Lens's page

* begins journal entry *

After securing the assistance of the warriors from around Tanaroa, we asked for information about the tar pits, the phanatons, and the rakshasa. The elders of Tanaroa weren't able to tell us much except that creatures that may have been the phanatons had been seen in the area of the tar pits. With that information, we set out for the tar pits.

Along the journey another group of small-minded but powerful ancient reptiles attacked us. We were able to put them down without too much trouble, and continued along our path.

As we reached the tar pits we found an enormous reptile, whose scales had hardened over time to form near armored plating. It wore the scars of battle and was preparing to make a meal of a small group of rather cute tribal humanoids. The appeared to be a cross between a small humanoid, a monkey, and a raccoon. They were armed with only primitive weapons and were clearly there simply to collect tar.

We quickly drew the attention of the creature before it could harm any more of them. The battle was fierce as the creature ripped into our warriors, and attempted to eat them alive. We hit the creature with enough force to drop a small army before it eventually went down, and managed to keep it from swallowing anyone with some of our more potent magic and prayers.

After the battle, we healed up and Moors and I found a magic weapon that Moors called a kukri embedded in the creature's foot. Since nobody was currently able to converse with the cute primitive creatures, we followed them back to their village. Urgur was able to communicate with them a little while each day after praying to Kord, and they were, in fact, the phanatons and were very grateful for our slaying of the giant reptile.

Having secured the help of the little primitives against the pirate invasion, for whatever good that will do, we asked for information once again and were told of the location of the ruined rakshasa village. The phanatons held a banquet in our honor, but I politely declined the feast since it consisted primarily of live insects. After the celebration, I teleported the party back to Farshore to report our progress, check up on things there, resupply, and rest.

In the morning, we teleported back to the phanaton village, some of us having eaten a real dinner and breakfast.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

After saving the villagers, we were told that someone had stolen something from a fire demon holed up in a nearby volcano.

With the general consensus that we needed as many warriors as we could muster, we elected to try to stop this local demon, god, or whatever. This would hopefully free up the area warriors to help combat the upcoming pirate invasion.

I was pretty sure that the golden bat may well satiate this menace, if not, we would get to deal with it in the fashion we normally do. The group felt that I should not tell the villagers, so I didn't and we left for the volcano with a guide.

Though the heat was miserable and somewhat debilitating, we made it into the volcano and Moors placed the golden bat in an obvious void of a idol inside. I was right, as usual, and they accepted the golden bat as a replacement.

A fire demon then gave us our choice of what appeared to be the nicest cache of equipment we have found by far. We quickly chose a ring that grants invisibility, though I feel we probably should have destroyed the evil creatures and taken it all. Hopefully we will come back and deal with this threat permanently some other time. Whoever stole the first item may well come back and steal this one as well, so the villagers will never be safe until this creature moves on or is destroyed.

After returning to the village and successfully guarding it through the night without incident, we were promised the aid of area warriors for defense from the pirates.

* ends journal entry *

(speaking in rat to Vorl)

So I can see invisible things now. What next? I think I'll grant myself the ability to see magic auras all the time as well. There we go.

Hmm, what do we have that is invisible and magic to practice on. My vanisher cloak should work. Perfect.

* begins journal entry *

After the pirate attack, we put out the remaining fires, tended to the wounded, and posted guards in the guard towers.

Lavinia reported that she and her jade ravens put down some pirates as well, and were able to capture one. Balim and Lavinia attempted to get information from the imprisoned pirate, but both failed. Balim was clamoring for another shot at "Lefty" as he called himself, but Amrhil was able to convince the worthless sod to tell us what he knew. Apparently the pirates that attacked were scouts for a larger group calling themselves the Crimson Fleet. The larger fleet, according to Lefty, is supposed to arrive in around two months time.

Personally, it seems to me this hovel isn't worth the bother. Might as well leave and let the pirates suffer having it, but the others and the villagers think otherwise. Suits me, as pirates that would attack the relatively defenseless including women and children are clearly evil and deserve painful deaths. Maybe the best among them will have some magical gear or treasure.

Having discussed with Farshore's leaders and skilled trades people what seem the best preparations for repelling the assault, we left them to prepare.

Traveling to Tanaroa in an attempt to recruit the nearby tribes to repel the invaders seemed best accomplished by teleportation, so I whisked the Steel Dragons there in an instant.

Upon arriving, we found some sort of ritual taking place that we attempted to politely not interrupt. The ritual took a surprising turn when the totem the villagers were dancing around alit and came to life exploding into a bunch of fire bats.

We quickly intervened to save as many villagers as we could and seemed to quench the fire from all the creatures.

* ends journal entry *

* many dated journal entries *

Ah, a night back in the city. I am spending the night in Sasserine after teleporting here. Urgur and I sold some gear, then purchased some rations, healing wands, and some cheap scrolls. We will rest here for the night and teleport back to Tanaroa in the morning.

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After teleporting back to Tanaroa, we prepared for travel once again, but this time by large island canoe. Our guides took us easily to Farshore by dusk, where we found Lavinia helping to manage the growth of the village. After the excitement of having finally arrived, and the sorrow of remembering those that did not survive the journey, Lavinia gifted us each what appeared to be expensive diamond necklaces and a nice purse full of gold before showing us a house we could bed down in for the night.

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In the morning, many of the others discussed what they felt would be their individual contributions to the village and their claim on this place. Balim inquired about where he could build a forge, Urgur a temple, Amrhil assisted with the greenhouse, Moors at the docks. I found the village quaint, but needed the resources of other wizards to expand my spell repertoire. As such, I started teleporting back and forth to Sasserine every couple days to bring supplies to Farshore and study with other wizards. Long term, I may start construction of a school in Farshore.

--------

After four days in Farshore a large group of pirates attacked. We put them down easily, but the fires they started and some of my own creation, caused light damage to the town. Fortunately, Amrhil's quick thinking in summoning water elementals prevented the fires from getting out of control. Despite the damage, I feel my fire spell was the correct choice, as it killed most of the pirates, and caused tons of chaos on the battlefield. The pirates were out for blood and had already killed some of the villagers. Buildings can always be rebuilt. Who am I kidding? I'm hardly ever wrong, it must have been the right choice.

