Diary of Phesemir Tolac Narannon, entry #2, 3.14.21

I have been sorely negligent in my diary keeping, almost as if I feel that I can produce little content to equal or come close to the words of those masters I read – the mystics, philosophers, historians, or masters of the arcane. We have had some few adventurers, and now find ourselves in the swamp, and about to help a tribe of lizardfolk assault a keep of brigands and villains.

I am excited to be in the swamp, if not for the same reasons as my comrades. They are here for adventure and treasure, and possibly revenge. I am here because this area has a long and dramatic history, and there must be ruins aplenty with lore long lost just waiting for me to find and learn.

Alas, first we must assist these forlorn lizardfolk retrieve their young ones. Perhaps this fortress we assail is of old make and contains some lost knowledge. One can hope for some viable reason to be bothering with this task, can one not?

First Entry of Korvias Pipeleaf – 3.14.21

We have failed. Failed in our quest to rescue our employer from the clan of goblinoids. The shame of our failure weighs on the party, especially the dwarf Baern. I suspect it bothers the elves as well, but they appear to have little difficulty concealing their worries. I also suspect it bothers the Tiefling not at all. But I think the dwarf is hit the hardest, as it was a fellow member of his race who was slain before our eyes by that cowardly bugbear.

Oddly enough, I find myself closest in kinship with the dwarf – a traditional enemy of my people. This does make me wonder what I will find when I do find a clan of kobolds – will I be disappointed or will I be welcomed by them? After my experience with the small green dragon, I’m suspecting I will be disappointed.

The dwarf seems to appreciate similar things to myself – a good wine or ale with hot food, and a pipe after the meal. I realize those comforts are a result of my halfling upbringing, but all the same… That he is not wiser as a result of his advanced age is a mystery to me, I expect if I reach his age of over sixty years, I should possess a great deal of knowledge.

As we head back to Phandelver, our tails limp in defeat (a metaphor, the only tails in the group are mine and the Tiefling, and hers seems to have suffered no hint of shame), I wonder what other unpleasant experiences and revelations might be awaiting me in my foray into the life of an adventurer.

Diary of Khaavren, in Avernus, 3.14.21

It has been a while since I’ve been introspective, I suppose as due to having more pressing concerns. To sum it up, we were transported to Avernus in pursuit of Elturel and finding some method of bringing it back to our plane.

Since then, we’ve been hounded by demons and fiends, and have been in a near constant struggle to stay alive and sane. I’ve had little time for introspection, although I had found myself struggling to keep myself from descending into the despair and deprivation that I see when I look at the occupants of this plane – like those poor wretches at Fort Knucklebones.

I suppose it all started long ago – back in Menzoberanzan, when I was younger, and was being taught that kindness, mercy, honor, generosity, and their attendant traits were all signs of weakness. Lloth always preferred to keep her followers divided and untrusting of one another. Likely because it made them easier to control. I questioned those teachings then, and I outright deny and repudiate them now.

We have been in Avernus quite a while now – time seems to have little meaning in this place – and have accomplished some good deeds – releasing a titan and a unicorn from this place among them. In that deed – releasing the unicorn, I have found a little bit of redemption, and have acquired a guide. The celestial Mooncolor has consented to be my guide and mentor. At first she was a little reluctant – due to my heritage, but she apparently recognized that I was more than what my city, race and family made me. In her, I feel I have found a magical and moral mentor unlike any I envisioned.

I am still in danger, of course, and will be the rest of my life – either here in Avernus or back in our plane, being hunted by other drow as a renegade and traitor. Or just for money, as no normal drow does something for another without payment.

But if I die, at least I will know I die in a decent cause, something bigger and better than myself.

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