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as observed and reported by Xavier Declie
Watch led to a long night, followed by receipt of this charter. This is to be a rough day. I joined the arranged caravan just as they were leaving. There are too many people here to yet know whom I shall call on for aid when the need arises. I am to meet up with three others, but for now, I will pass for one of the caravan guards.
I’ve noticed an individual of some worth. Heavily armored and well equipped. He should serve well this cause of clearing the southern lands of bandits. At camp, I introduced myself to the fellow. He is… agreeable. If not for the word he preaches, I might take a liking to this able bodied warrior. He announced himself as Abijah Arealious, Templar of the Inheritor and Harbinger of Honor, Justice and Valor. He then began to recant several scriptures from the ‘Acts of Iomedae’, to which I lost interest. I do not question that the gods grant individuals of this world great powers, though the gods did not answer the cries of my youth and gods be damned if I bend a knee to them now. I’ll tolerate his rambling as I do not wish to ever oppose him. Men and women of the cloth can be powerful allies.
It did not surprise me when he introduced his brother to be an elf. Abijah’s slightly pointed ears betrayed an elven heritage. Unlike his brother, Keltegan was a pure of blood. The long, pointed ears, lithe frame, haughty, high-born attitude, eyes that seemed to glow with the magics well known to a member of his species, no, Keltegan was in no way the warrior that Abijah had obviously become. Elves have proven accurate archers or masters of the arcane arts. Either way, if I am to accept one, I must accept the other. Keltegan is always quiet. Seldom does he speak, except for in the solitude of his brother. A man of few words or many secrets, it is too early to know if I can trust this one.
Four days since we began our journey and the last member to our troop has all but eluded me. I admit I had been looking for warriors, but this copper skinned woman with the voice of an angelic creature is to be our fourth. She fascinates and befuddles me. Kind of heart and a beauty that rivals the elves, she is almost out of place among these lands. Katara Hakoda is from the northern sea, but her skin is far too dark for any I have come in contact from that region.
Our arrival at Oleg’s Trading Post is celebrated by our hosts. Svetlana, a beauty hidden behind the dirt and grime of life on the frontier, mistakes us for the troops requested of Restov. She informs us of a dozen or so bandits that have been regularly besetting the post and leaving them with little in ways of survival. Oleg, a stern man, had sustained a serious injury during the last attack. The bandits made off with an item of great personal value, Svetlana’s wedding ring. Oleg attempted to stop them when an axe wielding woman nearly lopped his hand off.
We are all in agreement that we need to help these people. Katara sees to Oleg’s arm, hoping to do more than what has already been done. Kind indeed. Abijah and I plot a trap for these would be tormentors, while Keltegan observes the surroundings. We will not be unprepared when these miscreants arrive on the morrow.
It is early mourn and the trap is set. Keltegan has spotted them raiders off in the distance. A small band of four on horses. We allow them to fully enter the post, before Abijah and I shove a cart, blocking the path out the gate. If we are trapped, they are trapped with us. The tactic worked flawlessly. We managed to catch them by surprise. In a matter of moments, the bowman, who they proclaimed their leader, laid dead next to two other bandits. The last bandit surrendered to Abijah, who secured him in chains and placed him in a compost pit. Keltegan and Katara managed to calm and stable the horses. The resources collected were displayed across the table and we claimed what we wished. The rest was given to Oleg to help rebuild his stock. In agreement with Oleg’s wishes, I aided him in stringing up the dead bandits and hung them from the South palisade wall. I retired the rest of my day to create more powder and hone a few more projectiles. Katara wished to observe my skill, to which I did not object. She seemed fascinated by my work as it must seem as different to her as the magics of the temple and the tower are to me.
Abijah and Keltegan questioned the remaining bandit and deemed his information worthy. There is an encampment to the South, and there lies our first objective. Keltegan wishes to head straight towards these bandits and put an end to them immediately. I refuse to leave these people without guard. We put it to a vote and we came to an impasse. Two against two. After much deliberation, we agree to survey the immediate area, as none among us were able hunters. Keltegan seemed brash and disregards the lives we just saved. Abijah simply loves his brother too much, but be levied by reason. Katara was my only advocate for staying until the announced reinforcements arrived. I am liking this woman more with each passing day.
