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So I'm not sure if anyone would be interested in reading this, but the other people in my gaming group have enjoyed my journal entries. I was curious to see how they are received by the populace at large.
Set-up: The character, Jon Crowly, is a half-elf ranger, CN, skirmisher arch-type. Most of the back story I'm attempting to flesh out in the journal entries.
Obviously it'll make more sense if you've played in or run the RotRL adventure path, but I'm trying to keep it entertaining regardless.
A great deal of the things that are not actually combat are pure inventions to add depth to the character. Any comments gratefully appreciated, but try not to be too mean.
:)
Nick
Starday, Rova 1, 4707-
Escorted a caravan from Nybor to Sandpoint. The caravan was late arriving, so no bonuses. Won a little dicing with the other guards, though. Unfortunately, I arrived in the middle of the Swallowtail Festival. Ended up trapped here for a few days. Won a meat pie at an archery competition, and a goblin doll at what's called "goblin tossing." Unfortunately, no actual goblins were harmed during the event. I think the lizard races are rigged. Goblins attacked the town, and me without sword or bow. Barely survived. I will not be found without my bow again. Just reinforces my belief that no one is safe, ever. I will not be found without my bow again.
Met some new people. Nigella is a drunken magus of some kind. The dwarven cleric is a different sort of animal altogether. He is consumed by his god. I take him for a humorless sort. I'm pretty sure the gnome, Ayda, is touched. She seems to make hasty, irrational decisions. She will not survive long at that rate. Then again, how long will any of us survive?
They seem to be solid companions. I've soldiered beside worse. We rescued a noble named Foxblood, or something. He invited us boar hunting. Perhaps it was boor hunting. If that is the case, I found one immediately.
Sunday, Rova 2, 4707-
The sheriff asked us to look into a disturbance in the local cemetery. The town seems to have the idea that we are a group now. I suppose it will do until I can make my way out of here. The dwarf offered me 40g to go along. I was stunned, but of course I accepted.
I found goblin tracks, along with the bootprints of a single person, presumably a human, leading up to the tomb of Ezakien Tobyn, the former priest of Sandpoint. Someone seems to have stolen his body. If it were only goblin tracks I would put it down to sheer goblin madness, but the other tracks are disturbing. A pair of skeletons attacked us in the mausoleum. These others aren't half bad at defending themselves.
Moonday, Rova 3, 4707-
Foxlug made good on a reward this evening. I've never had so much gold. Adventuring for hire is more profitable than I realized. The boar hunt is tomorrow.
Toilday, Rova 4, 4707-
After a rough start, I managed to finish off a boar. It's been a long time since I hunted for any purpose other than survival, and I must admit, it was a welcome change. Aldern Foxglove, the noble, provided each of us with a mount. My horse, a dusky grey mare I have named Starlight, is a fine beast. As my status in the world is growing by leaps and bounds, I have decided to stay in Sandpoint at the sheriff's request. Starlight is stabled at the Goblin Squash Stables. This town has an unhealthy obsession with goblins, I'm learning.
Wealday, Rova 5, 4707-
Sheriff Hemlock is headed to Magnimar to bring reinforcements to prevent further goblin activities. I wish him well, but with the five tribes ganging up, I don't see how a larger city watch will do much more than give the goblins more targets if they attack in force.
I met an interesting lady named Shalelu. She seemed capable enough, but I sensed her contempt at my half-breed status. She certainly has the arrogance of the elves. Let us hope she has the ability to back it up.
Oathday, Rova 6, 4707-
Heard a rumor today about Nigella and the shop keeper's daughter. Falling in with these companions has been more entertaining than I thought possible. It makes me wonder if I was wrong to isolate myself for so many years. Then again, I haven't been betrayed yet, either. At any rate, apparently I am no longer welcome in the Sandpoint general store.
Fireday, Rova 7, 4707-
We've been staying free of charge at the Rusty Dragon, an older inn not far from Lost Coast Road, owned and operated by Ameiko. The food is fair, and I've found no fleas.
Starday, Rova 8, 4707-
Spent the afternoon dicing at the Hagfish. The place gets its name from a fish, Norah, in a less-than-pristine tank behind the bar.. Anyone who can drink a tankard of the slimy, disgusting water from the tank wins a pouch of silver. Jargie, the owner of the Hagfish, said only twenty-eight have successfully kept down the water.
I have no interest in trying this contest, but I do think I should mention this to the others. My initial impulse was to recommend the dwarf try it, but he seems to be somewhat of a delicate little flower when it comes to drinking. Nigella might be a better bet. I've seen her drink sour wine by the skin without so much as making a face.
Sunday, Rova 9, 4707-
For a small town, there are surprisingly many places to get an ale. Last night, I heard about a fight at the Fatman's Feedbag. Apparently someone got tossed through a window. I haven't seen Ayda yet this morning, so I'm starting to wonder if she was involved.
Ayda is odd, even for a gnome. She's chatty, impulsive, and good-natured. Essentially she's everything I hate in a person. She came to Sandpoint to be an actress. I told her to act as though I gave a goblin's fart what she wanted to be when she grew up.
I like it. Keep it up.
