Written By Killian
Dec. 22, 2017, 11:52 a.m.(10/25/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
My dear family,
If you are reading this, then it means that I have failed at last to stand against the enemies we face, and my life is over. I hope you will know that you are the reason I have had a life at all. In the time since I returned to Arx, and was reunited with you all, I have been happy for the first time in my life. I never felt such love and welcome, companionship and warmth. Thank you, so much, from the bottom of my heart.
Aislin, you are the sister I never had, and never knew how desperately i needed. In your company I have been more than I was, and I have learned and grown. I have found the dearest friend I could have hoped for, and I pray that whatever came to pass, I have given you cause to be proud.
Cara, even in death I still curse Addison for the pain he caused you. You are wonderful and worthy, and I sorrow that I shall not get to see your children grow, and to be their uncle. I so desperately wanted to. Know that in my heart, you are truly my sister and I love you.
Harlan, you welcomed me despite the deeds of my brother. You were so much more than your father, and I bent the knee proudly to you.
Olivia, you are too kind and gentle by far. But there is strength in you, even as the roses have their thorns.
Arianna, I am sorry. I should have married you, and now I have missed my chance. But know please, that I loved you, and that you brought me peace and comfort and joy such as I did not believe I would ever experience again. I will be watching over you, in whatever means I might, from whatever fate lies in store for me beyond this life.
I ask no special arrangements for my final rest, other than whatever my family feels is appropriate.
I would ask that Arianna care for Frostbite, as I know that she and Frostbite will love one another and that she will get Frostbite through this. And though I know she believes Whisper dislikes her, I ask that she care for Whisper as well, because truly Whisper was very fond of her.
Should my armor and swords be recovered, I ask that my armor be returned to Cara and Lark, that their kind gift might continue to shield another who is loyal to the Graysons.
Of the two swords I bear, I would ask that Hawks Talon, the blade forged for me and which I carried most of my life, be put aside for whichever of Cara's children might pursue the path of Knighthood and take up blade. It is a true masterpiece and will serve my niece or nephew well, and I shall hope that it watches over them in my place.
The sword I have called Bringer of Dawn, which stood against Brand, I leave to Aislin and Harlan, and the House of Ashford. May it be given into the hand of another Ashford Knight, to guardian the house that showed me the love I had never felt before.
My two loyal retainers, Lisette and Cosette, whom I have known since I was a boy and been reunited with. I thank you so much for your loyalty and service. I ask that money be set aside from my accounts to cover their pensions, but recommend them greatly to Aislin as loyal Ashford retainers.
Of the rest, I leave it to my sister Aislin to see to the dispensation of. I would ask that Reese be given the granite carved set of figurines, as I know that she collects them, and I hope she will always remember fondly a Knight who once trained her and cared very much for her.
My heart breaks, to think that I will never again see you all, or bask in the warmth of your love and embrace. To imagine that, I have seen you for the last time. But I know you are all strong and good and true. Do not lose hope, fight on and always stand against the darkness. Fight on, thrash and struggle and no matter what happens, never submit to defeat. I shall always be there at your side, supporting you with all my heart and spirit.
Forever yours,
Killian Ashford
If you are reading this, then it means that I have failed at last to stand against the enemies we face, and my life is over. I hope you will know that you are the reason I have had a life at all. In the time since I returned to Arx, and was reunited with you all, I have been happy for the first time in my life. I never felt such love and welcome, companionship and warmth. Thank you, so much, from the bottom of my heart.
Aislin, you are the sister I never had, and never knew how desperately i needed. In your company I have been more than I was, and I have learned and grown. I have found the dearest friend I could have hoped for, and I pray that whatever came to pass, I have given you cause to be proud.
Cara, even in death I still curse Addison for the pain he caused you. You are wonderful and worthy, and I sorrow that I shall not get to see your children grow, and to be their uncle. I so desperately wanted to. Know that in my heart, you are truly my sister and I love you.
Harlan, you welcomed me despite the deeds of my brother. You were so much more than your father, and I bent the knee proudly to you.
Olivia, you are too kind and gentle by far. But there is strength in you, even as the roses have their thorns.
Arianna, I am sorry. I should have married you, and now I have missed my chance. But know please, that I loved you, and that you brought me peace and comfort and joy such as I did not believe I would ever experience again. I will be watching over you, in whatever means I might, from whatever fate lies in store for me beyond this life.
I ask no special arrangements for my final rest, other than whatever my family feels is appropriate.
I would ask that Arianna care for Frostbite, as I know that she and Frostbite will love one another and that she will get Frostbite through this. And though I know she believes Whisper dislikes her, I ask that she care for Whisper as well, because truly Whisper was very fond of her.
Should my armor and swords be recovered, I ask that my armor be returned to Cara and Lark, that their kind gift might continue to shield another who is loyal to the Graysons.
Of the two swords I bear, I would ask that Hawks Talon, the blade forged for me and which I carried most of my life, be put aside for whichever of Cara's children might pursue the path of Knighthood and take up blade. It is a true masterpiece and will serve my niece or nephew well, and I shall hope that it watches over them in my place.
