The background..

The time had come for me to leave Skara Brae for a while. There were a handful locals claiming there were some involvment on my behalf regarding theft of a rare pet belonging to a certain Countess. The rumors were most certainly false, as I would never disgrace myself by stealing a living, eating and breathing creature. There is simply too much nuisance, and the small chance of loosing the profit.. since well, the creature most certainly has requirements attached to it's successfull survival. And not to mention the tricky business of returning it to it's former master without exposing oneself. Blackmail was absolutely not my cup of tea..

I grew up close to the city with my brother, well at least he was the closest I got. He left on his own dangerous path several years ago, although he did leave me with enough knowledge and tools to survive. I believe he left on my 15th birthday. He was claimed that he was at least two years older than me, which we often had the oppertunity to debate, but I always knew he was the older one. His departure made the vacuum of his illegal activities and so called business appearent to me, it was my time to gratefully accept or watch someone else take my rightful place. How much time he had invested in this I had appearently failed to predict, it became like taking candy from a baby.

For the first few years after his departure, I got my chance to shine as a well known aquirer of items that customers would require, even if a subjected owner were not so willing to part with it. A few times I would even be forced to defend myself, my tutor covered this aspect of the game as well with great skill. The art of subterfuge and hiding in the shadows, as well the infinate value of a concealed dagger. An ability to plunge into into the right bodypart would proove invaluable. One would like to leave as few distinctive marks as possible, both to a possible victim and the scene at hand.

This is precisely what saved me from certain capture and most likely a following of grievence and persistant torture on behalf of the countess. The details are insignificant, I got away without a scratch. Somehow I slipped away by boat and sailed straight across the ocean and ended up close to Trinsic.

I had values with me to sustain me some time, however I recognized the need for a steady supply of gold. Perhaps I could find victims on my own, in any event I began my search around the walls of Trinsic. Several buildings were stalked, some were robbed. I was extremely carefull, convinced there already were established collegues in the area prior to my arrival. A small chapel became my latest fancy, but somehow it would prove a fundamental difference from the other stalkings. This one was watched by guarding eyes which I priorly failed to detect. I went in for the robbery as I would all others, equipped with a dagger and a loot bag, covered in my cloak...

The chapels interior was quite appealing and had quite a few things that would fetch a fitting price on the market. The caretaker's portion of the building seemed stacked with chests begging to be opened, and the lack of lighting favoured me it seemed. I saw the caretaker's drinking glass on a evened stone and slipped in some sedatives to knock him out. It didn't exactly go as I planned. Although he had his eyes almost closed he kept working at the efficiency he did prior to the ingestion. I was so amazed when he almost walked straight at me, I slipped over some water he had spilled earlier. Accidentally I managed to make a great deal of noise, but the caretaker did not even fringe. It was only for me to serve myself I thought.

For a while that was the case, however I was to be interrupted by someone who carried themself as a potential employer or perhaps even a witness against me in my ongoing task. It did not look good, considering one of my hands was in the chest while the other was holding the bag.

The lady transfixed me with her beauty and calm posture, staring directly into my eyes. I was left motionless and with a large question mark on my face except one hand working on it's own instinct trying concealing the loot bag behind myself. Assured she was someone of importance, her clothes gave it away, I waited for her move. She spoke, my jaw dropped, I complied. It was evident that I had intruded on her as well as the good owners of the chapel. I was to come with her at once and leave my loot behind me; I would not need it she promised. A few careful questions followed before she elegantly uttered some strange words, summoning one of the blue shining portals. This one did not go to a familiar place..

We were now at a large mansion between other perhaps equally large similar buildings. I had the feeling I would not regret going along with this or I would have run and took my leave of this place. There were a few disturbing traits to all this evidently, however I was keen on seeing what she wanted. I was fortunate indeed as she did not want to hand me over to any authority, rather she had a few tasks for me. I had answered quite a few questions up till this point, but this seemed a test perhaps of my loyalty. The items I would require would insure certain danger to myself, however this did not seem to bother her slightly.

