Journal of Ed

== Disclaimer ==
==== Classified information, do not read on without proper clearance or else Commander Ed of the Frostheimi army and Resident of the Emberforge Citadel will be very mad with you. ====
==== Day 1 ====
Hello Journal,
I was advised to write my thoughts down to kelp me calm my emotions. This suggestion came from my good friend Darling who said it would help stop the visions I've talked to him about. e doesn't know much but he knew more than just about anybody. He said Journals were private spaces, where you and maybe someone you trust, know the contents. I've decided unlike my spell book, poor Darling, this will be organized and referenced. So in case this is my legacy, I should get my backstory out of the way, and cleared up from all the stories I've told in the past.
It started when I was young in some small town that I can't even remember the name of now. My father was an inspiring wizard of the school of Evocation, the school of manipulating energy to create something of nothing. Unfortunately my father was killed by bandits, leaving just me and my Mom. When I was about 24 or 25 or somewhere in that range, I left my small town for great things. Years of excitement (not) happened until I stumbled upon a group I call The Party. Comprised of Darling mentioned earlier, Fritz, Milri, Kat, and Braznii, and interesting group indeed. When I first met them, Darling was not there, Fritz seemed to be the leader, Kat was a cat, Milri a spider, and Braznii his normal self. We went on adventures together, trying to get Kat, or Nugget as she was called, back to her home of Frostheim, and slay the dragon Kai. This would turn out to be an... interesting task. The dragon inhabited a city called Emberforge and had taken over the city, or so I was told. Very long painful story short, multiple thousands died in the war, I was the commander of the Frostheimi side, and I swore to help rebuild Emberforge. I left the party some few hours ago.
I must find someone, a girl I knew from the siege. Her name was Anna, if I remember correctly, a talented healer and final remaining member of Gun Team Six. I believe fate willed her to stay alive during that encounter and I believe she is the one destined to replace me in the party, and help fulfil whatever was happening in my dreams that night. I've heard of a phoenix but I can't remember a thing about it, it's all been a blur since about a year ago. So much has changed since then... Anyways I will update as appropriate, and soon I'll get around to writing more probably tomorrow about Anna replacing me and catching up with the party.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 2 ====
Hello Journal,
I did indeed find Anna. She agreed to my plan to join the party. Thinking about it, I wonder why we never chose a better name than "The Party." There's a lot of adventuring parties to my knowledge, so why say we are "the" party. Anyways, after a long praying session to Lord Stranghan1.8, he agreed to take Anna as one of his clerics, draining my magical powers to fuel hers. Though I doubt it will be long, after all Lord Stranghan said my powers would slowly come back in a different form. I don't exactly know what the means but I'm sure I'll be fine. I sent Anna off in the direction the party was heading and send a Sending message to Darling letting him know of Anna's soon to be arrival. When I also asked him what I should write in my journal, he said my poems would be a good addition and Darling hasn't failed me yet so here goes nothing.
Ed leaves The Party
But a new cleric shall join
One of the Blood Lord
I have decided I shall spend no more than 3 more days in Frostheim before heading back up to Emberforge to start my reconstruction plan, This should give me plenty of time to actually make the plans. The bells3.2 have remained, though they don't bother me as much anymore. Still, I would like to find what causes them... but that's a problem for another day.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 3 ====
Hello Journal,
Another day. The city is currently in chaos as the luminite melts in the rays of Lady Alaria's Sun. I have helped as I can, though it is difficult. I had weird dream last night, no doubt more of Noxirum the Dreamhaunter's tricks. Still, it would be wrong not to write it down as that was the point of the journal.
It started with a city, I couldn't specifically tell which but I believe it was Badenbach and I saw the phoenix once more. A wave of... undead(?) surrounded the city walls, and a magical shield seemed to protect it. The dream kept warping and changing, as if it were able to be changed by the actions of those in it. 
Personally, I have no clue what it is, perhaps I could ask Kat and see if she knows anything about it. Until then I have more important things to do, such as helping the melting library and saving the many many testaments of knowledge held within, and also drafting up my plans for Emberforge of course. So, until then Journal, that is all for now.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 4 ====
Hello Journal,
Much knowledge has been saved from the library, including some Arcana scrolls I borrowed. It is so much easier learning from the source, though I find it nearly impossible to learn certain spells which used to be simple for me. Though, new spells have definitely come in handy, and my Toll the Dead feels far more powerful. Come to think about it, all of my divine spells feel far more powerful. My wisdom feels even stronger than before. Still, my magic as a whole feels significantly weaker than before. Ever since I made the deal. Perhaps this is what Stranghan meant when he said it would take time to get my power back? I've heard a song in my ear all day that I cannot comprehend... It goes as such, "Deep down, you hide a reason for shame/Deep down, you know which choice must be made./Deep down, you know that a foe must be slain./Deep down, you know there's no price you won't pay./We both know what you did to survive." I was unable to decipher even a single line of it, though I did figure out about the phoenix from Kat. It is called Death's Ember, for short. After all, names are powerful. The Party has run into them before, which doesn't sooth my fears, especially since Anna told me the Party is heading a direction close to that. Still, I can't worry her, she's still young and shouldn't stress about world ending events... Still, this bothers me. Perhaps that's the reason of shame the voice spoke of, but who knows. For now, I have drafted up a basic plan for Emberforge with steps
# Have them accept me as a friend not a foe
## this will be accomplished by telling of the help he tried to provide, and investing parts of his earnings from serving back into the city
# Restart the city economy by rebuilding the forges and starting up a production based economy, along with funding research and development to be able to more quickly rebuild.
# Set up a system where people are equal, and no matter what background they come from will be able to survive off of good honest work.
It will be hard to implement no doubt, but I still have 2 more days to figure it out, and plenty of time on the way and there to refine it. Still, it is getting late so I must go for now.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 5 ====
Hello Journal
I believe I had a visitor in my dreams. She introduced herself as The Redeemer1.11, which sounded familiar but I didn't know why. I don't believe she was the voice I heard yesterday. Anyways, she offered me a deal, saying she knew I wished to redeem my actions during the war, and that was what got my interest. I searched my memories of the religious texts I borrowed from the library, this had to be Leusfiette. So this was the shame hidden deeply, and in a sense she is definitely correct. She told me if i fulfilled my promised, helped Emberforge, and redeemed myself, she just might help me when I most need it. This is... interesting? Neat? it doesn't truly change the plan, but it's nice to know the Gods care. Anyways, I spent the day once more helping around the city, it is getting really bad. It makes me wish Darling took my proposal and stayed to help Frostheim rebuild, but you can't change the past. Not that I know of at least...
Anyways, I talked to Anna today, they have bought a magical amulet, which makes their magical abilities better. That's good, I'm still worried for her. By the way she talks it makes me think she isn't just tagging along near the back lines as I originally hoped. Something feels... off. They should be to Badenbach within 2 weeks, hoping nothing goes wrong. Today is my last day in Frostheim, and my plan seems to vex Kat. Still, I must go back... I will write soon Journal, assuming I'm still in one piece.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 6 ====
Hello Journal,
I decided it is best to sleep on the way to Emberforge. I arrived early in the morning, and plead my case to them. They seem... not hostile? I guess? I doubt they trust me yet, but I spent my day helping around the town. First, I helped put out a fire, left over from the war. It was hard seeing this place again... It felt so... strange. After the fire, I helped rid some of the lava cracks, and after that I helped create temporary housing. I used Create Food and Water to help feed people and even if it wasn't much, it still fed ~45 people. The recruitment center seems to be one of the only places not destroyed in the war. I asked around if there were local leaders and everyone responded with something similar to a no, just ruder. It makes me feel worse about the invasion. After dinner time, I did a minor sacrifice to Stranghan and set up my tent for the night. Now I'm in the tent. I believe it was a good day all things considered.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 7 ====
Hello Journal,
Today was a good day, I think. I was able to meet up with Runelord Tharak Goldenheart1.12 and was able to thank him for helping me deactivate the crystal, and gave my apologies for the crystal exploding while we fought Kai. He was upset that the crystal exploded, especially due to the surrounding damage, but excepted my apology. I asked for his help once more, asking that he help me get the city back on its feet. He asked why I would want such a thing and I told him of my promise to the Captain, and how I left The Party to fulfil it. he seemed impressed I kept my word and agreed to help. I also met a Dwarf who was oddly accepting. Her name was Kelda and we met while I was helping heal land once engulfed in flames. She took an interest in me, an Imperial who didn't see Emberforge as a lost cause, as many people of Frostheim had. "No less someone who had much to lose and no guarantee of much to gain" she said. I told her it is simply the right thing to do. She asked if I could help set up the forges, that if those could be repaired reconstruction could be sped up. I agreed. The forges weren't too badly damaged, after all they still worked during the grand finale against Kai, so it shouldn't take too long to repair. For now, I shall rest, hopefully without interference.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 8 ====
Hello Journal,
Kelda, some others, and I worked on the forges. We were able to get them to 15% of way to being as they were before the war. This doesn't surprise me the most, the forges were captured far before the true horrors of war started. I also learned Kelda was very important in the operation of the forges before the wars. I plan to include her as part of the Rebuilders Of Emberforge or the ROE. I plan to talk to her about it tomorrow. Still, getting the forges this far up already is good, new tools can be created for the reconstruction. I have decided that for the meantime not to bring up Kai, as I can tell the Dwarves actually did seem to enjoy the protection he provided. I've learned of some of the history. Kai has been here for generations, centuries even, which makes me wonder how they and Frostheim originally came to clash. Perhaps more research is needed to come to a true conclusion. Still I should probably write out my plans for tomorrow so I don't forget them as they are important.
# Try to gather the people needed for the ROE, which includes a few key positions
## The Minister of Magic
### Handles the magic in the city, along with the education of future mages once the city is back upon its feet
## The Minister of Religion
### Sacrifices are important, and I barely understand my own Gods enough, let alone the dwarves' Gods
## The Minister of Production
### Will operate the forges to ensure a strong industry and economy centered around production
## The Minister of Creation
### Will oversee creation in the city, such as houses. Will also work with Minister of Production towards R&D for new technologies
## The Minister of Interior
### Until I find a better replacement this may have to be me unfortunately. This minister will act as a sort of leader to the people, and who's powers and limits will be discussed once the ROE gets up and in action.
That is all for now Journal, now that I have it written, I must get to sleep to be up nice and early tomorrow.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 9 ====
Hello Journal,
I had another dream last night. It seems a bit strange to be that these are suddenly happening to such quantity, especially since it never happened before the siege. Perhaps this was the price I pay for the mistakes I've made. It started with a figure shrouded in darkness telling me "You left them, feeling betrayed/breaking the bonds that you made/Is there no price you won't pay?/We both know what you did to survive." The scene changed to a grand city, hoards of what appeared to be undead everywhere, but the voice remained. "The undead surround the walls/Will they hold fast? Will they fall?/Their future depends on a call/Made by someone who may not survive" The image was constantly moving. First line, it was the undead pounding away at the walls, with magic, spells of many schools, slamming down on them. The next, a balance, on one side, life, the other death. The balance swayed right to left, left to right. The last 2 lines, A warrior with red hair and pointy ears, shouting about a hoard and how they must ensure the city survives. 
I truly do not know what the dream are about, nor why I am able to remember them in such vivid detail, but for now I have a city to rebuild. After I woke up, I found Kelda and informed her of my plan, and she seemed to like the idea. She said she knew a few people from before the war she would discuss it with. After dinner, I decided to to finally have some of the questions from war. I found the grave I had made for the captain, and used Speak With Dead3.4 to ask him the following, along with his responses.
Who killed you? I don't know their name
Were they one of the prison guards? Yes
Did they say anything to you before killing you? They said: "STEP BACK NOW!"
What were you doing before hand? Helping Durok trying to grab the attention of the guard
Do you know roughly what time of day it was? Roughly morning
I compared my memory, the time of day was right after the fight against Kai left the lair. This doesn't narrow it down that much, but it's better than nothing. Within 3 weeks I will hopefully be able to figure it out, even if I cannot enact justice by myself. Unless... no. That'd be crazy. I should probably find an alternative to writing this in ink incase I wish to erase anything. So far I haven't the need but in the future perhaps. Hm. Speaking of writing utensils, I ordered some fancy chalk for quite the price. I'll have a need for it later I'm sure. For now, I bought only 4 pieces, in case of emergencies. It set me back 250 gold however, 200 for the chalk, 50 for the delivery fee. This takes about 1/4 of my earnings from the war but it's heavily worth it. Especially with my visions lately... Still, I must carry on. I have a busy day tomorrow, as it will be when the members of ROE will meet up to discuss how it will work. If it goes well, we may honestly have the city repaired within a few months. May the Gods we with me... It still feels weird saying that.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 10 ====
Hello Journal,
Today was nice. Kelda liked my rough idea for a plan and agreed to help me get others on board, accepting my offer as Minister of Production. She talked to Runelord Goldenheart and he told her he would accept the position of Minister of Magic. Kelda also suggested Head Priestess Lucilda Rubygrip1.13, who goes by Lucy, to be the Minister of Religion. I agreed and we went off to find her. It took some minor amounts of convincing, Lucy is very humble and hardly recognizes her own extensive knowledge of the Gods, Imperial and Dwarvish. All that was left was a Minister of Construction, which Kelda and I will discuss tomorrow. Kelda seems quite popular in the city, which I guess makes sense as she was the leader of the forges. I don't know why she trusts me, but whether it be nature or divine I am glad to have the help. Darling was only somewhat correct. I may have proven myself a decent war strategist, but I've not yet proven myself at all with city planning. It has also come to my attention today that I've yet to actually tell anyone my name. I do look quite different from the war I guess, wearing the nice crimson cloths of a cleric of Stranghan, and I ditched the beard, learning it was prone to catching fire which is quite annoying. I was thinking... Perhaps it is best they don't know who I am, for both of our sakes. So I've decided that I need to change. I prayed to Leusfiette to help me redeem myself and become a new person, with a new identity, I also prayed to Lady Vesoria1.14 to help, as she too was once a follower of Stranghan, before becoming the Goddess of Transitions and Change. I gave them both a sacrifice and started writing today's entry. I also talked to Kelda briefly about my journal and she said I shouldn't be so professional in it. So I've decided contractions are fine, for now. That is all for today
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 11 ====
Hello Journal,
I write this party early in the day, for the prayers have worked. I feel... completely different, as thought I am a new person. I also look quite different. When I awoke, I had a piece of paper on my chest readingYou must be confused, but you have been changed. Your name is now Noah, Noah Bawdy. You left Frostheim after seeing the brutal slaughter that was caused. Your fluency in Duroth’Tash has increased to that of a novice, and you have become proficient with smith's tools, and your powers as a cleric has increased. You have also been given the wisdom that you used in battle to help rebuilt the city, making you a far better planner. Your Social Skills have also been improved, giving you the ability to persuade others with confidence. Finally, you may study arcana far easier than even some in the Shimmerhand Association This does not come without consequence, however, as some of your old abilities, especially those which relied on your wizard powers, may be harder if not impossible now. Good luck -Your friendWhoever wrote this note was correct. I have... very much so changed. I feel better than I have in awhile. Yet... I find it hard to remember some things from my past now, so in the meantime, I have began writing down what I do remember as to have a physical copy to always remember my true self. I am Ed, the wizard who helped slay the dragon Kai. Or... At least that's what I remember.
