###### tags: `Tag(D&D old)`
# Rufus' Journal
Inside the cover

`This journal belongs to` ~~Rufus~~ Hesper Cassalanter

The first page folds out into a reflective golden panel revealing your reflection as you turn the page. It appears to be split, showing you as both the vampire and the human at the same time. The reflection smiles back at you warmly, brimming with confidence and happiness.

These words echo in your mind

"Hesper, this is the mirror of truth, it can show you many things. If this is your first time seeing it, what you should be seeing now is what you could be. A potential future where you are whole. I know not what it may be, but it will help you cope with any inner darkness left over from all your heartache. I'm truly sorry about that by the way, I tried my best to shield you from them... but I failed. At the very least I hope this can help your heart heal."

****

Flipping to the next pages reveals various artworks of angels with notes attached.

If you concent, you feel wrapped in a warm embrace. Your vision fades as thoughts and visions enter your mind. This is... a record of Rufus' memories. Incomplete, like a summary of the time he spent looking after you and your friends. There is a sort of sympathetic bond. You can feel his emotions and intention burning brightly within you.

****

First day on the job

Cassalanter duty

Hmm, this one has been burdened with a terrible fate, what a shame. According to the ancient celestial laws, we are not permitted to interfere. If only there was something I could do. I should atleast think of a plan if I am to break the law.

****

Ammalia is about one month along, and Victoro is already making preparations for the sacrifice. It's revolting to watch, how could someone do this to a child?

****

It's been about 5 months, things are speeding up around house Cassalanter. Devils are coming in regularly to check in with them. Having the will to go through with it every day for this long. Cast them into the fires of hell I would. Humanity can be so... wicked! What can be done about this?? I fear what awaits me if I go against the law... but something MUST be done!

Imperius, would you permit me to send someone to do something about this child? This is among the highest of atrocities! I feel it in my heart to be urgent that justice is delivered for this child. If this evil is allowed to persist, I fear humanity will recieve divine punishment far beyond that of the older races if their wickedness is not balanced. The birth of a destroyer could be catastrophic for this world! My wish is to give them one final chance with the unimpeded birth of this child. I will teach her our ways, and she can guide them!

Argentum, surely YOU must be aware of the law! We are NOT to meddle in the lives of mortals! It is THEIR free will to march straight into the nine hells if they would so prefer! That is the very point of their existence. They are capable of much on their own, far beyond that of the other races. A single human lifetime can carry ten times the weight of another. It is their choice what to do with the gift of divine ambition and it is our place to watch and judge them individually.

*Argentum returns to his side of the realm, restless and angry*

Is there nothing to be done about it? Can I just sit idly by and let this child suffer?

*The emotions he has been feeling over the past few months boil over*

**NO! I am the embodiment of justice, this is my duty! Every fiber of my being drags me towards action! If oblivion awaits me for doing what I know to be right, then let it be so!**

****

*The day of Hesper Cassalanter's birth comes*

*Argentum sends a divine message to the church of Ilmater in Waterdeep*
**Hear me mortals, there is a great evil within this city's walls. Victoro and Ammalia Cassalanter have chosen to make a deal with Asmodeus. Their newest child is to be given to him and burdened with the most vile existence. Smite them, take this weapon with you and cleanse the world of this filth.**

*The church bestows the head paladin with the blade Argentum. He makes for Cassalanter villa with haste. He bursts through the side taking the form of the otherworldly silver dragon Argentum, an echo of this world's Argentum. Quickly locating Victoro and overpowering him with ease. He finds Ammalia being carried by devils to the altar. He clears out all the devils and watches over Ammalia while she gives birth. Victoro stumbles down into the hidden temple and calls on a powerful devil to help him. The devil proves to be far stronger and faster than the human paladin despite his new powers. The paladin is defeated.*

At the same time

*Imperius appears in front of Argentum*

**Argentum, the ancient law of the high heavens strictly forbids us from interfering with the mortals, yet you have done so, brazenly!**

