I moved on to the N’rolav tomb to do my training. I have calculated the cost to hunt and I will be fine if I just stick with it. If I can just get to 53 I will feel better but I doubt I will stop there.

Unfortunately the quest I was going to attempt is going to be nearly impossible due to people that forget that creatures of this rarity do not spawn when they are on the same level. I think with some communication there can be another way. It may be some people’s intentions to not let it spawn until everyone else goes away from the area so they can have it to themselves but that will not help any of us.

I don’t try to think of it too much. It’s like searching for a Weapon primitive or crystalline shard… eventually it will come along and you will be filled with great joy but until then just let it go.

I am proud to see where I have come in this land. I have been in Valorn for a month over a year now and have many great memories that overshadow the darkness that we battle daily. I enjoy the time I have with my friends and family that I have made in my time here. So here to another year in Valorn, may it be even more joy filled than the first.

I was just a few steps from completing a quest and failed miserably. I actually chuckle at the thought as it was really much too high a quest for me to try. It is a level 55 quest and I am still a lowly 52nd level.

I was training hard in the swamps of N’rolav when a beast dropped a small treasure box right in front of me. I picked it up and stood in awe for a minute. I hardly ever get a treasure box, a fact that is disheartening considering I hear of people that get boxes at least once a week. I hardly wanted to open it in fear it was another demon helm or a korunga fruit but I had to see. A treasure box does little for me unopened. I have heard of people that will pay a pretty penny for them but I’d hate to let it go and it be something I really wanted.

Indeed it was. I found my first crystalline shard. Naturally I though of the value of it but I choose not to sell. I will hold onto it and see if I can gain something even more valuable from it. I was close but just not yet.

I know my guild mates would help me with my quest and maybe I will seek their help but for now I need to get to 53rd level. There is a quest I can do before my 55th level quest and it will assist me greatly in the advancement of my final two levels.

I say final two but I have a feeling that there is soon to be a new area discovered and the maximum level the trainers will allow you to gain shall go up. It’s just a hunch, I have no solid proof that it will happen but now I have goals I can set my sights on.

I fight alone again. I gain ground but I remain distracted. As I paused to take out my journal I look to the brand I wear proudly on my left hand. I wear it as a lifelong commitment to assisting others. It is this that distracts me from my goal.

Having the scar means I never fight alone. My brothers and my sisters fight with me every step of the way. It’s like fighting with the strength of 8 unified as a power of one. It does not make me perfect; the scar in itself is an imperfection, but wearing it does mean I swear to do the right thing everyday and put the safety of Valorn above my personal wants.

I sit in wants of solitude but I know it will not last. I have rarely failed to come to the aid of my fellow Valornian when they are in need sacrificing my time and money for the greater good. Training will wait, the more people we have that gain levels and improve their power the better chance we have at freedom.

Lets face it solitude is overrated. There is nothing like the sight of joy on another persons face when they complete a hard task or complete a much needed quest. I rather enjoy helping others more than I enjoy training. Perhaps I remember a time that I was the one in need of help and people came to my aid. Times when I felt like the weak among the strong, the small among the giants. I never want people to feel like I am any more worthy of respect than they are for I am a servant, I give of myself freely.

The only thing that solitude provides me is a place to get away from the faces of those I have hurt. There are people that I have apologized to and yet I get no forgiveness. Perhaps my actions were not worthy of forgiveness… a joke taken too far… a hasty decision made… an inappropriate comment at a fragile time.

Perhaps this is why I stick by JKD and the RoK’s side faithfully when so many have fallen from the ranks… they forgave during a time that I was in most need of it simply because I asked from the heart. I owe them the same loyalty they have shown me and nothing less.

I spent the last couple of days mostly helping where I could with the efforts at the inn but I am well aware of the need for training to resume. Soon I will be able to take up my charge again and try to get another level under my belt. Mostly I have sat pondering theories of the hole and why it is there. I do not believe it is the early signs of the land turning to what N’rolav is but then I have not felt that N’rolav is a glimpse of our future for some time now.