With the pirates dead, Moors quickly laid claim to their ship.

* end of journal entries *

* begins journal entry *

Continuing on the path to Farshore, we rounded a corner and were charged by five large dinosaur creatures. Urol and Moors were out in front and were nearly torn apart as the creatures cut flesh with their sharp claws and razor teeth.

The creatures were no match for us and were quickly subdued and then put down.

After patching everyone up, we briefly searched a nearby ruin and found nothing of value. We spent another night in the forest before traveling south to the small village of Tamaroa.

While this village is small, the inhabitants seem friendly and have allowed us to spend the night. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of supplies, so I will probably teleport to Sasserine and spend the night there after conducting some business.

According to the locals we are only one day from Farshore by small boat, and Urgur was able to contact Lavinia who said she is in Farshore through his prayers, so we plan to carry on without much delay.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

After a minute of recovering from the battle and catching our breath, we quickly resumed the task of getting Amella, Urol, and Avner down and attempting to heal their wounds as much as possible. Unfortunately, there appeared to be nothing Amrhil or Urgur could do to restore Amella's severed arm. Further, she seemed to be in shock and her mind distant.

Urgur recovered the rest of Tavey's body and mentioned that he planned to try to bring him back to life some day if the lad desired. I tried to point out that the boy had been through enough, but Urgur seemed somewhat pigheaded about at least talking the dead boy and finding out if he wanted to come back.

After tending to our wounded as best we could, we were finally able to rest. We attempted to remove any remaining evil presence from the temple and left.

Upon returning to the great outdoors, the evil green fog cloud was mostly cleared and fading and we were able to find our bearings and continue following Urol's map toward Farshore.

* ends journal entry *

"Hold still Vorl, Urgur wants to bless you with some powers from Kord. He isn't trying to tickle you, just hold still. Very good. Now he says you should be able to bless us or heal someone. No, not like that, we'll work on it.

I was correct as usual and have mastered the ability to teleport. I wonder if I could make it all the way back to Sasserine..."

After catching his breath and helping the others ensure the dangerous creatures are truly finished, Dyn stows the pair of scrolls he was holding in each hand, searches the room, and helps strip the items of interest off of the carcasses in the room. He then quickly scribes a journal entry should anything else assault the now ill-prepared group.

* begins journal entry *

After bursting through the door we found Amella, Urol, and Avner hanging from shackles in a grate affixed to the high ceiling of a large room. They were hanging in the middle of the room over a large fire pit. The side walls had a pair of statues each set in a alcove, while the far wall had a large alcove with a giant statues in it.

As we entered the room, the clear leader of the demon monkeys threw a lever that started to lower the captives toward the fire.

We rushed in and managed to damage and scare off the creature long enough to reverse the lever and stop the grate from descending.

After a few seconds of attempting to release the captives, the monkey creature returned and a long battle continued.

By the end, we were exhausted both physically and mentally. After only a few seconds of catching our breath, the large statue came to life as some sort of golem. Our of pure desperation and rage against our apparent circumstances we managed to destroy it before it had the opportunity to cause us significant harm.

* ends journal entry *

Dyn then begins examining the spoils of thier battle in detail, and relaying his findings to the group as he converses with Vorl.

"That battle was costly and I'm mentally drained, but those monkey creatures seem very skilled in a few arcane arts and I believe I may have observed them closely enough to have learned one of the secrets of time and space. After some rest, I may experiment with a new spell. No, you can't eat any of the 'meat' you see in this room, well, except maybe nibbles on Avner. The rest could cause you to come down with demon chills or something."

* begins journal entry *

After an exhaustive search of the naga's body and the various odd fountains in that room, we found another iron monkey paw. Balim and Urgur used brute force to push through the doors in the room, which revealed another small room with a monkey statue missing its hands.

We attempted to rest but were interupted by one of the larger teleporting monkeys that first threw Tavey's severed head at us, and then came back with Amella and ripped her arm off. Having already assumed our companions to be dead, we now know at least Amella is alive for now and we are pressing on to put an end to this and attempt to save her.

After attaching the monkey paws to the statue and proceeding through the doors that seems to have unlocked, there is a long hallway flanked all the way with statues of apes that make a near deafening howl.

At the end of the hallway, we are preparing to push through another door.

* ends journal entry *

Completely OOC:

With Urgur doing such a nice job of bringing the campaign up to date, I thought I would step back and just give some basics about our party to help fill in the gaps for anyone who might be reading this. We are currently all either level 9 or close to it.

Amrhil: A human druid that is focused on summoning, shapeshifting, and does an excellent job of using his summons and various healing to keep everyone alive. Fluffy is his current animal companion and is a dinosaur with a good armor class, a nasty pounce attack, and poison spines that lower dex.

Balim: A dwarven crusader (the actual class from the Tome of Battle, not a pally) and our primary tank. Most of his maneuvers and stances aid the party in various forms of defense or healing and he is always willing to charge in and take the brunt of any assault. He speaks with a thick Scottish accent that can sometimes make him hard to understand (especially over Ventrilo).

Dyn: An elven evoker/wild mage that focuses on battlefield control/chaos, direct damage, party buffs, and staying out of harms way. Being a wild mage he loves chaos and being a brilliant elf he can sometimes be quite haughty, though he is fond of the others in the group and the power he is amassing through their travels. His familiar is a rat named Vorl that is usually hiding in his pack.

Moors: A hadozee scout/fighter that typically serves as our scout and flanker (with his high tumble skill). He can swim, glide from heights (like a tree squirrel), and knows his way around a ship. In combat, he moves frequently to help make the best use of his spiked chain and skirmish damage to bring down the mobs.

Urgur: A half-orc cleric/barbarian splash that worships Kord. He is ugly and clumsy, but he sure is strong and makes all kinds of blood spurt with his falchion. He usually focuses his clerical spells on buffs and working with Am to cure what ails us. In combat, he rushes into melee to slice and dice, only stopping to heal when he is about to drop.