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If one person likes it, I'll go ahead and post what I have so far. :)
I've been writing these as a way to fill in gaps between combats and downtime. Also, I'm something of an obsessive personality with this stuff. I go crazy between gaming sessions when there's no need to think about my character, so I use this to help me cope with my addiction.
I email these to the other players and the GM to fill in gaps and provide possible plot hooks if the GM wants to use them. Plus, it really helps make the town of Sandpoint feel more real, and I know that's something that a lot of people have asked about.
Nick
Moonday, Rova 10, 4707-
I heard a little more about Nigella and the storekeeper's daughter. She is growing somewhat famous at this point. Each time I hear the rumor it gets a little more entertaining. This time I heard that Nigella and Shayliss have been secret lovers for years, and the reason Nigella came to town was to challenge her father to a duel for her hand. I'm enjoying this immensely and I'll keep track of further developments.
I've not figured out what Nigella's motivation for joining us was. She seems to be a semi-professional drunk. Seeing her in the wee hours of the morning, cheek resting on a tankard of ale, her raven familiar tangled in her hair and squawking, I wonder how she has managed to live this long.
Toilday, Rova 11, 4707-
I spent a profitable hour talking to Vorvashali Voon, over at the Feathered Serpent. He mentioned a couple of enchanted items that seem to be a must-have for any self-respecting adventuring archer. The Efficient Quiver and the Handy Haversack. Both have fascinating properties, and both are in the neighborhood of 200 platinum pieces. I mentioned my interest to him, and perhaps one day I'll earn that kind of money. Who knows? I've seen more money in the last week and a half than I have in the previous ten years. Voon did say he occasionally gets one in from Magnimar.
Wealday, Rova 12, 4707-
Ameiko's pet halfling found us this morning. She said that Ameiko was missing and her bastard half-brother left her a note. She also implied without Ameiko, we would be forced to find new accommodations, so of course I volunteered instantly to try to find her. We went over to her father's factory, and broke in. We immediately stumbled into a whole bleeding tribe of goblins, and a half-elven fighter, apparently Ameiko's brother. The bastard deflected every arrow I shot at him, knocked my longsword from my hand, and nearly killed me. I was backed into a corner with nothing but my handaxe and shield, killing goblins. I don't know how we survived. A journal we found pointed to the possibility that the daughter of the former priest, Father Tobyn, has something to do with the attacks and stealing his bones. Another reason I shall never have children.
The place was wrecked. We found Lonjiku essentially dissected and encased in glass, and the rest of the staff in pieces littering the floor. We found Ameiko in the basement, bound and gagged. She was near death, but the priest managed to help her pull through.
Telling Ameiko what happened to her father and brother was interesting. It was CLEAR to me that someone should give her the complete PICTURE, however the others were worried it would SHATTER her. The dwarf actually asked her, "So, how mad are you at your father right now?" I nearly snorted laughter and said, "Mad enough to BREAK his heart?" Tsuto set out to FRAME his father, and that's what happened. The one thing I will say is the quality of glass made in this factory is astounding. The visible detail on the corpse was unreal. You could see the disappointment in both of his children clearly in his bloody eyes through the glass.
I thought the father in glass would have made a suitable decoration for the Rusty Dragon, but my suggestions were overturned.
Basically, in one fell stroke, Ameiko went from being a popular tavern owner to sole owner and proprietor of the Sandpoint Glassworks. She also got rid of an embarrassing brother and an ass of a father. Some people have all the luck.
Oathday, Rova 13, 4707-
I wonder what's down that smuggler's tunnel, they said. We should go investigate, they said. Riches galore and wealth untold, I assumed. Well, in a way.
In all actuality, it was a grotesque monster in one room, and a miniature, flying, lady of the evening in another room with the ability to summon grotesque monsters. Thoroit called it a quasar or quark, or something. I'm not sure what exactly it was, but I know it was some kind of evil little b+#%*. My arrows glanced off of her as if she were made of stone, and my sword seemed to have no effect. As we fought, she merely continually incanted spells. Oit was hit by a flying dagger, but the rest of us suffered no injuries. I finally managed to get a rope around her and between me and the dwarf, we drug her to the ground. The mage's spells impacted her continually, but seemed to do little damage. Only minutes long, the combat seemed to take hours. Finally, Thoroit managed a lucky shot with his warhammer. He squished her as though hitting a fly with a... Well, warhammer, I suppose. She was pretty damn dead, I know that.
Before we killed her she summoned one of the grotesque monsters by bleeding into a pool in her chamber. Nigella says the pool is an interdemensional portal. Thoroit says it's not that. I wanted to fill it with rubble but everyone seemed too tired after fighting the creature. At the end of the day, I care little, as long as I'm not the one who has to clean up the mess when some other troublemaker starts summoning more grotesques.
At any rate, we discovered the whatsit's hidden treasure. A dirk-of-coming-back-to-you-when-you-throw-it, some potions and scrolls, and most importantly, thousands of gold in treasure. At this rate, I may attempt to purchase a place of my own before much longer.
Fireday, Rova 14, 4707-
This morning, we explored the rest of the smugglers tunnels. I pulled a ranseur from a statue in the next room, despite everyone's conviction that it would be a trap. That'll be a few gold, right in the purse.
A flying head attacked us, very foolishly flying into the middle of our group. We quickly killed it, but not before the little bastard bit me.