To expand on that I feel N’rolav is more of an alternate universe, a mirror of our world, twisted by the evil that resides there. If it were a future world I do not believe we would be able to travel back and forth so freely. Perhaps I am wrong, I try to keep an open mind about it but I simply think that the future theory is hard to prove.

From what I understand is known of Valorn, it was a thriving land with many kingdoms and a healthy economy. At some point the kingdoms had wars with one another dividing the people of the land and destroying the unity that was prevalent in those times. The fall of the Golden Age was about 2000 years ago. The Dark Grimoire that Balthazar opened was what released the evil of the demons and such on this land. That only happened about 200 years ago.

If N’rolav is a future glimpse of Valorn and the Hole in the Inn was the start of the formation of N’rolav, well, that would contradict what we know to be true about our past… the future never contradicts the past.

The clues are obvious to me. Our only hope is to gain better knowledge of our past and of the Golden Age so we can gain power to overcome Balthazar and close the Dark Grimoire once and for all, closing the link to N’rolav and freeing Valorn.

Time has passed so slowly for me. I have spent a good long time trying to help with the demons in the pit as best as I can. My holy ring has got quite a workout but I am still not nearly strong enough to make a dent on the most recent beast. I should train but the pit keeps my mind occupied. I don’t think I’ve had a good meal in days and I feel so out of the loop that I don’t know what’s going on outside the inn.

The darkness of the pit is quite consuming. It takes a great many adventurers with torches and blessings to keep the area lit. Some are fearful to even enter the darkness. I on the other hand am drawn to it. Not to the evil that it represents but to the hope it gives to yet again understand the evil that was unleashed on this land so long ago.

The mystery is still long from being solved and I do have some work ahead of me. I should train in the next few days and see if I can’t get closer to the level where I can do some damage. I have been so obsessed that I have forgotten about my bet with El Gato and am almost assured that he will beat me to 55 now. But I will press on. I do not give up easily and they do need more help in the pit with people that can do damage to the thing.

YES! JKD took out the Demon Warrior risking life and limb to destroy it. Descending down he found another beast different than the first.

Yet another first victory for the RoK led by our Brave and Able leader JKD. I feel so proud today and yet so curious to find what lies deeper in the pit. Soon we will know.

I heard the rumors all the way from the swamps of N’rolav and I had to check it out. I went to the Dundee Inn and almost fell into the pit. It was dark and hauntingly quiet. I lit myself up and jumped in. with 35 light I could still see nothing, not even the hand in front of my face. A few others came down and had light cast on them as well. That’s when I saw it… it was like looking at death itself. The Golden Age Demon Warrior stood in front of me ready to strike should I make a move.

Naturally my curiosity got the best of me and I was slain before I could even lay a blow on the beast. This was not going to be easy.

With some enchantments and some work JKD actually got in a lucky strike and did damage without being sliced in two. We will take it down; it’s just going to take time and a group effort.

Many people were in the Inn sitting around the hole speaking of Balthazar having been there. He had left bleeding… could it be he has opened a darkness that even he cannot control? I sat around to hear the tales but the only thing I got was a hold opened in the floor and the beast was there. The Balthazar part was sketchy at best.

I will find out more and we will find a way to take this thing down…

It’s quiet in the Tomb of N’rolav, too quiet. As I press on I tend to look to my inner thoughts to keep me company but it’s tough. It’s not at all like the days I hunted in the tomb of the Valorn desert. Pressing on and fighting at nearly every turn I am well aware of the dangers that surround me. I remember the time when I thought even the shield bearers of the demon raids were tough but now I know true fear.

If it wasn’t for my guild brothers I surely would have gone crazy by now. The RoK is still doing quite well. I have a lot of faith in my brothers. I feel we are close because of everything that has happened in the last month. I have been asked by a couple of guilds if I wanted to join but I tell them my place is behind the leadership of the RoK and with my brothers and sisters. Perhaps people think I have no loyalty because of my recent switch in guilds but that is not the case. I sought out my hearts desire for a long time before I spoke with JKD. I will not leave now.