* begins journal entry *

These monkey demon creatures seem resistant to most magics. Some even seem to be completely immune to fire. The larger ones appear to have the ability to teleport and even kidnap others as they do it and also seem able to become invisible.

The naga creature seemed much more susceptable to magic, and even attempted to grant herself protective displacement, but that was easily dispelled by my superior talents.

This day is beginning to wear heavily on our party. Most of us are nearly too exhausted to cast further spells or call for prayers, and Balim seems surely afflicted with something. We press on simply due to a lack of alternatives.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

After preparing ourselves with various magics we entered the caves. Less than a hundred feet in some sort of rock trap caught Urgur and Balim unaware and buried them with rock. Dyn and Moors were just able to back up enough to avoid get buried. Urgur was able to free himself, while Balim, Amrhil and Urgur eventually freed Balim as well. Amrhil then became a creature able to burn through rock and made a passage for us to continue deeper into the caves.

Searching the rest of the complex, we found nothing except for the skeleton of a long dead humanoid, and some statues flanking a pair of stout doors. I attempted to open the doors using a scroll of mine, but it was to no avail. To my great surprise, Amrhil was able to smash the doors down after several charges in the form of a rhino.

In the room we found a pair of mirrors, a pair of thrones, and a pair of unlit candles on a table. Balim approached and looked into one of the mirrors and was consumed by it. His body was replaced in the room by a twisted demon version of himself with horns, and he immediately attacked Urgur. I encased the demonic dwarf in a force sphere until he returned to his senses and his demonic features faded.

Seeing what this evil magic was capable of, but knowing that there were lives in danger here somewhere we spent what seemed like an eternity attempting to find the secret to this room. Eventually, after lighting various candles, sitting in various thrones, and touching various mirrors we found ourselves gathered together somewhere else. Unfortunately, getting here had me using my wand that protects from evil until it is now simply a stick. The remainder of the wand would be a small price to pay should we be able to save Tavey, maybe Urol and Amella, and stop the evil force that powers this fog.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

A short while after entering the forest it is apparent there is something unnatural about this place, but nothing any of us including even myself have ever heard tell of. It seems the forest itself including the floor is alive and moving. Probably worse is the thick green fog we find ourselves travelling in and unable to escape. Even the simplest tasks of maintaining a direction as we hike has become difficult.

We happened on a strange ruin earlier where the remains of a humanoid with a large orifice through its chest was hung upside down in a makeshift wooden frame. The poor creature was clearly dead and was being animated by some force. It hurled insults and warnings of our doom at us before Urgur beheaded it and put the creature back to rest.

In the ruin and once as we attempted to rest, strange powerfully built ape-like creatures that speak Common have rushed us and grabbed the civilians from our party and then abruptly vanished into thin air with them. They took poor Tavey and then we found a severed human hand that appeared as though it could be his among our gear.

Since his kidnapping, we have moved without resting using Amrhil to attempt to steer us from the air and Urgur to sense the direction of the most evil in the fog. Now we find ourselves outside a pair of caves leading into a small mountain. Next to the entrances is a crude statue of some sort of demonic monkey God if memory serves.

* ends journal entry *

Yes, Vorl, you are sensing anger. Any creatures that would kidnap a child and torture it will not receive any quarter from me. We should attempt to strike first and strike to kill.

* begins journal entry *

As we continued on the coastline cliff trail we passed another abandoned hut area and an odd makeshift lift clearly designed to get humanoids up a 60 foot rise in the trail. Unfortunately, the lift broke after getting Balim to the top, so I slowed some of our party that fell from the lift as it broke and Amrhil changed into a giant bird and easily flew us up to the top one at a time.

Not too far up the trail we found a pair of backpacks full with the entrails of a pair of dwarves that were part of our crew on the Wyvern. We left the packs and continued on the trail. A while later we found a message scrawled in blood on a small cliff wall that said something about winged ones coming to feast on our flesh today.

A short while later Amrhil heard flying creatures approaching, so we prepared for battle, and easily handled another group of gargoyles but this time the group of 5 creatures included a much larger one that appeared to command the lesser creatures.

We continued travelling until we reached a fork in the trail with one continuing along the coast in a more direct path toward our destination. The other trail proceeded inland toward the forest. Despite his earlier statements, Urol now seemed to believe we should continue along the coast since it was a more direct and easier route. After following the trail along the coast for a couple of hours it abruptly stopped at a shear cliff face, so we had no choice but to backtrack and take the forest trail.

* ends journal entry *

Ah, I much prefer resting here on the outskirts of this dark forest than the uncomfortable rock of the coastline. I'm glad you do as well Vorl. Yes, many more fresh bugs for you to eat here in the woods.

* That night as Dyn trances his eyes glow with occasional rings of fire and ice, and upon waking he pours over his spellbook for hours before writing in it feverishly. *

Yes, Vorl, more spells and more power. While these may take many pages, they are my most powerful yet.

* Despite the warm morning, Dyn lets out a breath so cold it frosts in the air as he closes his mouth to a smile. *

* begins journal entry *

We have now traveled for several days after leaving the mountain pass.

Fortunately, between Amrhil, Urgur, and I, we were able to determine that the affliction most of our group had suffered was actually some form of curse inflicted by the mummies and not a disease. Urgur was then able to ask Kord to remove the curse and eventually all fully recovered from the wounds and magical ailment.

Today as we traveled we were ambushed by a half-dozen gargoyles. The odd stonelike creatures were apparently hidden on ledges above us as we passed threw a narrow crevice. Their ambush was in a very advantageous location as just beyond the small crevice on the east side was a cliff face to the sea.

The flying creatures were felled without too much struggle, but not until they attempted in vain to push some of our group over the cliff. Moors did actually lose his footing and fell from the cliff at one point, but he may have just been showing off his patagium.

I appeared to fare the worst after the battle, which was a good reminder to myself of how important battle preparation is and how critical my magical defenses are to my survival.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

Opening the door by using both of the colored granite rods revealed a stairs down to a small beach landing that opened to the sea.