Then we encountered some more of the grotesque things that the quasit summoned. The more of those things I fight, the more convinced I am that they are dragonspawn, freshly hatched and a danger to the town. We killed them, but I am still filled with unease.
We also found several mutant goblin skeletons. Nigella seems to think we can make some money from them. I'm not opposed to easy money, so we brought them along. Thoroit doesn't seem happy about the decision, however. He probably comes from money, as he seems to have no interest in acquiring more.
Soon, we found a real, live goblin mutant. He was actually fairly tough, unlike the smaller goblins we killed by the dozen earlier. He seemed fixated on destroying me, but the little gnome had a trick up her sleeve. Aside from nearly roasting me with her fireball, she held her own. She might be useful, after all.
The thing did manage to vomit on me. Aside from momentary nausea, I seem to have no ill effects. However, my armor will definitely need a good cleaning after this.
The gnome and the dwarf found a chamber where everything floats. A dusty old book and a wand were inside, along with a bottle of wine that Ayda immediately claimed for herself. She spent far longer in the room flipping than I would've had the stomach for. Gnomes are strange creatures. It's a wonder they are not extinct.
Starday, Rova 15, 4707-
I awoke from a fevered dream this morning with the taste of seared rat and intense fear on my tongue. I dreamed about the siege of Taggun Hold. For three months we had been under siege, and food stores were exhausted. There were nights I thought about trying to slip over the wall and escape, but once a mercenary gets the reputation of being a turncloak, he is done. No more jobs. I will not run.
I suppose I'm thinking of it because retreat would've been wiser the other day. I just don't know that I have it in me to retreat anymore. Three times, the Chelish forces asked for our surrender at Taggun Hold. Three times, Sir Erogal refused, even though us sell-swords wanted him to yield. When they battered down the walls of the hold, those of us left alive were given the choice of two years in the service of Cheliax, or death. Sir Erogal refused to yield even when they cut his wife's heart out in front of him. The bastard had more courage than me, in the end, I suppose. F~+%ing Chelaxians.
I deserted after three months, and made it back to Varisia. I suppose I'm slowly working my way back up to Rodrick's Cove and the Mierani Forest. I wonder if Findecáno Lossëhelin is still a player in the politics of my father's people. Though he raised me, and didn't have to, my brother has always made me feel uneasy. Sooner or later, I think he will reveal his true nature to the others. The results will be dire.
The bite the flying head gave me seems no better. My arm aches where the teeth sank in. Just a scratch, but even still, I would have expected it to scab over by now.
I sold the ranseur to Das Korvut at the Red Dog Smithy, along with my old sword and handaxe. I found replacements for them in the tunnels that seem better quality. He's an interesting man. A bit of a drunk, but as skilled a smith as anyone I've seen.
Sunday, Rova 16, 4707-
Spent the day gaming at the Hagfish. Won some gold dicing. I'm actually ahead this week. With the free room at the Rusty Dragon, I'm spending very little to maintain my lifestyle, and Ameiko hasn't even been charging very much for meals after we pulled her out of that basement. Yet, I'm wondering what comes next. I can't stay here forever. Although I'm starting to see the use of having allies again.
I haven't had an ally by my side since Patrick was killed at Taggun Hold. Some stupid footman of Sir Erogal forgot to unload his crossbow and accidentally shot him. A waste. The man was hanged, but it did not bring Patrick back.
The bite still hasn't healed. I'm wondering if I shouldn't go see that priest at the cathedral. How much can it cost to have him fix it?
Moonday, Rova 17, 4707-
Turns out it costs 40 gold to have that grasping priest Tobyn cast a low-level cure spell to fix my arm. I suppose it's justice. That's what the dwarf paid me to investigate the tomb for the priest in the first place, so he would consider it the will of the gods.
At least I'm better. Hopefully no more feverish nightmares.
Toilday, Rova 18, 4707-
Fifteen years I've been wandering. Occasionally flush with wealth, but more often living hand to mouth, wondering where my next meal was coming from. And soon I'll have enough gold to buy myself a small house. Would I even want a house? What would I put in it? My numerous mementos of a life of adventure? Well, once I've dropped my saddlebags in the floor, that's done.
Sandpoint's not a bad town. I'm not beloved here, but at least I'm welcome. I've struck up a kind of friendship with Vorvashali Voon at the Feathered Serpent. I suppose he would vouch for me if I sought to settle here.
Das Korvut has also proven to be a stalwart drinking companion. We spend time nearly every evening gambling and drinking together at the Hagfish. He can hold liquor far better than I could ever hope to. I have to stick to ale when I game with him or he would end up owning everything but my longbow.
Even Thoroit isn't so bad anymore. It's obvious he has no love for me, but he will at least grunt at me when I nod at him in the Dragon, most mornings. If the sheriff doesn't return soon, I fear I may end up settled, unsuited for a life of eating cold trail rations and sleeping in my armor.
Wealday, Rova 19, 4707-
At the Hagfish today, Shayliss approached me. She asked if I had seen Nigella. I answered truthfully that I hadn't seen her since the night before, but I'm afraid she took it to mean that I had spent the night with her. She immediately burst into tears and ran from the tavern. After an awkward lunch spent with the majority of the patrons staring at me, and Jargie winking at me every few minutes, I took my leave. I wish Nigella and Shayliss would just work out their relationship and leave me out of it. I heard from Jargie that someone heard Ven say that the two of them were naked and writhing amidst the flour supplies when he caught them, with Nigella's raven circling overhead cawing out suggestions.