The sword I have called Bringer of Dawn, which stood against Brand, I leave to Aislin and Harlan, and the House of Ashford. May it be given into the hand of another Ashford Knight, to guardian the house that showed me the love I had never felt before.
My two loyal retainers, Lisette and Cosette, whom I have known since I was a boy and been reunited with. I thank you so much for your loyalty and service. I ask that money be set aside from my accounts to cover their pensions, but recommend them greatly to Aislin as loyal Ashford retainers.
Of the rest, I leave it to my sister Aislin to see to the dispensation of. I would ask that Reese be given the granite carved set of figurines, as I know that she collects them, and I hope she will always remember fondly a Knight who once trained her and cared very much for her.
My heart breaks, to think that I will never again see you all, or bask in the warmth of your love and embrace. To imagine that, I have seen you for the last time. But I know you are all strong and good and true. Do not lose hope, fight on and always stand against the darkness. Fight on, thrash and struggle and no matter what happens, never submit to defeat. I shall always be there at your side, supporting you with all my heart and spirit.
Forever yours,
Killian Ashford
Written By Killian
Dec. 3, 2017, 9:18 p.m.(9/15/1007 AR)
It's strange to think that, in all the time since the events of the Siege, these past few days are in fact the first time I have stood in a room with all of the Paladin's which remained. It was good to see them all once again, and though our paths have diverged greatly since the defeat of Brand, I was happy to bear witness once again to the dedication and solidity of such extraordinary allies. I know not how long it will be before we, once more, are gathered. I hope though, that it shall not be quite so long this time. Already one of us is gone, a missing piece which made the whole lesser.
Written By Killian
Nov. 12, 2017, 10:56 p.m.(7/27/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Sparte
I hear that soup is good for that.
Written By Killian
Oct. 18, 2017, 9:41 p.m.(6/5/1007 AR)
"As for attitudes, it is important to recognize that the Sentinel calls us to judge and punish justly, and proportion with the offense, and to do so out of a sense of love and a desire to correct...not a malicious pleasure in others' discomfiture or public humiliation. Thus, we should judge ourselves first, and when we act, do so out of a desire to spark improvement, not simply to castigate."
-Legate Orazio
The Legate's words tonight were an inspiration, I wish that more than a handful had been there to hear what he said.
-Legate Orazio
The Legate's words tonight were an inspiration, I wish that more than a handful had been there to hear what he said.
Written By Killian
Oct. 8, 2017, 10:45 p.m.(5/13/1007 AR)
Aislin told me that I should stop letting the ghosts of my past haunt me and hang over me, tainting the accomplishments of my present. She's probably right. I will never understand all the things that happened in my childhood. Why Addison tried to kill me or why my parents sent me into effective exile. But it's time to stop letting that effect and define who it is that I am in my life.
When I came back to Arx, my cousins distrusted me because of my relation to Addison, but they gave me the chance to prove that I was not cut from the same cloth, and now I rely upon them as I never would have believed I would. And they upon me, the elevation to Voice is perhaps surprising, but I will endeavor to rise up to the challenge and prove to my cousins that their choice is not made in error.
When I came back to Arx, my cousins distrusted me because of my relation to Addison, but they gave me the chance to prove that I was not cut from the same cloth, and now I rely upon them as I never would have believed I would. And they upon me, the elevation to Voice is perhaps surprising, but I will endeavor to rise up to the challenge and prove to my cousins that their choice is not made in error.
Written By Killian
Sept. 24, 2017, 10:46 p.m.(4/11/1007 AR)
I am glad to be returned to Arx, and to the mainland. I fear that I do not handle the sea well, thankfully, I had a compassionate travelling companion to help ease the illness of the journey. Maelstrom is....unique. The architecture is perhaps an acquired taste, but what matters is that it is safe.
I hope that, no that we are returned to Arx, our next campaigns will be as successful. I am glad though to have served beneath Princess Reese and helped in the defense of the city, securing it against the threats which would have arrayed against it.
I hope that, no that we are returned to Arx, our next campaigns will be as successful. I am glad though to have served beneath Princess Reese and helped in the defense of the city, securing it against the threats which would have arrayed against it.
Written By Killian
Sept. 21, 2017, 6:18 p.m.(4/4/1007 AR)
[From the journal of Killian Ashford, Paladin of Ideals]
I'm not usually one for reading the journals of others, or paying attention to the things spewed in them. Today made me remember why. It seems that so many people feel more than free and happy to write in journals that which common decency and the dictates of society would deem inordinately inappropriate. The things people will say of and to one another, when they do not have to face the person they speak of in the flesh, are truly disappointing.
The color pink is a fine color, and if it intimidates you, then I find you pitiably deficient in courage and spirit.
The practices of slavery and thralldom are abhorrent, and as a society we should condemn them, and we should laud and respect the efforts of Thrax to bring about reform. Changing that which has been held as normal for untold years cannot happen overnight, and it cannot be easy, and I find nothing but respect for those who would take up such a noble cause at the risk of their own standings amongst their kin.
