Kalen Inkwell’s Journal (Secret)

[Jeff]

Day 275 (since I came through the portal)

Alea iacta est

The circus seemed to be a success. Through several well laid plans, unsermountable determination, and way more luck than should be necessary, the flower was plucked; quite messy but successful none the less.

I find myself taking to the people of this world, unexpectedly. The one known as Simon seems to be the backbone of this group. He gives direction and takes care of those in his care. Without him, I fear that this area would fall into chaos.

The Crafters seem to be the most stable of the group. Calm and collected, they present a stable environment for the others to flourish. The dwarves keep all the equipment from beaking down while the alchemists keep everyone’s limbs attached. I seem to be the only artificer, maybe I need to start making things to be used. It would at least give me a little bit of coin.

Every day more and more people seem to be dropping in from other worlds and they are getting more bizarre, here are but a few:
* A young minded Sprite who acts on impulse.
* A peculiar pirate that isn’t human. What? I don’t know, but it’s not something I haven’t encountered before.
* A half goblin, half orc, that I suspect is just a goblin raised by orcs.
* A gnome struggling to understand that sometimes your goals are unattainable.
* An inquisitive Imperium that thirsts for knowledge.

Beyond those we have the fighters, each quirky in their own ways.

Normally, I would be writing these notes in case I needed to do what I do best, but after taking on Kalen, things have been going well. From what I can tell, the portals all seem to be filtering here. So maybe this is where I will find my answers. Then again, maybe not, but what I do know is that there are organizations that know more than what the people do. I think it’s time I go to the Order and find what I can.

I want to know what they are hiding, but I have to be careful, they cannot know what I am. Until then I think I will stick with this group, For the first time since I left my home, I am starting to feel comfortable.

As spoken by Varrick(sp?), “It’s always a fun time at the circus.”

(Signature in an unknown language)

[Jeff]

Day 316

It’s almost been a year since I first came to this world and I feel like I’ve been integrating well. Varrick approched me about a scroll that he discovered while out hunting flowers. He asked if I could identify it for him. I took some time to look into the matter, but I will come back to that.

Some of the group that I had not seen for a while made their return. The elder of the two confided in me that fear of a great curse she felt had been placed upon her. She claims that people have been disappearing around her since she was a child. Random people at random times. Apparently it escalated to the most recent event. A town, which I don’t recall the name, all of their inhabitants just gone. They stopped there the night before for food and rest. But when they awoke, not a single person can be found. She immediately came back to the group searching for help being that this group handled the Lord of filth; A particularly vile thing. She asked if I could help and I told her I would check my research and see what I could find.

In another turn of events an order rep came by and I ceased the opportunity to join. I know where the magic secrets of this world are held and I need to obtain them. Ever since I stepped through that portal, I can’t do the things I used to be able to do. My ¥€§∆®©|s (this word is scratched out) have been much weaker here than everywhere else. After the first, I have only been able to do it for about an hour or so at a time. Needless to say I have started on a path that there is no returning from. I possed to them that there are magic items that just seem to find there way here and that they need to be cleaned, and that I want to help. We will see where this leads. Punty made the argument very convincing I feel. His timing was perfect. I could not have planned it better.

My loyalty does not lie in magics destruction but rather it’s understanding. Magic and science, both forces that elevate us. I miss them.

That reminds me, the scroll. This scroll is powerful, it can make people go into a rage. It shouldn’t fall into the wrong hands, but I think I can learn from it. I can store the information inside me and not let it get to the wrong hands.

I’ll keep working, moving forward on my research. It will take time with the order, in the mean time, I think this group is the best way I can further my research.

(Signature in an unknown language)

[Jeff]

Day 404

Back to where it all began. I entered into this world a little more than a year ago through a portal not far from the cabin in which we stayed during this trip. Under the watchful eye of the Lord of Filth, I slipped through disused as an imp. I wasn’t here long before I saw the events unfold at the portal. This band of complex individuals passing through with three uniformed individuals leading the way. I didnt stick around long knowing what the Lord was capable of, made my way out of the area to a town where I found the form that I take now. That was the day I took on the name Kalen Inkwell.

