Adventure Journal

Session Index

Game sessions

Sunless Citadel, sometime in Spring

We searched on through the citadel. Our explorations have been slowed a bit by Meepo, the wretched Kobold. We muscled him through and warned him to stop his yammering. His rambles could have easily given away our location to the goblins, or worse yet, the dragon. Our threats seemed to quell Meepo's nervous tics, but we could not pry from him any further information about Calcryx. My instincts tell me Meepo is keeping something from us, but I am fully aware the nasty little bugger might just simply be mad.

We came upon a door at the end of a corridor. Vivian successfully negotiated a trap in the floor and gained access. The door was chilled straight through. Vivian proceeded with caution into an icy room. We could sense Calcryx was near. Vivian panned the room but saw nothing. A lapse in all of our judgements, she never checked the ceiling. Just then, we heard a cry from the other side of the room.

"Look up!”

A baby white dragon flapped its wings up above. It spewed its frost and swooped down upon Vivian. With the floor trap at the foot of entrance we could not rush the room. We were only able to enter one at time. If not for the two warriors already inside, Vivian might have met her doom. Through the Providence of these warriors and the fact that this dragon was a mere baby, just a couple of years old, we were able to subdue Calcryx. With the flat of his sword’s blade Jozanislav slapped the white dragon unconscious. We could return Calcryx to the Kobold queen unharmed.

Connor, a massive warrior-like cleric, and Polgara, a Sorceress of mixed blood, helped us battle the white. We introduced ourselves and our mission and explained how we lost a couple of party members along the way. If they join our party it will be beneficial to all of us, we told them, and they agreed. Among the six of us we divided the treasures we found in the room--a jade dragon figurine and silverware. We also discovered a Dwarf scroll with the word “Glitterhaim” inscribed on it. The word, name or place means nothing to anyone in the party.

We safely returned the dragon to Yusdrayl and named our reward. We desired the key that hung from the statue. Yusdrayl seemed reluctant. The negotiations were very tense, but we were prepared to fight for what we wanted. Yusdrayl agreed to allow us the key if we could successfully pry it from the statue. After a few attempts Vivian was able to wrench the key free. We decided not to press our luck and demand anything further from the Kobolds. We took the key and continued our explorations in the Citadel.

The darkness, dampness and musty stench has sickened me for how long now? Who can tell the passage of time with no sun above. There is nothing of beauty here. Goblins, rats, all sorts of wretched creatures are scattered through the corridors. We slaughtered several rats upon our travail. We came upon a pressure sealed barrel and unleashed a devilish little imp. We sleyed the creature with little worry.

Our party proceeded with patience in search of the door or lock that our newly earned key is meant to open. At last we found it. The key fit in, the locked snapped open, and the door lead way to a large corridor about six or seven yards wide. On the opposite side of the area stood and ornate dragon carving. As we approached the statue glowed with incandescent life and spoke to us.

“We come at night without being fetched. We disappear by day without being stolen.”

It was a riddle. Vivian voiced our first answer, “dreams”, but the glow from the statue faded and its lifeless stone facade returned. Vivian backed away then stepped toward the idol once more. The enchanted glow emanated from the carving as before and it repeated, “We come at night without being fetched. We disappear by day without being stolen.”

“Stars.” Vivian replied.

We heard a click from the left. Vivian’s searched uncovered a secret door in the wall. Semaj opened the door to reveal a large room, 20 by 50 feet, with three alcoves at the opposite end. In each of the alcoves stood a red elven warrior statue. I feared these things may come to life and attack us, but I detected no magic. Vivian used her search skills.

I’ve come to take Viv’s "who-do" jabs as terms of endearment now. I can appreciate her remarkable talents and discard the rest along with the rat carcasses. Her search uncovered a pit of spikes which she stealthily made her way down and then back up again to the other side of the room. As she climbed back out of the pit, a flying creature sprung out and attacked. Vivian fell back and landed on a spike in the pit below.

The creature disappeared. It showed itself again as it attacked a second timen then it disappeard again. I gaged its location and summoned my firehands. The creature was hit by the spell and reappeared once more. The blow was critical. The creature's body seemed to slip away like a cloak as it cried “My Guard over the Dragon Priest is over!” With that it fled away into the darkness.

Connor healed Vivian’s wounds. I needed restore my energy and prepare my spells. The dragon priest was near. We required rest before facing another battle, so well lied down in the corridor for some sleep. When I awoke, small piles of leaves and twigs were scattered about the floor. Apparently a few who held watch over the party had an encounter with a plant creature while Pulgara and I slept.

With the party rested and my spells revived, we continued on toward the next room, the Dragon Priest Room. A sarcophagus was raised above the floor like a great alter. We approached with caution. Vivian and Jozanislav wrenched the lid fro the sarcophagus. A noise I can only describe as pure evil erupted from inside the tomb. A grizzly creature emerged. The monster stood nine feet tall, with putrid grey skin and thick ropey white hair. Spike-like claws protruded from its hands. It swiped at us with long outstretched arms. This thing looked like a savage beast, but it was dressed in clothing and jewelry. A priestly like robe draped its immense body. Silver dragon rings adorned its fingers. The creature was the dragonpriest.

I tried to use my sleep spell to subdue the giant. My flame hands and magic missile did only a little damage. Polgara and Semaj utilized their long range weapons to slow the monster down. Jozanislav and Connor used their brute strength and mighty blows to subdue it. Semaj lit the giant on fire with his torch and the creature perished in the flames.

For a creature of such size and might, we slaughtered it with far less difficulty than I would have expected. We received a healthy reward as we uncovered bountiful treasures: over 200 siver pieces, 50 gold, precios jewlery and dragon carvings, a fine quality dagger, and four scrolls.

Sunless Citadel, going deeper

We gathered our treasure and backtracked to the point where Caltryx was caged. The dragon eyed us with rage. The Kobold guards who watch over the white dragon ignored us. Meepo warned us that Yusdrayl will be back and she will be upset to see us on Kobold territory again. We considered killing Caltryx for fear that he may some day seek revenge, and thought about taking out the Kobolds, as well. These battles are perhaps meant for another day. We decided to continue on through the goblin territory.

We explored several caves and corridors. Vivian uncovered a cave which had at one time been inhabited by a gold worm. The worm appeared to have moved on, and we did as well. We discovered a cold but empty room. The party proceeded with great caution alarmed by the chill. Could Caltryx’s mother fly loose through the Citadel?

We encounterd a corridor with six doors and investigated what lied behind each one. More rats polluted the area. Semaj and Jozanislav slashed the vile beasts in bits. Along the way we collected some gems and coins and added them to the party treasure.

Vivian discovered two traps by one of the doors. She bypassed the traps and stealthily made her way into the room. Inside were three small rats and one large rodent. After all the creatures we have encountered in our journey, Polgara fainted at the sight of them. I, the only spell caster still standing, slept the big rat while Semaj and Jozanislav dealt critical blows to the other two.

A few slaps to Polgara’s face brought her to. We found a more comfortable spot to lie down and slept for the next eight hours. Our strength returned and the spellcasters powers were replenished. We awoke and searched the room for treasure.

We uncovered the decomposing body of a ranger. “Karakas” is the name engraved on his ring. The party gathered up an impressive haul of treasure and carried on.

Down a corridor we heard what sounded like a horde of goblins. Their voices resounded from behind a door. Vivian peeked inside, undetected. She spotted about 40 goblins gathered in a large room that used to be a cathedral. We decided to rush in. Polgara and I emerged first and cast our sleep spells. The room full of goblins fell to the floor in slumber. Only three remained standing.

As Johanislav killed one goblin, and Semaj took care of the other two, five more goblin warriors charged in through the door at the opposite end of the room. The battle raged on. An arrow hit Johanislav but he contined to fight and killed yet another goblin. Vivian was hit with what appeared to be a fatal blow. She slumped to the ground. I killed another goblin with my crossbow and the party took care of the final three without further injury.

Vivian was alive, but just barely. If the wound were a quarter of an inch deeper, or had it taken just a little longer for us to come to her aid, she would have known a different fate. Connor used his healing scroll and Vivian recovered.

The room resembled nothing of the former glory of a great cathedral. It was littered with food and trash and goblin waste. I, and I know Vivian felt the same, was tempted to sley the whole lot of Goblins, women and children included. They will only multiply and grow and spread the kind of filth they created in that once beatiful cathedral. But the party wished to spare them. We slaughtered only the adult males, then gathered the hysterical mass of women and children and locked them in the room.

Battered and fatigued we had to continue on. It was not safe to camp in that place at that time. There were certainly more goblins nearby. We continued to the next room and learned our instints were correct. We were faced with eight more goblin warriors and the Goblin King.

The goblins attacked with javelins. Vivian was hit by two of them. Semah and Connor killed two of the eight. Polgara put the others to sleep. A search of the Goblin Kings chest revealed treasure, an arcane scroll and viles of mysterious liquids. Vivian tasted a sip of the clear liquid and felt a little lightheaded. It could be a healing potion. We wait to see if it has any reaction on her.

We continued on and discovered a shaft which reached 80 feet below. It was lined with tree vines which unsettle my nerves. I have seen too many plants come to life to trust anything that is supposed to be inanimate. I did not detect magic but was still wary and warned that we proceed with great caution.

Vivian led the way and we climbed down below. at the bottom of the shaft we encountered two skeletons and two of those wretched plant creatures that made me wary to begin with. It was a bitter battle but the party was succesful. Polgara destroyed one skeleton, Semaj slaughtered a plant creature, and Jozanislav dealt critical blows to the final two. Still we have found no signs of Sharwyn or Talgen. We wonder if these skeletons might have been them.

Sunless Citadel, the final battle

So the group hits the big cavern with the briars after having a close encounter with the Shadow, resulting in the weakening of Vivian and more importantly, Jozanislav. They make their way to the clearing where Belak was standing with Kulket (the giant frog), Sharwyn, Bradford, and the 3 twig blights. Belak calls them to stop and tries to engage them in conversation, managing to do well enough to allow the 10 other twig blights to appear behind the party.

Then Semaj loses his patience and picks up his bow. All hell breaks loose. I had already decided prior to combat that Belak would NOT use his wand of entangle - I thought it would be overkill (most of the party are inexperienced players). How right I was.

Various summoned creatures and about 20 rounds of combat later (each taking a LONG time due to about 30 creatures total being on the battle field), an eery silence overtakes the huge cavern. Bodies litter the floor. Sinjin and Vivan, both at 0 HP's, watch helplessly as Jozanislav, Polgara and Connor are bleeding to death. Unbeknownst to the party, Sharwyn at 0 HP is also looking with a weary eye, waiting to use her last spell at the most opportune time.

In the middle of the clearing stands Semaj, down to 8 HP, and facing him from above is a summoned Hawk, also with 8 HP. Jozanislav fails his stablization roll, going down to -7 HP. The hawk swoops down and bites, for 2 HP. Semaj retaliates, missing with the sword but hitting with a Dagger, for 3 HP. Connor, at -9 HP, makes his last stablization roll - and rolls a 0! Sharwyn, deciding that the time has come for a last, heroic effort, casts flare successfully on Semaj, and start bleeding to death. Polgara, also at -9 HP, rolls to stabilize - and also rolls a 0!

Next round begins. Semaj at 6HP, Hawk at 5 HP. Jozanislav misses his roll again - now at -8 HP. Hawk tries to bite, just missing (by 1). Semaj, now somewhat blinded and very afraid, lunges again - and misses with his sword due to the flare!

