The diary of Morgiest Frostgiant.

  Made durin the time of my travels after receivin the charge of Lord Kai himself tae continue his work in the lands of the humans that reside is the Turamzzyrian Empire. Starting in Imaerasta, month nine of 5099 in the common era with my departure from the area of the landin. And endin with my return tae the landin in Phoenatos, month eight of 5100 of the common era.


[Timeline, Imaerasta, month nine of 5099]

Day 12 Both a day of sadness, and one of joy. In a choice long in comin ah hae decided tae leave the area of the landin. Where my travels will take me ah do nae know.
  While at a farewell gatherin with the members of Daingneach Onoir held at Kai's shrine, Lord Kai himself animated his statue. In a boomin voice that echoed thru the small shrine, he laid a task upon me. "Morgiest, you shall continue your service to me wherever you should travel. My will is that you should travel to the lands of the humans, located in the Turamzzyrian Empire. There, you shall continue with what you have started, and spread my teachings thru that realm." The statue of Kai then shed a single granite tear. "Take up this stone, and carry it with you always. Let it forevermore remind you of the task I have this day laid upon you." With his voice still ringin in me ears, ah bent down and retrieved the stone. Lady Matti created a tight wire binding with a simple leather cord, so that ah might hang it from me neck.

Day 13 Today ah said me final farewells. Leavin me pet cub Winter in the care of Lord Tebon, ah gathered me belongins and set off south fer the City of Vornavis. My squire, Elaerina, traveled with me tae the city of Vornavis. Thankfully the trade route had opened earlier this year, so the journey only took me a few days.

Day 15 Ah hae arrived at the first stop in my travels. Havin spent many moons here in the recent past, and nae wishin tae draw much attention, ah got a room in the old tradin post on the North side of town.

Day 16 In the mornin, Elaerina and I traveled tae the temple of Kai. Receivin the blessin of the priest of Kai, ah then bade farewell tae me faithful squire Elaerina. Knowin that my travels were tae be long, and would carry me far from the place she called home, ah released Elaerina from my service. As a favor tae me, Lord Chamberlain Truekillr had previously agreed tae take her on and continue her teachin along the path tae honor. After a hearty meal, ah set out fer the city of Phannus in the County of Seareach.

Day 24 After many days travel, ah finally see Phannus on the horizon. Situated atop a high hill, the town looks easily defended. Upon enterin the gates of the town, ah note many odd people whom tend tae cover thier faces with scarves. After proceedin tae a local inn, and procurin a room fer the evenin, ah head tae the local pub. When ah ask the young servin girl who the people arm that cover thier faces, she tells me they are the Tehir. Apparently they are a nomadic tribe that lives within the Sea of Fire tae the North. Thinkin ah may hae some kindred with fellow nomads, ah attempt tae converse with several of them. They seem tae be a quiet, and secretive folk. Those whom ah could engage in conversation, spoke always in hushed tones, barely mutterin more then two or three words in replies tae my queries. Ah determine that if ahm presented with the chance, ah shall try tae contact them on my return journey, perhaps away from the city.

Day 25 Ah spend the day wanderin the town, and takin in the sights. Primarily a city of traders, the local populace seems rather well off. Ah find a small shrine dedicated tae Kai, but after two hours at the shrine, ah see no-one else come tae seek his blessin. The local garrison is quite small compared tae the troops ah hae seen about Vornavis, but they appear outfitted well. Ah engage in conversation with several of the local off duty troops, and find that the majority of them are followers of Koar. Ah run across one fellow in particular though who does spark my interest. His name is Nurien Vandornen. A sergeant in the local imperial forces, he seems tae listen mer then most tae the words ah speak of Kai. Ah spend the next week in his company, and by the time ah hae left, he, along with several others appear tae be well on the path findin thier way tae the meanin of Kai's words. Ah commission ah carving from the local stonemason tae fashion a small replica of the Talismans of Kai, which ah ask tae be delivered tae Nurien upon thier completion.

