digit identification you would like to be associated with. Descending Chronological: In-game time (Latest to Oldest): The Obsidian Cabalists - Part I and Part II - by Balandar (511 PC) Not Published NBBN: 16661-03101 and 16661-03102 Journal Entry: The Magi Self -by Balandar (Unknown date, but after events below) Not Published NBBN: 16661-????? Journal Entry: The enemy of my enemy is my friend - by Balandar (Unknown date, but after events below) Not Published NBBN: 16661-????? Journal Entry: The Test - by Balandar - coming soon to a book store near you! Not Published NBBN: 16661-02120 Journal Entry: Two Masters, Part 2 - by Balandar Published NBBN: 16661-02110 Journal Entry: Two Masters, Part 1 - by Balandar (will add date) Published NBBN: 16661-02100 Journal Entry: The Brother's Soul - by Balandar (will add date) Published NBBN: 16661-02090 Journal Entry: The Urge - by Balandar (will add) Published NBBN: 16661-02080 Journal Entry: The Hand of Rats Nest, Part 5 - by Balandar (will add) Published NBBN: 16661-02070 Journal Entry: The Hand of Rats Nest, Part 4 - by Balandar (will add) Published NBBN: 16661-02060 Journal Entry: The Evil Eye Tavern - by Balandar (will add) Published NBBN: 16661-02050 Journal Entry: The Hand of Rats Nest, Part 3 - by Balandar (will add) Published NBBN: 16661-02040 Journal Entry: The Hand of Rats Nest, Part 2 - by Balandar (Octobre 10, Harvest 503 P.C. Midnight) Published NBBN: 16661-02030 Journal Entry: The Hand of Rats Nest, Part 1 - by Balandar (will add) Published 16661-02020 Journal Entry: The Taste of Magic - by Balandar (Unknown) Published NBBN: 16661-02010 A Troubled Past - by Balandar (unknown) Published NBBN: 16661-[01000 to 01999] - Only 30 first editions (printings). Next printing is unknown.

NBBN: 16661-02100 Obsidian Tempest mentioned briefly the Tower of High Sorcery when I last visited The Evil Eye Tavern in Rifts End. At the time I did not give this tower much thought. But after my encounter with Drocis and my craving to learn more of the high art, I made an inquiry to one of the masters. Headmaster Cassyr Dubois of the Order of the Black Robes, Master of the Tower of Death Magic. He scheduled a meeting at his tower with the Highmage of High Sorcery. ---- I arrived at White Hart on Abundis shortly before midnight. It seems most meetings I have are around midnight, fitting considering I am meeting the Headmaster of the Order of the Black Robes. There were a scattering of houses, a number of rows situated next to each other. It was quiet, most the inhabitants asleep at this hour. I studied the area, looking for Headmaster Dubois. Ah, there he is now, waving me over. "Greetings", I said to Master Dubois. He was dressed in black robes, you could feel the darkness that surrounded him. "Hello, follow me please." ---- We left the small village, walking into the darkness. I trusted my guide, he never gave me any indication to do otherwise. After walking through a copse of trees and up a large hill we arrived at his tower. The trees surrounding the tower were deathly things, white, and bare of any leaves. Large black stones, which once formed a complete wall, surrounded the tower. Looking up, I could see the eerie purple glow from obsidian lights, the same that were in my own tower. Such excellent taste in décor, I thought to myself. ---- To be continued.

