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[Cal Hurst]

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[Cal Hurst]

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I feel as though I should apologize to you, journal, for my previous entry. Reading back on it, I have no idea what was going through my mind. And don't worry, you don't taste like sunshine. My apologies.

Regardless, the last thing we did was raid on Umbra. And quite a successful raid at that. I sent some of us to attack the Undead that were there in the sepulcher, or whatever it's called. I'll just refer to it as "that building." Those who were in "that building" ended up dying (well, as much as an undead can). Sarian and I ran off and found the High Necromancer's little lab and we blew it up. I think I was knocked unconscious or something to that extent. I don't much remember anything after that until a day or so later. The healer said it was a minor form of amnesia. Without a doubt, I must have done something so incredibly awesome; so amazingly epic, that even -I- could not comprehend it. I blew my own mind. Damn, I'm good.

Yasamin wants me to milk her udders. She denies it, but her eyes say differently. In fact, I'm sure every woman out there, and maybe even some of the men, want my hands on their udders. The only problem I face now in finding someone to spend the rest of my life with is not that I'm a mercenary. No, that is no longer a problem.

The problem is finding someone that is worthy of my companionship. I am far too prodigious to hand my affections out to some common woman.


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[Cal Hurst]

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Last night, Stonegate hosted a tavern night. The festivities were going quite well. A number of my admirers were there, including one named Jarem; or as I call him, Pissant. He's undoubtedly jealous of how I live my life and how good I am at pretty much everything. His words, not mine. I can't blame him, though. He's merely a guard for Moonglow's Mayor, Yasamin Boudin or however it is spelled. Poor guy.

There were, however, elves and demonspawn crawling around the tavern like mad. One demonspawn even had the audacity to confront me about the truth of its race. It wanted me to provide facts that "gargoyles" as they say they are, spawned from demons. Truly? Was this creature so dense that it could not see the resemblance between it and the hellish creatures? It did not know that the holy blades designed to slay demons also worked on gargoyles? Not only that, but it took to flight INSIDE the tavern! INSIDE! Flapping its wings, knocking stuff over, just being a general nuisance. Sure enough, though, an elf came to its "rescue," wearing similar colors to it. I must have struck a nerve with this half-creature, as he started out with vulgarity nearly immediately. He also claimed he could show me a thing or two. An ELF! Show ME, CAL HURST, a thing or two. HA! In what world could an elf ever amount to a human, nevermind Cal Hurst? Certainly not this one.

Elves should simply be enslaved. Silly creatures. Mayhaps they'd even make good servants, but even then I don't think they'd be able to function properly. If I had my way and I were king, an elf would stand on each street corner in every city, for the purpose of punching in the face if you needed to take out some aggression on something. And the demonspawn, or "gargoyles," as they call them? They wouldn't even get that luxury. They'd simply be slaughtered.

Stupid, stupid creatures. The world would be a better place without either of them.

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[Cal Hurst]

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Yet again I've gone some time without writing on your flesh, journal. Forgive me. You'll see that I've been quite busy, however. Allow me to explain, and I'll go from what I believe is most important to least important.

I've been spending quite a bit of time with one Lady Yasamin of Moonglow. She's the Mayor. In fact, we hated eachother when we first met. But in time, our relationship has grown exponentially, and we've become friends. Perhaps even more than friends, I'm not quite sure. I cannot deny that she has seen a side of me that most do not see. She seems to like this side of me, but I feel very vulnerable when it is exposed. Where this will lead, I'm not sure. Then again, I'm never sure where anything will lead when it comes to women, because they are confusing yet majestic creatures. Time will only tell.

I was charged with assault of some sort while in Sanctus a few weeks ago. Some sort of City Watch, something or other, in Sanctus. Lucky for them, the charges were dropped due to some freezing over of the winter pass, or some sort. Who knows. Regardless, I had a very detailed defense written out that was iron clad. Every precaution was seen to it that the incident was a duel. I had them follow me out to the dueling pen. I informed them of my intent to duel. They were armed. A stone wall was placed down. And as I attacked one of the men, his partner did not help him. This is the definition of a duel, and I had many others that could attest to this.

However, in the possible event that the judge was biased, I would have simply filed an appeal in the idea that they lack the ability to properly prosecute. You see, across Britannia, there are many different forms of government. This "crime" as they called it, happened in Sanctus. And these fools were attempting to enact THEIR laws in SANCTUS land. This is what we call a "lack of jurisdiction." I would have petitioned for the Sanctan courts to rule on the situation, since it happened in their lands. That would have been a surefire victory, considering Davaran Skyfire was the one that threw down the stone wall for the duel to happen. Either way, whichever road was followed, a victory for me.

I've also stopped drinking so much, and I've noticed that other people have been a bit more friendly to me since I've done so. Perhaps the alcohol was turning me into too much of a brute, or some other such word. Regardless, I'll continue drinking water, or perhaps I'll try some kind of festive non alcoholic drink. I hear the non-fermented apple cider is good if cold. I should look into that.

