11 Arodus

It has been a few more days since I wrote in my journal. On the way here to Kelsgard we stopped in Ullerskad. A lot of our group visited the local Temple, but I decided to spend my time with my sister who said that she had seen this kind of temple before and wanted to scout out the wilderness. I enjoyed this time I got to bond with Shalelu. I got to show here some of the things I picked up from her and from my time alone. I think it is because of her that nature interests me so much.

The day before we got to Kelsgard, Kelda was rambling on about the different quarters and how great her city is…yada, yada, yada. I will have to admit though that the Bone Quarter interested me. I have a weak spot for the down trodden, so I made up my mind that I would do what I could to help those in that part of town.

The reality of it is, is that no matter how much you want to help people they need to accept your help. The moment people realize you are a witch they become more reluctant to except your aid. There were some people who were gracious enough to except my help. The worst is when you see a child in need and the parent, out of superstitions and ignorance, refuse your help. I did what I could from a distance but I am limited in my powers. Some times I think it would be better for some children to be on their own…I am happy I have Ling.

One man that I helped was very grateful for my assistance and started asking questions about people that fit the description of my companions. He told me some men paid him to get information or to locate them. I then asked him how much he was being paid. the 2 gold they offered quickly was turned to 4 gold from my counter offer of him showing me who these men were. He asked me if I would be here later. I said YES!?! What was I thinking? In fact I am sitting here waiting. I need to hide…

They man and the men questioning never showed up. Since then I have gone to the inn where Nihali informed me the group was. I found out most of them were being followed.I asked them if they had contacted Kelda to make sure she was safe…Yes, I did that. They said they had sent her a message. they also located Flyn, the man who had bought the family sword.

Several of us decided to pay the man a visit. On our way there a bind man shouted out a warning to us. I gave him a couple gold pieces and asked who it was that told him to say that. He said he did not know and that when someone that smelled like Cabbages came by to shout the warning. CABBAGES!?! I thought Qatana doesn’t smell like cabbages, then I noticed everyone staring at me. ME? Apparently I was hiding near a cabbage cart today. Kali took care of the smell with prestidigitation. What a handy little spell.

From talking with Flyn we discovered that his servants were murdered and the sword stolen and that the evidence led to Asvig. Asvig apparently lived outside of town and was also likely the one who sent the 40+ warriors after us. We figured that it was time for us to go pay him a visit.

19 Erastus, Oathday (Continued)

We determined the Tentacled creature was an irregular Decapod. We also found a small room that had an alter with an opened egg. around the egg was some pulsating ooze, and some other unimportant things. I poked and prodded the ooze but nothing happened. I then took a sample for later. about this time Qatana ended up getting herself cursed. That was very intriguing.

We ventured back into to the Kitchen to our last unexplored door in there. The door was sealed due to water damage. The door was broken open to reveal a damp mold and fungus filled room prominent in the room were some purple fungi. I was tempted to go in and examine it, but something just did not feel right. I knew enough that it could shoot out some unhealthy spores and that we did not want to go in. As we closed the door I thought I saw something…all well.

We proceeded to go back up stairs to explore the last set of stairs down. As I got near the bottom of the stairs I heard Kali call out a name and some other noise. They said it was Ameiko’s Grandfather and that he pointed to a spot in the wall. Kali was playing with some disc like keys (where did they come from?) and it opened and closed an iron gate. In the part of the wall that grandfather pointed to rested 3 Tian Chests. The only chest that interested me was the one that held a box. This must be what we need to help Ameiko.

We went back to the cemetery and sent an message and inquiry on Ameiko’s condition. I was relieved to here that she hadn’t  gotten worse, but was hoping she was awake already. We were all quite weary and needed to rest. We will need to wait till the morning to see if we could discover the cure for her condition. As I lay trying to sleep with Ling curled up next to me, I am writing this and also amusing myself with thoughts of what I could do with Qatana’s Cursed Statue.