The day of exploration held uneventful, though our return to Oleg’s was a matter of excitement. Kesten Garess, a dark and brooding man, had arrived leading a small troop of soldiers. Memory recalls that Kesten was born of the noble Garess House, but an embarrassing incident with a low-born woman, had left him in his father’s shame and leading a mercenary’s life. I bow my respects regardless of his current station, as he may yet hold some sway among the great houses, and pledge to hunt these bandits like dogs upon his blessing. Kesten is agreeable, though he informed us that there is to be one among them that he wished alive. Falgrim Sneed. A former brother-in-arms to Kesten, Falgrim betrayed his post and now led a life of crime. I believe Kesten wishes to carry out Falgrim’s sentence personally. I am satisfied to oblige.
We play every other week & I'm recording our progress according to the viewpoint of my character. Our next game is July 2nd. Next round of posts will be shortly after that.
I concur with Grogg. I really like the in character logs!
If you have enjoyed the Log thus far, check out further reading at Thoughts on my backstory. Here contains the backstory of Xavier DeClie leading up to the AP.
We rose early and began our preparation for the hunt. Leaving Oleg’s, we glanced a section of wall, upon which four notices had been posted. We claimed all four to hopefully be completed during the process of current mission. We headed southwest into the forest believing that they would remain hidden among the trees instead of out in the open of the vast plains and rolling hills southeast of our current location. Exploration of the area found us upon some kobolds, fat on radishes. Abijah and Katara tried persuading these foul creatures into sharing what they had laid claim to, but the half-lizards proved stubborn. I plucked a radish from the edge of the patch, antagonizing the creatures into drawing first strike. Against Abijah and Katara’s best efforts, the ploy work. These lesser creatures don’t have the rights to claim land for their own and by doing such relinquish their rights to breathe. The holy man sneered me for felling these Kobolds and even tried to capture one. It escaped and attempted to maintain an attack. The poor thing should have fell on his pike and honored his defeat. I cleaned my blade and claimed our prize. Surely these radishes are what Svetlana requested of us.
Raining! I bloody hate the rain. My weapon of expertise is near useless in such weather. To top it off, sweet Katara’s hairpins went missing during the night. Of course, the half-breed Holy man and his knife-eared brother accused me of taking them. It’s unheard of; I would never disgrace my honor or cause such dishonor to such a fair creature as this woman in our care. I believe there to be one more nefarious among our ranks, but I have no proof against him. I dismissed their ignorance, we haven’t the time and the current weather favors them in a fight.
The day proved a blessing. We happened across a small fortified position with archers perched in small tree stands keeping watch over the area. Some equipment and a wagon lay outside the wall of the encampment. Surely we had found the brigands we had been in search of. The nearest archer seemed anxious and readying to fire. Ah, poor Keltegan had been spotted, though the reactions of his brother proved more swift than an arrows flight. Abijah had dismounted, and prepared for a fight, gallantly marched to the center of the clearing in front of the camp and promptly demanded their surrender. Much to my delight, they refused. Abijah had become flanked and I refuse to let a fellow warrior, albeit self-righteous, go unattended in a conflict. This work horse proved capable of being valiant steed. It never complained of my instruction and charged to the brigands, allowing to me unleash a swift fury atop its back. I tried to ride down threats as they appeared without comprising my companions. I looked back and Keltegan lied face down mixing blood into the rain and mud about the area. Abijah uttered words I can only grasps as invoking his god’s wrath down upon the axe wielding brigand I assume slain his brethren. She was no match to power of his deity and steel. Without a leader, and their numbers dwindling, the remaining bandits attempted to flee. I managed to ride down two of these wretched dogs before they could get away.