On other topics, I still have the money Anna gave me to help rebuild the city, and I'm going to tell Kelda about it today. I plan to use it to jumpstart Emberforge's economy. With 2000 gold, we should be able to afford to get materials for houses to be put back up and for the forges to be complete. Once the forges are up... I hear there was war in the south, near the Talor-see I believe, and war means people near armor and weapons, things forges will be able to provide. We will have to find a way to get our exports safely there, however. This is where the chalk I bought comes in. With it, I will be able to make a magical portal to to another portal across the world, or a place I know the sequence to, which is approximately -2 with a 2 point margin of error. Still, I am confident that will be the key. Perhaps I could use the circle in Badenbach, after all, that city is unconquerable and unmovable. Still, I must go for now journal, I shall write more in the evening.
Goodbye Journal.
Hello Journal,
Kelda seemed dazed when she saw me today, before recognizing me, and it makes me wonder if it was a type of mass memory altering. Still, she knew me as Noah, which was strange to hear at first but I got used to it quickly. I told her of the gold I had for reconstruction and she at first seemed shocked at the amount of gold, before probably figuring out its source... Still, she was glad the town would have money, and said my plan of selling weapons to the south wasn't the worst one she'd ever heard. More progress has been made on the forges, and about 1/12 of the city has been rebuilt. I'll say, these dwarves work quickly, it's almost hard to keep up. I do feel like powerful, though. Wiser, More Charismatic, maybe a bit Stronger too. I also hear people's background conversations I used to not know a word to. I'm glad the majority were talking good of me, with a lot of them saying at least someone cared enough to come back. I don't know how I'll ever reveal my true identity. I also found out about troubling new today from Anna. There is a giant threat to the universe known as Death's Ember, she seemed too scared to even mutter the true name, meaning it's probably a very powerful being. Apparently it is the deity of the undead, which would explain why Anna also said Stranghan was his 'enemy.' Hm. If I remember correctly, Kai said something about a master before turning undead... I really hope the two aren't connected. In the mean time, I wished Anna luck and prayed for her to have safe travels, along with the rest of The Party. I still wonder if they had a real name I just never got to know or? Perhaps I'll bring it up to Anna the next time we talk, which should be in about a week I believe. It is getting late though, so sorry to cut you off early Journal, but I must rest now. Long day ahead of me tomorrow.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 12 ====
Hello Journal,
I will admit, being a cleric has its perks. I can prepare different spells for what I plan to do day to day, unlike as a wizard where I was trapped with spells I knew. I do believe over all the wizard spells are more powerful, but luckily I need not power, just redemption. Kelda and I were setting up a part of the forges and she asked if I had any family. I answered honestly with a 'none still alive.' She asked how long its been, and I told it her it was two years since my mother died. I still don't like to think of that day. If I hadn't been so careless, maybe I could've seen her one last time... Maybe I was write during the war. Here in the citadel my past seems like its close behind. Then I hear the bells, and I can almost feel my future slipping away. Sometimes I wish I just lived a normal life. Stayed in my home town with mom, played with my father, go to school like he did. Some dreams, unfortunately, are not prophetic I guess. It's hard to describe, but I feel as though I missed something after we beat Kai. Braznii, he looked different, as thought he had gotten a message. I swear he was holding something. I get this feeling it was important, I just don't know why... Anyways, in more important news, I talked with Kelda about the first meeting for the ROE, and we agreed on three days from now. I've also realized the day to day will eventually get repetitive, so I've decided I'll write more about my feelings day to day rather than the content of the day itself. Unless something big happens, then I should probably talk about it. For now though, I feel something strange around Kelda. I know I have felt the feeling but it is impossible for me to describe what it is. Maybe one day I'll understand, but not today, for after all. I'm just a man. 
In other news Kelda and I also talked about potential selling items. We plan to sell daggers at 15 sp, and a dagger can usually be made in a day by a single person. Spears for 10 sp, and they can usually be made in two days, though a skilled craftsman can probably finish in 1. Leather armor sold for 90 sp and can usually take 2 days. Studded leather, 40 gp and 3 days. Breastplates, 4 days and 390 gp, a nice sum indeed. Finally, half plate at 5 days and 725 gp, well below market price for such an item. If they accept, we may also produce light crossbows. Still, much work is to be done. The forges still have a lot of work to be done before they can even be considered operational, though we have about 300 people helping us rebuild them. The food situation must also be addressed, people have been fishing but I'm afraid it won't be enough. It is very cold up here and the sun is a new experience for some of these dwarves, I don't know if they even know what crops can grow all the way up here. Still, all of this will be addressed at the first meeting of ROE. For now, I drift back into the realm of dreams.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 13 ====
Hello Journal,
I don't know why, but last night's rest felt longer than usual, like it was almost a week. Perhaps my mind was just slowing down for the busy day it knew I'd have. It start when I met Kelda around 9, to prepare what I'd say in the meeting in an hour. We discussed the immediate issues. Food, housing, and education for the citizens, fully repairing the forges to make exportable goods and finding a way to export them, and to tie in with education, the state of magic.
First up, food, housing, and education. The first two are currently more pressing but education cannot be slept on either. I've heard that Emberforge gets its food by underground fungus farming, hunting local game, and fishing. Luckily except for possibly the underground farms these methods should still work. As for housing, there is no lack of stone and surrounding forests from which we can build new houses. I have some ideas for fishing, such as using bait to get a lot of fish within a certain area and then using an area spell or other means of killing them all quickly. As for housing, I'm thinking something nice and basic, using a mix of stone and wood for houses that can stand for centuries. I know some spells that will make the process easier, but it'll still be hard. The dwarves are so different than Imperials though. They seem to all work together here, even if they aren't being paid for it, they just do it. They help each other and get helped in return. It's almost... inspiring.
Moving onto the second issue of the economy, it is believed we could have the forges running at prewar capacity within 2 months, but at least able to be used within a week or so. I've also found out there's massive deposits of resources here which will scratch another issue off the list. I have an idea I want to forge, but that can wait until later. I may look into the idea of improving Emberforge's muskets and making Luminite grenades to export, as I'm sure they'd be decently high value commodities. Other than that, a route south needs to be secured to export these goods, and potentially import as well. 
As far as education goes, general education, and then potential specialization into public service, magic, or forging seem like the 3 main routes someone can take. If possible I'd like to expand into more but for now those will be the 3 ideals. This also ties back to the state of magic. I have an idea, though a crazy one, and it requires mages, lots of them. I've heard more of this Death's Ember from Anna, and it doesn't sound good. We, the entire peninsula, need to be prepare if that thing arrives. I pray Anna never has to deal with such a thing. A cleric of Stranghan, and of the Grave domain... Undead will not like her, and neither will their master. If I knew of such a beast I would've never asked Anna to adventure.
Anyways, the meeting went well. The notes above were our general consensus, minus the talk of Death's Ember. However... there was someone strange at the meeting. Someone who I haven't seen at all, and everyone else seemed to almost ignore. She had her eyes on me the whole time. She seemed intrigued when I argued that education was most certainly one of the top priorities, but a neutral expression the rest of meeting. When we left, I told Kelda I'd meet up with her, before going back to the meeting table. The person was no longer there. I said "show yourself" out loud. "I know you're watching me, show yourself." I calmed myself, feeling for the slightest disturbance in the room, the smallest hint of magic. I found but a hint and looked that way and said, "I can see you, show yourself." Luckily for me, I was correct. The person appeared, the very mysterious person. I scanned for any signs I could find. I could tell she was powerful, very powerful.
She had a small smirk on her face and said "Well done, General." and my entire bodied stiffened. I asked her who she was and how she knew. She told me to calm myself, that no one would find out, and she asked me to look at the clock. It was frozen, time was frozen around me. I had heard of such spells, and I knew only very powerful people could use it, especially for extended periods of time, and bringing other people into it. All of that could only mean one thing. I said, "You're a Goddess," and she, "Correct again, 'Noah' or should I say, Ed." I responded Noah would do just fine. "Of course, now, you must know I know quite the bit about you. After all, it is hard for the Goddess of Strategies to not hear of someone who worked so tirelessly through the night creating them to slay a dragon, as I did some 2000 years ago."
I responded, "So you're Lady Vidya1.15" 
"Indeed I am, and I come to warn you. You are right about Emberot being a threat. I am on the brink of getting involved in the conflict against the beast." 
"But why are you here, talking to me?"
"I've been known to get involved heavily in mortal matters before, but this time is special. Those friends of yours, they're currently wasting precious time trying to find the Princess's wife. They are near half way to Badenbach, and I hate to say it, but I believe your dreams may turn out to be correct. I have slightly persuaded by friend, Lyra, on a path on which I believe your friends and her will meet. I know my friend will be more than happy to help yours. Still, with time of the essence, I need someone like you, Noah. I haven't used this group in about half a millennia, but it is time for the return of the Warriors of the Mind2.6. The Shimmerhand Association is good, but they're too big now, too many members. It's hard to have an organized, specialized force when there's that many. If you help me, Noah, I will help you. I know of your many, many interactions with the Gods over the past two weeks. That is no coincidence, I needed you here in your current state, and this was the easiest way to do so. You should also know, the Champion of Emberforge is not dead."
"What? How? Where are they then?"
"They did indeed die, but the pesky phoenix brought them back, and they are, I believe you mortals may say, pissed off. I fear she will come for you too, and if she does, you need not only to be able to defeat her, you need Emberforge to support you. It will be tricky, but I know you are quite proficient with persuasion. Back to my offer, though. If you accept, becoming a Warrior of the Mind, ready to be called upon when needed, I will help you rebuild this city. Do note though, being a Warrior is no easy task, I will still need to test you constantly, both mentally and physically. For now, you are my only Warrior, though, I have some more people in mind... Anyways, I will give you until you go to sleep tonight to decide. If you choose yes, I will appear in your dreams, certifying you as a Warrior, and helping you plan. That is all for now, Ed, but before I go, I know you will wish to write this conservation down in your journal, I have saved you the trouble and transcribed my words. I've also taken the liberty to encrypt your journal, so that you, and those smart enough to crack it, can read your secrets. That is all for now, Goodbye, Noah.
It was a confusing conservation to say the least. After she said goodbye, she teleported out and time flowed as normal. I spent the rest of the day pondering her offer. I wanted to leave the hero life, but this would help the people of Emberforge. Perhaps Lady Vidya knows a better way south. Perhaps she can help me design new weapons. I want to tell Kelda about this, but I can't, not yet at least. Vidya said she was the one who planned all the Gods talking to me, so hopefully that means those are over. I've had enough divine intervention in the last 2 weeks to last a life time. I doubt being a Warrior is that bad, right? After all, if she can help me rebuild this town, and stop the Champion of Emberforge from putting me in the state Emberforge is in, then it must be a good thing. I wonder if I made the right decision leaving The Party. It felt like something happened after we defeated Kai, but I just can't tell what. Maybe Vidya was right about them wasting time... Traveling who knows how far to find the wife of the Princess who practically betrayed us in the forest... I can't be too hard on Milri though, she helped teach me empathy, unknowingly and in her own weird way. Still. I believe I will accept Vidya's offer. They way she talked about Emberot, and the fact she said she'd personally join with Stranghan... Kai was hard enough, If he has a master, one that can make even the Gods worried, I will eventually have to get involved, especially if the Champion of Emberforge will seek revenge on me.
So it is settled then, I will become a Warrior of the Mind.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 14 ====
Hello Journal,
I feel different. Definitely different. I've also noticed, ever so slightly, a tint of grey in my eyes now. I feel smarter and wiser, and while talking with Kelda, I was easily able to understand and even give input into the rebuilding of the forges. Today also marks two weeks since I've left the party, which makes me wonder how they're doing. Sure, I've talked to Anna and Darling here and there but no more than a few words back and forth. Around noon, I heard of a problem outside the walls. A giant boar, radiating with divine power, was terrorizing hunters and fishers. I saw some guards near by and shouted at them to follow me. I knew we'd have to end the fight quickly, or the boar would get away. I quickly grabbed its attention, making it sprint towards me. I used the Banishment spell on it, sending it to Gods know where. I had an Idea. Where the boar would reappear, I used the Shape Stone spell to make a hole under it. I prepared to cast the spell once more and told everyone to stand around the hole. The beast had to reappear on the nearest unoccupied space, which was in the hole. After it reappeared from banishment, I casted Shape Stone once more, making the hole 10 feet deep. Inescapable for the boar. To see the deal I casted Shape Stone one last time, sealing it in the hole. There was no way out for it through 5 feet of solid stone above it. The fisherman it was chasing thanked me and I told him it was no problem. Upon returning back into the walls, I felt someone watching me and I heard Lady Vidya in my head. She congratulated me on successfully passing my first test with flying colors and told me Kelda was waiting for me in the forges before I felt her presence disappear. I met up with Kelda, who said today was the day she'd teach me the basics of blacksmithing. After all, she said, I could never truly be among dwarves if I wasn't good with my hands. I tried telling her I was pretty much hopeless with my hands, but she'd hear none of it. So for 8 hours we, or I guess I, worked on making but a basic dagger. With the fact that I was proficient with the tools, and we were at a very nice and forgiving forge, I was able to not mess up, but also made no progress. This baffled Kelda, who could not fathom that I spent 8 hours in the forges, to make absolutely no progress on a dagger. She said tomorrow she'd take a more proactive approach in my education. Personally, I find it absolutely ridiculous, I would be far better at something such as enchantment. Still, I will endure, I should learn how to do this just in case, and it would help me fit in with them. I'd say its truly incredible the progress being made on the city. A lot of houses have been rebuilt, the lava rivers have been patched, the forges are beginning to be somewhat operational. My fancy chalk is also expected to arrive in a week or so, which will help me be able to get off of the peninsula without having to risk the trek by sea or by land. I am pretty confident in myself to not run into too much trouble, and if need be all I need is a minute to get away. I have already studied a safe position which I can open a teleportation circle to in Emberforge. Before I end off today, Journal, I believe I'm long over do on writing poetry. I thought of this one today after defeating the Boar.
I doubt I'll ever understand
my place in fate, and the grander plan,
sure, I have changed in so many ways
Now I'm a Warrior of the Mind
I pray one day she'll meet them, 
my old friends, maybe one day we'll greet them
But til then I guess I'm Noah Bawdy,
a Warrior of the Mind.