20 Erastus, Fireday

We returned to the caravan and set to work trying to revive Ameiko by opening the box. When the box was opened, everything around me seem to change. I started seeing things strange visions. One where odd fiendish creatures, carrying curious weapons, stormed out a forest and fell upon what seemed to be a Tian Village. Another depicted 2 friends by a well, and one changed, becoming larger and murdered the royal robed one. Another showed a young Tian man selling an important sword (the name Suishen comes to mind) to an Ulfen Man. The last depicted an unmistakable Ameiko rising as an Empress on a Jade Throne. At that moment I knew we were all apart of this as Scions (even Kelda…Blah). We need to find Suishen. This woke Ameiko up. I continued to check on Ameiko and making sure she got the things she needed to regain her health. We are on our way back to Riddleport.

…….

What day is it. I seem to have lost track of the time and day. I have been held up in the caravan Creating potion after potion. My companions seem to at times be concerned about my experimenting and concocting as they are concerned tht I will end up as the witch of the swamp… Please she was obviously dabbling in transmutations, and that really isn’t my thing. I prefer alchemy, potions, and herbal concoctions. Nothing to worry about.

It seems we are getting ready to leave again. I guess I should get out and stretch my legs a bit.

6 Arodus Moonday

We have been traveling for some days now We have just stopped at a bridge to camp for the night. I have been busy and forgot to write in my journal for several days. I had an opportunity to show Kelda my dislike of her and how she disrespected our group when we first met. At meal time a few days ago, I turned her meal putrid. The others were not amused. What is their problem. Well i won’t do it again as long as Qatana is cooking as she was hurt by it. I will have to come up with a better plan next time.

Another interesting thing to occur is that we have been followed by an over sized crow for a few days now. It has everyone on edge.

I also got to talk to Koya about her harrowing. It really is quite fasinating. I may consider it if I come across a set of cards myself, but I am still uncertain it is the path for me. I am sure there are other was to be able to predict the future.

Seems I have the first watch. Nothing ever seems to happen during these things, But man is Kali on edge. she wants to set up some sort of trap under the bridge. I respect Kali but man is she overreacting.

6 Arodus Follow up

Well Kali was kind of right. We were attacked on my watch, and I didn’t even hear them coming. Ling and I were the last to arrive at the battle front for we were on the other side of camp when it happened. I did get to help bring some Ulfen warriors day to a unfortunate end. I wanted to set the boat on fire, but the group thought it would bring to much attention to us. I figure we already have the attention, that is why we got attacked. I thought it would send a message to them not to mess with us. As I am the only one with this thought process I dropped the matter. I think I will rest now. Ling is already snug against my side.

18 Erastus, Wealday Continued

Olmas and Qatana did recover and the search through the castle continued. I took the rear guard and soon after I heard fighting commence. I went to investigate and it was over before I arrived. Apparently there was a priest in the chapel that seemed to have been a chapel to a God that several of our companions revered. The statue was defaced and converted to the god of the Corbies. This was quickly taken down. We searched a room attached and found a few items we figured may be useful including some scrolls.

From there we continued to explore this level. At some point we ended up on a balcony overlooking a ballroom. We also found an area where the walls ran with blood  and ghostly visages, or so I was told (unfortunately I was not in the room to witness it). This apparently frightened Sparna and Ivan. I was sent to retrieve them: however, they made it clear that they were not going back. It took a little time to calm them down. After they did calm down we found another room that seemed like a study with papers that Kali said were a bad attempt at a play. We then went outside and opened a building that we found housed a mobat. The mobat was dispatched and while others rested, I gathered some of the bat droppings. These are usually useful in many concoctions.

We then found a set of stairs leading up (the only set going up). This lead to the library which was home to a Harpy by the name of Zaiobe. Zaiobe is Mute at least in the sense that she does not speak through her mouth. Apparently she could speak telepathically, at least to Qatana. She informed us of the demon lord who was her lover that she was tired of. She asked us to help her get rid of him. Since one of the riddles suggested she would help, we figured we would work with her.

We set the stage in an abandoned inn, where I was to wait in the Kitchen and move to block his exit. This did not exactly work for he had brought with some extra friends (perhaps to act out a play he had been writing. Well some of the Corbies decided to come in through my door so I greeted them with a smile and the pointy end of my Spear. It was not long before they and there master were dead. I enjoyed this play immensely.

The next part did not please me at all, though not that unexpected. The harpy chose to turn on us relying on the safety of flight. She made some strong hit on my allies and I ran between them to heal them, then got into the cover of the building. Though she had a good strong start, the finish was not to her benefit as she came crashing down. It really was to bad as she could have had a longer happier life. We then sought the sanctuary of the Cemetery to rest up.