A short swim to the south to a small beach appeared to allow us to continue our journey.

As the first of our party entered the water to make the short swim, a group of three horse sized crabs surfaced and attempted to make a meal of them. Once safely out of the water, our group found the shells of the creatures easy enough to crack.

With the water in the area now seemingly safe, we swam to the small beach and continued south. As we traveled and slept Urgur and Amrhil were able to cure the strange magical affliction most of the party had contracted through contact with the mummies.

Our continued travels found us walking along a narrow wooden walkway along a cliff on the shore. As we traveled we came across what appeared to be a painted humanoid figure that saw us and slit his throat with a ceremonial dagger before throwing himself from the cliff. With no other real options and not knowing what to make of this, we continued south.

Further south we found canoes and a small hut village at dusk. We decided to back away to the north a mile or so and camped without a fire to not disturb an inhabitants. Unfortunately, odd occurrences at night and in the morning in the area prevented us from wanting to contact any inhabitants.

One strange occurence was a bunch of skulls arrayed in a pattern the same as we slept only a few feet away. The second was the last of the food rations being removed from Amella's pack in the middle of the camp as we slept with watches.

The next day we traveled past the village and several miles futher south before needing to rest again and the night seemed to pass uneventfully.

* ends journal entry *

* begins journal entry *

Opening the sarchophagus apparently tripped some sort of magical trap, as a group of mummies with some sort of undead leader shambled toward us from behind on their unsteady legs.

Unfortunately, the leader creature had such a foul stench about it that when it wasn't even near me I was nauseous and bent over with stomach pain. I was unable to even protect myself, let alone aid my companions.

Moors went down quickly, and the mummy that dropped him quickly moved to pummel me from conciousness.

I was told later that in the shape of a bear Amhril was able to hold some of the other creatures off as Balim and Urgur finished one mummy. Vorl, my trusted rat, even defended my body from a mummy before he was knocked out as well. Having taken many vicious hits himself, Amhril managed to change shape into some sort of bird and kept both Moors and I from dying with healing magic.

Eventually, I awoke and found myself no longer vomiting so I used my healing belt to revive myself and Moors. After we prepared for a few seconds we moved toward the sounds of battle and helped our friends finish the vile creatures.

While we all managed to survive the furious battle, all of us were badly injured at some point and many appear to have contracted some sort of nasty illness from the vicous strikes of the unnatural creatures.

We were able to retrieve the ceremonial dagger and the other granite rod from the sarcophagus in hopes they would help us open the remaining door when we feel ready.

We rested in a small room and both Urgur and Amrhil have tried everything they can think of to heal the afflicted to no avail. My magics seem to be of no use either, though I have heard tell of spells that may provide assistance.

* ends journal entry *

Vorl, I'm very proud of you for standing up to such a nasty creature to save us. Fortunately you weren't wounded beyond the ability to heal either. Losing you would be like losing a part of myself.

* begins journal entry *

The creature behind the southern door was quite strange indeed. I had read in a tome of creatures with no structure that moved as a viscous fluid, but never before had I seen one.

It was almost as if the creature was made of liquid acid. Still, it could somehow see and when Urgur slashed it, the creature separated into two parts and the contact with the creature nearly melted his magic falchion. With a pair of the nasty creatures to fight all of the sudden we made a hasty retreat from the room. Unfortunately, one of the acid liquid-tentacles of the black pudding-like creature was able to grab onto Balim. With the tenacious grip the thing seemed to have on him I felt the only way I could save him was to encase him in a force sphere.

Fortunately, the creatures kept slapping harmlessly at the force sphere while Amrhil and I burned them to steam.

I'm not at all sure what would have designed a place such as this, or whence such a strange creature would have come.

As we explored further we found a small room with doors to the north an east and a pair of statues. One statue was made of red and the other of blue stone, and both had small crevices in them. It appears the red rod we found would fit in the crevice on the red statue. The door to the east would not open, so we traveled north and found several corridors lined with corpses in burial shrouds.

My keen Elven senses detected a draft at the end of one hall, and I found a hidden door after carefully searching the wall. Opening it revealed a sarcophagus with a carving of a humanoid holding a blue rod and a ceremonial dagger on the lid.

After some discussion, we certainly do not wish to disturb the dead, and we only plan to open the lid to see if the humanoid and rod are even entombed within. If they are, we will have to carefully decide on our next action.

* ends journal entry *

Here, Vorl, put my journal back in my pack for now. I might need both hands free as Balim and Urgur open that sarcophagus.

* begins journal entry *

After finding and wiping out at least one lair of the demonic flightless birds, we continued into the mountain pass until we reached a tunnel under a large mountain in our path.

Given the size of the mountain and the likely length of it, we decided to rest the night and then follow the tunnel. We had hiked for hours through the tunnel before hearing a cracking sound behind us. We continued on a little further before the tunnel appeared to become rougher and less worked.

The tunnel forked around a deep but narrow hole with black liquid at the bottom, and as Balim moved to examine a door at the end of the southern fork a huge caterpillar slinked down from the ceiling to attack. As we moved into position to deal with the creature, another one climbed down from the end of the northern fork and attacked Moors.

Fortunately, we were able to dispatch both of the huge insects without any serious harm.

With this forked area secure, Balim is preparing to open the southern door.

* ends journal entry *

Vorl, our power continues to grow...

I am getting more and more accustomed to casting spells, so I can cast more before tiring, and my research at night yields newer and more powerful spells each time I have a breakthrough.

The chaos of our many battles makes me stronger. I can feel the confusion of our enemies as I unleash my magic upon them. The items I had Urgur purchase for me at Sasserine has strengthened the power of my magics as well. I was afraid he might do something foolish with the money, but my small gamble paid off and he delivered.

Even you, Vorl, you seem to be growing smarter and more hearty. First you learned to talk to me, then you learned to talk to other small creatures. I'm not sure I approve of you talking all those other rats into joining your small harem before the ship sank...I don't even want to think of the types of diseases you could end up with.

