Banshee Journal
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2002 2:52 am
The following are the pieced-together findings of a journal found by the paladin Mattias Il-Amin from an anonymous merchant in an Aberdan bazaar. The merchant who possessed it did not know the origin of the journal, nor apparently it's worth as it was bought for mere silver. The man claimed he'd purchased it from another merchant who'd claimed to find it in Port Hope, though how it arrived there is a mystery. He had hoped to find great treasures of history and knowledge in the aged book, but the hand style proved difficult for the man and it's subject was uninteresting. It interested the young paladin, however.
It is written on age-yellowed parchment pages, bound in crackled leather, the cover worn smooth with the years and many of the pages missing or torn. The book is in poor shape, worn and scarred as if it had been written in the field and carried in a pack or pocket for many months. The first half of the journal is missing, so it begins without preface or introduction. The writer does not identify himself, save as a cleric of Sollist.
* * *
The Fiveweek Yaraday of Seltses, 1576:
Grandeur! The new Academy reception hall is absolutely spectacular! Dendarden and the other dwarven craftsmen are beginning the journey tomorrow to return all the way to Argon, but they have been well cared for during their stay, and they have our eternal gratitude. The entry hall soars gracefully upwards in majesty and the ceilings are painted to mirror the heavens, seeming to the visitor that the clouds and stars are that much closer.
Oh yes, the stars! The dwarven craftsmen set glittering stars of shining bdellium into the ceiling! What marvels they are! In the low light they seem to gleam and shine as if they were lit by an inner fire. During the day, they seem to glint as the sun shining off the coulds. I have never seen such clever craftsmanship in all my travels. I should very much like to walk the halls of Argon and see the marvellous works that must be there, with generations of such skilled craftsmen residing there. Though I doubt that could happen. Even Dendarden told me his blessing would not be enough to get me, a human, through the gates of his home city. Apparently they haven't heard of the Brotherhood of the Banshee. Perhaps that will change in time, for time is the greatest of healers.
* * *
The Twoweek Wodanday of Phoenon, 1576:
It was Founder's Day today! It's odd to think it's been over five hundred years since Sarkis began the Academy, all to atone for his perceived failure. If he could only see us now! There was a great celebration and feast in nearby Fallkirk. I feel a bit guilty that the Academy halls and complex are so extravagant while the town and people are somewhat impoverished, but I know that's the state of the land, right now. It seems this people, indeed the entire land, is still struggling to regain what was lost during the Plague Years. I believe the Brotherhood and Sarkis' dream will help speed that recovery.
* * *
The Fourweek Krullinday of Phoenon, 1576:
Scholar Jonath Romrell came from the Wodan sect for the opening of the new wing to the Academy library. You should have seen the look on his face as he entered the new areas of the Academy. More awestruck than if he was in the palaces of old Zamollia, I am sure. It was worth every penny of our guild coffers that went to those blessed dwarves and the architects from Arberdan, I tell you. These halls will still be a wonder for generations and generations of Banshees to come. With the might assembled here, the knowledge at our fingertips, and the need for our services across the land, there is no doubt we will only continue to grow and prosper as a guild. Though Pennor continues to deny it and preach a more passive role, I believe the Banshees are destined for something far greater than merely hiring ourselvesout to worthy causes. Perhaps one day we will be the ones ruling in the place of some of these corrupt governments.
On a more personal note, I have asked to be released from my duties as an instructor here in the Academy and the Temple of Sollist. I feel the call of the field and wish to help some of the Banshee Brigades who are to be assisting in recent events, especially against the Blackguard and his regime. The high priest is reviewing my request and I hope to get an answer by the end of the week. I have enjoyed instructing in the finer points of the healing arts, but I feel I must move onward. The torrent of events are sweeping the Banshees toward something greater, and I want to assist in the effort.
It is written on age-yellowed parchment pages, bound in crackled leather, the cover worn smooth with the years and many of the pages missing or torn. The book is in poor shape, worn and scarred as if it had been written in the field and carried in a pack or pocket for many months. The first half of the journal is missing, so it begins without preface or introduction. The writer does not identify himself, save as a cleric of Sollist.
* * *
The Fiveweek Yaraday of Seltses, 1576:
Grandeur! The new Academy reception hall is absolutely spectacular! Dendarden and the other dwarven craftsmen are beginning the journey tomorrow to return all the way to Argon, but they have been well cared for during their stay, and they have our eternal gratitude. The entry hall soars gracefully upwards in majesty and the ceilings are painted to mirror the heavens, seeming to the visitor that the clouds and stars are that much closer.
Oh yes, the stars! The dwarven craftsmen set glittering stars of shining bdellium into the ceiling! What marvels they are! In the low light they seem to gleam and shine as if they were lit by an inner fire. During the day, they seem to glint as the sun shining off the coulds. I have never seen such clever craftsmanship in all my travels. I should very much like to walk the halls of Argon and see the marvellous works that must be there, with generations of such skilled craftsmen residing there. Though I doubt that could happen. Even Dendarden told me his blessing would not be enough to get me, a human, through the gates of his home city. Apparently they haven't heard of the Brotherhood of the Banshee. Perhaps that will change in time, for time is the greatest of healers.
* * *
The Twoweek Wodanday of Phoenon, 1576:
It was Founder's Day today! It's odd to think it's been over five hundred years since Sarkis began the Academy, all to atone for his perceived failure. If he could only see us now! There was a great celebration and feast in nearby Fallkirk. I feel a bit guilty that the Academy halls and complex are so extravagant while the town and people are somewhat impoverished, but I know that's the state of the land, right now. It seems this people, indeed the entire land, is still struggling to regain what was lost during the Plague Years. I believe the Brotherhood and Sarkis' dream will help speed that recovery.
* * *
The Fourweek Krullinday of Phoenon, 1576:
Scholar Jonath Romrell came from the Wodan sect for the opening of the new wing to the Academy library. You should have seen the look on his face as he entered the new areas of the Academy. More awestruck than if he was in the palaces of old Zamollia, I am sure. It was worth every penny of our guild coffers that went to those blessed dwarves and the architects from Arberdan, I tell you. These halls will still be a wonder for generations and generations of Banshees to come. With the might assembled here, the knowledge at our fingertips, and the need for our services across the land, there is no doubt we will only continue to grow and prosper as a guild. Though Pennor continues to deny it and preach a more passive role, I believe the Banshees are destined for something far greater than merely hiring ourselvesout to worthy causes. Perhaps one day we will be the ones ruling in the place of some of these corrupt governments.
On a more personal note, I have asked to be released from my duties as an instructor here in the Academy and the Temple of Sollist. I feel the call of the field and wish to help some of the Banshee Brigades who are to be assisting in recent events, especially against the Blackguard and his regime. The high priest is reviewing my request and I hope to get an answer by the end of the week. I have enjoyed instructing in the finer points of the healing arts, but I feel I must move onward. The torrent of events are sweeping the Banshees toward something greater, and I want to assist in the effort.