[Timeline, Jastatos, month ten of 5099]

Day 2 Ah set out in the morn fer me next goal, New Myssar in the Barony of Oire.

Day 7 Ah hae entered foothills now. Ah start tae hae longin fer home lookin out o'er the rugged terrain ahm crossin. While nae overly steep, the lands hills are covered with rocks, and small stands of hardwoods. Ah occasionally pass small peasant holdins. The people here seem quite content with thier lives. There does nae appear tae be even the occasional bandit reported in the area, and in many cases ahm the first traveler many hae seen in days. Life seems simple and relaxed here.

Day 13 Ah arrive in New Myssar in late afternoon. The towns guards seems downright remise in thier duties tae all appearance. Ahm barely questioned upon enterin the town, and the guards appear mer interested in news, then whether ah might present a threat. Several of them offer tae walk tae the local inn with me. Ah accept, and we proceed there. Ah spend the evenin speakin with my newfound friends. I find that Oleani, Phoen, Imaera, and Lorminstra all hae large followins in the town. While there is a simple shrine tae Kai here, it appears infrequently used at best. Ah also learn that the Villaune family rules these lands. They are fer all appearances held in high regards in these lands, bein well liked by both the people, and local troops. This town while large, appears tae be much poorer then Phannus.

Day 15 Havin spent several days now wanderin the town, and speakin with the local guards, and inhabitants, ah come tae the conclusion that life is simply tae peaceful here fer Kai's teachins tae be of any true interest tae these gentle folk. While they courteously listen tae me ramblins bout M'Lord Kai, none seem inclined tae view them as anythin other then new stories tae listen tae. Ah decide ah shall leave in the morn fer Fairport, in the County of Torre.

Day 21 A awaken in the morn recallin that two years agone on this very day, Daingneach Onoir was founded. Ah think back tae Aonghus' death, and the great changes that ultimately lead tae me leavin the landin, and wonder ifin ah made the proper choice. Ah then recall Kai's words tae me, and decide it was fate, or the will a the gods that this journey take place.

Day 23 Ah arrive at the gates of Fairport. A bustlin port town, Fairport is near as large as Solhaven. The town seems tae hae a large fishin fleet, and the local populace seems tae be mostly followers of Charl, or Niima. Hosting a small garrison fer a city of this size, they do boast a small navy. Made up mostly converted cargo vessels, this small navy apparently does more tae police the local harbor, then the waters of the open sea and neighborin coastline.

Day 24 Ah awaken in the mornin with a start. The local guard captain apparently has heard of my arrival in town, and awakens me with sharp blows tae the door. After wipin the sleep from me eyes, he launches a barrage of questions my way. Where am ah from, what is my business in town, why did ah nae report tae him upon my arrival. Ah learn after much hurried explanations that there is somethin called Chaston's edicts, which, while they are apparently nae strongly enforced in most of the Empire, this captain has apparently been ordered tae register all non-humans tae enter the city. After mer hurried questions, he departs and leaves me in peace fer the rest of me stay in this town.

Day 25 Today finds me travelin along the temple district in town. There is a small shrine tae Kai, but it looks tae be in poor repair. Ahm unable tae find a single follower of Kai with all my questions, and learn that the only priest of Kai was slain in a sharp battle at sea against a band of pirates jes three weeks agone. Ah hire a young lad tae clean up the shrine, and restore it tae some semblance of upkeep, and promise meself tae speak tae the next priest of Kai ah find in the empire about the situation.

Day 28 My work done at the Shrine tae Kai ah leave a generous sum with the lad with instructions tae maintain the shrine until a new priest of Kai arrives. Ah hae secured passage on a small caravel named the "Wave crest" fer the next leg a me travels. No less then the City of Tamzyrr, in the Duchy of Selanthia.

Day 31 The captain of the caravel the "Wave crest" celebrates the eve a the reunion with me as his guest. We share much rum that night, and turn in very early the next morn. Whom could imagine a human could drink as much as a giant, but Captain Grasel easily kept up with me, tankard fer tankard.