Now, understand that all the players are at this point completely silent, as Semaj takes the D20 to roll for the Dagger. Jozanislav knows he is about to go to -9 HP - he has already pre-rolled his next stablization roll (and missed). Everybody is tense, and you can hear hearts beating. I cant even begin to describe the moment. Everything is happening almost in slow motion. They have fought well. A first character death is hovering very near. A TPK is close.

Semaj rolls for the Dagger. He needs to roll a 14 or higher (+4 mod, -1 because of flare, AC of Hawk 17). Hawk has 5 HP, Dagger damage is d4+1. The die, perhaps taking cue from the moment, rolls for what seems an eternity, finally, for a quick second, almost balancing on the raised edge of a piece of cardboard - then falling off and rolling a couple times more. As it rests, it shows 19. A hit - and threat. At least three players shout "yes!" at the same time, then immediately fall silent again. Another roll. 14 or higher to confirm. This time the die quickly settles. Everybody is afraid to look. We look. 14.

Now ALL players shout "yes!" at the same time.

Semaj takes two d4's. Rolls. Both land. One shows 2. The other shows 2. Thats 4+2. Hawk is sliced through, falls to the ground.

Jozanislav goes down to -9 as Semaj rushes over to him to attempt a heal check. He has a +2. He rolls D20. It comes up 15. Jozan is now safe - at -9 HP (the third character to do so!).

Talk about a collective sigh of relief!

Semaj now decides as a last, desperate measure, to feed Connor (the cleric) a clear potion they found and haven't identified. Its the only potion they have, and Semaj is desperate to try ANYTHING. It turns up as a cure light wounds potion. DM rolls for HP healed, and comes up with 10. Connor has 1 HP - and 4 cure minors left. He casts one each on Vivan and Sinjin, bringing them up to 1 HP, and one on Polgara, to make sure she doesnt start bleeding again. The party now has 4 live characters, two safe at -8 and -9 HP, and everyone is deliriously happy.

I don't think I ever DMed anything that was this down to the wire. Sure, they still have to make it out of there (I have some surprises on the way out, particularly from a couple of Goblin kids who resent their fathers being murdered by this group of nasty humans and elves), with two unconscious characters, but can you imagine the sense of achievement?

From Oakhurst to Hommlet, sometime in Spring

Hommlet, sometime in Spring

Poog, the Ettin, was running away, quickly followed by a barrage of arrows. One got stuck in his butt as, with a final yelp, he disappeared into the wood. A group of ten militia men from Hommlet appeared on the scene, led by a lieutenant and a cleric of Helm. The former expressed his sorrow for the misfortune of these new travelers as well as his gratitude for eliminating his associated, Gaddo the Ogre and Feshu the Bugbear. Apparently, Poog and his pets have been terrorizing the neighboring areas for the past two months, and the militia has been trying to find and get rid of them, to no avail.

The cleric recognized Connor's holy symbol, and quickly healed him; then, upon hearing about his exhaustion, he utilized the rest of his divinations to revive the rest of the party. The militia men cleared the bodies of the Ogre and Bugbear, and left the party with word that Elmo, the militia captain, would be interested in seeing them at the Inn of the Welcome Wench later that night.

Exhausted but alive, the party arrives at the inn of the welcome wench, and are greeted warmly by Vesta, the owner. News do travel fast in this tight community it seems. The group rents a suite, and then sits down to have dinner.

An hour later, Elmo comes into the bar. He joins the party and enquired about their business in Hommlet. After all, such a well equipped and obviously skilled group (evident by their not having been slain by Poog and his troupe) does not show up that often. A conversation ensues, wherein Elmo explains the history of Hommlet and the temple, while the party shares with him the letter found on the body of Belak.

Later on, a young man comes in and goes directly to Elmo, who seems bemused. He identifies the man as Calmer, a young helper of Cannoness Y'dey from the temple of Lathander. Calmer urges Elmo to come and visit with Y'Dey at once; she has heard some distressing news. Elmo refuses, and Calmer goes away in a huff. Conversation resumes only to be interrupted again by Y'Dey herself coming to the inn. Elmo at this point is visibly shocked, as Y'Dey joins the conversation and mentions some sightings of men wearing ochre-colored robes on the road to the old moathouse. An exchange takes place in which the party hears many names and learns much of the relationship between Elmo and Y'Dey. Once Y'Dey leaves, Elmo also excuses himself, and the party goes to sleep slightly confused and with many new leads.

Day 2

The group spends the next day at various temples (Connor and Semaj), gathering information (the rest), and attempting to find a buyer for Jozanislav's magical shield (+1 of Arrow Deflection). They eventually come upon Joman Dart, the owner of the local traiding post, who, after offering them 800 gold and almost getting away with it, agrees to introduce them to someone who might be able to help for a mere 5% cut of the deal. Once they agree, he takes them back to a backroom in the trading post where a colleague from the city of Verbobonc was just concluding some business. In the negotiations that ensue, the shield is traded for a masterwork mighty composite longbow for Semaj, a masterwork steel shield for Jozanislav, and 3000 GP. They also utilize the trader's services to identify their wand of entangle. As they leave the store (minus the 200 GP cut to a very happy Joman), they decide to to go to Spugnoir's, where they were told they could get some potions.

There they meet Renne, Spugnoir's daughter, and hear her story. Apparently her father had disappeared a few days back, and she suspects he might be in danger. She tells them he used to investigate an old moathouse to the east of town. Hearing her story convinces them that the moathouse is the way to go. Thus, the decision is made to go there the following morning.

Day 3

The following morning they get ready and leave towards the moathouse. Three miles down the road they meet and old friend, Poog the Ettin. Larger and more grinning than ever. Melee starts, and Poog swipes poor Vivian off her feet with his two clubs almost immediately. Poog hits Jozanislav to within 2 HP of his life. Desperation sets in; they are truly afraid of this guy. It is Polgara's turn next.

She raises her hands to cast a magic missile, as she has done so many times in the past. Then, her voice suddenly gets loud, as she shouts "die, scum, die!". Her ring starts pulsing with a white light, which trails the magic missile as it leaves her hands. The light engulfs her and when the missile hits, Poog as well. It pulses faster and becomes brighter and brighter. Their figures become hard to see. And then, suddenly, the light disappears, and with it both Poog and Polgara, as if they were never there.

The party, somewhat shellshocked from this development, press on, discussing this mysterious event. As they walk, they are attacked by three dire badgers. Normally an easy fight, but being somewhat dispirited, they find it difficult to hit; as the badgers lay dead, Connor and Semaj find they have utilized all their healing spells for the day, and the party decides to head back to Hommlet, and try again tomorrow.

On their way, they stop at the temple to Lathander and arrange an interview with Y'Dey for the morning. They arrive back at the inn, and Sinjin is informed that a note is waiting for him at the bar. Also, Vesta indicates the adventurer Chatrilon to the party, knowing that they have been looking for him the past two nights. As Semaj talks to Chatrilon (who insists nothing is at the moathouse), Sinjin comes back and informs the group that he has received a calling from his home, and that he is duty-bound to leave. Connor is dumb-founded; he mutters an oath under his breath, and swears "and so the fellowship is broken!". For a moment, they are all silent, only to be interrupted by a boor of a man yelling loudly at Meridosen to give him more ale. The men turns out to be Xaod, seemingly a drunk giant of a man.

We leave the party dealing with the sudden parting of its two arcane spellcasters, attempting to speak to Xaod and Chatrilon before they go to meet Y'Dey and head for the moathouse again.

To the moathouse

Written by: Semaj, of the Clan of the Bitter Rose We found ourselves in the bar at The Welcome Wench again. The ale rivals that found in Freeport at The Orc’s Nose. This place is full of interesting characters. I fear that each holds a key to the Cult, but at this rate, we’ll never find the answers we need. Still no good idea about the mysterious “V” who signed the letter to Belak. We thought we had hit upon a bit of luck when we met up with Xaod. A large brute, even bigger than Jozanislav, with a hearty thirst for the drink. However, it loosened his lips. He told us more stories about the previous destruction of The Temple. He seems a respectable enough warrior. He could at least serve as a meat shield. He agreed to join us. I also spoke with Chatrilon, an annoying Norman whose arrogance is thus far unsurpassed. He requested that he join our group and thought to make his point by lifting my coin pouch. I HATE THIEVES! I already have my hands full with Vivian; I don’t want another. I told him to meet us back in the mid-morning and I would give him an answer. I have no desire to have him join us; he only wants the supposed treasure we might find at the moathouse. But I also don’t want him following us. Hopefully we can get out before he shows up, thus losing him altogether. I almost forgot. We picked up 2 spell casters in the bar. I feel Meilikki shining on me. The balance of the Universe is great! Just when we lose our 2 friends, new ones join us! I don’t know much about this Wade or Eloen, but they seem like they will fit with us. They also seem experienced and knowledgeable about arcane and the world both. Only time will tell. But thanks be to Meilikki for her hand in this matter! Day 4 Xaod was at the bar at the crack of dawn, as promised. We still had to make our appointment with Uday, so we told Xaod we’d come back shortly. What a huge mistake that turned out to be! Y'Day was useless. The only thing we found out from her was that Elmo dislikes her because his uncle died during the original temple wars. I don’t trust her; I know she’s holding back. But then again, it’s not in my nature to trust anyone outside The Clan. She did give a map drawn by the local trapper, Delian. When we returned to the Inn Vesta told us Xaod had left, and was obviously drunk. So much for that idea! We bumped into Chatrilon who was not happy that his services weren’t needed, but he’ll get over it. The mood was somber as we went towards the moathouse. This is, after all, where we lost Polgara. Not much time was allowed for that, however, as we bumped into a drunken Jaud. I pointed him towards town and let him go. Damn, I really wanted him as a meat shield! We got to the moathouse after bumping into the trapper, Dlian. Great, another strange local. He might turn out useful, but I doubt it. The moathouse appeared empty, but there were signs of some recent renovations. Planks had been replaced on the bridge. delian’s map was well marked. As long as you want giant frogs or to know where spiders used to be. I think we all got a little caught up in the vile giant frogs in the moat. We didn’t notice a dragon hovering in the back area. Te creature allowed us to enter and search a little before swooping down on us. We were walking in formation so the lightening of the mighty blue dragon caught Connor, Viv and Wade. I knew that if we could all run to the rooms surrounding the central area we would have a chance. But first, I needed to make sure my men were okay. As the only one able to heal, I had to forgo my attempts at combat in order to save Connor and the others. I ran to heal Connor (our only real healer in the group) while Eloen attempted to use her crossbow. Jozanislav ran for cover, he doesn’t have ranged weaponry and his size makes him a target. The dragon knew enough Common to tell us his name, Utreshimon. He warned us that we were in his lair. I tried to speak to him, but to no avail. The combat appeared fruitless. Our weaponry never seemed to work properly. The dragon could hit multiple targets and was quickly decimating the flimsy cover the moathouse provided. Eloen would run about stabilizing as I followed to heal. I was starting to feel hopeless. Finally we got into the surrounding rooms to fight through the arrow slits. Meilikki blessed me with two very good shots. The served to enrage the beast, but I could tell I hurt him. Wade has a true skill with his magic missiles. He proved himself worthy of the Clan. Eloen showed herself to be very brave, and lucky — I don’t think she was even moderately injured. A feat nobody else can claim. I am happy they joined our party. Utreshimon sought vengeance for my attacks. His ire took the roof above me out and knocked me unconscious. When I came to Viv was standing above me with one of the healing potions I carry. I know someday she will return my advances, Meilikki willing. After what felt like hours of Utreshimon toying with us, the dragon flew away. He looked as tired and worn as we were. Connor and I set about healing as much as we could. We searched the area—no treasure. I guess Utreshimon hadn’t been there long enough to gather any. Almost losing everyone in our Clan for nothing. There were a few bodies strewn about, partially eaten. An ochre robed man carrying a very strange long letter. I plan on studying it when I have some time. There was also a female in black studded armor. She carried some very nice weaponry. We took all the items of interest and proceeded to look around. We hoped there might be treasure or something of interest somewhere. Besides, we were still looking for Spugnoir. When we entered the empty room marked “snake” on the map we didn’t notice the gray ooze on the ceiling. We were, therefore, not prepared for battle—mentally or physically. Our arrows dissolved into the acid of the ooze. Fire did not affect it. Wade did some damage with his magic missiles, but not before the ooze hit Viv. Vivian’s armor was ruined. Scared to lose a party member, we retreated. The oozed “jumped” out the window. At least, as much as ooze can jump. We decided that we were in no shape to return to town. We couldn’t risk running into dire badgers, let alone a formidable foe. So, we camped out in one of the rooms. Day 5 This morning, feeling refreshed we swung open the door to be on our way. Boy, was that a mistake! We met seven not-so-friendly-gnolls. They seemed surprised to see us as well. After the day we had yesterday I wanted to give up. I’m sick of fighting. But, fight we did. I don’t even remember any details. It was just one long bay coming from the gnolls. That high pitched squeal of the gnoll while fighting and dying stays with you. Better them than us. Meilikki, forgive me for the fighting I have done. Praise be to Meilikki. Please teach me the way of your great trees: able to sway in the wind, but with my feet firm in Your soil. Praise be to Meilikki.

