Diary of Orfoun Forgebreaker
As per recommendation of those much wiser than me, I shall track my important discoveries and theories here. This shall work as my own personal archive to track the progress of my expedition.
As a Researcher
The journey to the site goes well. We must go to the Blackpits to investigate the corrosive properties of this Manifestation. Ever since the Ishi-ka-diki have started to participate in the affairs of kingdoms, empires, and consulates, their magic has been very impactful in defeating most who go against them. There have been some issues with the Ishi-ka-diki as we venture through, but with the roguish group provided to me, we have manage to travel with no major issues.
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We have made it to the Blackpits, or as close as we can with it's sulfurous fumes. The mystics who live in the area have been able to wander closer to the very pits itself, and they don't affiliate themselves with any faction and seek to know more about the pits. It may be of great use to reach out to them and seek their teachings. As a sign of good faith, I've sent back my escorts to dedicate myself solely to this research.
As a Servant
I've met one of these shaman, Akki. She has agreed to assist me in being able to learn more about the Blackpits, but I must assist her with whatever she deems necessary. I'm not that keen on being someone's thrall, but if that is what I must do to be as proficient as her, than so be it.
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After many months, I have finally made some progress. I am now what many would call quite adept as Toxonics. I can now venture much closer to the Blackpits. Which of course is now being taken advantage of for Akki's tasks. I've been exhausted, my magic being used to it's fullest extent every day. But I must stand strong, to learn about this insane magic.
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I write this entry as my last day serving that twisted woman. I have done this for many years at this point and no longer will I do her twisted bidding. Whilst, doing my most recent task, I stumbled upon some dwarven craftsmanship. It was on the shore of the very pits itself. None have every mentioned this, or even getting this close to the pits with it's intoxicating presence. I'd dare call myself close to a master of Toxonics, but I don't dare try to bring that attention to myself. Regardless, I digress. This craftsmanship had a riddle to it. I dare not copy it here as I now know who created this "shelter", Thadeus Blightsteel. This is the last place I expected to find anything related to that traitor. But, now I shall rest here.
As an Explorer
Within this place is such insane knowledge. I couldn't believe most of what I have read. They called him a heretic, but this madness sounds all too keen. I can continue without this questions answered. There must be more, he marked this as "3" beneath his inscriptions on the walls. There tells a riddle of great confusion here, one that implies there more locations like this and maybe this is the third of many. I must learn of this new location to try and bring me closure.
The riddle is as follows, least I forget.
Where masters provoke,
my claim hath evoke.
Where heroes laid claim,
near lands untamed.
Hidden under an ash,
lies the next cache.
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I have set my leave away from this atrocious place. It has been long since I've breathed fresh air, untouched by the All-Consuming Blackpits. I make way back home to share my findings.
As a Researcher once more
As I prepare to share my findings with the Consulate, I am visited by a mysterious individual, warning me to leave and find answers. There was something so cold and serious about this roguish individual, I listen. As I fear if I don't, that ornate blade he brandished would not stay clean for long.
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I leave for other places of knowledge to continue my search for this "cache". There are few as influential as the Consulate, but Ardano may hold promise. I have heard of these redeemers, but I will never be someone's thrall again. No consul will make me their slave.
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As I travel this land I hear about this town, Greenshire. It has been said to be where the ancestors of great heroes reside. They may have more knowledge here to share involving this riddle.
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I have spoken with the head of the Aidren House and never have I been more humiliated. Those pretentious "descendant of greatness" claim to have such manners but are the most despicable assholes I have ever met. I have learned some from this exchange, but I will never set foot in that town again, least I hurl upon seeing his repulsive face again.
As a New Man
Luckily, I have found much better company in Ardano itself. I have been greeted by the individual that cornered me many months ago. He shares that he too has been searching for Blightsteel's work. After much further discussion he shares with me that the Naidiac Consulate has a mark on him and he knew that I would be one to carry on his legacy. I was doubtful at first but after hearing of his tales and findings, I considered it an honor to carry his name and take charge of the company he has made for himself.
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After taking as much knowledge as I could from under his wing, I have learned much in the form of combat along with the mission. After many weeks of tutelage, I am now ready. From this day onwards I no longer am a scholar from Naidiac, but instead the head of the Forgebreakers.
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After accessing the vast resources for me I have solved the riddle I found many months ago. This vault lies in the heart Nulean forest. I shall go there immediately. Along with that there have been reports of Blightsteel relics in Northpass. His magical signature is strong and radiates from Northpass. As of this day we shall openly set war upon Northpass to acquire this relic. It must contain secrets like the vaults.
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This vault has far more defenses than the one at the Blackpits. While there gears were whirling whilst I was walking and before I knew it an abomination had awoken and was about to easily overpower me. So I ran.
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Many days have past since I've awoken that metallic monstrosity, but my Forgebreakers are ever clever and have turned it into a weapon for our use. They have threated the nearby villages for resources or else they will release a monster upon them. This worked especially well with the doomed villages in the forest. But, now that my men have the monster sufficiently distracted, I will investigate the ruins more.