I left with the urge to indeed complete this task, it seemed quite trivial to me, but she had sealed the deal with a handsome amount of gold. I felt obliged to compel. My training efforts would have to be doubled to allow success without certain fatal events.. Capture would have been most painful, and my fate would be sealed. My training was in a lonely town in Felluca, and it lasted for quite a while and was ever so tedious.

** Technical objective rabbling for a few pages about the primary human senses like sight and hearing and how they work, even a bit about touch and how to conceal it **

My training had come to a pause and it was time to enjoy the fruits of the labour. I had requested the aid of the mistress on the training of weapons, she did indeed provide all that was needed. We went to what is called Malas and there at a house there lived some characters I believed to be related. Two girls I met, one was apparently a crafter of sorts and the other a closer friend of the mistress. It was an enchanting place, however we left after our brief stay to our own tasks once the deeds were carried out.

As for the training process itself, it proved more difficult then I imagined. This would also have to wait until I found some means to progress properly.

Meanwhile the carnival had come, and I must say it was amazing in all aspects. Both of opportunities of great deals to be made to the outrageous wide array of entertainment available. I was very pleased to see a town this familiar to myself be at the centre once again. I mostly watched the other guests try out the various stands and absorbed the atmosphere. Some purchases and bets were made regardless, they had treasures no one could resist. And there was a quite talented chef as well.

After a while the mistress from the chapel appeared and she had company. They did like everyone else and seemed to enjoy the carnival. Somehow I would still consider the mistress' company slightly peculiar, if only based on their appearance. I spoke briefly with her regarding tasks during the evening, she seemed quite busy just as the other guests, nothing fundamental came out of that.

When it was time for me to go I left for the docks and discovered I had simply acquired too much weight. I had to loose some items, I must point out that I had been under the influence during the festival and now that it was wearing out, it all seemed heavier. I stopped by a tree next to the docks. There I carefully began unloading what I didn't need. Not soon after I was then confronted by a lady demanding her merchandise which after small consideration I believed to be a relief. I did not want them anymore, it was more of a training. However she even drew a weapon when I began questioning her which items in particular she wanted. It ended peacefully and we went each our ways.

I had some business at some merchants now and I left for the east, to the outskirts of Trinsic where I would unload the immediate items I would not need to carry on my person, as well as stock up. I took in at a cabin close to Skara Brae and prepared my journey...

The business went as expected with exception of one flaw. I had managed to hire a tailor as well to provide needed disguises and such for my stay there, as well as more trivial tasks. The only failed business was my order of weapons at a earlier market I stumbled upon in Jhelom earlier on travels. Due to my many chores I had failed to send a letter on the date I agreed with him, I will have to try and compensate for this somehow should I find him again.

In Trinsic I met several familiar faces, and got to know a new one. Social activities were as expected for the few days I stayed, except for a curious offer. A girl named Jackson offered me and others some of her most exquisite rum. I must admit it enchanted my senses briefly, as I apparently agreed to discuss business with her regarding the transport of it. The duchy's guards with their curious nature questioned our motives but it seemed all too innocent with the free offers and all..

A day later there was a sort of family meeting regarding a few interesting matters. The first was an obscure abduction, I'd rather not go into the details, but I can admit it was an enriching experience which left you feeling tainted somehow momentarily. I was almost alone with the mistress and I tried to bring up the subject of my salary, but I was either ignored or misunderstood. It was not my main concern as of yet, at least she seems to trust me so far..

The second on the agenda seemed to be about naval activities. I did not get all the information as there were some confusion about the goals of these strange members of the family. I cannot help to get the feeling that one or two of them are hiding something sinister. They are all well mannered and shows great etiquette, however, one might say their motives are apparently divided as much as a real family . But the order and dead-calm atmosphere was an impressive display of organization.

I for one wanted means to supply any goal.. namely gold. I was so tired at the end of the night I had to be excused and left directly for my tavern. Curiously enough, only one of the other members showed similar signs of fatigue. After todays events I should perhaps make my way to Vesper next.. perhaps I should investigate the possibilities of a ship, I will consider it carefully.