We all have a duty to seek the truth, and to face that truth when we find it. I honor the Legate for making such difficult decisions, and his continued efforts to teach us all of the truth of the Gods. It is not easy to discover that, in the past, we have made mistakes and had them become ingrained into our understanding of the world. Let us respect the courage of one who would confront that truth and take action to resolve the matter, rather than taking the comfortable path of ignoring it. Though our opinions are not always the same, I have always believed him to be both respectable and devoted to his gods and duties. In this I have yet to be disappointed.
I can only hope that the people of Arx will spend as much energy working against the enemies and forces arrayed against us, as they do working to discredit and cast shadow upon their peers.
I fear that will not be the case.
I'm not usually one for reading the journals of others, or paying attention to the things spewed in them. Today made me remember why. It seems that so many people feel more than free and happy to write in journals that which common decency and the dictates of society would deem inordinately inappropriate. The things people will say of and to one another, when they do not have to face the person they speak of in the flesh, are truly disappointing.
The color pink is a fine color, and if it intimidates you, then I find you pitiably deficient in courage and spirit.
The practices of slavery and thralldom are abhorrent, and as a society we should condemn them, and we should laud and respect the efforts of Thrax to bring about reform. Changing that which has been held as normal for untold years cannot happen overnight, and it cannot be easy, and I find nothing but respect for those who would take up such a noble cause at the risk of their own standings amongst their kin.
We all have a duty to seek the truth, and to face that truth when we find it. I honor the Legate for making such difficult decisions, and his continued efforts to teach us all of the truth of the Gods. It is not easy to discover that, in the past, we have made mistakes and had them become ingrained into our understanding of the world. Let us respect the courage of one who would confront that truth and take action to resolve the matter, rather than taking the comfortable path of ignoring it. Though our opinions are not always the same, I have always believed him to be both respectable and devoted to his gods and duties. In this I have yet to be disappointed.
I can only hope that the people of Arx will spend as much energy working against the enemies and forces arrayed against us, as they do working to discredit and cast shadow upon their peers.
I fear that will not be the case.
Written By Killian
Sept. 17, 2017, 11:19 p.m.(3/25/1007 AR)
So. My father was not complicit in Addison's treachery..and now I must face a choice. To stand still in anger and resentment towards him, or to reach out, and attempt to gain resolution with a father who all but disowned me as a boy, in favor of the 'perfect son' that had attempted to murder me. How much did he understand of the path he took, and how much does he suffer now for his mistakes? I do not know what path I shall or should take. Only that staying still is..simply not an option.
Written By Killian
Sept. 10, 2017, 7:36 p.m.(3/10/1007 AR)
The expedition has been long and grueling, and I have to admit, I have a new appreciation for those from the north, to endure such cold. I have traveled all throughout Arvum, but to be in the snow and wind, wearing metal armor, is a new experience entirely. I am quite certain that certain parts of my body were simply not meant to be frozen.
Princess Reese and Prince Calarian have done amazingly well to organize and arrange all of this, and I hope that the contacts we have made amongst the shav tribes will be fruitful, bringing them to the light of the Compact and to the safety it affords. Still, the trip has not been without incident. We have lost men, and amongst them seven of the men of Ashford, good and decent men at arms who came to guardian this mission, and who will never return home to their families. I have written to their families what words of condolence I could find, but I know all too well that words can never fill the void left behind.
And yet we persevere, because to do otherwise is unfathomable. To give in and be defeated, to falter on our drive to defeat the darkness arrayed against us. No, we must not do these things, we must press onward, picking up the banner of righteousness and going ever forward until we can stand tall in victory and enjoy the peace we have fought so hard to secure.
Princess Reese and Prince Calarian have done amazingly well to organize and arrange all of this, and I hope that the contacts we have made amongst the shav tribes will be fruitful, bringing them to the light of the Compact and to the safety it affords. Still, the trip has not been without incident. We have lost men, and amongst them seven of the men of Ashford, good and decent men at arms who came to guardian this mission, and who will never return home to their families. I have written to their families what words of condolence I could find, but I know all too well that words can never fill the void left behind.
And yet we persevere, because to do otherwise is unfathomable. To give in and be defeated, to falter on our drive to defeat the darkness arrayed against us. No, we must not do these things, we must press onward, picking up the banner of righteousness and going ever forward until we can stand tall in victory and enjoy the peace we have fought so hard to secure.
Written By Killian
Sept. 3, 2017, 10:29 p.m.(2/22/1007 AR)
The expedition looms ever closer, and I find myself both glad and worried. I am always excited to set out upon a new adventure, but I seldom have gone out with such a large group or in such force. I have usually been a lone adventurer, and this journey I am tasked with the unique duty of guardianship.. Not to mention that I have seen the 'progress' they expect to make each day. I have never seen a group plan to crawl so slowly towards a goal..travelling with large camps is certainly a change from the freedom of the road, I admit.
Still, the cause is righteous and the need is significant, so, I shall strive to be worthy of the company I am being allowed to keep, for they are amazing individuals one and all.
Still, the cause is righteous and the need is significant, so, I shall strive to be worthy of the company I am being allowed to keep, for they are amazing individuals one and all.
