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Paladins have it hard, folks! :D Just a law of nature, like gravity and the lethality of Bea Arthur vs. velociraptors.
Then again, we all had it hard this session. Damn.
Day 12
I am currently resting in the bunkhouse at the suggestions of my friends. I have noted with concern the previous entry in my journal. Leopold seemed to believe that I was keeping a chronicle of our travels. I know not if he has read through the rest of my writing. I almost dread to ask.
It is awkward, having your inner thoughts laid bare to another.
I was told that I was ambushed by something Theodore called a thylacine. It was a large, dog-like creature, one that did not go down easily, I am told. I did not see it as it rushed me from behind, clamping down upon my lower leg, just above my hoof. The pain was incredible. I was certain the bone was being crushed. It pulled my leg out from under me, sending me sprawling and yelling in pain. I only had time to see Viktor turning around in horror as it clamped down on my neck. All went dark for me at that point.
Apparently most of my companions rose to the sound of my screams. They fell upon the beast even as it tore at me. They say it took more to put it down than they reasonably expected. Luckily they were able to draw its attention away from me before it tore my throat out.
I've only myself to blame. If I had not been so careless it would not have caught me unaware. I am simply blessed that it did not go after one of my sleeping comrades instead. Thank Iomedae.
As Leopold noted, they put me on a litter and called an early end to our trek.
I was unconcious for most of the journey back. My memories of waking are blurry, feverish.
What I saw in my dreams on the other hand has been burned into my memory. No doubt it will haunt my sleep tonight as well.
I was uncertain whether or not I was even alive. All I could tell was that all was dark. No pain or worry, just the soothing dark of sleep.
Then finally, things began to take shape. A valley, first empty and then filled with people. Thousands of them. Tieflings, all familiar. They were all staring upwards.
At the center of their attention were two figures. The first was a demonic figure, its face shadowed by enormous wings, black spiraling horns sprouting from its head. From its neck hung a grotesque necklace of shriveled hands. Its eye burned brightly as laughter resounded from a mouth I could not see.
The second, a figure as different from the first as night and day. Graceful, majestic. It was clad in bright, white armor marked all about with the symbols of Holy Iomedae's faith. Upon its back it bore two, masterfully carved steel angel wings. A sword of flame was grasped in its fist, and its face was a mask of unshakable calm and confidence.
The look in their eyes, the look in the eyes in the valley below, it is hard to put into words.
It is something more felt than understood.
Everything began to glow more brightly. A path was forming in the valley below. At first it seemed to be stone, it was stone, but then it was one made of people. Some of them were familiar, some strange to me. Some of them seemed to try and guide those who trod upon them down another path. And all burned more brightly.
It was then that I had my first moment of waking that I am absolutely certain of. The old priest of Erastil, Jhod, had tended to my wounds with the grace of his god at Leopold's behest and payment. I awoke to hear Jervik accuse the man of fleecing the wounded for his own gain before Jhod explained that he had to pay for his room and board. It was somewhat comforting to know that the world was still as I left it.
Evidently a new arrival to the trading post wished to do business with us. Leopold and Marek went to meet with him as Viktor went to his daily training and Theodore tended to our horses. I was left in Jervik's care.
The wounds had healed but I was still terribly weak. My leg ached as if it had been broken recently. It may well have been before Jhod's ministrations.
Jervik tried to ease my worries as he began to apply some folk unguent he insisted would prevent any sort of infection. The sting was less of an issue for me than the sight of it. It seemed to contain more than a little of the foul water he keeps in that cauldron. He insisted that it was perfectly healthy after I asked him, repeatedly, if it was even remotely sanitary.
I know for certain that any infection is likely dead by now. My concern now is whether or not I will have any skin left on my lower leg in the morning. Jervik says that the treatment contains sea water, which allegedly contains a lot of salt. I will be asking Theodore about that matter. I know better than to take the old man's word at face value when he suggests something as wild as that. As if anything could survive in such water.
I was also told that Oleg had left for Restov along with one of the guards, to restock the trading post and to get our special orders. Svetlana visited us. She says that she feels safe with the guards around and us out and about the surrounding area. I am grateful for that, at least. I did not bring up the matter of the bandit being held prisoner nearby. I simply did not have the heart to darken her mood.
Leo and Marek returned later. They had met with a learned man new to the region, a Professor Crate. An unusual man with a nervous, stuttering manner about him, he has asked Leopold to carry a magical device that has been in his family for generations, a small stone disk. He told us that it would help map the region, which was also of great interest to the man. Apparently the lending of the disc was a matter of great trust between Crate and Leo. That was put to the test early on when Jervik requested that he see it for a moment so that he could figure out how it worked. Leo and Marek concluded that that would be ill-advised.
As I expected, the others were concerned when they learned of Cressel. They had noted upon their arrival that bars had recently been installed in the some of the windows of one of the post's buildings. Marek in particular seemed troubled to learn that Cressel was being kept alive and imprisoned nearby. He asked why I had bothered, explaining that she had murdered, that she was escaping punishment that I, as a servant of Iomedae, was expected to see carried out. If had been concerned before, he was even moreso when he learned what had been done to make Cressel's imprisonment possible. I explained that the taking of her arm had been Oleg's demand for his measure of justice, that it was the only way to uphold my oath to her and that she was far too dangerous to simply set free to go north like the other thieves. It was difficult to put into words my other reasons. I rather think I failed to communicate them. Blood loss tends to do that, I believe.
Jervik was all too eager to commend me for my actions. It was perfectly poetic justice in his eyes. I now worry that his stated preference for claiming the toes of his enemies is more than senile rambling. Whatever the case, his approval fills me with shame.
I told Marek that her presense was fortuitous though, in that she was our only lead on the matter of Svetlana's missing wedding ring. He agreed to speak with her, and I limped alongside him to where Cressel was being kept.
She was locked tight and secure, thankfully. We had to see Kestern, the guard captain, for the key. He was willing to lend it to me, but he made no effort to hide his disgust with what he saw as being pushed into taking care of her through guilt. Apparently Oleg had been laying it on rather thickly, both with regards to the protection of the trading post and the security of our prisoner. I will have to thank him when he returns.
After we had the key, Marek and I went to see Cressel. She was, as expected, not happy to see us. Particularly me. Marek was not overly enthusiastic to be in her presense either. I believe he mentioned to the woman that he would have simply put an arrow in her and been done with it. She did not seem at all rattled. Indeed she simply seemed to use that as more ammunition to volley insults my way. She insisted that what I had done was more cruel than simply killing her, never mind the finality of it. Never mind that it would take away any chance her soul has of being saved.
I had wanted to check on her, but every question voicing my concern was thrown back at me with snide insults and vile obscenity. I wished to ensure her well-being, but she was making that difficult and Marek seemed to have little patience for the exchange. We got to the heart of the matter. She remembered taking Svetlana's ring, but claimed that she did not have it. She said that small creatures had apparently stolen it from their camp. We asked for more details, but she had none to give. She had not seen them, it seems. I assumed she spoke of the kobolds in the area, but she says that whatever they were, they were not that.
We had learned all there was she could share. As we turned to leave I could not resist speaking further. Someone had to reach out to her. I asked her if she had tried to walk since losing her arm. I told her that it would take some time to get her balance back. She looked at me with some confusion. For a brief moment, I thought I could possibly fan some spark of empathy in her. I pulled the back of my shirt up, to show her the stumps jutting from my shoulders. I told her I was no stranger to losing a limb. Naturally, she just threw it back in my face. She asked if that was how I "got my jollies", cutting things off of people. She called me a butcher, demanding that I leave.
I was flustered. She was getting under my skin. I warned her that she would have to get used to my presense. That with the shortage of beds I might very well wind up having to sleep nearby just to keep as much of an eye on her as I could. She feigned scandalous offense, turning to Marek and shouting "See, he wants to sleep with me!"
Goddess, I have never felt so embarassed. I tried to correct her, at first I thought she really believed it, that I had made a terrible slip of the tongue. Now I know that anything I say to her she is able to pervert. She went on, shouting all manner of vile accusations and spitting at my hooves, exclaiming that I was showing the behavior one would expect from demonspawn. I gave up and stormed outside. She went to the window and continued the shout, calling to all around the post that I wished to lay with her.