==== Day 15 ====
Hello Journal,
Today was uneventful, if you count 8 hours of torture in the forges uneventful that is. With Kelda's oversight, I did surprisingly well, as I not only completing the dagger, but also managed to stumble my way into the dagger somehow making my voice louder. When combined with a spell, I'd reckon I could shout about twice as far as a dimension door could take me. This success has emboldened me, though I did learn something far more interesting today. I learned that Emberforge, before the war at least, had a fully functioning R&D group, and one of the subgroups was focused on designing firearms. I've decided over the next week, I will try to design my own firearm. This will simply be a test, getting a feel for the process. Afterwards I have a far bigger idea as far as firearms go, but that's for the future. I got the first day of gun design down, focusing on the damage. Besides that the day was rather uneventful. I still ponder about what Lady Vidya said when we first met, that she had others in mind. I was also rather surprised that she said I was the first of her warriors. While Frostheim and possibly my friends may see me as a great commander, I believe I wasn't anything too special. Before the battle I was just a wizard, not even a very good one. Still, I am honored Lady Vidya would think me worthy enough, and I cannot disappointer her. I have a feeling one day... perhaps within this year even, I may be needed to face something far bigger than anything I can even imagine... Unsettling thoughts, but I guess that is the point of this journal. It'd do me no good to just keep it all bottled up as I did for about a decade before my friends found me in that cave. Well, anyways journal, that is all for tonight, I'm exhausted after 8 hours of forging and 8 hours of designing.
==== Day 16 ====
Hello Journal,
Progress was good on the gun today. I was once more able to improve the power behind the shot. Kelda has been interested in my progress, but has also made sure I do my 8 hours in the forges. Truly, I have fallen from a life of adventure and freedom. I slightly wonder if this is divine karma for the war... anyways Kelda had me working on scale mail armor now, with her saying it is important to be able to forge many different things. I was able to make steady progress, and at this rate it will be done in no time. Considering the 16 total hours spent working today, there wasn't much besides them, though I did talk to Kelda for a few of the 8 hours in the forges. We talked about life, she gave me some advice on forging, and then she did something which surprised me. She asked if I wanted to grab a few drinks with her tomorrow. I agreed since I could use a few drinks, though I am unsure if this was one of those... I think they're called social queues. My mother told me I wasn't the greatest with them, or with my emotions in general. To that, I can agree, people are difficult, sometimes needlessly so. Like my friend Braznii, who perplexed me to my very core during the war. He just had to go and play hero and get himself killed like an idiot, almost dying multiple times let alone the once he actually did. Still, he's my friend I suppose, I mustn't be too judgmental. I wonder how Frostheim is doing. Hm... should it even be called Frostheim if the city melted. I don't know. Ironic for a Warrior of the Mind, I guess. Anyways, that is all for now I suppose, cheers to another 5 days in the forges (not really).
==== Day 17 ====
Hello Journal,
Today was another day of hard labor in the forges. Except for the interruption of a certain Goddess. Lady Vidya visited me today telling me that she had found nine others who she would be making Warriors. That alone was nothing surprising, but what was surprising was that she asked me to lead them. I nearly dropped my hammer, but Kelda's instructions to never drop your tool stuck with me. I asked Lady Vidya why she would ask me to lead them, and she brought up that not only was I the most experienced in leading, but I was the most experienced in adventuring. I told her I would be honored and she of course warned it came with a catch. To officially become a Warrior of the Mind, the soldier kind, I would need to be a Cleric of the Wisdom Domain. Now I may have only recently became a cleric, but I had not once in my years of travel heard of that domain and I asked her about it. The Wisdom Domain was her own domain, one she made specifically for her Warriors. It would include spells more well suited to us than most other domains could offer, and it helped her with granting us more divine power. It made sense to me, I guess, and I asked who I needed to gather. There were four from Emberforge, and five from Frostheim. That will be a massive problem as they despise each other, but I hope for the peace to last. I asked Lady Vidya if she had any advice to keep them peaceful, and she told me to meet in Frostheim, that her word granting me as their leader will be enough for any respectable Warrior. With that, I agreed to become a true Warrior of the Mind, and felt a very weird shift in energy. It was painful at first, and my mind felt like it was being jumbled around. For a second, I thought Noah was my true name. Once my vision cleared, Lady Vidya gave me a hand up, and explained that as I became more of a warrior, my wizard past would become more of a distant memory. I knew she was right, I couldn't feel my wizard spells anymore, replaced by knowledge of new skills. In the grand scheme of things, was I even Ed anymore? The thought terrifies me, but also makes me glad I have this journal. If I ever forget, I can look back to the earlier pages to remember. 
Anyways, the list of people were Sova, Darna, Darmyr, and Jinnyl from Emberforge and from Frostheim it was Danala, Leojor, Norydark, Shahana, and Fastina. Lady Vidya told me they would know where to meet, but that we would be meeting late tomorrow and that she would help us get together. That made me more reassured due to the lack of surnames. The name Danala reminded me of someone, thought I cannot put a finger on it... Regardless, I must rest now Journal, I will update after the meeting. I pray to Lady Vidya it will go well.
==== Day 18 ====
Hello Journal,
The meeting was... interesting, for lack of a better word. First, I took some notes of my soon to be comrades I wish to copy down here for long term storage.
Sova
Sova is an Emberforger who specializes in Great Sword. He was reluctant at first to work with Frostheimi but at least held his tongue once I reminded him Lady Vidya expected us to be mature enough to work together. Sova will most likely be one of my front line soldiers. He is tall, for a dwarf, at least 1.45 meters tall. He didn't say how old he was but I could tell he was on the younger side for dwarves, perhaps 50s or 60s. Brown hair and beard, and fit. I believe he was a soldier in the war. Thought most of the Emberforgers I faced had muskets, the blasted things, I had heard of reports of thought still using swords and bows.
Darna
Darna is an Emberforger who specializes in Hand Crossbows. She was far less reluctant, possibly after hearing what I said to Sova, but I could tell there was still some resentment. She is pretty good with her bows, reloading faster than I could ever manage. She will make a very useful scout and ranged supporter. She is around 1.25 meters tall, even younger at 43, long red hair and a clean face, surprisingly. She reminds me of my friend Anna.
Darmyr
Darmyr is an Emberforger who specializes Short Swords. Very strong, very bulky, stands at wound 1.5 meters, maybe even slightly taller. He's really tall for a dwarf. He has black, piercing eyes, and... I can tell he's haunted by something, his eyes have the same guilt mine once did, and occasionally still do. Still, he will be an amazing front line soldier, slashing away at the enemies. He stands at a solid 1.38 meters tall, black hair running down his back. He seemed nervous at the meeting whenever someone mentioned the war. He says he is 47 but he says so without confidence, which leads me to believe he may be younger.
Jinnyl
The final Emberforger, Jinnyl specializes in Rapiers. She is sneaky, very sneaky. She is also on the shorter side, 1.2 meters tall, with shorter red hair. She is 72 years old, still plenty young, yet mature, for a dwarf. She will more than likely be with Darna as a scout. She was actually not that opposed to working with the Frostheimi, though she dare not say that in front of Darna or Sova.
Danala
The first Frostheimi, Danala also specializes in Rapiers. Though, she says she prefers to use her magic. Her spells focus on more crowd control rather than doing damage, though she can still easily pack a punch. She also has a lot of knowledge of healing, which will prove to be useful. She may be one of the group's medics, if not the only. She is 1.6 meters tall, with long golden hair and ice blue eyes. She seemed very scared, terrified even, when the war was brought up, and her eyes would get watery. It seems I will also need to talk to her. For her sake, I kept the attention off of her when I could. If she was a healer... it makes me wonder if I've seen her. 
Leojor
Leojor specializes in Heavy Crossbows. Not as good as Darna in reloading, but Leojor also has a fair bit more spell casing ability. He stands at 1.8 meters and had everchanging eyes and black hair. He will be a wild card, I can tell, whether he fires from a range or focuses more on magic, or potentially even gets in close with the enemy. He didn't speak much during the meeting, but I could tell his face went dark when one of the Emberforgers started talking. He seems to be no more than 24.
Norydark
Norydark specializes in, surprisingly, War Picks. She seems to have been more upper class, being very well educated and very silver tongued. She seemed hostile towards the Dwarves, but a stern look from me kept her at bay. She is 28, with long brown hair, and emerald eyes. She also is more magically centric. She will more than likely be a behind the lines caster, using her War Pick when necessary.
Shahana
Shahana specializes in Long Swords. She is very durable, no doubt the tank of the group. She is 47, 1.6 meters tall, and blonde hair. She didn't talk much at the meeting, which makes it hard to gauge her. She will of course be on the front lines.
Fastina
The final of the ten, Fastina specializes in Firearms. She was a gunner during the war, and works on designing her own guns. She stands tall at 1.83 meters, with her auburn hair in a bun. She seemed to be the only one who didn't care about the war, treating the dwarves no differently than her fellow imperials. She will be farther back, using the range of her firearms to her advantage.
The meeting started at 14:00 sharp. The point of the meeting was also introduction, but also preparation. Lady Vidya had told me she would have a mission for us the day after the meeting, and to spend the meeting deciding who specialized in what. She said to gather supplies tonight, and that we leave tomorrow. Lady Vidya hasn't given specifics yet, but I don't doubt she knows what she's doing. I believe I know why Lady Vidya wanted me to lead, besides my previous experience. I am a cross between the two, respected by Emberforge due to being friends with Kelda, and respected by Frostheim for my time in the war, or at least I would be as Ed. I'm not Ed though, am I... at least not fully anymore. It's a weird thing to think about, but I think I can cope. About the meeting though, it went good all things considered. It was mostly the notes above, with some time spent on being less... hostile, for lack of a better phrase. I kept most of them in line though, reminding them of their duty to Lady Vidya taking importance over their grudges from the war. I wasn't sure how much Lady Vidya told the others, but I could tell she was worried when she was talking about Emberot. After reading up on holy texts of Lady Vidya and how she hasn't really interacted in Ferra for a good while now, I know this is a deadly serious matter. Who knows, maybe my old friends have a part to play in saving the world. 
After we all got acquainted with each other at the meeting, I dismissed everyone, telling them to meet me at the southern gate at precisely 12:00 tomorrow, giving them time to say goodbye to anyone they wanted to and to stock up on supplies. After everyone left I began writing a letter to Kelda, telling him to not worry about me, that my Goddess had required my service and that I'd be back soon to learn more about forging. I also acquired some lumenite for cheap. I prayed to Lady Vidya for a way to keep it out of the sun while we travel, and when I entered the room I'm staying in tonight, a bag of holding was on the desk. I have about 20 pounds of lumenite, which I plan to design new weaponry with, perhaps with some help from friends in Emberforge. Looking back on my plans for Emberforge, I've realized it may not work so well if I have to leave often for the Warriors of the Mind. I included in my message to Kelda such concerns, along with telling her to use the money I had tucked away, the money Anna gave me, to help with the reconstruction. Besides that, being back in Frostheim after two weeks makes me remember The Party. They should be reaching Badenbach soon, which is good. Badenbach is a safe city. Still, I have this nagging feeling that they have something important to do, something where someone will die. Anna was like the sister I never had, and her eyes when I asked if she wanted to adventure could light up any darkness spell, but now I'm wondering if she'll be safe. I know Fritz and Darling will try their best, Milri would probably never let Anna just die, Braznii I'm not so sure of, and Freya... I never personally met her but I doubt she's the type to just let companions die.
So here I am in the late hours of the night, about to lead a quest with my 3rd party. Once I am done writing, I will send a prayer to Lady Vidya and sleep, but for now I'm too restless. I really wanted to settle down and fulfill my promise to that Captain, but I could never forgive myself if this was a world ending scenario and I just sat back. I was once scared, terrified even, of my trauma, and I spent decades coping with it in an unhealthy way. Now, though, I see it as a reason to fight. Kai hurt so many, but so did my actions, but if it was to stop Kai, does that make it more justified? Kai, I believe, served Emberot, a terrifying idea, and I've heard rumors of this Emberot before, with him destroying entire cities, its undead sieging towns, slaughtering the innocent en masse. I can't just stand back and let that happen if I can do anything to stop it. If I must jump once more into the heat of battle to protect every Ferran there is,
Then so be it.
==== Day 19 ====
Hello Journal,
We are currently half way through the Veilwood Forrest. I haven't a clue why but it seems calmer than before. Whatever the reason, I am thankful for it. Once we set up camp, I asked Danala if I could speak with her. Once we were alone, I asked if she was okay. She stiffened but asked why she wouldn't be. I told her I noticed how she got when the war was mentioned. Her eyes seemed to go grey, and she said she lost someone close to her in the war, a medic named Alice, Alice Larsen. My heart went heavy, I knew Alice via Anna and telling Anna her older sister had died was harder than the fight against Kai could've ever dreamed of being. I told Danala that I knew Alice's sister, Anna, and that I was sorry for her loss. Danala told me she played on proposing to Alice after the war, that they were part of the same medic group and she saw Alice's final moments. I told her I had my demons from the war too, and that I was still trying to make amends, not just for the war but for my past. We talked a while longer, sharing stories from the war, though I was careful not to give too much away on my part. She gave me a hug and thanked me, saying she hadn't felt this at ease since before the war. With that we both headed our separate ways.
We had to fend off some wolves today, but nothing ten people couldn't handle. We stayed around a campfire awhile, after the incident and got to know each other better. I played a bit of lute, just a melody I had picked up while searching the library in Frostheim before the war. It seems like an eternity ago... yet it was a month and perhaps a week ago. The tensions present the day before seemed to be melted by the realization that we weren't so different from each other. Even if on opposing sides, we were all scarred by the war in some way. I'm, glad they're getting along, and proud they see each other as more than just people in the game group as them.
==== Day 20 ====
Hello Journal,
We made it out of the forest today with relative ease. We should be able to make it to our destination tomorrow evening at this rate. I spoke with Darmyr today, having a similar chat with him as I did Danala. He confided in me that he was not 47, but merely 39, slightly younger than what is considered adulthood by Dwarves. I told him his secret is safe with me and asked what happened to him in the war, if he was comfortable sharing of course. Darmyr told me that during the evacuation of Emberforge, a Frostheimi girl had saved his life, giving up her own. After he found out she had died saving him, the enemy, he swore her death would not be for nothing, and that he would live a life which was worth saving. I asked what the girl looked like, and he described her as red headed, and I immediately knew it was Alice. I dare not tell him that I knew her though, telling him that girl would be proud to know that Darmyr, at such a young age no less, was willing to fight undead monsters to save the lives of those he's never met. We talked for a bit more, with him telling me he was excited to get home and see his little sister again, and I told him he won't have to wait long. Once our chat was over, we parted and I went back to my tent, where I currently am. 
I have drafted up some plans for once we have to defend from the horde. I have no clue how many there will be, but I know who will be where. Darmyr, Sova, and Shahana will be my front liners. Fastina, Leojar, and Darna will offer long range projectile support. Norydark will attack with magic, Danala will focus on support and healing, Jinnyl will focus on gathering information and relaying it to me so I can adapt our strategy as we go. I will focus where needed, leading them and striking against the undead. This plan should, in theory, be able to play to our advantages, and everyone on the team has useful cantrips they can use to support each other. I believe this mission shall go well and by the end of it, I'll have very good news for Lady Vidya.
