What place is this?

[daemuskross]

While traveling to the village of Assur, I noticed this dark figure lurking in the shadows and countering my every turn. Thinking it must be a rogue stalking me and not knowing of my keen senses, I continued my journey to acquire equipment that I desperately needed in Assur.

After arriving in Assur, I headed towards the nearest general store. After acquiring the necessary supplies and taking a moment to rest, I quickly readied for my journey towards the Curna Mountains in which I believe the Trolls that ravaged my village Vaelan have taken refuge.

I have vowed to hunt these filthy beasts down wherever the hide and destroy them as they had destroyed my life as I knew it. As I turned towards the road heading westward, I saw that same dark figure lurking in the shadows of a large farmhouse and stable. I then decided to confront this dark figure to see what intentions the dark figure had. When I reached the farmhouse and stables, the dark figure had vanished from my sight, with my keen senses, I heard a noise within the stable and proceed with caution and enter.

Once I entered the stable, a blinding light appeared in front of me which knocked me to the ground where I soon lost consciousness for a brief period. After awakening, I found I was in an unfamiliar place. The woods and surrounding village was of no known place I had been before. Thinking this must be some kind of dark sorcery that has brought me to this place, so I proceed with caution to see what place this was and to try and find a way back to Assur.

After exploring the nearby woods and caves, and talking with some of the village folk in the village called West Styne. I see I must venture further if any hopes of returning to Assur can be accomplished.

I have noticed so far, there seems to be an abundance of natural ore and minerals about which may come in handy in making some well needed equipment. I must keep my wits about me and my senses keen if I am to find a way back home.

[daemuskross]

After spending a night in this strange land, I finally found some useful information which has shed some light on at least one of my questions. It seems that this strange land is called the Island of Fredian, after talking with quite a few of the village folk in West Styne, I have been told that this island is quite vast and heavily populated with many different creatures good and bad, and that there seems to be an abundance of natural resources that can be used for all types of crafting.

I am in dire need of new equipment, so I have sought out some of the master craftsman to see about obtaining either some new equipment or if they would be willing to train me in the crafting skills. I traveled to the Styne Castle with intentions of speaking with the king, but attention was turned to a fellow who seemed in dire need of some help in locating a missing friend. After speaking with this nice fellow, I thought to my self that my tracking skills did need to be improved and this task would surely accomplish this, so I gladly accepted the request and headed off to try and locate Marsh's lost friend. I talked with many village folk and soon discovered a possible location in which Marsh's friend may be so I'm off to investigate further.

Its night time now and I am traveling to a town called Willem in hopes I can find out more information about Marsh's missing friend. It is good I am getting close to a town, my supplies are beginning to run low and I am dire need of some rest, hopefully there is an inn in which I can obtain a room in Willem, if not then another night under the stars it will have to be. Oh how I long for a nice comfortable cot to sleep on, my bedroll is old and needs to be replaced.

I have arrived at Willem, there seems to be an inn which rents out rooms, so I will rest and begin my search for information about Marsh's friend in the morning.
Dawn has arrived and I am off to talk with the village folk, surely someone will have some information about Marsh's friend, we will just have to see. After talking with many of the village folk, I found out that there seems to be a problem with an Orc chieftain not letting supplies get to Willem, This seems to be a major concern, and I know from previous experiences with Orcs that they can be really sinister at times, so I offer my services to go speak with this Orc chieftain to try and straighten this situation out. I know that more than likely, this will indeed lead to bloodshed, as Orcs are known for being both stubborn an stupid. I am not worried as my fighting skills have vastly improved over the past few seasons.

I have learned the location of Marsh's friend, but the matter with the Orc chieftain is more pressing at the moment, so I will return shortly to Willem, that is unless I am unsuccessful with dealing with this Orc chieftain.

[daemuskross]

I was able to locate the Orc Chieftain and confront him about the matter of stopping the supplies going to Willem, as I suspected, the Orc chieftain had no intention of negotiating and the only way to solve this problem would be through bloodshed. A fierce battle it was and all my training was put to the test, but I emerged victorious. I soon returned to Willem with the news that the supplies would once again resume with no interference from the Orcs.

After returning I did in fact locate Marsh's lost friend and soon I will return to Marsh and tell him the good news, but first I must rest and replenish my supplies before heading out on the long journey to Inner Styne Castle.

A new day has arrived and I am off to Inner Styne Castle to talk with Marsh. The forest seems awful quiet today for some reason, I must be cautious because something just does not feel right. After traveling for 2 hours, I decided to stop and rest under this magnificent oak tree and get a bite to eat. While relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery of the forest, I heard this strange noise which seemed behind me, *Turns Around* no it is beside me, *Looks Right Then Left* no it is all around me, *Looks Around* Where is that noise coming from? *Looks Up* Whoa! Within a blink of an eye a Giant Spider descends from above from the giant oak tree. I tumble out of the way *Tumbles Right* and grab my trusty long sword so I may defend myself against this strange creature. I have never in all my travels seen such a beast, this must be some dark sorcerers magic at work here, but no matter, I do not plan on being a snack for a overgrown spider *Takes Fighting Stance*.