I may have put the key back in Kestern's hand more forcefully than intended. I am still feeling unwell, and I certainly have no desire to stay within Cressel's sight tonight. I am finished with listening to her insults this night, at least. Goddess, what an infuriating
Iomedae forgive me for thinking the word.
I am determined to help her, but she will not make it easy.
Very few things worth doing are, according to Bieran.
I am so thankful that Bieran was not present to hear Cressel's words. Or Naella. I pale at the thought.
Day 13
I sought out Jhod after my morning prayers and meditation. My leg felt better, and thankfully my skin was still intact, but it was still sore enough to keep me limping. The good priest fully healed my leg after I compensated him. I hope that Jhod can find a way to fund his stay that does not require us to be torn and bleeding.
Viktor was training as I sought out the others. The man is tightly focused on his art. I remembered something Bieran told me in the days after I first found my sword, when I was obsessed with practicing with it every day. Some bit of folk wisdom, I thought. I repeated it to Viktor, warning that if he kept that up he would go blind. From the look Viktor gave me, I now suspect I did not fully understand what Bieran meant when he said the same thing to me. I will have to ask Leo, I think. Perhaps I shouldn't.
When I did find my friend, he was discussing something, rather heatedly, with Marek and Jervik. The old man apparently still wanted to see the device that had been left in our safekeeping. Evidently that was not going to happen. The old man had another suggestion immediately afterwards, that we should find the hermit Oleg had told us of, Bokken. He was known for brewing all manner of potions, and with Oleg's stock depleted and the proprietor himself still being days away from returning, we would be well advised to see what the man had to offer.
It was a wise course of action, so we set out that morning, heading eastward. I did not stop to check on Cressel. I am afraid I was still furious over her accusations.
I still should have stopped to speak with the lady Svetlana, to apologize for the burden placed upon her. I still do not feel comfortable with the fact that Cressel is being held within their own home, even if they've no other place to keep her secured. I must remedy that. It will likely be expensive, but when Oleg returns I feel must fund a request for workers to expand the capacity of the trading post. It is certainly crowded enough already, and we owe it to our gracious hosts to lighten the burdens we have placed upon them.
We travelled eastward throughout the day, passing over grassland for the most part. All in all it was easy travelling. Leo kept the device on his person the entire time, I'm relieved to say.
We arrived at the hermit's hut in the afternoon. Leo announced our presense and our wish to do business. Bokken cautiously welcomed us into his hut once our intentions were clear.
The place smelled strange. The smell of concoctions I can only imagine at hung in the air, herbs and spices of all sorts tickled at my nose. The place was a chaotic mess of bottles and pots and unfinished potions. Leo was handling matters already, once Jervik went inside. Immediately the arguing began between the two old men. I suspect they are a bit too much alike. I have to wonder how a hermit's life has treated Bokken's mind. I cannot imagine living alone for so long.
I stepped forward to see if I could help defuse the situation, foolishly perhaps. I finally saw the man, a thin, shaggy-haired man with a wild glint in his eyes. He was not at all pleased when he saw me, and seemed on the verge of panic. I must remember that we are not in Brevoy anymore. I apologized and excused myself to wait outside after handing Leo some coin to acquire a healing potion for me. At Leo and Marek's strong insistence, Jervik joined me outside. I waited for a time with Theodore as he tended to the horses. Jervik was listening intently at the door until he heard something that set his eyes alight. The old man was fishing in his pockets as he ambled back inside before we could stop him. After all was done, it turned out that Jervik had convinced the hermit to part with some of his unfinished wares at what I hope was a reasonable price. They were apparently getting along better at the end, at the very least.
Leo also informed me that Bokken wished for us to return with fangberries, should we find any. Theo seemed to know what they were and where they grew, so it seems likely we'll manage to find some. I can only pray that these berries have not drawn as much attention from the local kobolds as those moon radishes.
We finished exploration of the surrounding area, and we will be setting off for the southwest tomorrow. Tonight I am making certain to keep my hand on my blade and my eyes on my surroundings when my time to stand watch comes.
Day 14
It has been a day of easy travelling and fair weather.
We have continued to map out the plains southeast of Oleg's trading post and have encountered no dangers along the way.
Still I am amazed at the beauty of this land. It is easy to get lost in it, and I find myself trying to commit every detail to memory so that I will remember exactly how the land looks when we return to Brevoy.
In retrospect, it is a bit easier now to see how men such as Bokken would choose to live out here, though I still cannot imagine doing so alone.
We have set up camp and are currently preparing the night's meal. We continue westward tomorrow, and will return to Oleg's trading post after this trip is done. Our mission has been proceeding much more smoothly now. Perhaps the worst is behind us.
Day 15 - Noon
What violence we avoided these past few days has finally found us.
Yelling and snarling woke me to a sight I imagine was exactly what my friends saw four days ago. Marek had been standing watch, and another thylacine had rushed upon him. The man was already down by the time the rest of us made it to our feet. Goddess, what a sight. It was tearing right into him.
As the rest of us rushed the creature, Leo and Jervik both cast their own magicks where they lay. A shining dart of light shot from Leo's fingertips and slammed into the beast's flank, drawing its attention away from Marek. Jervik once more cast his sleeping incantation, and the animal fell into a slumber atop our fallen friend.
We hurried to work, finishing off the thylacine and rolling it off of Marek so that we could give him one of our potions that we had bought from Bokken. Mine seemed to stop his bleeding, but he was still unconcious and horribly wounded. Jervik offered one of his, and while it seemed to help a bit and finally roused Marek, he was still was badly hurt. Theodore offered his own, and finally the elf was able to stand on his own. We are grateful for our friend's recovery, but our faith in Bokken's alchemy is certainly shaken by the seeming ineffectiveness of his potions.
Marek told us that he had little time to react when he saw the creature. Theodore examined the beast and its tracks for quite some time. He was trying to get a feel for how easily it crept upon us. They were obviously effective noctunal predators highly adept at stealth. Regardless, Theo has had more than enough of these animals and has set himself to devising some traps to set around our camps from this moment forward. He believes it will at least give us ample warning before another of them clamps its jaws on our legs once more. Or our throats.
I am truly grateful Marek is alright. He has shaken off the experience with his usual cool, professional demeanor. It is still hard to think that we were so close to losing him.
I now realize I know little of what he would have wanted us to do with his earthly remains should the worst have happened. I know little of elven religion, and I know not what gods the man reveres. He has always remained quiet on such matters, and I've long suspected he harbored some discomfort over the subject. He strikes me as an Abadarite, but I mustn't make assumptions. If he wishes to speak of it, he will. I will not force him to break his privacy.
We gathered our equipment after all had finally settled. Jervik was busy cutting the thylacine open to take some choice parts. What he intends to do with them, I know not, but I did see him put the thing's liver inside his cauldron. I swear the thing seemed to boil.
I do not think I will allow him to apply any more of his folk remedies upon myself.
We travel on, westward and mindful that we are evidently still in thylacine territory.
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We're absolutely fed up with them. Theo's player pretty much said "Hell with it, I'm rigging up some rope and cans around the camp from here on out."
Those things are sneaky!
And then there's a new player that will probably be joining us as a druid. Three guesses as to what he wants for his animal companion. ;)
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We should play a fun game. For all those not in the game, What's in the cauldron? Feel free to ask questions, but I won't be telling you outright.
Does it smell closer to food left burning in a pan,
or like old gym socks left in a locker over a humid weekend,
or burnt rubber,
or a dorm hallway after a weekend that some drunken hallmates
had puked their guts out on to the floor and its left to sit overnight (one of course is happened to be in front of your door so you had to step over it when you entered/left the room, fun times...),
or for that matter the same dorm hall bathroom (*shudder*),
or does it smell more like...
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^^^^
Wise decision.
I will have you know that Fang will be more than happy to watch out for Laith, Marek and the rest. Well maybe not Jervik. He smells funny and whats in that cauldron is not natural and should be purged with fire.
Looks like we just unlocked a new character! :D Welcome aboard, man!
And then there's a new player that will probably be joining us as a druid. Three guesses as to what he wants for his animal companion. ;)a) An owlbear
b) A miniature giant space hamster
c) A thylacineIs one of the guesses right??
YASE.
And even with Vandamier's assurances I'm keeping a respectful distance. I've learned that the local wildlife thinks there's plenty of good meat just above my hoof.
Day 15 - Night
Strange quarry this day.