Written By Killian
Aug. 27, 2017, 11:09 p.m.(2/8/1007 AR)
It's odd being home, after so long away. The city seems the same, but at the same time, it seems so very different than when I left. The wounds of the siege heal, slowly perhaps, but the devastation is erased a bit more every day. Yet even at the same time, the city once more reels towards trouble and chaos, the latest of tragedies and tribulations to fall upon it.
In the night, I wonder why it must be so. Why we must struggle unceasingly to gain a moment of peace and prosperity amidst all of this chaos and pain, suffering and sorrow. But then I realize that I know the answer, and always have. Without the pain and sorrow, without knowing what it is to struggle to survive and suffer for what you believe, then one can never truly feel the joy of a triumph or the satisfaction of a peaceful day. It is of little comfort, but then, I doubt we are here to be comfortable.
In the night, I wonder why it must be so. Why we must struggle unceasingly to gain a moment of peace and prosperity amidst all of this chaos and pain, suffering and sorrow. But then I realize that I know the answer, and always have. Without the pain and sorrow, without knowing what it is to struggle to survive and suffer for what you believe, then one can never truly feel the joy of a triumph or the satisfaction of a peaceful day. It is of little comfort, but then, I doubt we are here to be comfortable.
Written By Killian
Aug. 20, 2017, 10:40 p.m.(1/21/1007 AR)
So..back in Arx. And the chaos has returned just in time for my arrival, what joy. I had thought that, considering how long I was gone, I might get to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet upon returning..that things might have calmed and normalized somewhat. Guess that's a never going to happen. On the other hand, I suppose that when it's quiet you have to worry just what the other side are up to..
Written By Killian
May 30, 2017, 6:02 p.m.(7/22/1006 AR)
<Excerpted from Explorers Journal of Killian Ashford>
Day 1: We set out upon the shifting of the tide, shortly after the celebration of rebirth. The planting of the trees was capstoned by the birthing of my nieces, I'm so very pleased for Prince Laric and Cara. Alas, that I could not stay and bask in the warmth of new family, but I was assured that even travelling upon the river we wanted to make sure to depart at the optimum tide..so. The summer heat is less strong upon the river, except when the wind stills and leaves us baking in a turgid humidity. My companions are quite companionable though. Of course my cousin Harlan, and Prince Ainsley, are quite well known to me. Prince Darren, Princess Freja and Lady Eirene are somewhat more unfamiliar though. I'm quite glad to have been so warmly welcomed though, and the voyage will certainly pass the easier for the company.
Day 3: I so sorely regret suggesting travel by barge. It may be passingly quicker, and is probably safer..but GODS it is boring. There's literally nothing to do except watch the landscape slide by. I should learn to fish, and invest in a pole..at least then there would be something of interest. The rum I brought has been finished already, shared with my companions, and we have played every card game that I could think of...presently I shall resort to practicing my archery, which will likely add levity if nothing else, as I doubt I could even hit the river.
Day 4: We shall arrive tomorrow. If we do not, I fear that we shall all be insane before we arrive.
Day 5: My hands still shake as I record this, thankfully the Lady Eirene is quite skilled, I care not to think about the shape I would be in were it not for her care and ministrations.
We arrived at our destination and disembarked the barge upon which we had traveled, moving overland the rest of the way upon horseback. In retrospect it might have been well advised to have made camp at the riverside just one day, instead of setting out late in the day. We caught site of the abandoned city after a short travel, but as we approached we came upon an outlying farmhouse that had been ruined by the passage of time. Investigation yielded little information other than that the inhabitants did not seem to have packed before leaving, or even cleared the plates away after their dinner. Time had erased other information though, and the howling of a pack of wolves suggested that long investigations were perhaps an ill advised past time. We took once more to horse and made for the dubious safety of the city walls.
What we found within made me long for the company of the wolves...such ill had befallen the city, such evil plague that I can scarce recount the horror of it. We found the residents, trapped in some form of suspended life, mummified upon the walls of the city and facing towards the center of it. The city itself remained entirely and wholly intact, untouched by the ravages of time. Our investigations discovered that the Baron of the city was shockingly a man of Erusi heritage..but also that travelers to the city had gone missing in the course of some months prior to the recorded journals ending. As we attempted to unravel what had happened, all threads seemed to lead back unto the Baronial Manor at the center of the city.
Within we found additional journals, which led us to the conclusion that the Baron had courted with foul powers and paid blood sacrifice for such gifts as they would bestow. We explored with little effect, until we discovered the secret passages mentioned within one of the journals. Alas that the discovery triggered the defenders of the city, those poor trapped souls of the residents, to begin to attack us. We fought them off as best we could as we fled deeper into the sanctum of the monster who once ruled the city. It is best, I think, not to recount the details of what we beheld within. Suffice it that foul rituals and dark deeds had been done, and three souls bound as lynchpins of the bindings on the souls of the citizens. Among them, a man of Ashford, of the given name Fabien.
