The small tome is bound in blackened leather with two spots on the front that appear to be star filled eyes.

First entry:

I have a journal. I'll now have to record the date. That shall be a tedious job, much like delivering pies and such.

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

Every fool has a beginning and end. I think I play a large part in this role. Sanctuary is largely my stage, a place where I can interact with my audience. While they are watching my every move, straining to concentrate and catch every movement, my dear Shadow is up to no good. A wisp of satisfaction tends to creep up within me, though I shouldn't let it show. I share it in private with my Lord. I give it to him and then return back to working his plans. My Lord seems to have his hands in everything and at the same time nothing at all.

I am now playing my fill of roles, Micky Stones my chief role, is a Spellguard associate living the life of a spy master sneak. Food, money, lodging, and equipment are provided for me. Seems a reasonable life to lead, and deinately full of fun and exciting characters as well. Perhaps now I wish I shouldn't have joined the Spellguard. It does put a damper on my other plans and roles I have been cast in. Such as the things of grand plays, artist we all are, and damn good ones. I wish to surround ourselves by like minded artists, and also steal away the roles my Lord wishes me to play. My secondary role is the Hidden One. I chuckle every time I think of the name. Because I am so out and in the open. I must choose a name and idea for the role I am playing now, and that is the Hidden One. The Hidden One is the leader of a thieves guild, growing every day in the service of the Shadowlord. My blood does stir to watch my faithful grow increasingly connected with the shadows. Perhaps that is just another way I become wealthy. I steal away the faith of those seeking a divine power to pray too. I steal them away from other faiths that might call to them. I hear those whispers in the shadows and before the message reaches them, I steal it from the shadows and at that moment cast Shadowlord's whisper. I am surpised by the growth of my thieves guild, but I should not doubt the will of the Shadowlord.

My next role will be that of Pissing Crone employee. My guild requires a safe house and place of protection. This will serve their needs rightfully. I will play the part of Mr. Silver, their is no doubt in my mind Cyrus will know my true identity. I will develop my proposal and submit it to him in person.

My true self, is one of utter secrecy. I, Mr. Stones, am the Voice. You may ask yourself the voice of who? That is for you to find out, I will not leave my one true secret to a book. I will leave a riddle.

Its never ending, Its can not be seen. Its holds everything.

Faredark reader, may the Shadows keep you safe.

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

Quill, ink, and parchment can be fascinating. They have the power to wage war, bring peace, send love, expunge good and evil, and the chaos that surrounds them. Quill, ink, and parchment hold the power to deliver double messages, but at the same time alerting no one to its true intent. I like to consider all things of quill, ink, and parchment a lie. Why else would some one write something?

Consider this, here I write in a way that denotes average to slightly above average intelligence. In person, my speech is nothing near as educated. I would be better off simply grunting and swinging a stick around in a circle.

This is where I laugh at my own delight of blissful ignorance. If only it were delightful.

In the previous darks my life has become a maelstrom of events, orders, and demands. I do my best to fulfill the tasks that have been set before. My followers grow an elf maiden that I have named Nightshade. A Halfling fellow, by the name of Dleen, who I believe I should have cut down, but followers that are dead serve no purpose. Scrill, I was informed that he joined the House of Montezzi as the court Jester. I think he will still be a use to me; I have a list that must continue to be updated. Yes, he’ll prove useful. Acid, the kobold, should me the mark of Montezzi on his body. This challenges my trust in his actions, how am I to know he is truly of the Shadowlord. Izzy, she remains determined and utterly faithful. Lisi, a wonderful convert, my first convert, I will be saddened if she should ever meet her end.

The Shadowlord requests I find pieces of a map. I must grow close to some one, I must earn their trust, and I must betray. The underdark is becoming darker in my eyes, perhaps it is the shadows mocking me, the Shadowlord’s humor is always about.

I must keep my eyes out for a skills assassin, the Shadowlord demands one of true skill.

Explosives, explosives, explosives….