The sun was setting as we made our way to the forests west of our previous campsite. We travelled without incident until we came upon a wide clearing with a bowl-like depression shaping the ground before us.
Within, amidst the thorn bushes, were great strands of spidersilk and bones scattered carelessly about. A grim sight, made even moreso when we realized that there were humanoid bones among those of the local wildlife. We needed no further warning to deter us from stepping forward.
We pondered what could be repsonsible. Surely a spider of some sort, but where was it? Theodore calmly let an arrow loose into the center of the depression. I am not certain what he was expecting to happen; he seemed as surprised as the rest of us as what looked to be a round, flat patch of earth lifted and chitinous legs and mandibles snapped the arrow up before disappearing once more. Marek was able to put an arrow into it before it disappeared, and it remained below.
We knew we had to kill the creature. It had been preying on travellers for some time, obviously, and it would only continue to be a threat to others if left so near the trade route. Drawing the thing out was going to be difficult however.
Jervik waved his hands about and muttered some strange incantation as I drew my bow and stood along the rim away from Theo and Marek. We spread ourselves out a bit, staying close enough to come to each others' aid but far enough to avoid presenting a single target.
The old man's chanting ended as a strange dog appeared, cast in a blue-ish hue at first. Where the hound had been summoned from, I can only guess, but for his part he seemed confused. Jervik commanded it to dig the lid of the spider's den up. I was concerned about sending the poor animal to what seemed like certain death, but Jervik assured us that the dog was in no real danger due to the means of its summoning. Strange folk magic, I do not understand any of it.
The dog went ot work, scraping at the lid. This finally drew the spider back out. It bit at the hound, who danced out of the way every time. Theo, Marek, and I were given plenty of time to put arrows into the beast, and once more it fled underground. The dog continued a moment longer before suddenly disappearing. A moment later and it was clear that the spider was not going to surface again.
Leo suggested that we simply burn it out. We had amble lantern oil between us. As Leo prepared a bottle with a rag to set alight, Theo and I went to work preparing a rope with a grappling hook. We pulled the lid up easily with it, and Leo smashed the bottle inside the exposed pit. We stepped aside for a time as smoke began to pour from within. The smell was terrible; it was that of burning silk and insects.
Finally the smoke died down. The pit was smoky and dark, but nothing stirred within. Theo volunteered to go below, and we lowered him on the rope we had used earlier. I regret to say that Leo chose this time to tease him a bit by jerking the rope a bit. I am assured this is how brothers behave towards each other.
Theo found the spider, burned and dead, locked in its final position. Further below he found something else further below, beyond the reach of the flames: the body of a man. We pulled the body up with the rope. He was clearly a bandit, judging by the amulet upon him bearing the mark of the Stag Lord. Theo found something else of note upon him, a map tucked into his boot that marked something as buried near a claw-shaped tree. This certainly caught Viktor and Jervik's interest.
As I saw to the man's burial, and to that of the people whose bones I could identify as humanoid, Jervik pressed for the others to pull the spider out as well. When asked to justify his request, he said it was to milk its fangs for venom. More volitile substances to throw in his cauldron no doubt. Jervik convinced the others that it would be worthwhile, and they reluctantly pulled it up. All except Viktor, that is. He held himself apart, viewing the scene with distaste. I suspect he does not enjoy dirtying his hands in labor. That or he detests having anything to do with spiders.
I cannot blame him much for the last. They are unsettling creatures. I need only remember some crawling across my chest in the dark of a cellar and I am left shuddering at the memory.
We moved a bit away from the site before making camp. None of us were eager to rest so close to a mass grave filled with nameless victims.
Day 16
We completed our exploration of the forest at noon, and finally made our way back to Oleg's tradehouse.
Oleg had returned along with new wares. He was simply happy to have returned to his wife's side. I fear he was rather put out that we had a number of new requests that would take him away from home once more.
Leopold and Theodore in particular had need for equipment not readily available at the trading post, and I sought to hire the services of people I felt could benefit all of us. I spoke with Oleg about requesting a guide familiar with the Greenbelt area, as well as a porter, someone who could watch our horses and equipment. We also needed the skill of a blacksmith readily on hand, judging from the needs of Leo and Theo.
I also wished to hire some carpenters, perhaps even a mason, to expand the trading post's capacity and function. Oleg seemed amenable to the suggestion. I certainly hope to have a proper holding place built for Cressel, something to get her out of Oleg and Svetlana's house.
Oleg had a job for us in turn. He handed us a pair of letters, telling us that they needed to be delivered to two hunters in the area, going by the names Breeg and Nettle. He gave us the locations of their usual haunts, and suggested that they need only be delivered as we pass through the area.
Jhod spoke with us a bit about the temple of Erastil. Theo is eager to see its reclamation through, and I believe we are all agreed that that is our next destination. It could only be good for the area.
The bunkhouse is still a bit crowded. Leo and Jervik have taken the free beds available. I am keeping to the storeroom.
It is relaxing, being able to rest easily and not dreading the rush of a thylacine out of the darkness.
I wanted to speak to Cressel today, but I could not bring myself to do it. Her words still sting, even though I know they should not. I will speak with her tomorrow, before we leave.
Day 17 - Noon
After my morning prayers I checked on Cressel.
She mockingly noted that the Greenbelt hasn't killed me yet. I do not think I will share how close it actually comes to doing so at times.
I did my best to ignore her barbs. I asked if she was well, all things considered. She pointed out that she was doing as well as anyone can after having an arm taken off. She made certain to emphasize that point.
I pushed through it. I had the proposal Leo had inspired floating in the back of my mind and I had to get it out. Anything to encourage the woman to at least cooperate a little with us. She still does not seem to understand that it was not her life alone I wished to see saved.
I informed once more that her wellbeing was my responsibility, and that that included an obligation to help her reform. She rolled her eyes at that.
I informed her of what Leo had told me. That there were magics that could restore her arm. That got her attention, but she still did not respond as I had hoped. She told me to go ahead and have it done now.
Goddess forgive me if I did, but I think I scoffed at the suggestion. I told her that that was impossible, that she was far too dangerous to be whole. She had proven that already. She asked why I had even suggested it. I told her that it was something that would be possible if she could manage to shed her violent ways.
She asked why I did not just let her go free. She claimed that she would leave the Greenbelt and never return, that she could gather the money to be healed by herself. I told her letting her go free was out of the question, and asked where she would get the money anyway. She only smiled.
I was getting frustrated, and I think it showed. She suggested that it would not be anyone I knew, so why should I care? I was amazed that she still did not understand why I was going through all of this with her. I asked her if she felt no remorse for such things. I asked her if she had ever known any other sort of life. I just could not understand her way of thinking.
She smirked at me. She said that she had always known this sort of life. She said that everyone wanted something, and that she aimed to take what she wanted and make anyone pay for what they wanted her to give. She spoke of people like animals, saying that there was nothing in this world save for predators and prey, and that she intended to always be the former, never the latter.
I fear I could not hide my disgust. I turned and muttered, "You truly are wounded, aren't you?"
She gave a pointed look at my shoulders and back and responded in kind. "I'm not the only one."
I turned away from her. I do not know if she realized how much her words stung, but I was not going to give her the satisfaction of certainty. I simply left, assuring her that I would be back.
As I left the building, she of course began yelling through her barred window for the guards to keep me away from her. That I had intentions towards her. Everyone within the camp could hear her. I do not care anymore. Let her yell. Everyone knows her for a liar.
I went to see Kestern. The man's face was painted with amusement over the yelling. I had no time for it. I spoke with him about making certain Cressel was protected. Given her attitude I fear she will easily earn the hatred of less coolheaded people. Kestern laughed at the idea. He assured me that she needed no protection, that she was wild enough that everyone was being wary of their own safety. He had apparently been kicked rather viciously between the legs during the changing of her housing.
I caught myself glaring, and he assured me that she would be looked after. As I turned to leave he chuckled, saying that I had something for her. I did not bother correcting him. I was simply tired of this rumormongering already and wished to set out again.
I found Leo and Marek heatedly discussing some matter with Jervik. The old man claimed to have had a vision as he slept last night, one that told of treasure in a cave nearby. Both Leo and Marek seemed supremely doubtful, Marek moreso, but Jervik was apparently making his case rather strongly. I caught something shouted to the effect of "What is in that cauldron anyway?" I heard some strange word in response that I have never heard before. "Ahktopis." Something to look into later. It is possibly some chemically volatile substance.