I fought the giant spider for hours, seemed like an eternity, and soon I was able to dispatch this giant beast to the realm of the dead, but not before it was able to bite me and injecting poisonous venom into my body. I feel very weary now and must find something to remove this venom from me *Slumps over with Pain*. I am very close to West Styne now, maybe there is a wizard close that can help. With agonizing pain, I continue my journey towards West Styne.

Upon arriving at West Styne, I immediately ask the village folk for some assistance. The village folk told me of a Wizard in Inner Styne Castle that may be able to help, so I gather my pack and using all my strength I head out to Inner Styne Castle which is just a short distance from West Styne to seek out this wizard. The pain is becoming more excruciating every minute now, I feel I must hurry or it may be too late.

Soon I arrive at Inner Styne Castle and locate this wizard, who quickly concocts a potion to counter the venom within my body. Watching the wizard diligently work, I am reminded of my mother who was a very powerful wizard, I remember watching her as she would prepare potions and scrolls for others in need. She tried to teach me the Arcane Arts, but alas, I was not interested in such things at my young age. I remember some of the magic she had taught me, which I should say has come in handy quite a few times, but I have not returned to study the Arcane Arts to further my knowledge.

The wizard hands me a potion and I quickly drink it down, *Starts Screaming* my insides are on fire, *Turns to Wizard and Raises Sword* what have you done to me? Tell me before I cut you down. *The Wizard Steps Back And Smiles* I assure you my friend, what you are feeling is the potion removing the venom from your body, give it time and the burning will subside. *Drops Sword And Falls To Floor* we will see, I must rest. After a long rest, I can feel my strength returning, so I stand up and talk with this wizard who so freely helped me. I apologize to him for my accusations; the wizard quickly smiles and tells me not to think anymore about it.

The wizard and I talk for quite some time and soon I realize that I must try and learn the arcane arts that my mother so desperately wanted to teach me. I ask the wizard for assistance in this matter, *The Wizard Chuckles* I can not teach you the Arcane Arts, you have the power inside you already, you must learn to release it on your own. However, I can provide you with all the means to make your power flourish as the knowledge and power inside you grow. The wizard hands me a bag of scrolls and potions and tells me that these items will help me in my studies and also in my travels.
*Bows* I thank the wizard for all he has done. I shall use these items and learn the arcane arts as I see from my travels thus far; the arcane arts will aid me in finding my way back home.

After leaving the wizards house, I see Marsh and tell him the good news of his friend, unexpectedly Marsh gives me some gold in appreciation which I gladly accept because I am in need of some supplies and my gold has almost run out. Before leaving Marsh points me to a master blacksmith, who he said can teach me how to make weapons and armor from all the natural ore around this land. I soon talk with the master blacksmith who happily teaches me the basics and instructs me in where to get the ore needed and how to properly smelt the ore to make it useable. I can see that this won't be easy, but I do need a new sword and some new armor and I may even be able to sell some to the locals to gain some extra gold.

*Pick Axe on Shoulder* I head towards a large mine which is located in West Styne to start gathering the ore I need, but I must remember to make time to study the arcane arts. I know this will be hard, but if I am going to be successful in finding a way back home, I must learn all I can.

[daemuskross]

After spending part of the day mining some ore, I head towards the blacksmith shop to try and smelt the ore so I can start my training in crafting a new sword and armor. Spending the remainder of the day smelting the ore, fairly successful, I see this will not be an easy task, but I must continue if I am to be successful in crafting a well needed sword and armor.

night has arrived once again, so I must prepare to rest, I believe I will head towards the Forest, seems I sleep much better in the forest than within the inns, there is something about the feeling of sleeping under the stars that seems to relax my body and mind. If I am to gain the knowledge of the arcane arts and grasp the skills of crafting, I need my mind and body refreshed and keen.

Dawn has come and I continue my diligence of studying the arcane arts for the first part of the morning, I can feel the power and knowledge growing inside me, *Focuses On Sword* I can now imbue my sword with fire, this will surely make any encounters I face much easier to deal with. I have also learned that casting in armor can be very tricky, I must find out why and how to overcome it. Maybe talking with the wizard again will shed some light on this, or at least point me in the right direction of study.

It is mid-day now and I have returned to my training in crafting. After 2 hours of hard laboring over the smithing anvil, I have successfully grasped the ability to make some small weapons, *Looks At Master Blacksmith* This is very hard work. *Smiling* The Master Blacksmith replies, yes indeed, but you will prevail if you are diligent in your training. *Turns Back To Anvil And Continues To Hammer* Yes I will prevail.

Dusk is near and I am getting quite tired, all this training and studying has really drained me today. I should head out and prepare a camp so that I may rest.