Written by: the DM We left the party last time at the welcome wench, trying to talk to Chatrilon and Xaod, with Sinjin leaving to go to his homeland. As we come back to the scene, everyone just seems tired and want to go to sleep. As Connor leaves Xaod, the latter raises his cup of ale to his lips one last time and falls to the ground, unconscious, snoring loudly. Chatrlion, however, tries to stop Vivian and Jozanislav from leaving. Semaj comes back to see what the delay is, only to have Chatrilon change tack suddenly and instead of trying to convince them the place is empty, he tries to join the party for their trip to the moathouse. Semaj grows suspicious, tries to sense Chatrilon's real motive, and gets the idea that he is hiding something. Chat claims he could be useful and is only asking for treasure. To prove his point - in a sense - he produces Semaj's purse that he has pilfered just minutes earlier. Semaj, disgusted, decides to leave and Chat finally gets him to agree that they will talk again in the morning. In the meantime, Connor approaches a couple that have been staring at the scene from the back of the common room. A conversation ensues, which results in two new members of the party: Wade the outcast - a 3rd level human sorcerer. Wade comes from a long line of fighters, having had to leave his family once his unusual talent was discovered. Eloen - a 3rd level half-elf wizard. Eloen is seeking to prove herself in a world that has shown her little love. And everyone goes to sleep. At dawn, the party comes down to find the common room almost empty. As they prepare to go to Y'Dey for their scheduled appointment, they spot Xaod coming down the stairs, hands over his temples, moaning in pain. They sit down with him as Vesta brings him a herbal remedy for his hangover. They talk and find out about his vision, and his interest is piqued when he hears about their plans. They agree to meet again two hours later in the inn to go together to the moathouse. Chatrilon is nowehere to be found. They go to visit Y'Dey. Calmer greets them and after making sure of their intentions, he lets them in. They speak to Y'Dey and learn a bit about Lareth and the moathouse history. They also find out about Otis as the source of tension between her and Elmo. Finally, as they are about to leave, Eloen asks whether Y'Dey can give them a map of the moathouse. Y'Dey asks Calmer to look, and a few minutes later he comes back with a rough sketch of the upper level. Back at the inn, Xaod is gone. Through Vesta they find out that he has gone ahead of them - with a couple bottles to boot. They do find Chatrilon in the inn this time, but he fails to impress them any more than before and they leave him behind. A few miles on the road to the moathouse they encounter Delian. His story of the dragon sounds suspicious to Vivian, and at least a little unreliable to the rest of the party. As they are talking, Xaod comes crashing through the woods, crashing two empty bottles together as he stumbles towards them in a drunken stupor, boasting that he "wants to go first!". Semaj points back towards Hommlet and tells him "sure, go ahead, we'll see you there". As Xaod rushes down the road, the party quickly bids farewell to Delian and starts in the opposite direction. They come upon the moathouse. Vivian sneaks into the courtyard and tower, to find nothing there. Cautiously, the party enters the courtyard, waiting for the Dragon... but nothing happens. They relax. Spreading out, they peer from the courtyard through the arrow slits, to gain little useful information. They then gather back in the center of the courtyard, planning to go up the stairs... which Vivian promptly starts about doing. Or at least, tries to do. Suddenly, out of the far back of the moathouse, a blue dragon rises with a shriek and swoops straight towards them. Utershimon catches most of them by surprise. He fires a lightning bolt, catching Vivian, Wade and Connor in its path. Vivian manages to dodge, and Connor manages his reflex save for half damage. Wade is not as lucky, as he is brought down by this surprise attack. Throughout the fight that ensues, Utreshimon uses his hover ability judiciously to hack while he regains his breath, and the party desperately tries to find some way to keep everyone alive and moving. Most try to find refuge in various moathouse rooms, enraging the dragon even more. In-game Note: At some point, with Connor at only 1 HP, Utreshimon fries him with another bolt. He misses his save. His doom, it seems, is fated. I roll 6D8 for damage: 2. 3. 1. 1. 1... Connor's player looks up hopefully. Hope for him yet? I roll the last die. It comes up a 2. Total damage from the lightning bolt is 10. Connor isnt dead yet. To make a long story short, Semaj and Wade carry the day, the former with a 19 HP attack using rapid shot, the latter with three 10HP (at 2d4+2) magic missiles. The party uses most of their potions, scrolls and all their heal spells as Utreshimon is slowly brought down to 8HP... and flees, leaving a very scared and exhausted party behind. The party gets even more scared after a mace they found started throbbing with an ochre light as Eloen picked it up... they are highly suspicious. Checking a couple other rooms, they get to the southeast area. Vivian gets jumped by a gray Ooze, and loses her studded leather armor and her dagger. They beat a hasty retreat, and Vivian dons the black studded leather found on the rogue in the lair, thanking Tymora once again for keeping her clothes unharmed. They decide to camp for the night in one of the rooms. Of course, the sound of combat has not escaped the people below. During the night, Garrick and his six Gnolls come up to take positions in the lair. The Gnolls roll theirlisten check miserably, and the party makes it through the night safely. Neither group is aware of the other, not even after they wake up (both sides rolling horrid listen rolls). The party gets out of the room and head out. As they hit the lair area, they come upon the Gnolls. Garrick, in particular, dishes out some heavy damage with his two-weapon combo, dropping (but not killing) vivian and connor before he is caught in a web and killed, and the Gnolls are dispatched. And here the session ended. Next time - going into the moathouse lower levels.

Into the moathouse dungeon

After we were finished with the gnolls we attempted to decide what to do next. We always seem to bicker uselessly and waste time. I fear that it will be to our future detriment. Some wanted to go back to town wnile others wanted to remain. Just as Wade was convincing the others to return to town and rest up Connor and I spotted Utreshimon hovering over the forest on the way to town. He dove into the forest as if to wait out his prey. The debate intensified.

Eventually we convinced the group that the unknowns of the moathouse might be less dangerous than a potentially healed dragon. While Connor and I healed the group, Viv foraged through the room. We didn’t want to carry the extra armor and weaponry we found, so we hid it under some rubble. I just realized that we still need to return for it so that we can sell it. Viv put on the head gnoll’s brooch and felt somehow braver — I’ll feel better once we can do some identification on these newly acquired magic items.

Two gnolls hid at the bottom of the stairs. Viv tried to lure them up, but they wouldn’t come. We feared an ambush, but went for it anyway. The two were alone. They were easy pickings, except Jozhanislav got an ax to the face.

Vivian, as usual, checked out the rooms. That’s when we came across a very shaken Spugnoir. He calmed down once we reassured him that Renne was safe. He was very helpful. He told us that Garrick was the name of the head gnoll and that force was the heavy security for the ochre robes. He told us of Lareth’s death and that Utreshimon killed Thaque, the leader of the ochre robes here. An evil cleric named Geynor Ton had taken Thaque’s place.

Spugnoir also told us about a secret entrance to the dungeons. That might help in the future. The moathouse was starting to give me the creeps. And it only got worse the more Spugnoir talked.

He confirmed that the ochre robes are excavating for dark relics for their gods. He also told us that the moathouse generated undead. Great! — Just what we need. He said the tunnels to the SW contain a sort of “undead factory”.

Connor used our last scroll in order to heal Spugnoir. He had been hiding from the gnolls for some time and was in pretty bad shape. After we fed him he advised us that he would extend a 30% discount at his store so that we could rid his town of the evil.

We ventured on into a putrid smelling room. We should have guessed that a ghast was in there. I managed to get in 2 good shots, but it just shrieked and kept walking. Connor tried, in vain, to turn it. Eloen hit it with a magic missile and Wade missed with an acid arrow.

About that time 3 smaller ghouls joined in. One managed to paralyze Joz. Yet another one clawed at me. I hit it with my mighty sword. Spugnoir hit the leader with his last magic missile and killed it. Connor finally turned the minions, and they dissolved under his power. I can’t wait till my powers of good allow me to do something like that. Praise be to Meilikki, it will be for Her honor.

Once Joz unfroze we moved on without Spugnoir who was anxious to see his daughter.

In another room we met lots of skeletons and gnolls. Thankfully they cluttered the door making it easier for us to pick them off. However, it made ranged fighting almost impossible.

There was also a spellcaster in the corner, but she didn’t seem very effective. In fact, none of us did either. Connor turned a few, but the rest of us kept missing our targets.

Joz shattered a skeleton. I moved forward to hit the leader, but he returned with a heavy blow. Wade hit the caster with a magic missile and I crushed the head skeleton. I was so focused on what I was doing that I didn’t see a gnoll come from behind and hit me. He just about left me for dead. I, thank Meilikki, had enough strength left to drink a healing potion. The others kept fighting. Wade took some damage, as Viv decimated another gnoll — she’s great with a sword.

Most of us turned our attention to the witch. Wade missed with an acid arrow. I moved around and got one shot off. Meanwhile, Joz killed another gnoll.

The witch must have realized she was fighting a losing battle, because she ran behind a curtain. Viv pulled the curtain down, but the witch was gone. We followed her up a narrow staircase where Connor was able (barely) to swing his mace and kill her. We took from her body a potion, morning star, splint armor, steel shield and another light crossbow. I figure we’ll make up in weaponry what we haven’t found in treasure.

The most interesting thing in the room we entered was a very strange blanket. It was too white, as if a clean spell had been placed on it. On top of the blanket were several very black items. I figured they were some of the artifacts the ochre robes were hunting for. I got a very sick feeling. Among the items were an iron torch, 3 black cones, a black scepter with violet gems, a small black sphere and a black metal tube.

Wade picked up the blanket, making sure not to touch anything. I don’t think I could have done that, the blanket and items freaked me out!