Viktor was training by himself, going through his motions. I had a need to clear my mind of my frustrations and joined him in a sparring match. The man is skilled with his unusual form of swordsmanship, but I still managed to come out ahead with more traditional tactics, his twin Aldori blades against my shield and longsword. That is, until I took the time to mention my doubts in the practicality of his form. My overconfidence left my guard open long enough for him to rap the flat of a blade across one of my horns. The point was conceded.
As we gathered to leave a bit later, Theo had our horses prepared and ready to go as we set off for the temple of Erastil. Leo surprised us by announcing that we were stopping someplace nearby first. We are evidently going to pursue the subject of Jervik's vision. Theo was disappointed, as was I. It strikes me as a fool's errand. Leo seems convinced though, Marek had reluctantly conceded to Leo's authority, and so we ride towards a cave we're not even certain truly exists.
Iomedae help us all.
Day 17 - Night
Never let it be said that I cannot admit to mistaken assumptions.
It is just that I still cannot quite believe that the old man's vision was so accurate.
We found a cave not far from Oleg's trading post, just as Jervik had said. After securing our horses and preparing our lanterns we ventured inside.
It was a narrow corridor of stone for quite some time before it began to widen. Just as it did, we stumbled upon a trio of gigantic spiders, almost the same size as the one we had fought two days ago.
The creatures charged at Theo and Viktor, each of them bitten by dripping mandibles. Theo fell under their assault immediately, and the rest of us charged ahead, fighting in near darkness with only the waving light of our lanterns showing us the way.
Viktor and I stabbed at the creatures as Marek put arrows into the one near Theo. Leopold knocked one from the walls with his foe seeking missile of light. Goddess, it never misses its target as far as I have seen.
Jervik managed to get Theo back to his feet, and the man came up swinging, his axes hacking into the beast that put him down. His wounds were seeping with green fluid though, and he seemed to grow sicker as he fought. After Leo joined the fray in full with his spear, we finally managed to put them down. Theo was clearly weakened by this point, but he seemed to be getting no worse at the moment.
After we tended to the wounded, we started to venture further ahead, until we found that Jervik was busy milking the fangs of the spiders for what little they would provide, given the condition of their bodies.
I dearly wish the man could find new interests, but I dread to guess at what those would be.
Not much further ahead in the tunnel, we came across a small chest. Within were a few masterfully made longswords, very well made boots, a fine necklace and an assortment of coins. Who had left it, I cannot guess. I only wonder exactly how and why Jervik was able to intuit its location.
The longswords were of fine make, truly. But I could not simply part with mine upon finding another. This blade is far too important to simply toss away. It would be blasphemous to think of it.
After we left hte cave we set out for the south. We finally arrived at the forest just after nightfall.
We had just set up camp when I felt a weight settle upon my head and a familiar voice pipe up in greeting. Perlivash and Tigtittertug made themselves visible and welcomed us back to their home. It was good to see them again.
We shared pleasantries and spoke at length about what we were doing, what the fairies had done after the battle with the bandits, and the surrounding areas.
Tigtittertug immediately drew close to Viktor's side. The girl has quite taken to him, and he to her it seems. It is strange, as standoffish as the man can seem, he gets on quite well with Tigtittertut.
Upon being asked what they had done with the thunderstone they had carried away, Perlivash cheerfully told us that he had used it on some bandits, which left them stumbling right into the path of some monster. We have been assured that those bandits are no longer a threat of any sort to travellers in the area. I have to wonder about the monster, however.
I asked if the two of them had had any problems with anyone threatening them or their home, what with all of the bandits and insane kobolds about. Perlivash assured us that they had no trouble eluding danger in their own home, and that hostile folk indeed steered clear of them because of the pranks they visited upon their enemies.
Marek and I both asked Perlivash about the small creatures that had allegedly stolen Svetlana's ring from the bandits. We asked if there was anything he could tell us about them. He said they sounded like something called mites, small blue people that lived further south and possessed of nasty temperament. They had no real dealings with them. I had wondered what these "mites" were that we were told about so long ago. It seems we will need to find them soon.
The pair invited us to stay the night, and we gratefully accepted their offer. Having them watch over us, and sleeping in the place they had secured as their home, will certainly help us sleep easy this night. I at least no that we need not fear the jaws of a thylacine without ample warning beforehand.
Tomorrow we set foot in the lands that this temple is said to lie. Theo's eagerness is palpable.
Day 18
We said our farewells to Perlivash and Tigtittertut and continued southward this morning. I hope we can visit them again soon. Viktor has expressed renewed interest in finding these "fairy baths". I must admit that I am curious to see what they are like.
The forest has grown thicker and wilder as we've gone. We've spent the entire day exploring the region, a long, hard day's work.
Theo seems to be feeling much better now. His strength has fully returned, though it may also be his excitement over being so close to finding a lost temple to Erastil that has him so energetic.
We are fairly certain we know where it is located in the region, but it has grown so late that we must put it off for one more day. I hope Theo is able to force himself to rest.
Jervik has been taking this time to concoct something with the material he bought from Bokken and the foul water from his cauldron. He has been putting the resulting mixtures in bottles. I dare not dwell on what he seriously expects people to do with them. I grow ill just looking at them.
We are taking care with watch tonight. Being without the protection of the fairies is a stark reminder of how dangerous these lands are.
Day 19
It has been a hard day. We are blessed by the favor of benign gods indeed, to even be drawing breath.
We did indeed find the temple after completing our exploration. We came upon the clearing to find a large cave, the stone about it carved in the likeness of a great elk's head, no doubt the visage of Old Deadeye himself. Steps descended from the cave mouth to a wide stone platform, which had more steps descending further below to the ground. Before all of that lay a pool of water, overgrown with algae and long uncared for.
Theo's eyes were aglow. This was certainly what we were looking for.
As soon as we set foot into the clearing, we heard a bellowing growl resound from the cave. The stone seemed to amplify the sound, making it even more fearsome. What bounded out to challege us certainly lived up to the roar still echoing about us. It was enormous. I had never seen an actual bear before. I had certainly not expected one to be so huge. Its eyes were alight with rage as it prepared to rush right at us.
Immediately we prepared to meet its charge. Marek put an arrow into its side, and Leo's trustworty magical orb smashed into its back. Neither strike slowed it in the slightest.
Theo stepped forward, an axe in each hand and fire in his eyes. Viktor and I joined his side. Jervik remained behind, doing what subtle magics he could.
The beast barreled right into us. Goddess, it was like trying to fight a storm. Theodore somehow managed to avoid the worst of the bear's ire despite provoking it the most. It almost seemed hesitant to attack him. Viktor and I were not so fortunate. It shrugged off our strikes as if we were mere nuisances. It tore my shield from my grasp with one claw and sent me spinning to the ground and bleeding out with the other. Viktor was sent sprawling soon after. Marek put arrow after arrow into the thing and still it did not slow its onslaught.
Leo joined us with his spear, doing what he could. One stab later and the bear turned upon him, smashing him to the ground near the pool. Jervik's subtle magics seemed to be proving ineffective as Theodore desperately hacked into the beast, standing over those of us who had fallen.
Marek continued to send arrows into the bear's flank. Still it tore into us, now finally turning its full attention on Theodore.
Then, Jervik did something. I am still uncertain what, I could not see or hear it well from my position, but the result was clear. The bear turned and fled back into the cave.
Theodore chased it to the cave mouth. Marek readied another arrow. Jervik hurried to our aid. And there was silence.
Finally, Theo shouted a challenge, demanding that the beast leave in Erastil's name.
The bear came charging back out. Theo and Marek were ready. Another arrow went in. And Theo, his axes seemed to almost glow as they struck the bear. With a defeaning roar the beast fell, and I blacked out entirely.
The next thing I remember was Jervik's gravelly voice mumbling "Never let it be said ol' Jervik never helped your ailing, demon." That sound was accompanied by the foul taste of something being poured down my throat. I awoke to find the old man emptying one of his concoctions into my mouth.
I do not know if it was the magic of the potion that brought me back to conciousness or simply the foulness. I would have thanked the man, truly, but the foul taste and
Goddess, it was not so much the taste as it was the texture.