This Whisper Ridge is very much like all of the others but so different at the same time. Maybe someday I can figure out why everywhere I go they share the same location.

This past trip to Whisper Ridge was complicated and brings quite a bit of complexity to this current endeavor. I have no way to predict how complicated this situation with the Order will get. No matter what though, I cannot let them know my innate abilities.

That being said, I used them for the first time in a long time over this trip. It felt good to use those muscles. I made a choice to trust 2 individuals with that information. I have trusted in others before and it has come back to harm me. Am I feeling too comfortable here? I am not really sure, but it was a calculated risk. Telling the Lady was one thing, but telling Varrick is something completely different. I have gotten to close before and it has accelerated the process.I feel like I can trust Varrick. I don’t think he will betray me.

This trip was meant to be a simple escort trip, helping Kirrin try to get home. I wanted to help her as much as I could but sadly the cards were stacked against us. I was able to get a look at Red Feather though, a raw power that isn’t natural to this world. He even displayed a magic I have never seen before. He had the ability to drain others of their natural abilities. I am not sure to what benefit, but certainly something worth researching. I attempted to parley with him, but he held no interest in me.

Valdis seemed to believe that we could create a magic circle that could potentially split Red Feather into Phalix and Bartiel possibly even trapping Bartiel into some sort of stone or crystal. A fascinating line of research, but to much of a risk and I feel would have brought too much unwanted attention to us.

Red Feather got to Kirrin before she was able to get out. Many of the party tried to do what they can but he out smarted them. I tried to distract him to give them a heads up, but he saw right through it. I gathered a group consisting of Juniper and the Dr.. Neither particularly adept at fighting, but talented in their own rights.

Hermidine was out looking for the crystal that Valdis needed to trap Bartiel, but was not around when the fighting broke out. He took her loss hard. Him not being there meant that he broke a promise, something that he does not seem keen on doing. His honor appears to make him a very trustworthy individual.

Later that day the Moon appeared in camp, I have heard talk of this individual before but never seen them. After Red Feather I was feeling frustrated and decided to try to gain favor with this individual. Through discussion they didn’t seem to care about the “mortals” and in extension myself but were rather here for entertainment. Knowing where I come from, I felt that I had one last card to play. I revealed my origins to them. I was right she was entertained and a bit fascinated. We will see if this leads to any new or interesting research.

The Order had shown up in camp earlier in the day and gave an ultimatum give up the Portal device or they will be back to take it. Knowing very well that the order was very capable of doing so, I found myself out researching as the deadline approached.

I am not sure what happened but when I came back there was talk of Orcs and Androids, and a dead body. They did not seem keen on telling me who died, and the less I know the better. I am only low level in the order and do not wish to turn my back on either party just yet. I have a long way to go before I will get what I am looking for out of the Order and some of these individuals are growing on me. I need to try to stay impartial as long as I can.

Nadia, who had been working with Nova turned out to be a Orc that was able to disguise themselves. This is the first instance of anyone I have met here being able to do that. For her it must have been a learned ability, a way of keeping their true race under wraps. I approached her about the device she has at her side much like Nova’s but a bit smaller. I hope to be able to get my hands on it and could then perhaps utilize it in some of my research.

Before we packed up there was a very curious sight, A group of locals have been practicing necromancy to the point of creating a lich! Fascinating work, and I wish I could have gotten a look at their notes, but Valdis was able to gather some information before everything went predictably wrong.

Normally I would have been right there wanting to learn it too, but with how prevalent the Order has been in our business recently it was too dangerous. I will learn what I can from Valdis when there are not as many eyes on us.

All in all, quite a bit to add to my research.

