The War of the Skulls is over, and the Myth Wood is freed from control of the twisted gods, but not without it’s casualties. Alas, poor Lord Gadin! In the aftermath, Agamemnon and the demon lord Sam’El were exorcised as well, as calmness and peace began to settle across the land.

To celebrate our restored freedoms, we had a large feast in town, which then led to a friendly tournament. This tournament served as exercise to practice and workout our combat strengths, as well as build unity and goodwill among the citizens so that we might stand together against any challenge that might threaten our kingdom at a future point.

At the conclusion of the tourney, his majesty King Balin redistributed the lands to worthy warriors, with Riven now becoming Steward of King’s Rest, Erik being given the Battle Arena, and the empty Gray Arrow going to Rokai, as he was the warrior who ultimately saved us all.

With nothing but peaceful days on the horizon, my shield appears to have little use. I need to have something to keep waking up for, and so I have decided to take up farming, providing food for the land. Unfortunately the soil around Gray Arrow does not seem suitable for these provisions, and I must reluctantly leave my home, and head towards the supple earth of Hammer’s Hold…

It has always been a habit of mine to reflect on my life every so often to help myself realize where I have been and where I want to go. It has been many years since I have done this but I believe now is as good a time as any. I sit in my office in King’s Rest going over countless shipping orders, trade and personal disputes, requests for help or forgiveness from the people of King’s Rest, and any number of other odd documents to sign or approve. This work is frustrating. The King has been out “hunting” for many years now and while he did leave the kingdom in the capable hands of the Jarls and myself, I am coming to resent the life he has given me. I am compensated well by the people of King’s Rest and have grown used to a soft bed and a warm hearth to sit by each night. I no longer scavenge for food or need to steal for my next meal. But I feel that some part of my spirit has dwindled during this time. The spark of Riven has grown dimmer with time and the duties of my post. It seems that the days of running in the Woods, free of care or responsibility are over for this Brigand turned Ranger, now Steward.

Let it be known that I am not looking fondly on the days that the Daemon Lord wreaked havoc in the Myth Wood, or that tragic time when my body was stolen from me and the Game of Keeps divided the Wood. But at least I was able to feel alive. Not knowing who was with me or against me. Having seemingly omnipotent Gods controlling my former friends and enemies in a conflict that looked to have no end.

No, I do not wish to return to those times. I am forever grateful to Rokai for doing his best to secure the freedom of the people of the Myth Wood. But I do long for adventure and the thrill of victory. There is no call to action for me to rally behind. My anger toward the Game of Keeps has faded and I am left with a hole in my soul where it once helped me move forward. I cannot forget the time when I was lost and not in control of my own body, it haunts me to this day. Without that anger to fuel me, I am not sure how long I am destined to remain in the Myth Wood.

I am reminded of my youth and my training in the Art of Misdirection by Silvertongue. She was a master of the craft at a level that I will never be able to attain. Those are the days to which I wish I could return. I had nothing, no allies, no enemies, no money, and no goals beyond surviving another day and learning how to use my Voice as a weapon. There are times when these skills have given me great trouble and now the people of the Myth Wood read into every word I say and assume a double meaning or a secret scheme is always behind what I tell them. I wish people realized that I do not have a thousand plots in motion and am not covering lies with more lies to mask the truth of my intent.

Sadly, I know even this letter will be considered “another of Riven’s schemes to confuse the people” but I have come to accept that. Not every situation can be handled correctly with steel and sorcery. Some situations require a more subtle touch. The adventure that comes to mind first involves the First King of the Myth Wood, Dirk McCormick, and how I was given the title of Lord.

Many have heard the tale that I kidnapped our first King and forced him into giving me a title in exchange for his life. This may be how it seemed to outsiders but the true interaction between the King and I was not as one-sided as this leads people to believe. But that is a story for another time… For now I must return to my endless paperwork and squabbles between the citizens of King’s Rest.

Like all denizens of the Wood I felt the stirring of these new Gods, but they seem of no threat to us at this time and may even be the forces that allow us to continue our existence here. For now I am bound by duty to continue at my post until the King returns or I thrust a quill into my brain from frustration and hopelessness. However, I fear that Eir would frown upon this course of action so I will carry on in hopes of finding a new purpose beyond being the Steward of King’s Rest.