I did not see any members of the family this week, however I am not foolish enough to assume they were not watching me. It was quite a test of solitude, as usual I am eternally curious to know their true motives, still I would not want overstay my welcome. Besides I was quite busy.

A ship had been arranged to take me to Vesper, but the price was rather unappealing. The captain explained something about a sea serpent which has just caused a shipwreck close to the southern gate. I would reluctantly have to stay in Trinsic for a while longer it appeared. Business seemed to go quite well in town, so I did manage to prolong my stay with almost luxurious style. If the serpent was not dealt with I would have to overcome this outrageous travel fee, my efforts are to be doubled. Maybe it was fortune smiling on me when I discovered perhaps one of the reasons funds are so plentiful here. A trading company had based it's effort here, it belonged to someone I failed to catch the name of. I would need to investigate further into the details of their business.. and how my model could fit into it.

If I am not mistaken someone is also trying to bomb a few buildings in Trinsic. I mentioned to a guard a lot of distinctive boxes which I had spotted earlier around important buildings like the tavern, healer and bank. The guard acted vigilantly and rushed to bathe them in water, which seemed to disarm them perfectly. It seems I should perhaps take some of my belongings to a safer place, for a while at least.

Yesterday, as I had made myself ready, I used the north gate to get my cherished merchandise into my newly acquired safe location. At the gate bridge among the guards I stumbled upon an old lady which seemed polite enough, she may even be rich. Except perhaps, she had the habit of investigating the hygienic state of other peoples hands. A guard girl and myself were approved apparently, and then she more or less explained this habit. She was running a bath establishment on a island quite a while away. I believe it was the next friday if I am not mistaken. Apparently and I was invited and asked which baths I would prefer.

The Trinsic Rose was only a minor detour so I managed to slip in there for a small while, nothing too eventful happened in my short stay, but the guests there seemed quite amused. My merchandise was safe only a trip to the inn remained tonight. I had to get ready for a short trip to Moonglow tomorrow, apparently the market of Skara had made it's way there.

This time I managed to get to Vesper and set up operations as planned there. My task had brought me here as well as the desire to train some more. A cave network was supposed to be close by, it had the strange name Covetous.

After going through the canals and looking at all the amazing architecture, I found myself almost leaving the city by the west and I heard some noises coming from a tavern just outside. It was indeed my target, the Swaggers Inn. I made myself up the stairs watching my every step. When I entered it became apparent this place had plenty of staff and was a great business, and surprisingly, I was most welcome.

Seemed my arrival was fortunate indeed, my two targets were there as well. I watched them carefully but not alarming anyone as I made some notes.

A man I had seen with Lady Jade earlier was sitting at the counter not far from me, he offered a drink as a welcome gift I suppose. He was rather busy with his love but he managed to get some conversation going my way as well. After a while I decided I would try to get a room in the inn, the man offered to pay for my two nights here. I asked his name and he introduced himself as Demos Tremere. I was curious as to why he was being so generous, I still ponder the reasons but gratefully accept for now.

*A neatly drawn sketch of a small scene in the Swaggers*



After being settled I headed out for the dungeon and it was quite perilous, I was first met by pillars of flame shooting up from the holes in the ground. Surrounding them were feathers, mostly scorched by the flames I assume. Of course this meant there were some huge birds which I think were called harpies here.

Some of them were easily dealt with, but they had a mean pack instinct. Before the tunnel I was in, was finished, I had dealt with a few gazers as well, and some clever plants that tried to eat my new gloves. I had already contracted a tailor in the city who would help me repair any damages. I would return regularly to train while staying in Vesper. Watching my targets carefully..

*The next entry is obviously written in a more sophisticated script with clear black ink of superior quality compared to the previous. References are made using unfamiliar numerals in between the paragraphs to separte pages containing the sketches*


So much has happened in the last two months I have not had the time nor conscience required to keep track of my journey here. I am very satisfied that by my effort I now have established .. economic operations in both Trinsic and Vesper. These operations have given some immediate advantages, the two worth mentioning is I now have a captain on my payroll by the name of Zharim. He has a very fast ship, perhaps the fastest I have seen, and I now enjoy unlimited travel on this small but efficient vessel.