I returned, gathering the dead to be searched, only to find Keltegan among the living. Abijah informed me the Katara had healed his brother’s wounds and that she was truly a miracle worker sent by Iomedae. There s more to this young woman than meets the eye and her talent at healing will prove most useful in times of need. We collected our bounty from the dead and by count of the slain, three managed to get away. Hopefully, they have been scattered to the winds. We decided to use this fortified location to rest for the night. Some talks had been made that this location would be most useful as an outpost for when we are unable to return to Oleg’s. Katara tended the brother’s wounds, but neither acquired the skill to aid Katara with her own needs. Fortunately, my time among the armies of Brevoy, I picked up a trick or two from the healer’s tent. She was grateful for assistance and the other’s were curious as to a man who knew so well how to kill, could possess the prowess to heal as well. I’ll let them wonder a bit longer as to the mystery I unfold.
Strangulation grasped me during the night. Something had be grappled. I managed to yell for help. Abijah and Keltegan freed me from my captor. The tent had fallen and enveloped me. They snickered and went back to sleep. I returned to set the tent back up. The draw line had been cut. Sure it was not one of these. They suffered great injury at the hands of the bandits and needed their rest. Something nefarious is about. I forwent sleep the rest of the night to maintain watch over us. This will not happen again.
We loaded the cart with as much as capable from the encampment. The travel to Oleg’s proved mundane. A blessing really, one night’s rest had not recovered us from our wounds. We delivered the radishes to Svetlana who was overjoyed to receive. She had long waited to prepare Oleg his favorite dish. Business with Oleg subsided and I joined Kesten and a stranger at the tables with a bottle of dark green spirit I had recently acquired. I greeted them pouring the three of us a drink. Kesten accepted while the newcomer respectfully declined. Jhod Kavken, he introduced himself as and some kind of holy man worshiper of Erastil. He seems the friendly sort, but his eyes betray a worry or fear. I didn’t let his glass go to waste. The spirit proved strong for my likings, so I excused myself and retired for the night. The days prior had proven a strain and we needed direly needed the rest.
Kingmaker Obsidian Portal
For further reading, check out the Story of Zahir. Please note that I have not read this adventure log as they are further along the story than we are at present.
So you may get ahead of us!
Maybe in time. We play every other Tuesday from 6p - 10p. We're also taking our time with it to grasp the full magnitude of the AP.
RotFLOL... I'm sure you would know if my boomstick (as my musket has been commonly refered to) was in your group. Although in two sessions, I have yet to use it.
We decided to further explore the areas around Oleg’s and hopefully happen across a stray bandit that fled from us two days prior. We headed out southeast of the post. Rolling hills lie before us. In a small cluster of trees, Keltegan’s horse was bite by a large spider. The fell creature proved elusive as it would strike and slink back into a hollow. BOOM! My first shot connected, but the result spooked the horses. My companions were unable to contain there steeds. Pfft! Webbing shot forth from under the creature, ensnaring Katara. I aimed carefully. She will not become a meal this day. BOOM! The eight-legged abomination erupts in a gooey mass mixed with fur. Katara may have a nightmare or two, but she will live.
A morning rain, gives way to a beautiful day. We decided to head southwest, skirting the areas we had already explored. Abijah lies to us about hearing something, but his pointy-eared brother takes his side. Maybe Keltegan’s sharp ears are better attuned for sounds. It proves to be nothing, but a glint in the sun reveals something in the ground. Ahead of us is a small cavern in the ground, with a faint yellow glow. I handed Keltegan a torch which he drops into the hole. The faint glow became more vibrant in the glow. None are brave enough to enter. Cowards! I lowered a rope and descended into the earth. Surely my eyes betrayed me. Sparkling in the flickering torch light, one wall of the cavern appeared to be completely made of gold. A beautiful day indeed!