I don't know what exactly the plan is for those large demonic flightless bird eggs, but some of the others wanted to bring them along. Simple minds, simple pleasures. I don't care, as long as I'm not expected to care for one. NO, YOU CAN'T EAT ANY OF THEM! Sometimes I think your intellect has surpased some of my companions, then I realize how much you still think with your stomach. Still, it's close.

Hmm, I certainly don't trust that spider creature, but I'd better write some of this down before I forget it...

* begins journal entry *

As we continued on our way south on the Isle of Dread following Urol's map toward Far Shore , and double checking everything he says on the way, we were attacked by yet another group of the large demonic flightless birds.

Whatever it is that is drawing them to us is either getting stronger, or we must be closing in on their source as it seems each day we proceed south we come across a larger number of their ilk.

An hour ago as we approached a web-covered ruin near a small long abandoned village, we talked to what appeared to be a woman calling herself Lithira. We talked in general terms of her past and ours and the places we have visited, and we all sensed something was amiss so we were careful not to reveal anything of note. After a short conversation, we were preparing to leave and she told us that the lair of the sinister birds was not far off in the mountain pass. She also said the four eyes are upon us.

As we left she changed from a woman into a large spider and disappeared into the webs of the ruin.

* ends journal entry *

* on a fresh page *

I must admit that sometimes I don't fully understand my companions. Today we came upon a half-dozen of those large flightless birds attempting to make a meal out of some sort of baby lizard. Well, it seemed to be a baby, but it was already huge.

The first thing to go through my head was to kill them all, likely saving the lizard until last as it seemed to have the attention of the nasty birds. As I was preparing to unleash my magics, Urol called out to save the lizard. With the added incentive that Urol thought it was a bad idea, I was convinced they all had to perish, but I wanted to make sure the others agreed.

To my surprise, both Amrhil and Urgur desired to spare the reptile. Not wanting to upset anyone, I tried not to finish the creature, and it survived to run off into the trees.

Hopefully the lizard will grow slowly and won't someday be a menace to anyone. Had the creature been more aggressive, or something I know to have a bad temperament, it would have needed to perish.

* end of entry *

* begins journal entry *

With no other options available, we selected what provisions we could from the ship and have set out through the forest toward Farshore.

Traveling through the forest is much more enjoyable than being on the Sea Wyvern. Not only is my Elven blood more attuned to the forest, but it is much easier to deal with our more annoying company this way. If they don't like what we are doing, they can just leave.

Urol had a map of the island and drew what he believes is the best way to reach Farshore on it. I made a copy of the map, and while I'm not sure it is the most efficient path, we do seem to be proceeding in roughly the correct direction. I just hope he doesn't continue to guide us into unnecessary death.

Fortunately, we haven't run into any more of those huge lizards, just some a bunch of giant flightless birds. Amrhil and I are pretty sure the birds are being drawn to us by something, but we aren't sure what. It could be something as simple as the smell of flesh, or even possibly some sort of sinister magic. It is possible time will tell. Until then, we rise every morn and continue our journey.

* ends journal entry *

"Vorl, stay out of the spider webs. No, I don't mind you eating the spiders and their prey. I'm just sick of cleaning you up and you aren't going back in my pack such a mess. Figure out a way to stay clean and eat them."

Dyn yells, "Land! Land, land, land, land, LAND!!!"

After getting off what remains of the Sea Wyvern, he quickly assists his companions and most of the crew off of the ship, then starts assisting with any salvageable equipment and provsions.

With the immediate taks taken care of, Dyn rubs a leaf of the nearest foliage between his slender Elven fingers and takes in the scent of the nearby wood.

Having collected his thoughts, he prods ex-"Captain" Amella, "I thought a captain always went down with their ship? Oh yeah, that ship wasn't yours! I strongly question your claim of sufficient skill to captain such a vessel to begin with." Dyn glances at Urol, "you were as incompetent a captain as he was a navigator, and between the pair of you cost many a life."

Dyn then goes to comfort the now orphaned boy with Amrhil and Urgur.

*begins journal entry*

Before even taking full stock of our supplies and diving to collect any we seem to be missing, we were attacked by a giant lizard. It appeared to possibly be related to Fluffy in some distant manner, but both of the aggressive creatures spared no time before brutally biting and clawing each other.

Despite a battle that appeared desperate at times, the huge creature fell and our healers were able to keep our badly wounded alive.

*ends journal entry*

*start of a new journal entry*

After resting, we set out toward the darker area in the middle of this "sargosa". We all seemed to hear the same faint whispers of an unknown tongue in our heads, but it was easily ignored.

A ship there in the thickest of the weeds was nearly completely covered, but seemed as though the voices grew louder as we approached, so we investigated.

In the ship were a few more of the smaller plant creatures, and on reaching the bottom of the ship we found a large whole in the ocean made of the plant material and filled with apparently controlled and tortured souls.

After a matter of seconds, a huge plant creature covered with some of the controlled creatures emerged from the whole and attacked us. The creature tried to distract and pummel us and more of her plant minions approached us from behind, but we were victorious. As the huge creature melded into the sea, the remaining small plant creatures and the "sargosa" itself quickly started to unravel into the ocean.

We made a hasty return trip to the Sea Wyvern, which was now free of her plant prison.

The plant creatures do appear to burn nicely.

*end journal entry*

Yes, yes! Vorl, through my practice and studies my power has grown. I have developed some new spells more powerful than the others I have known. Hold still. Can you breath in there? Excellent!

*begins writing in his journal once again*

Wishing to have our full resources available to us as we venture into the heart of this "sargosa", we decided via majority to return to the Wyvern to rest the night and protect the rest of the crew.

As per the journal, the creatures came at night. There seem to be at least two different types of plant creatures, the big ones with the long reach that attempt to grab, and the smaller ones that can amazingly even slip between the cracks of a ship's hull as long as they are still attached to the accursed sargosa. Unfortunately, we didn't learn of that ability until they had already entered the Wyvern below decks and killed two of our crew. We may have a hard time convincing any of the crew to go below decks for anything until we are free of the sargosa. It is quite possible they are safer on deck for now anyway.

