Hyzin Taddlerick the Fourth, Veteran Maran, Lavender Tiger

Role

Chapter 8

Gah! Where have I left my slippers. No, not under the bed - is that them by
the dresser? Hmm, I think that's her clogs.

She is still lying on the bed next to me, her angelic face as looks as if it
is both smiling and snoring at the same time. My luck is at an all time high
and the butterflies inhabiting my chest exert such an influence upon me that
I could never believe otherwise.

I'd met her just a few days ago at the merchants market. My uncle's stall was
an attempt to undercut Keiiah's stranglehold on the charms and potions
business. Everything had been accounted for - we'd imported new rarities,
strong exotic magic at half price and paid off the thieves guild to ensure a
steady decline in Keiiah's profits and customers while ours increased. The
small fortune we'd spent upon on simply cracking into Hamsah's central square
would be worth it in the long-run. Already the younger mages were buying
reagents from us! Time was all that mattered to let our customer base grow.
No one could beat our invorigating druids powder - at least 100 copper under
Keiiah's home made non-sense. In a flash of genius I had even spread a rumour
that conjurer's had helped him make it from extra-planar ingredients.
Whatever that guild was behind his shop people had grown a hardened suspicion
at the mere mention of a planar mage lurking in it. Hamsah hates conjurers
with such a burning passion. Who'd have thought such a modern city could be
so superstitious?

That's when she'd arrived, as I pondered yet more devious strategies. I could
see no end of gold and jewels in my dreams but all that became eclipsed by
her beauty. She introduced herself as our red-crystal supplier. Our
dehydrated powders needed water to activate their magic and the Araile
crystal, when invoked using the right herbs, would release its magic and
could re-hydrate a dried pond with but a smattering of red dust. She dressed
in a long, white robe with a light blue scarf wrapped around her head.
Stepping into the shadows, she removed it to reveal her beautiful half-elven
face and long blond hair. Had my jaw dropped any lower, it would have scuffed
my boots. Feeling suddenly self-conscious I opted to pretend it was a yawn.
Oh yes, smooth.

Her name was Illandra. Gifted by the desert folk that had taken her in for
her beauty. I didn't find out till later she was an orphan from Corte. How
can such a beauty arise from that curse? Why question how things happen in
dreams! For surely my fumbling steps toward her could not have existed in
even the most blessed of realities and yet never had my eyes been opened so
widely.

When she took my hand, and brought me to the gardens - I could have been
walking through the Azure fields. Each day she would awaken by my side and I
would stare into her eyes wondering how I lived without such love. What I
love most, is whenever she prepares us breakfast - I could swear the Gods
themselves have breathed upon it. Perhaps she is just a goddess. Her lithe
body is so flawless - even the master jewellers would be hard pressed to find
a diamond to compare. They'd have to try, damn it. I will propose to her
tomorrow. Our success in the market will let me afford the grandest wedding
Hamsah has ever seen. No day beyond this will be a bad one, for the h

Role

Chapter 7

Welcome unto the diary of Hyzin Taddlerick the Fourth. Herein lies a log of
my thoughts, a journal of my mind so that I may in the future make sense of
the warm memories of the past. Should you discover this book, return it haste
post haste unto The Taddlerick Estate, Voralian City, where a reward of 5
gold pieces shall come unto your name!

Role

Chapter 6

Day of Thunder, 17th Month of the Old Forces.

Our anniversary! This time, but 17 months ago, we were married amongst the
desert sands. A priest of Innis performed the rites, as per Illandra's
request. It has taken some getting used to but I've been slowly converted to
the Gods of the Light by her. Quite silly really, that my estate should be so
close to Voralian - yet I could hardly tell Lord Shokai from Lord Velkurah!
So blessed I am, could anything she asks of me be too little? I would die for
her if I thought it necessary.

Day of the Bull, 30th Month of Futility.

