9803.22
I caught up to my old pal Donnan a few of months ago. He invited me to travel with he and his companions for a while. I gladly accepted. The more the merrier, I always say - especially when one ends up in a fight. We all entered Midmeadow, a wonderful town of intrigue. Currently, there is a balance of power between the 5 controlling factions: The police, the religious zealots of Neural, the slavers, the bandits and, of course, the monsters.
We appear to have upset the balance.
First, we meet Lord Gax, 1st Councilman of the city, who welcomes us but tells me that as the only native, I am responsible for the actions of my companions! I had a few choice words with Donnan over that. Then, a second group comes and demands a tax from all but me. As everyone is getting ready to pay, I ask for the proper documentation - and end up with a sword at my throat. Pleasant.
After some words and the observation of Lord Andrew (3rd in command of the police) and Lord Bretonius (a rather powerful archmage), a nasty fight broke out. We were victorious with a little help from Lord Bretonius. We all end up at his mage tower by that evening for safety sake.
I have to say, I have never been more spoiled in my life. I spent the next 3 months leaning magic, music and the rapier. Lord Bretonius was a most wonderful host. Should he wish to have a bard in his tower in the coming months and years, I will most definitely volunteer. I, as well as the rest of my group, now bear the wizard's mark
After we reluctantly left the mage tower, we returned to Midmeadow and set up in one of the better inns. I arranged to perform at the inn that night. Then we visited Lord Andrew and allied our group with him. We came up with the idea of being a traveling troupe with myself and Margie (another elf) singing and such. With so many in one group, we have more than enough to fill out the positions of guards, manager, barkeep, etc.
That night, we returned to the inn and I got ready to perform. As it turned out, so many came to see me, we had to move to a performance hall. This city seems bereft of entertainment. There must have been 600 in the hall. I had never performed for so many before. Nor had I ever been the target of an assassin.
During my last song, upon the final note, I was shot through the chest. I had a moment of pain and disbelief, looking at the black arrow that pierced my body before I mercifully collapsed into unconsciousness. I awoke in my room at the inn, surrounded by guardsmen. 2/3rds of the police force had been in the audience that night. Donnan was also badly hurt.
I am told that the assassin used Dru-gar's needle, a magical weapon. They left the calling card of the clerics of Neural - whom came to visit me when I was better. They wanted me to know that it was not them who attacked me - that they would not strike down a woman with the Voice. The Paladin was nice enough to offer the final healing with a black opal. Unfortunately, the black opal was a Tear of Lloth. I freaked out. Fortunately, Lord Bretonius (May the Gods ever smile upon that man) took care of the cursed gem.
We all ended up back in Lord Bretonius' tower again to discuss the assassination attempt. I was baffled at why anyone would want to kill me. Perhaps the Slavers wished revenge upon their fallen brethen. Perhaps someone wanted to set up the Clerics. Or, as Lord Bretonius suggested, perhaps it was Dr. Death, his evil twin making a statement to Lord Bretonius by attacking his chosen. I do not know.
Well, I have written much this night. I think that I will have a good tale or two traveling with group before my time is done. Especially if we run into Dr. Death. We shall see.
Continue on to: 4. The Sewers