==== Day 21 ====
Hello Journal,
I write this in the earlier evening, surprisingly, as I have good news. My prayers to Lyra have seemingly worked, as we have made it to the city hours before I suspected we would. Along with this, once we arrived to our destination, I found the delivery boy who had my magical chalk. They also had something else for me, saying it was from a friend in Badenbach. I don't know a soul in Badenbach that I know of, but the gift is a pair of earrings. With the earrings was a note which stated, 
Hello friend, if this reaches you that means you have successfully made it past the forest. These earrings are magical such that whenever you get into combat, it will write the events down in your journal for you! Now you may be asking why you'd be in combat often enough for such an awesome magical item to be sent your way, by a person such as I no less. Well, I'll tell you the reason in Badenbach, if you make it this far that is. You have such an interesting tale, not just behind you but ahead of you as well, I'd love to hear it once it's over. I just know you'll be the key in helping my friend! Oh but I've said too much, make it to Badenbach, alive preferably, and we can talk there and I can introduce you to someone I know. I'm sure he'd love to meet you, he's fallen on hard times and could use a hero in his life... Anyways, that's all for now rock star! -Your new friend, Harmony.
I don't know anyone by the name of Harmony, but I tested to see if the item was cursed and it seemed to do exactly as advertised. These will come in handy, especially since it saves me ink. For now, I plan to rest, I have ordered my friends to do the same and I am to be woken at the first sign of undead. If they do attack tonight... at least I'll get to see how well the earrings work.
==== Day 22 ====
I am woken up by a guard in the middle of the night telling me the undead had arrived. I'm on my feet in but an instant and immediately called to my fellow warriors to join me in battle, that they have 5 minutes to join me outside and look alive. In the meantime, I access the situation, no less than 80 undead. They seemed to be split into 4 groups of 20, one group heading for the town hall, one clashing with guards, and the remaining two heading our direction. We will deal with these first 40 before helping the guard, then finishing the remaining 20 at the hall. Nine warriors join me and I channel my divinity, pulling them all in for a plan. Darmyr, Sova, and Shahana will take them head on, slowing their advances while slashing and piercing them down. Fastina will offer long ranged support while Leojar and Darna offer closer ranged support. Norydark and I will provide magical assistance behind the front lines, Jinnyl will look for weak points and call them out, along with offering magical support, and finally Danala will provide healing where needed. With that, the quick thought ends and we rush into battle.
The first few seconds is easy enough, we kill of the undead before they could even strike back, a combination of Toll the Dead and Signature Weapons crushed them. We sustain minimal harm to ourselves, healing given to the front liners hit hardest, and we strike once more. Undead 2 and 3 fall as our ranged support pepper them with shots, arrows and bullets alike flying into the undead. I channel my divinity once more to destroy the 5 undead around me, 3 of them perish instantly. Sova struck at one with his mighty great sword, dealing considerable damage, but not killing. Darmyr would finish the job, striking it down with his short swords. Shahana would, after seeing what I had done, channeled her divinity to destroy the undead near her. As a front line soldier their were plenty, 12 as I counted, within the range. All but 5 were destroyed, the others standing tall. Norydark casted a powerful inflict wounds, killing one of those 5 reminders. 26 Undead remained near us. Those 6 got in many good swings, bruising up my comrades plenty. I cast a powerful Mass Cure Wounds on them, healing the wounded, each for 17. I further heal them for another 8 with Mass Healing Word. Sova got the idea now, channeling his divinity with 9 near him, 7 of them were turned to ash, leaving 19 total remaining. Jinnyl yells to Fastina that one was looking wounded, and Fastina hits a perfect head shot, killing the undead instantly. Leojar and Darna work together to kill another undead, pelting it with arrows. Norydark once more casts inflict wounds, damaging, but not killing to her surprise, another undead. Danala would actually be the one to kill the undead, which surprises me, but she has a fiery look in her eyes, overpowering the fear she holds within. 16 to go, and they start once more attempting to break us down. Fastina shoots an undead which gets too close, and some help from Jinnyl ensures its demise. Sova, Shahana, and Darmyr each take one out, landing beautiful blows on the undead opposing them. I cast a powerful guiding bolt, striking down on one of the undead with enough power to destroy it instantly. I see Leojar and Darna have 5 of the remaining within 20 feet of them and Leojar grabs his amulet and whispers a prayer. 3 of them turn to dust, and Darna pelts one of the remainders with arrows, killing it. Norydark and Danala work together, much to my amazement, and strike down another undead. Only 6 to go. One of them tries to attack Danala, but Norydark jumps between the two to take the blow, but is able to parry the blow. I hear bells ring, momentarily reminding me of the war, and realize it is Danala casting toll the dead. The attacker falls, once more just dead. We clean up the remaining 5 ease. 
I rally my warriors to help against the 12 remaining undead against the guards. Sova shreds one before it even realizes what's happening, as does Darmyr. Within a mere not even half minute, we are able to destroy the remaining 10 with help from the guards. We, with 5 guards, run to face the 20 undead at the town hall. 
When we get there, the undead have already breached the door, and we rush inside. We split into 3 groups of 5, the guards on their own and Norydark, Danala, Fastina, Jinnyl and I in one group, and everyone else in the rest. The 5 of us check the 2nd floor, finding a group of 10 undead. Norydark strikes them with inflict wounds. Fastina kills one immediately with her gun, Jinnyl and Danala work together to kill another, and I strike one down. They strike back, but we manage to avoid the brunt of their blows, and we finish them off. I receive a message in my head from Sova saying they had found 5 and dealt with them. We reconvened in the entrance between following where the guards went. We turn the corner just in time to see the final undead slain by a guard. The guard tells us they believe that is all of the undead. After half an hour of fighting, it is over. I feel my eyes and my mind and my heart and my soul betray me as I get closer to my bed, desperately wishing to write about this before my slumber. Yet even my body betrays me, taking me to bed and then...
Hello Journal,
It seems the earrings work at advertised. It may not be my exact writing style, but it works well nonetheless. I woke around ten in the morning and overheard a delivery boy telling the tavern clerk he was soon to head north to deliver something at the tip of the peninsula. I spoke up and asked if it was chalk for Noah Bawdy, which he confirmed. I showed him identification, and gave payment, and he gave me the chalk, seeming happy he need not travel so far off road. This chalk is powerful, though I would prefer a better form of teleportation. It is most certainly expensive pieces of chalk, but could just help us out of a tough situation. I told my comrades to rest for the day and that we'd set off back home tomorrow. I was glad to see them getting along, drinking together and cracking jokes. I resigned myself an hour after diner to report a successful mission to Lady Vidya before writing for the day. I prayed to Lady Vidya, detailing our success and our plans to go back north shortly after dawn. She applauded our success, told me I did a good job for my first mission, and I was alone once more. It has been hard to do so while traveling, but I have worked on my gun design more, though I doubt I'll make this one. Too many errors, and I believe I should restart, try for something simpler before moving onto things more complex. After my talks with Lady Vidya, I searched for the leader of the town. I asked them if they knew more of Death's Ember, and he gave me some information. As far as most know, Death's Ember is currently north of Badenbach, where its undead hordes batter the town. Rumors have spread of him attacking the city soon, destroying the home of the Shimmerhand Association. To say the least, such an event would be catastrophic. I may not be a geopolitical expert, but I have no doubts the Laurian Empire would use such a crippling blow to expand their reaches. I am tempted to reroute us to Badenbach, but I will wait for orders to do so from Lady Vidya. The future seems hazy indeed, which reminds me of a poem I wrote shorty after my mother's passing.
I spent all of my life trying to do right by you
And now that you've gone away it seems I haven't got a clue
The future hides in mystery, and I don't know what to do.
What would you say if you were here now?
I've traveled so much that I don't know if I've got a home
And I've lost so many people that I feel like I'm alone
But I guess I'll do what I've always done, head into the unknown
What would you say if you were here now?
I've so many things I should've said before
I've done so many things that I know you would deplore
But I would say them all to just talk with you once more
What would you say if you were here now?
==== Day 23 ====
Hello Journal, 
It is no later than 8 in the morning. I've had the worst of dreams yet. There was this being, this powerful being, more powerful than anything I've ever been near before. I've never felt darkness so cold, not even in that gods forsaken cave I lost my old party in. I swear, I swear to ever god there is I saw Braznii there too, flicking in and out of my sight. Yet, worse, so much worse than seeing my old companion once more, just out of reach, was the being. A hooded figure spoke, a voice which I hole heartedly believe could kill me with the power behind it alone. It spoke, in a raspy voice, an ancient voice, "The Shroud... Aflame... Death's Ember... must be stopped. You must travel... Reach the great mechanism. The Last Gift must not be squandered." Following was flickering picture, so fast even a keen mind could not comprehend them in enough detail. I remember landscapes, trees and rivers and hills, I remember a door, one to a tower, I remember a battle, one holding an infant, a crime, a shattered mind, and so, so much more. During the whole ordeal those bells, those panic inducing bells played none stop, louder than I had ever heard them before. I look below me and see a hint of orange, and as I focus the image changes. It goes from Emberforge, to Badenback, to all of Ferra. I haven't felt this anxious since the war, all of my worst fears confirmed. I haven't a single idea what The Shroud is, but I swear Braznii looked ghost like, dead even. I believe I also saw others like that, ghostly and dead. I need to contact Lady Vidya immediately with this news and I need to see if she knows anything.
Hello Journal,
I prayed to Lady Vidya, asking for an audience and saying it was an emergency. She pulled me into a quick thought and asked what was this important. I told her about my dream and as I went on, she seemed to become more and more nervous, her face paler and paler. Still I continued telling of my dream. When I told of my vision of Badenbach and flame she seemed ready to murder. I believe I heard her mutter, 'Emberot wouldn't dare' before she turned her attention to me. She told me I needed to get to Badenbach within a week, that if I did not, it would be hard to get there at all. She told me she would talk to Lady Lyra about blessing our journey there to be as quick as possible, along with giving us a letter explaining the situation we were to give to the Head Priestess in Badenbach, Mariel Brightstar. She explained that she knew the priestess and that she would help. We just needed to get there in record speed. Lady Vidya estimated if we were not there by the night of Day 30, it would be too late. Lady Vidya explained that in the mean time she would research The Great Mechanism, The Shroud, and The Last Gift and what they could mean. I asked if she knew who the hooded figure was and she had a strong poker face on. She told me she had an idea, but hoped for hoped for the world's sake she was wrong, muttering to herself how bad it would have to be for him to visit someone in a dream. Before she ended the quick thought, she told me that if what she believed was going to happen were to happen in Badenbach were to happen, that it will be one of the greatest tests I've faced so far, but the first of many. She told me that if I prove myself at Badenbach, I will truly be worthy of being a Commander of Wisdom, and that she had no doubt I would have enough tests soon enough that, should I survive, I will easily be promoted again afterwards. With that, the Quick Thought ended. I'll give it this, it's a disorienting feelings to go into once of her Quick Thoughts. It is not one of the tiny ones I pull my comrades into where our perception of time makes time seem slower so we can strategize for battler. It feels as thought it's its own place, a very mystical place, a godly place. It feels almost like last night when I was pulled away, a whole different place.
Moving on, I have informed my comrades of these orders, and though there was momentary sorrow of not being able to go home, they were more than willing to follow direct orders from Lady Vidya, especially if it meant an important mission. I knew we were short on time, so I decided I would have to use one of my chalk pieces. When I learned the spell, I know not how, but the needed runes and markings for a portal to Rotentor, the closest big city to my childhood home, and Rittersdamm, the capital of the Confederation. I opened a portal, unsure where we would exit, and prayed for the best. 
We thankfully appeared in a standard commercial portal. I paid for our fees and we exited as though we were anybody else. Funnily enough, I believe this was the town of one Elmar Poplarsong, possibly the most famous musician in the Confederation. I met him once, and he told me he actually liked my poetry. He seems like a nice guy, very cheerful, and very in love with his wife. Melody I believe her name was. I was hired as a bodyguard for Elmar while he was preforming in a town. I was told to make sure nothing tragic happened, but besides that to enjoy the music. It was a pleasant experience, he sung about a tale of a warrior outwitting his stronger opponents and saving all he cared about by doing so. I wonder where Elmar is now, probably off in some other town preforming. I've heard rumors of his shows being so grand, Lady Ylanna herself enjoys them. Speaking of gods, I hope Leusfiette won't mind me leaving Emberforge so soon. I plan to return once this quest is over, and I've already told Kelda about my extended absence, so I hope all is good. The ten of us are currently staying in the The Mage's Retreat for the night, with us all having our own Archmage's Haven, the 3rd tier room. We agreed to leave tomorrow at sunrise, as by the time we arrived in the city it was past noon and the portal had left me drained of energy. We split off, each of us traversing the city, I didn't do much, mostly refilling my spell component bag. It was weird seeing this city after so much time, though. It has been, I wish to say, 3 years since I last visited. It was truly a great time in the city. Still, I believe today has been eventful enough for now. After all, I must be up bright and early to travel on. So for the first time in awhile,
Goodnight Journal.
==== Day 24 ====
Hello Journal,
We have made considerable progress. At this rate we should be in Kaester tomorrow, which puts on us a trajectory for being in Badenbach on the night of the 7th day of travel. I plan to push us though to be able to travel the stretch between Kaester and Badenbach in less time. Besides that, not much to report today. My comrades are getting along far better than when we met, even Sova and Shalana joking around with each other. Luckily due to the amount of us, it is easy to keep watch during the night. Everyone keeps watch for roughly 45 minutes before waking the next person. I am currently on first watch writing this. So far, we've faced nothing yet, so I hope this continues.
==== Day 25 ====
Kaester is within my sight, but I noting a crowd moving in the distance. I focus on it and clearly see it to be a wave of undead. I tell my warriors to prepare quickly for battle, and we rush in. As we get closer, I better assess the situation and pull everyone in for a Quick Thought. I estimate no less than 100 undead, possibly more out of sight. I see local town guards, lead by who I can only guess is Mayor and General Thorian Eisenherz. I exhaust part of my power to be able to pull him into the Quick Thought, though it means I will not be able to hold it forever. I tell Thorian we are here to help and ask about the situation. He tells me there is no fewer than 300 undead, mostly concentrated on the southern, south eastern, and north western regions. He explains to me how he has only 100 abled bodies under his command, very few of which magical. I tell him that all ten of us are rather proficient with magic, and ask him where he wants us. He tells us the north western region would be ideal as that side of the town is currently lightly defended, garrisoned by a mere 20 people. With that, I tell him we shall head north and drop the Quick Thought. As we reach the front line, I can't even tell how many there are, only that I cannot see anything on the other side. I see 15 people bravely defending 5 wounded, and I tell my Warriors to assist them. Sova, Darmyr, and Shahana run up to join the wall, Norydark and Danala begin to apply magical healing to the wounded, Fastina, Leojar, and Darna start shooting into the wave, not truly caring of at what specifically they're aiming at. I incite a plague upon the undead, eating away at their already rotten flesh. Due to the density of the horde, I was able to kill 30 undead within a few rounds via the plague, thought it drained my higher level magic abilities. The garrison, my front liners, and my rangers dealt with the remainders while Norydark, Danala, and I tended to the wounded. After the wounded are tended to, and the last of the undead dealt with, we all head to join the big fight in the south. I have an idea and tell my warriors to cast Spirit guardians upon themselves to target only undead. As we arrive, I see the guards being pushed back, but holding strong to protect the wounded's retreat. My Warriors get close enough to the front lines for the spirit guardians to take effect, slashing away at the undead that get too close. The wounded are pulled away as we start to, though slightly, push the undead back. I haven't a clue how much time passes, only that I know we must win, we must destroy the undead. As the undead's numbers start to dwindle, I can see fiery determination in the eyes of the soldiers around me, proud to be able to fight for their homes, their families, and their friends. Finally, we slay the last of the undead, and I am exhausted. The fight ends and...