We continued our journey southwest. A river surrounded by thick thorns blocked our path. A small rise in the ground brought us to a rickety bridge. Keltegan wished to cross and scout the immediate area on the other side. This walkway would not support our horses. Abijah offered to stay with the horses and beckoned us go. Katara and Keltegan seemed eager to see this new side of the river. Abijah is a capable warrior and surely his god will seem him well, but these others need protection. Abijah entrusted his brother’s well-being into my hands. Either he is confident in my abilities or he is a trusting fool. I shall not fail him. Our endeavor proved uneventful and we returned.
The night’s discussion resulted in us exploring the area beyond the bridge. Having charted well any path leading away, we returned to our horses. We must be off to Oleg’s as supplies are running low. We came across the old bandit encampment and I suggested spending the night here. I had plenty of rations to share for one more day. Abijah, Katara, and I entered the abandon fort, while Keltegan waited at the gate, his gaze unmoving as we entered. The horses stabled, Katara and I noticed that something, or someone had been eating the dead from our prior visit. A loud rumble came from behind. As we turned to look, a mass of tangled vines that rose on two tree-like legs held Keltegan high above the ground like a child’s well abused doll. I drew my weapon and fired upon the thing. BOOM! The shot had perfect placement. A lesser creature would have fallen or stumbled at the least. Upon this thing, my weapon had no effect. Abijah instructs Katara to flee as the mass rushed towards me. Rot and freshly ground earth assaulted my nostrils as the creature slammed a mound of vines down upon me. My knees felt weak, but I willed them to stand as the thing wrapped around me. Darkness filled my vision as life crept from my body.
Keep up the posts . . . assuming that Xavier still can. :(
Unfortunately Xavier is no more. Three of our party died in this encounter. Our bard fled and survived & is requesting reinforcement. Proudstar will be taking over as my character and will be meeting up with the new party on 20th of Pharast. Check out his backstory at Proudstar Backstory
Unfortunately Xavier is no more. Three of our party died in this encounter. Our bard fled and survived & is requesting reinforcement. Proudstar will be taking over as my character and will be meeting up with the new party on 20th of Pharast. Check out his backstory at Proudstar Backstory
Doh! A shame for I was enjoying Xavier's insights. Such is life in the Stolen Lands though. :( That being said, Proudstar sounds as though he will be a very interesting character and it should be fun to read of his adventures.
I really enjoyed playing this character and had some great sub-plots about to start developing with him. This loss will be felt for parties to come.
At long last our journey begins, though the road the caravan takes is the road I traveled to Restov. I look to distance myself from my homeland, not return to it. I will ride a bit further and if course does not change, I will lose myself to the South. The ride is not quiet. A deaf ogre could make us a mile away. There is a vulgar fellow, garbed in dyed cloth and coat with a feathered hat, calling himself Darkie. His breathe stinks of ale and loose of tongue. He has made me as one to where he travels. He talks much, but I mostly don’t listen. What troubles me is his companion. She is attractive, and dresses much like the tribes, but her tongue stays sealed behind her lips. The dark one calls her Iolana and the witch whispers to a cat. My past is unclean and I hold judgment these two until time shows path clear.
Four days and the merchants continue west. Our end lies a few miles to the south. Here, far too close to Numeria, we part ways. This merchant’s fort seems well guarded. These armed people set me at unease. A Dark and brooding man with unruly hair and beard announces himself as Kesten Garess. My eye does not leave him as he resumes his duties. These men are not dressed as those that killed my people. Maybe they are more honest than those of my homeland. Time will reveal much to me. Owners Oleg and Svetlana Leveton introduce themselves. Times must be hard on the frontier. Oleg is gruff of speech and comes across as uncaring and cold. Svetlana’s beauty is hidden behind dirt and grime. She is quiet, but strong of spirit. A young woman helps Svetlana with the serving of meals. Surely this is no place to raise young without a larger family. Quiet and sweet like Svetlana, the young beauty reveals herself to be Katara, an adventurer who lost her friends to a terrible creature some ten days back. She caught me staring, but she simply smiled and continued to help serve. I sat with an elderly man with balding brown hair. His garbs were of a simple brown cloth. The kind old man is Jhod Kavken, a traveling cleric of the Patient Hunter. He tells me of a trapper that has become crazed and may have joined with bandits. Make note, we will see this wayward soul set straight. We only just arrived when the Dark One starts shouting for a strong drink. He talks much, but says little. The Witch sits with him, but remains quiet. Rest is much needed.