NBBN: 16661-02090 The room glowed in an eerie purple light, the only sound coming from the glowing crystals on obsidian lamps, a barely audible humming sound. It was approaching midnight in the world above, the room being on the lowest floor below an obsidian tower. Schneider was studying the circle on the floor before him. I stood on the opposite side, studying Schneider. What he has asked of me has not been attempted since the time of the Obsidians. Schneider brought me an ancient tome, found in the depths of the Epitaph in Desolis. How he managed to get the book, I do not know, but the magic emanating from the book was powerful. It was a book on Death Magic, the school of magic that I desired to master. The circle was complete. A mixture of Schneider's blood, mine own, and glowing red dye. "You realize, if there is a single mistake, if the circle is not absolutely perfect, the results could be devastating?" I asked, a note of warning in my voice. Schneider nodded, coming out of his trance of studying the circle, "Yes, you've told me that before, Balandar. I've spent weeks preparing the circle as you instructed. The mixture was made to your specifications. I am ready. You can begin." I nodded, "Very well." According to the tome, summoning a soul through a rift could result in a number of calamities. A simple mistake in the incantation could result in Daemons, even Balors, from other planes coming through. And that's all I needed, I thought, more nightmares in this world. It could even cause a tear in reality itself, tearing the planet to pieces. My Death Magic had progressed significantly, but, I am still no master... Should I even attempt a spell such as this? There is very little information in the tome, mostly warnings from casting the spell. I had to spend a significant amount of time researching other tomes to determine the circle mixture. My blood, the blood of the caster; the blood of a relative, Schneider, for it was his brother's soul I was summoning. And the magical dye, the ink that would bind the blood, that would stain the cold dark stone. I began the incantation from memory, weaving my hands and fingers in the patterns presented in the book, seeing them in my mind's eye, calling softly to Schneider's brother, Christoph's soul. It would be many hours of chanting, slowly building in speed. The magic pulled at Schneider, forcing him to say the words, even though he did not know them. --- The chanting was fast and furious now. We couldn't have stopped if we wanted, the words being ripped out of us, along with part of our life force as fuel for the magic. The chanting abruptly ceased with a loud tearing, as if the fabric of the universe itself was pulling apart. As suddenly as it began it was over, only a micro second in time, but feeling like minutes had passed. A figure stood in the middle of the circle. "Brother!", Schneider yelled, pure joy in his voice. He leaped into the circle hugging his brother tightly. It worked! It actually worked, I thought and smiled. Some part of me actually happy for Schneider and not just for the power I had achieved. That's when I noticed the stench, the overwhelming smell of rot and death. My smile disappeared instantly and was replaced with a horrible sinking feeling. I hastily chanted the words to a spell, casting the room into bright light. There stood Schneider, hugging his brother, whose bones were showing through a patchwork of skin. Eyes glowing red. Schneider shrunk back, pulling away quickly, as he realized what stood before him. A patch of skin ripped away with him, caught on his chainmail, as if it was nothing more than loose bark on a dead tree, dangling and swaying, dripping gore. It was Schneider's brother alright, but not dead, nor alive, he was in a state between… undeath. With a look of absolute horror and anguish in his eyes, Schneider looked at me and asked, "What have we done?"

NBBN: 16661-02080 I'm now much more proficient in Air magic than I have ever been in life, even when I was a practitioner of archery. I only have some rudimentary memory of those ranger skills now, having used an ancient obsidian tome to further my progress in magic. I've been studying death magic, where is stems from, the incantations... and dangers involved. I also took up fire, earth, sun, and chaos magic. Fire was definitely a good choice for me, watching bandits burn gives me a thrill that is quite... exquisite. I learned Sun magic during a hunt with several members from the Moongate Travelers. They were kind enough to craft a couple of heavily enchanted wands to help begin my journey as a pure mage. In exchange, more or less, I donated my skull to their Evil Eye Tavern, which I have written about in my journal previously. Searing ray is an interesting spell. A beam of light, reaching unknown temperatures, emits from your outstretched hands. It's not like Fire, which burns and ignites your victim in flames. Rather it causes the victims skin to bubble, to blister and melt. Wolves, Bears, and Undead all fell to us, to me... during the hunt. The power that can be achieved through magic is immeasurable and extraordinary. However, those schools of magic, Fire, Sun, Earth, even Air magic, of which I am most proficient, doesn't fully satisfy me... Death Magic, however, absolutely consumes and fascinates me. It's always been there, under the surface. That urge. I don't know where it comes from. Borg Stonewall, the mayor of Honor Hold and current Leader of The Honor Empire, has been trying to lead me down a path of virtue. He has good intentions, stemming from some crazed idea that my ancestor, or me, or some part of me, my soul perhaps, is from another world and that I was a necromancer. Some Dead Lord by the same name... my name. Maybe it's true, perhaps not, but that's a story for another time. Drocis was the catalyst. He hired me and another of my crew to test the security of his home. Unfortunately, perhaps not, now that I think about it... he arrived during our attempt to break in and proceeded to "protect" his home. Seeing the raw power he unleashed... watching Schneider's life force spectacularly flow from his body... feeling my own energy seeping away... was intoxicating. Perhaps it's related to my childhood, watching my family slaughtered before my eyes, but my interest in Death magic cannot be buried. I must learn more, and not just about Death. All schools of magic have been very beneficial. I recall Obsidian Tempest mentioning a Tower of High Sorcery. I'll have to look more into this tower...