I have begun to notice that I am expected to be a healer for our group. Ivan especially calls me the Healer. I do not mind helping and healing, it is one way that I feel I can pay back my sisters kindness. I have told my companions though that there are times where I am lead to be less prepared for the healer role.

19 Erastus, Oathday

I had another dream last night. This time I was fight endless swarms of beetles. As I tired, it look as though the were defeated, but then an unnerving laugh filled my ears. It was him. He was behind me. I felt something sharp stab me in the back. I woke to find Ling watching over me with a sense of concern for me. He really is a great friend. Ling and I sat together meditating. Today it feels as though I could choose my spells that I desired. I took some healing spells and some spells to harm my foes.

Since Zaiobe was not returning to the library we figured we ought to. We found some interesting books and blueprints. After discovering that we had explored everything in the upper levels of the Keep we would explore the ground floor.

On our way down the stairs we noticed a Most unpleasant smell. It made some in the group feel a bit sick. We discovered the source of that smell was troglodytes. Before they were all killed one called into a room for assistance. We spiked the door so that none would come. In the 2 other adjoining rooms were a lizard and sleeping trogs. Both died quickly. The final door opened up into the great hall.

As we continued to explore I stayed near the back to keep an eye on the hallway (feeling a bit weary from last nights dream). Apparently the landlord was found and dispatched. It was a female ogre-kin. I call her the landlord because she had a bag marked rent.

We then enter the ballroom which we discovered was not a perfect circle. This caused much speculation. This was not that important to me so I did not pay much attention.

We ventured forth exploring 2 doors of the sides of the hallway which seemed to be full of rubble and some nice arrows which we dispersed to our archers.

Now it was time to see what was behind the double doors. We opened them to find several disfigured and preserved creatures. This was all thanks to a very small individual that took great pride in their pieces of art. I have to admit that I was intrigued by the art as well. It reminded me of how I felt as a child. But when I heard the creature say that the art was alive till they were done, I knew that would not bode well for it. We moved in to stop the creature but man was it fast. With a few arrows we put an end to is mutilations I grabbed some spider poison that we found. I am sure this will be useful. After examining the body I discovered it was a quickling. Hmm.

Well after this I have to admit, my curiosity got the better of me. Qatana and I wanted to check a pond we saw from when we were dealing with the mobat, so we ventured out to it. I was curious if there was anything in the murky water and how deep it was so I put my spear in to find out. Well, I was not expecting what came out. A giant beetle emerged and so did memories of last nights dream. I encouraged us to fall back to the group. As we came in I could hardly spit out the words to what I saw. Well the party as normal acted quickly and the archers dispatched it from above.

From there we explored the northern chambers where we fought 2 wights. They seemed to be what remained of the guards. After we put them to rest we discovered some papers that added to the history of Brinewall.

Before heading down we chose to explore the outer building which turned out be a stable. Sparna yelled out, “Spiders!” and something else I did not catch as I was so focused on the spiders. I felt I knew what to do. I rushed in and shared my knowledge of fire with them. Well I found out to listen to everything Sparna says, because I was bit a couple times by some spiders. I wasn’t to worried since I know the venom will wear off, but my companions handed me a potion of lesser restoration just in case, Which I ended up using later so I could assist my companions better.

We decided it was time to venture into the lower levels. We chose the door that we blocked off and some proceeded down. We soon discovered there where actually more trogs down there and we pulled back to play some games with them. It is funny what happens when you grease the stairs. well several trogs went crashing down them. They retreated back into a room with more of there kind. A plan was hatched and mists and noises and color were everywhere. Then a Giant Dwarf (I tell the truth) goes running into the room and soon trog guts everywhere.

A close by room seemed to be an armory, wherein I got a set of bone dice and a couple flasks of alchemist fire. We soon entered what looked like a kitchen with several doors. We first checked the less traveled rooms finding cave. In one of the narrower caves was a secret door. This took Radella a bit of time to open, but she did it. It is good to have a lock specialist around. Well that door let to another cave which opened up to the water. I assume this was a smugglers secret.