It's strange. Shayliss is quite attractive, but I'm very much afraid Nigella has made a mistake becoming involved with her. I may need to switch my nightly hangout spot for a while. I'm entirely too easy to locate at the Hagfish, and I want to stay out of this love triangle as much as possible.
Oathday, Rova 20, 4707-
Vorvashali found me at the Feedbag tonight. He said that since he had heard that Nigella and I were an item, he could ask my advice about Ayda. He said he spent one night with her a week or two ago, but hadn't been able to catch her alone since. I advised him that she often took long walks in the woods, doing gnome things, but that she was staying at the Rusty Dragon. Looking at the flaming red hair flowing across his shoulders, I could almost see why the gnome was interested in him. She herself is fond of saying she likes shiny, colorful things, and it doesn't get much more colorful than Vash. I also advised him to dress flamboyantly and give her and her friends discounts at his store if he hoped to court her. After all, if I'm going to be brought into this mess, I should get something out of it.
Fireday, Rova 21, 4707-
Ayda came and found me earlier. She asked if all my blood was well guarded. I'm not sure what she meant by that. I did notice Vash sneaking out of the Rusty Dragon early this morning, so I believe I'm just going to stay the hell away from that one.
I won again at dice tonight. I'm averaging ten to fifteen gold a week just gambling. Who knew that stopping for a while could be so profitable? I should start investing in my future. To that end, I bought a new breastplate and a few specialty arrows. I couldn't get the goblin vomit out of my scale mail, anyway. The first creature to look as if it's even thinking of defiling my new breastplate will get an arrow through the throat.
The sheriff's been gone for a while. I'm starting to wonder if he ran into trouble on the road. If he was eaten, then this town will get unpleasant before too much longer. If I'm going to stay here, I think I should contribute a little more to the town's defense.
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Starday, Rova 22, 4707-
I woke up this morning with a vague sense of boredom. By brunch, it had quickly escalated into a throbbing lack of purpose. Nigella suggested we check out Thistletop, which is supposedly the local goblin stronghold and probably where the raid on town was launched from, and I was game. So we gathered up the gnome and the dwarf, and on our way we went.
A couple hours ride out of town later, we tied up the horses and had to proceed on foot. A massive thicket covered up the entrance. We killed some goblin dogs they had tied up in the bushes, nasty creatures that they are. Then, a spell-casting goblin attacked us. It kept me wrapped in brambles for the duration of the fight, but I still managed to get several decent arrows off at him before he turned into a hawk and winged away.
We also found a sinkhole dropping down seventy or eighty feet into a water-filled grotto underground. Despite our encouragement, Ayda would not dive in. Yet another mystery that will have to remain unsolved.
We did discover a human in a cage surrounded by other goblins. We made short work of them and released him. He doesn't seem to be evil, but somehow, I just don't trust him.
We made our way to the bridge leading to Thistletop. Predictably, it collapsed when the dwarf and the human tried to cross it, but they managed to hold on. Ayda suggested we rig our ropes to slide across, but Nigella was having none of it until I tied her to my back. Of course, the goblins manning the battlements at Thistletop took that as an opportunity to begin pelting us with arrows.
Once we were across, the human, Heinrich, who claims to be some sort of fighter, scaled the wall and entered the courtyard alone while I futilely attempted to follow. It wasn't until he unbarred the gate from the inside that we were able to join him. A small group of goblins inside were easy meat for our spell-casters. A great flaming ball took out most of them, and the rest were easy fodder for our swords and of course Ayda's ever-present cat.
First thing, we stumbled into the throne room. The king tore us up fairly well, but we finally managed to bring him and his pet lizard down. I'm really starting to hate goblins.
Sunday, Rova 23, 4707-
We slept in the throne room last night, amid the carnage. When we awoke, we explored the rest of this level. We found the goblin treasure house and Heinrich's horse. Unfortunately, with the bridge collapsed, I'm not sure how we can get him out of here. Then Heinrich found six sleeping goblins in their barracks. I suggested killing them in their sleep, Heinrich woke them up first. I am starting to suspect he is a spy for the goblins. Why else would he risk our lives needlessly? If he didn't want to kill them, then why wake them up at all? Why not just imprison them? But if the desired end result is their deaths, then why risk the entire party? He might be working with the enemy in this case. After all, what do we know about him?
To top it off, the cleric AGREED with him! If they continue to work against us, I will have to find a new adventuring party. I will not risk my life pointlessly to satisfy some petty morality. At least the gnome and Nigella seemed to understand. I'm not always the happiest person in the world, I'll admit. However, the one thing about me that is good working order is my survival instinct. If I suspect this human of aiding the enemy again, I will have no choice but to put him back in the cage in which we found him. A man as devoted to "honor" and morality" as he seems to wish us to believe would not carry lock picks. I'll keep my eye on him.
Nigella fed me several slugs of whisky during this, but I do not believe I have ever been so angry in my life. I sarcastically suggested that the next group of enemies we encountered, we should ensure they were fully healed and properly armed and armored before we slew them.