Hello Journal,
It seems the earrings have once more proven their usefulness. Though I am currently extremely tired, the aftermath of the battle was far more enjoyable than the battle itself. We went to a tavern called The Silver Tankard Inn, a lovely place really with good food and drink. I usually don't drink after a certain incident after my mother's passing but I do make exceptions for celebrations. The Mayor thanked me for the aid and told me if we ever came back to the city, our food and lodging would be expensed by him personally. We had a few drinks, played a few rounds of cards, watched a few people perform, and I resigned myself to my room. All in all, I would say it was a good day.
==== Day 26 ====
Hello Journal,
Though I would've loved to stay in that nice little town, we have a job to do, an important one. So we've traveled on, with only minor groups of undead in our path. Today was just a marching day, though I did talk to Danala more. We mourned the loss of Alice together and discussed what we'd do once this mission was over. I fully wish to return to Emberforge and make good on my promise, but I have a feeling I won't have a break until Emberot is defeated. Danala wishes to continue practicing medicine, perhaps even traveling to do so. Sometimes I forget this is the first time any of my companions, to my knowledge, have left the peninsula. Soon, however, we shall all be in new territory. The Great Mechanism doesn't sound like a nice stroll to the park... Still, we march forward until we reach Badenbach.
==== Day 27 ====
Hello Journal,
We are nearly at the city, I estimate no more than a day and a half travel. We are making incredible pace, surely in no small part thanks to Lady Lyra. I will have to ensure that once I get to Badenbach I am able to do a proper sacrifice to her as thanks. Today was another boring day of walking, fortunately and unfortunately. The only exciting thing that happened today was a dream, where I saw a girl I believe I've never seen before, in a tavern, smiling at me. This was no normal dream, however. She told me to meet her there the night I arrived in the city, that if I didn't the results would be, to use her words, "a real bummer." So it looks like I have a visit to make, something that is no doubt connected to these earrings I've gotten from "Harmony."
==== Day 28 ====
Hello Journal,
We have made it to Badenbach, even if we pushed ourselves to get here. It is nearly midnight, and while I would love to just go to bed, it would be unwise to ignore a summons. I have been testing with my earrings over the past few days of boring travel, and have found out I can manually activate them by double tapping the left one. Which is what I plan to do for this meeting, as I have no doubts I will be unable to stay awake upon my return. Well, here goes nothing.
I walk to the tavern, searching for one of shape and size to match the one from my dreams. The nights in Badenbach are so lively, much more so than any other city I've been to. I see the Golden Hand Cathedral in the distance, an incredible building which seems too grand to be real, as if at any time it could fade, revealing itself as just a mirage. Around 15 minutes into searching, I find it, and head inside. The tavern was called The Student Library, and I can tell I am far, far too old to be here, I overhear a few children, Gods I sound so old, cheering a kid named Jack, a fine young fellow indeed. No doubt in my mind he is specializing in the School of Enchantment, which is respectable. I hear a voice in my head, probably a message spell, telling me to meet at the tables near the lavatory. The children seem to avoid me, no doubt wondering if I am a teacher, or excluding that, wonder why some man 20 years their senior has strolled in. 
I make it to the table, where I see two girls sitting, one playing a tune on her... guitar? The other one, on the contrary, looked as though she'd rather be anywhere else, hiding away in a book, titled The Adventures of the Far West by author L.L. I have personally never seen the book before but it seems neat enough. I take a seat and the one with her head in the book, who I've now noticed has almost ash gray hair, while her companion had the most beautiful brown hair I had ever seen. I looked into the musicians eyes, and they seemed to be changing color just as fast as she changed song. Finally, the gray haired girl spoke up, asking her companion if she was going to talk or waste more of my time. The brown hair girl frowned and complained her companion was no fun, before introducing herself as Harmony, asking me to excuse her friend, who she called V. 
Harmony said she was glad that her gift had not gone to waste, commenting on my earrings, and said she was also glad I made it to the city alive. She said she was sad her other friend couldn't make it, but that one day she was sure they'd meet, and that I would help him. At that V gave her a quick look to Harmony, signaling she was saying enough. I swear I've met V before, but I cannot remember precisely how, where, or when. I asked Harmony how she knew of me, and she replied how could she not know of me, the amount of celebrations which cheered my name, the poems written about my leadership up north, the future tales of my friends and me battling the Dragon of the North, Kia. I'm shocked that she's even heard of that. As far as I know, news should not have been able to spread this quickly, let alone anyone be able to travel to spread it. I asked her how she could possibly know about it and she replied she knew of all great celebrations, to which V shot her a look which expressed disbelief, though I could not decipher what the disbelief was aimed at. Harmony then stated that it wasn't important how she knew, though I disagree, and that we had important business to discuss, such as The Great Mechanism. 
My demeaner at once become serious, and I asked what there was to discuss. V handed me things, a map, and the book she was reading. She said the map could lead me to the Mechanism, and the book could hopefully help me understand what I'd face on the way there. I knew at once who these people were, though I need not draw attention to us by saying it. V informed me that I would have to make this mission with no more than 4 other people, that any more would be dangerous. These 4 would be chosen soon, though not now. The group would leave soon, though not until an event, a word which as V uttered seemed to frighten her and even dampen Harmony's mood, had taken place. I feared the worst, knowing that an event which could scare these two was something that could petrify me, but they moved on. They began telling me that it would be more ideal to plan my travel in a few days instead of right now, and that I should parley with the High Priestess tomorrow, as it would be the last chance. 
Harmony said that was all, before turning to V and telling her that she believed she was owed a lesson, to which V shot a death glare at her for, undoubtedly because she wished to keep those secret. I wished them both a good night before leaving the tavern. As I traversed the streets of Badenbach once more, my mind started to wander, dreaming up what could possibly frighten those two. My mind wandered so far that I hadn't realized that I had circled the same area 3 times. By the time I arrived to my quarters it was certainly late, and I started to lay down. I swear I hear a voice in my ear as I fall into the realm of dreams, "When the time comes, keep your eyes open."
==== Day 29 ====
Hello Journal,
I am nearly a month into writing in here daily, and honestly I'd like to say it helps. Still, it is only a bandage upon a larger wound. Last night, I had a nightmare of the war once more, the same scenery of me flying over the city, but it was different. I saw thousands of ghosts of those who'd died under me, hearing them scream my name, some in a pleading for help, some in a cry for damnation. I doubt I will ever be able to forget that war, the apex of my trauma, without some serious help. Hell, I call Darling my best friend, but I know almost nothing about him, only that we were the two poor members of the party. Anna I knew for merely two weeks and she is still in my top 5. My warriors are okay, but I don't see any of them as friends yet. Even Kelda has only known me, if I can even say that without her knowing that I am Ed, for a few weeks at best. It's... lonely. I- swear as I wrote that I felt a presence, and a piano melody playing around me. I will continue this via my earrings, Journal, but I must check this out.
I stand up, and examine the room around me, seeing nothing. I feel for a presence and detect nothing. I decide it's getting late enough in the day, and I ought to make my way to the cathedral to meet the Head Priestess. I grab my letter from Lady Vidya, the one for the Head Priestess, and informed my warriors I would be back soon. I walk out of the tavern and walk across the open area to The Golden Hand Cathedral. I enter, amulet around my neck, and ask a priest how I could speak with the Head Priestess, saying I had a letter for her, and showing the priest my letter. He lead me to a door with seats outside, and told me that The Head Priestess would call me in when ready. I wait for few minutes, considering who I was. I believe myself as Ed, and some people know me as Ed, but everyone in my current life knows me as Noah. I also recall my time as General of the Frosthiem Army. If I had pushed harder to help the civilians, could I have saved them? If I had made a plan that involved negotiations first instead of fighting, could we have still won? If I had even an ounce of empathy before I drew blood, how much could I have stopped from spilling. Am I... the monster? Am I the one in the wrong? Am I the problem plaguing all those around me all along? I got my father killed, I left my mother waiting for me, I was too slow to save my old friends, I left my new friends, I hide my true identity from those I'm with now. What if it's all luck, what if I was supposed to die at Emberforge. What if I... deserved to die at Emberforge. What kind of son isn't there for his mother in her dying breath. What kind of friend lets his friends be dragged down into the depths of cave water, or leaves his friends to risk their lives. What kind of mentor am I to let a mere child adventure the world, one who was still grieving after losing her sister. What type of commander am I for letting thousands die in a needless war. I reach for my dagger and think, what if I deserve this. I aim the dagger, this cursed dagger given to me by a friend, aiming for just below my wrist. As the steel makes contact, I hear footsteps approach the door and stow the knife away. The door opens and the Head Priestess walks out. She introduces herself as Mariel Brightstar, and I introduce myself as Noah. She invites me into her office and says I can sit if I'd like to. I take a seat on one of the couches and address her, saying I was given a mission to deliver this letter to her with haste. She took the letter and began to read. As she read on her hands became shakier and shakier, her face white as the snow of Frosthiem was before it, um, melted. She tells me that I too should read over it, and I take the letter, it reads:
My Friend Mariel,
This deliverer was the first Warrior of the Mind in a very long time. You know I had no interest in restarting the group, but Death's Ember seems to have tied my hands. I have no doubts that he will soon strike the city of Badenbach, and I hope for the city's sake the Operation works as intended. It has been awhile, 2 months I believe, since we last spoke and I apologize for that, I have been rather busy. After the siege, I ask that you help my Warrior, Noah, with his quest, one which was given by, I believe, Them. Still, for now you must focus on the city, I only hope my deliverer has reached you in time. If I am not mistaken, you also received a letter from Lyra within this week, so lucky you getting both of our attentions. I do wish to speak with you soon, though, for it has been far too long that I've been on edge. As for the second half of this letter, feel free to read it over, but it is meant for Noah.
Hello Ed,
Worry not of the name, it is enchanted to show as Noah to anyone else. I have come to warn you, that should you survive what I believe will happen, you will have to carve your own path. Regardless of what others may say, you cannot take any with you on this mission, for the mission will fail. I have consulted Noxirum for this, and I believe this is your best chance. He gave me a prophecy for you, though be careful with these. The future is never certain, and prophecies often have multiple meanings, only clear once it is over
The Conflicted must travel west alone
He must face his past as he enters the Unknown.
Through shared sorrows, a bond shall be made
And a choice will decide, the world protected or razed.
Wisdom alone will make the call
Whether He is to stand or fall.
I dropped the letter from my hands, my vision blurring as tears clouded my eyes. I would have to do this quest alone, and apparently a choice could decide if the world was saved or destroyed. My heart was beating at speeds I thought fatal before, and I sit back down in the couch, picking up the letter. How could I possibly do this, I could barely even win in Emberforge. I think about reaching once more for my dagger, but Mariel cuts me off, using what I assume was a spell to sooth my nerves. I thank her before beginning to apologize, but she cuts me off, saying it was a justified reaction considering the contents of the letter. She also warned me not to pay too much attention to the prophecy, that heroes in the past had doomed themselves focusing too much on the mere words. I told her I'd keep it in mind. She said that I could come back soon to discuss the mission with her, and that she would help to the best of her ability. I composed myself slightly, before thanking her and exiting. As I left, I swear I heard the same piano from earlier. Perhaps I've truly gone mad, first bells and now pianos. I decide to head to sleep early, feeling completely spent after that conversation and not caring that it was hardly even dinner time. I approach my bed and begin to lay down, but I cannot get the screams out of my head. I try to remember the poem my mother told me before I left to adventure all those years ago, feeling more relaxed and more tired with every line.
My joy, remember me
My boy, remember me!
I know that you will soon be so far
But know I'll stay in your heart
No matter what happens while we are apart.
My son, remember me
My Ed, remember me!
You make me so so proud...
And just as I'm certain I had drifted off to sleep, I hear her say
Keep your eyes open...
Keep your eyes open!
Ed, sweetie, you need to keep your eyes open!
Ed, you need to Wake up!
And I hear the loudest of noises outside, and my eyes are stunned by the brightest of lights.
==== Day 30 ====
I wake up and tumble out of bed, shielding my eyes from the bright illuminations with my arms. I hear scream outside, not too different from the ones in my head and my nightmares, but I ignore them for now. I rush outside, and its worse than I could've possibly envisioned. Fires dance on nearly every single building, tormented creatures, husks and wisps, roam the streets. I call out to my warriors, unsure if they'd hear me over the flames. I knew, in an instant, that this was the challenge I was informed about many times. I steeled myself at once and got to work, helping allies in the streets. I began putting out fires, but one of the wisps struck me. It dealt little damage but I was surprised by how unavoidable it was. I at once casted a spell, attempting to destroy it. I was able to deal with one, but 3 others were close behind. Just as I braced myself I saw something in the corner of my eyes. I see a boy, a child no older than his early teens, cowering from these wisps behind a wooden lid, possibly one for a barrel. 
My vision wanes as I rush over to the boy before the creatures can harm him. I know I be too slow to just strike them, I will have to channel my divinity and hope it destroys these abominations. The two nearest to the child are destroyed in an instant, as I rush to put myself between him and the danger. I cast Sanctuary on the boy and pray these creatures are not wise enough to break through it. I tell him to stay behind me as the creatures back us into a corner. I am able to strike one down but they've gotten to close to strike down the others. Just as I prepare to be struck, I see arrows poke through one if the creature, and a sword impale another's mid section. I breathe a sigh of relief realizing my warriors have arrived. Fastina fires her musket, and eliminates another abomination of nature. Sova asks if I'm alright and who the boy is. I reply that I am fine and turn to the boy, asking for his name. He says his name is Edward, but he goes by Ed for short. Just. My. Luck. I ask Edward if he knows anyone who can keep him safe, to which he replies not currently. I see through a clearing that a perimeter is beginning to form near the Cathedral and decide that we will take Edward there. 
We begin to make our way towards the Cathedral, and not two streets in I hear a cry for help. I tell Danala to come with me in case they need medical assistance, and everyone else to get Edward to the perimeter. Danala and I see a group of people casting magic, causing flames to erupt. I cast Create Water to make it rain to help stop the spread of the fires, and the casters turn their attention to me. One attempts to strike me with a flurry of fire bolts, but I dodge them all, though barely. Danala also remains unharmed, and she, surprisingly to me, strikes back against the cultists. I don't know which spell she used, but two of the cultists fell down, though not dead, fallen nonetheless. I saw the people screaming for help was a mother with two small children by her side, a boy and a girl. They were in a burning building, currently on a balcony right next to the flames. I use Fabricate to make a ladder for them to climb down, made of a conveniently placed pile of wood that was near by. I told Danala to get the family to the perimeter while I fended off the arsonists. She was hesitant, not wishing to leave me with the abominations, but she did as I requested. Fulfilling my end of the request, I turned to face these traitors. I try to reason with them, asking what they could possible aspire to achieve from this carnation. They told me Lady Mariel had opened their eyes, as Lord Emberot had opened hers. I steeled myself, hoping, nay praying, that it was a different Mariel they spoke of. They told me it was not too late for, that they could sense the turmoil in my body and soil, that I could redeem myself and achieve balance, for all of Ferra not just my own mind. They told me their masters could even bring back those who have long since perished, and give them the second chance they rightfully deserve, if only they stay loyal to the cause now. 