We went back downstairs to find our way out. It had been a long day and none of us were feeling our best. Somewhere by a carving saying, “Death to all Ogres” we found the secret door back to the pillar room.

We got back to town with no interruptions and went straight to Spugnoir’s. We ate dinner with him and Renne.

Day 6

Word had apparently spread of our findings and Y’Dey wanted to know exactly what they were. We didn’t fully trust her. Paranoia has set in. Eventually we realized that she could have us arrested and the items taken from us, so we relented and went to her temple.

Everything happened so quickly that I don’t remember who said what. What I do remember is that Jenithar, Spugnoir and Zerosh were there. We gave the items over and Y’Dey sent them for identifying. Having a Priestess of Meilikki in Jenithar present helped set my mind at ease.

Now we wait.

Praise be to Meilikki, may I someday be worthy of Her guidance.

The plot begins to unfold

Since it would take Y'Dey and Spugnoir some time to sort through the artifacts we brought from the moathouse we figured we should tie up some loose ends. Eloen and Connor went to Spugnoir’s to buy a pearl with the purpose of identifying some of the magical items we have been carrying around. It hit me as we rifled through our things that we left quite a few things back at the moathouse. I’ll have to remember to collect them when we return.

I spent the morning at my temple praising Meilikki. An accolyte lay hands on me; it was just the spiritual uplift I needed after spending time in that dungeon.

I sent Jozanislav to the sage Todariche Nem with the purpose of finding more about his sword. We have seen it used in battle by the previous owner, but to greater effect than Joz has had. Turns out it was created for an elven prince. It was created to destroy opponent’s weapons (which it did Joz’s previous sword). In the hands of an unskilled fighter it is but a simple magical weapon, but a skilled fighter can use it to easily sunder, so the history reads. Shatterspike was a true find of a lifetime. I just hope it doesn’t take a lifetime for Joz to learn to use it.

During Joz’s report back to us regarding his sword, an acolyte came to tell us Y’Dey had the results of the testing. We hurried over to the temple in silence. This meeting would reveal a lot about those we were forced to trust.

Spugnoir apologized that the report wouldn’t be as detailed as he hoped, but continued on to tell us of the artifacts we found.

• The scepter, though not magic, is quite expensive. Y’Dey appeared reluctant to have it returned to us. I guess even a high priestess can covet.
• The sphere is called a bead of force and seems to be some type of bomb. Wade took responsibility for it; sometimes his urgency seems naïve, other times brave — we’ll see which this turns out to be.
• The cones are indeed a mystical type of incense, for lack of a better explanation. There are three, and they appear to burn completely once lit. Spugnoir advised caution and solemnity when deciding to light one. The cones fit the torch.

The torch itself has a particular purpose - it “reveals” things that have been hidden. Thus it is named the Torch of Revealing. Spugnoir explained that it is as if there is a parallel realm, which is accessed by lighting a cone on the torch.

I can still feel the goose bumps this conversation created up my neck and down my arms. Y’Dey returned the items to us and counseled that these items were created to help the dark clerics receive favors and communications from their dark god. We should look for things that “scream” contact. We would know it when we reached it.

“Caution — do not tempt fate”, her words still ring in my ears. This next adventure was going to be significant. And then it will get worse.

Oh Meilikki, I am but Your humble servant. Would that there be another way to serve Thee than to hunt these ochre robed fanatics. But I know that my place is here. I hope that soon I can return to a peaceful glade and visit amongst Your followers. Praise be to Meilikki.

Day 7

We woke this morning with news of a murder. The rumors speak of a couple of bodies that had been found, but no one knew whom, and no one knew where. We tried to find Elmo, but he was investigating the deaths. I have a feeling that people knew more than they were willing to say to us, being strangers.

With nothing to do in town we headed quickly to the moathouse. When we arrived there were obvious carriage tracks leading away from the location. It was obviously a quick departure. A few of the party members wanted to point fingers about who had wanted to stay in town for the sage and identifying “sessions”. It was pointless. So many decisions took us from the moathouse; in the end it was my fault, as I have become the reluctant leader. I just feel that we spend so much time over thinking decisions and bickering amongst ourselves. I will have to change my communication. Quamara always warned of my tendency to be a bit of a loner. Thank Meilikki that I have Connor. He is a good lieutenant, always supportive, but with his own mind. I think we have a commonality in our spiritual natures, however it goes deeper. He is the first human, non-druid, I have trusted in many moons.

Even though it appeared we might have missed the opportunity to catch the evil clerics in the act, we decided to make a sweep of the lower levels. We found our way into a corridor, which in turn led to a room with a winch in it. To illustrate the newfound, deepened paranoia of the group, some suggested we light the torch of revealing in that room. I might have to start carrying these items if this sort of irrational thought keeps clouding judgments.

The winch was tight, but there was no evidence as to what it was holding. We ventured on. In an almost empty bunkroom we found some journal pages. It became apparent that Chatrilon is probably one of the recently murdered. Seems he was aiding the ochre robes; no wonder he didn’t want us coming here the first time. Turns out that our greatest mistake might have been chasing Utreshimon away. The ochre robes were holed up desperately hoping for his departure.

We didn’t find much else. There was a discarded robe, which Wade picked up. It might be useful later…

Then the fun started. We came upon a grick and a ghast (or did they come upon us?). Not a good combination. Wade finally figured out his acid arrow spell and it hit! The grick died instantly. I hit the ghast right as Connor successfully turned it. Vivian got a nice sized chunk out of it and as it turned away, she smacked it again. I can’t say enough about that girl’s spirit! Never one for subtlety, Jozanislav whacked through it, sending pieces flying. I could have done without that stench on me all day. But I was happy our first battle of the day was over.

No sooner did I have that thought than several ghouls surrounded us - surprising us! - in the crypt we had entered. I prayed to Meilikki as I watched Wade paralyze from a ghoul’s claw. Connor was amazing as he cast a turning spell and destroyed all four. I will have to spend many hours studying before I reach his ability. It just might be a lofty, but necessary goal.

We passed through many caves that looked like man had burrowed them. We reached one tunnel that had been bricked in and fused shut. Another voice came suggesting that we light one of the torches. It was about that moment when we heard a snap and clanking and then a thud. The winch broke and lowered a portcullis over the entrance corridor. We were thus far stuck. With no ability to turn back (if we had even wanted to) we pushed on.

We entered a strange room with a pool in the center of it and some sort of semi-dissembled pulley system (Again came the arguments of “should we use it here?”, referring to the torch). While we debated what might be in the pool, Wade removed his armor and jumped in (bravery or naivety, I haven’t decided.) Luckily it was indeed water. He worked to get the bottom out, it took some ingenuity, but we managed. It was mostly Wade, Viv and her grappling hook.

We fastened a rope to make the pulley system functional and took it down the hole. It was about an 80-foot drop. As we reached the landing we saw another platform about 30 feet away. The floor was black with bright purple veins running throughout; it looked like cosmic granite or marble. I think it was Viv who took a step off the platform. The veins came to life and started coming towards her. We hurriedly pulled the ropes to start ascending as she jumped back on. It was getting colder as we went down and I don’t think we all had our wits about us. We lowered the platform again (“should we light it now?”) and ran to the other platform. We barely made it. As we continued down we realized that we had been standing on top of some sort of pillar. The black surface and purple veins continued down the length. We were so engrossed in the object that we forgot to look up. (I swear, that will eventually be the death of us.)

A grell descended upon us. Now we were battling the cold and this 10-tentacled flying creature. It attacked Eloen for most of the battle, at one point I think I saw her entwined in 3 of its tentacles, as it started pulling her away from us. It also paralyzed Connor making it impossible for him to spell cast. Vivian eventually killed the thing; it burst like a hot air balloon. She also managed to pull Eloen to safety, as the precariously tilted platform grunted under the added weight of the grell's body.

We continued down and saw that the “pillar” was actually an upside down obelisk. There was a sun symbol inlaid in the ground as well as a ziggurat. We heard a screeching from above and looked up to see a flying cleric. We didn’t seem to do any damage, but he sure did. Wade was under a hold spell for much of the battle; it’s hard fighting magic without magic. Especially with the cleric able to fly. After I took (and made) a couple of shots he summoned a dretch. With the dretch came a stinking cloud. It was nauseating. Joz couldn’t hit the cleric with ranged weaponry so he jumped on the platform to protect a frozen Wade. We eventually all made it to the platform so that we could rise above the stinking cloud.

Although we managed to float above the cloud the nausea continued. We tried to muster our strength, but the cleric hacked at the ropes holding our platform. We fell to the floor. Eloen managed to hit the dretch, but the cleric hit Viv. I feared that we might lose someone. Joz ran screaming towards the cleric and managed to hit him. It was a valiant move and one the cleric didn’t seem to expect. At least he looked surprised while he died. His dretch disappeared and we all sat there, breathing hard. It was a bit anti-climatic, but I’m not one to complain. Instead, I thank Meilikki that She saw us safely through another battle. Now on to follow the path She has set for us.

Praise be to Meilikki.

Routing the cult in Hommlet

We searched Festreth’s body. He had standard weaponry, but also a highly polished pearl.

We wandered around, a bit at a loss for what to do next. Joz and I checked out the obex inlaid into the floor. When I touched it I had a bad feeling, but nothing else occurred. Connor felt the same when he touched the sun on the other side of the room. Meanwhile, Wade climbed up the ladder to look at the top of the pillar—nothing. Vivian was looking into the pool and decided to dip a torch into the blackened water. It came out gnarled and disfigured. I am thankful she did not use her hand.

The cold was becoming unbearable. We removed Festreth’s clothing in order to start a fire. The nape of his neck was tattooed with the symbol of the obex. I asked Viv to move his body on top of the inlaid symbol. Again, nothing. We debated what to do next. I thought this might be the time to light a cone; others disagreed. Vivian took the gnarled torch to the smooth, black arch and poked it. How I wish she had waited just a bit. A tentacle came from the polished surface. A grell followed. Vivian tumbled out of the way just in time; her reflexes are amazing!

Leaving the warmth of the fire, Joz attacked the grell and made a hit. We all turned our attention towards the creature. At one point I sent an arrow sputtering through its jelly like body. All of our attacks did not stop the grell from sailing into the air, about 60 feet, with poor Viv in its tentacles.

After switching to ranged weapons, Eloen and Connor made a couple of shots and Wade dealt the final blow with a magic missile. The grell “floated” somewhat gracefully to the ground, but picked up speed the lower it fell. I can still see the scene replay, Viv trapped in the beast’s grasp, falling to the earth; Joz under them, arms outstretched, attempting to catch her. Joz managed to catch Viv and in that same second I arrived to lay hands on her. I was afraid for a moment that we might lose her. When she came to I fed her a healing potion.

Connor and I used the rest of our spells healing those in need. We decided that the archway was some sort of gateway for grells to enter our dimension. No need to try that again.

Wade lit a cone. The torch cast a 10-foot “globe”. There was a sense of an alternate realm taking our same space, but nothing else really seemed to be happening. Wade carried the torch around the room, to each of the symbols. He then climbed the ladder to the top of the pillar. He yelled down that the obelisk now appeared to be resting on a purple, fist-sized gem. If he moved the torch away the gem disappeared. He touched the gem and vanished. The torch came crashing down.

We decided that Viv and Eloen should try to figure out how we can salvage the platform, but the rest of us would look for Wade. Connor, being the holiest in the group was chosen to go first. I cast Protection From Evil on him and he climbed the ladder, with the same results. I sent Joz up the ladder, and then I followed.