Prince Darren and I fought to occupy these bound spirits, even as the ghostly forms of the citizens began to close in upon us. Meanwhile Duke Harlan, Princess Freja and Lady Eirene set about working to undo the remaining binds of the ritual that had so evilly enslaved these poor spirits. By wrenching the daggers that had been used to slay them from the bodies, they were able to undo that binding, allowing the spirits to pass onward unto their rewards. The look of thanks and relief upon the faces of those poor spirits was profound, as they finally were allowed to stand down that unending watch. Unfortunately, undoing that binding restored time to the city itself and, all at once, the decay of hundreds of years caught up with the structures.
We did at least escape, alas we could recover nothing from the ruins of the house of the Baron to give us a clue as to where he might have passed after the city.
Day 6: I have seldom slept so well in my life. It is as though the gods looked upon us and deemed us worthy of reward. Judging by the spring in the steps of my companions today, I think I am hardly the only one. We spent the day exploring the now very, very ruined city. There was little of note to be found thus far, but we have made what maps and notes we could for entry into the Society records. We've also found a number of shields once used by the guards of the city. They are nothing exceptional, but they bear the crest of Frosthaven, three stars above a mountain, set upon a very pale blue (I suspect meant to be frost colored?) field. We'll have one for the hall, and each have claimed one as memento of the journey. Our barge returns tomorrow morning on its return voyage, so in the morning we must set out again for Arx. I will be glad to be home.
Day 7: Didn't sleep quite as well last night, whatever soothing presence was present is gone, and all that remains of Frosthaven is an empty ruin. The hot springs are rather nice though, and might be of value to a settlement should one wish to take advantage of the already standing walls.
Day 9: We made good time on the trip home, especially with the current to aid us. I was able to collect some of the ashes of what was once Fabien Ashford. It is my intent to ride to Ashford and scatter them amongst the trees of his home. The trees are ancient, and I hope that they will remember him and welcome him home at last, from his long journey.
Day 1: We set out upon the shifting of the tide, shortly after the celebration of rebirth. The planting of the trees was capstoned by the birthing of my nieces, I'm so very pleased for Prince Laric and Cara. Alas, that I could not stay and bask in the warmth of new family, but I was assured that even travelling upon the river we wanted to make sure to depart at the optimum tide..so. The summer heat is less strong upon the river, except when the wind stills and leaves us baking in a turgid humidity. My companions are quite companionable though. Of course my cousin Harlan, and Prince Ainsley, are quite well known to me. Prince Darren, Princess Freja and Lady Eirene are somewhat more unfamiliar though. I'm quite glad to have been so warmly welcomed though, and the voyage will certainly pass the easier for the company.
Day 3: I so sorely regret suggesting travel by barge. It may be passingly quicker, and is probably safer..but GODS it is boring. There's literally nothing to do except watch the landscape slide by. I should learn to fish, and invest in a pole..at least then there would be something of interest. The rum I brought has been finished already, shared with my companions, and we have played every card game that I could think of...presently I shall resort to practicing my archery, which will likely add levity if nothing else, as I doubt I could even hit the river.
Day 4: We shall arrive tomorrow. If we do not, I fear that we shall all be insane before we arrive.
Day 5: My hands still shake as I record this, thankfully the Lady Eirene is quite skilled, I care not to think about the shape I would be in were it not for her care and ministrations.
We arrived at our destination and disembarked the barge upon which we had traveled, moving overland the rest of the way upon horseback. In retrospect it might have been well advised to have made camp at the riverside just one day, instead of setting out late in the day. We caught site of the abandoned city after a short travel, but as we approached we came upon an outlying farmhouse that had been ruined by the passage of time. Investigation yielded little information other than that the inhabitants did not seem to have packed before leaving, or even cleared the plates away after their dinner. Time had erased other information though, and the howling of a pack of wolves suggested that long investigations were perhaps an ill advised past time. We took once more to horse and made for the dubious safety of the city walls.
What we found within made me long for the company of the wolves...such ill had befallen the city, such evil plague that I can scarce recount the horror of it. We found the residents, trapped in some form of suspended life, mummified upon the walls of the city and facing towards the center of it. The city itself remained entirely and wholly intact, untouched by the ravages of time. Our investigations discovered that the Baron of the city was shockingly a man of Erusi heritage..but also that travelers to the city had gone missing in the course of some months prior to the recorded journals ending. As we attempted to unravel what had happened, all threads seemed to lead back unto the Baronial Manor at the center of the city.
Within we found additional journals, which led us to the conclusion that the Baron had courted with foul powers and paid blood sacrifice for such gifts as they would bestow. We explored with little effect, until we discovered the secret passages mentioned within one of the journals. Alas that the discovery triggered the defenders of the city, those poor trapped souls of the residents, to begin to attack us. We fought them off as best we could as we fled deeper into the sanctum of the monster who once ruled the city. It is best, I think, not to recount the details of what we beheld within. Suffice it that foul rituals and dark deeds had been done, and three souls bound as lynchpins of the bindings on the souls of the citizens. Among them, a man of Ashford, of the given name Fabien.
Prince Darren and I fought to occupy these bound spirits, even as the ghostly forms of the citizens began to close in upon us. Meanwhile Duke Harlan, Princess Freja and Lady Eirene set about working to undo the remaining binds of the ritual that had so evilly enslaved these poor spirits. By wrenching the daggers that had been used to slay them from the bodies, they were able to undo that binding, allowing the spirits to pass onward unto their rewards. The look of thanks and relief upon the faces of those poor spirits was profound, as they finally were allowed to stand down that unending watch. Unfortunately, undoing that binding restored time to the city itself and, all at once, the decay of hundreds of years caught up with the structures.