I must admit that I rolled over and vomited. For how long I am uncertain, but I pray that all of the potion fled my body at that moment.
Jervik seemed just slightly put out by the reaction.
After my eyes cleared I finally realized the change that had taken place around us. The pool was now as clear as crystal. The overgrowth about the temple seemed to recede. The place no longer seemed so abandoned.
I also took note that Viktor and Leo were being helped to the pool. Theo had made an assumption and was correct that the water was somehow blessed. It certainly had healing properties. I joined them at the pool's side. The water did indeed sooth all of the fresh aches left by the bear's claws. It also did wonders to wash the taste of the foul potion from my mouth.
I regret to seem so ungrateful. It not that I do not appreciate the old man's efforts.
It is just that I cannot lie and say that I do not wish he had chosen to test his potion on someone else at that moment.
Something else had changed. Theo knelt where the bear had fallen. Marek told us that just after the bear had died, it turned into the corpse of an man, a human. And immediately after, it turned to dust.
We found the answer to that mystery later. An old, moulding journal within the cave detailed what had happened in the area.
The temple had once been part of an old Taldan colony, one which was soon beset by all manner of trouble from barbarian raids to hostile demihumans. All seemed to be lost, and the druid who guided this temple had grown desperate, going so far as to sacrifice a great grizzly bear to gain Erastil's attention. This act outraged the god, and so the man was cursed for this sacrilege.
The man had suffered all this time, I imagine. That is finally at an end. I pray that he is finally reunited with the grace of his god in death, at the very least. It certainly casts a new light on the bear's seeming hesitance to attack Theodore in favor of other foes.
We are making our camp here in the cave to the temple. We will be setting out to return to Oleg's so that we can inform Jhod the deed is done. He will want to rededicate the temple himself.
I pray Iomedae understands that I hope Erastil graces us with some manner of protection this night. I've grown a little tired of dancing on death's door for the moment.
Theodore has placed some traps about the area. Hopefully we will hear anything coming long before it can draw too close to us.
I just saw Marek preparing for the first watch. He was polishing something, looking at it and seeming to be lost in thought. As it glinted in the moonlight I could see it clearly for what it was: the three daggers pointing outward from a circle, the symbol of Calistria.
I must admit, I had never taken Marek to be Calistrian. I now know how little I really know of the man. I could not help but ask about it. He seemed ot consider his answers thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully. He said that he once did follow her. He said that as of late, he was beginning to think it was time to return to her worship.
I did not press him further. He seems to be at a crossroads at the moment. I must admit that I am unsettled by many of the tenets Calistrians seem to hold dear, but Marek's path is his own to choose.
I pray he chooses what is right.
(Addendum)
I've asked Theodore what an Ahkopis is. He has no earthly idea.
When we vistied Perlivash and Tigtittertug again, I asked them as well. They were at a complete loss.
It remains a mystery for the time being.
Oleg had a job for us in turn. He handed us a pair of letters, telling us that they needed to be delivered to two hunters in the area, going by the names Breeg and Nettle. He gave us the locations of their usual haunts, and suggested that they need only be delivered as we pass through the area.
Haha. :) I like how you wove in the letters I suggested here
And Crystal's hirelings expansion.
I am really enjoying reading this!
Oleg had a job for us in turn. He handed us a pair of letters, telling us that they needed to be delivered to two hunters in the area, going by the names Breeg and Nettle. He gave us the locations of their usual haunts, and suggested that they need only be delivered as we pass through the area.Haha. :) I like how you wove in the letters I suggested here
And Crystal's hirelings expansion.
I am really enjoying reading this!
Yeah, also the three spider attacks he mentioned was the Spider Hold. But stupid Jarvik with-held all the information about the letter, and all the nice back ground work to follow up on. So now they think he just has a good treasure sense.
Day 20 - Noon
Marek hurriedly woke us last night. He had heard something large approaching the temple grounds, somewhere out amongst the trees. We got to our feet and took our positions to meet whatever danger was coming.
I only had time to grab my sword and shield. Most of the others can sleep in their armor. Mine is a bit more prohibitive in terms of comfort.
Theodore listened intently to the night breeze, waiting for the tell-tale sounds of his traps. He was frustrated when it became clear that our intruder had bypassed them entirely. We soon saw how it had managed the feat.
We heard it first, a bizarre mixture of sounds that should never go together. I remembered the roar of the bear we had fought here. It was a little like that, but even stronger than that element was the defeaning, mournful flat-note cry that echoed all about us. I thought for a moment that my teeth were rattling from the sound.
It charged out of the treeline. It looked much like a bear, but its head was something else entirely. It had the piercing eyes and hooked beak of an owl of enormous size. No wonder it had been able to pick its way through Theo's traps in the dark.
Viktor and I met its charge, and I am glad to say that for all the beast's ferocity we managed to avoid its attacks with far more skill than we demonstrated the previous day. Still, the beast managed to scrape my chest. I may have felt lighter fighting without armor, but I was far more vulnerable than what I had been accostumed to.
Theo and Marek both put arrows into its side. Marek quickly nocked another as Theo dropped his bow and joined the fray with his axes. Jervik had taken the opportunity to sidle close to us. The old man flung his hands out, and a thin sheet of flame burst from his hands to scorch the beast's side. I cannot begin to guess at exactly what magical tradition the old man adheres to, but it has been proving quite useful.
Whatever divine grace protected Theodore the previous day seemed to be gone that night. We seemed to have the advantage, up until the beast clamped his beak down upon Theo's head, the hook of its tip digging right into his shoulder. It was a horrific sight; Theo was pulled from his feet and shaken about like a broken toy. All of us fell upon the creature then. Viktor managed to put both of his blades into the creature's back, and Theo fell free from its beak.
As we tried to push the creature back away from Theo, Jervik scooped his cauldron into the pool and brought it as close as he safely could to our fallen friend. A small jet of water shot from within the cauldron's rim to Theo's mouth, but it seemed to have absolutely no effect.
The beast was on its last legs then. Leo had been harrying it with his spear, and it made one final lunge towards him. Leo was caught by its claws at the creature finally bled out from the grievous wounds Viktor had given it, and it fell upon both of the brothers.
We quickly finished it off and helped Leo crawl from underneath the beast. We had to roll it off of Theo, who was thankfully still with us. We helped them to the pool and healed our wounds, and took stock of what had attacked us.
The beast is apparently known, rather unimaginitively I'm afraid, as an owlbear. How such a beast came to be, I know not. No explanation I can come up seems probable or physically possible. They are allegedly relatively common in the Greenbelt. So now we have the comfort of knowing that thylacines are far from the most dangerous wildlife in the area. I suspect that with the great bear's death yesterday, other predators will be moving in on this now free territory. All the more reason to report back to Jhod as soon as possible.
Theo is well, but it seems he'll be left with a nasty scar on his shoulder. The healing could do only so much. His chainmail has been left punctured as well. He is blessed that the owlbear did not manage to crush his head, all things considered.
As we saw to Theo's wounds Jervik was left to his own devices. We have learned that if he is left those devices with large, dead animals present, things can quickly become unpleasant. The old man had cut the beast's belly open and was fiddling with its entrails. He claimed to be reading the future in them. Madness.
He said that they foretold of a cold snap today. Theo confirmed that everything about the air smacked of such coming weather. I suspect the old man knows the same signs as Theo, but he must put on this show to demonstrate some sort of eldritch folk wisdom. All I know for certain is that I have lost my appetite and have yet to find it this late in the day. Whether or not the old man's fortune telling skills are legitimate, I wish he would find a more tasteful medium to work in.
The nasty scene and the new aches and pains seemed to prompt Viktor to suggest that we seek out the fairy baths next. Leo seemed eager to see them as well. I must admit, I am very curious to see what they are like, and to see if more of Perlivash and Tigtittertug's kind frolic there, but Theo and I agreed that we should not tarry long before returning to Jhod.
We have set off to the north, to find the hunter Breg so that we may deliver the letter Oleg gave us. From there we will continue north and then eastward back to the trading post. Hopefully we'll avoid the path of any more of these owlbears for the time being.
It has actually been getting colder. All the better that we avoided the baths then.
I'm wondering when Kressle will realize that she has a better chance of getting her revenge if she pretends to reform. No matter how it turns out, I think the plot thread is interesting.
Day 20 - Night
We have found Breg, but not as we had expected.