I expected to meet the other three after I touched the gem. But I found myself in a dark room with a foreboding sense of evil. It was as if I was in a chamber inside of the obelisk. A deep, black fruit appeared in my hands and a voice resonated through the room, “Seek the heart of each of the four moons. Together, they can sunder the walls of my prison. For now, eat of my fruit, and be blessed”.

The fruit had a temptingly sweet smell to it and I desperately wanted to bite it; instead I threw it to the floor. I prayed to Meilikki, but had a sense that my prayers would not go beyond this evil chamber.

Suddenly I was transported to the top of the cavern. Joz and Connor were there, but not Wade. I feared the evil fruit might have tempted him. We pulled the platform up so that we could rescue Viv and Eloen. When it reached the top, Wade was standing there. In that same moment, Eloen and Viv appeared, each holding the fruit. Wade had lowered himself down the platform and dropped a note to the girls8u, instructing them to follow through the gem.

We did not want to leave that torch at the bottom of the cavern, but we had no viable way down to the bottom. Although the girls had repaired the bottom platform, we would not have time to pull it up while standing on the top of the obelisk without being grabbed by the purple tentacles. Vivian decided that she could run across the obelisk’s surface, jump, catch and climb down the rope.

We lowered the platform; she crossed the surface with the purple veins and then lunged to the rope. She caught it. Viv is quite nimble, so I didn’t think she would have a problem shimmying down the rope. I was wrong. She started down and missed a grip. We could not see anything from our vantage point, but heard her screaming on her fall down. She fell about 300 feet and then caught the rope, sliding down and tearing her hands up. Despite the pain she kept going. A healing potion helped somewhat, but she was still in pain, I could see it on her face when she recounted the story later. She gathered the torch and made her way back up. When she reached us, in true Vivian style, she tossed the torch saying, “Here’s your torch. You guys suck!” None of us could have made that climb, or survived that fall. This was an act of true brilliance and might even make its way into a song; of course Viv will probably be the author.

With the cone still burning, we thought to investigate other sites. Nothing happened anywhere.

In a miracle of strength, Connor (with some help from Joz) was able to raise the Portcullis. We ventured up to the top levels and collected the various piles we left before. And then we made our way back to town. It had been a very long day.

We were greeted at The Welcome Wench by Vesta. She seemed quite surprised to have us appear. She told us that Elmo had been looking for us. The exchange seemed quite sincere, but skepticism always enters into the picture. We retired for the night, worn out, and anxious for what might come next.

Thanks be to Meilikki that we all survived the day. Would that our luck continues to hold.

Praise be to Meilikki.

Day 8, morning

I spent the night praying as we had rested before leaving the moat house. I feel strong urgings to spend the day at the temple, but know that the others are anxious to go forward. After breakfast we will go see Elmo…seems I spoke too soon. We have been summoned by Elmo; I will finish my journal entry later. I have a bad feeling about today.

Later

I should have gone to the temple, but more on that later. Back to the chronological account:

We left with three soldiers towards Elmo’s. Vesta slipped some jerky to Connor (I think she might be smitten with our rugged cleric). I was thankful for the snack; I was hungry.

Elmo advised us that we had been under suspicion for the death of the miller. Our quick departure yesterday had cast doubt on us. He and Y’Dey cleared us of all suspicion. I was surprised that it was the miller who was dead, the journal page we found made it sound as if it might have been Chatrilon. I was even more surprised when Elmo produced a letter stating that the miller was a long lost uncle to Vivian. She was not thrilled by the news; in fact, I think it was the first time I’ve seen her rattled. The letter was from Viv’s home village. Our discussion of her uncle was interrupted with news of another death. Yundi, the assistant of Jaroo the druid had been found murdered. Jaroo and his bear could not be found. Elmo gave us permission to visit the mill, but the grove was secured for the investigation into Yundi’s death.

Vivian wanted to go straight to the mill; Eloen wanted to join her. I felt we should go next door to see Y’Dey first. Four in the party had taken the black fruit and I wanted Y’Dey’s input into the matter. I couldn’t blame Viv for wanting to go strait to the mill; she wasn’t thinking straight. Eloen, however, should have known better. I persuaded (demanded, if you will) them to go with us to see Y’Dey (we had been warned that she was in a meeting and would not take visitors). I didn’t expect it to be a long visit, and then we could go straight to the mill. One of the young clerics met us at the door. Y’Dey was indeed in a meeting with Spungior and yether. Sensing it was a lost cause, and that no amount of diplomacy would change his mind, we left.

The guards near the mill let us through security and we headed towards the mill. It was pretty barren so we went down the stairs. Wade, for some reason, stayed behind. I was in the back of the group, so I only heard the voices of the group downstairs. As we all filed into the room I saw Spungior and Vesta with a large half-orc and a very large man. I was confused because Spungior was supposedly in the meeting with Y’Dey. Spungior started telling us some story about what they were doing; I knew he was lying. In fact, my statement, “He’s lying” would be my last words. I felt the blood flowing down my back before I even felt the pain of the rapier entering. I turned to see Chatrilon smiling. I never did like him. I gasped and fell to the ground, praying to Meilikki to save my soul. I should have gone to the temple. Praise be to Meilikki.

{Narrator}

Seeing Semaj fall to the ground the others drew their weapons. Vivian attacked Spungior while Joz defended himself from an attack made by Vesta. Zherosh, the scollmaker appeared and blasted Connor with a bolt of darkness.

Hearing the commotion downstairs, Wade cast True Strike and headed down the stairs. At the bottom he was greeted by a fighter and dropped. Eloen cast Flaming Sphere, forgetting briefly that the air in the mill contained flour dust. The dust ignited and blew a hole in the ceiling above them and the roof above that.

The battle continued with The Clan downing a human fighter and continually missing the half-orc. Joz was able to resist mind control and continued trying to hit Vesta.

After taking some damage, Spungior grew wings and flew through the hole in the ceiling. It was now apparent that the party were fighting humans and doppelgangers. The human fighter cast a healing spell on himself and rose to fight. Vivian smacked him back down, killing him.

The image of Zerosh flickered away and a female fiend appeared. Connor was hit and stunned, but not downed. He was able to heal himself and continue fighting.

Eloen moved the flaming sphere towards the large human and sent a magic missile into a fighter in the back. The large human, though hurting from the fireball, was able to cast “hold” on Joz. Vivian turned to the half-orc, but missed her shot. Soon she, too, was held.

Eloen rushed to Wade and fed him a healing potion. He shot a magic missile at Vesta who was still fighting Connor. Eloen veered the flaming sphere towards Vesta, but to no avail. Her magic missile hit the half-orc.

The large human attacked Joz with a spear of dark energy, sending not only pain, but also vile darkness coursing through him. Jozhanislav fell to the ground. Angry at the fall of his comrades, Connor raised his mace with all of his strength and heaved it upon the creature resembling Vesta. As she fell to the ground, she flickered and the barkeep Maridosen was left in her place, writhing on the ground, until she died.

Wade crossed the room and attacked the large human. His sword was magically deflected, as if it went through the human, but around him at the same time. The half-orc smiled confidently and Vivian as he swung his final blow. Some in the room even remember him laughing, as the brave thief hit the floor, dead.

Eloen attempted to hit the large human, but missed. In that same moment he sent a his spear of dark energy through Wade. Chatrilon appeared behind Eloen and stabbed her, while uttering something incomprehensible. Eloen could not survive the assassin’s attack, and fell, dead.

Connor tried to hit Chatrilon, but missed. Wade was able to cast burning hands and hit both the large human and the half-orc. The half-orc dropped. The large human touched Wade, who felt his tongue slice down the middle.

Chatrilon moved away from Connor and cast himself invisible. Connor tried in vain to hit him. Connor made it to Jozhanislav’s side in time to heal him. Wade cast burning hands again and hit the large human, but did not seem to do any damage. Joz missed the large human who hit Wade again. Connor tried to heal Wade, but the dark energy surging through his body stopped the healing from being completely effective. Wade sent another magic missile through the large human, while Joz struck him from behind.

The large human wasted some time, and a spell, by trying to charm Wade. The melee ensued with another failed attempt to charm Wade and a few more Clan misses. Chatrilon reappeared and failed an attack on Joz.

Eventually Connor was able to deal a death blow to the large human. His final words, while in his death throes, were “Luck be thy nemesis”. A purple light glowed from the nape of his neck as he looked directly at Connor and laughed evilly, then died.

Wade was able to strike and kill Chatrilon, who indeed, was Chatrilon. Those left standing were Wade, Connor and Jozhanislav. The severed the heads of the wicked from their bodies. Then they searched the bodies and found great treasures. Connor hoped it would be enough to resurrect his friends.

The militia appeared and helped move the bodies to Y’Dey’s temple. On the road they told The Clan about killing “the bat” as they called the doppelganger. It shape shifted into Y’Dey, Elmo and Jaroo before dying featureless.

Y’Dey was saddened by the deaths of the party members and vowed to raise them. She requested 2400 gold, but settled on 1500. After all, without The Clan of The Bitter Rose, Hommlet would have gone up in flames today.

Day 9, morning

Viv’s first words upon resurrection were, “You raised me on a discount?” She was incensed by the haggling, but happy to be alive.

{Back to Semaj}

Thanks be to Meilikki the Great One who watches over me. I pray I am worthy of this second chance. I pray that You guide me with wisdom and humility so that we do not see another death in this party, unless it by Thine will.

Praise be to Meilikki.

Next time I’ll go to the temple first.

The old Temple ruins, early summer

Day 9 (continued) After being “brought back” we told Y’Dey of our adventures in the moat house. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look so green. She visibly fought back her illness and called Terjon. She ordered him to take his men and seal the moat house. We gave him all the information we could think of.

I asked Vivian to pull out her fruit so that we could show it to Y’Dey. The canoness was fascinated by the fruit and by our story. She explained that the Dark God is probably unable to discern followers inside the Black Cyst (which we entered when we touched the base of the obelisk). As she continued with her diatribe I saw Vivian focus on her fruit. I think Connor saw it as well, but no one could stop her—she took a bite. The corners of her mouth turned down, signifying a bad taste, “Ooh, this is disgusting. I have to take another bite.” I must admit I was confused as I watched her bite into the fruit again, juice dripping down her chin as she complained of the vile taste, yet couldn’t seem to stop herself from eating it. When she was done she wiped her face with the back of her hand and did a somersault in the air. “Whoa! I feel so nimble”

This odd fruit seemed to bestow a blessing of sorts. Wade and Eloen quickly pulled their fruits from their bags and went through a similar ordeal of hating the taste, but being compelled to finish. They both spoke of feeling more enlightened. I don’t regret dropping my fruit, much. I figure that any blessing bestowed upon me should come from my Goddess. Praise to Meilikki for guiding me down the Path.

We then turned our attention to our inability to heal Wade and Jozhanislav. Y’Dey offered her hallowed room in which to do the healing. She determined that they had been struck with a weapon doling out vile damage. Connor accompanied them into the room so as to heal them. Y’Dey only “asked” for 250gp as tribute. You would think that saving her, the temple, and the town for that matter would be enough.

Two weeks pass

Day 23, morning

Two weeks have passed since my last entry. I have spent my time praying in the forest and paying tribute to Meilikki. Finally, we all feel it is time to leave Hommlet.

We are going to go to the site of the old temple. We have three places we want to check out and the old temple is the closest, so it only makes sense. We’ll have to pass through the ghost town of Nulb on the way.