A painter which shall remain nameless now also is in my employment, she has become quite valuable to me. I needed a sketch artist which would keep the images safe and never even consider repainting them. The images would also need to be small enough to contain in a book. Strangely but fortunate enough there were one available at the island of the family. Oddly she had no tongue, but she expressed herself perfectly clear on the canvas. She also continuously carried a scroll and some ink making it easier to communicate. Now she resides at the chapel and will tend to the mess hall and relieve Mulag of some duties. The chapel has undergone some reconstruction and the cellars are now complete and ready to be enjoyed.


At the chapel, a few days after the last entry, I found an invitation to a wedding held at the courtesy of the family and the very girl I was watching in Vesper. She was marrying the suspiciously kind man with pale skin who sponsored my stay at the Swaggers. I was quite pleased to see it receiving the blessing and proper attention required. I attended with pleasure. Although it was tempting with all the jewelry, I restrained from relieving the guests of their much too extravagant possessions. The food was very good, but I cannot help to feel something I failed to discover was amiss, guests left all of a sudden in a rush.



With ease I now travelled from island to mainland busy with several tasks. On the island of the family I met a strange and very agitated girl claiming to guard the arena on the island. Quite perilous it was for a moment, she demanded I'd answer her questions or else she would release some flames she mentioned. This I had to prevent, she even manifested a rather large spark in her hand when disobeyed. I persuaded her with my dagger to let us reconsider the matter and introduce ourselves properly. We did, and it is safe to say we the differences were overcome and our common heritage was embraced, she introduced herself as Flipper. I met her again a few days later, I wouldn't say it was a more civil meeting, however definitely more friendly.



We were interrupted by a pair of visitors investigating the building west of the arena. They were armed and seemed unfamiliar with the buildings but very much at ease with some of the more unusual residents of the island passing them by. They singled us out as we ventured to discover their task. It was a simple message to be delivered to the mistress. Naturally my companion provoked them slightly, however they left satisfied their message would be delivered, and we were to say it was from the court. They failed to mention which one. When they had left I was rather puzzled by the nature of the conversation, and I chose to ignore them. I can only assume my company did the same, they were arrogant and we had never seen them before. I did see them once later but they were quite busy with some other task and I do not always make it easy for people to notice me. Perhaps I was wrong, perhaps they indeed are friends of the family..

* This entry is written in the same exact same manner as the latter*

I had failed to go to the last family meeting, however I was excused due to the immense nature of my ongoing tasks. I would be updated at a later time when suitable.

A note was again left for me in the chapel and this time I was to head directly to the island. It was from the sister of the chapel, my host Noixiata. The message was rather specific in the terms but not the task. I was to meet with the family members and be prepared for anything it seemed. I did not heed this warning to the extent it was intended. I reached the island by conventional means and it seemed to be a quite satisfying weather and the air was light. That was all about to change..

My task was so grim and obscene I cannot even begin to manifest the slightest word to describe the atrocities which were committed. After this I was closer to the family then I ever could have considered I would be when I read the note or my initial contact with them. This task was to be repeated to such an extent it would be a simple task and only a matter of numbers. The magical nature of this was painfully clear, the motives were obvious and the efficiency resembling a military training camp mustering for an unavoidable war. I was not informed in detail of the true purpose and dynamics at any point, but it was obvious I was watched at every move.



One of our guests, in this what became a mundane grotesque ritual, possessed something I could not bear to see wasted. This particular client had the eyes which resembled jewels being nothing less then the greatest success the Creator could have had making us. I almost neglected my task and she was close to overpowering me, but the family did not let that happen. They noticed my transfixed state and I stated I had never seen such magnificent sockets containing the most pure innocent mirror to her powerful soul. It was a simple matter to them, if I wanted them, I should take them. They made it clear, not with words, but with gestures and grimace, failing to take what is potentially yours from an outsider is a sign of weakness. We carefully wrapped the eyes in a cloth with qualities to spare them the friction it would receive while detained in the jar the lady had prepared. Our task was far from over but we eventually ceased and it was time to wait a few days not to arouse too much suspicion from the home towns of our new, permanent residents.