We finished exploring much of the forest north of the temple earlier today. I am glad to note that we have not stumbled across any more large predators thus far.
Unfortunately, when we found the man we were seeking we were met with a grim scene. We found him in a small clearing. What looked like a large deadfall made of logs seemed to have been sprung accidentally by the very man who was setting it. He was crushed underneath the logs, and from what I was able to tell he may have been there for two weeks. I can only pray that the man's death was quick and that he did not suffer long.
Even with the state of decay and the ravages of scavenging wildlife, we were able to identify him as Breg. His clothes, at least, still matched the description we were given. The man had no keepsakes on his person, nothing that noted any family or friends to inform of his death. All he seemed to have that remained nearby was a single well-made handaxe lying nearby.
We cleared the logs away and prepared to bury the man. Jervik asked why we did not simply cremate him. I was not certain whether his suggestion was made from his own cultural standpoint or for mere expediency. He claimed that we were being disrespectful, feeding him to the worms, as he put it. Theodore, thankfully, stressed that this was the way of many of the local adherents to Erastil. One comes from the earth, one returns to the earth. I was simply glad to be able to get back to the work of putting the man to rest with some measure of respect.
It was hard work, digging in the cold earth as the chill of the air settled around us. Goddess, I hope the man did not linger long, for his sake.
We will be returning the letter intended for him to Oleg. Whoever sent it would likely need to be informed of Breg's death.
We continued on towards the north, mindful of our step now. Perlivash and Tigtittertug had noted on our map that there were many traps in the area. We had just seen a grim warning of how deadly even simple hunter's traps could be, so we have been taking our time with our explorations of the area.
The air is not getting any colder as it gets darker. Perhaps the cold is on its way out. We will see tomorrow. For now I am going to keep close to the fire.
Day 21
It has been slow going, but we have little choice in the matter.
As Theodore carefully picked our way through the woods, he found three bear traps set and ready to snap. Any of us could have blundered into them with just a little less care, likely costing us a leg. Very likely, after seeing Theo set them off with a fallen branch. It was snapped right in two by the force of the jaws.
The forest about us is as beautiful as ever, but I've had little time to appreciate it for fear of taking my eyes of the ground for even a moment. How people like Theo and Marek manage to keep their attention divided on so many things at once, I'll never know.
We've pushed through the area a bit, rested and eaten, pushed through some more, and so forth throughout the day, and we've still a bit more to go before we are done with the area. Theo is fairly certain we will finished early tomorrow though. After that, we are immediately returning to Oleg's, bearing news both good and grim.
I saw Marek studying his Calistrian icon again. The man seems lost in thought. I admit to not knowing much of the elven goddess, but I still have a hard time reconciling what little I do know about her with the man I've known for the past three years. I would ask Leo if he knew any more on the matter, as he has known Marek nearly his entire life, but it is not my business to pry. If Marek wishes to speak of his past and his beliefs, he will. If not, then so shall it be.
I am ea
I have lost my train of thought. Jervik just asked, in his usual suspicious tone, what I was writing. I suppose I should be grateful he didn't call me "demon" as he did so. Before I could answer Leo interrupted, explaining, erroneously, that I was keeping a chronicle of our journey. I tried to correct him right there before I realized I had no interest in detailing just what this book is in front of Jervik.
I still need to speak with Leo about this.
He just called me "demon". All is right in the world, I suppose.
I never thought I would miss the thylacines.
Day 22 - Afternoon
We have returned to Oleg's. It is hard to put what I feel into words.
We finished our exploration of the forest early today and then set out for the trading post. It was easy travelling the entire way, especially after we made it into grassland.
When we finally returned, we were warmly welcomed back by all, particularly Oleg. He had already returned from his second trip to Restov, and he had been worried that our long absense spoke of our demise out in the wilderness. We are all glad that was not the case.
We reported that we had found Breg and what had happened to him. Oleg was surprised, as were we when he simply opened the letter we handed back to him. As inappropriate as I felt it was, it was illuminating. The letter was from a tradesman who had been selling Breg a number of traps. It explained that an order was being prepared for the hunter, but more importantly, that the merchant had recieved news that travellers had been injured in the area, most likely by the very traps Breg had been setting, and it warned him to make them more visible to people passing through the area. The others had the same idea I did, that those beartraps we had picked our way around may have belonged to Breg himself. At least they were no longer a danger to innocent travellers and hunters anymore. Oleg assured us that Breg had no family in the area that he knew of, so there is that cold comfort. Still, it was sad to think of such a life, so isolated and alone. Much like Bokken.
Oleg had news for us as well. He told us that many of us had letters he had been asked to deliver while he was in Restov, as well as a couple of packages, one for Theo and one for Marek.
Marek's was rather nondescript, and he excused himself before opening it. Theo's on the otherhand was a festive, flamboyant thing. A box delicately wrapped with an ornate bow and bearing the kiss mark of painted, feminine lips. Theo seemed supremely uncomfortable with it, or at least with it in our presense, and he excused himself as well.
When Viktor opened his letter, he sighed and wandered off. I'm not sure if his eyes rolled or not, but he did seem frustrated with what was whatever was written. Leo on the otherhand cursed outright upon opening his, and for some reason looked all about himself, especially upwards, as if expecting to see something. What could draw such a response from my friend, I do not know. It seems everyone has something they wish to keep private.
My letter came with something wrapped within. It was a small longsword icon, the holy symbol of Iomedae. Its meaning became clear when I read the letter. It was from Naella.
Immediately upon seeing the name I felt a terrible guilt. I had thought to write to my sister, but between our travels and our troubles I always seemed to be distracted by something. That is no excuse. I should have written sooner. After reading what she had to say, there is no way I will leave this trading post without doing so.
In truth, I am sorely tempted to leave this place and rush to my sister's side, to the monastery that saved me. But her words ring true. I know she is right.
Goddess, I am so proud of her. I pray I can make her feel the same for me.
Thank Iomedae for Bieran, my best, oldest friend.
I did not realize until after I was done reading that I had been clutching the holy symbol so tightly that my hand was bleeding. I quickly cleaned it, and placed it around my neck. I prayed for my old teacher. I prayed that he would watch over me. I prayed that I could make him proud and honor his memory.
I am enclosing the letter in this journal. A reminder of home to keep near, to remind me to never let it stray far from my mind or heart.
Naella's Letter
Dear Liath,
I hope this letter finds you well. I have not heard from you except for the letter saying that you were traveling to this Oleg's Trading Post, so I have addressed a letter there in the hopes you might recieve it.
Life in the Monastery has been busy, and I find myself wishing you were here for our walks and conversation. They always did much to clear my head when things were confusing. And they are confusing now. You see, we were raided. As I'm writing this I'm obviously okay, but it was touch and go for a while. It started a few days after you left. We recieved some reports that there were some bandits harassing a nearby farm. We sent some of our warriors to investigate, but it was a trap. They were waiting for just that to happen.
They launched an attack on the abbey that day while our warriors were away, and tried to steal our artifacts and vestiaries to Iomedae. I'm proud to say they did not succeed. I managed to gather together our novice and apprentice sisters that I had been given to train from time to time, and quickly went to the armory, where we outfitted ourselves and set out ot stop them. We worked as one group and managed to come upon the robbers by surprise as they had spread out to loot. We took the groups out one at a time, and recruited more to our ranks from the captured sisters and monks. It was scary, and exciting, and horrible all at once. We did not make it without wounds ourselves however. Several of our sisters and brothers died.
Of special note to you was Brother Marcius. I know he taught you much in the use of the longsword, and he taught the bandits much too for they found his body surrounded by six of the raiders, but he was at last overcome. He left you his symbol of Iomedae which I have enclosed.
I too have been scared by the combat. While the battle raged, I found myself fighting their leader. A man of vile countenance, that wielded snarling insults as well as expert swordfighting. I found it difficult to remain immune to his taunts to me of my ancestry, but I remembered our promise to try not to let our lives be ruled by the harsh words of others. But still he bested me, and I fell. But Bieran arrived and running forward flew into a rage and cut him down before he could finish me. When I thanked him, he mumbled something under his breath, about promising to protect me. So I guess I owe you my thanks as well, brother.
I hope things go well for you, think not that you should have been here. Iomedae has different tasks for us all. You are on the path you need to follow, just as I follow mine. Good luck, and write soon.