Forever Watching,
Lord Riven, Shadow Stalker
Steward of King’s Rest

Message in a Bottle – Part 1

I hope this message finds its way to you brother. This strange place I find myself in seems to have cut me off from all familiar sources of power. I even attempted to call forth the family Water elemental, the lazy thing is ignoring me. I’m putting this note in the sacred bottle, now that lazy thing will have no choice but to spirit my message to you. The second it touches any water it should feel that uncontrollable pull to it. Glad father was able to finally work that magic.

First I must warn you, the first mate is plotting against us. I’ve had my suspicions for some time, but it is now confirmed.  The treacherous fool must have slipped something into my food, for now I find myself in some strange forest. Some others on the crew must be in on this attempted mutiny for them to have landed and brought me so far in land. If you receive this in time trust no one.

As for where I am…..well I woke in front of an arch that led to a forest on what must be a large uncharted island. So large in fact there isn’t even the faintest sign of the sweet smell of the sea. As I walked through the archway I saw trees like nothing I’ve seen in all our travels. Not a single palm or coconut, instead a forest such dense leaves it’s hard to see through. It truly is a sight to behold. You would love it I think. Sadly, I can’t identify anything that could give me the least hint as to how you could find me.

A few moments after I entered the wood I was approached by a local thief. Apparently, he was attempting to start a Thieves Guild. Hoping these thieves were like those at home I figured why not, get some information, maybe a few coins, and possibly a clue as to where I’ve been marooned. Good crew if you ask me. When you get here I’ll offer a spot to replace the mutineers. They aren’t the most battle tested but they are honorable. Well, as honorable as any thief can be.

There is just so much to tell. Like one of those stories Father would tell. You know how he and his crew slaughtered all the trolls, well he missed one. I found him here, where ever here is. It was my greatest pleasure to rob the brute. I was evading the creature, as I personally had no means of dispatching him, that fellow that brought me into the guild had a fun little plan.  His name is Ryn Hawkwind by the way. He thought it would be a funny thing to have the troll ended by one he was trying so hard to exact revenge on. Like I said we need him on the crew, one with that kind of instinct to add insult to injury of our enemies may even be first mate material.

Oh, another warning if you get here and don’t find me first whatever you do don’t open the void box. It contains binding contracts that you will be compelled to accomplish. No way out of them and no way of knowing what type of contract you will draw. I made the mistake of pulling out one such contracts and was forced to hunt down the King of this strange land whom I had never seen, and insult him until he agreed to a duel where I would have to fight with one hand behind my back. So here I am looking for the King when a local mage informs me that she was off to see the very man I was hunting down. So I followed her thinking the whole time “Oh goody, I get to insult the Monarch of this land that I had never even met. Can’t wait to be on the bad side of a King in a place I’m unfamiliar with. No better way to make a good first impression really”.

So we finally find King Balin, who was wielding a hammer larger than any I’ve ever seen as if it was nothing. I waited patiently for her to finish her business, then suddenly words sprang from my lips. I said some dither about skulls being stupid, and how the bandana he was wearing was extremely tacky. I then proceeded to tell him he was such a bad king that I could take him using just one hand. Not the best insults I’ve ever thrown around but they did the trick. I surly wasn’t on my game and was quickly vanquished. Not sure what power lies in these woods but when I lost instead of the death I expected from such a blow I was just transported to the archway again. Very strange indeed. I will really have to remember the King has such a short fuse. Can you imagine if I had insulted his skirt? Yes, this strange land has a King who wears a skirt.

Well brother Hope this reaches you. I feel cut off from the old powers and am not sure if this will delay our elemental. I will send an update as soon as I can, with luck I’ll have some clues as to where in the 9 seas I am.

P.S. Dibs on the racist Elf Lady. Just in case you see her before you find me. May the sea be calm and the wind fill your sails.