Two days of exploring and all we have found is a large nest high in a tree. It appears large enough for an eagle, but none have been spotted. A thorn cloaked river blocks our way forward. The Dark One strips and leaps the thorns and dives into the river. Moments later, the clothes of the drunkard where gone. There are forces here beyond our knowing. We should keep a close eye on our surroundings. We move up the river and the Witch springs a bear trap with her leg. The thing is clamped tight. I lift the Witch and place her in the pirate’s cart. I wonder why he drags that thing everywhere. He even charges for its use. A coin for everything the man does. He honors nothing he cannot charge a price for. A man that worships coin loses his shirt. Fitting! The Dark One, the young beauty, and I spend the day setting the traps. I take three. They may be of use if time is right. We are took make for Oleg’s come day break
Jhod awakes in a great sweat. He was visited by visions in his sleep. Trees branch out in great antlers and a dark spirit resides in a holy place. He asks that we cleanse the evil from this sacred ground. I will accomplish this for him even if none are with me. We set out once more.
A boar is spotted in the woods. The Dark One tells the Witch to make him big so that he may kill the animal. The Witch mutters a few words in a foul tongue. The Dark One is nearly twice my size and his heavy gait moves quicker than before. The boar attempted to flee, but the Dark One routed it. By time I could aid, the boar lay dead at Dark One’s feet. He shows skill with a knife and provides food for a few days.
We find a spring feeding the river that has blocked much of our path. It flows fresh and free. A good source of clean water and we filled our skins. The day led us to a man that has died under a pile of heavy log. A trap of sorts and a rope had been cut. A well-made axe remained in the tree. Who is this and who cut the rope. Breeg was to be hunting humans. Maybe this is his doing. No time for mourning or misspent prayers. I removed the axe and we turned South.
Exploring has come to a shallow in the river and we cross over. Before us is a destroyed barrier of sorts. Three bodies lay next to one another missing head. Rocks are placed where their heads should be. I hear the laughing of children as a mass of tangled vines rise before us. The one called Katara shrieks and yells “That’s it… the thing that killed my friends.” She runs followed by the Witch and the Dark One. As I stand there, the mound does not move. A trick maybe? I do not know so I tempt fate and throw coin before me and offer my remedy that a creature might show itself. A small, butterfly-winged dragon appears and sweeps up the coins. A cat-sized fey with the upper body of a waifish humanoid and the lower body of a cricket requests the tonic. I bend down to comply as I offered it revealed. The shining eyed dragon flew up making elaborate loops and whirls and announced his name to be Pervilash. The cricket person named herself Tyg-Titter-Tug. They do not agree with my name and call me Mr. Biggunse. I speak the tongue of fey folk and talk long with them in their words. They admit to taking things from the people I am with and wish to return it to me. I follow them to their nest. It is the large nest we found near a week past. They bit me rest under the safety of their home and return the Dark One’s clothing and ivory hair pins they say belongs to the pretty girl in our care. They feel sad for her loss some time ago.
I return to Oleg’s alone and no worse than before. I bear gifts for those who lost along our travel. I try to return the Dark One’s clothes and he accuses me of theft. Before I claim innocence, he draws blade. I have seen this before. He cares not my speech and wishes blood as atonement. I drop the garb and draw blade as well. His words fall on deaf ears as he swings. One blade stings as the other flies wide. His Witch mutters a few words in her tongue and I feel my defense weaken. I swing back with hardy blow. Both blades make contact and the Dark One falls. The Witch stretches out her hand towards me and flames spring forth at me. I make quick and the fires do little more than singe. I step back and sheathe my blades. My fight was not with the Witch and the Dark One lies fallen. Katara climbs the table stretches hand towards the Dark One. Maybe she wishes to know if he lives. Matters not to me as his intent was clear. The Witch lays hand on the Dark One and he rises, blades in hand. I draw axes in reply. He accuses again. And put tomahawk away and pull out Katara’s hairpins. She claims that they were lost long before we arrived. I offer to be placed in irons if it lessened tensions. The Dark One asked to be placed as well until truth can be revealed.