I have spoken to Cyrus about employment, I have not heard from him in several darks. Hiring some one takes time. Even though I accept some one into my Thieves Guild, it does not mean they are without proving themselves. I have no doubt Cyrus has learned my identity, this will likely play a large role in my hiring.

Foster Freedom! These were the words of a friend of mine, his name was Lewis. I wonder I he is still alive, because I believe he could get me into sewertown, or give me the knowledge on how to acquire a key. I’ve walked those damn sewers for darks after darks, and nothing!!

My searches for all things have yielded me nothing. I see my death coming; it waits patiently in the shadows. The Shadowlord beckons mockingly his most faithful. I believe beneath our masks we will both wear grins. Faredark my readers, the Shadows keep you safe.

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

I wonder if I have made the correct decision? I may have been rash upon my approach of Prince Rinaldo Montezzi, and Lord Ignatiev.

I had to know, my curiousity had to, it had to be... killed. It was like running a dagger thru a kobolds shoulder blades. The shock, the hollow scream, the spray of blood, and then the death spasm. It was instantly gratifing.

I have drawn my proposal, and I have sent it to both Prince Rinaldo Montezzi and my...

I believe they will be pleased with what I have suggested. Montezzi does have the final say though.

The name will either be one of the following:

Dagger's Oath Inn Cloak 'n Coin Inn Seven Knives Inn Rocky Waters Inn Starboard Inn Warm Hearth Inn 3 Bails Inn The Majestic Inn & Tavern

The knife fights, daggers and leather, that's all. Last man standing battle, that can take place through out the whole bar. I'll have to collect more daggers and purchase some reasonable leather armors. Gambling, smoking den, cooking, drink, and all other vices the underdark can supply.

I feel drunk, my greed is breeding wildly within me. The Shadowlord must be pleased, the wealth that will come. A hub of trade and debauchery!

I will weave a web throughout the Canal Ward, and I will know all activities that will transpire.

I still have orders, I will fulfill these orders, but I believe things have changed. Montezzi knows I am a Spellguard, I could see the hate glowing deep in his eyes. I believe my heart stopped when he searched my bag and found my key. I figured that I should not lie, but twist the truth as I wish. I find myself betraying both the Spellguard Associates and the Montezzi House, but on their orders. Intriguing is it not, that so much choas roams loose in a house of glass like Sanctuary.

I pray to the Shadowlord, I think he will watch with a grin as one of his faithful surprises even himself.

Fair dark reader, may the Shadows keep you safe.

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

It is my understanding Colin Rhunyorn did not recieve enough votes to make it onto the Council.

Shouldn't be long now, guess I'll have to watch over shoulder. Let the basterds come, I've prepared myself. I'll send the assassin's heads back to to remind them why I was chosen of the Shadowlord.

Mouse and Izzy, continue on, remember the Shadowlord and his teachings.

Fair dark readers, may the shadows keep you safe.

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

The tell of tragedy. Another dark passes, and here I await in the shadows. I have witnessed the return of my Second Shadow, I am sure her time with the drow have done far worse then Montezzi could have ever done. Though my second shows a remarkable recovery.

Captain was in need of 400 coins to raise a fallen Associate, Associate First Class Pain. A follower of his Lady Pain, and priest. I admire this man, he has made pain his life. I once heard pain is good, reminds us that we are still amoung the living. As a reward, I was given the wedding present that was intended for Erik. Perhaps I miss that man's sword, I could count on is command.

Rip, my good friend, should I have not witnessed or committed the evils I did, I may have been more like him. A man of Brandobaris, his willingness to test the dangers of the underdark are incrediable. I have ask him to join my guild, his daring is something I would need. While I spend my time planning, he would remind me of the needed action and the thrill that comes with it. It is not completely unheard of that the Shadowlord and Scamp work together at times. Rip is definately some one I trust in the underdark, I can not say that about anyone else.

I wait here in the shadows, always.

Fair dark my reader, may the Shadows keep you safe.

-Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

Greetings once again readers, I find myself in terrific state of mind and body. My mind still remains my own, and the wheels of my plots continue to turn at their pace. My body remains mine, free of slavery, and free of wounds physical. It has been many darks since I last got my hands dirty. I do have eagerness to violence. As Lower citizens should, we live our darks in and dark out in a state of perpetual chaos and violence. As I understand drow religion, their Spider Queen must love the churning of this device. I have not seen any drow activity in Lower or the Canal Ward in a long time. I would hope I am not this naïve, but I will not be surprised. There are drow pirates in the Canal Ward, though I would rather not become business partners with them. They do intrigue me.

The Great Shadow Death Etorix, I do not know, perhaps I should seek audience with the dragon or meet with Ambassador Throx Claw. There could be something mutually beneficial for me.

The Sultry Siren slowly develops and changes into the Cloak N Coin Tavern. My Second Shadow is working quickly to establish the place. I am unclear as of now what to do.

My Superiors seem to be quiet. When I sent in my last report, I received no reply. The Associates are not going to receive support from the Council, and I have not received my wages for becoming an Associate. The future is unclear for the Spellguard Associates, or even the Spellguard. Aspirant Mor has requested my assistance. He is an amusing person, I had him in the basement of the Associate Headquarters, and I received this overwhelming sensation to spill his blood. The nature of a lower born. I locked him behind a caged door. It was humorous to watch his expression change as he fought to control himself. He told me that was not funny, though after I released him he said it was funny. How I wish to sap away the strength of men and women with a look, touch, or word. Stealing strength, now that is interesting.

Mr. Koyeske has not responded to my letters. I fear he may be sipping away his own supply. My tavern requires barrels of drinks, least the natives become restless.

I am troubled by the idea of funding a group of privateers. I do not desire to bite the hand that is feeding me. Although smugglers are needed, if they choose not to ask questions we may be able to do business.

So much to consider these past few darks, where should I spend my coin, or should I spread it about? The Shadowlord will guide me, I will look for his sign.

Fair dark my reader, may the Shadows keep you safe,

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

Many darks pass and troubled is my mind by the current state of Lower and the Canal Ward. I am but a shadow cast by a dwindling fire light, I want the fire snuffed out. My eagerness to find truth in darkness is disturbing, and denotes that I may be walking down a path I have not yet foreseen. The truth is I see possibilities in this tangled chaos of Lower and the Canal Ward.

I hope to find myself aligning with the Great Shadow Death Etorix. I will remain a faithful servant of the Shadowlord, but I will pray for the secrets the Serpent God has found in the shadows. I believe the Shadow dragon is a pawn of the Shadowlord, merely working the plans of the Shadowlord unbeknownst. I could be wrong though, I should not approach thoughts with arrogance. Arrogance will get me killed.

In my leave, I miss working to see the Shadowlord’s plans fulfilled. My Second Shadow has proven herself as my second shadow, operating in only a way I would if I was there to complete the tasks. With little to no guidance my Second Shadow has struck a deal to have drinks delivered and sold for part of profits. She has struck a deal with Mr. Doors to continue operating in the Canal Ward, and seen that all of lower is supported by the wealth of the Cloak N’ Coin Tavern & Inn.

With the current state of affairs I set word to Ambassador Ignatiev. I was not entirely pleased with how the initial agreement with Prince Montezzi changed after his death. The Serpent God will now hold ownership over the property and business, and I am only to manage it. I am very displeased by this turn, but I will continue on course.

There are many others I must contact….

Shadows grow long, and yearn for the light to be extinguished.

Fair dark my readers, may the Shadows keep you safe,

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light. Here also folded away is a copy of Goblin town gossip, with apersonal message and autograph:

"To my biggest fan, Spelltyrant Micky. Your head is empty, make nice bowl for soup."

Hugs,

Grimhamster.

fishingpenguin A new edition makes its way around Lower.