For a moment, one cruel, cruel moment, I considered such a bargain. I could see my mother again, I could see my old companions again. I could see my father, the one who was ripped away from me when I wasn't old enough, wasn't strong enough, wasn't good enough to protect him. For that one moment, that deplorable moment, I consider the deal with great interest, could I escape the fate of that prophecy, that wicked, wicked, terrible foretelling, if I only took the words of a Deamon at face value. Suddenly, my mind clears, and I hear the same melody as I did yesterday. I heard the voice of my father, a voice my ears hadn't heard in decades. He told me not to listen to them, that those cruel wicked cultists deceive, that if I give into their alluring silver tongues, Ferra will be damned to the infernos of Emberot. Time seems to resume to normal, and I give my answer. I will not do the bidding of a Deamon who wishes to slaughter Gods know how many. 
The leader, I assume they're the leader, scoffs at me, asking how I could think myself anymore virtuous than their master, asking how many thousands died in the north due to my command. One of them began to move their arms and chant in a language I do not understand, though it sounded dark and troubling, as if one could summon a minor Deamon with it. Just as I prepare to strike, ghosts, numbered easily over a hundred appear, screaming my name. They shout in unison, 
Cry out against the Commander! Rage against Commander Ed! Screech to the wicked Commander, whose apathy and cruelness damned us all! Whose scheming with the wretched Katerine caused thousands more to lose friend and family, caused starvation and desolation in the wake of his blood-soaked war! 
I cried out I did not intend for that to happen, but the ghosts cared not. As they continued their shouts, my heart began to accelerate. 
The prideful Commander who foolishly believes he can wipe his hands of the blood, regardless of the families shattered, the lives lost, and the fate brought to those remaining! He deserves nothing less than his fate, his fate which, to any respective person would be cruel, but upon him is divine retribution for his graceless actions, his plots and schemes which caused the deaths of civilians, innocent bystander, and whose armies pillaged the citadel of Emberforge, leaving it without a silver to its name, and only returning to the city for his selfish need of atonement! 
My heart slightly broke, as I tried to deny it. Yet, were they correct? Had I only returned to Emberforge due to selfish means? I hadn't even told them that I was their Great Destructor, their Innovator of Death. I had told them I was, Noah Bawdy, a nobody from Frostheim who disliked the way the war was handled. It was truth, in some aspect, but did that justify the lie which accompanied? The ghosts continued on.
The Gods look unfavorably upon the wicked, and Edrogorim is the wickedest of them all! The son who let his father be gunned down, the son who left his mother waiting on his death bed! The son who, through his dastardly lack of care for those around him, allowed his party, those he calls friends, to be dragged down into the murky waters of a cave! May Lord Xandros, divine and just, strike him down, and may his name be nothing more than a distasteful after thought on the history books of Ferra! 
My eyes began to water as the ghosts of my mother and my father, or at least those whose appearances matched, appeared in front of, with disgusted looked upon their faces, as though I was the lowest form of vermin on Ferra, lower than even the Lizardfolk. My fight or flight response kicked in and I could feel my heart slamming against my chest, my vision waning as clouds blocked my eyes. I turn and run, uncertain of where I was heading, and not caring as well. The worst of all of my fears had been confirmed today, the ugly, abhorrent truth that I tried to get away from, leaving my old life behind, save for my journal, and starting a new peaceful life in Emberforge. Yet fate had other plans for me, and perchance this was divine retribution indeed, fighting the most powerful threat on Ferra in centuries, if not longer, for the suffering I caused to thousands. I hear a familiar voice once more and speculate it to be another ghost, but it sounds so real. I couldn't place the voice, my heart still too overpowering to perceive anything but the resonation of it. Yet the more I heard the voice, the more I felt inspired. I caught but a single phrase or two of which I am certain I heard,We must hold strong to every inch of life!
We'll beat this horde!
Horde!
We must ensure that Badenbach survives!I swear the voice sounded just like Anna. Could it be she too was in the city? I could never fathom her coping with this traumatic event, along with the trauma from losing her sister and from the siege. Yet, if she could stand tall, assuming this was indeed her, and inspire others with her words, then I could stand tall and save others. My heartbeat began to slow down, though slowly, and I took deep breaths. I continued to quickly walk, though not fleeting enough to be classified as a run, looking for others who needed help. I first strolled down a street, vigorously surveying for residents who needed to get to the sanctuary. The first group I found was a group of students, who I could tell were near magically spent. I rushed into the fray, helping the students subdue the cultists and eradicate the creatures. Once we had secured ourselves a moment's rest, one of the students introduced themselves and thanked me for the help. Her name was Hera Vijilec, traveling with what appeared to be a goblin bodyguard. The other student introduced themselves as Shel Don, I think those were two separate names anyways. I told them to follow me and that I would get them to a safe location, to which they agreed. We watched out for any threats or people who needed help on our way for the around fifteen minute walk it took to reach the Sanctuary. Once they were safe, I went back out into the horde, as maybe-Anna put it.
I was able to find a medium sized group of people, fending off their enemies best they could, but it was clear most of them were wounded. I ran in, hoping to be able to turn the tide. I casted Animate objects to be able to fight multiple foes at once, putting the odds in our favor. I then casted mass cure wounds, healing a few of the injured enough to join the fight or begin applying medicine to the other five or so wounded. We were able to subdue the threat and I begin to help tending to the wounded. I was no profession of medicine, but Anna had taught me a thing or two in case I or a friend got hurt on the battlefield. My hands were far too shaky and my mind far too clouded to apply and advanced medicine, but I was able to bandage up a few wounds on one of the injured. She was a girl, no older than eight I presume. She told me her name was Christine and that she was scared, to which I responded, telling her everything will be fine once we reach the sanctuary. I offered to carry her so she wouldn't have to walk on her wounded leg, and she excepted the offer. Everyone else was good enough to walk, even if they needed some assistance, and we started to march to the sanctuary.
Right as we were approaching, we were ambushed by no less than twenty of those cursed souls. I handed off Christine to another, telling them all to go, that I would fend them off. They looked at me as though I were mad, but I simply held my amulet and walked to wards these undead. As I got just close enough that I'd barely be out of reach, I channeled my divinity for the final time, all twenty of them within the range. All but four of them disintegrated, turning to nothing more than ash and dust. I stood my ground as the last four had to be dealt with more conventionally. Only after they were dealt with did I realize that I was ablaze. I quickly put myself out, using some water from my water skin, and I ensured the group had gotten to the sanctuary before going back out.
At this point, I was exhaustion, arcanaly, physically, and mentally, yet I pushed on. The words kept repeating in my head, keep my eyes open, and that is exactly what I did. I found another small group of four people. Two were on the ground, obviously wounded, while their friends, I presume they're friends, attempted to help them. I was unable to assess precisely what the matter was to use conventional medicine, so I decided to use two of my few remaining spell slots to heal them. One of their friends, assuming they are indeed friends, thanked me, and asked if I knew anywhere safe. I told them that I did and that I could lead them there. The two which weren't injured introduced themselves as Ella and Carl. I told them to help the wounded walk, that I would guard them from any more of the wisps. We were able to get to the sanctuary without much trouble, thank the Gods. When we got to the sanctuary, I overheard that the teleporters at the Arcane were almost done, that the heroes sent had protected the mages well. At first I was relieved before I thought, teleporters?
The fall was quite something, In an instant we were somewhere else, and the city began to fall, and I knew it would really hurt if the city stopped moving, either because it became to float again or because we reached the ground. I braced for impact quickly, casting Deathward on myself just in case. My final spell slot, hopefully to good use. The city finally stopped and I hit the ground. It didn't hurt that bad but I knew it would be a pain to use my left arm for the next few days, as that is what I landed on. The skies were dark, relatively of course as fires still raged around the city. I was very, very, very tired, but I still had a job to do. I begin to help putting out fires and tending to the wounded. I may not have my magical healing available but sometimes a good bandage is all you need. I
finally find Danala while treating wounded, and she informs me that the other warriors are helping to put out fires and look for any people unaccounted for. I asked her how the team was doing, and she replied that they were worried about not hearing from me but none of them were seriously injured. She notes that the battle was looking rough for a second, but then a group came to the sanctuary, waving the banner of the Old Empire, drastically boosting morale. I asked what these heroes looked like, and Danala replied one was a girl with red hair, one was a guy who had no discernable features, another was a person in a black robe, another who seemed to have burn marks all over their left hand, a druid of some sorts along with their companions, and a shorter girl holding a massive cannon. I thought to myself that it couldn't possibly be them, and even if it was I'd have no clue where they were now. I tell Danala whoever they were, they deserve our gratitude for the morale boost. Danala agreed and offered to lead me to where the other warriors were currently, and I let her lead the way. 
The carnage was destructive, but it seems people are getting to work quickly, and the city should be relatively fixed within no more than a few hours, I estimate. We reach the warriors, who seem genuinely relieved to see me. I cannot yet tell them of my mission, not during this time of resting. Besides, I should still have a few days until I must depart upon this journey west. I still have to read more of that book Lady Vidya gave me, but I know it said the Mechanism was in the far west of Ferra, in Lizardfolk territory if I remember correctly. I ask Sova, who is practically the leader of the dwarven part of the group, how the night was for them. They told me they spent most of it helping expand the sanctuary's boundaries and helping people get to the sanctuary. Excellent work from my warriors, as always. I tell them this, and knowing we're all exhausted, suggest we head back to the tavern and rest. They agree, yet I hear the piano once more. I tell them to go ahead, they I simply wish to do one more lap of the sanctuary to ensure nobody needs my help, and then I'll resign for the evening, or morning, I guess. 
I head to a secluded place, and channel all the divine energy I have left in me, at least until I take a rest, to begin a Quick Thought. I say out loud, I know your watching me, show yourself. I hea Lady Vidya's voice behind me, congratulating me upon the victory tonight. We begin to talk as she then tells me
"We need to talk about your mission"
"If I may, my Lady, is there any reason I must travel alone"
"You won't be completely alone, you will have help"
"From whom exactly, if I may ask, My Lady"
"Myself. This is a very important mission, one which I will have to perhaps directly interfere in at some points. Thought most of it will be indirect interference."
"Why should I do this quest anyways. Not to question your judgement by any means, My Lady, but I don't think I'm the right choice for this."
"You are more important to this than you could possibly know, Noah."
"I'm just a failure. Everyone I get close to seems to die, no matter what I do."
"Hm. You know, believe it or not, I was once like you.' 
"In what ways, My Lady"
"Please, you can call me Vidya. It is tradition for anyone who is a Champion of Wisdom."
"Of course, Vidya. Wait, Champion of Wisdom? I thought I would just be a Commander."
"That was the original plan, but another convinced me otherwise."
"Was it Lady Ylanna, perchance?"
"It may have been."
"I see. Back to the point, how were you like me. You're the greatest strategist this world's ever seen and I'm just... lucky to be alive."
"Well... perhaps I could put this in a style you can more easily understand. Ylanna tells me you enjoy poetry, yes?"
"I do enjoy a good poem"
"Then I shall express it in form of a poem, hopefully giving Ylanna a reason to cancel our... never mind. About the poem, some of what you may hear is a secret, imbued only to some of my trusted of warriors, Technically, you are right now the top of the chain of The Warriors of the Mind. Anyways, this is all to say that if you tell anyone else about this poem that I don't approve of, I will be, I believe the term is, extremely angry with you. Without further ado:
I had friend before and
when I was much like you
She helped me cope through wars cause
I had my demons too, 
and then she a mark
Deep inside my heart
And so I thought:
Maybe, for her I'd let down my walls
Maybe, for her I could do it all
Maybe I could try,
Maybe just one time
Maybe, if I could protect the world
Maybe, if I could protect this girl
Life could be the bright
With her by my side..."
It was beautiful lines of poetry, but I felt my own follow up upon me, as if a flash of inspiration.
"Vidya,
I don't know who this friend is
I don't know what she's like, but
My time serving been splendid
The best days and nights
And throughout the whole fight, I was able to save lives!
I've not felt this way before
You trust me, I couldn't ask for me
And so I think:
Maybe, though life wasn't spent as planned
Maybe, if you gain the strength you can
Maybe end up fine
Maybe a friend of mine?
Maybe to fall is to learn one way
Maybe it's all gonna turn out great
Maybe the obstacles in your way
May be the call it'll be okay
I know we'll be fine
I know it's her you'll find
Maybe if it is her hand you seek
Maybe then it is a plan you need
Maybe though love is so difficult
Maybe above there's a great result
I think you should try
I know it's love you'll find!"
And she replied
"Your pretty good, kid."
"Thanks."
"It's not been since my last Warriors that I've had a mortal friend. Well, I have Mariel, but I mostly just talk to her about this girl..."
"Sorry if you don't see us as friends, I just-"
"No! I, just, was explaining. I believe I could use a friend, one not so godly. I have a few friends amongst the pantheon, but gods don't really just, 'hang out.' It's one of the things I miss about being mortal..."
"You know, for the stoic Goddess of Wisdom, you're not to bad yourself."
"Thanks. Back to business however. This mission will be extremely dangerous. Possibly the most dangerous mission I will ever send you on. Even I haven't a clue what lies within the Mechanism. You won't be leaving yet, but soon indeed. It shouldn't take too long to arrive. I believe once word gets out about this siege, the nations of Ferra will finally realize there are greater threats than their petty squabbles. It's just a shame my city had to get hurt for them to realize it..."
"You're city?"
"Yes, Badenbach, the city I puppeteer in secret. This place was once the headquarters of The Warriors of the Mind, and it grew because of that. Thought their combat roles are the most well know, the Warriors have also not too rarely just been normal scientists and knowledge seekers. The Warriors also turned into the Shimmerhand Association"
"What!?"
"Indeed, it became too much to effectively use as a force, so I disbanded the Warriors, well until, you know. Yet, they have done a great job, and though it is not worshiped as my city, it is a center of knowledge, and whenever knowledge is involved on such a mass scale, I'm naturally worshiped in the place, directly or indirectly. Many students send prayers asking for the wisdom they need to past tests or learn a new spell or master the Arcana."
"That's quite impressive that you practically grew the biggest city on Ferra"
"I styled it after cities from the Old Empire. I don't know how well you know my origin, but I was once a commander, a lot like you. I lost so many friends, so many lives. I lost my entire old life when the Stormrift fell. Without that girl I spoke of early, I honestly can't say whether I would've had the strength to go on. I was a Saint then, not my own Goddess. People worshipped me, though, prayed for me for knowledge of this new continent we were all stuck on. For awhile, it was scary. So many new people praying to me as if I were important. I have no doubt I would've become a intermediate Goddess if I hadn't..."
"Hadn't?"