Love,
Naella
It is hard to stop thinking of home. It is hard not to wish that I had never left.
Oleg had more news for us. The blacksmith and other laborers whose services we requested were indeed coming, but they would take some time to arrive. However, the guide and porter we had asked for did make it. He introduced them to us: Anza, a older, hard-looking woman with stringy hair and tattered, weather-worn clothing, and Jacobi, a near giant of a man who just seemed thrilled to be here.
I am ashamed to admit that I may have shown surprise at the sound of Anza's voice. It is remarkably rough and ragged, moreso than any other woman's I have heard. I suspect it is due to the tobacco she smokes when she's off by herself. She seems very confident, and has certain strict expectations of us. Namely, that we are not going to be putting her in harm's way. I have assured her and Jacobi that we have absolutely no intent of putting them at risk, and that we fully expect them to seek safety should danger come our way. That seemed good enough for her. She warned that guiding us on horses might be more difficult than if we were all on foot, but she could still get the job done. Her manner may seem rough, but she has a certain professional pride that leaves me confident in her abilities.
Jacobi seems a pleasant fellow, and eager to see what lies beyond the trading post's walls. He told us that his family has a history of travelling, and unfortunately, early deaths. He says that he intends to be a bit more cautious than his ancestors, and we have assured him that we expect nothing less. He invited me to play a game called King of the Stump. He seemed absolutely shocked that I didn't know the rules. I was simply surprised to be so freely invited to participate in such a game. He strikes me as a supremely accepting fellow. I would have taken him up on his offer, but there was far too much on my mind. Too many duties to take care of that day. I assured him I wished to learn the game, however, and thanked him for the offer.
They both offer their services for far less than I would have expected. I believe I will pay them more. This is dangerous land, and they are putting their lives at risk if they travel with us. They need to be compensated better than what they expect.
I excused myself and sought out Theodore so that we could inform Jhod about the temple. It was at that point that I saw Viktor tossing his letter into the firepit. I assume it is something he will not wish to speak openly about.
I found Theo discretely offering a large book to the lady Svetlana. She seemed a little confused, but grateful. Whatever the subject of the book was, Theo would not say. He simply said it would be of more use to someone else. Theo is a very generous man.
As we sought out Jhod, we both saw Marek sitting in the corner of the camp, oiling down what looked like a bullwhip. Theo and I both shared confused glances, though something about it seemed oddly familiar.
We found Jhod not much later. He was elated that we had discovered the place, though his cheer was muted a bit as we explained what we had learned of the bear that had been haunting the place. He wishes to travel with us back to the temple, so that he can rededicated it to Erastil. He intends to remain there, to maintain the site. We warned him that it may be dangerous, that a number of predators could move into the region at any time. He told us that he had sent for more of his brothers to come to his aid; he had fully anticipated our success, it seems. The man is determined, I must give him that. He truly is a loyal servant to his god.
As we left we saw Leo visiting with Professor Crate. Crate was excited to see our findings, precisely how he will see them I've no idea. Regardless, he is working on a more detailed map of the region for us. I've no doubt we'll have need of it in the weeks to come.
Jervik and Viktor had special orders for Oleg when he returned to Restov, but the man warned them that he was not setting out again any time soon. He had been away from his wife and home for far too long as it was, and he fully intended to spend some time at rest before setting out again. Jervik finally relented in his requests once it became clear that Oleg's answer was final. I hope the blacksmith and carpenters do arrive soon. It will mean far less travel for Oleg, at least.
I think I will put off checking on Cressel, in that case. Oleg and Svetlana have precious little time together these days, and I've no wish to stir up trouble within their home on the night of his return.
The others are gathering for the night's meal.
I will return to my writing afterwards. I must pen a letter to Naella. And Bieran.
I must pray for my fallen brothers and sisters. And that I will make Brother Marcius proud.
Day 22 - Night
It was a good meal and a fine evening, being able to relax and be at ease without having to watch over our shoulders for bandits and hungry wildlife.
The others eagerly listened to our tales of what we saw out in the wild. We in turn found ourselves curious about the trappings Marek had taken on. He wore the Calistrian medallion openly, and the bullwhip hung in a loop from his belt. It turned out that Leopold indeed knew as little of Marek's past as the rest of us, judging from his own curious looks.
Marek took note of the unspoken questions, and he told us a little of his past. He considered his words carefully, possibly gauging how much to tell and what to hold back. Regardless, it was a great show of trust, especially considering what he spoke of.
Marek hailed from the elven homeland of Kyonin, further to the west. He and his wife were both servants of Calistria in their own way. Agents of sorts, the way he described it seemed far less like my or my sister's orders and more like some of the inquisitors found in Mendev. I was curious as to what, precisely, he did in the service of his goddess, but that would have to wait. One detail he did share however was that he and his wife served along with their brethren in an ongoing war against the minions of a demon known as Treerazer that has been plaguing the elven homeland for ages.
He told us that an old rival had murdered his wife, and that he had been framed for the act. His wife's father was someone of great importance in Kyonin society, and thus it was demanded that Marek be killed on sight. He had to flee his homeland, but not before he had taken revenge on his wife's killer.
He had travelled about aimlessly after that. The ordeal had shattered his faith in his goddess, and so he buried his whip and left that life behind. Now I finally remembered why the whip was familiar. It is the chosen weapon of Calistrians.
Marek eventually found his way into the service of Leopold's father, and had served the family ever since as a bodyguard.
I suspect I saw some hint of sentimentality poke through the mask of stoic professionalism he always wears as he admitted that his time travelling with Leo, Theodore, and myself had rekindled some old thoughts of home and his goddess. He said that he had been considering a return to her fold for a while now.
The package he had recieved sealed the matter for him. A Calistrian priestess had a vision that led her to the spot Marek had buried his whip. She dug it out herself, and repaired it as best she could before sending it here. Her note said only that she was told Marek had need of it.
It was strange to hear Marek speak so openly now, of his past and his relationship with his goddess. It was clear he had chosen his path now, and that it had chosen him.
The rest of us were left with more questions, many of which would no doubt have to wait. Probably for some time after my first, awkward one. I couldn't quite spit it out, but it was something that scratched at the mind, that one just had to know for certain. I only managed to ask him if he, "being a servant of Calistria, meant that he had served as..."
He caught my meaning and let out an exasperrated sigh before answering that no, he had never been a prostitute.
His tone in the answer seemed to offend Theodore and Leopold. They demanded to know what was wrong with being a prostitute. The honor of Theo's mother has ever been a touchy matter for the two.
The nascent argument diffused quickly, thankfully, as the others found mirth in all of this. I am still a bit embarassed for having set it off. I must note that not all Calistrian priests are automatically prostitutes from this moment forward. Yet another fact about the world that Bieran has proven mistaken about.
The rest of the night was pleasant enough, but I excused myself early. I have letters to write and respects to give to old friends and teachers.
Iomedae watch over them all.
Day 23 - Noon
I am hopeful now. Cautiously so, but hopeful.
This morning, after giving Oleg my letters to Naella and Bieran, as well as my assurances that I did not wish for him to leave sooner than he wanted, I visited Kestern.
The man seemed more amiable now, even as I brought up the matter of Cressel. I stated my concerns that she might be causing trouble for Oleg and Svetlana, making noise and causing unrest from within her cell, much as she did during her shouted accusations towards me the last two times I checked on her. I was surprised to hear Kestern's answer, that she had been behaving well. She had not caused any trouble for anyone else.
I asked, without much real hope, if she had started speaking with anyone yet. Again I was surprised. She could at least make small talk with the guards. It was far more than I had hoped.
I steeled myself before going in to see her. However well she may have gotten on with others, I did not seriously expect her to hate me any less.
Whatever stoic mask I had managed to put on likely cracked as soon as I entered the room that held her cell. She did not look pleased at all to see me, as expected, offering only, "Oh, it's you."
I choked on my greeting as I saw her. I knew that they were starting to lend her Svetlana's old clothes, but the actual sight of her in a dress was
I'm not sure what it was. I kept my eyes just over and to the right of her head as I asked her if she was well.
She gave me an odd look, then went on about how she was doing exactly what one does in a cell, sit around, pace back and forth, and be bored out of her mind.
I told her I was hoping to remedy some of that soon. That she would have more space at least. She guessed correctly that I spoke of a new jail, and was understandably not very enthusiastic.