NBBN: 16661-02070 Thuresdai Apru 11, Sprengh 504 P.C. Midnight New Moon. Drocis didn't show at the appointed time. Odd. But it has been six months.. In any case, it gives me some time to go over my story. I talked to the local delivery service and sent a missive to Drocis saying I would be at the Inn the next day (one earth hour). ….. It was nearing midnight. I had donned my elven archer armor and bow, leaving behind my robes. I didn't feel it was necessary for Drocis to know my interest in death magic and other schools at this time. The chilly sea breeze was making it a bit nippy out. I pulled my virtue cloak, glowing bright red, in closer as I approached the Inn. It had the usual hustle and bustle of the local commoners but seemed more packed this night. I had to push my way into the noisy Inn, there seemed to be a lot of commotion near the center. As I approached, I noticed what all the fuss was about, a chicken fight. The commoners were betting on which rooster would win. I thought that was outlawed in Kingsport? At least they would be too busy watching the cockfight than looking in my direction. I went to a darkened corner and waited. Drocis Fondorlatos arrived just before midnight, "Greetings". "Greetings Drocis", I replied. "Any friends with you this evening?", Drocis asked. "My associate could not make it...", I said grinning, " He is admiring the portrait above the mantle in your keep. It has quite the likeness to you." That was the beginning of my lie. Drocis seemed the type to have a portrait of himself. Drocis appeared calm, but I believe there was some surprise behind the mask, "You have proof of that?" "Unfortunately the camera fell out when scaling the outer walls. So no evidence.", I said apologetically. Drocis, straight-faced, said "That is unfortunate" I nodded, "Indeed. Quite the place you have… Expansive…" Drocis interrupted, "Especially since I moved the portrait. Which side of keep was it on? The North, South, East, or West?" I wasn't expecting that... From what I can recall of his keep, the largest tower was on the West, he'd likely have it there. I think. One in four chance… I replied, in a clam tone, "West". "But there is no proof you say?", Drocis asked with no indication that I had answered incorrectly. "None, those walls tripped us up with the spikes." Drocis frowned, "I specifically asked for proof. Did I not?" "My... rucksack got caught on one of the spikes", I replied, also frowning, fabricating my failure. "Yes, that's what they're called…", Drocis said, "rucksack spikes…" Is that what they are called? I chuckled. Drocis continued, "Then tell me, how did you get in? The wall?" "With great difficulty, we tried a number of tactics", I said, trying to be vague. Drocis, still falling for my story apparently, asked, "What finally worked?" "Grappling hook and scaling the nearby row house", I replied matter-of-factly, as there was indeed a four-story stone row house near his keep. Drocis nodded, "ah, and then a jump across?" "Aye! That's it", I said, "exactly". "And when you finished your jump, there was a courtyard there, what was in it?", Drocis asked, smiling. He just does not give up in his questioning! Ugh. There could be anything inside… I couldn't see past the keep gates, the courtyard was obscured by a wall. Considering he is a necromancer and his towers are of obsidian make… it's unlikely to be a greenhouse. A well perhaps. What about a crypt? "A crypt..", I said, with a bit more tentativeness than I intended. Damn. Drocis was looking over at Chicken Fight and smiled, "That chicken over there is entertaining". Why