Musings of a Future Baron - 1. A Beginning

Wealday 14 Gozran 4710

So begins a new chapter in the life of Cassiel. A new chapter, a new adventure, and a new party of characters to get used to.

We have already been given our task by the Swordlord Jamandi Aldori, and what a task it is. Nothing less than the total supplication of one Stag Lord, and the lands he controls with an iron fist. The reward is suitably immense, one barony courtesy of Lady Jamandi herself. Though several of the adventurers have already started arguing about who exactly will get the coronet.

It’s going to be fun, I can already tell. I just hope my spellbook doesn’t get too wet.

I’m not even the only spell user among us. Of note are a bard and two gnomes of remarkably similar abilities. Tartuccio seems rather conceited and prickly. I hate to throw accusations at people before I know them, but by the gods, at least give me a chance to know you before biting my head off. He actually accused me of being a beast of burden today. I thought the one barbarian was going to gut him like a pig.

The other gnome, one Theofrid Jusp, as he introduced himself, seems rather friendly, though I fear he’s more like to burn us with his fire than the enemy. He assured me he has his magic under complete control… right before having to race for a bucket of water as a flame played through his blue hair.

And Linzi… well, it appears I will have a rival in this journey. Not that it’s bad. We get along famously, truth be told. But she showed me a book she’s planning to write about us… well, actually, she said it’s about me. I’m not sure how to feel about that. Not only am I already chronicling this adventure as a member of the Society, there’s something a bit weird about coming up to a strange half-human and telling them you want them to be the hero in your book. I tried to pass her off to the barbarian, Amiri. She’s a bit rough, but by the gods, there’s someone legends are written about. The bard proceeded to admit fear of Amiri. How are you supposed to travel with someone if you are afraid of them?

Though I must admit I have some trepidation about Amiri myself. I mean, her sword is literally the size of her body. How in the Nine Hells is she supposed to use that thing? I am suddenly immensely grateful to be a spellslinger. Let me have my bow and sit in the back to support my party. That’s all I need in life.

There is one other person I’ve kept my eye on through the evening, a man by the name of Keston Garess. He says he’s the captain of Lady Jamandi’s guard. I’m wondering if he could be trusted to guard my bed tonight? Perhaps I should ask.

In any case, we leave tomorrow morn, hopefully at dawn. There is a good ninety miles between us and the Stolen Lands. Months of camping through rain and stars awaits us, with a baron’s coronet promised at the end. With luck, we will all make it through, though what would a good story be without death? Perhaps Tartuccio’s?

I jest, of course. To lose any member of a party would be painful, no matter how belligerent he may be.

Until the morrow.

Gozran 14 4710

Cheat sheet

Linzi- halfling, writer, Shelyn

Cassiel- half elf? Archer, mage

Harrem? Harrim?- priest, Groetus,

Jaethal- elf, scythe

Tartuccio- gnome, purple hair

Amiri- Big scary human

Almost forgot the date again. Can’t forget that. Four hundred years of writing it down, you’d think I’d remember by now. No matter.

Got to remember: fire spread 30feet by 10? 15? Double check in the morning. AWAY FROM MANSION. Swordlord wouldn’t appreciate burnt tapestries.

I need to restore my water supply. Almost burned my hair off tonight. Perhaps the half-elf can get this spell to work for me. Or get me. Both? Both is good...

Heading to the Stolen Lands tomorrow. Shouldn’t take more than two days on horseback. Don’t know details, will have to find out from Tartuccio. Gnomes gotta stick together in these strange lands. Not sure he needs the crown though; he’s uppity enough. Still, a better leader for now, until we find someone else. The Kellid wouldn’t work, she’s too angry. And the dwarf… Harrum? Harrim? Too depressed. Half tempted to set him on fire just to lighten him up a bit. Sarenrae grant me your flame to brighten those around me.

Jaethal vampire? Probably, she seems to rub me that way. Gotta include a little more garlic in my meals just to be safe. And Kaesse… Fiery girl, demon spawn. I like her, she seems to know how to party hard. Quadiran? Yeah, definitely Quadiran. I swear sparks fly around her more than they do around me. I have to step up my game around her.

Almost burned another page in my spellbook this morning. I need to watch the fire when I’m copying scrolls. Not going to happen often on the road, but a gnome can dream.

Early day tomorrow, better catch sleep while I can.