The Journal of Marius Ban Vlackburg

Sitting here under the false night of the Feywild, I cannot help but remember my hopes of proving them all wrong. To show them that there is another way to live; a life living together, not of cold, calculated control. I have, these many years, walked the paths and roads of man looking for the evidence that could convince me of such, but still I am at a loss. For every act of heroism and selflessness I witness, there are ten others showing that cruelty and evil are the universal truths. How long has it been since I have felt the spark of hope burn within me? Now, I find that more then anything I continue my search more out of stubbornness and spite then for the dream I once held.

Though perhaps I am the outlier; the one that cannot accept the natural order of things; however, to accept that would mean condemning everything I have striven for these last five decades. That is simply not something I am willing to do yet. As war once again calls to me, I still want to believe in a greater good, in those who do what is right, because it is what is right, and that those who would see others come to pain and oppression will naturally be opposed for the same reason.

My only regret is that I have done all this in such a selfish manner. Had I but the words to convince you all those years ago, perhaps we could have found the way together. Though I have not heard of you for the entire period of my wanderings, I cannot help but feels that perhaps I am not the only one wishing for the day of my triumphant return. Despite the contradiction of my feelings and actions, I can only pray that in the time remaining to us, we may yet be reunited in body and spirit.

Marius

To my surprise I have received a summons from the Knights Templar, to aid them in the war. Considering the impression I last left the Templar, after the duel with Corgon Glavent, they must be desperate. I have so far avoided heading south due to the time of year and dislike of all theaters of war. Having not seen the events nor the current situation in Hestavar, I cannot yet say which side I will actually support, though truthfully, I would not be put out if by the time I arrived the whole debacle was over.

At the moment I am traveling with a group of breathing fodder. I had hoped that the elf would prove of some meddle, but he is as green as they come. Though he did survive his first encounter, which is far more then I can say for the last elf the traveled along side me. The older Templar...something seems off about him, but frankly, as he does not seem to be overly dangerous, I don't really care. Beyond them the rest seem to be your generic front liners, all too eager and even more inexperienced; with any luck we will reach Havestar without any more incidents like tonight or I will have to fall back on my experience in pier building.

Marius,
20,071