Editing The Boatman

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{{TErow| 1 |loc={{red}}{{purple}}|Day 1|One could walk the first plane of the Underworld for all eternity and never find the gate to the next level.  Only the Boatman knows the way.  It is rumored that he will take anyone to the next level as long as they meet his price.  Today, that price is the Orb of Inhibition -  a powerful magical item that was recently stolen from him.  It seems I have no option but to deal with the creature.}}

{{TErow| 4 |Day 4|My advisors have already moved into the new Castle to prepare things for my arrival.  They have sent scouts to survey the area, so reports should be coming in very soon.<p>But I haven't been lax in the past few days either.  Trying to find my way around these tunnels is maddening.  I can already tell the weeks ahead are not going to be good ones.  However, the lines of communication with Queen Allison will be reestablished soon, and unexpectedly I find myself looking forward to her letters.}}

{{TErow| 8 |Day 8|A message arrived for me today, providing tactical information on the region.<p>"These tunnels are a nightmare to defend.  There are three major routes to our Castle, all connected so an enemy can attack from any direction.  We need to clear the nearby territory and establish a well-guarded base.  Always remember, the enemy is never far away, as there are plenty of creatures crawling these caverns.  Be careful."<p>I wish I had three armies instead of just the one.  How can I mount a decent offensive if I'm always worrying about my back?}}

{{TErow| 12 |Day 12|"We suggest," says the spokesman for my advisors, "that you hire as many Heroes as you can afford and order them to constantly patrol the tunnels.  No doubt, the enemy is crawling through these caverns like cockroaches.  And they have about as much honor as a bug as well - they're bound to try to sneak up on us!"}}

{{TErow| 15 |Day 15|Things were going rather well until one of the old-timers began talking about Rion Gryphonheart's campaign against the Barbarian Tyrant.<p>He spoke of Gryphonheart's bravery, how he stood before the Tyrant's massive army and challenged the brutish King to single combat in order to prevent even more carnage.  The Barbarian King was stronger, taller, and blinded by a rage that seemed unquenchable.  Using skill instead of fury, Gryphonheart gutted the "stupid savage".<p>Those were his words!<p>The old soldier continued, explaining how the Barbarian army must've thought their King was invincible, because when they saw him fall they lost all hope and ran.<p>I had to bite my tongue to keep from speaking out in my defense, and when their words got to be too much, I walked away.  One thing is certain - that old soldier will be digging latrines for months!}}

{{TErow| 17 |Day 17|The lines of communication are open once again, and Queen Allison's first message is more than a letter.<p>"Dearest Tarnum,<p>I am grateful for your continued help in finding my father's soul.  He was a good man who fought honorably and died honorably.  Knowing that things must be difficult I have taken up a collection from the nobles in my father's honor, and have sent the proceeds to you.  Please find my father soon."<p>Her familiarity startles me, but I realize that I feel close to this bold young woman as well.|effect=+17 {{w}} [[Wood]], +8 {{m}} [[Mercury]], +28 {{o}} [[Ore]], +6 {{s}} [[Sulfur]], +4 {{c}} [[Crystal]]s, +9 {{gem}} [[Gems]], +9238 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}

{{TErow| 23 |Day 23|It has taken a few days for me to compose a response to Allison's letter.  Her praise of her father followed so closely on the heels of the old soldier's tale of my death at the hands of Gryphonheart has left me angry.  I still remember the pain, still feel it in my belly some nights when I go to bed.  And yet they talk about me like some monster from a child's story.<p>But I pick up the quill, dip it in the ink bottle, and shake my head.  It's not fair to blame Allison.  She didn't choose her father.  So, I write...<p>"Queen Allison,<p>Things are going well.  Do not worry, we will find your father's soul soon.  Thank you for the additional supplies, they have helped in construction and recruiting costs.  Please send my regards to all those who helped."<p>I sign only my name.  Perhaps a little short and cold, but it's all I can manage right now.}}

{{TErow| 27 |Day 27|A rider arrives, a member of one of the parties scouting deep within the tunnels.<p>"We have discovered the location of the Orb of Inhibition and know what you must do to get it," the ragged scout says when he catches his breath.<p>Clenching my fists, I speak before I even know what I am saying.<p>"You look tired. Clean up, eat a good meal, get some sleep - you've earned it.  We'll discuss things later."<p>The perplexed scout bows and leaves.  I notice my advisors are poised to ask why I didn't ask for the information immediately, but they hold their questions when they catch my tense expression.}}

{{TErow| 31 |Day 31|There is no getting around it.  I have to see the scout.  I've avoided him these past few days, always busy with something else, but I'm beginning to see suspicion in the eyes of my advisors.  To think I almost turned my back on the Ancestor's mission, just for spite.  My temper has always been my downfall, but not today.  Never again!<p>I send for the scout.  The grudge I have against Rion Gryphonheart is over now that his soul's torture has been extended for a few days.  We are even.}}

{{TErow| 31 |day 31-2|The scout's information is complex, but important.<p>"The Seer to the south of your Castle wants 50 Gogs in return for the Surcoat of Counterpoise," the scout begins.  "Take the Surcoat to the Border Guard and you will gain access to the Keymaster's Tent, and then the land beyond the Red Border Guard.  Now, you'll need The Shackles of War from the Seer just northeast of the Castle.  The Shackles of War will gain you one Archangel and that will gain you passage to where the Orb is being held."}}

