W_A_R

I have had a small respite from my training and Pagely duties with the Order of the Black Rose. As is often the case, I chose to go off on the well worn path of personal learning. I have found this route to be very rewarding and a far more productive than the path of asshattery or the path of annihilation. Why so many choose those paths is beyond me. Some have suggested it is the machinations of the trolls that live under many of the bridges of this world, subtly and not so subtly offering directions to the less wary and inexperienced travelers. This may well be true. A well seasoned traveler such as myself has learned to ignore the trolls and plan one’s travels in advance.

My original destination was to be a spa in the mountains of Zanidoo, a nation ruled by a fellow Page, Winslow. He had often mentioned the restorative qualities of the spa and I had decided not only to learn more of Zanidoo but get a little work done on restoring my physical (and some may say mental) wellbeing. Trust me when I say that the Order challenges its Pages in both respects. On my way I stopped for refreshment at a roadside inn. There were the usual collection of characters at the tavern; brigands, soldiers of fortune, a man of the cloth and merchants with their hired help.

Word had reached this isolated point that much of Digiterra was consumed in war once again. This was of no surprise to me as military conflict is a constant part of existence in this world some have come to call Planet Bob. I asked a coachman for more details and he mentioned that the Alliances known as The Browncoats and the Black Defense Council had become embroiled in an attempt to avoid being drawn into the major war. In doing so they had lost significant face with their allies and unwitting membership.

I of course knew of the BDC as my Order also wore Black. Of the Browncoats I knew of Schattenmann (formerly of Purge) and also N1ntenderek who I knew from my days in GOLD. He always came across as an earnest but harmless sort of a fellow. Rumours had it that both these gentlemen had been implicated in the ‘conspiracy’ and were under pressure from all quarters. N1ntenderek had been often in contact with me over the years, urging me to visit his nation. I wasn’t too keen to be honest. I had visions of his residence being filled with half eaten food and dirty plates, empty containers of cheap domestic ale and discarded unwashed clothing. I shuddered.

I weighed up my possible courses of action. Drop everything and visit Derekica and support N1ntenderek in his time of need …… or continue on my planned path to Zanidoo and its famed spa…. and the beautiful masseuses and fine food and wine and……

Special Log 24 – Zanidoo Spa

Well I’m here at Zanidoo Spa and you wouldn’t believe how soft these towels are! Nothing like the hessian we often use at the Order. Lovely. It is so relaxing here things can just slip from you mind. I can highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in need of a bit of respite from the cut and thrust of Digiterran politics. I must put my mind to letting people know …… later.

W_A_R of Vijar