We did at least escape, alas we could recover nothing from the ruins of the house of the Baron to give us a clue as to where he might have passed after the city.
Day 6: I have seldom slept so well in my life. It is as though the gods looked upon us and deemed us worthy of reward. Judging by the spring in the steps of my companions today, I think I am hardly the only one. We spent the day exploring the now very, very ruined city. There was little of note to be found thus far, but we have made what maps and notes we could for entry into the Society records. We've also found a number of shields once used by the guards of the city. They are nothing exceptional, but they bear the crest of Frosthaven, three stars above a mountain, set upon a very pale blue (I suspect meant to be frost colored?) field. We'll have one for the hall, and each have claimed one as memento of the journey. Our barge returns tomorrow morning on its return voyage, so in the morning we must set out again for Arx. I will be glad to be home.
Day 7: Didn't sleep quite as well last night, whatever soothing presence was present is gone, and all that remains of Frosthaven is an empty ruin. The hot springs are rather nice though, and might be of value to a settlement should one wish to take advantage of the already standing walls.
Day 9: We made good time on the trip home, especially with the current to aid us. I was able to collect some of the ashes of what was once Fabien Ashford. It is my intent to ride to Ashford and scatter them amongst the trees of his home. The trees are ancient, and I hope that they will remember him and welcome him home at last, from his long journey.
Written By Killian
May 28, 2017, 9:18 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)
I set out today on a journey with the Explorers Society, my first true 'field assignment' with the Society, since so much of what we would have looked into was derailed in order to attempt to save the world. Pesky details. I'm excited, not least of which to see my cousin Harlan able to embark as well, too often is he cooped up in his office with affairs of state..it's an unhealthy state for anyone, especially an Ashford. I hope that this will not be my final journal entry, but we shall see what sort of discoveries await in the lost city!
Written By Killian
May 28, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(7/18/1006 AR)
I'm an uncle! Twice! Twins..go figure. I'm so excited for Cara and Laric, and can't wait to get to know my little nieces when they start being old enough to help cause trouble. I'll have to properly educate them in creative Ashfordism!
It does present a problem, I had intended to leave Hawk's Talon to my niece or nephew..but..now I have two, but only one sword since Bringer of Dawn I think should stay within the Ashford family..so I think I need to find a new sword to leave behind to the second. Maybe a mace or axe, I've always wanted to learn to fight with a mace or axe..
It does present a problem, I had intended to leave Hawk's Talon to my niece or nephew..but..now I have two, but only one sword since Bringer of Dawn I think should stay within the Ashford family..so I think I need to find a new sword to leave behind to the second. Maybe a mace or axe, I've always wanted to learn to fight with a mace or axe..
Written By Killian
May 14, 2017, 9:59 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Cara
I so miss my dear sister. Though the distance between Ashford House and Grayson Mansion is slight, it still seems as though it is a gulf that now exists between us. It is the change when one marries and moves on to a new home, and new responsibility..and I miss her even as I rejoice for her. Still, once my niece or nephew arrives, I hope that things shall settle somewhat and we can find mischief to be about together once more.
Written By Killian
May 14, 2017, 9:55 p.m.(6/18/1006 AR)
With the siege ended, Brand annihilated, and all seeming to turn towards quiet and rebuilding I have for the first time the opportunity to find myself without a particular direction or goal in mind. There are matters that I've been asked to see to, of course, but overall I am uncertain of the direction I shall walk upon the dawning of a new morning. All I am certain of, thus far, is that it seems I shall walk it in the company of the woman I love. And if that's the case, no matter what direction I walk, I shall go there gladly and with determination.
Written By Killian
May 7, 2017, 10:17 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
No matter what tomorrow might bring, or where any of us might end up or how might change, you are the Sister of my heart and the truest sibling I have ever known. I am certain that we share a spirit, and that we shall always remain so connected, my dearest Aislin.
Written By Killian
May 7, 2017, 8:58 p.m.(6/4/1006 AR)
Relationship Note on Lark
She said yes!
Written By Killian
May 7, 2017, 1:07 p.m.(6/2/1006 AR)
It is hard to know where to begin such a journal entry as this, or quite what to record. For so long I have been cautioned to be circumspect, and to couch whatever was written so that it would not give knowledge to our enemy. But so much of what we have accomplished, of the miracle of surviving this onslaught, we owe to what was written in the past. I am no great scholar or theologian, no master of history or word, but I shall bend my pen to recording what of the battle against Brand I can, for hope that if such darkness comes again in our lives or after there shall be something known of the enemies undoing.
The scholars and the spies, the researches and the diviners, had done their jobs well and truly. Just as they had predicted, Brand went for the Hall of Heroes. Even at this hour, I cannot be sure how they knew or entirely why that was the place he attacked. He just walked through the city, and with every step he was unmaking the things near him as the power leached out of him in an utter chaos.