The business has taken a turn for the worst. Illandra says she is having
problems with demons at her supplier. The mines are being shut off and the
Sultan has ordered that part of the desert abandoned. I'm unsure if we'll be
able to find a replacement for the key reagent. Her red crystal dust has been
the crux of our success! Woe is our fate yet I can find nothing but joy in my
heart! Even here on the verge of failure I can only smile at her. She thinks
we should invest in training encase we are needed to diversify in order to
save our business. She joins the guild of Transmutation for a minimal fee but
I refuse to follow her. All that poking about, I'm near certain they use
corpses for study. How else do you discover the complete workings of a body?
No, I told her not to worry. I'm enslisting instead into the guild of
shapeshifters. The Magical knowledge needed there is far more time efficient.
But a few hours a week studying in their guild and the bulk of practice can
be done anywhere. Studying the illusions they bring forth, I was inspired by
the beauty in their forms. I hope Illandra will be too.

Day of the Sun, 14th Month of the Ancient Darkness.

The business is being liquidated so as to cause minimal impact later on. I
couldn't believe we lost unto Keiiah! I thank Illandra for her foresight in
the matter, though studying languages to compliment my shape shifting was my
own conception. I've found how forming an animal can quickly bring a dullness
unto one's mind. Illandra claims I'm fine but I can feel the illusion
encroaching upon my actual body. We are both well warned of the dangers of
true Biomancy. I hope I am never so inept as to permanently change any part
of myself. It would simply be unfair to Illandra to become something other
that what she has loved for so long. We will take our money and stay a while
with my parents at the Estate. Perhaps something will arise from this study
we've undertaken. My articulation has improved no end and in it perhaps I'll
discover another career as an intrepid scholar unto the histories or arts.
Certainly, my work within the realms of Magic and the emotional experiences
I've shared with Illandra cause many philosophical reflections I would love
to scribe. Perhaps I'll simply keep it unto this book, lest a mockery be made.

Role

Chapter 5

Day of the Sun, 7th Month of Great Evil

Illandra has taken up an apprenticeship at the Temple. The Voralian order
offered her a meagre sum for the work she does there but she believes that
simply being in the house of the Gods all day is payment enough. I have
verily been married unto angel. Her Magic progresses swiftly and my own
powers pale in comparison. I have not even begun to learn our time-based
magic yet she is manipulating metabolisms like a master. There is a fine
dressmaker in the southern quarter that I visited upon this day. A new
wardrobe to match our profession will be required. One must dress for the
occasion when one is invited unto a Temple! The sermon this morning felt as
if it touched my very soul. The speaker told us much of Lady Voralia and Lord
Corrlaan. Sacrifice seemed to be the theme and a passing thought urged me to
write. Should it ever come to it, I would gladly give my own life that
Illandra might live.

Day of Thunder, 11th Month of Winter

I've progressed into a more secure position inside the guild. My education
now should be self-sufficient at least. The magic I perform is oft needed by
others questing out to push back pests and dark fiends. A small number of
orc's were found wandering far from their village. Thanks to our show of
strength there was no need for battle. I have bought the whitesteel
breastplate I was lent for the occasion on a whim. Should its practical uses
prove limited I may place it upon the wall in the Dining room alongside my
relatives relics. It holds little in the way of story but a sermon upon Lord
Aarn told of how personal whitesteel can be. It shall serve as a reminder
that the Light inhabits not only all the people about us, but the objects as
well.

Day of Deception, 31st Month of Winter

The climate here is surprisingly pleasant even during winter. I hear the
frost is worse further up river toward the mountains but we have had only a
smattering of snow all through the cold months. The spring melts should be
swelling the river soon, perhaps I shall learn to finally shift my shape
before then. To swim upon the cool 0currents in the shape of some great fish
or mammal would be divine. I wonder if I should indeed study the water-forms
or if something more practical might be useful. My career is still open but
Illandra's seems to have solidified in a more priestly role. Her slowing
spells and reparations are of great aid to scouting parties who find
themselves injured. I don't like the idea of her adventuring but nor may I
cage her like a bird. Her voice is music to me but she would not sing were I
to clip her wings. Let the world share her vigour, it remains mine in private
and so I am content. Tomorrow she leaves to support a large number of amateur
mage's ferrying supplies up river. May Innis guide her through the wilds and
protect her from harm.

