Diary of Brianna Riess

A simple leather-bound journal wrapped in string. Some of the pages have started to brown from foxing.

A name is inscribed on the inside cover - Brianna Riess.

The first pages recount her growing up on a farm outside the large town of Fey Cross, on the edge of the Emeraldian Forest - hundreds of miles across at points - separating and giving name to the Emerald Wilds beyond the Empire's borders.

Also known as Feymeet or Feypath forest, Brianna tells of childhood stories of fey creatures trading with the people of the town but also of people going missing after venturing into the forest as it contains gateways to the Feywild. Stories of if children didn't behave then Bugbears or trolls would come and gobble them up etc

Brianna showed a talent for magic during the trials of all children in the town. The trials would test for signs of changelings or arcane, magical or fey influence.

She was taken into Weaversmeet College and instructed in the schools of magic, later becoming a tutor herself.

The next entry tells of her aptitude catching the attention of Aldrecht Tresendar, a lord whose family lived to the north of Fey Cross, and she became a tutor to the lord's son and daughter, Azor and Aldith.

The children were good enough although they would frequently squabble. Azor showed a talent for magic, while Aldith was more the more athletic of the two and often seemed jealous of her brother.

The years pass and there are entries about the lord disappearing for weeks on end on urgent business. Others relate to Brianna's growing relationship with a wood elf named Sy'wain.

There are details of hobgoblin attacks on the town, one claiming the lives of many of the town guard and a new church and graveyard being placed around the Oath Tree at the town's edge.

A sect of townsfolk begin talk of the hobs being lead by zealous elves from within the forest wanting to remove civilisation from its boundaries, along with children being taken. The talk turned to rumour, rumour became frenzy, which became truth in the eyes of those who spread it.

Unable to defend themselves the town's leaders began looking to the Arturian Empire for protection.

Tresendar, who did not see himself above the people, advised against this as Fey Cross would be changed forever and the Stability of the empire was built on sand.

The town council voted against his advice and an army lead by a squad of Drakken Knights was sent to fight the hobs and their beasts.

The fey folk saw this hostility for what it was and retreated into the forest. Brianna writes of the Empire rooting out treachery and word of Tresendar's resistance soon reached the imperial command.

She writes of how Tresendar had prepared his family to leave and, using his influence and Brianna's relationship with Sy'wain, to move the family, staff and a few possessions through the Emeraldian Forest, headed for the mining town of Phandalin.

Brianna notes that the lord does not say why they are headed to Phandalin, other than it will be safe for his family.

She writes of why the lord questions the empire when she has heard it has brought stability to other regions and fought off the Chroma Confederacy in ages past.

What would have taken days of travel took only hours using the wild crossing, the retinue arriving on the other side of the great forest the same day they left.

There is a torn out page here.

The next page starts with Brianna explaining that Tresendar asked her to remove the secret to opening the crossing. if the Empire learned it they could move armies into the wilds.

Using his wealth and connections, Tresendar acquired land and the title of Lord of Phandelver.

The town is bustling with news of the lord[']s arrival, and of the great discovery in the nearby mountains made by dwarf, human and gnome wizards - the Forge of Spells.

The diary mentions Tresendar heading to the mine to meet with the Phandelver Pact leaders. Brianna explores the new mansion but is restricted from entering the cellar as dwarven stonemasons are putting in the finishing touches.

The lord returns from his meetings and Brianna meets a mage named Mormesk, who she describes as bad-tempered and talks of the riches and splendours found in the mine. he is already adorned with precious gems and has an ornately carved wand of magic missile on him.

Tresendar says the secret of the mine must remain so or it will bring ruin on a global scale. Mormesk laughs off the claim saying that the discovery under the mine is the greatest in history. He says they will be rich beyond their wildest dreams and that he will live on forever in history books with its association.

The next entry comes a few days later with the surprise arrival of a new mage. He gives his name as Brimark Prost and is accompanied by a young apprentice who gives her name as Ursa Trostain.

Brimark tells Brianna he was invited personally by Aldretch[t] Tresendar, but Brianna does not remember him arriving or his arrival being announced.

She notes that Brimark seems kind and intelligent but there is something more about him. Ursa is a cute girl aged around 16, quiet, mindful and caring. She carries a small musical orb with her everywhere.

Mormesk is introduced to the pair and is immediately taken with Ursa. Brimark watches this interaction carefully.

Another entry tells of a meeting between Tresendar and Brimark that Brianna listened in on. Tresendar says he has explained the truth to Azor as the eldest twin and asks whether Aldith should be told as well. Brimark suggests not as from what Aldrecht has said she is too reckless in her approach to things. Brimark mentions that he had to leave quickly and fears that the empire or the Withered Claw have picked up clues to his location. Tresendar laughs and suggests that Zhorn was always too clever for his own good.

There are references to Azor goading his sister over the knowledge his father has shared and her becoming increasingly frustrated. Mormesk continues following and talking to Ursa, and Brimark becomes increasingly protective of her.

One time she catches Ursa and Brimark dancing together to a tune from the musical orb. Brimark tells Ursa that she is very important, and special to him. He says that one day he will explain everything to her when the time is right. He pulls up the orb and says the key is in the notes, the notes are the key, and the notes come from my study. He says he might have to show her what he means sooner than he expects.

He warns Ursa against Mormesk, saying that appearances are not always as they seem. Ursa thanks uncle Hallister and he says not to call him that here. She then shows him a spell she has been practicing and he embraces her - 'that's my girl'. She asks if Uncle Vivacian will be ok.

Brimark replies that he meddled in things even beyond his reach and he had to be stopped. "There are only so many deals you can make," he says.

The next few entries tell of growing resentment between Brimark and Mormesk, and between Azor and Aldith.

The next main entry is of the Phandelver Pact preparing for war against a horde of orcs led by necromancers converging on the town.

Azor, Aldith and the main force fight off an initial wave but the main contingent seems to be heading for the mine. How they know this is uncertain.

Brimark, Mormesk and the twins go to fight. Aldrecht, now old and wounded from the previous encounter, stays behind.

The next and final entry tells of Aldrecht ordering Brianna to leave as her life will be over if she ends up in the hands of the empire or the Withered Claw. Fearing his family lost he passes on the Scaleguard Covenant secret to Brianna, who shares with him that her and Sy'wain are expecting a child - she senses it's a girl, who will be named after Sy'wain's mother.

Brianna vows to fight the empire and keep the shattered remains of the order safe. Aldrecht says his last act will be to Brianna's years of service to his family, and the order indirectly, by creating a memento beneath the crypt.

The remaining pages are missing.