I have done little with the Voice this month. We may even skip this issue. I have a lot to think about and make some tough decisions. I still believe in the Voice but maybe it’s becoming something I never intended it to be. I will look at it again and see where I can go with it. On top of that Edenn has been busy with her new guild. I defiantly understand, I was there once. It’s a lot of hard work; I wish the best for her.

Last night I brought Pirate Ale from the swashbuckler to the Dundee Inn, Jeffrey is always kind to me even when I bring in drinks from another establishment, he owes me at least that. It was nice to promote our guilds local pub a bit. It is always open to anyone and very easy to find. I will perhaps throw a party there when I make another level just to show people how great it is.

I know I said I would press on with my training but I needed a rest so I took it. I sat down in the Dundee Inn and had an ale and looked over some recent notes. I have been quite busy lately, a little too busy in fact.

When I was able to advance I was able to search into the N’rolav tombs a bit more. New clues and new possibilities opened before my eyes. I never know what I’m going to run into down there. Mostly I take my time looking around. Training is important but it is easy to rush through an area and not see the clues that are all around us. Things like the house at the end of the gloomy path, the statue in the gremlins tree, the battle arena in the Landing, and many many other sites. I choose to see these and study their importance because I want to understand this place we are fighting for.

Why is Valorn the way it is today? What causes the possession of the animals that makes them rage so wildly? Who are the giants that live above the Verthedge Forest and will they ever open their doors to humans again? What is it that caused the once noble Sea Dwellers to become aggressive toward humans?

These are questions we may never see the answers to but I shall try my best to figure them out. There’s more to this land than hack and slash if people will stop to look around.

I was pondering these thoughts when I noticed Venus at the Inn. It was good to see her out and about. I was so preoccupied with my thoughts I did not say much to her. Knowing she is still about the land and that Issy is doing well was good enough for me. I could have said more but she also seemed preoccupied with her thoughts. I’m sure we will get a chance to catch up some day.

I was determined to advance yesterday. I was focused and mindful of my health. Healing and taking on more power as needed. It took me a bit longer then I expected but this is not as easy as it was back in the early days of my profession.

I recall hunting in the tombs for the gold guardians. Doyle, Lapis and I had decent luck on out side. I think I was level 18 when I had collected all my gold and orange blessings. Back then the Guardians had not migrated to the beaches they now also call home. I think they were easier to find back then as well.

Many things have changed over my time in Valorn. one thing that stays consistent is the steady inflow of new adventurers. Last night was no exception. Nearly every time I defeated an enemy I could hear the announcement of a new adventurer or two. It finally tapered off a bit. I hope they find their way as I have.

I spent some time by the frozen Waterfall in the Ice Caverns yesterday… no I didn’t but this seemed as good a time to mention Waterfall as any

El Gato beat me to 52, I expected it slightly we have been going back and forth for a while. With a bit of a challenge to see who will reach 55th level first I know we both are training hard. I’m about a day of training behind him but hopefully will be able to make that up with my lack of need for farming.

I remember one of the first times I interacted with EG. We were both in the mid 30’s of leveling and kept running across each other in the wastelands. He suggested we work together and I agreed it would be beneficial to both of us. We went back and for the one south and one west meeting back in the mutual square and I would heal us and he would rejuve me. We did quite well for some time and gained XP fast but then I took some time off from training to go back to my homeland for a bit.

I would have already been to 52 or possibly 53 if I wasn’t so obsessed with the blue crystal guardians but perhaps I just need to get moving on. Tonight I shall advance and work on a new level training as much as I can.

I got quite a boost a couple of days ago. I said something to my guild brothers while I was training that Ben must have enjoyed hearing as I suddenly was radiating Gods Favor. With this boost I went and fought hard in the N’rolav Tombs and gained about 10% in the three marcs granted by the blessing. Now many will say “only 10% in three marcs?” but those would be the ones that do not know the complexities of this high a level. It is a lot harder to gain experience.

