Eow (Eater of Worlds): NE Avenger Druid Run

[ZaramMaldovar]

Allow me to introduce you to Eow, an upcoming LP character and a tribute to the Late Great Bray Wyatt.

"I came from the woods, man. See...the thing about nature is; it's beautiful it's simplicity. I got the power to hurt; but I also got the power to heal. I can cure what ail you, man What *really* ails you on the inside. You just gotta be willing to listen can you hear it? The sounds of nature, all around us. Do as the river does, my brother....and RUN!"

He's got the whole world in his hands...........

RIP Bray Wyatt (1987-2023)

 

[ZaramMaldovar]

Summary of Eow: Like every ward of Gorion, Eow was raised in Candlekeep. Eow took Gorion's lessons to heart but was very cold and detached. Noticing that Eow seemed more calm and tranquil in the gardens of Candlekeep; Gorion sought the wisdom of traveling sages, druids and shamans to train Eow in the divine arts through his affinity to nature. As an adult, Eow grew more polite and well adjusted but kept a cold, calculating mind inside himself. He sees himself a champion of nature and an architect of the balance but is willing to go to whatever means neccesary for "the greater good"

Throughout the story you will see Eow slowly develop into a man who sees his divine heritage as a way to channel his will and shape the world to his desire. To create a peaceful world for both man and nature under *his* rule and wipe the abominations of undeath, slavery and corruption from the face of Toril. When he ascends, all will fear and respect him but those who are honorable need not fear his rule.

Don't expect Eow to always do blatantly evil things, that isn't really how he works. In fact, you might see him come to an understanding with and even grow quite fond of Good aligned characters and keep a surprisingly high reputation. Eow is a complex man with a darkness inside him and altruistic goals that he is willing to occasionally go to disturbing lengths to acheive.

Spoiler

Gorion approached me this morning during my meditations. My mood quickly changed from annoyance to concern as the old man informed that Candlekeep is no longer safe. At first I ignored him. Surely whatever dangers await me here, the Watchers would protect us. Soon however I found myself face to face with an assassin. He fell easily but it would seem he entered Candlekeep just as easily. No doubt he had some sort of assistance. Gorion it seems is right, and this is troubling news

Spoiler

Gorion is dead! We had barely made it a few hours outside Candlekeep before we found ourselves ambushed once again. But these foes were not normal assassins, one of them was dressed in armor black as night and clad in a terrifying spiked helmet. Even in his old age (or perhaps because of it) Gorion was an accomplished mage and slew the majority of our attackers but the armored figure cut through him as if he were naught more than a freshly baked roll.

I barely escaped with my life and when I reached the main road, I was greeted by a fellow child of Candlekeep named Imoen. Imoen is not one of the sages in training but she does possess a rudimentary understanding of the rogue's trade. Apparently she followed us from a distance out of curiosity and was as shocked as I was (though undoubtedly more traumatized) to see Gorion slain. Whilst I disapprove of her methods, I am in need of companions that I can trust if I intend to survive on the road and I could not forgive myself if I allowed this child to perish alone in the wilderness.

Spoiler

Imoen and I made our way north to the Friendly Arm Inn and acquired two more companions along the way; though I would hardly consider them trustworthy I have little choice in the matter. One is a gibbering mad mage named Xzar and the other a gruff halfling rogue named Montaron both traveling towards Nashkel to investigate some local troubles there but agreed to take a short detour north with me. A few hours outside the inn we encountered a man who bore a striking resemblance to Elminster of Shadowdale. Whether this elderly traveler is the legendary mage or not, the resemblance is such that I doubt many would attempt to test that theory. I think he should make the journey to whatever destination he seeks without much trouble.

Spoiler

Attacked once again on the steps of the Friendly Arm Inn. Clearly someone is after me, though I cannot think of any reason. Perhaps this has something to do with my real father? Gorion has admitted to not being my true father though he gave no information as to who that might be. Perhaps someone is seeking revenge for something my father did to them? I *must* find out who my real father is.