It is nearing dawn now, so hopefully we will be able to rest until our energy returns, then we will set out to find the cause of this abomination. Unfortunately, our weapons don't appear to be as effective against these plant creatures as they would be against flesh and bone. I will note that Amhril's lightning and a cold spell of mine seemed to singe and freeze the creatures quite well. I'll attempt some fire incantations on them once safely away from the Wyvern.

-Dyn
*stops writing and stows journal*

Here is some cheese, Vorl, stay alert, I must trance.

*completely frustrated, Dyn writes in his journal*

Just perfect! We were finally nearing our destination and about to get out of this accursed boat in a somewhat civilized place no less, but NOOOOO, we have run aground on some sort of giant floating weed.

Our captain calls this stuff the sargosa, but all I know is no self-respecting mage would conjure such a ridiculous abomination.

Well, since we are stuck here, we may as well explore a bit as there appear to be several ships nearby that we can walk to on this floating green carpet.

*ends journal entry*

*after exploring the nearby ship*

Yeah, I don't like plants that reach out and grab either Vorl, but I think the three we destroyed have made this ship relatively safe.

"This looks like the journal of one of this ships passengers. Let me read it aloud, for the group, slowly.

This foul green land is stained with blight. We tried to cut away the weed, but to no avail, and soon had to abandon the tools we used, their edges dulled to misery. At noon I ordered Carus and Twaid out onto the weed to explore. How large can such a place be? The crew grow restless.

It is dusk. Efforts to destroy the weed have failed. I have explored what I could, but this is all weed and mists. When will Carus and Twaid return? Despite the calm, the night is not still, and I feel eyes watching me.

The night brought noises but no attack, but I fear for my brothers, I heard cries in the night – was it them? I feel something is alive here, but what can it be? Captain Grough claim the land had a black heart – maybe Carus and Twaid will have some useful information when they return.

Afternoon. I have decided to find my brothers, and have taken Ranis and Pale with me. They are good brothers, and will aid me as best they can. We shall find the land’s black heart. We headed east, making good headway as only good brothers can. By night we had covered many miles but saw nothing but more of the green.

It is night, and I can hear life. Something moves at the edge of sight. Why do they not show themselves? I can hear them whisper one word, over and over, 'Outsiders...'

It is afternoon. We have come to a terrible place, a forest of weed grown in mockery of real life, a mire of skeletal ships. How many souls have been lost here? Our supplies grow wan, we must return by the morn to the Rage.

It is dawn, and we have returned to the Rage too late. The crew are gone and the green holds her ever fast. Where have they gone?

I can hear them in the day now. They are outside. They are watching. They want me to join them, but I shall not.

Ranis and Pale are dead. They came through the mist, yet they were not the same. I knew them by the tatters of clothes draped over the green that took their flesh. What wore their bodies has been vanquished, but I know now that these were but the children of what dwells at this land's heart. I must seek the mother at this heart, for to destroy the mother is to destroy the brood. If only I had...

The rest is not legible."

*catching his breath*

Whew, that hydra was tearing all kinds of flesh from bone. It's a good thing it went down pretty fast once we got to shore and organized.

Balim has certainly earned his stay, what with holding his ground against so many vicious bites.

*after refilling the water stores and moving on to a nearby village*

Well Vorl, it looks like this is the last we will see of land for a while. We are leaving the coast and heading off to an island from here out in the ocean. These villagers are so uneducated. At least I was able to buy one scroll I wanted, and we sold off some of our excess gear.

Avner is such a fool.

*after heading south and getting stuck in a circular current*

What a horrible experience that was! Fortunately, Urgur was able to give some magical assistance to the captains and they were finally able to break the Sea Wyvern and Blue Nixie from the current.

According to our navigators we are finally nearing the Northern end of the Isle of Dread, our destination.

*after freeing the crew of the Blue Nixie, gathering what appeared to be worth taking from the pirate camp, burning the pirate ship that wasn't really even seaworthy to begin with, and heading to a river mouth along our route to refill our water stores*

Come on, Vorl, back in my pack. We need to go make sure the area is safe so we can refill our water barrels in that waterfall. Keep your eyes open and your nose sniffing.

I thought I didn't like the Sea Wyvern. This little row boat is much worse. Heh, nope, no other rats here.

What is that under the water up ahead? *SPLASH!* WHOA! It's huge! A hydra! Yes, Moors, good idea, row for shore.

Vorl, find a Summon Monster I scroll. Oh no, Amrhil's out of the boat, it has him and it's tearing him apart! Urgur is going after him. This is bad...we must all get to shore. Find my Glitterdust scroll.

There apparently isn't anything else here, no Vorl, not even any cheese. Let's just move on.

Tamoachan, what a bust. Serves us right for listening to that uppity gnome, Urol.

*That night Dyn tosses and turns with sweat pouring from him as he appears wracked in pain, but with a wicked smile on his face. Attempts to rouse him from his state are unsuccessful, and when he awakens his eyes are black (entirely, whites and all). Yes, yes, I think I understand now. After only a few minutes, his eyes return to normal. He looks at his clothes and begins feverishly looking about the ship for as many bright and clashing colors he can find to sew haphazardly onto his robes that he also cuts to jagged ends. Ah, much better.

*later after sailing for some time*

So, Lavinia wants to sail ahead in the Blue Nixie while we take the rear in known pirate waters? Bah. Nobody ever wants to listen. Let her sail on ahead with her "faithful" Jade Ravens.

*a short while later, taking notes in a journal*

A pirate ship is approaching. My kind of battle. They want to board us and search our ship. I don't think so, and everyone seems to agree. Now their captain wants to row out in a launch and parlay. Amrhil is going to row out and talk to their captain. He should be able to escape if anything bad goes down. After returning he indicated the pirates supposedly have the Blue Nixie nearby and want to search our ship or they will spill their blood. Amrhil changed into a bird and flew up and saw what is likely the Nixie on a nearby shore.