Day 23, night

On our way out of Hommlet we met Terjon. He was coming back from the moat house, which he claimed to have almost fully sealed.

We took a road that looked less traveled. After 2 weeks idle in Hommlet I think we were all hoping for some action. We arrived outside Nulb after the sun set. The town seemed creepy, so we decided to camp on the outskirts. Even the sky appears to have less stars in it, I look forward to passing through this town.

Day 24

Nulb was as destitute and barren as expected. I was sad as we rode through; it didn’t help that the day was windy, overcast, and rainy.

The buildings were made of sod and mixed timber. We came across a broken down bridge and went near a hostel. Viv scoped out the old tavern. “Creepy”, is all she would say. Creepy isn’t a reason to stay, in fact, it’s plenty reason to go. So, we turned towards the temple, sitting on a hill, and rode away from Nulb.

As we drew near the temple we spotted a movement in the brush. I didn’t want to shoot an innocent just because we’re paranoid (and Nulb’s creepiness did not help), so I pulled my wand of entanglement and cast it towards the creature in the brush.

A woman cried out as she tried to wrestle free. I think it was Vivian who told her to hold still or the vines would grab her tighter. Her name was Undra. She seemed to be a low level scout who followed Thaque. We told her that Thaque was dead; she truly seemed surprised. She wasn’t much help, but she solidified some of what we had been thinking: the “crater” is outside Rastor (the dwarves call it Mt. Stalagos), Rastor is filled with orcs, and the temple is lair to hobgoblins. She did tell of an old well behind the temple, which leads to a secret passage into the tower.

I knew that she was from the “bad side”, but she claimed she worked for them because they fed her. She claimed to have no true reverence, but that she was loyal because they had never done her wrong. I tried my hardest to think of a solution other than killing her. I thought, maybe if she was telling the truth, we could send her back to the Wench and Vesta could make use of her. She would have a room, a job, food, and mostly, a chance. She didn’t trust us, and who could blame her? After all, I entangled her with no “good” reason. At least in her mind. As I struggled to find her truth, Viv argued hard to kill her. I didn’t think we had reason enough, and if I could just get through to her….

My spell wore off and she bolted under some sort of misty vapor cloud she created. Vivian attempted to hit her, but missed. I stepped into the fog, but lost my bearings and ended up shooting Vivian (I don’t think she’s forgiven me yet). Though a few of us hit her, she got away. Vivian was livid, “You fucked up,” she said, pointing her finger at me. Sure, the buck stops with me when something goes wrong, but what about any good I might do? After all, wouldn’t Vivian and Eloen both be dead had I not stopped them from going alone to the flourmill? Selective memory and reluctant leadership mix poorly.

Vivian and I were still fighting as we came up to the temple courtyard. It was large, about 1000 ft long and 450 ft wide. Viv moved some stones to find a trap door. She went down the shaft, but found no traps. It would be safe to enter.

We tied our horses outside near the well. We then followed the shaft through clay walls that turned into limestone. Having learned from past mistakes we took a few moments to prepare for battle. Wade cast Bull Strength and Mage Armor on the group. We continued down the stone path going east. We found a little gold and a couple of potions in a side room.

We entered a small room with a wooden peg pounded into the wall. Vivian easily figured out the trap and soon we were in a strange room that seemed to be part of a tower. Boy, did it stink! It was filled with feces from something smaller than a hobgoblin.

As we entered the room, which was apparently used as the toilet, we heard scurrying on the other side of the door. Thankfully Vivian speaks goblin, so she was able to communicate with the group. They seemed frantic and afraid-not a bad combination. They let us through, two by two. We found ourselves in the courtyard.

We circled around the building and heard dogs. Vivian and I tried to hide and search for an entrance, but we were spotted. The upcoming battle was one of the largest I’ve ever been involved in; there were probably 40-50 opponents by the end of the fight. There were dogs, hobgoblins, goblin warriors and a couple of casters. They also brought out a large ape of some sort; this thing was strong, cunning, and evil. I fear we would have all perished if not for the Bull Strength and Mage Armor. Even with the help of the spells we lost Jozhanislav. He had fought remarkably, even going up against the ape. He deftly swung his great ax and split the beast in half.

It was awe-inspiring. But a few moments later, after downing the largest hobgoblin, that was wielding a nasty two-bladed sword, the hob “mysteriously” rose up and fatally wounded Joz. Later we would discover that there was a caster following his troops around invisibly and healing them during combat. As if we weren’t outnumbered enough! With a rage in my heart, I took aim and killed the big hob fighter. After the last goblin was killed, Vivian heard footsteps running from the scene…

Thinking about the battle, there was one instance that should be recorded. Connor, such a peaceful man in life, became a maniac during this fight. He fought valiantly throughout, but at one point, just when it seemed hopeless, he wielded his mace into one of the hobgoblin warriors and not only stuck him down, but cleaved through two more. It was truly the stuff of legends. I only pray that his conscience not bother him; I know it pains him to take lives. I am happy (and proud) that he is on my side.

We need to decide whether to go forward and sift through the temple for treasure or return to Hommlet in hopes of raising Joz. I fear the goblins we passed on the way in will take what treasure is here if we leave, but the party is weary.

Praise be to Meilikki, it is Her will that I survived today’s bloodbath.

Going to Verbobonc, early summer

Day 24 (continued)

We sifted through the bodies of the hobgoblins and the fighter. We piled the armor and weapons that were worth anything and left the rest. There were a few potions and some specialized weapons, which we hoped would bring some money.

Although Joz lay dead I felt we should continue through the remainder of the temple to see what else we might find. Eloen loudly dissented, wanting to go back to town. I felt strongly that we were in no real danger and we could, at least, send Viv through invisibly to scout. Eventually I was out-voiced, so back to Hommlet we would go. Eloen and Connor set out to get the horses. More than an hour later they returned…without the horses. (I should have hunted through the temple in their absence, but I promised to guard Joz’s body along with Viv). Wade and I fetched the horses and returned to the others. We loaded up the horses and went back to town.

We entered Hommlet past midnight and knocked on Y’Dey’s door. We were turned away by a new acolyte. It seems that Y’Dey has put our recent “donations” to good (and quick) use, already building a new wing to her temple. The acolyte refused to get anyone for us, so we went next door. We thought if we might be able to wake Yether he could help us rouse Y’Dey. We had no luck there either. The Welcome Wench was closed so we camped in the courtyard of the Temple of Helm.

Day 25

The morning came quickly. Calmer wasn’t thrilled with the mess from the horses, but ushered us inside. We ate with him and waited for Y’Dey to return. She raised Joz, but made a big production of the “tribute”.

We left our bulk at the Temple of Lethander and set back towards the old temple. Nothing too exciting happened on the way. We slaughtered a wild boar (it did manage to fell Viv in the process); unfortunately we had already eaten.

When we reached the old temple we thought to send Viv inside invisibly. She toured the inside and came out after awhile. She advised us that the hobgoblins we met in the tower have expanded to the rest of the areas. She overheard the leader speaking of meeting with someone about recruiting more troops. She thought the meeting would take place later in the day.

A plan was hatched where I would hide in a tree outside the front entrance and alert Viv when she could go back in and information gather again. The sun set with no activity. We decided to send Viv in again.

She came running out a short time later, laughing and visible. She told us a story that sounded made up, but she assures me it was not. She found her way into the leader’s bedroom. He and a female were sleeping soundly. In the corner was a large bronze statue of an Elven goddess, which Viv checked for traps. The female woke up and poked the leader, advising him that she thought someone was in the room. He didn’t believe her and told her to go back to sleep. He also made a comment about disliking the statue and possibly destroying it the next day.

Vivian couldn’t resist an opportunity to entertain herself so she stood in front of the statue and bellowed, “I am the Elven goddess. Leave the temple or I will rain fire on you.” I guess the two bolted upright and started to quake. Viv continued, “You threaten to destroy my sacred icon, you offend me.” She kept spouting more of the same.

The female cast a spell, and found magic emanating from the statue’s direction. The male’s response was to throw a pillow at the statue. Eventually the male ran from the room.

The next part became a bit sketchy. It seems that Viv attacked the female. This not only cancelled the invisibility spell, but ended the joke as well. The male came back in the room and immediately recognized Viv. She was lucky (as were we for that matter) that he let her leave. He invited us in to freely investigate the temple, which we will do tomorrow morning.

Day 26

The leader only wanted one of us to enter at a time. I decided to go, but wanted to take Connor with me. A cleric was not a positive choice, so Wade came instead. The inside of the temple was painted with murals throughout. Any treasure had been removed (I have a feeling by the “friendly” hobgoblins). We found a throne and the leader broke a lever from the back of the defunct chair. We couldn’t figure out the device, so we moved on. The lower area was blocked by rubble, so we couldn’t go down there and hunt around. We sent Viv back in since she’s good with mechanical devices. She came back out with assurance that whatever the throne once did, it doesn’t do anymore.

The leader gave us the Elf statue; I think he was embarrassed by the previous night’s trick. Heading back towards Hommlet I couldn’t help but think about the time we wasted in not sending Viv around 2 days ago; and the loot that might have been. Oh well, Meilikki will provide, I am sure.

As we passed through Nulb we saw a man standing in the middle of the road, smoking a pipe. I was puzzled since the town is supposedly a ghost town. Half of his face was gnarled as if it had been through a grinder. The other half revealed such a beautiful history that songs could have been written of him. He introduced himself as Lawrence, a priest with “lots of secrets”. We attempted to coddle information from him, but he was adept at the game. He demanded 500gp for an informative story, and then walked away. I tried negotiating, but he just kept walking. I pulled the coin purse out and shook it. He stopped. I offered 200gp and we agreed on 300. I heard Eloen claim under her breath that we could have gotten it for 250; how nice it must be to sit back and criticize, rather than act. A luxury I do not have.

Lawrence reintroduced himself as Lareth. Lareth! I don’t think I was able to stifle my gasp. He explained that the body identified as his had been that of a diseased farmer. He seemed insulted that the man had died of natural causes. He seemed very bitter about the Elder Elemental Eye cult being a front for Tharizdun, but his conversation was enigmatic at best. I was in shock from his revelation, but tried to compose myself to talk. Wade also attempted to ask questions, but each answer was more rambling than the previous one. He did tell us of a gathering place around Mt. Stalagos; it at least puts a specification where we once only had a general idea. He claimed to be “the one” and that he would spite the cult by not working with or for them.

He asked if Joz would translate a dwarven document, which he did. It was full of ramblings and predictions, without much information. I left Nulb confused and feeling as though a great opportunity just slipped through our fingers.

When we got to Hommlet we went straight to Y’Dey. After we gave her the big news of Lareth she seemed annoyed, as if we wasted her time with crazy talk. Chastised, we gathered our belongings from the temple of Lethander, slept through the night and headed towards Verbobonc in the morning.

Day 27

Eloen and I took turns driving the wagon. We didn’t talk much. After lunch I asked Joz to relieve me. He seemed relieved to get off his horse; I was relieved to be alone in my thoughts.

We set up camp at dusk and traded stories around the fire. It reminded me of my younger days with the druids, under the stars with the hazy light of the fireflies chasing each other. Praise to Meilikki and the beauty She governs.

Day 28

Again I was back on the wagon this morning. This time Wade joined me. He has had a fascinating, yet sad life. I find that so many adventurers are “born” out of pain and loneliness. I guess if we were contented in our lives we wouldn’t feel the urge to wander.