is he talking about a chicken? Is he implying something? He turned back to me, still smiling, and continued, "You were saying, a crypt?" "Aye, a crypt, right in the middle." "What exactly did it look like? Was it a single crypt in the middle?", Drocis asked, leaning in. I guess there is a crypt, he certainly keeps going on about one, "Yes..", I said. "And from this crypted courtyard, how then did you enter the keep? The doors are protected with strong magic that prevents entry." Considering Drocis, likely death magic, the same he used on Schneider and I when we last encountered him protecting his home, as he so-called-it. More likely an excuse to kill us. "DragonFang found that out the hard way… Once the magic was exhausted on him, and his ghost eventually found his way back to the realm of life, we managed to pick the lock. I have quite the set of lock picks. Made them myself from iron bands", I lied, patting the pouch on my belt. "How impressive.", Drocis said, rolling his eyes, and stood, "One moment, I need to get some air." I watched as the necromancer left through the back door of the Inn. As I sat there waiting, watching the chicken fight, I heard laughter from the back door. Did Drocis just laugh? Drocis walked back in at that moment, seeing me already looking in his direction, he said: "I'm sorry, the chicken." "Balandar, I thank you for your service. You have earned everything I am inclined to give you as payment.", Drocis said. What? Seriously, he bought that? I grinned, "Thank you Drocis…" Drocis interrupted, "Of course that is nothing...for you obviously have not stepped foot inside my keep.", Drocis said stone-faced. Crap. "But the story you told was amazing.", he continued, "Thank you." I sighed. He was toying with me. Just like at his keep when he battled Schneider and I. I figured it wouldn't pan out anyway, I shrugged and came clean, "Your keep is impenetrable. We could not find a way in… searched every inch of the outer wall…", I continued on for some length with everything we tried. "Did you try forms of magic?", Drocis asked. "Aye, what's at my disposal. Blink would not get me past the outer wall..", I said, leaving the part out about how far my magic had progressed since we last met. "And my hand? DragonFang did not show to deliver my hand.", Drocis said, reminding me an agreement we had made on our previous encounter. I had forgotten. Drocis continued, "I'm most disappointed in that." He'll probably add it to his collection, next to mine… "Aye, he had other matters to attend. Unexpected company and all. I have a question... Was the portrait in the west?" Drocis thought on it for a moment, "Yes, I believe it is." I smirked, "Well, one in four chance." "You should play the Novian lottery." I laughed, "I have tried that gamble many times. Seems my luck doesn't hold out in the lottery." Drocis nodded, "I stopped after the first time. It's rigged, I know it." "So... is there a way into your keep?", thinking maybe this entire contract was nothing more than Drocis wanting to have some fun and collect additional hands for his gruesome display. Drocis shrugged, "I hope not. I do not enjoy visitors. If you ever find a way in, let me know. I'll make it worth your trouble. Did you get help from any of your other....associates? Anthil, the doctor?" Anthil? Is that someone I should know? "That name doesn't ring a bell. Who is this Anthil?", I asked studying Drocis's face. "I'll take that as a no.", Drocis said as if he was passing judgment on me with his thumb pointing downwards. "I must be going." "Very well, until next time Drocis..."