Message in a Bottle – Part 2

So the bottle is still here. I’m adding this note, though I am a bit disheartened seeing that the bottle is unmoved. Perhaps I should find a larger pool of water, or it’s possible it will take longer for the elemental to find me so far from the sea. I will trust in our sacred bottle.

Well I guess I’ll inform you of what’s transpired since my last note was written. As I woke this morning I was noting how nice having a pouch full of coin was, when an entity in a spirit-like form entered my body. Though it was difficult to communicate, I was able to tell that it was a being of power. One that did not have a body of its own, but that could bestow power upon a willing host. It was able to get across to me that its last host had been able to expel it through a ritual. It also informed me that once its kind was just a conduit that linked a person to some deity called Validus, but not long ago the local inhabitants meddled and gave these beings souls. Now possessing a soul it did not want to return to the ether and was requesting that I allow it to reside in me. We struck a bargain I received power that I hoped would help me find a way home and it got to stay on the material plane. After I agreed to house the soul I was given the name of the one that had expelled it, Riven. Understandably it was upset at being sent to its version of a demise. I was able to retain control, well mostly. I am now unable to steal. Apparently this being is all about order, not a bad trade off as I still have friends that would be willing to do the dirty work for me, I will miss the rush in taking items right out from under the noses of the unsuspecting. I doubt the guild will still allow me to remain a member now that I am unable to take a single coin without express permission.

The powers I have received while very useful, are not enough currently to get me out of this place. I guess I will need to strengthen myself, get acclimated, and force my will on this world to escape these woods and get back home to the sea.

On a fun little side note it appears that the half elf I mentioned earlier is now under the influence of these entities as well. She doesn’t have her memories but her personality is still as strong as ever. The lack of memory works in my favor as I stole a kiss a bit after I wrote my first note to you. She threatened my life, but didn’t strike me so I figured I still had a shot. Now she doesn’t remember it at all. She is definitely still beautiful and full of fire. Part of me wants her to be herself again death threats and all, you know how I like a challenge.

Now that I have had more time here I have noticed that the locals are in the grip of a three-way war. Not one they are choosing but one that is being forced upon them by 3 powerful beings that are residing in different colored skulls. The blue skull is about order through ruling with an iron fist, the green skull claims to be for balance though it appears that they are more about tipping the balance to be on top, and lastly the red skull who is for complete chaos.

The creature that inhabits me must have more influence then I had originally thought. I was against taking a side and giving up my freedom but I was compelled to take a blue piece. Those that had blue pieces were given abilities that enhanced their own. I started as a simple pawn but moved up rapidly in the ranks. When the day was done I was the champion of the blue skull. I contemplated challenging for control of the skull. Not sure if that gives sway over the pieces or just gives more control to the being in the skull but if it gives me power to assert my will on all below me then no one would dare challenge my might. I would be able to bring order to the land, and any that thought differently would make great fertilizer for the wood.

Message in a Bottle – Part 3

The bottle is still here! When I see that filthy lazy elemental that dares to defy my will I will bind it to an outhouse.

News brother. The power of the skulls is no more. While those of us that were under the control of the skulls were murdering each other, a brave knight and noble elf entrapped the entities that had once inhabited the skulls. Sadly the elf forfeited his very soul to the cause.

Now free from the control of those wretched beings I have had time to learn more about the place I live. I now know that the Ordin seem to control the government. The shops and banks are all Ordin run as well. Oh I forgot to mention, I am no longer a silly human. I have risen above, I’ve become better, I am now an ever-powerful Ordin myself.

Now that I have fully embraced my power it has grown to amazing levels. I am able to grant one of the denizens of these woods immortality as long as I live, all they must do is follow my every command which they should be doing even without my gift. I have gained the power to steal a soul and use it to bolster my own defenses. Much better then snatching coin, right brother? My newest power is to change my very form to that of an amalgamation of wolf and man. The world should pray I never find my way out of these woods that have entrapped me so.

When I gain enough power to escape we will rule the seas, all of them. I may even take the land our father abandoned so long ago. Order will blanket the lands from respect and if not then fear.