[Timeline, Eoantos, month eleven of 5099]

Day 2 Midmornin we pull intae the port of the city of Tamzyrr. This city is huge! Never before hae a laid eyes on such a sight. In the port ah counted at least 20 merchant vessels at anchor. Ah see several warships rangin in size from small harbor patrol boats, all the way up tae huge men-of-war. The sight is truly impressive. There appears tae be a separate protected harbor fer military vessels, ah kin only imagine what else lies in there. After gettin on dry land again, ah wander intae the heart of the city. Findin a reputable inn fittingly named "The Charger" ah acquire a room fer me stay. Ah spend the rest of the day explorin the area near the inn. The people of this city are as varied as you could expect. There are few non-humans in the crowds, but there variety is marked tae say the least. Military men wearin the colors of the empire, knights, priests, wizards, peddlers, peasants, wealthy merchants. In a matter of an hour one kin see people from all walks of life, simply standin on one corner.

Day 3 Ah set my goals today in findin the temple district. The city is most confusin tae me. Ahm nae used tae such large numbers of people. It takes me several hour make me way tae the temple district, mostly because ah stop tae see the various goods bein offered fer sale along most every street ah cross. Tae say the temples were impressive seems tae do them an injustice. Every Arkati ye could name has a temple. The largest of course is the temple of Koar. Workin my way thru the crowds, ah find the temple of Kai. Ahm truly awestruck at the sight of this magnificent structure. Ah enter the temple, and find the altar room truly amazin. The Crimson banners emblazoned with the Clenched silver fist adorn all the walls. Ah stop tae offer prayers tae Kai inside the temple, and then continue with the task at had. After many introductions ahm finally introduced tae a Priest named Burnion. Ah tell the priest of the plight ah found in the city of Fairport. Burnion assures me that the matter will be resolved by sendin a new priest tae teach tae the faithful of Kai. Satisfied that the issue is resolved, ah seek the comfort of "The Charger" fer the eve.

Day 4 As luck would hae it, today there is a military parade that wends it way thru the street in front of the inn. Ah note a good score of various coats-of-arms, all of which are unfamiliar tae me. Tis a sight tae behold such large numbers of men marchin in unison, the steady beat of the drum, and the stamp of steel toed boots are the only sound that emanates from the procession and it goes by. The street quickly returns tae its normal bustle once the troops move on. Ah spend the day explorin the dock district. The smells that assault me nose remind me of my time in Vornavis. But the large numbers of people start tae make me wish fer the landin once again. Ah resolve that there is nae much ah kin accomplish in this wondrous city, and decide tae leave this place.

Day 5 In the morn, ah book passage on another tradin vessel tae continue my travels. My next port-o-call seems tae a city by the name of Ubl, in the county of Allace. The captains name is Verons, and his ship is called the "The dolphin".

Day 10 After an uneventful journey, we arrive at the port city of Ubl. Captain Verons has told me much of the town durin our time together, and ah learn of one particularly strange custom from him. The people of Ubl look fer female children with a particular shade of blue eyes. These young girls mostly are then hired on the local fishin ships and traders. It is thier belief that Charl will nae sink a ship, that carries a girl that reminds him of Niima. This time ah choose an Inn located near the docks. A homely place called "The Blue Coral Inn".

Day 11 Ah awaken in the mornin feelin much refreshed after me time at sea. After a hearty meal, ah leave in search of the local temple of Kai. Ahm pleasantly surprised tae find that there is in fact a temple tae Kai here, overseen by a priest named Tralon. Ah offer up my prayers, and decide tae seek out local guards that evenin in some of the taverns near the northern gates. The local townsfolk seem friendly enough. Many of them speak quite freely tae someone who is as apparently a stranger in the town as ah am. Ah visit two taverns that eve, and strike up conversations with several of the local guardsmen. They seem tae listen politely, but only a few seems tae hae a genuine interest in Kai.