NBBN: 16661-02060 Over the course of the next six months, I delved deeper into magic. The encounter with Drocis fueled that urge, that desire, the addiction to learn everything I could. I was hooked... like one of Budner's exotic dancers close to overdosing on nightshade. But I was taking on too much at once, having not mastered any one school. It didn't matter, I felt the power, just on the outskirts of what could be achieved. I had to know more, but there was still the issue of breaking into that keep. Schneider and I attempted several more times during those six months. Watching carefully to make sure Drocis was not in Rats Nest before entering. We failed time and again. One of the new spells I had learned was chaotic step. It was a wondrous spell. Allowing the caster to randomly teleport to a nearby location. I don't know what magic protects Drocis's keep, but I was sure this had to be the way in... unfortunately I was unable to step past the walls. No matter the direction or inflection of tone when casting, I could not get in.. Another failure. The time was fast approaching to meet with Drocis again at Kingsport. What to do? What to tell him? How can I get that reward if his keep in impenetrable?

Just like EQN. Really not liking that company...

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NBBN: 16661-02050 I arrived at Rift's End during dawns glow. Schneider DragonFang was already there waiting, waving me over to him, just to the side of the pier. We headed down the path towards the town. Several others were milling about on the road, just outside of a tavern. A woman wearing white mage robes, a slender man dressed almost completely in green, and another man, whom I had recently just met at Honor Hold, known as Obsidian Tempest. He had come to visit Schneider DragonFang at his garrison. "Hello", I said to the group. "Hi!", said the woman wearing the white robes. The man in green looked over at us, "Hi Schneider!". "The tree fort is this way Brazzen", smiled Audacity to another woman that I hadn't noticed before. She was wearing the clothing of an Ardoris Priestess. I followed them to the Tree Fort. I could tell it was of Elven make, clearly, given the vines and dark wood. I soon became quite preoccupied and got lost with studying the intricacies of the place. Crap… Where did everyone go? "This is why you need your own bed Aud!", I heard the man in green say from somewhere up above, whose name I later learned was Jarikith. "I learned from the best", Audacity giggled. What is going on up there… I climbed the stairs and went to one of the side chambers to find Audacity jumping up and down on a bed. I just shook my head. Who are these people? I saw another woman back in the Tree House, whose name was Liquid Sky. I waved, she waved back. She would be joining the party on our hunt. But first, I needed some proper gear. My interests in the arcane had been consuming my thoughts. I was still equipped with my elder archer elven gear and I had my bow. But the bow was hindering me as I practiced new schools of magic. I needed something to help focus these arcane energies. ….. Back outside the Tavern, Jarikith overheard my conversations with Obsidian Tempest about my interests in the arcane and offered his services. He is quite the crafter of wands from what I hear. "Any material preference on the wands?", Jarikith asked pleasantly. "I.. Uh, I don't know. What properties do they give?", I asked. I've never owned a wand or used a wand. "Well, pine will focus your spells, giving them a greater chance to hit your enemies weaknesses. Maple increases your overall offensive arcane power on your spells", said Jarikith. "I think I'll go with Maple. I'd rather have more overall power..", I said, thinking that having an average higher overall power to my spells would be more beneficial. Other than Air, Water, and Life magic, and the Light spell from Sun I did not have experience in other schools of magic… Yet. "Maple it is! The wood only good for wands and furniture!", said Jarikith happily. ….. While Jar was creating a set of wands I was shown the inside of the Evil Eye Tavern. Skulls lined the walls, even Schneider's skull was displayed. They even had the skulls of Lord British and Darkstarr balanced on a scale! Obsidian Tempest indicated that I should "donate" my skull to the tavern. "My skull?", I asked, the blood draining from my face, "And how do you plan to get my skull…?". Audacity spoke up, "It'll be quick, I promise", she said smiling sweetly. Really?, I thought. First my hand to Drocis, which was not voluntary, and now my skull to... a tavern? Looking around at all of the other "donated" skulls, I just shrugged, "Fine". …… Audacity is quite the accomplished magic user. She pelted me with Obsidian Arrows, shocked me with Chain Lightning, which I am quite familiar with from the Air School. But the last spell she cast shocked me, not physically, but mentally, resurfacing an encounter I had from four months ago. I had felt this magic before, but not from one in beautiful flowing white robes. He was wearing black robes. The last time I felt Death Ray was when I was attempting to break into a keep. Drocis Fondorlatos's keep. ……… My ghostly form hovered in front of the Evil Eye Tavern while Audacity cast her resurrection spell. The only thing I could focus on was the fact she used death magic. You can be of the white robes, known for goodness, life, and still practice death magic? Anyone could practice death magic? I could practice death magic… …….. I was resurrected fully geared. That's quite a magnificent spell, allowing you to be brought back to life with all of your gear and items intact. Well, almost fully geared, I felt a breeze and glanced down, "Where are my pants?". Audacity giggled, "I have that effect on others". I blinked, what… "Did you loot my corpse?", I asked, straight-faced. "I'm not that kind of girl!", Audacity replied smiling, indicating my pants to the side on the marble pathway. I sighed. What have I gotten myself into? "Did you get what you were after?" "No, we had difficulty procuring your skull", said Audacity. "Don't worry. Aud is fully prepared to kill you as absolutely many times and needed!", Jarikith said and laughed slapping his knee. Ugh. …… After two more deaths, she was finally able to procure my skull for their collection. Back in the Inn, Obsidian Tempest was talking to me. Mentioning something about a Tower of High Sorcery and about Audacity. However, I was not paying attention and tucked what he was saying away, which would have an impact on my future. Audacity and Brazzen were on stage. Audacity cheered as Brazzen started dancing a jig and decided to join in on the fun. She was no longer wearing her white robes but some scantily clad clothing. She walked over to an iron cage and proceeded to slip inside to belly dance. What is going on here? As I waited in the Inn for my wands to be made, watching the women, but more focused on my thoughts thinking about the contract with Drocis… and his death magic… I could hear Jarikith upstairs shout out in excitement, "Whee! Three out ten wands came up with extra durability! And two survived double master working!". I smiled, getting excited as well… for the wands, not the women dancing on stage. My overwhelming need was for magic, not the physical pleasures. Well, almost, after all, I do have my vices. With some frothing ale still on my beard, I asked: "When do we begin the hunt?" …… To be continued.

