[Animayhem]

Relaxing in her livingroom in fornt of the fire and a glass of wine next to her on a table, she opens her journal and writes.

" It has been quite a day. So in keeping with my plan of accepting jobs away from people in Oghma's ( actually it was getting quite tedious). I asked a woman in Auril temple. She asked me to go to the tombs in Tyraturos and pick up two items. I decided to check the local merchants first as I did not relish going back to the tombs. I had no success, so decided to take the chance and maybe those who were watching would give me better standing.

I arrived but my trip was not smooth as it was in the past. The caravan was attacked by a huge spider and a large panther. I managed to dispatch them though with the help of Yith and my badger.

I headed for the tombs but was met by canines I had not seen before huge beasts like mastif but with spell resistance and also a higher class of undead warrior. I managed to escape but barely. I decided a change of pace was in order so seeing the announcement of an event in Eltabarr, I decided to go.

My caravan was attacked again but this time by bandits. With the help of my summons and the driver they were dispatched.

I arrived at the appointed place but instead of the red wizard, there was a noble and others discussing about an attack on the noble. To be honest I was looking forward to a more relaxing time but it would be good to renew and make new acquaintances. The only clue we had was a mysterious leather strip with a strange mark. It was believed that the assassin may have had a hideout somewhere in the vast Eltabarr sewer system. Since maps of Eltabarr are forbidden and to own one is instant death, we had to rely on information form those present who were familiar with the city. My tour of the city would have to wait.

Plans were made and we carefully traversed the sewers which did live up to their reputation for being cleaner than most. However what is not widely known is that they are laced with many traps, some lethal and many to dispell magic. The dispelling of magics makes sense I guess in the city of the wizards.

Those who traveled with me were Allura, Mason, Valo, Eve and the hin Boisine (or whatever) and maybe a few others. (I must really learn to remember names better). We carefully made our way through fighting all matter of creatures and traps, yet were no closer to finding out answers to the puzzle we were presented with. We were about to leave when we discovered a passage we had not traversed
and in hindsight it would have been better if we did not. We ran into what can be described an entrance to the hells as all manner of demons and planars assaulted us. We tried to stick together but as a matter of self preservation we split our forces. I was with the hin, Allura and Valo. By the grace of the gods we managed to escape and find a safe place to regroup however Allura was not so lucky. We arrived to late. It was decided we would take her body and items up to the surface where a priest could raise her.

We all regrouped at a suite above the tavern in Eltabarr. Mason who was a priest would perform the ritual in the hopes to raise Allura. The ritual was interrupted however by a sudden demon attack. We managed to defeat them and complete the ritual and Allura was restored.

We then discussed the adventure and the attack. The hin still had the mysterious parchement with the rune. We determined that that parchment was a signal for demons to attack both in the sewers and in the suite. The lord who gave us that became prime supsect. Since he likes to rub elbows with the rich, we asked Maurice to see if he could find definitive proof against the noble.

We then parted ways but not before Maurice gave me the wands for which I sought. The payment was reasonable. I wonder if any sort of retailation will be met against us. I can not think about that now as I must try and earn enough of a reputation to be accepted to the legion, although giving the amount of goblins and gnolls and if we are concidered fodder more or less why the delay? Could the Captain see more in me than just a grunt?."

She finishes her wine, closes the book and heads to bed.

[Animayhem]

Still a bit shaken after what happened, she opens her book and writes.

" I wonder if it was do to my dealings with the man at the Shaughin Inn was the reason the assassin attacked. The first part of the quest was not that difficult but the second part. I guess I should of expected what was asked given what I had to acquire. I declined. To be entrusted with what was presented to me is a burden unto its own. Whether I keep the token or not, will not change the fact of the knowledge I now possess.

I must now be even more aware of my surroundings. Had Yith not given me a warning growl, I may not be here. I can tell noone of this quest or the outcome, if the knowledge became common it would be devestating. "

Finishing her wine, she closes her book and heads for bed.

[Animayhem]

Still shaken after her return from Elatbarr, Caramiriel opens her book and writes.

" You would think after almost eight seasons and ownership of a home, people would be willing to offer decent jobs or even joining the legion. It seems at the moment just local people who do not wish to leave require services of others. Do not get me wrong, I am glad I have a home and am still free but the lonliness. The acquaintances I made when I first arrived have seemed to vanished and gone their sepreate ways. The one exception however is Gust who thinks I should stay freelance and not join the military. He also mentioned he has a sanctuary dedicated to his god in Amruthar and invited me to visit.