"Held on to my mortality. I have friends who are intermediate Gods, and they're just so detached from the world. I don't wish to be like that. I believe this girl has a similar view, not caring about the powers that would come with being a higher level of God, but caring more about the world itself."
"You know it's strange to actually be having a conversation with a Goddess."
"I'm sure it's strange, but I'm sure you'll get used to it. After all, you are a Champion of Wisdom now.
"I guess I am."
"I should let you get some rest, though. I'm sure you're exhausted after tonight."
"That I am, Vidya."
"I can teleport you to your room if you wish. It isn't that far of a distance so it won't be that bad."
"That would be much appreciated, thank you."
"Good night... friend" I see Vidya smile as she says friend
"Night, friend"
She teleports me to my room. I am unable to contemplate what in the world just happened. Did I just, make a friend of a Goddess? Maybe... maybe life isn't so bad after all. Though I feel guilty about my past, so guilty, at least I have a friend who understands what it is like to be a leader, to lose those close to you. Anyways, I am so tired, it may be seen as comical to some. I lay down in my bed, and almost immediately...
Hello Journal,
That is quite the wall of text, if I may say so. Not much to report on today, as most of it already happened. Yet it would feel weird to not write here manually one day. It's still hard to imagine Vidya would wish to be friends with me. When I woke up, there was a new signet ring, with an incredibly crafted symbol on it. There was a note from Vidya saying that should I ever need to send a letter as a Warrior of the Mind, any self respecting recipient will be able to tell that this stamp is very important. It really is nice to have a friend in the world. I just hope it lasts, my track record isn't the best after all... Still, I must try to remain positive, for if I could make it through last night, I can make it to the Mechanism. I haven't a clue what awaits for me inside, but I can only hope that I make it out alive. 
The warriors and I held a small celebration party together, drinking and playing cards. It really is nice, just relaxing once more. Though I did eventually have to tell them I was promoted, and technically no longer their consultant. I recommended that Danala and Sova should be the coleaders of the group, something that surprised both of them. The other warriors were fine with the idea, though, and so it was. We enjoyed a few more rounds of drinks and cards alike before we called it quits. It's nearing midnight now, and I plan to visit the priestess tomorrow. So, I guess for now,
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 31 ====
I start out to the Cathedral in the early evening, admiring on the way how, in such little time, the city seemed to be in rather pristine condition once more. They truly work around the clock here, I suppose. I walk into the Cathedral, and once more ask for an audience with the High Priestess. I was once more lead to the seat where I had been but a few days ago, and was left alone once more with my thoughts. I thought back to the prophecy, and to my quest. How am I to do this alone, and not die in the process. I doubt I am the only one called upon for The Great Mechanism, and I've not heard of a single tale of souls who had gone the Mechanism and returned to tell the tale. Yet it's not like I can just ignore a call such as this from such a powerful figure. I think back to the prophecy, and try to decipher its lines, one at a time.
"The Conflicted must travel west alone" It is undeniable that I am the conflicted one, and that I must travel westward without anybody else.
"He must face his past as he enters the Unknown." The Unknown could be The Great Mechanism, or it could be another unknown place to me, though I believe The Mechanism is more likely. I don't like the idea of facing my past, though. After yesterday's panic attack, inflicted by ghosts of my past, I have no will to relive such an event. Still, I will have to be ready, incase I must.
"Through shared sorrows, a bond shall be made" I believe this line refers to my new friendship. Both Vidya and I were generals who watched everything we had be ripped away from us, and both needed time to properly heal and cope with the trauma.
"And a choice will decide, the world protected or razed." That is very terrifying, though my only solace is that it never says my choice. 
"Wisdom alone will make the call
Whether He is to stand or fall." If I am not wise enough, if I am not good enough, I will fall.
With those happy thoughts, the door opened and the Head Priestess invited me in, as she did last time. I thanked her and sat on one of the very nice and very soft couches. I told her that I needed to head far west, and said she knew of where I needed to go. She warned me of how dangerous it is, and I said I had no choice, that if I didn't try, and the world ended because of it, even death wouldn't take such weight from my shoulders. She looked at me with pitiful eyes and said she understood and that she would help me. She explained that if I postpone my travel for a few days, she may be able to get me to The Mechanism. This was far better than my plan, but I asked how she could achieve such a thing, and she explained that Badenbach was currently flying south west, due to a favor owed to a group of heroes which guarded the mages who teleported the city away from Death's Ember. After that was completed, Badenbach would fly back to a more favorable area, and she could provide me with a fast steed and a letter stamped by her asking for easy passage, and that you were on an important mission to reach Laia before moving west on a divine mission given by me the Head Priestess herself, speaking from the Gods. I thanked her, saying that would be enough to get there in good time, but she said that wasn't all. I would also be provided with some spell components which should help, and that Vidya herself had given me a budget of five thousand gold to spend on supplies, magical or nonmagical, to complete this mission. I asked why Gods have money, and Mariel explained that Vidya made sure to always keep herself wealthy in case of a scenario just like this. Direct Divine Intervention was usually above the Gods, even minor ones, but indirect intervention for the heroes they like is rather common. I thanked her for the explanation and for the help. With that, we said good byes and I left, having a few days left to prepare it seems. 
After leaving the Cathedral, I returned back to my private room in the tavern, where I heard a piano melody once more. I entered a Quick Thought and saw Vidya sitting in a chair across the room. I asked what she was doing here and she gave me a smirk, asking if she can't just visit a friend. I told her she definitely could but that probably wasn't the reason she was here. She sighed, admitting I was correct, that she was here to speak of the journey. She began to speak to me
"Tens if not Hundreds of heroes have entered The Great Mechanism, and so far, none have returned. Even upon attempted Revival, it seems that their soul is lost."
"I hope this isn't your way of comforting me"
She glared at me before saying "It's my way of warning you. I just started to call you friend, and I don't wish to lose a friend in that Mechanism."
"You know I have to do it"
"I know, I know. Yet, once the time comes, just know I won't let you go in alone. That would most certainly be suicidal, and trust me, I can sense you have troubles within you, but you've no wish to die."
"I thank you for any help you can give"
"I just hope it will be enough... Yet, I haven't come for all depressing news. I have come to speak to you, hoping for some advice."
"What could I possibly help someone as wise as you with."
"Well, you may not be the best with your emotions, but I have no doubt you're better than me with them. Just know, if you repeat anything here to a single soul, I will smite you down."
"Okay. Okay. Yeesh, I won't tell a soul."
"Ok so, let's say I liked this girl, like, liked liked her, but she didn't know. Let's also say I've known her for awhile and she's really sweet and caring and kind. How do I vanquish this feeling of weakness whenever I'm around her."
I pause for about five seconds, dumbfounded, before replying,
"Why would you wish to do away with these feelings instead of embracing them? I've never felt a romantic attraction to another soul, but I value my few platonic bonds, like with my friend Darling."
"I don't understand. If I feel weak around her, why would I not wish to exterminate this flaw of weakness."
"It isn't weak to care about others, Vidya. More often than not, who we care for is our greatest motivation. With no one to stand for, what will you fall for?"
She pauses for a second before asking
"What do you believe I should do then?"
"I think you should embrace these feelings, enjoy her company, and eventually take her out."
"So you wish for me to play the long game, getting close before killing her. An excellent Idea my-"
"Not that kind of taking out, my friend. Take her out like on a date."
Vidya's voice went up easily two octaves as she blushed and said
"A date!? Do I need to call Danala here to examine you and make sure the siege hasn't made you go mad!?"
"I do believe as of present I am quite sane. After all, what is the worst that could happen if you ask her out?"
"She could say no and hate me and it could ruin our friendship for eternity and she'd never speak to me again and-"
"Vidya, breath. Just for a moment, breath. Even if she said no, I doubt she'd hate you. It's hard to judge without knowing any of the details, but if she's as kind as you claim, I doubt she'd hate you."
"But she's so perfect in everyway and I'm just-"
"The badass warrior who also happens to be the best strategist in the world? You undersell yourself, my friend. Even if she is perfect, that doesn't mean she'll see you as beneath her or anything like that. After all, she is your friend."
"But I... I-"
"You don't have to ask her yet. You have to build up to it first, after all. What interests does she have."
"Well, she likes to travel more than anything, but she also likes learning new things, which is what originally intrigued me about her."
"Perhaps you could go on regular walks together as a way of bonding, and then eventually gain the courage to set up a picnic."
"Hm. That is... actually not the worst idea I've heard this century."
"See, that's the spirit Vidya."
"I will... consider this. In the mean time, I need to know as a friend. How do you really feel right now. Don't attempt to lie with me and say it is alright because you should know, I was there the first time you went to see the High Priestess."
My face was probably whiter than paper at that moment as I stammered out
"I-I d-don't know w-what y-y-you mean."
"Ed, now is not the time for covering up your emotions. Trust me, I know it can be difficult to open up to others, but speaking about it helped me cope with my trauma. I know it will do the same for you. How about just a single topic today?"
I sigh and compose myself.
"Fine. A single thing. I guess we should start where it all began, my father's death. I was 13 years old, soon to go on 14. We had just returned from shopping for groceries when bandits busted into our home. My father cloaked me behind a spell, but was quickly disposed of by the bandits. They took his valuables and ran. That day... something changed in me. For a long time, I held a belief that all people were like that and that all people would do the same as those bandits did. So I didn't care for a long time if I too was like that. I committed so many awful acts... but something changed in Emberforge. As we were flying over the city, I heard the screams of thousands, fire roared beneath me, and the city laid in ruins. I saw a single dwarven child in a clearing, crying over an older dwarves body. When I saw that, something changed within me. It reminded me of all those years ago, when I was that scared, powerless boy. From then on out, I commanded the war with a different point of view. I felt something I had all but forgotten. Empathy. My father's death scared me, still scares me, and it's hard to imagine how I'd be today without it. Yet... in way that road of suffering and pain lead me to making you as a friend, so it wasn't all bad."
"How do you feel now that you've shared it."
"I feel... better. Not even Darling knew the story beyond any details of bandits killed him and he protected me. It was... nice to get it out there for someone to hear"
"I'm glad I could make you feel better. I wish to have one of these conversations again soon, but for now, I believe I may just take your advice with this girl."
I give her a smile and say
"That's what friends are for, right"
She returns the smile
"Right."
The Quick Thought ends and Vidya is gone. I decide to take a walk around Badenbach, and disabled my earrings.
Hello Journal,
After my walk, I went to the local tavern. It is quite nice to have a nice drink once more. Not since after we defeated Kai have I had a real good drink. I wonder whatever happened to that mage, what was her name, Emrica? I believe that was it. Anyways, afterwards I simply read the book by L.L. that Vidya had given me. It was rather insightful, giving me useful information and maps of the entire region around The Mechanism. This book, I feel, will be vital to my survival in the west, and I am thankful that L.L. wrote it. Vidya was also correct, unsurprisingly, I do feel like a weight has been lifted off of me after talking to her about my past. I may take her up on that deal sooner or later about another talk... Besides that, Journal, I believe today has been a good day, so,
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 32 ====
Hello Journal,
I was told by a friend today that their friend recommends I write about my life along side talking about it. I remember how my friend put her emotions into poetry and it reminded me of how little time I've had to write my own poetry. For these reasons, I've decided to cope via poetry. Only problem is I'm completely out of anything to write about. An autobiographical poem could be neat, I suppose. but the spark of creativity seems to foreign now. The Great Mechanism takes up too much of my mind for me to contemplate hard enough on what to write, the task itself seeming as though the weight of the entire sky is upon me. I hope, by some grace of the world, which has often acted so cruelty upon me, no doubt as vengeance for the cruelty I have shown others, would give me a path where I need not enter the Mechanism. Yet if no group has ever entered the Mechanism and left alive, how am I to do so alone. Somebody help me. Someone give me a sign. If I defy fate, is it peace I'll find?
"I believe so"
I see the words appear on the paper, as do my thoughts and-that's weird, seriously weird-but I don't remember tapping my Earrings. I turn around and the clock on my wall has slowed. This doesn't feel like a quick thought, though. I reply,
"Who's there"
"Someone who also believes in defying fate, but that's all you need to know for now."
"What have you done with the time"
"A perceptive one, I see. Well, you have your little divinity which makes your thoughts quicker, so time isn't actually slowed down, just your perception of it. This is different, you are actually experiencing time quicker than everyone else right now. It is a lot of complicated magical bleh that I'm sure your friend would love to investigate one day. Yet, for now none of that is important, what is is that you wish to defy fate, and after you got a prophecy as well."
"I hope you don't take offense from me wishing to avoid an inevitable demise"
"On the contrary, I wish to help you defy fate. You see, trying to defy fate usually garners the attention of someone I truly haven't a single good thing to say about. This person, this God, really loves his fate, to a very obsessives amount. Which is why I go around helping people not suffer his terrible, what he likes to call, fixings. When the time comes, and it will, just know you have shattered the chains before, and you can do so again with the correct motivation. Just remember what you're fighting for."
"What I'm fighting for?"
"Should you need my help against Fate, behind you is a chain necklace. It is awfully fragile and it can only be used once, but when you need help to break Fate's chains, you can start by breaking this one. Well, I know you're a busy writer, and you've only got so much time now that I've taken up a few fractions of a second with this conversations. Goodbye for now, Edrogorim."
The clock begins to tick like normal and I tap my Earrings once more.
Note to self, Journal, reset text encryption. Well, at least I guess I got an answer. Maybe there is a way I can avoid such a terrible fate such as the Mechanism. Vidya asked me to meet her tomorrow with a friend who wished to meet me, and I agreed to go. Apparently this friend has heard of me before, which only slightly scares me as I'd hope not that many people know me. At least not in my current form.
This reminds me, do I even really need to be Noah right now? Thinking back on it, I had started off a Cleric of Stranghan, and he was the one who originally made my cleric abilities match those of my wizarding abilities. Vidya had once made an offhand comment about how she had orchestrated meeting me, and how she and Stranghan had known each other well enough from planning against Emberot, so perchance it was her idea? Maybe... no, forget it. Regardless, I believe that for the time being, I shall remain as Noah, simply due to convenience. Tomorrow I shall meet this friend of Vidya and from there I can plan out my route to the Mechanism.
Goodbye Journal.
==== Day 33 ====
I tap my earrings as I head to the place Vidya told me about. She asked me to come earlier than first expected, practically dawn, and gave me an address. Luckily I know nearly nothing about how Badenbach does their address system, so I wonder around aimlessly for awhile before finally stumbling upon the correct street and oh my Gods the abode is massive. I wondered who's house it was as I knocked on the door. After I did so the door opened and I saw Vidya in... pajamas? Ignoring that reality shattering view of the Goddess of Wisdom in pajamas she invited me inside and once I entered she pulled me into a Quick Thought and told me,
"I'm glad you could make it. I need your help tonight before my friend arrives."
"How can I help?"
"I need to write a poem and every time I've tried today, I get nowhere"
"You need to write a poem? Hm, is this perchance the person you told me about the night we became friends"
"I don't need to answer that"
"I see" And I smirk at her
She glares and replies "You would dare mock a Goddess?"