At any rate, we descended to the next level down and found their plans for attacking Sandpoint. I guess Nigella was right, and we needed to be here. We've at least reduced the goblins effective fighting force, if we cannot wipe them out entirely.
We fought our way through an evil cathedral and a bevy of enchanted dogs. I found a badger locked in a truly horrific prison cell. He had apparently killed one of his captors. There were several other corpses, some fresh, some not so fresh, scattered around him.
I actually like the badger. He shows courage in the face of certain death. He also shows the willingness to do what is necessary to survive that I think our party often lacks. Perhaps I will keep him, train him to guard my weaker side, as I can so obviously not trust Heinrich or Thoroit to do.
Good stuff :) Looking forward to the next installment.
Excellent stuff, very fun to read.
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Ok, so I know this is way late compared to when Nick posted all his entries, but... I just now got around to getting on the messageboards. I thought I'd add my journal entries for Ayda since they compliment Jon's. Hope y'all enjoy.
Ayda: Gnome druid with Tika, her panther companion. She's kind of insane with delusions of granduer, but she's got a good heart.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Actress
1 Rova, 4707 AR
I have arrived in Sandpoint. Now that I'm susceptible to the bleaching, I have decided to become an actress. How bored can life be when you are always being someone else? I've also decided to take the name Ayda Cougarspitz. I think it suits me.
There's a festival going on and I found it quite entertaining. Got excited about goblin tossing but they were merely sacks and the prize was a goblin doll. Not at all appealing. Talked a lizard into winning the lizard races for me. No one knew I could talk to him. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could do it, either.
A bunch of goblins attacked during the priest's speech. One of the more agile goblins executed an impressive series of jumps and combat rolls. I was incredibly impressed. Of course, I still killed the little bastard. Some others were fighting, too. A hunter named Jon, a cleric dwarf called Thoroit, and a wizard named Nigella. They seem nice.
A guy we saved wants us to go boar hunting. A tragedy waiting to happen. Should be interesting. He's got pretty hair.
Got a room in one of the inns but Tika must stay in the woods. I'm certain she's better behaved than many of the patrons of the Rusty Dragon. However, I'm not quite prepared to fight city hall. When I am king, panthers will be honored guests. Or maybe I'll have a court of just panthers serving me. But they would make horrible servants. Couldn't carry wine without spilling it. Maybe I don't want to be king after all.
2 Rova, 4707 AR
So I'm already famous. The sheriff wanted me and the others to check out this creepy tomb. He thought there were goblins inside. Jon would only go for money, though! Seriously?! It's GOBLINS! They should be destroyed just for the hell of it. Not so sure about him. The cleric was all for it, seemed offended at the idea of goblins. That's more like it. I think Nigella was still drunk but she came along.
Despite the promise the goblin tracks around the tomb held, there were only skeletons inside. I found a nifty piece of cloth that will make a very nice tent. Score. Oh yeah, apparently someone has stolen the priest's body. Wonder why... I mean, I wouldn't want a priest's body. Not dead. Maybe not even alive. What would I do with it?
3 Rova, 4707 AR
Spent the day in the forest with Tika. Picked a few herbs. Was nice. Back in town Jon is being insufferable about taking his bow everywhere. If he says so.
The noble guy gave a big reward to us today. The hunt is tomorrow. I suppose I'll go along. These companions seem to be a nexus of interesting. No way I'll Bleach around them. Besides, maybe I'll find the boar first and teach him to hide better and be less tasty.
4 Rova, 4707 AR
I have a pony! She's a lovely girl. A soft yellow one with white hair. I've named her Meera. Foxglove says I can keep her. I'm just glad I took the time to save his life. It has paid dividends. She seemed a bit nervous about Tika, but I let her know she was safe. Riding her, I'm huge. This must be what ogres feel all the time!
Oh yeah, they killed a boar. At least he'll make a fine dinner. Not just a noble's sport. Of course, the way Jon eats, he probably would have rebelled at the thought of leaving all that meat to go to waste. Nigella seems into the noble. I told her she should pursue that. He's probably at least experienced. And apparently has a limitless supply of ponies.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Sheriff
5 Rova, 4707 AR
Sheriff Hemlock introduced us to an elf who knows everything about goblins. She says they are planning something big. I'm in favor of putting out a welcome mat and killing them all but the sheriff wants to bring in more people. The good news is he left me in charge! Since I've taken over as Sheriff, I've changed the law banning panthers. Tika is welcome again. Maybe I should ban the other panthers, though. Well, if a flock of panthers shows up and eats everyone, I'll just resign as Sheriff. Especially if there's no one to Sheriff around. I'll go be Sheriff somewhere else. With more people, and less panthers.
6 Rova, 4707 AR
Wandered down to the shore to find some shells for some earrings I wanted to make. Found oodles. I tried to sell the extras at the general store, but the man inside started screaming at me to leave as soon as I walked in. He told me not to come back ever. Noticed a girl behind the counter looked upset. I think they could do with a bit of cheering. Rigged up something so when they open the door to leave the goblin doll swings down at them. Also a few strands of shells for sound to keep interesting. If that's not the very definition of fun, then I obviously don't know what it is. And I know what fun is. It's like flowers and ale and gold pieces and pie. Only better. And less fattening.