(Signature in an unknown language)

[Jeff]

(Written in an unknown language, in a journal, before the event.)

Aptober 27th ~ 1,050 days

Im thankful that the horde has been thinning out. Who knows how many useful items they consumed. I will be leaving Nora’s Respite to head to the Northern fort. Its nice being in the shop that I have grown to call home, but I need answers. The kid I hired to watch the shop while I am away is showing great promise. She might make a good artificer with time. Its weird to be training someone again.

Anyways, I am meeting up with Hermes tomorrow. His aptitude for magic has been invaluable. Being able to bounce ideas off of someone is something that I miss. There are not many that I have felt ok trusting over the years; as far as I can tell, he has not picked up on my secret. Each time I have had to reset, I have come to trust people less and less. Maybe this time will be different?

The lanturn may come in handy, he is holding on to it for now. My goal would be to come up with a way to re-create it. I am not quite sure what his interest is in the item yet, but I am sure I will learn in good time. I know it could be incredibly useful for myself.

___________________________________
(Written in an unknown language, in a journal, After the event.)

Aptober 29th ~ 1,052 days

The Ritual worked! It was a sucsess! The hand though, is becoming more cumbersome, and I fear that it has disapeared for the last time.

I should take a step back.

We had a visit from the order, aparently the cabal that I heard about is becoming something that might need to be delt with. The 6? someone called them. I dont know if this is something that I can ignore. I try not to get involved but if it threatens my possition here then I will be forced to act.

New individuals keep showing up here, I think we had three this time? A bird named Poet, a Naga named Mukantagara(I never thought I would see them again.), and a traveler whos accent feels like they are from the North Eastern Duchy named Kelora. Kelora in particular may have some interesting skills in divination. The bird apears very inocent, but has great skill at mimicry, this will come up again later.

While prepairing for the ritual, we had a visit from some displced woodland beasts. We tried to spook them off, but there was something that chased them this way. Turns out the Ironwood Ent that Ulfr warned us about finally pulled up its roots and came to say hello. Hanu would be proud, we tried to reason with it, but after it started attacking the infirmary, we had to stop it.

The town guard is scarce, the horde has greatly reduced our numbers, so I had to get my hands dirty. I payed the price for it too. I dont think that ent had an branch that didnt strike me before it finally fell. The wood we gathered from it allowed Ulfr and Zeravica to repair the Po Chi Lam. The only solice I can give him is that the Ent’s sacrifice will be to aid those in need of healing going forward.

Throught the day the hand kept playing tricks on everyone, poping up in the most anoying places always staying just out of reach. Every time we thought we had it, it would pop away again. Late in the day we were able to grab onto it. We had to take the opportunity to learn what we could.

One thing of note, the hand kept finding its way back to those wanted posters… I suspected something may have been connected since the hand reaked of unlawful magic, but I will come back to this.

This leads us to the ritual. I knew I should have taken more time with it, but I didnt know how much longer we would be able to control the hand, so I grabbed anyone I could to help power it. I knew everyone but one. He called himself Marcus.

There was a flaw in the ritual, or so I thought. Something happened at the end and the hand disapeared. Ulfr approached me afterwards and said that we had been blinded by the new one, Marcus. I wasnt sure how much I could trust him, but I couldnt think of any reason why he would have lied to me in that moment. My gut said that I should act on this information, so I chose to follow his information and my instincts.

It turns out Ulfr was right and the hand was taken by Marcus. We circled him and tried to give him a chance, to many chances… I didnt want to show them that side of me. If my suspisions are correct about the hand though, I couldnt let him get away with it.

In the end I did not have to reveal anything. Simon took the last swing.

What happened next was particularly interesting though. Poet perched over the body and a language I have not heard in quite some time, whispered into the ear of the now lifeless Marcus.

Those whispers… It took so long for them to leave my dreams, who would have thought I would hear them again, here, of all places.