I went with the lady Jade to what seemed to be her domain. I waited there for a while contained with the drinks her servant supplied. She took her while and I was eventually rewarded for my patience. I was taken to the cellar of the building, there were so many strange objects around I should not even mention here. Questions came to my mind as drops of rain would fall from the most storm-full clouds. My queries would not go unanswered.. First with immense precision and the strangest tools she crafted a ring and a bracelet containing the eyes of the innocent girl. Upon their return to me, I was quite surprised to discover them looking straight at me through the emerald surface in which they were encrusted. I was paralyzed. She carefully explained they would now serve me in manners which would be a boon to both me and the family. A very morbid but useful gift the lady insisted. I carry them to this day.

The lady asked me if I had any questions regarding this particular day and my relationship with the family. She must have seen the burning desire in my curious watchfull gaze. . This was to be the breaking point regarding my view of the family. She casually slipped in an answer to my queries. After I finished the questions regarding the tasks we were forced to perform, I moved on to the delicate topic of our reputation in Trinsic among the Duchy's guards and spies, she was curious to what I had heard. We discussed it and we came to a revelation, I cannot be more specific.

It was not a mistake, an obvious statement meant to pierce my ears and leave a wound in my mind. At first I thought immediate danger and looked for the exit, it was sealed. She must have anticipated this. As she spoke, a few sentences became completely blurred, however they must have contained the most reassuring words known to man. I no longer felt fear for my life in this instance, if they wanted to harm me, they would have so long ago. I felt a fundamental resistance from my very soul, but my reason told me to be flattered.

I was given a choice which many of any eventual subjects would not even have the option of considering. It was the greatest gift or the darkest curse, all in the eyes of the beholder. I still weigh my options every waking moment, it cannot be considered lightly. In all events preparations must be made, and that is immediately.

*the last 3 entries although separated by a page in between seem to be written in one session, continuing the constancy of the script*

One of last days to this point I spent much of my time at a market outside my favorite Vesperian inn. I met a few members of the family and even saw sister Noixiata making one of her rare appearances at a counter there. She looked extremely busy barely capable of handling the attention which was demanded, she left in a hurry once she had completed her business.

There were many wondrous entertainment procedures prepared at every ones leisure. I personally found the morbid creature which was perhaps an orc and the fights at the arena, the most entertaining. I must admit, they had wealthy clientele with deep pockets and it was a true investment coming here even though I made a few purchases of my own before I returned to the chapel.



There was also a family meeting I attended containing regular business and also an opening of a new tavern. My agenda was updated and I was back on track it seemed. I tried to portray my discoveries accurately for the last days in regular report manner and they were received accordingly.

There were to be some training sessions in Trinsic. I decided to go, although I had some trouble finding the exact spot. Once I did however, it became business as usual. The ones attending were very skilled and I was fortunate they were all happy to see more people to practice with. I was welcomed adequately and supplied with food and drinks. There were even a few a small audience at some point. Quite a few unwillingly revealed their pockets contents and some were even relieved of their less convenient parts of their inventory.



Before leaving there was some commotion where sister Noixiata was mentioned several times. I failed to catch the exact context as I had to leave, but I was soon to discover what it was about.

Upon returning to the chapel I went to sleep quite early considering how much was on my mind. I was awakened a few hours later by persistent curses thrown throughout the corridor by sister Noixiata. The volume and the echo of the cellar kept me from sleeping further. Before I noticed she was outside my room knocking on my door demanding my immediate assistance. It appeared she had encountered some issues and expressed her wish to travel a small trip, and she would need a tailor and a hairdresser post haste. I did as she commanded.