Day 14 Ah hae spent three evenin now frequentin the taverns. Ah manage tae find three young men, and one young lass all of whose interest in Kai seems mer then jes idle chatter. Ah take tae teachin them in thier off-duty hours the ways of Kai. Interspersing martial trainin, with lectures about Kai, and his teachins.

Day 27 The trainin of my four friends progresses well. Several more of the guards hae now started tae attend my daily lectures. Upwards of half a score on occasion. They are quick students, and ah learn as much from them, as they seem tae from me. Alas my time grows short, and ah feel ah must start my travels again soon.

[Timeline, Eorgaen, month twelve of 5099]

Day 3 Ah hae determined that ah shall leave on the morrow. At our daily gatherin, ah tell Lairal, Jotrun, Herstan, and Maerian of my plans. They seem sad tae see me leave, but hae come tae understand the duty that fills me heart. They pledge tae continue tae learn the ways of Kai. As a parting gift, ah leave each of them a prayer book, along with a small piece of granite ah had fashioned intae the shape of a tear.

Day 4 I again seek passage onboard a tradin vessel. Ah contact a captain named Durstrion, and for a small fee he allows passage aboard his trader "White Mane" for the city of Ibalone in the Earldom of Estoria.

Day 15 In the face of bitter storms, we finally arrive in the city of Ibalone. Just happy to be off the rolling deck, I hurriedly find an Inn, and spend the next day recoverin from what is easily the worst trip of my travels tae date.

Day 17 The rains have nae stopped. From the talks ah hae had with the locals, this is uncommon in these parts this time of year. Ah decide tae venture forth from the inn in any case. Ah make me way tae the Temple district, and quickly locate the Temple of Kai. Tis good tae see that even in the remoter ends of the Empire, his worship is still carried on. While nae as large as many of the other temples in the area, it seems he does hae a steady following in this city. Ah speak tae the High Priest of the temple, Kerstron, fer several hours. He tells me of recent battles against the Horned Cabal in the duchy of Aldora, and of the multitudes of faithful followers of Voln in the area. My interest aroused, ah decide tae make that me next stop. Kerstron further assures me that Kai's followers in the area are well enough looked after. Ah take this tae mean that he does nae wish a mere ordlyn tae interfere, so takin me cue, ah make plans tae travel inland when this storm finally lets up.

Day 19 Finally the rains hae let up. Ah set out along the eastern trade road fer the city of Elstreth this morn.

[Timeline, Lormesta, month one of 5100]

Day 3 Ah finally arrive in the area of Elstreth. Ah must admit that me first impression of the duchy is nae a good one. Miles upon miles of shanty towns dot the landscape leadin up tae the main walled town. The city itself lies in a valley between two mountain ranges. If nae fer the shanty towns, the area could be considered quite beautiful. Ah note that there are far mer non-humans in the area then any other city ah hae passed thru. Ah find an Inn, named the Westwall Inn and pub, and secure a room fer a modest fee. Its true relaxin tae see so many varied faces again after such a long time. In the matter of minutes one kin see every major race walkin the streets of this town.

Day 4 Ah git an early start in the mornin, and decide ah shall visit first The House of the Paladin. The temple is very large. Ah spend quite some time visitin with my fellow masters of the order as ah walk the halls. They are very helpful, and many of them ask if ah come tae fight the Horned Cabal. Ah tell them of the task Kai has laid upon me, and one of them, a man named Grerion , offers tae introduce me tae the local priest of Kai. We set off fer the Temple of Kai, and as ah expected the temple is much smaller then most in town. Grerion introduces me tae the High-priest, an middle aged human named Threnon. We speak fer some time about Kai, and his followers in the area. He says his followers number less then 200 in this town, and in a town as large as this, ahm rather taken aback. Ah offer him my aid in any way possible, and he gladly accepts. He asks that ah teach some of the younger initiates within the order, and offers me a small room in the back of the temple tae use fer me stay.