We are going to follow the pirates to get close to the Nixie and then spring the trap.

*end of journal entry*

BURN! Yes! BURN! Feel the fiery chaos of the planes consume you! *Dyn's eyes briefly turn black each time he casts a spell during the battle*

*to Urgur after watching him decapitate the held pirate captain*

Ah, the power of magic. You could see the confused helpless terror in his eyes as you prepared to make your cut. Well done.

Well, it appears as though the Nixie's crew is now safe from harm, again.

Yes, Vorl, I know Flea looks like he is in bad shape. It is shocking him badly. I have some scrolls of resist energy somewhere in there, find one!

WOW! Nevermind! He's dead, find one for us! I'm running us out of here.

I just don't feel right about leaving these statues here. They appear to worship good gods, and we do have these salves. Using it on them does seem to be the right thing to do.

A priest. He can raise someone, but only one someone. Tough choice. Fate should decide. Let's pick up the little gnome and halfling, count to three and throw the 2 bodies at each other. Whichever one lands on top gets to come back. No? Well, whatever then.

Heh. Some paladin. His morals probably prohibited him from coming back to flesh after insulting his god by losing or something.

* having rested *

Now this is more like it. We know pretty much what to expect and we have prepared for it. This is wizardry!

Sounds like Urgur found something. There it is! Ah, revenge.

There must be something worthwhile about this place. I can just feel that we are missing it.

Ugh, we can't find the source of what killed Urol anywhere. I'll need to invest in more magic to aid in dealing with invisible things.

What is Flea carrying on about? Oh, some sort of demon bat! Hmm, it was not very effective in combat. With all this bat motif, I'm starting to think some sort of vampire is hidden here somewhere.

Vorl, remind me to explain everything in small words to Urgur, though watching him flap his arms like an hummingbird was entertaining.

Gah! I'm sure there must be more to this place, but nothing else is turning up! I'm sure this golden bat statue is a key, but how does it work?

What? Where did Flea go? I hope he's not yelling in pain from playing in the fire trap.

No, Vorl, there are no cracks of any sort or crevices to get around the huge metal wall, not even the tiny type a rat like you can crawl through. We may as well backtrack and look for another way in before we make the noise and take the time required to get through this wall.

Heh, there's the dead basilisk again.

Hmm, this room has a giant statue and a full well in it. What is that? How hideous! Oh, it's talking to me. I don't understand. What? Must kill. Must kill.. Must kill pretty Kavin. He's too pretty, and I must cut him!

Huh? What happened? Oh...I understand! Vorl, did you hear that? Did you feel it? The insanity, the confustion, the wildness! What a beautiful creature! Look at all those eyes and mouths! Does it have a brain? Any organs? I can't seem to find any. Very interesting...

Well, this looks like a dead end. I guess we head back to the metal wall.

Um, Urgur, I think that is going to make an awful lot of... *clang* ...Oh my Elven ears! *hands over ears*

*many deafening hacks later*

Well, at least we can get through now.

What was that squeal? Oh, now the gnome is dead. I was pretty sure it was his day. Yes, yes, I know I'm usually right. Don't suck up...right now. Did you see where that light went? Do you hear or smell anything? No, not me talking! The light Vorl, the source of the light!

Hot, hot, hot, ow, oW, AAAAAH!

*several seconds pass*

*cough, cough, uses healing belt*

Vorl! Are you burned? No? Good!

*after retreating to safety*
I'm so glad I bought this belt! Whew, looks like my spellbook and scrolls survived the flames.

A basilisk and a nasty fire trap...must be something here worth protecting. No, not food, hopefully powerful magic items or large numbers of coins to purchase them with.

Hmm, Urgur and Moors managed to save the gnome. Oh well, it must not have been his minute, but I'm pretty sure it is his day. Regardless, it would seem we have some things to "discuss" with our thoughtless little companion.

Vorl, stay out of that blood! I'm not sure if that red haired harlot was just using magic to allow her to appear as others or if she really was some sort of doppleganger. You don't need to splash around in the blood anyway, it'll disgust the others. Maybe next time we finally feret out and destroy an evil wench there will be fewer people around.

Yes, it was a beautiful slice, cutting her in twain. I loved the reaction of the passengers to the whole thing. They didn't understand what was going on, and with the blood splattering all over Flea and the look on Urgur's face...the crew was in shock...I could feel the confusion, the fear, the panic, the chaos! Best yet, the halfling and orcish one took care of the light work without me even having to waste any of my energies.

The gnome keeps going on about the ruins of this place called Tamoachan. Hopefully he knows something about the place that he isn't letting on about. I can't see anyone getting so excited about seeing a ruin unless there are great riches or powerful magic items involved, especially if he really thinks there is a basilisk there. If this is some sort of elaborate trap, the gnome will need to die very, very, slowly. Some of the others may not have the stomach for these sorts of tasks, so we may have to step in. "The laws of men", heh.

Vorl, do you see what I did with my pen? Oh, here it is nevermind. That enormous ooze creature was very interesting. I wonder if a mage somewhere created it or controlled it... Hmm, powerful mindless creatures as allies...I may eventually wish to research how one can create such things.

Be careful what you eat and drink. NO SNEAKING SNACKS! I don't know what might happen if you consumed some of the poison. Don't complain about the wasted food, at least it was poison and they didn't start blaming you or Amrhil's beast for spreading some sort of disease.

Vorl, I'll feed you in a few minutes, but I want to write this down first. Something tells me his stories won't line up if we keep questioning him about this from time to time. Lay across my feet to keep them warm while I write, and I'll let you choose your snack. Cheese, eh, big surprise.

*writing*
"Father Feres" is really an ex-criminal smuggler that took a sealed box to the shrine of Heironeous, was knocked out, but has no idea who or what knocked him out, and then woke up with a scar on his abdomen and got back on our boat.