*Argentum fires back*

**All I am guilty of, Imperius, is bringing justice while you stand and do nothing!**

**SILENCE!** *spat Imperius* **Now, answer for your transgressions...**

*A battle ensues between the two angels as the paladin struggles against the devil. Eventually Argentum overtakes Imperius, pinning him to the wall with his own lance.*

**You cannot judge me, I am justice itself! We were meant for more than this... to protect the innocent! But if our precious laws bind you to inaction... then I will no longer stand as your brother!**

*Imperius says with amazement*
**sacrilege...**

*Argentum speeds towards the barrier between the afterlife and the prime material plane. The finer details of his form disappear in a radiant blaze as he shatters it in an act of sheer willpower. Landing in front of the devil and shaking the ground with his huge angelic form. He retrieves the sword from the wounded paladin. He calls forward a disintegrating smite. Nothing can be seen as the whole space is flooded with a river of light. The devil tries to resist but is quickly washed away by the tremendous power of the greater diety Ilmater.

Turning his gaze to the trembling Ammalia and Victoro, he alters their memory to not include the church of Ilmater. He quickly grabs the child and the paladin before teleporting to the church. His wings, armor, and celestial features burn from him until he is left as a mortal human.*

I should ward this place against them just in case. I'll keep them safe. I'll mislead Victoro and Ammalia. Hopefully this will have shaken them up sufficiently to change their ways. This child needs her parents, but they are not suitable...
I'll make it work for her somehow, I'll do whatever I have to. I need some help though.

****

I've put together the strongest and hopefully the best group of people her age. They all seem to have their own issues that they can help eachother with. Tonight's the first night, lets see how they interact with eachother and how they handle a bar fight.

****

Rough start to some degree, but I'll give it some more time. I certainly didnt expect a troll. Wait, did we burn that thing??

****

Whew, rough start to the day! Looks like they're off on their first mission. Looking for that Floon fellow should be a fair first mission by themselves.

****

The whole city knows about them after this tournament. I'm worried that they're gonna find Hesper. Gotta distract Victoro and Ammalia.

It sure is amazing to see how strong they are getting though. Something is a little off about that Danny guy. He looks like he might be repressing his abilities, and blood magic... that's unusual. I'll have to see what's up with him when I'm not busy.

****

Hesper went to Cassalanter Villa today. I found out that they are doing the same thing again. I really can't catch a break can I...? Let's see how she handles all of this. Hold it together Rufus, gotta be strong for her.

****

They went to the villa again, luckily as the waiter I could keep an eye on what was happening in case things got bad. I have a feeling that Hesper is going to give the money to her parents if she gets the chance. Such a kind and caring child, I was right to do what I did. I'd do it one thousand times over.

I should definitely make plans to be there for the ceremony. If I'm going to shield them from Asmodeus, I'm really going to have to think about my plan. No time to attend to life right now, gonna have to cancel my date. This is far more important.

****

The figurative beans have been spilled, she knows almost everything. I really hope she's ok. I should keep poking around Cassalanter villa in case they go there again. It could be dangerous. The worry never ends. Is this what it's like to be a father?

****

Lief was incorrigible, she has been searching for this incarnate hunter the entire time I've known her. She has this strange curse which I can't seem to break. It's like her hatred of this man is burning her all over. She is poisoned by the sting of her own revenge. Maybe meeting some people her age can help take her mind off of it. Hesper will definitely want to be her friend. They could both really benefit from this I think.

****

I'm becoming more tired as the days go on, my remaining strength is fading. I'll have to stay inside and rest, scrying will have to suffice until the last time we meet. I'm really sorry about this by the way, it must feel unsettling to know that I was watching all this time. I promise that it was only when I felt the need. Never during anything private. I see you and your friends like my children, so of course I have left you to your deserved privacy.