We went back into the kitchen and discovered another locked door which Radella convinced to open. This also led to a cave that seemed to descend further. We concluded to finish exploring this level before going down. We went into a room where there was a pool in the center. I was curious to discover it actual depth and much to everyone relief nothing came out of it and attacked. The next room was a prison and it had 2 Ogre guard that were asleep at least until we opened the door.

Qatana had convinced the creature that we were there to offer it some food. Kali and I were getting ready to fetch something for it to eat (laced with Alchemist fire) when we hear an arrow fly over head. Well pooh! With a little misfortune the first ogre was held and dropped. The smaller ogre took a little longer but soon fell to our warriors.

Shortly after dispatching the ogres we discovered a women in one of the sells. I began to ask her some very important questions and I got some sour looks from the group. Sparna pulled me aside and let me know that though they were important questions the delivery was not the best. I get it, it is just sometimes they take so long asking their questions and getting to the point. Apparently this person’s name is Kelda and I was surprised at the insults she laid on us, trying to make herself look better. They think I was rude, ha!

We continued on, and I kept an eye on Kelda. We came to a crypt with an image of some god on the door. We entered and was greeted by someone who claimed to be Pharasma. I could tell that something wasn’t right so I began to head down a ramp with my weapon to see what was up. Several others agreed with my assessment and followed. We soon discovered a flying tentacled creature. This thing gave me reason try one of my new favorite spells, “Burning Gaze” It took a while for it to work but eventually I caught it on fire. It didn’t seem to effect it much, but it still gave me pleasure. We eventually defeated it and that is where I am right now, as we figure out what to do next.

18 Erastus, Wealday

We have stopped briefly to allow some of our associates to rest, so I decided to add some of my thoughts about our day so far. We came into Brinewall and found a run-down Light House. Inside it was rubble but in the rubble was a strongbox with some stuff in it. I don’t recall what was in it, I was to busy keeping my eyes on the water. Kali’s Bird friend informed us of a dead Drake in the bay. This put several of us on alarm.

We continued down into town only to discover that it had been raided by what seemed to be people from the north, as there was a long boat there. We found a few useful items, such as rope and other tools that Sparna picked up.

We decided to check out the Graveyard and found it oddly kept up. Someone or something must be in there. We entered and check out some of the more noticeable features. There was a Crypt which, I believe to be a vault but the Group chose to pass by it. They may be right. We also found a shrine to Desna (at least that what the others said. I thought it was cool that the Water that was placed in the bowl was magically altered. I took 3 vials of this Holy water. I wanted to experiment more, maybe use Blood or something (though of course I would never tell the others what). I did ask them if they thought it would work with other liquids they said not to.

Soon after that a little butterfly lady came out and started talking to us. Apparently she was please with several of our Group. I chose to keep my mouth shut through most of this, at least until she said that it was WISE for the gods to give advice in the form of riddles. I partially blurted out that I thought it was ridiculous. How is it wise to confuse your followers or allies instead of just giving Straight up clues that will help us finish our task quicker.

So our group comes up with some crazy plan to storm the castle (which is run by some bird men) that reminds me of some tale I heard of the Heroes of Sandpoint luring out goblins. Perhaps some of our group have hero envy. They were trying to figure out animal calls for different things and I figured I would suggest some crazy animal to go with there crazy scheme. I told them to use an Elephant noise. I figured some might not know what that is especially Anavaru since she calls her Camel a Horse. we ended up going with the sound of a sick Rabbit (not sure I have ever heard what that sounds like). It was a good laugh for me though. I like this plan it is amusing.

The Plan was hatched and we advanced on the castle hiding in the bushes. They made the noise of a pig and had an illusion run down the path. This failed to get any notice, so they tried calling out as though they were hunters. Shortly after I heard the bird people chittering something and the gates opened. A group of what looked like hunters advanced down the path. I was tired of waiting, so as the first one passed me I went to strike him but a branch got in the way and I missed. This got everyone in the group going and shortly after we had some dead bird men and open gates.

We found a way to get on the wall and ran around to the other side where we say a set of bird men readying a Catapult. They were quickly dispatched and despite my recommendations for using the Catapult to make a grand entrance, it was disabled. I figured since they disabled it it would be alright for me to light it ablaze, again I was shot down. I do understand their concern though.