7 Rova, 4707 AR
Got a little tipsy and danced on the bar. Found a strange man with an affinity for red haired women. Turned my hair red and he got all excited. Humans and their preferences about color are so strange. Still, he's on his way up here now so no complaints!
8 Rova, 4707 AR
Yesterday Thoroit and I tried to talk to Ameiko's father. Thought he might know something about the goblins. The others only wanted to drink, but the dwarf seems to want to stop the goblins. I've decided he's all right but needs a bit of fun. I think a good prank is in order. I'll have to think of something memorable. Like throwing an octopus at him. I've heard octopi can fly for short distances.
Jon told me about a contest where if you can drink some horrible water from a fish tank and not lose it, you win some money. I think this is the perfect game for me. I just hope I don't have to drink the fish, too. More later.
9 Rova, 4707 AR
So I didn't write any more last night. It was too late. I got my mug at the Hagfish and while everyone was distracted by Tika's rather grand entrance, I made it taste like apple juice. When the crowd watched me chug it, I made it look almost too easy. So sneaky! I got the purse of coins and my name added to the winner's list. Twenty-nine people now. To-do list: Become a legend: Check!
Went to Fatman's to keep the party going. Saw a half-orc picking on a small man. When the half-orc turned his back I may have somehow inadvertently made at seem as though someone impugned his mother and heritage. The small man found it quite funny. Thought my mission was accomplished . How was I to know the orc would think the man said it and throw him through the window? A huge brawl erupted and I had to hide until it was over to avoid serious harm. It wasn't my fault, however. I was only a victim of circumstance. People shouldn't be so touchy about their parents.
10 Rova, 4707 AR
Me and Tika went to visit the old druid, Niska Mvashti, in town. She really seemed to like Tika. She said she once turned into a panther. I hope someday I'm able to do that. Then Tika and I can be true sisters.
Stopped back at the Hagfish. Jargie laughed and asked if I came back for more of Norah's water. The look on his face when I said yes was priceless. Got it to go, though. I'm thinking of swapping it with Thoroit's waterskin. Then when the he spits it out making it look like sparkling diamonds. I think that would be amusing. Especially since I'm Sheriff.
11 Rova, 4707 AR
I went down to the Two Knights Brewery today and sampled some wares. I talked to Gaven Deverin for a while. I think he's the one who's brother got killed by the Chopper. I heard about that the other day. A harmless, beloved old man was carving birds into things but apparently carving up people, too. Now he understood the principles of a good prank. He basically tricked everyone. I wouldn't have the stomach for it, but I recognize genius when I see it. I wonder if he was trying to carve birds in people? I would imagine people are a much more difficult medium to work in than wood. All squirmy and squishy and not at all enduring. Plus, the noise! I think I would rather work with wood. Or shells. Perhaps I will carve a bird into my armor. A big, scary bird with long sharp teeth and big claws. Or something pretty with colorful wings. I don't know how to carve the color in. I'll ask Thoroit. He looks like someone with the soul of a pretty bird. He should know.
12Rova, 4707 AR
Ameiko was missing and her assistant asked us to find her. Jon implied he was only doing it to keep his free room. Seriously?! I doubt he's ever done anything because it was nice or right. I swear by all the gods tomorrow his precious bow will be bright pink. Should I get a bow? A big, pink one like Jon's?
At any rate, we finally found Ameiko after we battled an entire goblin horde! There was also Ameiko's brother who was a stone cold killer. He batted away Jon's arrows like Meera flicking away flies. I hit the floor laughing. In retrospect, not a great idea, as the floor was covered in broken glass and body parts. But he's so particular about that stupid bow, always cleaning it and messing with the strings, and it was useless! If it hadn't been for the impending doom I might have just laid there and laughed.
Nothing could touch me! They tried and failed. I am basically the Gnomish god of War.
On a slightly sad note, we found Ameiko's father, too. The goblins dissected him and encased him in glass. It was really rather fascinating. So many shades of red. However, the good news is I got some pieces of broken glass in pretty colors to make some jewelry. I guess it turned out to be a pretty good day, after all.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Gnomish God of War
13 Rova, 4707 AR
Remember that tunnel we found under the glass factory? Well, we went down it and found a monster. After I killed it, we found a monster that was even smaller than me. She kept flying around and bringing other monsters to play. She even turned invisible. But one well-aimed shot with my sling later, I drenched her in ink. Otherwise, the others probably would've all been killed and I would've had no one to go adventuring with or talk to or drink with. That would've been sad. I like having friends and I would hate to have to find more. Most of the people in this town seem to have very little sense of humor at all.
But since I managed to save the day and make the devil-butterfly visible, not to mention the stirge I summoned that basically killed her, the party got together and gave me a wonderful gift. A shiny new cold iron dagger of returning. I think there was some gold, too. But the dagger has a double edged blade and etching along the hilt and it's magic, like me. Plus, it got smaller when Nigella put it in my hand. It's like it was made for me. It still had a little icky bat lady on it, but Tika cleaned it for me.
Tika also tripped the thing. She's precious. When the little monster tried to get up after Tika boldly and selflessly tripped her with her teeth and courage, Thor smashed her like a grape on an anvil. I don't know why he didn't just do that right away. That fight seemed like it took hours. Jon said it was only a minute or so, but I think he's just crazy.