Shortly after the body returned to the earth. Magic no doubt, but that makes things a little harder to report to the order.

The hand itself belongs to someone really powerful, and the ring itself equily as powerful. There is something in it that is being drained, or used. It can be recreated though. If we cant find the hand again, maybe we can create something similar to help herme’s cursed hand.

After this encounter I walked over to the wanted posters and took another look at them. On sticks out in my mind… Sasha…

For now I need to sleep. I gave the girl the day off tomorrow. I think I will leave the shop closed for the day. I need to figure out my next steps.

[Jeff]

Kalen sits in the back of a cart on his way back to Nora’s Respite writing in an unknown language.

Day 1130,

Tempus edax rerum

Almost three years to the day I returned to Whisper Ridge, the place where my current journey began. On our trip here, Hanu had a prophetic dream that gave clues to my secret. I am not quite sure why I trust him so much, but I decided to tell him everything.

Little did I know that he would be continuing his journey. Then again, I don’t know if he knew even. Things seemed to change when Lao Mei entered the picture. Before, Hanu had seemed to flow with the wind and was somewhat formless, but now was directional and moved with purpose. Side Note: I wonder if the formless-ness was a reflection of his training with the monks. Anyways, I am thankful for the time that I have gotten to spend with Hanu, the trainings we had, and the friendship gained. I get the feeling that his journey will take him to places that he has never experienced.

Lao Mei was surprising, and their power was staggering. She had an air about her that was… timeless. I am not sure I understand, but I do know, there is no reason they should have survived that ritual.

Scientia ipsa potentia est
Getting to experience the power of the two former Order members, my curiosity is once again drawn to what hides within the vaults of the Order. We were able to take in 4 members of the group. I would consider it sucsessful. We were not able to stop the ritual of Lichdom, but we were able to deal with it afterward. The people here are strong and hold a strong sense of family. I must say, I find myself drawn to some of them. Hermes, Poet, Kelora, and a few others. Maybe it’s ok to let them in. Maybe I can place my trust in them. I placed my trust in Hanu, and he seemed to trust them.

Docendo discimus
There was a moment yesterday when we went up to fight the Lich, where Hanu turned to me as an equal and said “You and me have the range, we can be the shield to protect them”, referring to Poet and Kelora. He was referencing the training he taught me with staff, along with lessons of peace, harmony, self-control, and protecting those who need others to stand up for them.
The entire fight I kept myself between the lich and them, making sure they had the saftey to do what they needed to do. There may have been other ways to do it, but this was Kelora’s story, not mine. And for once, I was happy to play the supporting role rather than hiding in the shadows.
Maybe this is my new home. Maybe this is where I belong. I havent felt this since Crylixar.
I don’t know yet If I will reveal my secret to them, but I promise you my friend, I will not allow anything to happen to either of them.

Ex nihilo nihil
I sent a letter three days ago to my contacts in the order to come in and give testimony over the events at Whisper Ridge and the fate of the Justicar. While I am there, I have also requested time to speak with Doc Vas as a research project before they place him through Tabula Rasa. I received a response back through magical means this morning. They not only have accepted my request but are asking me to be part of the team that is handling the initial gathering of information. They are waiting for me to arrive before they begin.

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

Each step forward brings me closer to my answers.

[Jeff]

Kalen sits in his study with several odd devices sitting on his table. One of which gives off an eerie glow. His journal open, quill placed to a damp page directly bellow a slick cheek.

Day 1318,

Timor

Memories flood my mind of that day… the day that my life changed. Why now? I have been running so long, why now? I was never sure of where I came from. My parents never game me a reason to look. If it was not for that.. thing.. that being.. that came to Krilixar, then I never would have left. Maybe its because the Earl King is on their way. This will be the first time that I have encountered someone for a second time. I doubt they will remember me though, since I didn’t look like Kalen in the Fey Wilds. I will never forget the sounds of screams that were carried by the winds. Or the way that the hunger felt when I was turned. I don’t want the others to experience that, but I don’t think I have a choice. I will be here with them to help them survive. I fear Simon is the first to feel the hunger, but he was already the closest to the situation. He told me what happened to him. What Tully Eye did. No wonder he is so upset right now. We are so close, and I hope that the thing he is looking for is closure rather than revenge.