Day of the Moon, 1st Month of the Winter Wolf

*Looking down this page, you see several circular smudges of ink where tears
have fallen. The text below it has become quite illegible although the
writing here appears uncharacteristically messy and hurried to begin with*

Woe is my heart, for it is pained beyond my minds ability to comprehend. Were
I to liken this feeling to anything it would be far shy of the truth.
I

PK Gank-O-Meter

Role

Chapter 4

Day of the Great Gods, 6th Month of the Old Forces

I attended the morning sermon today. My grieving has been long and arduous
but so kind were Illandra's co-workers that I could not shame them by giving
in to self-destruction. Nor could I ever shame her memory. The talk on faith
was not only encouraging but appeared to inspire the lowest depths of my soul
to rise up and burn. They taught us of Lord Shokai's devotion to pushing back
that which threatens the Light. How he as a mortal of honour forged a new
path, a new way that has inspired countless Warriors to follow. One passage
sticks in my mind and still the Priest's voice echo's there. "And he stood
with his back to the Light, his wings spread as a shield to those he would
defend. Facing the darkness, he thrust his spear forth to seek out those
hearts intent upon wickedness. Retribution is his purpose! Let us all fear
falling to such for the line is thinner than we would like to imagine..." How
could any other words hold more truth than these? Like his wings I will stand
broad against the Foe. Like his spear I will thrust my Magic forth. Like its
tip, it shall find hearts and pierce them. Let the ones who harbour such
cruelty pay in blood. I will pray for Illandra again tomorrow. Then I shall
pray for those I find. May sweet mercy find them before I do.

*Below this text, a small pencil drawing has been done. On the left, has been
drawn a pair of gates. Its curved metal bars have been decorated with small
cherubs and angels. A cloud stretches from it to the centre of the page where
it seems to blur. Here, stands a bird like figure, his spear planted like a
pike. With both claws firmly in the clouds, he faces the right hand side of
the paper. Where wings would be appear wing-shaped flames that have not been
shaded in very lightly. His beak is wide open and his tongue pointed as if
some defiant cry is being shouted toward what it guards from. As the clouds
blur and the scene progresses right, the ground seems to harden to a shaded
black. Dark flames lick up the crude wrought gates on the other side. From
between its bars poke the heads of horned fiends and grotesque demons. Their
arms and claws reach out across the ground as if to threaten what stands
there yet none seem to dare draw too close to the portrayed figure. At the
bottom, the signature 'H. Taddlerick' has been hastily scrawled.*

Day of the Moon, 22nd Month of Old Forces

My affairs have all been tied up that I might travel freely. The Estates will
be cared for by a cousin should my parents fall ill and I have given up any
inheritance. With no children to pass it on, it would have done me no good.
Instead I shall live a simpler life upon my crusade and rely upon myself for
once. My name will not go down in Taddlerick history but let it ring out
among the hero's that champion the Light. There was more to that sermon that
I wrote of previously, something that gifted me great hope. Perhaps even
brought back some element of joy. It is said the worthy who have served the
Light cross over into an afterlife filled with peace. There in the Azure
fields their spirits shall find their reward. Perhaps if I earn my way I
could ask the only thing I have ever wanted since we first met. To be with my
wife for all eternity. Some par

Role

Chapter 3

Day of the Sun, 14th Month of the Ancient Darkness.

I feel as though I've neglected my diary for so long. Why not chronicle the
fortune that has past? Proudest of all my achievements is to have earned Lord
Shokai's blessing. I have completed my pledge unto the Brigade and the creed
is now my life. Crucially however, I see the seriousness of the risks I
undergo walking my chosen path. But had I done it as perhaps Illandra had
hoped - if I had led my life giving joy and remaining safely within the Light
- I think then I would have had more chance of falling. It's hard to fight
what you cannot see. Inside, would still be the remorse I have removed by
avenging the fallen. Not only avenging - preventing! My promotion to Maran
wasn't what changed though. It must have been bringing myself so close to the
darkness that took all I loved. I found some pity, perhaps even some remorse
for those I have been destroying. Oddest of all however was the strange
carnal rush of emotion. Like the anger that I felt near these dark fiends has
pulled something primal from the beasts I shape. It's there, upon the very
fringes of my consciousness. But it's there. I never took the creed all that
seriously until I began feeling what I sensed.