Also, Nigella kept casting spell after spell at the flying thing, and a slug showed up and tried to eat her, but she made it all slippery. And then it fell down. And then it went home. It was strange. I guess you had to be there.
But anyway, I think my dagger will look nice hanging on the wall of my tavern room. I mean, maybe I should carry it on adventures, but what if I lose it? It's my reward for killing the monsters and saving everyone. It's kind of like a trophy. Or a medal. Maybe since I'm Sheriff, I can give myself a medal for heroism. Then I can leave that in the room and carry my shiny new dagger. I was going to give Thor the waterskin of Norah-water, but he did really well smashing the demon-bug thing, and I thought he deserved a reward, so I didn't poison him. He would thank me if he knew, but if he knew, the prank wouldn't be very funny, so I'll wait. Maybe I'll give him a medal, too. What the hell, medals for everyone! Even Jon. He was good with that rope. Not only that, he was actually carrying rope! I love rope! I thought I was the only one who carried rope. Oh, yeah, I had rope, too. Why didn't I tie up the monster? Because I was too busy smashing ink on it and summoning monsters to eat it and stuff, that's why! But I'll still give Jon his medal. Because that's what good Sheriffs do.
14 Rova, 4707
The journey through the tunnels continued today. How the dwarf knew the morning had arrived is beyond me. Jon started the day by trying to kill us all. He recklessly ruined a piece of art to get a large fork. Suppose it had been trapped or enchanted? Perhaps it's good I did not tell him about the medal.
Tika was gloriously heroic when we encountered two more of the monsters I killed yesterday. She was fearless and killed one almost entirely by herself. One of the monsters managed to hit me quite hard, and the pain was great. It will to prove to be a wonderful inspiration for my acting. Jon says they were baby dragons. For them to have hit the gnomish god of war so hard, he may be right.
Nigella decided to start collecting dead goblins. Not just dead, but deformed, as well. A strange thing to collect. She managed to find four different types in one day, which is quite impressive. Perhaps there is some gnome blood in her. I wonder how it got there. Just what kind of wizard is she? I'm the only gnome I've met in town, so she must be stealing it from me. I haven't noticed any obvious punctures, but I'll keep an eye on the situation as it develops.
She did produce a very impressive bolt of fire. It inspired me to try my new flaming sphere. The others were impressed, I'm sure.
Thoroit and I were the only ones brave enough to enter a room of floating objects. Turns out we floated, as well. I managed to do several thrilling flips and spins. I imagine that is what it's like to fly. Can't wait until I can become a bird. I'll bet this town's never had a flying sheriff. No villain will dare to enter my town and face justice from above.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Soon to be Flying Sheriff
15 Rova, 4707 AR
Still sore from yesterday. This will not do. I stopped by the Romanski Tannery to see about getting new armor. Lars suggested I try to get some dragonhide armor. That sounds more suitable for a gnomish god of war/sheriff. I regret leaving the baby dragons in the tunnels. I should've at least been able to get my armor started with the skin from those things.
16 Rova, 4707 AR
Saw Maver Kish at the Jeweler. I've decided to sell a few pieces I have made so I can buy the dragonhide armor. He didn't think my pieces were good enough to be in my shop. The silly man obviously doesn't know quality merchandize when he sees it. I shall have to sell without his help.
He did mention that Nigella was a succubus who was in town to steal the blood of virgins. I wonder if she thinks I'm a virgin and that's why she wants my blood? As sheriff, I'm not sure what to do. On the one hand, being a blood thief is obviously bad. On the other hand, Nigella is my friend. I suppose I'll give her a pass on this one until she actually kills someone by drinking too much of their blood. That's the only fair thing to do.
17 Rova, 4707 AR
Spent a quiet day in the woods with Tika gathering herbs. I've heard about a shop in town called the Pillbug Pantry. Perhaps the proprietor will be interested in my wares. I will check tomorrow.
18 Rova, 4707 AR
The owner of the Pillbug said he would be happily take my herbs. He also suggested I try one of the vendors in the marketplace for my jewelry. He thought it was pretty amazing stuff, but he said he had no market for that sort of thing in his shop or he would buy it himself. This guy has taste. I think I'm going to like him. I did advise him to keep an eye on his blood because there's a blood thief in town. As sheriff, I feel it's my duty to keep the citizenry informed. I didn't tell him it was Nigella, but at least he should be a little safer.
19 Rova, 4707 AR
I wonder what my mother is doing right now. It's only been a year since I saw her, but I sure wish she was in Sandpoint. She would quickly find all the best places to gather herbs. She would probably be proud to see me as sheriff. I don't think she's ever been a sheriff before, so I'm one up on her. I haven't actually gotten any acting done, but I think I'm still on my way.
20 Rova, 4707 AR
Talked to Pillbug again today. He said that he heard from Jargie at the Hagfish that Jon and Nigella are a couple now. Maybe that's why Jon's been looking so weird lately. She must be stealing his blood, too. I thought she was with that Foxblood guy, but Jon must be more of a virgin than him. Nobles are notoriously promiscuous. Funny, he didn't act like a virgin to me, but you can't read a bird by the bush it nests in. As sheriff, I feel honor bound to save him, but he hasn't asked for my help. I guess I'll just warn him and let him make up his own mind. Maybe he's got too much blood and Nigella is just helping him.