NBBN: 16661-02040 It wasn't long after meeting with Drocis that Schneider DragonFang and I left to Rats Nest to test the security of Drocis's keep. My hand tingled a bit when arriving on the island, a reminder of whom I am contracted to... Rats Nest is surrounded by a massive dark stone wall with gates along each stretch. Rather than entering through the main gate, Schneider and I made our way around to the west gate, stealthed of course. We did not wish to be seen by any residents considering Drocis's warnings of death. Namely Drocis himself. Standing on a large hill west of the town, we could not see any movement or activity within and felt safe to proceed. We made our way to the center of town, towards the necromancer's keep. The place is massive! It has grown significantly since I last visited. Rather than just one tower, there are several! The entire compound is surrounded by spiked walls with only two entrances, blocked by black iron gates teeming with magical energy. Surrounding the keep are ruins and a four-story stone row house. But otherwise, very sparse. It doesn't look promising on breaking into his keep. The main entrance walkway is surrounded by twisted dead trees and lighted by obsidian lamps, giving off a purple glow. We spent a day (one earth hour) searching for a way into the keep. The walls couldn't be scaled, the ruins near the keep were too far away. The trees not tall enough to allow us to breach or leap to the walkways. I attempted magic as well, trying to blink into and past the gates. We even tried to hoist each other up. Our grappling hooks couldn't grasp the spikes on walls and just slipped off, probably due to some magical protection. The row house was locked and also protected from our attempts at scaling the walls. We discussed hiding and waiting for Drocis to show and sneak in when the gates opened but decided it was too risky and wouldn't be accepted for reward. Eventually, we split up to look for clues on how to get inside. It was starting to feel hopeless… I was standing at the rear entrance to the keep, not hiding, not stealthed, as I felt safe that he was not home, pondering how to get inside. There was no warning… I felt a sharp sting in my back, then an overwhelming feeling of dread before I truly recognized the pain. It was as if death itself had touched me. It was Drocis! His hand was glowing black if that's even possible. I could feel my life being tugged on, draining away. Schneider must have heard my scream, I didn't even realize I had screamed! He came charging in at the necromancer. Drocis was distracted by Schneider for a moment, allowing me to pull my bow and gain some distance. Schneider was in his full plate, brandishing a large two handed sword ignited in flame, battling the necromancer. Drocis was casting a black bolt at Schneider and using the same black glowing spell he had used on me. I fired arrow after arrow at Drocis and they didn't seem to faze him, not even my aimed shot. Schneider was losing and quickly. It was fascinating to watch on some level. This man, if he was a man, casting only two spells, was draining the life out of Schneider. He was toying with us, not even trying. Such power... Schneider fell, the last of his life flowing into Drocis. The necromancer was casting again, the magical bolt flying towards me. I couldn't dodge, it hit me full force. The death magic both knocking the breath out of me and flowed through me, pulling at my life force. Despite the pain and utter hopelessness that magic imparted, it pulled at me in other ways, ways that I would not understand or appreciate until later. I focused on the issue at hand, coming back to my senses, and blurted out the incantation to dash and took off. As soon as I rounded the corner of his keep, and was out of sight, I stealthed. I could see Drocis looking for me, trying to reveal me, getting closer. How could he know where I was? I panicked and ran, getting lost in the alleys of Rats Nest but also losing the Necromancer in the process. Schneider eventually made it back to me after being resurrected at an ankh nearby. We stealthed to the main gate and went over the wall to escape the town, taking a boat back to Novia, Schneider to recover and for me... to look inward… ….. To be continued