Since last I messaged you I have time to get to know the monarch of this place. I misjudged his anger. He knew of the contract and did me a kindness. He is a just, yet not too soft ruler. I should be grateful for his generosity given our first interaction, I just feel that a ruler should do so with an iron fist. He tolerates Daemons in his realm for Validus’s sake. If I were ruling I would have hunted down and exterminated them long ago. Such vile thing deserve no mercy and no quarter. I would eradicate the very remembrance of the sound of the word Daemon!!!

….

Brother, stay away from here. I just read what I have been writing. This is not me, I would never …… you know me. Take this note as evidence that I may not be me next we see each other. You know I have no love for law and order. We have spent our entire lives fight against the very thing I now desire most. I fear I am losing the fight for my very existence. I may one day win back my freedom from this parasite but till then I beg of you to not even look for me. Being that the bottle has never moved even an inch you may never even get these messages. That is probably for the best, as I would prefer you to remember me as I was.

Well if by some miracle you do receive this then this is goodbye my brother. If I return to myself I will attempt to reach you again. I hope that day comes.

Brother Ravenwood’s

Mythwood Chronicles

End of the Game of Keeps

Hello dear reader! If you don’t know me, my name is Brother Abaddon Ravenwood. Most people in the Wood call me “Brother Ravenwood” or “hey I need a mage”. I’ve been out of the Myth Wood for most of the year on various personal research projects. When I returned, I was dismayed to find the free Myth Wood I left was enslaved by the Game of Keeps. My understanding was that this game had enveloped most of the denizens of the Wood. This could not stand. Continue reading End of the Game of Keeps →

The cry of a child, a warriors cry
To answer the call, a call to die
A choice for the blight
A choice for the light
Stone cold with fright
A part of the night
A man of anger, by which he was driven
Would fight for an Order, his name being Riven
A warrior boasting of many talents
Would one day rise to fight for Balance
A man who once was kind and free
Would spread Chaos with unbridled glee
Will these woods ever heal
From the grim sound of steel on steel
A tale of revenge, Fury and glory,
Sit down by the fire, for this is their story.

(Discovered on a page fragment from Book 1 of the Tome of Dragons.)

My Lady Tirza,
I pray this finds you well, and that negotiations with the Dark Cloud and Wei Tang Marauder clans have gone as planned. I advise caution when dealing with the Brethren of the Southern Isles. Their leader, Captain Gweir is a wily man, and will seize upon any opportunity he is given. Once a deal is struck, however, he is a loyal ally. My brother has ever been so, since we were small children. When his loyalty has been earned, he will be a strong voice for you in the Council of the Seas, which has governed pirates for longer than anyone can remember. Uniting them with the brigand clans and the Thieves Guild is no small task, but if anyone can do it, it is you.  Continue reading My Lady Tirza →

Welcome to the Wood

As I awoke from what seemed to be an eternal slumber, I had no idea where I was or what happened to me before I woke. All I had was my sword, armor and a small amount of money in my pouch. Was I dead? Is this the afterlife? A dream maybe? So many questions, but  no one to answer them. I figured I should probably find out where I am first and answer my questions later.

I got up and walked around a bit and eventually found myself at a gate. A gate that seemed to lead into some woods that I have never seen before. Almost immediately after I heard a voice, a woman’s voice, “Go…” I looked around to find out where it was coming from, but to no avail. I heard it again, “Go… Go through the gates and you’ll find what you’re searching for.” I looked back at the gates and without hesitation, walked straight through. Continue reading Rokai’s Welcome to the Wood →

 Lord Riven, Shadow Stalker – After the Void

            I was trapped; whispers in the Wood told me that I would bring Peace to the Myth Wood by sanctifying the Battle Arena. Instead my soul was thrust into another Plane and my body was taken from me.  It was forced to do the bidding of an extremely power hungry entity. My original goals were always for the advancement of the Myth Wood, even if my methods were questionable.  I see now that I was just a pawn and that the Myth Wood will never be free to do as it wants as long as these Gods are allowed to use us.  During this time beyond the Wood, screaming like a frenzied rabbit trying to escape the wolf that it knows is always following, I had time to reflect. Reflect on what I had tried to do and to plan what would need to be done. Continue reading After the Void →