"Of course not! Now lets see here, what do you want to achieve with the poem?"
"I... I want to ask her out." She mumbles out the last part 
Okay now we're getting somewhere. Now lets see here, what type of poem do you want it to be?"
She pulls out a folder labeled "Ylannna's Lesson Notes" and flips through papers.
"How about a sonnet."
"An excellent choice. Now if I may ask, why would you come to a mortal, one you've known for a few weeks, and been friends with for less, for advice on this?"
"Usually I would ask Ylanna for such a favor, but I don't want the entire Pantheon knowing about it when she would start blaring about it in her next hymn. Furthermore, your advice on the night of the siege has... helped me, in a way. Eternity, it feels, I have waited to tell her, nervous of what she'd say or telling myself a better time would come. Yet now the end of the world as we know it is a real possibility, and I haven't the time to stall any longer. If the world burns, I want to shelter her from the flames as long as I can."
I go silent, contemplating what she said. She's right, this is the end of the world, and... perhaps I could make the most of it too. I reply, For once in my life, I feel something I'd nearly forgotten, and such a feeling shocked me. I could feel my friends emotions, read them like an open book. She truly cared about this, more than I've seen others care about anything. She trusted me now with this monumental task, I couldn't fail here. I speak up,
"Okay then, let's get started."
Vidya and I brainstormed for what had to be an hour within a Quick Thought, with her telling me what she wished to gain out of the poem. I wrote down ideas, comparing Lyra's smile to the warm rays of sunlight, her mesmerizing personality, and ending with Vidya asking her out. Once we were done with the final copy, I read it out loud to her.
"Lyra, dearest friend of mine
Your smile illuminates all of this world
More than Alaria's brightest shine,
Your warming rays fall upon this girl
For far too long, I've hidden away
the feelings that I've held so deep
But now these feelings I must convey
For this secret I can no longer keep
Your smile, your charm, your hair, your eyes
Your personality and free spirit
They all have got me mesmerized
Attracting me ever closer near it,
Lyra, dear, clear as I can be,
I ask you now, will you go out with me"
Vidya eyes were watery by the end and she hugged me, much to my surprise and said,
"It's perfect. Thank you Noah."
For but a few moments I sat in shock, before hugging back and telling her it was no problem. I wonder if this is why Vidya is still on the level of a minor deity. For though she is worshiped across all of Ferra, especially now with conflicts and battle being widespread, her humanity and her connections to it... I wonder if they hold her back from a high level. I know from my studies and travels that Lyra is very widely worshiped, especially by adventurers, yet simples cares not of Godly Power, and instead prefers to wander the world. Perhaps that is another reason Vidya likes her, she forgoes the opportunity of power for doing what she loves, and she is also commonly representative of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. I suppose it makes perfect sense then that The Knowledge Seeker would pine for her. I think of my past, all the pain and suffering I'd given and received, those visions of war which make it impossible to sleep on some nights. So I think that maybe if I could help other souls, maybe if I help them reach their goals. Life might be alight. I could sleep at night. So be it then, let there be no length I wouldn't go, if it's a friend I need to save, all I hope is I can remain this brave. I pull myself out of my thoughts as I ask Vidya,
"So what do you plan to do with her tonight before asking?"
"I know a place in western Ferra that I plan to take her on a walk through. I've also prepared a basket for a picnic and afterwards I plan to recite this poem"
"That sounds nice. If you need anymore help, I'm sure you'll find me somehow. I know you wished for me to meet this friend, but this should be a moment, a private one, between you two. I can meet her another day, for I have plenty of time left."
"Are... are you sure? You could still meet her today."
"I'm positive. Enjoy yourself today, but when the time comes, you must speak from the heart, not the head. You may be the first Warrior of the Mind, but today you must let down the dam you have upon your heart and let its waters of true nature flow from your mouth. I know you can do this as you've done many great feats before, learned many things before. Now learn what your heart says and follow it, my friend. For only that, an action of passion, can get you what you urn for in the end."
I stood up and smile at her, heading for the door. She seemed to be deep in thought, pondering my words, before she spoke,
"Thank you, my friend. You need not walk back to your room."
She waved her hand and I instantly appeared in my bed, and the Quick Thought ended. I checked the time, it was hardly even noon yet. Hm, I guess I could try resetting the text encryption as I wished to yesterday after my... visitor. I get to work, remembering the encryption spell Vidya gave me, and resetting the encryption once more, also putting it in Ancient Imperial Common so people could not read it as easily even if the cypher was broken. This process took me about two hours start to finish, due to just how long this Journal is getting. I never thought I'd writer, er I guess think, in this journal so much, and its original purpose was to just write how I was feeling to get them out somewhere. Two months ago, man time flies, I was just about to head through the Vielwood Forest with my old group. I wonder how they're doing and I wonder if they're close to Milri's wife yet. One day I plan to use a sending spell to contact Anna or Darling, but today is not that day unfortunately. I'd prefer to see them in person once more, but if I'm going to the Great Mechanism, I'm not sure that'll happen. If I do not see them before entering, I will send a final message to my friends before accepting my fate. Danala and Darmyr have been assigned a mission up north and have gone to handle it. I know they can, they're both stronger than they know, and it's nice to know my companions will continue on fine without me.
It approaches half past two and I decide to read some of L.L.'s travel guide. I flip to a page on cave moss, my favorite, and it speaks of how if you dry it out and dissolve it in acid it becomes a very terrible fate for the drinker. The author knows how it is sometimes used by assassins to sneakily "kill" their targets without actually killing them. I flip to the page on useful travel items and one recommended is the Alchemy Jug, which makes sense. The ability to make a lot of different things from the jug is appealing, though it will set you back a fair amount.
I continue my reading for a few hours, eat a small dinner, and wonder how it's going with Vidya. I prepare myself for bed, tap my earrings, and sleep.
==== Day 34 ====
Hello Journal,
I've decided to take today as a vent day. Helping Vidya yesterday made me contemplate how liberating it might be to just write down how I'm feeling and write down things from my past. It began with my father, yet that part should already be in the journal due to my discussion with Vidya. After that I trained to be a wizard, self teaching my way through the arcane. Once I was old enough, my mother encouraged me to see the world and help people through adventuring. Ah, my mother, the sweetest mother Ferra's known. Even after my father's death she worked double shifts to ensure that she and I would get by and that I could pursue knowledge of the Arcane. She got me my first spell book, the one I gave to Darling, for my 15th birthday, telling me to save it for when I could use it. I spent all night practicing a cantrip I had scribbled down into it, Mage Hand if my memory serves me correct. I set very high standards upon the upkeep of that spell book, as it is one of two things I have left from my mother, the other being, according to those at her funeral at least, her eyes. 
Back on track, my mother encouraged my education. I excelled in a few subjects in school, such as imperial and math. The school I went to offered a strategy class for those who wished to join the Army of the Confederation as a strategist. I took the class, and did moderately okay in it, scoring I believe a 87% on the final examination. I never had many friends in school, some things never change I suppose, and I often kept to myself. The only person who brought light to my life was my mother, and she truly tried her hardest to keep me happy. I spent a lot of time writing poems back then about how awful the world was. 
There was one dark period of my life. Mother was sick for a prolonged period of time and I had taken to managing the finances and the house. Of course this meant I was no longer able to focus upon my studies, but it was worth it for my mother. Still there were a few times where I considered using some, lets say, immoral ways to heal her. If not for her saying it was merely a test by fate, and that the Gods would help her get better, I probably would've given into these dark urges. When she did make a recovery, I sent a prayer of thanks to Thalia, Goddess of health and family.
After mother felt better, I kept the job I had to be able to purchase more resources for learning the Arcane, and of course the transcription of spells was no cheap matter. By the time I had finished my education I honestly hadn't a clue what to do with life. My mother had suggested I travel, saying I could always come back if it didn't work out. So I left home, spell book in hand and backpack on back, set out into the world of Ferra.
The first job I had was actually as a security guard of, at the time, underground musician Elmar Poplarsong. He was a very nice guy, truly in love with his wife, Melody I think her name was. It must be nice to have someone to care for you and to care for them. After that I went south to Badenbach, the city of Magic. There I met an adventuring group in need of a wizard. There was one barbarian named Robalar, who specialized in cutting the tension and the enemies. There was a druid, or I think they were a druid, Arasatra, who loved the moon and stars. Her signature move partly inspired the name of the plan we used in Emberforge, Silver Star Strike. There was a cleric of Arianne, Daphine, who loved to take jabs at how I should give love a try. It is awfully fortunate for her that I was a self taught wizard and not one of the Shimmerhand Association, for fireball is very much a spell they teach there.
That was my party, for a while, taking small missions here and there. Robalar, with his brown eyes and well built body, would crack jokes, and would lighten the mood of any situation, and he was the de facto leader of the party. The face of the party was, much to my unspoken annoyance, Daphine, the blue eyed, blonde haired short stack, due to her being a cleric of the well respected Goddess. Arastra, the silver eyed and white haired one true friend I had in that group, was in charge of navigation and foraging. I, meanwhile, dealt with the financials, the planning, and helped with routing on roads. In short, I was the quartermaster. We never traveled too far, staying a long the north-eastern coast of the Confederation, with the farthest south we'd ever go being Badenbach and the farthest west being not even close to Frostheim. Still, we were a small, energetic group, who generally got a long enough and trusted each other with our lives. Yet, I suppose all good, if you can call it that, things must come to an end. 
While we were dealing with a mission, I got a letter from home that my mother was ill, signed two months ago. I cursed my luck, for we were about to do our first truly prosperous mission. The note said it was believed she had four months to live, and I gambled my prospects against family, and was dealt terrible retribution due to it. We completed the mission, some escort mission we had to do for a merchant, and I set for home at once, telling my party I'd send word once I was ready to rejoin them. I rode home, expecting to still have at least a month with my mother, to say final goodbyes. As I rode into town, I realized something was off. People wore black in the streets, clothes of mourning, still I did not wavered. I went to our house, my childhood home, and knocked. I got no answer, and so I knocked again. After about two minutes, a passerby asked who I was. I gave them my name and they went white, saying It was best to follow them. They let me to an empty church, I forget to whom currently, and walked me to a casket. My heart became to beat faster, my eyes clouding as we got nearer. It couldn't be, could it? Nevertheless, it was, and there in the casket was my mother, Viera Pildorsorrow, looking at peace. I asked for a moment of privacy, to which they obliged.
I lost track of how long I was there, and how many tears I wept. I had let my greed and hubris overcome me, and for that price I'd nevermore hear my mother, and she never saw her child before death took her. It is, by far, the greatest regret of my entire life, and a choice that has haunted my conscious, plagued my dreams, and echoed in my mind constantly. I still hear her voice sometimes, telling me she's waiting for me to come home, that when I get there she'll be waiting. Yet I have no home, and she no longer waits. May the gods bless my mother, may she have found a balm for her broken heart and wounded soul wherever she ended up after death, and may I carry the weight of my decisions until I, too, meet with her once more, and I can finally once more be with my mother. I just want my mother.
Hello Journal, 
I had to flip to a new page because the bottom of the last one was too waterlogged to write upon, and I don't wish for my ink to smear. Continuing on this sorry tale, I returned to my party. Nothing too exciting happened, that is until we entered a dungeon. We had made it to I believe the third floor when one of my comrades lit a torch to see and it exploded the air. After which, my party members were pulled down into the murky depths of the waters. I had, barely, managed to escape, and I was now truly alone in the world. For hours I waited, until Fritz found me, accompanied by Baznii, Milri, and Katerine. After some events, including me being struck down by cave moss, we made it out of the dungeon. I agreed to, as thanks for saving my life, join Katerine on her quest to slay the dragon Kai. The story from there should be well documented in this journal, but perchance some day I'll do another day like this upon just the siege. 
I don't really know if I feel better yet Journal, but I do know that this was a needed experience before I set off towards my damnation. I have discovered that many others in recent times, and though none have returned, it has made my rush to go there less pressing. I will not take forever, but I do expect some more time. After all, I do still have to prepare for whatever may be inside, and I'll have to find a way to increase my powers first, for I am but a single man, and others far more powerful have traversed the Mechanism before me. Maybe I'll get lucky, and I won't have to enter that cursed place, though my luck in life seems to be awfully flakey on when it appears. I suppose there is nothing I can do but wait, Journal. So much has changed in the last two weeks, in the last two months even, would it be too hard to just ask for a break? Maybe so, maybe this is the price I pay for my past, and perhaps if I'm fortunate and blessed enough, this is also the road to redemption and the trail to tranquility.
==== Day 35 ====
Hello Journal,
I decided to try my luck at enchanting today. Nothing major, just something to get the feel for it. I read a book at the library on enchants and one caught my eye, one which could make an item glow if within 60 feet of an undead. So I found a nice sturdy stick, one which reminds me of my old staff, and got to work. Standard progress was achieved, which is nice. After I was done with that it was evening time and I decided to go out. I found this workshop, and though I'd usually not indulge in activities usually done at a worship, I suppose I sought to largen the bounds of my knowledge. I found they had a calligraphy station, and so I decided to pay the fee for entrance and check it out. They had many exquisite inks and papers, standard dictionaries and thesauruses for Imperial Common and Ancient Imperial Common. I wrote some poems, only one of which I liked enough to keep, before departing. By that time it had been starting to get dark, and I decided to go to a tavern to get myself some soothing ale. At the tavern there was this guy I sat next to, said his name was Louis. He seemed friendly, but as though something haunted him. I conversed with him, knowing all too well a weighing conscious unspoken can have. He said that someone who cared for dearly had disappeared during the night of the siege, and said he hadn't a clue what to do with himself. I asked him if he had anyone else, and he smiled for but a second and said he had a sister, but gloomy expression returned when he said didn't know where she was either. I asked if he had anywhere he could go outside of Badenbach, and he seemed to contemplate this, and after about 30 seconds replied he had a place in Rotentor he could go, but he was scared of those who would be there. He said he had many people who would love to see him now that the one he lost was gone, many people who would be at his door if he returned home. I pondered this for a moment asking him if he lost a loved one, to which he replied his wife. I advised him to go home, reasoning that if his wife was looking for him, she'd go there first. I suggested he wait for roughly two months, afterwards it would be up to him to find her. He contemplated this for a good long minute, before I saw a smile in his eyes and a slight smile on his face, and I swear I also heard three musical notes played. He seemed to realized that I knew, looking panicked for but a moment but very welly composing himself just a quickly. He smiled at me and thanked me, before handing me a card. He said that the card has his place and the card would get him in, if ever he need a safe place to rest, or some other type of favor. I heard him humming as he walked away, and I swear I've heard the tune before, but cannot place where I've heard it. Shortly after he left, I did the same, heading home. Once in my room, I examined the card, and as he said it had an address. It was Rotentor. I have tried filling in the address three times, yet it does not stay on the page, as though magic is keeping me from copying the details down. Perhaps... this is no ordinary sorrow-struck man. Yet even if he isn't it is not my priority right now. I hope he finds his wife, but I need to focus on the Mechanism. Though maybe if I'm quick enough and alive enough with that mission I can see him once more. Maybe, maybe not. Until then, all I can do is hope.
Goodbye Journal.