The Castle was entered and soon we heard more chittering. Soon we were in another fight. I stayed back this time and try to give a little misfortune to our foes until a Bird man came up the hall near me. Olmas advanced on it and between me and him we were able to bloody it enough for Anavaru to steal our Kill. I say this because she declared that she killed it. You know the final blow is Not everything.

Some in the group started to explore rooms. they discovered a room with different forms of MOLD growing. I was called to investigate. It was impressive the room was covered in mold and in the center was a clump of colorful mold. I investigated further discovering that they were the remains of some bodies with their arms and heads cut off. It was quite fascinating, and I would have investigated the room further but was called to by the group. Apparently there was a cute Child with a foxes skull for a head that was taking the energy from Olmas and stole Qatana’s voice. It was quite intriguing. Here we are now waiting to see if they recover.

23 Sarenith, Starday

Peaceful nights rest last night. This morning while communing with Ling, I felt compelled to prepare spells that would help my fellow mob members. I tried to reason that burning hands would help keep them alive by getting rid of our enemies, but in the end I knew I needed to be able to heal the others.

After we were all ready, we enter the swamp again heading to where we believed the goblins to be. As we traveled I tried to maintain my attention to our surroundings in watch of possible danger. This was a boooooring job. Though it was boring I know it was necessary.The last thing we want is to be surprised but the swamp beast. I would be interested in seeing the beast but not interested in it seeing me.

After a while we got to what we believed to be the Goblins Village, but it look as though someone, or something beat us to it. There were humanoid skeleton foot prints leading out of the village and when we enter it was quiet. The pig pen was filled with burnt bodies, so we decided to cautiously explore.

The huts were raised about five feet from the ground and definitely had the look of Goblin craftsmanship. Sparna climbed the first latter he came to and opened the door. He mentioned goblins  and the next thing I know we are in battle. I go to the latter were Sparna was with my long spear to support him and Qatana goes to. We climb in and dispatch a few of the vermin while I take a take a few arrows to my back. This was a bit painful, but I stayed focus on the Goblins were I was, certain that the others would take my assailants down. As I thought, those goblins soon fell.

I then jumped down from the hut and joined the others as who had opened one of the other huts. I peered into the hut as the others fought. Knowing I could not get to the fray I decided to that those goblins could use a bit of Misfortune. I hex them one by one and each one I hexed certainly met misfortune with a dance of death. Just as quickly as I hexed them my companions dispatched them.

When we came to a barred door Someone suggested that one of us go below the hut and see if we could find an escape route for the goblins. I volunteered and swiftly went below to find a trap door but found just how shabby goblin huts are built. I was able to peer through the base boards of the hut and get an estimate on the number of goblins in the room. There were about a half dozen goblins with the King.

Soon after I gave the number the door was broken down and the fight commenced. Within moments a flash of light flared and I heard several goblins drop. I noticed that Sparna was hurt badly as I looked up through the boards. I put my had on his foot and healed him. It seemed that whatever was compelling me this morning was correct. The King soon followed is people to the grave.

Now all that was left was to loot the place and retrieve the ears. I was going to watch the gates but was soon called to help Identify some magical items. Kali and I seem to work well together on this. I like Kali so far. She has treated me well and we have talked a bit. Her knowledge of languages is impressive. There was an exquisite chest that held many of the items we found. I volunteered to carry the chest as we continued to investigate markings on a map we found on a beautiful fan.

We journeyed deeper into the swamp to investigate the closed mark. We soon came upon a boat a ways from the shore. It was surrounded by a fence and seem quite singed. I figured there would be nothing of interest to me in the ship so I stayed out and watched the surrounding. Ling stayed close by. I am impressed how he is able to stay unnoticed so much. It maybe that he just rarely leaves my side. After everyone was satisfied that nothing was there we chose to go investigate the outer most mark on the map since it would offer a safer place to camp.

The journey to the second location was much like the previous walks not much happened. There were a few times that Ling walked even closer than normal, which of course alerted me, but nothing happened.

As we got closer we discover skeletal tracks again and they lead to a cave. We all agreed that it would be better for us to rest for the night before we ventured in. So here we are camped.

24 Sarenith, Sunday

Again another peaceful nights rest. While communing with Ling this morning, I felt similar to yesterday going to more of a supportive approach. It felt right.