Iterum Incipi

This is normally where I run. This is normally where I find the closest portal and start over. Why am I not?

In Rufus Facies Hominum

I witnessed Zeravica complete a ritual the other day. It was fascinating, I have never seen her explore magic in the slightest, and yet she sent a message to an otherworldly being. The technic was sloppy, but what matters most was the intent. Her intent could be read by the heavens above, or in this case, the Void. The Space between space. I didn’t understand it at first, but think of the reality that we exist in as a bubble. Each reality, each realm, is its own bubble, and these “Portals” are really just the space where two bubbles graze each other. But a bubble doesn’t fill the entire space there are gaps to the side where these two bubbles touch. It’s and emptiness, a nothingness, a Void. Sometimes when I jumped I saw faces… or what I thought were faces. At first I thought they were just my mind playing tricks on me, but again and again I saw them. I Don’t know that they ever saw me, but to exist in such a place speaks of a power unknown to me. One of which beings I have met. He went by the name Phelix. That is who Zeravica sent the message to. A being that exists in the nothing. They come and go as freely as they want.

Before I would stay away, try not to get noticed. But… but now I am considering the opposite. I am considering making my intentions know to this being in an effort to gain an understanding of the fabric by which we exist. I can’t help but think about how many times I have let opportunities slip through my grip because I didn’t want to have attachments, I didn’t want to feel conflicted by jumping through the next portal. I guess that is part of my past now.

Maybe I can convince the order to let me go work with Doc Vas, to learn some of his secrets before they bury them.

[Jeff]

*Written in Planer*

Day 1526,

Month: Ruadh
Day: 23
Plane: Astrel

Manebo an nunc debeo?

I am starting to wonder if I should continue counting the days. I have already been here longer than any other plane beyond Krilixar. Of all the places I have traveled, I have never wanted to stay somewhere more than Astrel. There is still a nagging pull in me though. Things are going well, I have friends, people I care about, and here I can still learn. There are so many mysteries that I can unravel including some that pierce the vail itself.

Sequere mendacium.

There are also dangers though. This “Guardian” reminds me of others I have experienced on my travels, Cult Leaders, Profits, Messiahs, promises of being the only one that can save the people of this world. The one that will deliver onto them the answer, the guidance that they so desperately need. I understand the want for answers, I have that same drive, but I am not capable to accept an individual’s faith as an answer. Even Magic can be tested. The circumstances no matter how minute can alter the outcome, but if we can recreate the circumstances then we can recreate the effect.

The Guardian and his promises of sanctuary sound to me like so many others I have heard while traveling on other planes. If it is what it feels like, then I cannot sit idly by and let them corrupt this world. Even with all of the problems the Order has, the one thing they do very well is clean house of corruption. Sometimes not the most ethical means, but Tabula Rasa is only used in the most extreme circumstances.

Memores acti prudentes futuri.

After the days of the war, I was able to go visit an individual going through the program, If I wasn’t a Magus, they wouldn’t have let me in. Time Magics hold such a fascinating appeal in my research. Both Time and Space are directly connected, and as I have studied the Portals, I have become more and more in tuned with how time dilates between its Event Horizons as they pass through the singularity. I will need to schedule more time to study Doctor Vas before the process is completed. For now, I have the book that Grim provided me, which he seemed to recognize as his work. It holds no signature, but does seem to match his cadence in speech.

Cras es noster.

But for now I have to focus on the guardian, what they are after and stopping this organization from prying its way into other organizations and corrupting the system from within.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by Jeff.

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