She has been away now for a while, when she left I barely recognized her, the assistants I had gathered were disposed of, such a shame, they had done impressive work, she was like another person. The chapel became very lonely with the two other residents not speaking much. There was some changes as well in the small hamlet of New Paws. The duchy of Trinsic had installed a new mayor by the name of father Cuthbert. He has indeed seen to some changes in the surrounding area, however we will have to wait and see if it will relieve the hamlet of the economic downfall it is plunging towards. His intentions seem to be for the best and New Paws has not received so much love in almost a year. I believe the residents are quite happy to have him there.

*The paintings are passionate and flawless, organized according to the numerals*

The days that followed manifested one problem following another. In the beginning there were smaller tasks uniting in their common goal to steal all my precious time it seemed. I knew now how it felt to be robbed..

However I could not begin to conceive what investments were to be made in me, and how fatal they would be.

As if my duties from the house were not keeping me occupied enough, sister Noixiata had begun sending orders in form of discreet letters to me. Smaller tasks to keep the chapel and it's small staff in order. She also included a letter with a sincere promise that soon she would relieve me of the chapel duties, if all went as planned.

Among all these, there were two tasks which were very unusual. The first one seemed at first a be regular reconnaissance task. The guardsmen were holding an anniversary festival. Apparently I had to attend. For most of the days I were to be unseen as usual in my tasks, however she had one request which would deny me my discreet abilities. For all of the days of the festival I would have to deliver a report. However, for the one with the great brawl, I should also make a painting she insisted. She knew I was not anything nearly as proficient with a brush as our previous clientèle, but who was I to refuse.

There were some instructions of how I was to proceed with this painting, they were rather specific. I was to use a special paint color palette contained within the chapel. It was imperative that I would also use a brush the previous chapel artist obviously did not need anymore. The canvas would be delivered to the chapel by packhorse from Vesper by a loyal courier and the packhorse would be at my disposal afterwards until I had brought back the painting.

On something that seemed almost to be a side note, it included a message to consume the potion exactly one hour before the painting were to commence. Curious, but she always knew what she wanted it seemed. I pondered which potion for a while.

With the possibilities already presented by the house which sister Noixiata had placed so much trust, I would do anything requested of me.

All went exactly as planned and I managed somehow to paint it seemed. My memory of the process is very blurred, I am especially confused by some numbers I remember painting but I can't see them on the canvas anymore. The numbers were assigned to the contestants of the brawl individually in a fashion I was not quite sure of the dynamics behind. I looked at my notes afterwards, but they surprisingly look very disorganized to me at this moment. I later tried to make a copy with same brush and paint, with utter failure.

Returning home, the courier casually dressed but ready for travel, stood ready with a very small ship on the shoreline on the path to the chapel from the gates. He had a rather large box for the painting ready, in which it was loaded safely together with the report. He gave me a potion which a had a small note attached to it's cork with an elegant clear script saying, "Drink". Smiling politely, he took off immediately after securing his cargo and preparing his small vessel for travel again.

I felt the urge to sleep and carried myself back to the chapel cellars and into my room were I collapsed.

The anniversary was an apparent delight to the guests, at least I can be sure of the days except for the brawl. I was quite amused myself due to the relaxed atmosphere and perhaps the conveniently loosely tied pouches.



That was the first task.

The second was to deliver a letter, although not in any regular fashion..

*the last entry was hastily added with complete lack of concern for the reader it may seem. Written with an unsteady hand, perhaps even damaged. Too many letters may be blurred, and assistance could be required to avoid misinterpretation.*



The delivery failed!

With some certainty I can say, this will be my last entry. If I am to survive, I will need to summon all my hiding skills. Perhaps if I had another drink of Lady Jade's sanguine elixir, I could even had stood a chance. She might be my only chance, however I do not have the luxury of hope. I fear the peril which I was unwillingly forced amidst, may be my last mistake.

Feeling sister Noixiata screams in my head, continuously swarming my senses, I predict little chance of redemption nor escape. She was never specific on the subject of failure, but I sense I need little guidance to understand it is fatal in every regard. There is one thing I can be sure of though, I have wasted too much time here already. I should go.

Fare well my journal, I pray this burial will keep you safe if I am ever to return.