We soon came up to the cave and since Sparna could see in the dark he took the lead. We enter the cave a quickly found a passage that was filled with webbing. I heard this and decided to help draw them out to us so that we night have the advantage. I don’t recall if I made a sound but I do remember cutting myself to help them smell blood and draw them out.

They quickly came upon us. I don’t believe in the fray that anyone got poisoned or I am sure they would have told me. The battle again ended swiftly with our group victorious.

Some of the group proceeded to cross some brackish water while Qatana found an easier passage and appeared on the other side. I proceeded to follow though others were not to please with our choice. On my way through I noticed another tunnel branching off. Sparna and I decided to explore it. It again had another tunnel branching off that we went down and found what Sparna described as an island with large colorful crystal formations on it. I could not see a thing. I thought at some point we were talking about the water being a certain depth then he said poke it with my Spear. Naturally I thought he was talking about the water not that I knew exactly what i was poking at in this darkness. I think he forgot I count not see well. So I poked the water and something came out and attacked him we called out to our companions and Ivan showed up with a light so that I could see. By this time Sparna had been struck and got a nice acid burn. This was an amoeba like creature. It was quickly dispatched. This creature gave everyone cause to stay away from the brackish water.

Sparna, Ivan, and I left that area explored a little deeper in, where we found a small crevice. Sparna looked down the crevice which led to a room with dormant skeletons lying on the ground. We then joined the rest of our group and proceeded down the larger path. This lead to the opening with the skeletons.

We formed a line of defense and Olmas decided to try to remove the armor off of one of the Skeletons. This not surprisingly awoke all the other Skeletons which began to enclose around us. Some others left the line we formed and started taking a beating. Some of the skeletons rose up from the water slightly behind us. Many of our party, from what I could see, were on the verge of collapsing. I was read to assist them but there was no way to get to them. Luckily others were.  Olmas came over to Ivan and I looking really torn up and Ivan healed him. Then Olmas left Ivan and I to deal with 1 or 2 Skeletons on our own. This was interesting since Ivan and I were not really the best equipped to fight Skeletons. Some people have a strange way of showing gratitude, but then again he is part elf and I know how they can be. Fortunately the Skeletons were all dispatched and all of our mob were still standing. I would like to mention that I did not provoke this fight.

The next fight, however, I kind of did. We went into a small room where there was another chest and on the chest looked like an important Skeleton. The others were trying to determine how to approach it, but I was feeling a bit impatient. I wanted to be done in this cave, so I picked up a stone and through it at the bones. I missed. Qatana apparently liked my approach and succeeded where I failed. The Skeleton arose and said something to Olmas in a foreign language. Olmas, then issued a challenge back a it. This invigorated everyone as we attacked it. I spat out a curse at it and Sparna after taking a heavy blow from it, removed it’s weapon. It dropped soon there after. Kali and I did the usual identification of items in the chest and someone found a letter in the hilt of a sword.It was written in a foreign language. It was read and determined that Ameiko would need to see it.

It seems that so far our raids have been fruitful and will bring us much wealth. I don’t have any idea what to do with my portion. There is not much I feel I need or desire. Perhaps I could hire someone to locate my despicable father, so I could thank him for my wonderful childhood. Probably not worth it. He is probably already dead anyway, and how would I know it was truly him if I did find him. I will have to leave him to the Gods to deal with. Yet I am sure it is he who haunts my dreams. If by fortune the gods do have me run into him, I will deal with him.

“I told you she would be trouble!”

“Don’t lose her!”

“The Witch must burn!”

The shouts from the Crowd were getting closer, but I continued to run. It seemed no matter how much faster I would move my legs the Crowd moved quicker. It was so dark, so hard to see. I looked over my shoulder to see how close… Just a giants height away. I turned back around just in time to run directly into something. I fell to the ground and every thing went silent. I felt someone grab me and jerk me up. I stared with a sneer at my attacker. It was a tall Older Man with a sinister Grin on his face. He was holding me tight to him. No matter how much I struggled I was unable to move. He then opened his jaw wide to reveal razor sharp teeth. His mouth engulfed my head.

