Grog and Coffee

Third Entry of the Personal Journal of Nowhere

It is a new and strange place I find myself in to sit and write this in. On the edge of a strange wood, looking for a tiefling, like myself, I find myself with a new traveling companion. The people I have met over the past few days have been the most curious I have ever encountered. I would say that some of this is Blank's influence. He seems to be one who can easily speak to new people. This is not something I find easy. Although I often attributed this to my infernal heritage and the experience I have had when people of other races react to me, Blank has shown me that heritage does not have to define how you interact with people. Over a good pint of ale he found another new adventurer, and was open to him accompanying us. In spite of the fact that I disprove of Blank's use of his staff, he does have good soul. 

The morning after we made it to Miribar I demanded that we find a temple to my lady and see if there might be someone who could clear the curse from the staff. Blank came with only a small amount of resistance. The cleric we met unfortunately was not able to help us. He suggested that we search in Neverwinter where there is an arcane college of sorts. We thanked the cleric, and in honor of the Lady of Darkness I donated some gold to the temple. 

After this, we went back to the inn for an afternoon meal. We spoke with Marbus, the bar keep, and he told us a bit about the town and what me might be able to find here. While at the bar, Blank overheard a patron order a mug of grog. Apparently this was not something that Blank could let this person subject himself to, and he intervened. We introduced ourselves to the newcomer. I discovered with some delight, that, not only was he a monk, he spoke celestial as well. We had an amusing time conversing in the language for a moment while Blank looked on confused. It seemed, in some ways similar to my own situation, Ardyn was on his first journey out of the cloister of his monastery.  He was eager to go adventuring, and we were planning on looking at a job board in the city, he asked to join us. We accepted and left the inn. 

Before we took a look at the board, Blank wished to go to an establishment that Marbus had mentioned. It was called Jos' Curios. It was not hard to to find as there was a somewhat alarming sign out front which flashed and glowed with magic. Inside was a wide assortment of 'Odds and Sods.' Blank was quite taken with several items. I think he was just excited to find a kindred magic user. He admired a cloak which the proprietor Jos was wearing. All I could understand was that it billowed and flapped as if in a strong wind on command. As it turned out Jos provided us with some potions of healing, which were sorely needed if we were planning on adventuring. Once I managed to drag Blank away from the curios shop, Ardyn had an urge to go to a coffee shop. I'm not entirely sure why. I never had much desire to sit around and drink hot beverages, but I was curious to get to know this new addition to our small group. We found a simple coffee shop and enjoyed a hot beverage. 

Once we finished at the coffee shop, we went to look at the town job board. There were 3 jobs that looked promising, and would be worth looking into. One in particular was of interest for both Blank and myself. A tiefling by the name of Cor was offering a reward for the people who could find his brother. We made our way, with Ardyn, to the home of the tiefling. We were surprised to find the house rich and very fine. There was a human woman working in the front of the house. We called out to her and we found that she was blind. Telling her our business she brought us to the door. 

Cor seemed amiable, but a reserved person. He told us his brother had gone missing in Lurkwood one week prior. Cor himself owned part of the Lucky Queen mine, which explained the the obvious wealth of the home. His brother Alfred, who had chosen the name Doubt, was the second son, and had been experimenting with magic. He had, in fact, spoken with Jos shortly before he vanished. Just after mentioning this fact, I noticed that Cor seemed to be holding some information back. After some careful pressing and well placed intimidation he revealed that Doubt had taken a family heirloom when he left the house. All Cor seemed to know was that it was important somehow and that it was a map of Lurkwood with an X marking some spot. He seemed to think it was called Vorka's Treasure or something. After some discussion and deliberation we agreed to a price for compensation of 600gp for all three of us and we shook.

We left Cor's house, which I was still in awe of, and decided to head back to Jos'. As we walked I wondered how a tiefling could achieve so much in with out fear of persecution. We arrived back at Jos' and asked after Doubt. We learned he was a regular customer and he had given Doubt a map of the footpaths of Lurkwood. He replicated it for us, and we set off towards the Lurkwood. 

This is where I am now, writing my account. We have not yet reached the edge of the forest. I thought it best to take this opportunity to collect my thoughts and put them down in script. I feel that I may not have many of these types of chances once we are inside the forest, as both Blank and Ardyn are fairly sure Lurkwood is a dangerous place, and we may have some challenges traveling inside. I must say I look forward to the experiences that await me, as well as the opportunity to meet Doubt. He seems to be an intriguing person.