Tonight should be good. I will try not to take too many breaks on my training, at least not until I hit 100% but then I may rest a bit. I have much to do.

I haven’t been sleeping well lately but I am almost sure it has to do with the recent shedding the guild went through. Something about it though, I just can’t put my finger on it.

I sat up last night looking at what I could see of the faint scars that run from my neck to my right thigh and I think about my time at home when we fought the terrible beasts and cleared my homeland of their presence. It was good to be there and to see the land I grew up in clear of evil. I think about that moment and I hope we can all work together to see the same for Valorn. Many people that are here have either left their home after it was wiped out, don’t remember much of their homeland, or they were born here in Valorn and know nothing but the darkness we live in. I’m sure others have felt my joy in winning back a land and most likely they too have the scars to prove it.

I looked down to my left hand and I notice the LG has faded slightly… maybe its meaning wasn’t branded as deeply as I hoped it might be. I still hold true to my promise.

I laid in bed thinking of my obscure dreams I have had and what the might mean. Three ships sail into sight. The one on the left sails off over the horizon, the one on the left takes to a circling course staying just within eyesight but yet out of reach. The third sails on toward me approaching the docks.

That is all I can remember. I thought for a minute it could be in reference to the guilds I have had the joy to be a part of but other that the fact that there are three ships I don’t see a distinct meaning in it. I am still very close to all my friends on my former guilds and neither is in threat of actually fading into the distance just as of yet. It could mean something entirely different… something I have yet to discover possibly.

I rubbed my left hand as the scar sometimes aches at night and I roll over and go back to bed. Time will tell the meaning if there is one at all.

The swamps of N’rolav are harsh. You defiantly have to stay on your toes. I have been hunting here for some time now trying to conserve some of my health potions for next level when I shall once again try to hunt in the desert tomb. It is easy to get distracted in N‘rolav. Once you turn your back on an enemy at an inopportune moment you find yourself back to the life monument you last tied. Once I am back in Valorn I am drawn to where the people gather.

Sometimes the inn is a good place to visit but it is nothing like it used to be. The people that hang out there tend to be sophomoric at best with a brand of humor that is not just distasteful but also degrading. It has its good moments though. JKD has been hanging out there quite a bit lately. He has met many new adventurers and helped to keep the peace around there.

I have still been well involved with the search for clues to the mysteries of the Dark Grimoire. Some have said I am messing around in areas I should not go. Others have tried to be helpful and understand that my obsession with the mysteries is not for personal gain but for the betterment of Valorn. I spent some time at the wall today. I had to search it out. It has been said that the wall dates back to long before the golden age and is the oldest structure in Valorn. What did the wall separate?

It is well understood that the Valorn we know is nothing like it was in the days of the golden age. The wall was most likely a form of defense I imagine. Two neighboring kingdoms locked in battle. I though for a time that perhaps the desert was home to one kingdom and what is not a wasteland was home to another. This could be true but I would think there would be more proof of a former kingdom that existed in the desert area. Only the tomb and a hidden temple remain. The Black Wastelands are far too devastated and twisted to know if a kingdom was centered in that area at one time.

The North, the South and the East… Where were they? Who were they? what can we learn from the remnants of what was once a proud and powerful land?

I spent a long time this morning taking myself away from the general population. I’m not much for solitude. Honestly in this world we are seldom alone.

I took much of my recent frustration out on the ancient zombies that attacked me as well as a few Infant N’rolav Beasts that happened along. I remember the first time I encountered one of the infant beasts. They invaded the swamp just outside Dundee. I don’t recall what level I was but it was not enough that’s for sure. JKD came along and finished it off which is generally the case when I get in over my head with one of these things. Every time I hit a mile stone, encounter a beast that at one point I did no damage to much less could think of beating it, I find I get a new lease on life and I press on harder than before. Today I gained a great deal of XP in the short time I had and then I needed to rest.