I was at the front at that point, and for a moment, my heart didn't beat as that power reached me. But as we had drawn our line in the sand, sworn to stop him, so had the gods drawn their blessings upon us. His power lashed against me, but the Sentinel, Gild and Limerance had imbued me with their protection just as each of the others had been so warded.
And so he redoubled his efforts, and ripped mind and soul from me, attempting to scatter them across the infinite span of creation and uncreation. Love well those who have meaning to you, for against such an enemy it is those bonds which are your anchor unto the world..or at least, which were my own. It was not the hatreds or ambitions that tethered me, not the thirsts for glory or the hope of tomorrow. No, it was the love of the family I have at last found after being an orphan of fate for so long. The love of the woman who is the center of my life and being.
And so I endured, and when I emerged whole from that maelstrom, I saw the others endured as well. The gods had shielded our bodies, but it was those who I loved who had shielded my mind and spirit. Of that which the others had, which knitted the strands of their soul together once more after Brand attempted to tear them asunder, I would never speculate. But whatever the bond or tie, it was enough.
Brand..was no longer even vaguely human at that point, and was about his work tearing the world asunder from the Hall of Heroes outward. A multitude of arms were raised, controlling that chaos somehow, directing it to erase and annihilate all that was around him. And it was into that that we charged. Lady Juliet Fidante struck first at the monstrosity that he had become, and the battle was joined. Let those who might doubt the will of Tehom, or the alignment of the Dark Reflection with the Pantheon bear witness then to his chosen Paladin. With a bravery that would shake even the most seasoned veteran, she plunged into that chaos, and drew his attentions. Battled him in the name of her god and as proxy on behalf of all who would seek to turn their passions towards the good.
The battle raged, and the foe was beyond formidable. Brother Aleksei, Paladin of Freedom. Prince Ainsley, Paladin of the Sword. Lady Juliet, Paladin of Reflection. Leola Allentore, Paladin of Groves. Myself, Paladin of Ideals. We five fought and struggled against that creature. Everything moved quickly, but the gods had not sent us in unarmed and as the battle threatened to turn against us and the Lady Juliet was caught by our foe, Brother Aleksei drew upon the gift of his god. The First Choice had given us grant of freedom, and it was that which Aleksei drew upon and stripped away from Brand. By the grace of The Silent Watcher, I saw the truth of what unfolded before me, and as Brother Aleksei siezed that monstrous foe bodily and immobilized him, I could see for a moment what had to be done.
Though my blade longed to taste vengeance upon Brand, it was to Gloria that I turned, for she had wrought in Prince Ainsley Grayson her weapon upon this battlefield, and imbued him with her strength for just this moment. My greatest role in the battle was to see and to understand, and in that understanding to serve as catalyst that chosen champion be allowed opportunity for that one perfect strike, that Brand be judged in trial by combat and found wanting.
The severed head actually managed to bite Brother Aleksei as it flew off, such was the wrath of our foe..
Upon the battlefields beyond, I am told that at a certain moment, and all across the city, the armies of Silence ceased moving. I cannot be certain, but I suspect that the moment Brand's head was severed is that moment, based upon what I have heard from those who were upon the walls.
The creatures of Silence though, are seldom willing to fall and that be that. The sheer power that he had tied into himself in his attempt to unmake this reality..had to go somewhere. In that moment I will admit that despair reached for my heart, and I was certain that we were to be called upon to pay the tolling for the victory so gained.
The Paladin of Reflection though, called upon the strength of her God and by that gift did she turn the power of Brand's death throes back in upon him.
The gift that the Sentinel had granted me was strange, and is perhaps hard to explain. When they say that the Truth shall set one free, I believe the statement must have survived from antiquity when we understood the gods better and were closer to them. It was that Truth which I had been given, to see and to understand the nature of things, and through that understanding to free that which was around me from the falsehoods which bound it.
Brand was the focus of the force that came against us, but in truth he had ceased to be an entity in a strange way, and instead existed as a nexus, the point at which the power and consciousness bent upon unmaking the world coalesced and tied together. It was the bindings of that nexus that I called upon the Sentinel to throw free, that the power would not merely direct into what remained of Brand but into all that he was connected to. I'm told that the Bringer's ceasing to exist was a sight to behold, as that force raced through the mystical connections that allowed him to control them.
The devastation at the site was..complete. The power of unmaking had ripped the Hall of Heroes asunder, shredding every bit of it, but the Paladin of Groves yet had one last gift to call upon. At that place, at that center of what we are as a people and of the history that binds us and in which we found the tools to stand against this foe, she would not allow the enemy to take the victory of destroying the legacy that has brought us to this place. By the will of her gods, and through her call, the Hall of Heroes was restored and righted, and the legacy of our ancestors made whole that we might continue to look to their guidance.
That is, then, all that I can give to record of what has happened, and all truth I can attempt to illuminate of the event. I pray that the gods continue to be with us, and that all people know that it is by their hand we were ransomed from the very brink of destruction.