Since I have told often I need more experience, I decided to take up Gust on his offer. I arrived and made my way around stopping in at various places inquiring about jobs. I got the same answer in Bezantur, "Come back when you more experienced." I wrote down their names for future reference. I did manage to run into a local who asked me to deliver a message. Great I thought a chance to learn more about this place and start to establish myself. As luck would have it however, the message was not to be delivered locally, but to someone in Eltabarr. I was almost tempted to tell the person what to do with it but I decided it would serve no purpose. I took the letter and boarded the caravan. Three hundred and fifty gold
and what do I get for my trouble, seventy five gold, not even half.

I was on my way back to the tavern not sure if I would go back to Amruthar or Bezantur. My choice was taken out of my hands. Yith had suddenly vanished and I heard growls and yells. We were set upon by thugs. They were to quick and Yith was killed and I was knocked down and they took one hundred gold but left me alive, just barely. I managed to apply bandages and cast heal spells and then rather risking any further attack I decided to use my stone. I try and avoid overusing it as how many charges it has is unknown. I know I need to boost my funds some more as I feel I will have to travel to other places."

[Animayhem]

Having read a mysterious letter she recieved, Caramiriel opens her book and writes,

' It is no secret that I have mentioned interest in the legion and my frustration of not getting in is also known. The author of the letter suggested maybe I try Thasselen branch of the legion as the recruiter is a male and maybe if I used my feminine charms he may accept me.

Flirtation and exchanging of favors to advance one's status in society is an ancient practice and probably common in Thay. Some might call me foolish, but I can not do that and would rather show my worth through actions outside of that. I had concidered maybe applying to other Priador posts but the fact my home is in Bezantur and I would have to travel most likely on the caravan, my funds would be used up rather quickly and the risks I could face while doing so, well. Some may say invest in recall stones as they are the safest method. Safest or not, they cost money which is what I am short on.

For now I will still be freelance and save what little money I can and wait. Mayhap the legion is not my destiny and Silvanus has another plan in store.

The author of the letter intrigues me. It was 'signed' with a paw print which could indicate either a fellow druid or lycan. I guess they trusted me not to show the letter to anyone as it could cause grief for us both."

Having finished, she closes her book , goes upstairs and locks the letter in a chest in her bedroom.

[Animayhem]

Relaxing at home, Caramiriel opens her book and writes,


" For awhile it seemed no new faces were about Bezantur. I would go about my tasks seeing the same people. Today I met two, a wizardess and a monk.

The wizardess I met in Oghmas and here name is Lili. She like myself was doing research for people but is also an iniate as Oghma is her god. I asked her if she sought the red robes and she had an odd look on her face. I did not think she would answer, but surprisingly she did. It seems the Reds were interested in her but she seemed not to care for the system they live under and declined their invitation much to their displeasure. She is concerned and rightly so that if they summon her again she will have no choice. I wished her well and told her that maybe she should concentrate more on her arcanist skills just in case. Lili smiled and thanked me and we went our seperate ways.

After stopping at my home to refresh myself, I headed over to the citadel to check their library as at times they have books which Oghmas does not. I noticed a man dressed in robes looking like one of Ilmater's clerics. I was close as he did follow Ilmater but was of a sect unknown to me and its name which eludes me.He was quite a personable fellow and his name was Regus. He seems quite dedicated to his vocation and felt a bit guilty about having stopped to chat. I smiled at him and wished him well.

I do not know if I will see these two again, but it was a nice distraction."

Smiling to herself, she closes the book and heads out.

[Animayhem]

Having escorted her guest out, Caramiriel opens her book and writes.

" I went to the Temple of Oghma again which has become some what of a routine and ran into Lili again. She was on her way out for a break. I asked her if she had met Avrora yet and if she would like to. Lili said she had not, but would like to. We left the temple, and headed towards Avrora's stall. We had just started talking when heard a man's voice behind us. The man was an apprentice with his panther. Lili had to leave to continue temple business. It was obivious the man was wearied from his travels and since he was an apprentice, I had thought it best to offer him hospitality.

After brief introductions, the apprentice and I went to my home. He was quite impressed at what he saw. We talked a good while and I was suprised how candid he was. He seemed to be a relcutant apprentice but resigned to the fact that fate chose him from paths he has thought about. I told him if he passed and became a red, he might be able to persue those interests. He seemed pleased at
that. I escorted him out and wished him success in his trials.

I have only met two people on the road to the redrobes. One wishes to avoid it at any cost and the other with resignation. I hope to meet more as it could give on a perspective on the Zulkirs, the epitome of the reds."

She closes her book and prepares to retire for the evening.

[Animayhem]

Enjoying a light dinner at the Bezantur Carvansari, Caramiriel opens her book and writes.

" Although my funds limited, I decided to take a short trip away from Bezantur. Truth be told, I was getting a bit tired of smelling the dust from the
tomes. I had heard about Thasselen, especially the crypts so the price was reasonable and the trip long enough, so I went.
Upon arriving I found it to be quite small. What looked like a citadel or public building was closed. The tavern was open and a few merchants had stands near the caravan stop.