While traveling towards to the forest, I encounter a group of bandits which demand what little possessions I have left. I refuse, and quickly imbue my sword with fire, knowing that a battle will surely begin. It does not take long to dispatch these bandits with my fighting skills and newly found arcane powers. I then resume my journey to the forest to make camp so I may rest.

After making camp, I continue my studies in the arcane arts until night falls learning even more encantations which surely will help me in my quest to find a way back home. *Sighs* Oh how I wish mother could be here to help me in my training; I have so many questions about the arcane arts. *Thinks To Himself* If only I would have listened when I was young. Maybe I should go back and talk with the wizard again to see if he can answer some of my questions. *Smiles* Yes I shall do that first thing in the morning.

Awakening and eager to get some answers to my questions, I head towards Inner Styne Castle to seek out the wizard. Upon arriving and talking with the wizard, I was told that he is only an apprentice and he is still learning the arcane arts himself. He also told me I should seek out the Master Wizard who lives beyond the desert.

So still eager to gain some answers for my questions I prepare for my journey towards the desert to seek out this Master Wizard. But first I must return to the Master Blacksmith to tell him my training on crafting weapons and armor must wait till I return. While explaining my dilemma to the Master Blacksmith, he begins to chuckle and explains to me that he has taught me all he can and it was up to me to continue my training on my own. *Smiling* The Master Blacksmith told me that there are some blacksmithing shops along the way and I should make use of them to continue my training.

Relieved, I quickly gather my possessions and head towards the desert. Not knowing what lies ahead, I talk with as many village folk I can to try and gain more information on what may lay ahead.

After talking with the village folk, I learn it is a long and grueling journey to the desert, I also learn there are many evil creatures I will more than likely face on my journey and that I should use caution as I journey forth.

[daemuskross]

Many of the village folk tell me of a great city which lies beyond the desert, but I should not attempt this journey to the desert, as I was to unskilled to face what lies ahead. Eager to gain answers to my many questions, I prepare my possessions and set out on the long journey to the desert. After traveling for a day, I stop to rest in a most beautiful place near the coastline. What a glorious view! I exclaim as I make camp. While preparing a campfire so I can cook some of the deer meat I acquired, I hear a strange noise which seems to be coming from the shoreline. I scurry to my feet and head towards the shoreline to see where the noise is coming from, when all of a sudden I come face to face with this monstrous looking creature. I have never seen such a creature as this; I quickly call upon my arcane powers to make me invisible so as not to alert the creature of my presence. Soon I realize that my attempts to elude the creature where futile as it seem that my powers are not strong enough to make me invisible long enough to escape. It seems this monstrous creature wishes to have me for supper, as it begins chasing me away from the coastline. I turn towards the hills in hopes to gain some higher ground hoping the monstrous creature will be unable to follow.

After climbing to the top of a cliff, I soon have the advantage over this monstrous creature, allowing me to use my arcane powers to summon forth some magical balls of energy which seem to dispatch this monstrous creature very quickly. Relieved that I was not a main course, I head back towards my camp to get some well needed rest. It seems using my new found arcane powers really drains the energy from my body.

Dawn has come and I pack up my possessions and return to my journey towards the desert. While traveling through some rich farmlands, I encounter yet another strange creature; this creature resembles a bull but also walks like a human. *Thinks To Himself* Could this be the legendary Minotaur? I have heard of a legend when I was young of a great warrior of a creature that was half bull and half human. If the legends are true, then I should try and avoid this creature, as I am no match for such a powerful beast. Looking at the creature from the tree line which hides me from the creature’s sight, I begin looking for a way to avoid this creature. I soon spot a orchard of trees which should provide me with the means to go past the creature undetected, but first I must traverse about 500 feet of open ground before reaching this orchard.

Using my arcane powers, I once again make myself invisible and hope that it lasts long enough for me to reach the orchard. Barely reaching the orchard before the spell where’s off, I turn to see if I had been spotted by this creature. I see no sign of the creature, so I continue thru the orchard to some old farmhouses that lie just ahead. If I can reach the farmhouses, I should be in the clear and be able to continue my journey towards the desert.

Once arriving at the farmhouse, I notice many different flowers growing in the fields. These flowers will come in handy in making some well needed bags and clothing. If only I can find a tailors shop. I gather some of the various flowers and return to my journey, I soon come to the edge of the desert, not knowing what lies ahead; I proceed with extreme caution head northward. After traveling for half a day, I find myself extremely thirsty; I must find some water if I am to continue on this journey. I was unprepared for this, *Thinks To Himself* should I go back or proceed forward and hope some water lies ahead. Gathering all my strength, I continue forth determined to reach this great city. I soon come to this small village in which I am able to get some fresh water to relieve my thirst. There seems to be a trade center here which I should use to train in weapon and armor crafting. I begin my training and soon I have learned to forge a well needed longsword. *Smiling And Holding Sword In The Air* This will indeed aid me on my journey. I must continue my training if I am to gain the ability to craft a new shield and some new armor, my journey to the great city will have to wait.