{{TErow| 36 |Day 36|The instructions to the Orb of Inhibition are almost as confusing as these blasted tunnels!  How do these Demons manage to navigate this place?<p>The only safe way to make sure that everything is completed is to visit the Seers myself.  Maybe some of my captains can run some of the errands, but  I think I should do the talking.  To begin, I need to find the Seer who wants 50 Gogs, and somehow find a way to recruit these loathsome Demons.}}

{{TErow| 40 |Day 40|A message from Queen Allison arrives.<p>"Dearest Tarnum,<p>I am hoping to join you shortly.  The advisors here are having fits at the very suggestion that I take a hand in this situation personally, but I feel that it would be wrong to have so many people die while trying to rescue my father's soul without me being there as well, risking just as much as they do.  Please let me know if your position is secure, so that I can begin my journey.  Thank you again for all of your help."}}

{{TErow| 44 |Day 44|One of my advisors has commented that my letters are practically unreadable, so I've been studying with one of the scribes.  It has taken me some time to learn to sound like a noble.<p>"Dear Queen Allison,<p>My apologies for the delay in my response.  We have secured the Underground Gate and the surrounding territory.  The Demons do not pose any threat to us, and in fact we are making it our personal quest to exterminate these vile creatures from the area.  The campaign is going well and the enemy poses little resistance.  However, this will all be moot if we can't find the Boatman.<p>Once we have secured passage to the next level from this elusive Boatman, you will be able to join us without fear of attack.  It would be good for the morale of the troops if you were seen here taking a personal hand in the matter.  I know your duties are demanding, but I am certain there are several competent advisors who can take care of matters while you are away.  We look forward to your presence.<p>Your humble servant,<p>Sir Tarnum."<p>My hand is tired when I complete this letter.  And I can't help but think that if these nobles spent more time training their troops and less time worrying about proper speech, they would rule the world!}}

{{TErow| 49 |Day 49|My flowery words and false flattery of the noblemen must have worked because Queen Allison has sent word that she is on her way and will arrive in another two months.  Her confidence in my abilities is great, since she obviously assumes I will have found the Boatman by then.  Wish I were so confident.<p>She also seems excited about taking a 'leadership role' in the rescue of her father.  I fear that she thinks I'm going to allow her to get into the thick of battle when all I really needed was a figurehead to make the troops feel good.  A pretty smile would do.  But then she'll probably fold under the pressure and run home the first chance she gets.}}

{{TErow| 56 |Day 56|The Demons have earned my spite over the past months as I learned that they are firm believers in the sneak attack.<p>While most of my forces were patrolling the local territories, a band of Magogs and Imps desecrated the Castle!  The Magogs tossed fireballs about, setting several buildings on fire, while the Imps performed more disgusting acts of vandalism.  They broke everything they could get their hands on, wrote foul language on the walls that would offend even the hardest soldier, and then they started flinging snot everywhere.<p>The repairs are going to be costly.|effect=-17 {{w}} [[Wood]], -5 {{m}} [[Mercury]], -24 {{o}} [[Ore]], -3 {{s}} [[Sulfur]], -1 {{c}} [[Crystal]], -2 {{gem}} [[Gems]], -8726 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}

{{TErow| 63 |Day 63|A savage ambush led by Pit Fiends caught my camp unprepared last night.  It would've been a disaster, except I jumped half-naked from my bed and met the enemy at the edge of camp.  I howled like an animal as the first wave attacked, and I managed to turn back the startled Demons.  By the time my soldiers were ready to mount a defense, the enemy fled.|effect=+2 {{m}} [[Mercury]], +3 {{s}} [[Sulfur]], +1 {{c}} [[Crystal]], +2 {{gem}} [[Gems]], +493 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}

{{TErow| 67 |Day 67|I've been wondering about the differences between Barbarians and Knights, so I've been quietly observing the men under my command.<p>Knights are more polished - their speech, their clothes, their armor and weapons all gleam from several long hours of care.  I don't understand the point of all that cleaning since everything will just get dirty again during your next battle?  What a waste of time just to look pretty.<p>But then, I am a Barbarian.<p>Knights, and their entire society are concerned with such things.  Take the letters to Queen Allison and all the flowery speech.  In my experience, I have never needed more than a sentence to get my point across, but these Erathians and their Knights are always so concerned with politeness and properness it takes them ten times as long to say what they mean.<p>Of course, there is one time when a Knight shows his Barbarian blood - when he comes in contact with beer.  Then these 'gentlemen' become just as loud and blunt and violent as my people.}}

{{TErow| 72 |Day 72|After a long, hard day, I take the chance to talk to some of the men around the campfire and discover exactly what makes Knights and Barbarians different when I asked one of them why he joined this quest.<p>"Why, for the glory of my Queen, country, and my family name," the young Knight said.  "If I return a war hero, then I'll be able to get a pretty little girl to become my wife, and my family and neighbors will toast my efforts for many years to come."<p>The others agree and begin toasting each other.  Knights fight for the glory of themselves and their leader, but a proper Barbarian fights for personal glory as well as for safety of his community.}}

{{TErow| 74 |Day 74|Queen Allison has arrived at the Underworld Gate, but she's wisely remaining above ground until I clear out these tunnels.  She's even brought along some extra troops, who should be arriving soon.}}