NBBN: 16661-02030 Wodnesdai Octobre 10, Harvest 503 P.C. Midnight… Almost. It was approaching midnight when I arrived at The Hearth of Britannia in Kingsport. Drocis had not yet arrived. There were a number of commoners in the tavern. Almost immediately upon entering some tavern patron annoyingly tried to press me into buying him a beer and be friends. Ugh. I pushed him aside and moved to the corner of the tavern. It was brightly lit with a candle on the table and lantern hanging nearby. I quickly blew out the candle and lantern, preferring the darkness and seclusion for the meeting. Schneider DragonFang arrived soon after, nodded at me, and stealthed in the corner. He knew the plan. Drocis entered the tavern, dressed in black robes, wearing what appeared to be a grim reaper mask, "Good, you're here early." He glanced at the corner where Schneider was standing, and started casting a spell. Crap, how does he know Schneider is there, my mind raced…. "Baron", I said... "I brought an associate along.." "Mr. DragonFang, I can't unstealth you, but I see you.", said Drocis. "Well, Mr Drocis, Nice to see you", said Schnedier as he unstealthed. "Yes", said Drocis while turning towards me. "I'm glad you brought a friend. I was hoping to hire your entire crew for a job. I'm looking for a team that can perform a security assessment." Whew. No killing stroke from Drocis. But I had a feeling where this was going.., "And what exactly are we breaking into?" "My home." I winced, "I have memories of your tower..." "I've made a number of improvements since you were there last. Improvements that have been... untested.", said Drocis... "and this time I'm inviting you and whomever you need to help. And I'm offering payment" Gold, I thought, I like gold... "Excellent", I grinned. "Payment is based on how far you can get in... over the perimeter wall is a bronze crown, inside the keep is gold, and there is a Portrait inside the keep, if you can locate it, that is worth 10 gold crowns." "Keep?", I inquired, remembering my last trip being a singular tower, "Is your tower no longer the objective?" "You would really have to see it to understand. It's considerably, larger. In order to collect your payment, however, I require two things. One, proof of your accomplishments. Two, it must be completed by Wodnesdai Apru 10, Sprengh 504 P.C. (one earth week). I do not have to know when." "This sounds like a worthy challenge.", noted Schneider. Indeed, I thought, but with Drocis... "Oh yes, and by proof I will also have to know how you did it. That's key, that's the point of the assessment", said Drocis. Remembering the black and white pinhole device in my rucksack, "I have a camera with me to take still pictures" "You have a camera? That would be ideal.", said Drocis. Schneider DragonFang replied, "Yes, still pictures, and we can dictate our exploits on paper." I nodded. "So that I'm clear, I'm offering a bronze crown for each distinct way over the perimeter walls you find and gold for each distinct way into the keep you find. By distinct I mean if you climb the wall itself, that counts as one. Keep in mind that I'm offering payment per distinct security hole found, but not for each person in the group...you'll need to split the profits. Does that make sense? " "Aye", I said, trying to process all of that. But old memories brought more questions to mind... "How many residents do you currently have in your town? Will we see… resistance outside of your keep?", I asked, remembering my last time in Rats Nest while rubbing my hand. Drocis smiled, and stared directly at me, "There is only one resident of consequence and if he sees you....he will kill you. That is why you have six months". I chuckled, trying to show his threats didn't unnerve me. Of course, the resident he speaks of is him. Schneider laughed and asked, "Is this person on vacation?". Drocis didn't respond. I laughed. Good old Schneider, helping to break the tension. "I would also point out that there are people that visit Rats Nest from time to time and they too will kill you if they see you..." "If they see us", I interrupted. "Unfortunately I do not have guards to protect the city at this time.", Drocis continued, "Yes, a particular set of skills, Balandar. One last thing. If this works out, I may have more work for you that is more lucrative and more challenging." A commotion caught our attention as a tavern patron stumbled by, "I'd really like a drink!". Everyone ignored him. The tavern really was quite busy, I didn't notice that a bard was singing in the background, what was he saying?, "Oh, I love the sea but it does not love me, I love the sea but it moves too much for me..." I shook my head… I shouldn't blame them, perhaps it's my own failures of falling to the drink to bury my troubled past. Back to the matter at hand. I gave Drocis's proposal some thought, considering what the Necromancer was asking, and nodded. "You have yourself a deal Drocis." Drocis nodded and stood up, bowed to me and Schneider. I watched as Schneider performed a royal salute to Drocis. Ugh, I never know how to end these so called formal meetings, so I just saluted as well. "Then let us meet back here in six months. Same time. Good luck, gentleman. No watchers, no spies, no riddles, no lies.", said Drocis. "See you then...", I said watching Drocis leave the tavern. "Well, Fang..." ….. To be continued.