After dispatching the would be assassin, Imoen took an interest in his spellbook. I allowed her to continue doing so under my strict supervision, perhaps it will result in something useful, as I have known her to take a passing interest in magic during our lessons at Candlekeep. If Tethtoril saw something in her than perhaps she has some sort of innate casting ability within?

Spoiler

At last we found ourselves at Gorion's original destination: The Friendly Arm Inn. There we met up with Gorion's friends Khalid and Jaheria. Jaheria is a Druid like myself, and Khalid is a capable fighter despite a cowardly appearance and slight speech impediment. They also seek to go to Nashkel to investigate the local mines and were a little more forthcoming with their explanation of the situation. If Gorion trusts them than I do as well, we shall make our way south to Nashkel and see for ourselves what troubles they face.

Spoiler

After Imoen and most of our new companions had retired for the night, I returned to the bar to see what I could learn from the locals about any suspicious circumstances in the area, careful to not give away my place of origin in case unsavory characters might be listening in. Nobody seemed to know where Tarnesh had originated, but it would seem that bandit activity has increased dramatically in recent weeks. After briefly entertaining the notion that these events might be connected I brushed it off; the men who killed Gorion were far more than ordinary bandits. I was about to turn in for the night myself when I was approached by Khalid and Jaheria.

Gorion's companions informed that Xzar and Montaron were known agents of a group calling themselves the Zhentarim and were not to be trusted. Furthermore, Xzar was a necromancer! I have no wish to anger an organization such as the Zhentarim by killing two of their agents but I made a visit to Xzar's room under the pretense of asking for advice on Imoen's newfound interest in the arcane arts and he made no attempt to hide his vile practices. I killed him and with the aid of Khalid and Jaheria disposed of his body off the grounds of the Inn. While disturbed by my decision to simply end the man in cold blood, the two supported my decision and agreed to help corroborate a story about additional assassins.

In the morning we relayed the news to the rest of our companions but rather than question the authenticity of our story, Montaron only laughed at the misfortune of his departed compatriot. Nevertheless, with Imoen taking such a fervent interest in wizardry, Montaron may prove a useful rogue and will be far easier to control than Xzar

We now travel south, first to Beregost to restock our supplies for the journey and then to Nashkel. With three well equipped companions, I should be able to make short work of any more assassins that come my way, though I must remember not to grow overconfident in my abilities.

 

[ZaramMaldovar]

Spoiler

The rumors are true, the bandits in the region have become quite bold indeed! One made the mistake of attacking our company alone and suffered most dearly for it, but perhaps someone will pay us some much needed gold in exchange for the scalps of these miscreants. While collecting them is a task I despise, certain sacrifices must be made for the greater good. I've allowed Montaron to handle the issue of collection though he seems to relish the task with a bloodlust that I find.....unnerving.

Spoiler

When we arrived in Nashkel I was approached by a half-elf woman who was in quite a bit of a panic. Her name is Neera and she was being pursued by low ranking members of the Red Wizards of Thay. We managed to kill the wizards but I can sense the wild magics emanating from Neera's person and I do not wish to harbor such unpredicatable forces. Perhaps she shall find her way one day but I have no intention of allowing such chaos into my group.

Spoiler

Raising my traveling companions at the local temple proved to be an expensive venture, however the Morninglord Keldath Ormlyr tells us that a necromancer named Bassilus has been spotted terrorizing the area. If I can stop him than I can both eradicate a vile force that pervades nature as well as I acquire a 5,000 gold bounty to aid in acquiring better supplies for our journey to Nashkel. Yes, I believe this shall satisfy everyone involved.

Spoiler

Choosing to rest for the night in the simplest tavern Beregost had to offer, we entered the Red Sheaf and found ourselves targeted by a bounty once again, a bounty that seemed to have increased! My head is now worth 350 gold as opposed to 200 just a few short hours ago. This is very concerning. I might have had my head split open with an axe were it not for the timely intervention of a dwarven woman named Moidre.

Moidre seems to be a woman of few words but an honorable warrior nonetheless and one I shall happily allow into my company.

Spoiler

From what I was able to gather from the locals, the troubles in Nashkel seem to be linked to the corruption of iron coming from their mines. Many locals have anti-Amnish sentiment and seem to believe that Amn is somehow doing this on purpose. Doubtful: Why would one of the region's foremost producers of metal intentionally sabotage their own product and profits? No, something much deeper and unnatural must be going on.