The scholars and the spies, the researches and the diviners, had done their jobs well and truly. Just as they had predicted, Brand went for the Hall of Heroes. Even at this hour, I cannot be sure how they knew or entirely why that was the place he attacked. He just walked through the city, and with every step he was unmaking the things near him as the power leached out of him in an utter chaos.
I was at the front at that point, and for a moment, my heart didn't beat as that power reached me. But as we had drawn our line in the sand, sworn to stop him, so had the gods drawn their blessings upon us. His power lashed against me, but the Sentinel, Gild and Limerance had imbued me with their protection just as each of the others had been so warded.
And so he redoubled his efforts, and ripped mind and soul from me, attempting to scatter them across the infinite span of creation and uncreation. Love well those who have meaning to you, for against such an enemy it is those bonds which are your anchor unto the world..or at least, which were my own. It was not the hatreds or ambitions that tethered me, not the thirsts for glory or the hope of tomorrow. No, it was the love of the family I have at last found after being an orphan of fate for so long. The love of the woman who is the center of my life and being.
And so I endured, and when I emerged whole from that maelstrom, I saw the others endured as well. The gods had shielded our bodies, but it was those who I loved who had shielded my mind and spirit. Of that which the others had, which knitted the strands of their soul together once more after Brand attempted to tear them asunder, I would never speculate. But whatever the bond or tie, it was enough.
Brand..was no longer even vaguely human at that point, and was about his work tearing the world asunder from the Hall of Heroes outward. A multitude of arms were raised, controlling that chaos somehow, directing it to erase and annihilate all that was around him. And it was into that that we charged. Lady Juliet Fidante struck first at the monstrosity that he had become, and the battle was joined. Let those who might doubt the will of Tehom, or the alignment of the Dark Reflection with the Pantheon bear witness then to his chosen Paladin. With a bravery that would shake even the most seasoned veteran, she plunged into that chaos, and drew his attentions. Battled him in the name of her god and as proxy on behalf of all who would seek to turn their passions towards the good.
The battle raged, and the foe was beyond formidable. Brother Aleksei, Paladin of Freedom. Prince Ainsley, Paladin of the Sword. Lady Juliet, Paladin of Reflection. Leola Allentore, Paladin of Groves. Myself, Paladin of Ideals. We five fought and struggled against that creature. Everything moved quickly, but the gods had not sent us in unarmed and as the battle threatened to turn against us and the Lady Juliet was caught by our foe, Brother Aleksei drew upon the gift of his god. The First Choice had given us grant of freedom, and it was that which Aleksei drew upon and stripped away from Brand. By the grace of The Silent Watcher, I saw the truth of what unfolded before me, and as Brother Aleksei siezed that monstrous foe bodily and immobilized him, I could see for a moment what had to be done.
Though my blade longed to taste vengeance upon Brand, it was to Gloria that I turned, for she had wrought in Prince Ainsley Grayson her weapon upon this battlefield, and imbued him with her strength for just this moment. My greatest role in the battle was to see and to understand, and in that understanding to serve as catalyst that chosen champion be allowed opportunity for that one perfect strike, that Brand be judged in trial by combat and found wanting.
The severed head actually managed to bite Brother Aleksei as it flew off, such was the wrath of our foe..
Upon the battlefields beyond, I am told that at a certain moment, and all across the city, the armies of Silence ceased moving. I cannot be certain, but I suspect that the moment Brand's head was severed is that moment, based upon what I have heard from those who were upon the walls.
The creatures of Silence though, are seldom willing to fall and that be that. The sheer power that he had tied into himself in his attempt to unmake this reality..had to go somewhere. In that moment I will admit that despair reached for my heart, and I was certain that we were to be called upon to pay the tolling for the victory so gained.
The Paladin of Reflection though, called upon the strength of her God and by that gift did she turn the power of Brand's death throes back in upon him.
The gift that the Sentinel had granted me was strange, and is perhaps hard to explain. When they say that the Truth shall set one free, I believe the statement must have survived from antiquity when we understood the gods better and were closer to them. It was that Truth which I had been given, to see and to understand the nature of things, and through that understanding to free that which was around me from the falsehoods which bound it.
Brand was the focus of the force that came against us, but in truth he had ceased to be an entity in a strange way, and instead existed as a nexus, the point at which the power and consciousness bent upon unmaking the world coalesced and tied together. It was the bindings of that nexus that I called upon the Sentinel to throw free, that the power would not merely direct into what remained of Brand but into all that he was connected to. I'm told that the Bringer's ceasing to exist was a sight to behold, as that force raced through the mystical connections that allowed him to control them.
The devastation at the site was..complete. The power of unmaking had ripped the Hall of Heroes asunder, shredding every bit of it, but the Paladin of Groves yet had one last gift to call upon. At that place, at that center of what we are as a people and of the history that binds us and in which we found the tools to stand against this foe, she would not allow the enemy to take the victory of destroying the legacy that has brought us to this place. By the will of her gods, and through her call, the Hall of Heroes was restored and righted, and the legacy of our ancestors made whole that we might continue to look to their guidance.
That is, then, all that I can give to record of what has happened, and all truth I can attempt to illuminate of the event. I pray that the gods continue to be with us, and that all people know that it is by their hand we were ransomed from the very brink of destruction.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.