I tried to guess at something that could get her to open up, as she had to the others. I asked her if there was anything else, anything reasonable, I could get her to keep her busy.
She made a point to mention that she would like her hand back. That she would like to be able to lift things above her head again, That she would be able to write.
The last bit of mockery caught my attention. I quickly asked if she read. She frowned at me, stating that she knew how to read, if that was what I was asking.
I assured her I did not mean to offend, and changed tactics. I asked if she had ever seen the world outside these lands. She said she had lived here her entire life.
I asked what she would think of books being made available to her. She quickly asked if I meant books of a religious nature. I answered honestly that perhaps some would be, but that would not be all. So much for easily getting her to read The Eleven Acts.
I told her that I could acquire books about the outside world, the world she had never known. I asked her if that would make passing the time a little easier. She seemed on the verge of offering more mockery, but this time, for once, she held her tongue. She seemed thoughtful.
I took that as a "yes". I tried to hide my smile and promised to return when I could. She said she was looking forward to it. It goes without saying that there was no sincerity in her voice.
Still, this is the most progress I have made with her this entire time. Thank the Goddess.
Small steps.
I added to my requests for Oleg, assuring him once more that I do not mean to rush him. I should have asked him to also bring back more spare clothing for Cressel. Men's clothing.
We're setting off to the temple with Jhod now, with Anza and Jacobi coming along. Hopefully we can make a fast journey of it before returning to our explorations.
I've felt strange today. A bit more energetic perhaps. I'm more certain about some things now. I think I have Naella to thank for that. Being out here, restoring the temple, removing dangers to innocents, trying to help Cressel's soul out of the dark, I am more certain now about what I am needed to do out here, and why I'm here.
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Day 23 - Noon
I choked on my greeting as I saw her. I knew that they were starting to lend her Svetlana's old clothes, but the actual sight of her in a dress wasI'm not sure what it was. I kept my eyes just over and to the right of her head as I asked her if she was well.
Given this passage, Liath probably should try to use Sense Motive on himself.
Yeah, also the three spider attacks he mentioned was the Spider Hold. But stupid Jarvik with-held all the information about the letter, and all the nice back ground work to follow up on. So now they think he just has a good treasure sense.
Oh that's great, the spiders guarding the treasure sounded familiar, but I couldn't be sure. Don't worry about not following up on things-my party has not even managed to find the initial clue. [Still Re: Jarvik- what an evil-hearted character ;)]
Good luck with your adventures-- is Liath caught up with the game in writing up the adventures or is Liath a little behind?
Yeah, also the three spider attacks he mentioned was the Spider Hold. But stupid Jarvik with-held all the information about the letter, and all the nice back ground work to follow up on. So now they think he just has a good treasure sense.Oh that's great, the spiders guarding the treasure sounded familiar, but I couldn't be sure. Don't worry about not following up on things-my party has not even managed to find the initial clue. [Still Re: Jarvik- what an evil-hearted character ;)]
Good luck with your adventures-- is Liath caught up with the game in writing up the adventures or is Liath a little behind?
He has almost caught up to where last we left off. We only play once a week for around 5 hours if we are lucky. So we progress somewhat slowly. Also, we will be missing a week of gaming pretty soon, so good ole Liath won't have anything to write about for two weeks pretty soon.
I play a character in a game he runs, I really wished I had started something like this for my character in that campaign. But I can't remeber all the stuff we've done. So if I started now it would be a bit.. I don't know. Maybe I'll do it anyway.
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This is a very well written and gripping journal to say the least.
Its awesome hope it never stops updating lol. BTW Liath Samathran is a awesome character, I especially love the tiefling paladin mix because his back story (like this adventurers journal) is so well done it blows me away.
BTW good luck with your bandit femme fatale, sounds like you have a LOT of work left to do.
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Again, those last updates were excellent. Is the interaction between Liath and Cressel entirely role-played during the games, or do you flesh it out more as you write the journal? She's certainly adding an interesting dimension to your role-playing of a paladin, she keeps pushing the limits of Liath's kindness.
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Thanks all!
Given this passage, Liath probably should try to use Sense Motive on himself.
Oh man. Can't even imagine the DC on that roll.
Liath has some real hang-ups. :D
A quick explanation for those that don't mind being spoiled on his mental drama
His reaction to Cressel was kind of complicated. It's like:
Seeing her in a dress makes her seem more innocent. Don't think of her that way, she's still extremely dangerous.
Seeing her in a dress makes her seem almost comical, knowing what she's really like. Don't think of her that way, she's still extremely dangerous.
Seeing her in a dress makes her seem oddly becoming OH GOD DON'T YOU DARE THINK OF HER THAT WAY, SHE'S STILL DANGEROUS AND YOU'RE HER DAMN JAILER.
Heh. Drama.
I really wished I had started something like this for my character in that campaign. But I can't remeber all the stuff we've done. So if I started now it would be a bit.. I don't know. Maybe I'll do it anyway.
I'd look forward to seeing the reactions to that political movement you kicked off in-game. :D
No joke, our game that he DM's is fantastic. I'd love to write up something about Jack, Bogs, Voh, Sars, and all
Next session you guys are going to be ski-jumping over sharks. Just sayin'.
Again, those last updates were excellent. Is the interaction between Liath and Cressel entirely role-played during the games, or do you flesh it out more as you write the journal? She's certainly adding an interesting dimension to your role-playing of a paladin, she keeps pushing the limits of Liath's kindness.
All of that's from the games. Truth is, I'm losing a bit of detail since it gets blurred between game night and whenever it's written down, even with taking notes. Stuff like Leopold teasing Viktor about Tigtittertug's peculiar friendship and the exact passage of days. There's no way that last one is making it through entirely accurate.
Scrawled rudely into the margins and unused remainders of the page, the journal entry for the twenty-second has been amended with rough blocky script written in a pitch black ink, slightly smudged from water stains.
JARVIK! ME NAME BE JARVIK! May jellyfish make a home of ye britches! I know ye demon ears work well enough to judge every word what slips from me lips, so ye should not be mangling me hard earned, good name! May urchins make a sick in ye canteen!
And do not ye be worrying what be in me kettle! Ye would not be capable of understanding it anyhow, so keep ye grubby cambion claws to yeself. May barnacles encrust ye cloven hoofs!
JARVIK, NOT JERVIK!
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Liath has some real hang-ups. :D
I predict Kressle may continue attacking this psychological vulnerability (e.g., lower-cut dresses; a feigned seduction attempt) because it's the most effective way that she has to get at Liath. Given that he's suggested the possibility of getting her hand back, she may not try to kill him until she convinces him of her reform, but I don't think that she could resist messing with him.
Liath might want to tell Kressle that he can tell if she's truly changed (i.e., by detecting evil) to quash any ideas that she may have about faking it. Anyhow, good luck with her reform: Liath has his work cut out for him.
Day 23 - Night
We've made camp just south of Perlivash and Tigtittertug's territory. It has been an afternoon of easy travel, with the warmth of spring fully returned after the recent cold snap.
Anza has already taken to her duties in full. Wish both she and Theo leading our way through the wild, I am sure we will cover ground more quickly than we have up to this point.
Jacobi has also performed commendably. He has proven as dependable as he has personable.
Perlivash and Tigtittertug greeted us as we entered their land. Jhod was delighted to meet them, and they seemed to return the sentiment. Jacobi was simply awestruck by the sight of them. He likely looked just as I did when I first met the fairies.
We shared pleasantries and news, telling them that we were on our way to the temple of Erastil nearby and that we had taken care of the traps they had warned us on our map about so long ago.
It was while we discussed the matter of the traps' final victim that a curious and unsettling detail came to light. According to Perlivash, the hunter, Breg, had been purposefully setting traps for people. I cannot guess why the man would do such a thing, and no possibility I can imagine sits well with me. I suppose it is a grim relief that he is no longer a threat to innocent travellers and locals. Pharasma have mercy on him.
I fear we may have dawdled too long, as it has become too dark to continue travelling onwards to the temple without camping this night. We should arrive early tomorrow, barring any complications.
I still feel a certain restlessness. Not a nervous sort, but rather an abundance of energy. It may simply be that I still feel invigorated by Naella's words and my renewed certainty in our mission. It feels good to know that we are leaving the land a better and safer place than we found it. I pray we can continue to do so.