Vivian spent the afternoon riding in the wagon. She was bored by the trip and thought it “might be fun” to balance herself on the edges of the wagon. She would steady herself on the left side and then hop over to the right. It was quite amazing, the sides of the wagon are only 2 finger widths thick, at most. Poor Connor, I could see him praying during the entire “show”. He yelled at Viv that if she fell he wouldn’t heal her. His threat only emboldened her…she did a handstand.

Day 29

Eloen spent the better part of the day in the back of the wagon studying. That was a good use of time and she was able to learn a new spell from one of the scrolls, I think it was named color spray. I’ll have to ask her what it does, arcane spells are so complicated that I often have trouble keeping them straight.

At mid-day we met a family traveling towards Hommlet; we lunched together. It was nice to have some new faces in the mix. When they were finished eating, the children ran off to play. The mother mentioned that the children were sad that the family dog had been left with an uncle in Verbobonc. The dog was old, and, in the father’s words, “a waste of table scraps”. I understood his realistic approach, but my heart ached for the children. I summoned a celestial dog to maybe lift their spirits for a bit. They chased the dog and nuzzled him to the ground, then rolled and frolicked some more. When it was time to go our separate ways the children looked spent, and happy. The mother leaned down from her wagon and kissed me on the cheek. Something stirred in me, a longing of sorts. Not a longing for this woman, but a woman. What would my life be if I had a woman to love, and children to cherish?

Enough with the musings of a lone man! I chose this life, and it is mine to live. Meilikki will reveal what She has planned for me.

Day 30

I found myself daydreaming today. I wonder what the markets of Verbobonc will look like. I imagined the hustle of the town. I loathe spending too much time in big cities, but the energy is always a new experience. I have started making a mental list of the items we might buy or trade for. Maybe I will find some of the archer’s bracers I have seen the most gifted rangers wear. I want so much to fulfill my role in this group. I feel a need to hone my skills. Once I saw a master perfectly shoot several arrows into a target in the blink of an eye. I can feel myself getting better, but I am not up to his caliber. Yet.

This evening around a fire, Wade entertained us with his dancing lights. Eloen performed her newest spell of color spray. I am gaining more respect for the arcane spell crafters. Connor appeared disturbed at the use of magic as entertainment, “It is a gift granted from Above, not to be squandered.” I think there is room for both, but I kept my mouth closed. One party member angry with me is enough, I really don’t want two mad.

Day 31

Although is only lunchtime I thought I would make my entry now. We hope to make it to town by evening, I think it might be night by the time we reach Verbobonc. I long for a bath. We have heard in our travels that hot water flows generously there; what a treat!

This morning Viv and I created a game to play while on horseback. She has such a youthful spirit, it keeps one young. What sometimes seems so crass or undiplomatic can be so carefree and naïve under different circumstances. I promised to help her better learn the art of two handed fighting. We sparred a bit at lunch. She is a quick study. I fully expect her to out-maneuver me very shortly.

Day 32

We got to town very late last night. This place is gigantic! I didn’t feel safe leaving our wagon unattended, so Vivian and I slept in the wagon with all the horses in the stable. I must have smelled something awful when we went to market this morning.

We were able to unload the multiple banded mails and great swords from the hobgoblins quickly at the mercantile. Wade and I went to some galleries to unload the art we had. We fetched 240gp for the statue! We were directed to the dwarven quarter to unload the scroll case. When we left we overheard the merchant telling his grandchildren of its history. I was happy that we got it into appreciative hands. And the 100gp wasn’t a bad payoff either.

Eloen spent the day trying to identify some of the magic items we had. We discovered the magical chainmail would fit Jozanislav nicely. We traded the other items along with Shatterspike. In return we got a magical greataxe for Joz, a magical long sword for Wade, and I got an amulet of natural armor.

Once we know the approximate values of the items Eloen is working on we can go back to the markets. I think I might have found a merchant with Bracers of Archery. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight!

Day 33

We took the magical double bladed sword and the ring of mind shielding to the merchant I mentioned yesterday. He gave us a very fair trade. We were able to get a bag of holding, my bracers I wanted so badly, amulets of natural armor for both Wade and Eloen, and a scroll of raise dead—just in case, and some other minor items. We also sold that decorative scepter we found at the moat house.

We are feeling a bit light in the coin purse in spite of still having some platinum and a bit of gold left! It might be that we ran through so much money or the lack of a proper temple in town, but I’m feeling the effects of this city. I hatched a plan to help Vivian use her talents:

Wade, Viv and I were sitting in a pub, having our fifth or sixth ale and Wade brought up the wand of change self. He thought it was a somewhat ridiculous item for us to keep, and yet we wouldn’t get much for it if we tried to sell it. Viv mentioned that she would have loved to use it when she was running from the police. Next thing you know I decide she could gain some of our wealth back. Tomorrow we are going to the high quarter and we will cast some other form on Viv. She can then “do her thing” freely. If she is found out we can just cast it again. No one will ever recognize her! Even better, we can throw her earnings into the Bag of Holding and no one will be any the wiser.

Meilikki forgive me. But I am bored. I just want to see if it will work.

I promise to pay penance the next time I enter Your Temple. v Praise be to Meilikki, for She knows our hearts and forgives us our minds.

Rastor and a failed assault, early summer

Written by: Semaj, of the Clan of the Bitter Rose Day 34 Wade, Vivian and I started the morning by scheming to relieve some of the wealthy members in town of their gold. Vivian claimed to know how to use magical devices and took the wand of Change Self to do just that. After blowing through 15 charges I took the wand away from her. She would have to rely on her cunning and skill. We went down by the market place deciding that the high quarters would be too closely guarded. Wade successfully cast dancing lights (although he was caught on one occasion and bluffed his way out) and distracted enough people that Viv was able to weave into the crowd and pick a few pockets. She would run by me and toss the articles into the bag of holding. We spent a good portion of the morning there and only reaped 22gp, a silver bracelet and a gold ring. At least we were entertained. Meanwhile Connor went to his temple to enlist some help. He came back flustered as none of the clerics believed his story about elemental evil and the dark god. We all met back at the Inn and gathered supplies for the six-day journey to Rastor. Day 41 We entered Rastor at the main gate. Two bored and half sleeping guards waived us through. We followed a sign to the Gray Lodge, noting it was written in Common, Orcish and Dwarven. This town should be an interesting place. The Lodge was standard for a small community like this, except for the patrons - a few humans and dwarves, but mostly orcs and half-orcs. The lodge-keeper, Yarew, was unexpected however; he showered us with food and delivered a letter Y'Dey had sent urgently. Y'Dey gave us some more information about the area and directed us to the west side of the Stalagos mountain. We paid to keep the cart in Rastor and took our horses towards the mountain. We followed the trail west until we hit upon a fork going north. The road bent backwards as we were heading up with a steep cliff on one side. We found ourselves at the mouth of a courtyard; Viv advanced towards a massive door on the opposite side. She was threatened in common to leave. We took the horses back to a clearing and returned to the courtyard on foot. It was decided that Vivian would go back to the door invisibly to scout around. She was able to open the door and enter. She told us of eerie cave paintings depicting destruction and doom. On the floor she saw large inlays of a silver/white circle, a brown triangle, an amber diamond, and a blue/green square. There were many rooms and many gnolls. As Vivian returned to us one gnoll became suspicious and followed her trail outside, thanks be to Meilikki he was not successful. There was much discussion about ways to enter the fortress, as usual much discussion but not much concurrence. I lack any military training and am therefore left to my instincts, which have often proven too rash. The final plan was that Viv would once again advance to the door invisibly. If the door remained unlocked we would buff up and charge it. Not quite a military strategy, but the only one that attained any type of mutual agreement. The door was indeed unlocked, so Viv ran back towards it; she flung it open and we all charged in. I immediately spotted 4 humans and many gnolls. It started out as a beautifully choreographed battle. Wade wielded his sword, which I don't often see him do. Connor cleaved through a couple of gnolls; quite a show! I managed to kill a human and a couple of gnolls, as did Viv and the others. We were taking a little damage, but seemed to have the situation under control. But then the zombies showed up. That's when I switched to two-handed fighting with my long and short swords. At one point Eloen conjuring a fireball caught my attention. She looked especially conscientious, I followed the ball and realized why: at the end of the corridor was a large creature that appeared to be half dog/half porcupine. Atop the dog was a human rider. They were followed by several gnolls-three of which were now dead. I thought I saw a ballista in the very back of the room burning. From the wave of zombies a large troglodyte emerged. He was wearing a holy symbol of sorts. Vivian and Eloen were close enough to the trog to be affected by its stench. It cast blind on Viv; thankfully our dear elf can fight even while blinded! The dog and rider moved across and hit Eloen. I feared for our clan even before the ogre entered, but when it entered I started thinking about retreat. We were ill equipped for this battle. I threw the bead of force in the direction of the trog. I didn't know what it would do exactly, but I must say- I was pleased with the results: several zombies were killed and a few others fell, I could tell I hurt the trog as well. The best part was that it created a shield of sorts that blocked them into their side of the corridor. As the dog attacked it would not only try to bite, but also shoot up to four quills at its intended target. From what we've seen since, the quills emitted a sort of poison into the victim. The battle raged on. We were holding our own, but it was obvious that they would overpower us in the long run. Thankfully the remaining ballista in the back of the room missed all of its shots. Connor turned a few zombies and we kept hacking away at the gnolls. The trog behind the force field was jumping up and down, absolutely enraged. I saw Connor taking on the dog and the rider. He seemed to be taking damage, so I ran to fight by his side. Not long after I arrived the dog bit him and he fell to the ground. I hoped to kill the dog so that I could heal Connor in time. Joz came to fight with me, but I knew he wouldn't last much longer. I don't even know how I came to be invisible, but it gave me the time to heal Joz up a bit. A few others disappeared and someone yelled that we needed to retreat. I took the second bead of force from Connor's bag and threw it towards the dog and commander. Even immobile that dog was frightening! We drug Connor out of the combat zone-- I couldn't feel his pulse. As we retreated back down the side of the mountain I prayed to Meilikki to preserve Connor. We reached the clearing and took stock of everyone's injuries. Vivian was still blind and complaining loudly, the rest were breathing, but ravaged. And there, in the middle, lay Connor's lifeless body. My wits left me and I started preparing to make a hasty trip back to Hommlet, fearing that Y'Dey would deny us an additional raising. As I summoned my thoughts someone mentioned the scroll we had purchased. "I can't use it, I'm only a low-level cleric", I retorted. Viv reached out and touched my arm, "Semaj, you must try. Try for Connor." I pulled the scroll from the bag and knelt on the ground. I closed my eyes and uttered a prayer to Meilikki. I asked her to infuse me with her power and that of all the forests and animals. Connor is a good and pure man and didn't deserve to die due to our rash behaviour. I lay my hands on Connor and chanted the words written on the scroll. I felt a warmth start at the crown of my head and surge down my neck into my shoulders and down my arms; it hastened and heated up the farther it moved down until it felt as though lightning shot through my fingers. Connor's body buckled, then shook, I could feel his heart start to pound heavily. He opened his eyes and made a gasp for breath as if he had been drowning. I fell away from him in awe of what had transpired. He lay there and I thought I heard him whisper, "The path".