Unlike the Bezantur crypts, you had to descend a small flight of stairs. The creatures I faced were mainly rats and some zombies. As I got closer to the crypts and opened doors I saw sarcophagi.
They were quite elaborate and although tempting I had decided not to try and open them. It was good I did not as a few doors down some Curst creatures appeared. I quickly turned and headed for the exit whilst my summons guarded my retreat. Having managed to catch my breath and gather my wits about me, I slowly walked over to the merchants.

One merchant was a human male who sold oddities including body parts and bones advertising them as home decorations. Next to him was a mild mannered ogre male who seemed to sell a bit of everything. My pack was getting heavy as I had some items from Bezantur and also from the corpses of the crypts. He seemed fair in his dealings and what I made, paid for the trip to and back.

I may go back again and further explore the crypts but not until I am better prepared.

[Animayhem]

At her home in Bezantur, Caramiriel opens her book and writes.

" It was quite an interesting day. On my way back to Oghma's, I met a woman named Deedra Dee Cadabra however she told me to call her Dee as everyone else did. I was not surprised given such a long name. I did not bother to ask if she was born with it or made it up. She was quite interesting to talk to. She was a traveler and adventurer and for the moment did not call any place home.

Our discussion was interrupted however by an unusal sight, well at least to me anyways. A man in black armor with a woman on either arm. Now this would be concidered normal in Thay, however the women he was with were quite unique( for lack of a better term). They were giggling twins, followers of the Moon Maiden. The twin's names were Terra and Twyla, though at times hard to tell them apart. They had the annoying habit (I always thought it rumor) of finishing each other's sentEnces. The man they were with was named Djed Stetesh and followed one of the darker gods (the name escapes me as the twiittering twins were a distraction).
Djed was born in Bezantur and found my attitude unusal for being a halfbreed, especially half elf. I told him was aware how my kind were viewed and that had he been a Red, naturally one behaves differently. The conversation ended cordially enough. I have a feeling I may see Djed and Dee again but as for the twins.... I hope not unless they control their tittering and chattering to each other.

I always try and watch my speech and attitude around others however I will not quiver or shake or think myself any less of a person because of who I am.
I am fully aware I am slaver bait. I know how to act around Reds as that is one of the earliest lessons anyone, regardless of race needs to know to survive.

Speaking of survival, I wonder if that apprentice I met survived his trials.

Satisfied with what she has written, Caramiriel closes her book and prepares for bed.

[Animayhem]

Having finished her latest, task, in her home at her desk, Caramiriel opens her book and writes.

" In general, to survive in Thay, it is best not to be obvious as to how things are run. Most people just accept the fact the the Red Wizards are law, however others live for knowledge of intrigues. I was given a respite of the routine of Bezantur when an interesting notice was posted. Knowing I needed to expand my horizons I boarded a boat to Alaor.

Upon my arrival at the designated place I noticed a few other acquaintances were there. The meeting was held by a masked red wizard who referred to herself as Ireni. Essentially rumors had been started about a possible attack on the Alaor keep by vessels of Mulhorandi. Our assignment was to verify if the rumors were true and to help defend the base if attacked. Luckily it proved quiet, much to the disappointment of some there. We all left our seperate ways.

A few weeks later another summons as some facts had been revealed proving the Mulhorandi indeed were planning to invade. I arrived early and decided to see if the Alaor legion would accept me. I talked to the master sergeant and she said I could. I thanked her but declined, sea travel is not exactly my interest. I returned to the inn.
The rest of the invited arrived including a Mulhorandi man named Ishaq Ammon.

A rather spirited discussion occured in regards to battle tactics including which gods if any should be invoked. One of the gods was Umberlee and by chance a member of her temple was there a man named Waveservant Cashton. Everyone knows how greedy the Sea Bitch is a some call her.Caston served his Goddess well and reluctantly an agreement was made and Cashton went back to Bezantur with our supplication. There were no guarantees but we had very little choice as facing a full on attack was really not in anyone's idea of fun.

Who was to be the next god? It was decided to go with one locally, Istishia.The journey to the temple we had to fight a wide assortment of attackers but made it. While Umberlee's tembpe had water, it was shallow and only came over ones ankles, Istishia was totally underwater. However wards were in place so we could walk , breath and talk. I found it quite interesting on a Druidic level both plants and animals though some were obviously distressed.

High priestess Stratus Primae Delahine Marinus seemed quite interested and had some information for us. However for them to provide more, we would need to collect ten vials of dark water to make a focusing crystal. Mason happened to have one on him which made us only needing nine. There were many murmurs of dissent as to get them would be almost certain death. We thanked the priestess and left and returned to our various homes.