Days later, he fell terribly ill and Amhril and Urgur found a growth inside his abdomen. Believing their prayers or spells could cure him, if they could rest and prepare themselves for the task, Flea, Kavin, and I watched over the "Father" while the others went to rest. When it became clear he wouldn't last until morning we woke them and they attempted surgery as best they could. Urgur insisted on using his falchion at first, but when it almost killed the "Father" we eventually talked him into using my dagger. Eventually, the pair was able to retrieve a Red Slaad egg from the half-elf.

Having some knowledge of Slaads from my studies I explained what they are and what I remember of them to the rest of our group, the "Father", and the captain.

With Amrhil and Urgur able to start to poke a few holes into who the "Father" really was, we were able to get him to confess to being a smuggler or worse. We informed the captain, and with her agreement convinced the waste of elven flesh to continue to be among the others of the ship and tell us if he sees or hears anything peculiar. He is no doubt in this now, and if we have a saboteur on board, they may try to finish the smuggler, if the attept on his life was directed at us (which it would seem, otherwise why not just kill him at the shrine, since he was already unconcious) and they were aware of that part of this plot.

We confiscated his wand of healing as punishment for lying to us and stowing aboard our ship under false pretenses. He can't really use it anyway and was probably just planning to smuggle and sell it for a small fortune.
*stops writing*

Alright, here is some cheese. Looks like a storm approaching. The captain says we'll need to moor The Wyvern somewhere to best ride out the storm.

Hmm, I have to be careful what I say around this group. All I said was, "Save the gear!", and Urgur jumped out of a perfectly good boat onto a pair of giant sharks.

Yes, Vorl, I know it's his own fault if he dies, but this group has proven quite competent and useful in battle. I believe if we continue to help them our mutual strength will continue to grow, and that means our personal power will increase.

Sit still a second, I want to try a new spell I've been working on on you. Yes, it is finished, just let me write that last bit. Look at your little rat legs go. Fine, go show off for the ladies, I've got better things to do anyway.

*Dyn sits with his eyes glowing of fire as he writes in his spellbook with a crazied grin on his face.* "Yes, yes! Lots of fire..."

Bah, another day aboard this boat. So much manual work and no real time to read or expand the mind. At least you have the lady, er, female rats to keep you company.

I swear, this group, sometimes travelling with it seems more like babysitting or even zookeeping than exploring and learning. I shouldn't complain as at least our bizarre group seems to get along pretty well. That meal last night was awkward with Lavinia's crowd being the hideous mess that it is. I was starting to think I should have just tossed you on he table to eat like you wanted and Am could have had Fluffy come over to eat, Tolin, heh, I mean just eat. It's not like that meal could have been much worse, and with all that trouble to get over there and back...

At least we haven't had to deal with anything nastier than a water mephit so far while at sea, well, unless you count the "noble". I was sooooo hoping he would stay on Lavinia's ship.

Ugh, the waves, it gets so boring. Power, power is the answer... With enough power I would never have to travel again.

Yes, I know you love ships, but I don't, if it weren't for visiting new places I'd... No! You stay out of the barrels and only eat what I give you, I don't want you to get anyone sick. Fine, here's some cheese, now settle down. You can find a lady rat sometime when I'm trancing so I don't have to hear about it all in my head.

Now as I was saying, I'm so glad we finally left the academy. At first it was best to help me forget Cenda, but there is only so much one can learn from reading tomes, and the freedom to really open up and use my evocation prowess is building on itself. I can feel the world surging beneath me when I cast, like it is calling out to be unleashed. Even you, this little language we are developing is incredible. I can almost understand everything you say and nobody else can... *sigh* No, I didn't see which way the fat one went, and yes I'm sure she's had hundreds of children. Here's some meat, now just be quiet.

This group seems to have their heart in the right place, and I'm so thankful to be able to test and expand my power. The academics just don't understand. Control is just another illusion. The more you control you give up, the more powerful the surges you can unleash... *Dyn's hand glowing as he manipulates some reddish-orange energy with a grin on his face*

OK, fine, Vorl, I'll rest now. Give me a good 5 minutes to get fully in trance, er, um, when you are finished eating this I should be able to completely block you out. No, for the tenth time, I will not cast Enlarge on you! I'm sure she has very hot red eyes, now good night.

I've been a player in and GM'd many online games, and the speed difference is large between text chat and Skype, though this group is among the faster text groups I've seen (I haven't seen an encounter though). Honestly, using MapTool and Skype allows the game to move at or near tabletop speed with tabletop interaction, so I don't even miss tabletop anymore.

That said, I would want to do what the rest of the group is comfortable with. In my experience, the only thing required to make a great DND campaign is great people.

Sitting in the corner of the Phoenix, Dyn orders tea a a meal and then stirs the tea briefly after it arrives. He then blows out the candle on his table and moves the tea to the center of the table before pulling a book from his pack and turning to a leather bookmark. Now sitting in the shadows, the black haired elf seems to be easily reading the text. Dressed quite plainly, with his pale blue eyes darting back and forth across the pages and his hair a wild mess, seemingly from a simple lack of bothering to groom it, he looks up and thanks the waitress when his meal arrives. He pulls apart a small peice of bread and puts it in a pocket on his robe, then does the same with a small peice of meat.

When the rest of the group arrives from getting baths, cleaning and repairing their armor and weapons, and various other tasks and begin congregating to discuss their next moves, Dyn finishes his meal, closes his book, puts it in his pack, and joins them. A few minutes into the conversation, Tiir pipes up, "So, Dyn, what is your story?"

Dyn replies, "Not much to tell really. My family is from a far-away elven land that isn't even pronouceable by most, but we moved around a lot when I was young and I've spent most of my life in various human lands. Almost a decade ago I came to Sasserine, when it's location was revealed and there was a need in this growing city for professors of acadamia in the noble district. I have always been an avid reader and filled with an unquechable thirst for knowledge. As such, I was a natural fit for an entry level position and enjoyed teaching the advanced studies until recently. The great libraries of this previously lost city also have been my friend through these years. I'd rather not bore you with the details of why I'm joining you instead of teaching at this time, but I will say that it involves a broken relationship with a woman and my desire to help the masses of this city."