An Old Journal/Text

I, Ayozal Mythchaser, do begin this account on the 15th day in the month of December, year 948 of the Kings, in the reign of illustrious High King Elthannar.

Jayla be praised! I have found the domain of the Lord of Fire himself, although only by twisting the arcane fabric of the world. I have learned much of Tarhyl while studying The Four and the Great War, but I anticipate even more knowledge hidden deep within this fiery realm.

December 28 -

The fire spirits here seem to look on me with bemused disdain, though they have allowed me to wander the halls of this place for the last few weeks. I am fortunate to have brought with me a large supply of potions to help shield myself of the heat, but fear I will not be able to stay much longer. They were supposed to be sufficient for the fiercest heat any elemental being could produce but they seem near inadequate in this place. I have heard hints of an "Eternal Well" the Flame Lord's Rift still active? If so, under some semblance of control, undoubtedly. But I have not seen it. Perhaps I am not allowed, but it might explain this overwhelming heat.

January 2 -

It appears the fire spirits that compose armies of the Flame Lord have been molded, or shaped, into one of seven different roles. These "tribes" as they are called, each contain their own specialization! They range from fliers to footmen, with specialized skills of magics, melee, and the mind. Interestingly, each tribe is led by one of their own, and keeps its own quarters. These tribes were each given powerful gifts by the Flame Lord himself during the Great War. weapons forged and imbued with power in the Rift that Tarhyl uncovered! I have already heard legendary tales of a dagger, a maul, a staff, and a bow, though there must be more.

January 10 -

I cannot determine if the separation of the tribes is part of design or necessity - but though these spirits are kindred of sort, they do not always agree with one another; or even the Flame Lord himself. Indeed even Enthann, the Flame Lord's second-in-command and a powerful flame lord in his own right, parted ways with Tarhyl after the council of the Four. Perhaps for this reason the Flame Lord lost trust in his tribe leaders - apparently he shattered the gifts He had given them. Or perhaps after the Council of the Four, he determined they were an unnecessary hazard.

January 13 -

Some of the spirits tell me the shards still exist, but not all are found. I suspect enmity between tribes may keep them from ever being reunited if it is even possible. These weapons are spoken of with great reverence even so. Regardless, these artifacts and even the rift itself are myths of legends by mortal standards, even if the flame spirits insisted that it was so hundreds of thousands of years before we walked the earth. I have still seen no evidence of any of these things myself.

January 22 -

Evidently these immortal spirits are content to wait out their time in this vast space, but my time here is coming to an end. I have precious few resources left to protect me from this infernal heat, and it appears there is little left that will be "allowed" to learn. My wanderings here have not been treated as lightly by all the fire spirits as I had once thought.

January 24 -

Mercy help me, they will not allow me mow to leave! I will die in this cursed place with no further protection to help shield me from the flames, and even more genial spirits are indifferent to my plight. My suffering must seem amusing to them who cannot truly die.

January 27 -

I have little left to help myself, but when I do have I will use to shield this book from harm for a time. May Jayla count my efforts for good - they are all I have, now. If any brave adventurer finds this, please - deliver this book to one who serves Her. And know this: these fire spirits made for battle are still full of flame and wrath. This is no place for mortals to tread.