With much rest and cooled tempers, I expressed great want to hunt the boar called Tuskgutter. the Dark One decided hunting for our food would hold worth. The morning served us well in our effort. With gathered food and strength, we left under the mid-day sun. Our day set with us at the bear traps. Each set about their own shelter and my friends paid us visit. Tyg-Titter-Tut and Pervilash became known the others. The creatures told us of where the Temple of the Elk was to be found and that the creature Tuskgutter was even further south. The body we had found was true to be the Trapper Breeg and it was this fey-dragon that saw to his end. Pervilash claimed it a prank gone wrong. As no proof holds his words false, he is to be trusted. The cricket-lady asks for a song and the Dark One belches out a tune about drink, ships and women. It was not unpleasing and Tyg-Titter-Tut spoke praise of the Dark One’s ability. They stay with us the night.
We found a spring that held pungent to the senses. Two frogs seemed to grow large in this murky water. The Dark One hurled himself at the creatures and sunk to his shoulders in the waters. He managed to slay the beasts as my arrows did not hold true to their flight. The day belonged to the Dark One.
A ruin. Large moss covered boulders and a carved pool flooded with algae. Two trees grow in mirror of each other forming natural antlers above a cave entrance. This is the Lost Temple of the Elk. At the warning of Jhod’s visions, we ready ourselves for battle. I approached the entrance to the cave. A bear charges out and digs a claw in me. Plant both axes in the grizzly creature and it turns its full fury towards me. I know not what happened as I lie on the cold stone. When I awake, the earth is brighter. Full of color. The one I have called witch bandaged my wounds. For this, I will learn her name. The Dark One dove into the pool, clear of growth. He said a bath may do all some good. The women helped me lower into the refreshing waters. My wounds began to close and strength returned to my soul.
I traded my horse to the Dark One to gain his support to continue south before returning. Eager for payment, he agreed. The forest south of the temple gave me great joy. I have found my prize. The Tuskgutter! It fell under our blades. Unwanted, the Dark One aided. After what happened a day ago, I do not accuse him. He claimed the meat and I claimed the creature’s head. At first light, we will journey back to Oleg’s.
We are seen back to Oleg’s unharmed on our journey. For the boar’s head, I claimed the full prize at the cost of future reward. A heavy price but worth the effort. Jhod was eager of the news of the temple and is soon to head there himself. He has offered his healing to us freely. We plan to hunt on the morrow as supplies are low.
The day was well spent. Hunting proved useful, providing each of us a week’s worth of rations.
We have come to an area where the thorn protected river joins with a river where horribly shrieking birds are nesting. The only good is this area holds a shallow ford in the rivers allowing easy crossing. We made camp far away from the birds or we may not sleep at all.
The Dark One has been uneasy. His temper is less settled without hard drink and little better with. The Whispering One speaks in the Dark’s ear when she believes no one is listening. I hear what she has to say though. The Dark One seeks only gold and the Whispering One moves only to serve his purpose. She may have laid a healing hand on me, but there is a darkness within her. They spoke of leaving to join up with the one that is called the Stag Lord. Katara has done no wrong and deserves better company. I, however, have my own sins to atone for. I will not let harm come to Katara after what I have witnessed to my own blood. Leave if they must; no evil shall befall this one.
Nightfall was deep upon us and the Whispering One moved with the shadows. The Dark One was less quite, but Katara held fast to sleep. The two gathered their portion of camp and the Dark One began to move towards Katara. I rose and readied axe towards cause. The Dark One began to draw his blade.
“There is unfinished business between you and I.” he rumbled in a low gruff voice.