The Darkness is there, just beyond my senses but still inside of me. I can
feel it. I know now I what the true fight is. And it has only just begun.

Role

Chapter 2

of the Moon, 22nd Month of Old Forces

My friends number so many, I feel rich in ways only a true man of the Light
could understand. The warmth among us is so clear. I remember vividly, loving
them despite our quarrels and occasional bouts of stubbornness! How we
laughed afterwards! Saroiya has had the most impact, her ways I too often
forget to respect in my irresponsible animal form but her presence is
inspiring while I am human. I am so sorry to have disregarded the Laws in her
presence. I owe unto her more than such open refute of all she holds dear.
There was the time I failed to take the Creed to heart she pointed out the
true meaning of 'striking Swift and True'. I fought quickly and lashed out at
one who was not tainted. I thank her eternally for pointing it out, had I not
noticed perhaps I would never have sought forgiveness. Such things can lead
only to darkness.

A sorrowful word never held such a resonant beauty. 'Forgiveness'. It
whispers soft tones of peace and love that no other word could capture in
such a simple, essential way. May Lord Shokai smite me if I should forget the
meaning of such ways again. I will admit to being tested unto my limits
however. Furious, vengeful barbarians and outlaws such as Furoll dog my
patience eternally. Should it break I know none would begrudge me my sweet
'Forgiveness'. But I wonder if I would forgive myself.


When one first meets a Maran, one knows it. I have lived as one for some
time- learning that an immaculate image gives both an edge of fear unto the
dark fiends as well as a beacon of pride and hope to those who support our
War or are hopeful for Victory. The way others see me, the way I try to
project myself - I wonder if I have truly become a celebrity of some sort. I
am no knight in shining mail or warrior with gleaming weapons of fire and
light. Instead I am a mage. There are so few grand mages of the Light - like
some sort of Elite I feel we hold a much greater burden than the rest.
Amongst the ranks of our foes are many dangerous dark mages. Though the
warriors and priests understand their powers, can they truly combat them
without Magic of their own? I project no grand image of a knight or shining
zealot. Instead I show one of untold cunning and power. Through me, must the
mana be woven in ways that shall out pace even the most devious dark mages
tricks and spells. Not only for myself - but for all those of the Fortress
who rely upon Magic.

These thoughts first came to me many years ago, when I still researched
Zurconic law and was lead unto the Tower of Trothon in search of answers. It
was there I learned the darker side of love. Or was it truly love? Such a
general word, in many cases its definition seems to border on obsession or
insanity. I cannot say I love magic but the art of weaving it fills me with
confidence. In turn, it is this confidence that I use to inspire my friends.
Perhaps I shall never be as virtuous as a Paladin or as fierce as a shaman.
But I swear unto Shokai himself that always shall I represent the true
meaning of Magic to the Light.

Magic is a tool finer in craft than even the Phoenix Lord's spear or hammer.
A means to all ends. With enough strength in magic there is truly nothing
that cannot be achieved and yet ther

Role

Chapter 1

Day of the Great Gods, 26th Month of Winter.

I felt oddly saddened today, for my dreams have been taken up
by Illandra's presence. Though my Faith has kept any pain
associated with missing her at bay it seems to have returned.
I do not understand why, I truly believe I will see her again
but the pain remains in my heart. I haven't let it drag me
down - but I worry that it might. Reir was a comfort, her
embrace and words eased it somewhat. I forgot how far I had
become from those around me. The hunting, the death. Eventaully
it seems to silence me with its subtle horror. I can regret,
I can mourn my foes quietly. But I just cannot go on letting
their ends get unto me. 'Victory draws closer' I tell myself.
And yet...

I think I am failing my promise to you, my love. I am no
longer seeking to bring joy to my friends and allies. Perhaps
that is why you haunt me. I am sorry, I forgot. I will try
harder my love. Each one I pass, I will greet and know.
Each time we meet, I should be smiling from the depths of
my heart. How could I have become so selfish and not have noticed?

This fight is harder than I thought.

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