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1 Hammer 1371
Dear Master Zorthaster:
I arrived in Daggerfalls much later than expected due to the cold
and snow. I knew, of course, that the Dale lands got much colder
than Suzail with the moderating influence of the sea, but this knowledge
had not really prepared me for how much colder it would feel. I
was freezing for most of my journey. The snow proved to be more
challenging than I expected as well. It was novel and somewhat fun,
not all that difficult for the first little way, but mile after
mile of it wore me out. In the end, I spent more of my funds on
lodging than I had planned, arriving in Daggerfalls with barely
enough left to secure lodgings for the next few tendays. Today I
am nearly broke. Even so, my optimism is undimmed. I continue to
long for adventure and am finally in the wild lands of the Dales
where adventure comes knocking at the door of the willing spirit.
Daggerdale was fascinating. It is bordered on the east by the Daggerhills
which rise to elevations of about 5,000 feet. To the west rise the
much bigger Desertsmouth Range, with elevations approaching 15,000
feet. The Tethyamar Trail winds through a dale with an ancient feel.
The forests and rivers seem bigger, older, deeper and more numerous
than what is shown on the map.
Daggerfalls is a bustling little village. Again, not quite what
I expected. It is somewhat larger and more diverse in its shops
and services than I was told by traders passing through Suzail.
I might have been better off delaying some equipment purchases until
my arrival here. As a result, I now have some fine adventuring gear,
but clothing ill suited to this climate and season.
You may be surprised to learn that there is a respectable public
library here with a temple to Oghma attached. Several priests are
in attendance and the collection is expanding. In addition there
is a print shop that is run by Peraus Wands, a practitioner of the
Art. Have you heard of him? He seems to be doing a fine business
in printing books and posters. I have met the man and he may be
able to point me in the direction of some adventures.
Thanks to your letter of introduction I have also introduced myself
to the secret master at the Woven Tower. We had a cordial if brief
meeting. If not for your letter, I suspect I would have been turned
away at the door. The tower appears to be a place where I may be
able to work on scrolls and potions if I choose. They may have opportunities
too for employment as an herbalist, but as I hope to make my way
now as an adventurer, I am not planning to need that sort of employment.
There is a very impressive guild hall for adventurers, the Daggerdale
Delvers. Unfortunately, membership to the guild is by invitation
only, and one needs a reputation and a sponsor to get that invitation.
It seems odd to me that membership relies on reputation. When I
am well known as an adventurer, of what use will be guild membership?
Without the benefit of membership, I have already met a likely band
of companions and fellow adventurers. Our stalwart band now consists
of, in addition to myself, Oskar Brightblade, a dwarven Paladin,
Shane Highhill, a halfling monk, and Xanthalus Everstalk, a ranger
with some elven heritage.
Oskar brought us by the shop of Gadlyn Brightblade a dwarven weaponsmith,
Thundertwin and Shrayvener. He gave us the responsibility of delivering
a scroll to the Aurora's Outlet. (Imagine that, Aurora's has stores
even out here!) This little task led us to more opportunities for
quests. Sure they seem small, but what a great start we have made!
Here is a list of some of the things we have already discovered:
- There is a ruined dwarven stronghold two days west of here.
In the lower levels is a store of telstang, fine steel that Gadlyn
wants to use. He gave us a big iron key to the lock and instructions
to find it, confirm that the telstang is still there, and return
for a sledge to carry the steel back to the forge.
- A land shipment of goods that was to be delivered through Aurora's
to Gadlyn has gone missing between here and Teshmere. The clerk
at the shop is willing to front us for winter travel clothes if
we find the shipment of leather fasteners, scabbards and steel
blanks. We will get an additional reward if we bring in the shipment.
- Peraus Wands, the printer (an elderly wizard with a long white
beard and blue robes) wants us to meet him this evening to offer
us another, mysterious opportunity for adventure. He wants us
to be ready to travel out in the wilds for a few days.
- We have already delivered an important missive between the weapon
smith and the clerk at Aurora's. I expected trouble along the
way, but if it was waiting to strike, the look of our small but
formidable band must have given any troublemakers second thoughts.
We have also met a variety of other denizens of the village here.
None so well as my three companions, but I should at least mention
them here to you. They include the adventuring duo of Slash and
Burn who were very impressive looking. They ignored us on their
way into the guild hall. There was Forgrim Smilingbear, a rather
taciturn "Far Ranger" recently returned from a patrol.
Feris, a moon elf spellcaster, door guard at the guildhall. Tellerus,
an old human warrior with a limp that we have yet to meet, but he
was recommended to us. We also have an appointment tomorrow to speak
with the head of the Paladin training hall, Fr. Erasmus. Finally,
we were told that we should meet the Tooka, proprietor of a shop
here in town.
There is so much to do. This is fortunate, for I am desperately
short of gold at the moment. It is little matter, though as I am
following my dream at last. Thank you for your advice and tutelage,
I hope to write again soon. Until next, I remain
Your devoted student,
Cedar
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