Day 5 Ah go today tae meet the newer followers of Kai this morn. They are a young eager bunch fer the most part. Ah spend most of the day speakin tae them of the teachins of Kai. They are like empty vessels, eagerly bein filled with the knowledge of Kai.

Day 13 Ah hae gotten intae a good routine with my young troop. They show varyin degrees of skill with the more martial arts that ah teach them. Ah hae made a dwarf named Gothish the master at arms, tae further thier instruction in skill with weapons, while I myself hae started tae concentrate on the teachins of Kai. Things progress well, and they truly start tae show great promise.

Day 25 Gothish is makin great strides in teachin the proper use of weapons, and the students also learn the teachins of Kai well. Ah decide tae speak tae Threnon about takin them out in the field, tae further thier martial trainin. Threnon believes it a good idea, so we make plans tae venture out on the morrow.

Day 26 We set out in the mornin fer the field. Packin several days supply of food and water, we head east to where scattered reports of encounters with the Horned Cabal have been received.

Day 29 Fourteen strong we stop overnight in the village of Geran. That night we receive word that a small group of the Horned Cabal hae been raidin the area. A local hunter named Jorten agrees tae act as our scout, and guide.

Day 30 The hunt begins. Jorten leads us west, and south of Geran following the reports of the raiders. We see recent signs that they hae been in the area, and have stepped up our guard overnight.

[Timeline, Fashanos, month two of 5100]

Day 1 The signs of the raiders have steadily increased. We are certain we are now close on thier trail. We hope tae locate thier camp soon. Jorten has proved a most capable scout. Shortly after settin up camp, Jorten returns and says he has located the camp of the Cabalists. He believes thier number to be between 20, and 30. We decide to move closer to thier camp, in hopes of givin them a surprise in the mornin.

Day 2 The cabalist camp is quiet, we can see three sentries on duty. We decide to wait until dawn tae make our move. As the sun comes over the horizon, we note more movement in the camp. Thinkin the time is ripe, ah tell my fellows tae rise up. Grabbin my horn tae my lips, ah blare out an angry challenge. This gets an immediate response. The camp springs tae life. Cabalists scurry in every direction, as ah tell everyone tae prepare fer the impending battle. We arrange ourselves in a loose line and await the response.
   The reply in nae long in comin. The Cabalists quickly form thier own battle line and charge intae the fray. Apparently they believe thier numbers will serve them well. With a clash and ring of steel the battle is joined. Thier numbers are greater then we expected, and thier skill at arms is to be respected. The battle lasts some half hour, before the remnants of the enemy flee the field.
   Before us lay 15 dead, and 5 wounded. Of our numbers, we have one dead, and seven wounded. Noble Herim lays sprawled on the ground. We gather up the body of Herim, and the 5 wounded cabalists, and return to the area of our camp.
   Once we arrive at our camp, I ask the men to lay Herim near my tent, and bring me my trunk. Gothish sees to securely bindin the prisoners, and places four of our number as sentry. Gatherin our remainder around, ah start my prayers tae Kai. Recitin the words of resurrection, Kai smiles down on us from up high, and thru his power grants the favor of restoring Herim tae life.
    We decide our best course of action is tae return tae Geran, and thus set out once Herim and myself hae recovered enough tae travel.

Day 4 We return tae Geran tae much rejoicin. The local constable relieves us of our prisoners, and assures us they shall receive the justice they deserve. our strength recovered, we leave later that day fer Elstreth.

Day 7 Our arrival back in Elstreth is a welcome sight tae our troop. They walk with a new sense of confidence, ah kin see it in thier strides.
     Threnon greets us warmly. He has already received word from Geran apparently of our deeds for he awaits our arrival. The High priest seems very pleased at our successes. He tells us that in two days hence, there shall be a small celebration at the temple. Fer now, he wishes us all tae rest, and return tae the temple in two days. As a parting remark, he says we may wish tae all take baths afore our return.