NBBN: 16661-02020 I received a letter today requesting my services. A small roll of parchment addressed to "The Hand of Rats Nest". Now, you may be wondering, who is the Hand of Rats Nest? Well, that would be me, Balandar. Let me tell you a brief history on how I obtained that title. Several years back in my search for understanding and learning more about air magic I heard about a powerful mage, a necromancer. On an island, west of Novia, I "discovered" a way into the necromancer's tower, back then it was a singular structure... it wasn't overly difficult to break into his home. Apparently, the tower master prefers to not have visitors. As punishment, he took my hand. I have since recovered from that incident, and through some healers in the life magic school, and quite a bit of gold, have "grown" a new hand. In any case, back to the letter, the parchment reads: "There is a job that requires a particular set of skills. The Hearth of Britannia, Kingsport. Wodnesdai Octobre 10, Harvest 503 P.C. Midnight (23 Dec 2016 10 PM EST earth time) -Drocis Fondorlatos.". I wonder what he has in mind? We definitely did not part on favorable terms! I'll see if Schneider DragonFang will join me. If Drocis wants to meet, I need to be prepared, whatever that might mean when meeting this particular individual.

NBBN: 16661-02010 I had a very troubled past. I witnessed death at a very early age. It led me to a life that was less than honorable, thieving for instance. During those years I acquired quite the ability to sneak and steal. I also preferred, and still do, to distance myself from my victims, being human or otherwise. In my early teenage years, I picked up archery, to hunt for food, to kill, and became very accomplished with the bow. But there was always something missing, something on the fringes that I felt. It was in my blood. I didn't know at the time what this almost irresistible urge was... …. A lich was menacing a local village causing havoc amongst its citizens. I was part of the crew hired to destroy the creature. I won't go into the details of that battle, but in the ruins where the lich resided, I found a book… and kept it secret from my crew. However, there was an issue. I couldn't read the contents. I knew it was a book on magic, but what spells it contained, I knew not. I had an overwhelming desire to find the answers, almost as if the book was calling to me. It took months of studying, researching at public libraries, and some not so public. It was a book on air magic. And oh, the possibilities!, especially when combined with my archery skills! It was a rush, an addiction, the moment I cast my first gust spell. The exhilaration when casting and combining with my archery was... I honestly have no words to describe it... simply... amazing. I was hooked. I spent years practicing the art with archery. Combining air magic with archery skills. I eventually started learning other schools of magic. Life magic to purge me of sickness and heal wounds. Water to slow my enemies and summon an elemental to accompany me. It was quite the life and very lucrative. But something was still missing, deep down, boiling under the surface, just waiting to be released. It's something I wouldn't discover until later in life. …… To be continued.

Also in the next few months we will have the ability to rent out rooms. I'll have several available in my basement available. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Huato! Good to see you. We still have active members in WoW. Drop by our discord channel to find some. Http://discord.me/thehonorempire Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ug der! Gud tu see lat bak heer! We still have many skullcrushers running around in WoW. Drop on by our discord text and voice chat channel to connect with them if you havent' done so already in game . http://discord.me/TheHonorEmpire Good luck in the Criminal Justice field! Not my field of expertise, maybe more my state trooper brother-in-law or detective father-in-law. Sounds like you have quite the career ahead!

"The Battle.net name is no more. Today Yesterday Blizzard announced that it’s moving away from using the Battle.net moniker when referring to its online services. “Battle.net technology will continue to serve as the central nervous system for Blizzard games — nothing is changing in that regard,” the company wrote in a forum post. “We’ll just be referring to it as Blizzard tech instead.”" Read more at: http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/21/13005162/blizzard-battle-net-name-transition

Just an update, the Scholars of Novia website was created here: http://www.scholarsofnovia.com/

I'll be creating "A troubled past", which will be in two volumes. I would prefer one, but it's exactly 1 character short of the maximum character limit and I want to include a cover page, like that in the below post:

@Rumblebore, I thought the same when I read some of their responses. It's great that they are thinking about the longevity of the game and not the short-term I-want-it-all-right-now attitude we see from the WoW generation players.

For R34 there will be many new instruments (namely the one-man bands). Once details are released on how to play these instruments I'll post information here.