Demonspawn (gargoyles) still suck.
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[Cal Hurst]

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A quick update for you, journal. I no longer live in Blackmarsh. Nope. And brace yourself. I've moved in with Yasamin. I know, I know. Crazy, right? We talked it out. She invited me to live with her. It just felt right. So we're going along rather well, and things are ... well, perfect, for lack of a better term.

As far as the mercenaries go, I've sent them all off on an outsourced job. I'm staying here to hold down the fort. Sarian is leading them. Promise of riches for the lot of them. They were craving for something challenging and I believe they will get what they are looking for in this job. I'll be evaluating the skills of others that I see, and extend an invitation to them should they wish to be paid more fully for their skills. Perhaps I'll even tack up the old posters. Who knows.

Regardless, I've a small bit of unpacking to do. I'm going to get on that.

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[Cal Hurst]

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While walking in Britain...
I heard a song that I liked...
Gonna sing it forever...
Gonna sing it 'til I die....

This beat is in my head...
It's really hard to stop...
Writing to the tune...
Of the song from Britain...

*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...

What can I do...
I'm really just a slave...
Slave to the rhythm...
The whistle tips go wooo...

Must be aware...
This beat is too catchy...
Gonna spread throughout the world...
Everyone will sing...

*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...
*Gonna take you for a ride...

Now I must go...
Do something else...
Must try to get this song...
The hell outta my head...


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[Cal Hurst]

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A final job as a mercenary until the absorption. Yew. First blood against the Protectorate. A campaign that will last at least a month. The formation of a new government. Plans to aid in the reforming of another. My, how much has happened.

Denzin has requested that the Mercenaries take on a more permanent role within the Blackmarsh military. He has offered us lordship over land that we are currently fighting for, and the ability to make rules on that land with little influence of the motherland. I could not refuse the offer.

A final job as mercenary. Going out with a bang.

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[Cal Hurst]

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"Dumb mercenary."
"You are only honorable to gold."
"What do you know about politics? You're a mercenary."

Oh, Starfire, how you will live to regret these words. I wonder if she sees what she has done? So far, under her rule, she has all but abandoned Felucca Yew, allowing us to absolutely roll over any insurmountable opposition that the Protectorate can form. Luna is about to fall. And because of this lack of an army, Protectorate loyalists side with forces of Umbra. Amazing how this little mercenary can set something in motion that allows the Protectorate to completely abolish the ideas that they were founded on in order to protect a piece of land that is never used. How strange that the honor that these "lightbringers" possess is more fickle than they wished mine to be.

Sid, well. He's a stubborn bastard. He'll quickly throw all honor to the wind and ask Darrien for help than give up his land. Prideful and idiotic. His failure to cooperate will cost him a large portion of Yew in Trammel.

As for Starfire's failure to be reasonable and allowing her subordinates to form alliances with her "sworn enemy," well, maybe we'll just have to start looking at Mazewood.

About time the Protectorate has some humble pie, less Blackmarsh, Blue Lotus, and Stonegate wipe them off the map entirely.


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[Cal Hurst]

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It took me a bit of time, but I finally found you. During the move from place to place, I misplaced this journal, so I was not able to keep up with the writings. I've quite a bit of information to throw at you, so get your pages ready.

First off, the mercenaries are no more. We've merged into the Blackmarsh settlement, and have helped it expand into a vast empire. Denzin Bracken will be its first emperor in less than a week's time. And the activity that we've seen in Blackmarsh lately has been crazy. Gerard (the barkeep, not the ex-mercenary) has asked me numerous times to help him refill the stock. Running out of ale, wine, and liquor left and right.

The struggle for Luna continues, with Stonegate and Blue Lotus strong arming their way into the mix after Molly was reluctant to give up control, despite the fact that the army she could amass from her barracks alone couldn't even defend against an onslaught of picnic ants.

Last night, Tatiana came bursting into Sanctus. Apparently one of Umbra's allies in Felucca is threatening to take over a crucial part of Skara Brae: the Moongate. Since Blackmarsh's goal right now is to secure all of the Moongates in Felucca, either by agreements with current owners, or taking the land itself, this concerns us greatly. We do not consider ourselves a "light" entity by any means; if anything, we are neutral. However, we recognize that evil is bad. And while we may not go out of our way to jump facets to attack it, we certainly aren't going to let an evil spread outwards from our facet. They will be stopped here, on our soil.

A couple new faces have shown up around Blackmarsh. Most notably the butter churning girl, Camilla, and her friend, Selena. Two seemingly innocent young girls. I'll continue to watch over them, and at the same time nag them and make fun of them to thicken their skin. And for my personal enjoyment.

Let's hope I don't forget where I put you this time, eh? Until next my pen meets your pages.

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[Cal Hurst]

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A lot has happened since my last entry. For one, Blackmarsh has become the single most powerful military force in Sosaria, Malas, Ilshenar, what have you. Of course I may be biased, but I don't see any other single nation standing chance against what we have to offer. Not only do we have the best military, but we have the best meats, butters, and crops anyone can find. Not bad for a couple mercenaries and a good politician eh?