****

The heroes of Waterdeep, truly. Hesper brokered a deal with Ammalia and Victoro so both sides could get what they want. Looking back on what I've done, I can say the only regret I have is not being able to spend more time with them. The few times I took part in their drinking contests I really enjoyed myself. I think these kids are gonna turn out great.

****

# Part Two

Hesper, if you're reading this know that you are loved. Since your conception, your path has been paved with heartache and difficulty. I've tried to clear the path for you as best I can and surround you with people who care about you, but you're an adult now and strong enough to take care of yourself. While I regret not being able to look after you any longer, it's on you now champion.

****

I have heard your prayer, Hesper. It is my honor to assist you one last time.

*The journal portion ends*

*Hastily written below this point is a lot of the wisdom and truths that Rufus always wanted to pass on to you*

Nobody in the world of the living makes contact with Ilmater. Unfortunately, he is the type to assist from afar, but I can assure you that he loves you regardless of your family or any mistakes you might make along the way. He welcomes all those who seek his love without exception. You will always be enough.

For those who avoid seeking his love for fear of rejection, all they need do is repent. If they seek him out, he will be there to meet them.

****

Another point of concern - His word has been altered considerably over time. Allow me to set things straight, because it has become a problem.

1. Dietary restrictions such as shellfish were imposed due to the inability to properly clean and rid them of matter which could potentially cause illness. He does not hate you if you like oysters.

2. There are no restrictions on marriage or related activities - just exercise moderation, and know that most good things can be addictive and lead to your destruction if not managed properly. Long ago it was necessary to populate the earth to a certain extent. Now it is not so much needed as there are an ample amount of humans. Man, woman, with or without children, it is your choice to make if you choose. Marriage, by the way, is between two complete people, no person is your other or better half. For a marriage to last, you must both be complete to form a perfect union.

3. With regards to conversion, it is not necessary to go to war pushing his ideals. He will welcome those willing to come, but it is wrong to harm or damn others who walk a different path. Love them as you would another of the faith.

4. Just ask yourself these questions "Is it morally right or wrong? Is it necessary?". You are a representative, imperfect but enough.

5. As often as you can, embody Wisdom. Courage. Justice. Temperance.

# Part Three

Consider these pieces of wisdom from past champions. Write them down, keep them in your mind. You may find that some echo one another. Consider those to be especially important. Accept now thousands of years of wisdom from the worlds strongest and most influential. Guard it from those unworthy. Practice it daily and its power will be with you when you need it.

1. The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.

2. You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.

3. Waste no more time arguing what a good person should be. Be One.

4. Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.

5. You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

6. Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.

7. Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day… The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time.

8. True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for she that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of humankind are within us and within our reach. A wise person is content with their lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what they have not.

9. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

10. If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

11. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

12. A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it.

13. In the meantime, cling tooth and nail to the following rule: not to give in to adversity, not to trust prosperity, and always take full note of fortune’s habit of behaving just as she pleases. Whatever you have been expecting for some time comes as less of a shock.

14. Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of the strong.

15. To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.

16. If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.

17. It’s unfortunate that this has happened. No. It’s fortunate that this has happened and I’ve remained unharmed by it—not shattered by the present or frightened of the future. It could have happened to anyone. But not everyone could have…

18. Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. Prudent people look beyond the incident itself and seek to form the habit of putting it to good use. On the occasion of an accidental event, don’t just react in a haphazard fashion: remember to turn inward and ask what resources you have for dealing with it. Dig deeply. You possess strengths you might not realize you have. Find the right one. Use it.

19. Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.

20. We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.

21. We have the power to hold no opinion about a thing and not to let it upset our state of mind, for things have no natural power to shape our judgments.

22. Our life is dyed by the color of our thoughts. (see the good/positivity in things)

23. Everyone I meet is my master in something, and in that I learn from them.

24. Space, I can recover. Time, never.

25. You are only entitled to the action, never to its fruits (you can work really hard and still fail. That's ok, don't let it get you down.)