The Shadows gather. All that serve the Shadowlord have realized the message within the message, and beyond. Its secrets are now knowledge. The faithful shall travel, a ritual of devotion and power shall be performed. Long have I awaited to complete what those before me never realized. I now see truth, though I must not give myself to such fanatic revelations, those are better left to my Sister and others. I will remain in control, I will find harmony, my will can not be broken. The Shadowlord must know this, but yet I know that I am only a tool of his will.

On other subjects I have learned that the Spellguard have questioned my actions, even more concerning are that it was Captain Othur that questioned them. My orders where his, uttered directly from his concealed mouth. I now do not mourn the death of my beloved Captain, but now I feel betrayed that it was not my blade that silenced him. I shall begin my true dance with the Spellguard, at one time the House of Montezzi dropped them to their knees, murdering hand fulls of Agents and Associates. I will entertain my own desires, a path that will leave the Spellguard haunted forever.

I will remain watched by their pets, I do not doubt that my hands shall now be covered in blood from now on. I have done so well as to not have them stained by the blood of fellow citizens of Sanctuary. I've preferred the method of lies, trickery, deception, and my favorite truth. Truth has allowed me to walk more paths and control more then any other. Now I will let my faith and steel talk. I should reflect on my eagerness to enter violence.

As for the Cloak n' Coin Tavern & Inn, it moves along slowly. It will develop into something that will have a life of its own. A perfect child, with a mind like a sponge. Like all children once it has tasted knowledge it will never stop to feed its growing mind.

I must travel into the darkness, I shall look upon the face of my master. I will kneel before him and worship him, and be humbled by the gifts he shall give me. I will become one with the Shadows, and I will know I am one of the Shadowlord's choosen.

Fair dark my reader, may the Shadows keep you safe,

Micky Stones

The script seems to wave back and forth as though each letter was a shadow cast by candle light.

Growth is becoming difficult, my mind wishes for the instant gratification that once came with those earnestly devoted to the Shadowlord. Now I find that fools come to me, each whispering to me that they are followers of the Shadowlord. They seek information, they seek acceptance, they seek trust. Yet when asked to show their devotion they stumble and fall, they are quick to beat there paddle against the current of the dark waters that flow through the city.

From day-to-day I tend to my flock and provide support to them and collect tithes from individual thieves and the thieves guild. I do have my own policy about reporting rogue thieves to the guild. Some I provide aid, but covertly inform the guild, others refuse aid and inform the guild, and others I provide aid to whoever pays the proper tithe and inform no one.

These Unproven Brothers and Sister are bothersome and tedious. I will inform the my Brothers and Sisters within the circle of shadows, we will determine what is to be done with the Unproven of the flock.

As a priest of the Shadowlord, I do not hoard and gloat over my takings like dwarves croon over gold, but I actively use it to buy agents, bribe officials, sway agreements, and manipulate folk, working behind the scenes to achieve mysterious ends. Brothers and Sisters, respect the hierarchy. Tithe to those above your station, those who tithe approriately will be rewarded by the Shadowlord.

The Unproven in the church of Mask are charged as follows:

Wealth rightfully belongs to those who can acquire it.

Strive to end each day with more material wealth than you began it with, but steal what is most vital, not everything that is to hand.

Honesty is for fools, but apparent honesty is a very valuable thing.

Make every untruth seem plausible, and never lie when you can cleave to the truth but leave a mistaken impression.

A bridge burned means much rebuilding if you need to cross over there again.

Subtlety is everything. A bribe is the least subtle of the tools Mask gives to us.

Never force someone to do something when you can manipulate them into doing it and thinking the decision and the deed are entirely their own freewilled work.

Never do the obvious, except to conceal a secondary or tertiary deed or arrangement.

Spin secrets atop secrets, but do so unconcernedly, not with the sly excitement of untutored youth.

Always my flock, trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes for easy targets.

I will leave this book behind when I pass, its secrets shall travel on. A place in shadows, the Shadowlord will smile and welcome this being into the shadows. There they will find this journal, they will know those that have come before him or her. They will rise above the ranks of the Unproven. They will gather their own flock, a circle of shadows.

Fair dark my reader, may the Shadows keep you safe.

-Mick Stones