Spoiler

With a spellbook in hand and a sling in the other, Imoen seems deadset on learning the tools of the arcane magic trade, so for the forseeable future Montaron will be taking over the role of party Rogue. I am uncertain how long I can control the Zhent after our dealings in Nashkel are over but I shall continue to consider all of my options.

Spoiler

AN: Montaron returns alone to the Burning Wizard to kill Zhurlong and take his boots after the party turned in the quest. Eow has his suspicions that such a move was made, but since Montaron wasn't caught he cares very little.

Spoiler

Recognizing Jaheria, Khalid and Montaron; the mayor of Nashkel approached us with mostly information we had already gleamed on our way into town. The ore within the local mines is somehow being corrupted and bandits continue to steal any shipments that attempt to leave town. There is little that the six of us can do to stop an entire organized force of bandits but perhaps investigating the mines will shed at least a little light on a solution to the region's problems.

Spoiler

More assassins! Despite being equip with magic, this woman who called herself Neira fell to our combined might relatively quickly. Despite this, it would appear the situation has grown graver still, as the bounty on my head grows to 680 gold. I caught Montaron making a passing glance towards me and I reminded him that the bounty includes *his* head as well. Imoen took this moment to mock the halfling telling him that he's stuck with us if he doesn't want an arrow between his eyes. I wonder if I should be concerned with this twinge of a violent outburst from Imoen? Nay, it is likely simply a morbid joke to relieve the tension of the situation; yes, that must be it.

Spoiler

The local carnival (must I be subjected to every misguided experiment of society?) proved to provide little clues though an enslaved Ogre broke lose and killed his captors before turning on us. Would that I had the resources to simply let him go I would have done so, a shame that such a life had to end in chains.

Spoiler

More abominations in this carnival! (Had I the power I would cleanse the whole lot of them in fire) a charlatan was keeping a Priestess of Tempus named Branwen encased in stone as some sort of exhibit! We freed her but I have no space for anyone else at my side for the moment, perhaps we shall return later when she has fully recovered from her ordeal.

Spoiler

While beautiful, Nature may always hide truly monstrous things within. Traveling west to rescue a mage named Dynaheir from captivity (I was approached by her mad caretaker last evening and whilst I have no intention of allowing him into my company, the others apart from Montaron insisted that we at the very least rescue his charge) we encountered a pack of Werebadgers. Khalid and Moidre were able to kill one with some great difficulty but the other three proved to be far too great of a challenge so we fled.

Spoiler

AN: This is purely a screenshot from a failed battle. I took it assuming I would survive and simply need to replace Montaron but the entire party soon suffered the same fate, so Montaron is spared for now via technicality. Will he survive the entire campaign? I certainly hope so, Eow is quite content with this party

Spoiler

How strange dreams can be. Making camp about a days journey from the Gnoll Stronghold that Dynaheir was mostly likely taken to, I had a dream in which Gorion's spirit attempted to lead me down a path that my intuition told me would be unwise. I fought against some dark force pulling me in that direction and Gorion's spirit seemed pleased at my efforts. A strange voice told me that I would "Learn" before I awoke. The others seemed concerned but I shrugged them off, it was just a dream.

Spoiler

One of the gnolls in the area confirmed my suspicions. Not only is Dynaheir imprisoned in the nearby stronghold but she has been kept alive for some mysterious reason. Perhaps we should make haste before the other gnolls change their minds.[/Spoiler]

 

[ZaramMaldovar]

Spoiler

Making our way to the gnoll stronghold, we rescued Dynaheir and accompanied her back to Nashkel to meet with Minsc, during our journey we found a book that magically increased my natural ability to lead.

AN: Yes, I actually left Dyanheir at the stronghold, but I'm trying to tell a story here, lol.

Spoiler

Arriving at the mines the owner seemed sensible enough and allowed us passage. The workers all seem to talk of monsters moving in the depths of the mines. Whilst I doubt anything supernatural is going on here, perhaps such a fate wouldn't befall man if they didn't wound the earth with these accursed mines! Let us find out what we can and be done with this place.