Vorvashali Voon found me this evening. He talked a lot about what I meant to him, but I'm not sure. I think he wants to marry me and take me away from all of this, but I kind of like all of this. After all, between being the soon to be first flying sheriff of Sandpoint, being an actress, gnomish god of war, and gathering herbs, I kind of need to focus on my career right now. Oh, well, he could still be interesting. More on this as it develops.
21 Rova, 4707 AR
Slept late this morning. Pleasantly sore. I spent the day talking to Bethana, Ameiko's halfling friend. I wonder what it's like to be a halfling. How would my life had been different? I could've been raised by gnomes still, but I would've been a halfling, with all the powers halflings possess. I could've been the halfling god of war. Or I could've been an orc. But halflings are much less smelly than orcs, so I guess it's better a gnome than an orc, but being a halfling would've been interesting, too. Maybe I'll reincarnate as a halfling someday. I've heard druids can do that when they get powerful enough. We'll see.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Military Strategist
22 Rova, 4707 AR
Spent the morning keeping an eye on Jon and Nigella. I think there could be something there. Jon never misses a brunch. Could he be smitten? I've heard this sometimes happens to human when they lose their virginity. Heard them mention going to Thistletop and got excited at the prospect of killing goblins. I *may* not have been very stealthy in emerging from my hiding place. I must work on my spying skills.
As we got near the goblin stronghold we encountered some goblin dogs. Tika and I made quick work of them as the others battled a goblin druid. Its not right that such filthy beings can wield the power of nature. She did drop some useful items for me though, even if they did smell worse than Orcs. We also found a large pit leading down to the ocean. Jon really seemed to want me to go down it. I think he knows I am on to Nigella and is being protective of her. I'm fairly sure he wouldn't actually try to harm me, but infatuation can be a very strong force. I shall have to be careful.
There is a new guy we found in a cage. We dispatched of his guard and Tika saved the day by pouncing on the final goblin as he tried to escape. He swears he has no aspirations to becoming Sheriff, so that is good. He did refuse to answer his status of virginity or his stance on succubae. I'm simply trying to do my job in keeping everyone safe. I like Nigella and would hate to have her cover blown.... or Jon to murder a rival lover. I may have to train Tika in spying as my list of duties grow.
The bridge to Thistletop collapsed under the new guy and Thoroit. They managed to hold on but we still needed a way to cross. I solved that problem. We tied off to a tree and sent a line over the great chasm. Then we slid across. Thoroit was even nice enough to carry Tika. I knew he had a kind eye. The others seemed surprised at my brilliance, but its only natural that the Gnomish God of War be an excellent military strategist.
The new guy charged forward into the little fort on his own and a great battle ensued. We prevailed, naturally. Then went on to fight the "goblin king." Seeing as how Nigella's flaming sphere was such a success, I used mine to dispose of the minions while the others handled the king.
You know, now that I think about I don't think Nigella is a succubus. I've thoroughly checked my body for puncture marks and have found none. We actually seem alot alike. We both have pets, and we cast some of the same spells. When you add in her collection there is only one logical conclusion. I think she must be a long lost relative of mine. Perhaps my sister. I've been told gnomes cannot breed with other races but I suppose anything is possible. I would like a sister.
Thoughts and Musings of Ayda Cougarspitz, Sister
22 Rova, 4707 AR
The new guy insists that he is in the leader. Perhaps he doesn't realize that I am the Sheriff. I shall have to make myself a badge once I get back to town. Even before I finish the medals, its important everyone know who is in charge. Perhaps I shall use some of the broken glass from the factory to decorate my badge... He keeps checking everything for traps. Everyone knows goblins are dumb and would forget they set the traps and blow themselves up. This is why I should be in charge. I am trying to resume my authority but we seem to be in a power struggle.
Came across some sleeping goblins and I thought we were going to have some real fun. However the new guy wanted to wake them up and give them a fighting chance! I don't understand. The only good goblin is a dead goblin. What's more is Thoroit sided with him. I fear I may be losing his support in my claim as leader. There will definitely not be a medal for the new guy. I was surprised to find myself on the side of Jon in the matter. Its good to know his attitude towards goblins is taking a proper turn. Also confirming that he wishes me no ill will in my misidentification of Nigella as a succubus. He and the new guy do seem to be interacting very oddly. Nigella suggested to me they should either fight or fornicate. She seems to be taking the news rather well. Perhaps she has moved on from Jon. That might be best. I would hate to have to harm a friend for breaking my sister's heart.
Something amazing has happened. I used a wand that would allow me to conjure fire n my hand and throw it at my enemies. I seem to have absorbed some of the spell's power ; my hand now glows with the light of a flame, even though the spell has long worn off. Thoroit seems especially pleased with my new ability. Perhaps I haven't lost his support after all. We encountered a wicked woman and I was disappointed to learn that I hadn't absorbed all the spell's power. That put a bit of a damper on my day. I suppose that would be a bit too much power for one gnome... I decided to step back and let the others handle her and the flying dogs we encountered. A good and humble Sheriff does allow others a chance to shine, and earn more medals.
Jon found a badger. He's mean and nasty. I suspect they shall become best pals.