Malas is in turmoil at the moment, with the Ebon Skull keeping Stonegate, Blue Lotus, and Sanctus busy. I do hope, however, that the Blue Lotus and Stonegate alliance lasts. I've seen their combatants. They work well together. However, individually as nations, I believe that both of them would fall before the might of Oblivion. Not to say that they don't have their strong fighters; they do. But those under the skull just would have the upper hand. Unless Blackmarsh swoops in to save the day. Even if those in the skull are friends of mine, I don't trust the lich lord. Should the Ebon Skull push more than what I have anticipated them pushing, we'll step in. At least, I'll suggest it. It's ultimately Denzin's decision. Sanctus, however, has always stood firm in their fight against Oblivion, and will continue to. Talon is a man of action. He knows what he's doing. They'll be fine.

Speaking of Sanctus, tonight we are bringing loads of meats and other goods to Sanctus as part of our trade agreement. Then we have a meeting tonight, in which I'm handing out promotions. Hrm, I still have to write those congratulatory speeches. I'll get on that.... now.


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[Cal Hurst]

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Again I write to you, journal, but not much to report. Blackmarsh has been going strong and increasing in activity and in numbers in passing weeks. We have gargoyles in our ranks now, and I've learned to not be so oppressive towards the race as a whole. Tari and Malia have proven to be able-bodied beings. Tari has high aspirations as well. Very impressive.

Blackmarsh has been increasing its relations with both Sanctus and the Ebon Skull. Neither side seems to mind our relations with the other, so long as we don't impose upon the other side. I rather like Sanctus, that Davaran fellow is a hoot. And the Ebon Skull aren't nearly as bad as people want others to believe. That Azunda, what a fella.

I have recently had correspondence with Merci d'Rue of the Guardians of Stonegate. And quite honestly I'm very confused by her reply. Her intentions were obvious: Hope that eyes other than mine would lay upon her letter and pass word on to the Ebon Skull, causing distrust between the two orders. Luckily, the letter was not intercepted. Either she's gone insane, or she's trying to damage Blackmarsh's relations with the Ebon Skull.

A smooth move, Merci. But I'm ten steps ahead.
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[Cal Hurst]

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I came across some peculiar situations today, mainly at the tavern night in Sanctus. Through conversation I learned that some people in Stonegate actually think they could take me. ME, Cal Hurst. Though I do remember their training and their confidence. Confidence is good. I admire their hearts, but their swordplay and spellplay absolutely leave them lacking. Beat me. Hah. Yes, I wrote out a laugh, journal.

Also, some of the Blue Lotus were trying to incite a fight with me. Typical. I forwarded my invitation of an even fight, Blackmarsh's five best versus Blue Lotus's five best and they decline, yet they will stand there, surrounded by at least four times our numbers, and try to incite a fight. Cowards. But I suppose I can't fault them, either. They've built their entire empire out of strength in numbers and not personal skill, while being lead to believe it was their personal skill that got them this far. Bishimi did the right thing in declining. Such a loss would show all of them that they really aren't as good as they think.

Ah well. Being at the top with my comrades does get boring from time to time. The best five team there ever will be. Myself, Gerard, Kali, Dale, and Nomack. I just hope someone brings us some sandwiches up here on this mountain peak. I'm getting hungry.

No Journal, I'm not really on a mountain peak. It's a metaphor.
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[Cal Hurst]

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Quite the interesting night in Stonegate the other night. I'll detail it step by step.

I was sitting in the Meadhall minding my own business, along with Felyn, Sarker, Sara, and at one point Chancellor. Sara was drunk. Very drunk. In her drunken state, she reached across the table and kisses some took on the cheek. Angered by this, Night Crawler arms his double bladed staff and ATTACKS Sara, who is unarmored, unarmed, and sloshed to boot. Somehow he lands only two hits on her out of maybe twenty. I heal her and make her invisible. He then calls us savages.

Savages? I'm fairly sure this little took was dropped on his head as a child. He attacks someone like that, and we're the savages. Right. So I argue with him for a bit, and then the Wolf King comes over, asking us if there's a problem. I thought there'd finally be a settlement to the issue, so I explain it to him. Felyn backs my story up. So does Night Crawler. The Wolf King deems it an "acceptable reaction." What? So I start arguing the point with him.

He then starts on his usual bit about how I'm still a mercenary, or some such crap. He then says that we attacked Night Crawler when he was harassing Kali. I quickly remind him that we did not attack him, but rather elevated the issue to the proper authorities; Sanctus at the time. He is insistent that we attacked them in retaliation, and cites our attack on the Tea House as evidence. What? So our "violent reaction" to Night Crawler's harassment of Kali in Sanctus took place over a month later in Tokuno? Not only am I fairly sure Night Crawler wasn't even there, but this battle took place for an entirely different, established reason. I'm really unsure of the logic and reason behind Myr's thought. Reminds me of a woman, though. The type where you argue about shoes in January and she'll bring it back up in an argument in October to use against you. Irrational and irrelevant.

Maybe I should just put some gold towards a very long, very tall anti-magic cage to surround Stonegate. Yeah! I'll charge a 25 gold visitor's fee and put signs up all around saying "Don't feed the wolves."
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