A week or so later I ran into Cyrus and we were discussing how to collect the vials when a strange man appeared who claimed to be of Oghma and was told in a vision to seek myself and Cyrus out. Apparently he had vials of darkwater on him, enough to meet the requirements. He and Cyrus made a deal, gold was exchanged. Cyrus took the vials and returned to Alaor.

Sadly I was not to return to Alaor and had to learn of the conclusion through others. Though I was glad to be a small part and it has sparked my interest to maybe participate in other such intrigues."

She closes her book and retires for the night.

[Animayhem]

Sitting on a chair in front of her home's fireplace, Caramirel opens her book and writes.

" Recently, all of Thay experienced what it truly means to be mortal. Slowly for some unknown reason, the weave, the magical energy, had been warped affecting both the arcane and divine casters. Some spells could not be cast and if one could, the chances were high the spell could go wild. As a Druid, I am not has heavily reliant on spells as arcanists though not being able to heal using my gifts was a bit discerning, though I kept my abilty to heal with bandages. However for the arcanists, especially the Red Wizards, disaster as they heavily relied on their powers and even more vulernable from their rivals.

Eventually it was revealed that the Tablets of Fate were stolen which angered Ao the Overgod. In his rage he cast all the gods out and strip them of their powers, making them mortal thus causing the warping of the weave. Wisely most of the gods kept hidden one did not however. The Doombringer also known as Hoar was not only outraged at the loss of his status but it seems his treasured horde of weapons had been stolen and barred from his reach and were kept in the Citadel underneath the Thaymount mountains of Thay. Through one of his devote followers, a hin named Terraseer a discreet solicitation of adventures had begun and those interested would meet in Hoar's temple.

I was quite intirigued and felt I needed a change so I decided to go. Upon my arrival at the temple, I found some other people I had adventured with there.
Djed a follower of Bhaal, Cashani follower of Mask, Korisel a legionnaire of Amurthar, Grace a legionnaire of Tyraturos and follower of Hoar,Cyrus of the Aloar Legion and Garic of the Priador.

The plan although simple would be very difficult to accomplish as were Lord Hoar hid his weapons was a place tightened with security by the red wizards, Thralgard Keep. Discussion was heated as how we would acquire a key to the place when I mentioned the mysterious red wizard Ireni, who helped with information about the Mulan fleet. Since she was a legionnaire and had ink, wuill and parchment, Kori wrote a letter to Ireni, to ask for an audience. Once this was done we left the temple a it restless so it was decided to head back to Bezantur and clean out the sewers.

The trip through was an easy one and people were just glad to release frustrations out on the various in habitants. During our soujourn, we met up with a red apprentice named Hazlok Thrune and assisted him safely out which was made difficult do to his rash behavior. I wondered if he would even survive the trials. We did not make much coin but it was a good experience to see how we worked together as we would when we reached the keep.

The appointed day came for our meeting with Ireni. We decided to let Grace speak as she was of Hoar. Although we were in the presence of a red, we honored Lord Hoar's request to not mention his name. She seems quite eager and agreed to help however we sensed an ultierior motive when she got off topic and mentioned how exciting to kill a god. Djed placated her somewhat though later was discusted by her attitude. We all had the feeling that something was off about her.

With the key in hand, we met with Lord Hoar who would accompany us but would be in disguise. The Keep was a dangerous as we had heard and it took finesse to get by the guards but Lord Hoar managed. He also, thankfully ,remembered the various phrases to help get through the warded doors to the cache. Until the last door then we were seperated from him and wound up in a lair populated by drow and golems. We ended up in a chamber where a heavily warded chest sat in front of an altar and a man was chained to a post. We managed to free and heal the man. We found out that he was Lord Hoar's guard of the stash but was captured by the drow. He was wary of us at first but agreed to help us rather than die in the Keep. He removed the wards around the chest and revealed a great sword which Hoar had given him. Once armed he lead us to the stash.

It was at that door we reunited with Lord Hoar. Naturally the man was in shock and paid the necessary courtesies before Lord Hoar led us. In the back of our minds it seemed that our presence was revealed and not all that secret. Our suspicions were confirmed when as Lord Hoar was finished collecting the weapons,a man appeared dressed in the same way as Ireni. He boasted of his power and that of his group as well as alluded to Ireni's part and failure. We all immediately took positions to protect Lord Hoar who had a surprise left. When the wizard cast his last spell, Lord Hoar altered it slightly and we all arrived back at his temple where those who needed it were healed.

Lord Hoar was glad to have his weapons back but furious at the threat the new wizard order posed and vowed revenge. We were given some gold and a precious weapon from his horde as reward. I was given an Efreeti scimitar which burned constant flame. We all once again paid our respects and went our seperate ways.

The mystery of who took the tablets still remains and if they would ever be returned."

Caramiriel rereads what she has written,closes her journal and goes to her house shrine to meditate.