Day 9 Gatherin together in the early evenin, our troop proceeds tae the Temple of Kai. We arrive at the appointed hour, and are told tae wait outside the temple, until called. After seemingly long wait, which is only around 15 minutes, the doors tae the temple open, and the priest motions us forward.
   Threnon has prepared a reception indeed. Many local followers of Kai are present. Threnon states that in recognition of our service, he is grantin us the titles of temple guards. Henceforth our troop will now be called "The Granite Tear" and he presents us with a beautiful banner, a grey tear, on a field of crimson.
  The men celebrate late intae the night, they deserve it. Ahm proud of thier accomplishments. Already the bards are singin of the formation of the Granite Tear.

Day 27 Time fer me journey tae continue. With fond farewells, ah leave Gothish in charge of the Granite Tear. The men seem saddened at our partin, but understand that my home lies far away. Ah decide tae make my way tae Ubl, and take ship back intae the heart of the Empire.

[Timeline, Charlatos, month three of 5100]

Day 10 Ubl comes intae sight this day. Ah hae sent ahead word tae me four friends ah left behind of my return, and meet them that evenin at the temple of Kai. Ahm pleasantly surprised tae see that my four friends, hae grown tae eleven now. Herstan is the obvious leader of this small band. They too hae adopted the Granite Tear as their name. Ahm gladly share with them the tales of thier fellows in Elstreth, and they say they shall send word tae them in the morn. Ah tell my companions ah cannae stay overly long, and that ah shall leave again in three days.

Day 13 Yet again ah set out on my travels. With fond memories of the east, ah take ship towards Rivers Rest.

[Timeline, Olaesta, month four of 5100]

Day 5 After a long uneventful journey, ah arrive in Rivers Rest. Ah resupply myself at the local shops, and prepare fer the next leg a me journey. Ah intend tae travel tae the city of Waterford, in the Earldom of south Hendor. Ah secure passage on a small River Barge, that leaves in two days fer Waterford.

Day 7 We leave early in the morn. Ah swear ah could walk as fast as this barge moves, but the captain of the vessel, Yemin, assures me that this is the quickest way. Ah half thinkin he wishes me tae stay, simply fer the company.

Day 18 Waterford at last. Biddin goodbye tae Yemin, ah find a local inn along the docks. This city is splendid. Nestled along the river, the city appears wondrous tae me eyes.

Day 19 Ah seek out the local temple of Kai in the morn. It is a smaller temple here. The local priest, Keldin, speaks of times in the past when the temple of Kai held mer influence in the town, but those days are gone. He is rather cryptic in his speech, as though he doesn't fully trust me.

Day 20 Guards everywhere. Ah hae rarely seen so many officers a the peace as ah hae in Waterford. While they are rather courteous, they seem tae keep a close eye on all things that happen in the town. With my less then gracious welcome by Keldin, and decide my travels should continue on unabated, and decide that in the morn ah shall shall me way west, for Nydds.

Day 21 Replenishin my supplies, ah head overland for the city of Nydds.

Day 28 Ah arrive at Nydds in the early evenin. Very tired from my recent travels, ah choose an Inn just inside the eastern gate a the city, and vow tae rest fer the next several days.

[Timeline, Ivastaen, month five of 5100]

Day 1 The last few days have seen me recoverin my strength in the Inn. The people are very friendly in this town. In my many nights in the tavern room, ah hae learned there is a local shrine only tae Kai. His following appears tae be very small here. Ah do also learn that the reason fer this is the city is almost entirely dedicated tae the arcane arts, as well as have numerous colleges, and places of higher learnin. Ah hae met a friendly young lad named Kervin, who has agreed tae give me a tour of the city colleges on the morrow.

Day 2 Kervin comes tae the Inn in midmorn, and we start out on our tour of the city. He stops at each college, and gives a brief description of the various arts they study within. Ah make careful notes of each, in the hopes of returnin on the morrow, and seekin admittance tae thier libraries if possible.