The Whispering One placed a hand to him. “He will fall in due time. Now is not the time Reginald. Come, We will leave them to the dangers of the wilds and should they live, the Stag Lord will surely let you have your trophy.”
A dark eye came across the Innocent One. If not for startling the Innocent Girl, I would have gouged her evil eyes from her head. The Dark One replaced his half-drawn blade and grudgingly left the area. I held watch, fearing their return.
Morning light revealed to Katara the two had gone. She questioned me as to where they went. I beckon her eat and all I tell her is that they are gone.
“The bad people will not harm you White Swan. Not anymore.”
Katara asked me who White Swan was. My thoughts must have been loud as I did not recall saying that name. I held tear and rage as I told her of my people. I told of my beloved little sister and what the bad people had done to her. People like the Dark One. I dared not follow the others, but it was foolhardy not to know where they went. I tracked their movements west. They continued beyond the edge of our travels the day before. Then Katara and I made clear marks to the south, should they try and follow. The bear traps would work well for a trap in the underbrush. The tracks led further past the traps. We turned our face to the east and I made every effort to disguise our tracks. We camped before entering new land.
Shortly into our day, a body floated by, face down. I looked at Katara and saw her desire. I dove into the river to retrieve the body. It had life yet in it, as it was still warm. The water was cool and refreshing. Katara danced to draw they water out of the man. Strange magic she holds, but her heart is kind. The man coughed as air replaced the water in his lungs. He said he had come to these lands with others, but none were found. I took this rare opportunity to bath in the river and fill our skins. We charted the area with our new friend, Nix Holystone. We camped a little more than a stone’s throw from the abandoned Oaktop Silver Mine. We intend to explore the mine on the morrow.
Our new friend saw something and darted into the shrubs around the mine. Instinct told me to do the same. Katara tripped trying to follow. The noise alerted something in the cave. A yelp filled the air. I drew weapon for what may exit. A lizard creature appeared. No more than knee high, it called out to talk with us. Nix must have recognized the creature and began talks in a strange tongue. Nix told us to follow as the scaled-man entered the dark of the entrance. Dimly lit, we followed, still at the ready for what may jump out at us. Snakes are crafty and these creatures appear some distant kin. One scaled in black scolded the one we followed. Some dispute came of me bearing weapons, or so Nix told me. Reluctantly, I put my axes away. Nix and the Black Chief spoke in the strange tongue while I made known my surroundings. Nix relayed that we could help these beings by returning an ivory idol, a statue of some reptile god. We agree and head north.
Bodies litter the ground, reptile and fey, in what must have been months of battle. The little blue creatures, Mites, were our quarry. A dead tree towered atop a lone hill. A door hidden among its roots. Prepared for war, I knocked, kicking the door down. Falling back, ready for what was to come, nothing happened. I lit a torch and cautiously entered. Katara and Nix followed. Our decent came to a choice in the path.
“When in doubt, go right.” Nix said with smile and a wink.
Right indeed. The first opening we came across was a breeding ground for giant centipedes. Foul, dangerous vermin. A lone mite was feeding three of these overgrown bugs. Thunder echoed through the opening as a burst of fire swallowed the mite and kissed the centipedes. I followed the amazing feat of magics with brutal intention. My axe fell on of the vermin, but I swung the torch all too brash, breaking the wood and snuffing the flame. We were in complete darkness. Katara saved us, by creating light as Nix and I slayed the last two abominations of nature. I lit another torched and moved towards the purpose of destroying this breeding chamber. No more giants would crawl out of this den.