I quickly opened my eyes, sweat covering my body. Ling lay close to me. I am grateful for his friendship. It was that dream again. One of these days that dream will no longer scare me. One of these days that man will pay. After I communed with Ling, I sat brooding over the nightmare, and my frustrations grew. I needed to clear my mind. The Rusty Dragon was usually a great place to clear the mind and hear the tales of others.

I entered the Rusty Dragon and was relieved to find my favorite spot open. I sat in the dark corner watching and listening. There seemed to be a lot of talk about Caravans and Goblins with fireworks. Then someone, I believe it was Ameika, said the bounty for Goblin ears was reinstated. Then what looked like a freshly cleaned Qatana spoke up and said she could use the money and asked if anyone wanted to join her. As people started to speak up I decided that it may be a good way for me to clear my mind of last nights dreams.

I spoke up and I guess the soap did more than clean her body, for she did not seem to realize it was me. I guess that is understandable. She began to drill me about where I was from… Would a Nightmare work as an answer, probably not. I told her “North”. Shortly after I was welcomed into the mob of would be Goblin slayers. Ameika Gave us some advise including that we should share our talents with each other. There were 4 Warriors, 2 Clericy types, a wizard and me. The warriors were Sparna a Dwarf with a large weapon, Olmas a Half-elf with great ax and a horse, Anavaru a Human with a bow, and finally Radella with a sword. The “Healers” are Qatana a Human with her heavy flail and Ivan a Male Human with a bow. Kali is our Human Wizard and like me she has a Familiar which is a Raven. Ling didn’t seem to have a problem with them and surprisingly neither did I. We chose to meet at the southern bridge, and all went our separate ways to prepare.

I went straight to the bridge with Ling. If I am prepared I am prepared. If not, oops. I stood staring at the water, the movement, the strength, the adaptability. If something got in its way it would move it or change its path to go around it. If it were completely blocked it would wait and build up for the day it could over take the dam. In most cases it would prevail or work with what it is given. Adapt.

When everyone arrived we began our journey south to the foreboding Brinestone Swamp. It was a nice sunny day. Not my favorite weather but I guess it is good for this sort of thing. We walked for a while and it did not seem like there was much talking going on in the group, certainly not like the mob in my dream, Oh, yes, the dream had stopped bothering me at this time. I think it was focusing on the water that helped. As we entered the Swamp I took a middle position in the group as we walked single file down the Fisherman’s Path.

The Brinestone Swamp was just as I expected. There was a lot of plant growth as well as a lot of decay. It was a perfect contrast. Birth and Death. I spent my time threw the swamp looking paying attention to the foliage but mainly keeping an eye out for movement, specifically Goblins. Apparently these were the Licktoad Goblins. Fascinating name. There was no movement the whole time. We crossed several rickety bridges while following a trail of foot prints. Somewhere along our journey we heard a pig squeal. Must be Dinner time.

After we crossed the last bridge the foot prints changed from one set of human prints to a few sets of prints. One alien and another smaller like that of a child’s. We followed the path that took us to a broken down 2 story shack, which we figured belonged to the Warden that Ameiko told us about. Some of the group knocked on the door and engaged in conversation. I figured they had that under control, thankfully, so I kept an eye on the woods with Sparna. He looked a bit concerned about what was transpiring around in the shack but diligently kept an eye on our surroundings. I am not sure why he was concerned, from the sound of things, I thought every thing was going well. I was then requested to come in and see to a snake bite.

I came in and noticed that the little man seemed shaken up and was suffering from the effects of a poison. I was directed to a room which contained several, what seemed to be, non-agitated vipers. This got me questioning this little man’s situation. When I went back to talk to him to see if I was going to treat him, I noticed he wasn’t right. Something happened with his face. It kind of freaked me out. I tried to encourage a few of my associates to come out and create a plan, but after I created my excuse of getting ingredients for the remedy, things progressed quicker than I thought. I came back in and handed off my Long spear since the little man was in the stairwell and there was no room for me.

The villain was dispatched and we discovered it was a creature that inhabits the swamp, but hates snakes. Shortly after dispatching the creature a secret door was discovered and the actual warden rescued. He opened up his house to us for the night, for which we were grateful. He also gave us information that should help us in our hunt for the goblins. I am now laying down with hopes of a somewhat peaceful sleep.