Notes from a servant of the Dark Lord

[Artenides]

I. Arrival and the praising song of Bane

He was waiting outside of Cordor offering songs for coin when I arrived. Several people were wandering around but nobody noticed - or wanted to notice - him. I was sure he had been waiting there for hours in silence. I saw an opportunity presenting itself and I knew he was going to be a perfect tool for me. I approached and greeted him and offered two hundred coins for a song. He showed me a list - his repertoir - and asked me to choose. But I stopped him there. I wasn't interested in spring songs or songs about mortal love. I wanted him to sing a praising song to Bane! As loud as possible! I was sure that I surprised him with my request but he didn't refuse - didn't dare to refuse! - me. He asked half an hour to compose a song and exactly thirty minutes later he was singing at the gates of Cordor! A praising song to our Lord.

I paid him for his talent and offered another two hundred coins to add the newly composed song to his repertoir. Just think about it. A travelling bard spreading the dark fear of Bane with his song!
Who cares about the bank account balance is being negative when you achieve this on the very first day of your arrival?

[Artenides]

II. The first steps to ultimate victory

They were all begging for their lives but I remained ruthless: Bane's sentence must be carried out. Some of them had the guts to attack me with their rusty weapons, but these goblins had no chance against someone in hardened armor with Bane's arsenal. Their death was slow and painful as it should be. Those lucky few who escaped will fear the Dark Lord through their entire pitiful life and will spread the word.

After purging these wretched creatures I returned to Cordor to announce Bane's glorious victory and to ensure the people that as long as Bane's servants are around the laws are enforced at ALL costs! Travellers will not be attacked by goblins and the like!

Side note: I have found the first candidate who seems to be very interested in our faith. His fighting capability is very impressive, I am sure that he will be serving our cause faithfully.

[Artenides]

III. At the caves, praying for power

It was midnight when I arrived to the caves. I felt several eyes looking at me, I felt their anger and anxiety. My presence was threatening, yet challenging for them. I slowly dropped to one knee and put my weapon on the ground. I trusted - yet I was trembling - that Bane would protect me while praying to him. A shiver ran down my spine as the first words left my mouth.

I prayed for power. I prayed for his guidance. I prayed to give me strength so I would show his truth. The darkness embraced me and I had to face my own fear. That he abandoned me. That I am not strong enough to serve him. That I would fail.

I was just kneeling there, stunned, consumed by my own fear. Several minutes passed. When I stood up my soul was hardened.

My fear gives me strength that few posesses. I am a Banite who can look into the eye of what I fear most and look back! I am a cleric of Bane who fear only Bane, and face my fears every day. Thus, I know I am far superior to any other un-enlightened creature.

I left the caves with fear in my heart. I knew that Bane was still favouring me.

[Artenides]

IV. Initiation

I was carrying out Bane's sentence in the swamps when the messenger came. My companions disregarded the message but I dare not to. The leader of the church was calling me! Instead of assisting me to get to the gates of Bendir my companions decided to stay in the swamps. Bane punished them for their foolishness, their death in the swamps was inevitable without the presence of the Dark Lord.

Spent half a day at the gates of Bendir to wait for my escort. The leader of the church sent one of his champions, Black Knight Gudmund Valdermarson to take me to the temple of Bane.

After proving my faith and power, the church accepted me. I entered as Oswald Darkstone and left as Acolyte Oswald Darkstone. Bane be praised!