I took my leave from the swamps of N’rolav and headed to my room above the Dundee Inn. I have grown used to the accommodations there. Many of my fellow Inn mates (so to speak) have moved on to their own houses or to live among their guild halls. Some even taking refuge among the holy Order’s temple or the Enchanters Academy. I find that the Dundee inn suits me fine so I stay and welcome in each new wave of adventurers.

As I entered the Inn I spotted a glimpse of something but I couldn’t quite make it out. Hentez saw though, it was our newest goddess Xia. She had stopped for a visit but I don’t think she meant to have herself known. She was gracious and appeared to speak with the mortals. She seemed kind and held the beauty only a goddess could have. Then after a few seconds Julia also appeared in all her radiance. We are truly fortunate to have these goddesses among us. They are both beautiful and kind but be sure to stay in their good side. From what I hear Xia was quite curious about mortal life. I’m sure many had their opinions to throw out to her but what do we really know of life. We live and die, we fight and love, we make promises and tell lies…. We are mortal. It’s not as glamorous as some would have it sound. All we have learned and all that we can assume to be a reality is yet a complex enigma beyond our understanding.

I think if we could explain mortal life it would be unfortunate for it is our lack of total understanding that makes us mortal in the first place. I pray that Xia will find she is in good company among us as we hope all the gods and goddesses find to be true. I feel sad for those who raise their anger.

I would have stayed but I really don’t like to get into conversations of what it is to be mortal. I think it all to depressing at times and I needed some sleep. Soon I will be well rested and will once again head to the swamps to face the evil that plagues our mortal world if for no reason than to prove to my self that I am truly mortal.

For once in my life words have been very hard to put together. Days pass and writing in my journal has been the furthest thing from my mind.

Many great friends have decided to leave the guild lately and it has been sad to see them go. Harder yet are all the people that ask me, “Why did so and so leave?” Or “What’s going on with the RoK?”. The first question is nearly impossible to answer for I know why some have left but it doesn’t make sense, I don’t know why others have left and they aren’t telling much as to why either. All I can do is wish them the best and let everyone know who asks that the only person who can answer why they left is them.

As for what’s going on with the RoK, that’s a much harder question to answer. I feel we are still strong. It is hard though to stand proud and say that, for we are all sad at the recent losses. But I stand none the less in hopes that others will stand with me firmly behind the leadership and that this too shall pass and we can get back to the matters at hand. We have not stopped welcoming in new members or helping the new adventurers around Valorn. We have not given up in our quest to find the answers to the mysteries of the Golden Age. The RoK has not changed in purpose nor have we given up on the fight against Balthazar.

Taking a stand is never easy, especially when you feel partially to blame.

Dark portals have been opening here and there around Valorn. Perhaps it is Balthy’s way of testing us and trying to break our spirits. It has been quite a busy week with the Voice Issue 2 slated to be released next week. I know where my priorities are, if the paper has to be delayed it will.

I don’t see that happening, we are all but ready to start handing out copies. The painstaking process of printing up the copies so there will be enough to go around is well under way. While overseeing the process I find myself called away for invasions and other needs. That’s the life I chooses though. Who wants boring?

The events of this week have really solidified my confidence and my friendships within my guild. Hopefully they have also made my guild mates confidant in me. to me there is nothing more important. I actually found myself considering what it would be like to step into an officer position with the RoK one day. I don’t foresee it in the near future.

Many people should perhaps look at it this way. A guild should never make someone an officer and have to say “now that you are an officer you need to start helping others and setting an example for the guild”. The Officer title should only be given if someone is already giving 100\%. Setting an example for the guild should be important for everyone.

Dedication, determination, humility and helpfulness; these are the qualities that will lead us to victory over Balthazar. Underhandedness, laziness, pride and selfishness; these are the tools that the dark cow will use to try and break us down. I have seen these last four qualities tear people apart; I have seen the first four build ties that no amount of power can sever.

Only together can we make a difference.