Further in, we discover mites tormenting a kobold. This time, we had advantage. I rushed felling one. Nix hit the mites around me with one of his magic orbs. Another one dropped and the others fled, two across a ravine and one down another hallway. Good to know what my allies are capable of. We released the kobold from his binds and Katara revived it. Gracious, it was eager to help us. We tracked the one down a corridor to a workshop of sorts. Here, one set upon us a contraption similar to a miniature catapult. A trickster’s trinket more than a weapon. These three were a trifle nuisance. We made short work of them and moved on. Crossing the ravine proved a painful annoyance. Some handholds were rigged to let go. I faltered, but managed to hang on. The kobold, who I was trying to carry across, fell 20 feet to the bottom. A giant centipede wiggled out of the vines looking for an easy meal. One was not to be had of our new friend. The creature pulled me down. At least it had to fight me to get at the kobold. Instead, it turned on Nix and Katara. I threw tomahawks to keep it from harming her. Nix and Katara managed just as well. We dropped the thing before real harm could be done. I carried the kobold up the ravine and Katara revived it once more.
Once across, we entered the mites’ main lair. One larger mite mounted atop a large tick ordered the other six around as we entered. I charged the vermin reaching deep inside for a fierce war cry. Amidst my roar, the only one word came to bear… “SPOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!” It would have to do as we battled the creatures. All fell before us. I bore the weight of combat taking all the wounds of our side. We found a number of kobold sized spears, a sack of coins, the kobold’s totem, and a war map. Nix mixes an elixir and reads the strange markings on the map. One column marked “Us” listed kobold statue, spears, and coins. The other column labeled “Them” listed magic dust, coins, and shiny human ring. Katara believes this ring may be Svetlana’s missing wedding ring. Nix finds this an agreeable course of action.
At camp, Nix scribbled a few notes referencing a series of books, sharing a title.
The Lord of the Round Finger Jewelry
-Friendship of the Band
-the Tower and the Other Tower
-the Comeback of the Ruling Man
I asked Nix to question Mik-Mak, our dragonling friend, of Sootscale and Tartuk. My gut aches over these two. Again Nix took the strange words of the creature. Many words were had spoke, and little knowledge gained. Tribesmen look to a warrior for strength and a shaman for wisdom. These two were at odds within the Sootscale. Nak-Pik did not greet us when we returned. The other told Nak-Pik had been sacrificed by Tartuk to grant us favor with their god. Erastil and Gozreh may share favor, but a dragon god does not guide me! Sootscale had his kobolds gathered at the King Seat. Nix spoke the strange words as patience left me. Tartuk showed from behind the curtain of furs. Before I could cut him down, Nix toss him the idol. Ka-BOOM! Ears rang and eyes blurred as the idol erupted in strange magics. Nix had done this before with the mites. And again rang another blast and Tartuk vanished. Could this Nix be so powerful to leave no trace of the victim behind? I know not, but Tartuk is gone. A collection of writings told the misfortunes of Tartuk and a former life. Nix knows these strange marks and his secrets are many. Sootscale was glad to be rid of the traitor kobold and swore oath to us.
The heavens rumbled as a jagged bolt of light struck the sky, then cracked in two. Tears fell from burdened clouds of mournful grey. I could feel the waters whispering to me as it slid down my chin, falling back to the ground. The river moved with renewed strength. I could not swim across this time.
‘Nettle’s Crossing Toll 5 Copper’
Ropes were all that were left. I placed my pieces at the sign and moved slowly onto the ropes. The dead walked the water and bid us warning. It want the Stag Lord’s body to be thrown into the river to suffer as the figure had before. We left, daring not to cross.
After weeks away, we returned to Oleg’s. Svetlana had much happiness seeing her wedding ring once more. We made report to Kesten. The Kobold alliance came with much relief.
A deep breathe let out, “One less threat in these lands. Let us hope it is not replaced by another.”
Our day was be filled with an interesting twist, the stagnant Skunk river was near dammed by branches, debris and even bodies. This water supply is not only poisoned by the sulfur that leaks out the spring, but these bodies breed disease and decay. A serpentine creature laid on a small sandy island, bathing in the sun. Nix and Wade both let bolts fly killing the creature before it had a chance to act. I spotted another just under the water ready to ambush any that tried to cross makeshift ford. Leaping to the island, the creature broke under the weight of my axe. I began claiming Oleg’s trophies while Nix searched the bodies of the river. We used this area to cross and continue our journey.