Day 3 Ah decide my first stop o the day shall be the college of historical studies. Ah greeted warmly by the custodian of the library, who grants me free travel within the library for as long as ah should wish it. Ah happily spend the next three weeks pouring over books coverin topics such as the history of the Turamzyr Empire, the rise and fall of the Elven Empire, the War against Despana, and a myriad of other subjects.

Day 25 Ah finally with a longing sigh wrench myself away from the library. Takin note of how long ah hae stayed here, ah decide tae continue my travels on the morrow. Ah hae learned much in me several weeks here, it should prove useful in the years tae come.

Day 26  Ah hae decided the last leg of me travels ah shall head straight across the Sea of Fire. Accordingly, ah spend the next several days acquiring provisions tae do jes that. In my studies in the Historical College, ah hae come across several maps that should prove useful in this.

Day 29 Today, reprovisioned, and well supplied, ah set out westward fer the Sea of Fire.

[Timeline, Lumnea, month six of 5100]

Day 6 Ah encounter a vast escarpment runnin along the eastern edge of the Sea of Fire. From my vantage point, ah kin see the desert stretchin out in front of my like and ocean of sand. The heat seems tae radiate from the ground itself. It takes me several days tae find a suitable place tae climb down the escarpment tae the valley floor below.

Day 11 Heat, almost unbearable heat. Ah hae started tae travel at night now fer the heat of day makes travel nigh impossible. The sounds of the desert at night are unlike any ah hae ever heard afore.

Day 24 My supplies are runnin low, and accordin tae me maps, ahm barely halfway across the Sea of Fire. Ah hope that ah find some way tae replenish my water soon.

Day 28 Soon after dusk, ah see movement tae the north. Not havin seen anyone else in almost a month now, and with my supplies runnin low, ah decide tae investigate. Ah approach from the south, but as ah draw closer, ahm unable tae see where the movement was comin from. Havin all but given up on findin the source, ah again turn west, and am surprised when ah turn about tae see a man standin before me. He holds a long curved scimitar in his hand, and does nae appear tae hae a welcomein glint in his eyes.
   Ah hold out my hands, palms upturned, recallin that this is the formal sign of greetin tae those who wander the Sea of Fire. At this, ah note movement on either side of me, and sense there are several others now on all sides. The first now approaches me, weapon still in hand, but held in not such a menacing fashion. He asks me who I am, and why I have entered his territory. I explain who I am, and why I travel across his lands. When he does nae reply, ah continue by sayin ah wish tae trade with him and his tribe. He agrees tae me offer and calls out in his gruff voice fer the rest of his men tae gather round.
   Havin read in the one of the books of the inhabitants a the Sea of Fire, ah had procured several items that ah felt would be suitable fer trade. Ah bring out several jars of tobacco, and the haggling begins. In the end, ah manage tae trade six jars of good tobacco, fer five skins of water. A good trade in my mind, as my water is all but gone.
   Ah spend several mer hours in the company of these strange men. We smoke several bowls full of tobacco, and share brief stories. In my talks ah learn the outsiders are nae welcome in their camps, but the headman agrees tae allow me passage across his lands in any event. Happy that ah at least made contact, ah continue on and travel until dawn.

[Timeline, Koaratos, month seven of 5100]

Day 7 Ah begin tae wonder if my compass is in fact still functionin properly. Surely ah should hae started tae reach the edge a the desert by now. No choice but tae forge ahead now in any event.

Day 20 At last the surroundins change. Ah start tae see mer rocks, and even spare areas of grass. It appears the ends of my travels are in sight at last.

Day 24 Welcome news indeed. Ah kin see the walls of Vornavis as ah crest a small hill in front of me. Finally back in lands ahm familiar with, ah make my way tae the small tradin post, and find the innkeeper has my room still. Ah decide ah shall stay here several days, afore travelin back tae the landin, tae share the tales of my travels with my fellows in Onoir.

And here ends my diary of my Travels in the Turamzyr Empire in the years 5099, and 5100.

       Morgiest Frostgiant