Spoiler

My suspicions were correct, the mine wasn't attacked by demons but rather a horde of kobolds and their half-orc leader, a Priest of Cyric named Mulahey. Between Mulahey and Bassilus, my suspicions initially went in the direction that a sect of Cyric may be involved but the letters in Mulahey's chest hint towards a much greater conspiracy involving both corrupting the captain of the guard and poisoning the ore that makes it way out of the mine.

But who could possibly profit from destroying such an important resource? One thing is certain, our next move is to investigate the Feldepost Inn in Beregost and question Tranzig, a middleman between Mulahey and someone named Tazok.

Spoiler

On our way out of Nashkel we were attacked by another assassin, this time personally paid by Tazok to kill us. Nimbul's words proved to be empty threats but he was equip with magic and a set of boots that made it impossible to attack him with long range weapons. I don't like this, what enemies I have; they appear to be getting smarter.

Spoiler

Arriving in Beregost we were met with a much friendlier encounter, the old man who spoke to us on the road a few days prior has turned out to indeed be Elminster. His advice was helpful but I find it troubling that such a powerful source is watching my every step. It is becoming increasingly apparent there is something many people know about me that I do not know about myself.

Spoiler

An Officer of the Flaming Fist offered us 50 gold in exchange for Bandit Scalps. While I'm loath to take part in such a Barbaric practice, I shall allow Montaron to do so for the party's profit

Spoiler

Tranzig proved to be an unworthy challenge and fell easily to one swift slam of Moidre's hammer. On Tranzig's body we found notes leading us through the Wood of Sharp Teeth to a Bandit Camp. Perhaps if we are intelligent about our approach we can slip in and out relatively unnoticed.

Spoiler

Resting at the Friendly Arm before our journey into the forest we hired a man named Sam to spread misinformation about our band to make us seem more threatening. Most of my group seemed to disapprove of this action but I think it best and a wary glance or too will no doubt silence Montaron's constant whining about being "a goody two shoes" among other slurs.

Spoiler

We were able to succesfully bluff our way into the bandit camp with the the aid of Imoen's charm and quick wit. Tazok believes us to nothing more than mercenaries who were looking for a reason to shed blood.

Spoiler

In Tazok's tent we dispatched of his guard and found more letters leading us to a set of mines in the Cloakwood stolen from a now extinct Dwarven clan. In the Cloakwood we should find Tazok's superior: a man named Daveaorn and perhaps find evidence of his correspondence with their leaders Rieltar and Sarevok who work for a group known as the Iron Throne.

I've heard merchants mention this group in passing during my days in Candlekeep but I was under the impression they were a minor mercantile group operating mostly out of Cormyr and Sembia. With these latest developments however it seems that someone is trying to mastermind a plot to sabotage all iron coming from any mines other than their operation in Cloakwood. This conspiracy goes far deeper than I would have ever thought and it would seem Jaheria, Khalid and Montaron are extremely troubled by this: Jaheria and Khalid due to the implications of war and Montaron due to the growing fear of the Zhentarim being blamed for the situation.

Montaron seemed to have taken his frustations out on Tazok's prisoner Ender Sai whom he insisted was likely a spy for the Throne. I doubted the halfling's logic but chose not to intervene, the rogue's death was of no consequence.

Spoiler

At the steps of the Friendly Arm we were once again approached by Elminster (are you following me, old man?). The sage's interest in my travels is troublesome, how could my adventures possibly be of interest to someone so powerful?

Spoiler

Another dream last night. I was wandering the Nashkel Mines and was approached by the ghost of Mulahey who stood next to a dagger made of bone waiting for me to kill him once again. The familiar voice was back, screaming louder and louder for me to shed the creature's blood no further but I ignored it. My fate is my own and there is little point in killing what has already passed. "You WILL learn" the voice said as I woke up, it's eerie cadence ringing in my ears for several moments after.

The first dream seemed only a coincidence, but if I continue to have dreams likes this I shall grow increasingly concerned that something is amiss. No matter, I have a task that I must do and no doubt a limited amount of time in which to do it.