Written by: Wade, of the Clan of the Bitter Rose It has been a long time since I have kept a diary, but events of late have been important - and somewhat revelatory in nature. I have only today woken up from what seems to have been a long dream spanning many days. To be sure, I was awake both in that I was aware of my surroundings and in that the surrounding of which I was aware were "real". But, like in many dreams I have had before, my actions were not wholly my own... Upon arriving in Rastor, we came upon a priest claiming to be in the employ of that nasty woman at the temple in Hommlet, Y'dey. He gave us a letter from Y'dey outlining what information she had acquired about the immediate region - specifically, the Stalagos mountain area. Based on her advice, we decided to try a westerly approach to the mines within the Stalagos which involved about half a day's travel. Upon reaching what was clearly the western entrance we, stupidly, walked right up to it. Unsurprisingly, those behind the door simply told us to go away. We retreated a ways back down the path and dismounted our horses. Someone, Semaj I think, used the wand of invisibility on Vivian, who then went back up to scout out the area. She looked inside, saw some Gnolls and a bell, and came back. Based on this, what I will charitably call reconnaissance, the party decided to go ahead and attempt a frontal assult. A frontal assult. On an unknown force. The new plan was to ready ourselves for battle, and turn Vivian invisible. Vivian would then sneak up to the door to make sure that we could all get in. Once there we would fight what came. Before heading into what was sure to be a large battle, I removed my armor so that I might cast some protective and strengthening magics upon everyone but Eloen, who could handle her own magics, being something of a classically trained arcanist. Despite the enchanted nature of my armor, it can still interfere with the channelling of arcane magics, and there's no reason to risk such disaster outside of a combat situation. Afterward, I donned my armor, Vivian was made invisible again, and we proceeded to sneak our way back to the entrance. Just as Vivian found the door to be unlocked, we discovered that there were arrow slits above the approaching path - from which someone was firing upon us. So, throwing caution to the wind, we stormed the gates, so to speak. Immediately inside the entrance was a large four-way hall intersection, leading to the left, right, ahead, and behind us back whence we came. Soon thereafter, the Gnolls on guard-watch rang the bell, cleverly alerting everyone to our presence. Not yet realizing our predicament, I charged into the fray, which at the time consisted of some Gnolls and some human warriors. One of them landed a very lucky blow upon me - knocking me out cold, right then and there. To say that we were outnumbered would be an under-estimation bordering on folly. How long I remained unconscious is not known to me, but it must have been quite a while. When I finally came to, I found myself in the tail ending of an horrific orgy of mayhem and death. I was covered in the blood and nasty bits of other creatures, the remains of which covered the floor around me. Someone, maybe it was Eloen, turned me invisible, imploring me to run. Looking around me, I saw still more unbelievable carnage and still, quite a large number of monsters - one of which looked like the unholy union of a giant porcupine and a rotweiller. To my surprise, none of them were attacking but were, rather, howling in an ineffectual rage which I could not understand until, running past them, my path was deflected by a shimmering wall of magical force. Despite my injuries and exhaustion, I ran faster than ever before in my life, as though pulled upon by a force unseen and unknown to me. (Continued...)

Enter the Crater Ridge Mines, summer

Written by: Semaj, of the Clan of the Bitter Rose Day 41 (continued) With Connor raised we were able to heal up then circle back to Rastor. Vivian complained of her blindness the whole way….I guess her good side can only stay out so long. We spent the afternoon exploring the town. We thought we might buy a potion to cure Viv’s blindness. The smithy acts as the local general store, but in a town this small they are not equipped with anything more than the basics. I tried to get some information from the apprentice, to no avail. We headed over to the temple of Moradin, the Dwarven diety. Since dwarves don’t normally take too well to elves, Connor and I went in alone. I thought that being clerics might put us on some sort of common ground. We were able to buy two healing potions, but did not learn any new information. Upon our exit we found Viv and Eloen hatching a scheme to enter the west gate again. I think they’ve come up with a good and doable plan. We went back to the Gray Lodge and rested for the night. Day 42 In the morning Connor healed Vivian of her blindness. Of course her first statement was an insult directed towards me. We went downstairs to eat. After our meal Yarew approached me with a message from Tal Chammish. He wanted to meet with us. We abided the request of the town leader and stopped first at the keep. We were invited in and eventually served tea. He offered a leaf to include into the tea, which I immediately recalled is a type of drug. I passed, however Viv and Joz partook. Boy was that a mistake! In leaf form it is mostly benign, however with proper processing it can become addictive and a full-blown mind altering substance. Viv liked the feeling and did not want to leave. Furthermore, she wanted to tell him all of our information. I was beginning to feel like Chammish wanted too much specific information so I insisted we leave. After a bit the others followed. Viv and Joz seemed heavy with ale as we took the path towards Stalagos. Joz even treated us with a few songs. We passed two men in a wagon as we approached the fork in the road. I tried to engage them in conversation, but they just kept going. Eloen thought we might use their seemingly empty covered wagon to bluff our way into the mines. It was a good idea, however I feared that chasing after them on horseback might raise too much suspicion and give too much away. Instead I cast entangle upon the horses. What I didn’t account for is the time that entangle takes. It spooked the horses, which reared up, bucking one rider into the entangling brush and carrying the other rider away at full gallop. We raced over to aid the fallen man (I feared he might have been innocent and what was I to do then?) The man screeched and clawed at the brush, but it just kept tightening. He demanded to know what was going on, but I feigned ignorance. We were able to find out that he is named “Dooey” and that he is a guard for the main gait. He even offered to help us secure work since we helped him. His friend returned and they went on their way, a little worse for the wear. The meeting with Dooey had us thinking that we could use “change self” and enter the main gate somehow. After much debate and the flip of a coin we decided to proceed with our original plan. We left our horses in the same clearing as the last time we approached the west gate, and “buffed up” with bless, bull’s strength, mage armor and such. We then turned Viv and Connor invisible and cast silence on the stopper of one of the flasks of alchemist’s fire. They went to the large doors only to find them locked, Viv picked the lock, but then found that the doors were barred from the inside. Frustrated, she led Connor back about 20 feet and tossed the alchemist’s fire onto the doors. Needless to say, the old, dry wood was quickly engulfed in flames. Two troglodytes came outside to douse the flames. I wish I could have seen them trying to put out the fire, yelling at one another, only to hear nothing! They headed back to us, but we were under fire from above. Vivian decided to take a bold chance. She charged past the trogs and tossed the other alchemist’s fire onto the large dog that was waiting in the main hall with his rider atop him. I moved around the corner and took a shot at one of the troglodytes. Connor ran towards the door only to see Viv being attacked by the dog; it missed biting her, but managed to blow 3 quills into her. This battled started out as a comedy of errors. We were separated from Viv by the diameter of silence cast on the alchemist’s fire. Early on Vivian realized her hasty mistake and tried to retreat. She jumped in the air with the obvious intention of tumbling out of melee; from afar I could see the various swords rise above their owner’s heads to take chunks from the tiny elf. Not only that, but when Viv fell to the ground the still invisible Connor couldn’t heal her due to our circle of silence. He must have been so worried as he tried in vain to heal her. Later on a Gnoll moved Viv from the circle so that zombies could mindlessly gather outside. When he moved her Connor was able to reach her and heal her. I was able to stay back and offer ranged support. Eloen did the same, alternating between spells and her crossbow. Meanwhile Joz went forward to enter the combat and Wade did as well. The ogre that we killed during the last battle returned as a large zombie. The trog priest returned as well. Many zombies and a few Gnolls joined the combat as well. The trog priest tried numerous times to control Joz, but he proved too tough to crumble! Eventually the priest did dispel the silence and then made Connor appear. But we were quite successful up to that point. We waged a bloody battle, but thanks be to Meilikki that most of the blood was spilled by our foes. We all performed well against a tough group of opponents. Viv was very selfless when she ran to heal Connor. She avoided all of the opportunistic attacks (and she wasn’t feeling well either) in order to make it to him, and that allowed him to escape unharmed after the healing. Joz was a maniac! Zombies and gnolls kept coming at him, but he just fended them off! Wade was brave and effective—his spells and his sword were lethal. Eloen and I stayed mostly to the back, inching forward and picking off those we could see. In the end I was able to hit the obvious leader (riding the “dog”), and when the priest healed him Vivian batted him down, killing him. Two well-placed fireballs from Eloen won the battle, in my opinion. In the end, two were left standing, the priest and the ballista operator (who missed every time, I might add). I ran after the fleeing priest, and although an arrow hit him, he got away. I circled back to heal Connor, and while he was healing the others, I went to the back of the room to dismantle and burn the ballista. I looked up in time to see the operator approaching me. I swung my long sword right through him; he fell to the ground hacked in two. Connor was successful in removing the three quills from Vivian and the one from himself. We healed up the rest of the group and searched the area. We found the standard, anticipated weaponry and money. We also found some jewelry. Most importantly we found an excerpt from a book, a letter to the priest, and a letter to the leader. I think these will be beneficial when moving on into the mines. We then explored all the other rooms. It looked pretty normal for a mine; there were bunkrooms and storage rooms, dining rooms and guard posts. There was a room which seemed to be used for prepping the ore or cleaning it. I think we will have fun lurking through this place! That is, if Meilikki allows us to live through it! Praise be to Meilikki, the only One.

Written by: Wade, of the Clan of the Bitter Rose (continued) As the next several days passed, I found myself in a perpetual dreamlike state. My actions and words were not wholly my own, it was as though someone, a higher being maybe was directing me like some sort of puppet or personal avatar in some twisted otherworldly game. When I felt a compunction to speak, I spoke, the words not my own. When I walked it was simply to follow the clan, going where they led me. Sometimes I felt a direction to wield my still wild magics. Other times I felt as though an invisible string pulled my sword hand towards my foes. But it was not an....involuntary puppetry... I felt a sort of resignation or acquiensence towards the actions which I was being "directed" to perform. While they were not my own, I felt willing to perform them. Today, I awoke with a new found clarity. This dreamlike state was a message. I do not know who sent it. Maybe it was from the magics within my own mind. Perhaps it was from beyond. I simply do not know. But I think I understand what the message was: I can continue to be a puppet, doing things that I may or may not agree with, at the behest of others with no real concern of or control over my own destiny, or I can take charge of my destiny. As such, I have made a decision. I am taking charge of my destiny, and of those around me, if I must. What this clan seriously lacks is discipline, direction and tactics. I grew up in a military household and while I may not have seen much actual battle, damn it, I spent my life listening to my father (may he rest in peace) describing tactics and intelligence gathering and all of the other work that goes into a serious military campaign (which, as it happens, we are embarking upon). He wasn't just some hired thug, he was captain of the guard. And he didn't earn this armor which I wear by letting his men get killed. I don't deserve to wear it, but I must. I only hope that I can, someday, earn it. I must be careful with whom I share these newfound revelations. The more superstitious members of the clan would likely assume that I had been posessed and try ousting me - or worse. Hopefully Semaj will be of solid enough character to hear of my experience without jumping to unsavory conclusions. He is the leader, afterall, and thus far, the most level headed of the group.

Troglodyte Hunting

Day 42 (cont.)

We went about stripping the bodies of any valuables. We gathered quite a few weapons and suits of armor of decent to good quality. There was some jewelry that I think will fetch a good price back in Verbobonc. There were also some magical items and some specialty weapons. Wade became somewhat fascinated by the Ogre's Great Club; true enough it looks like a tree! Wade and I decided to scavenge the caves for appropriate items to fashion a sled. We weren't being especially careful and as we rounded a corner we came face to face with a very large, very scary half orc. In a panic I pulled my bow and arrow and yelled. It in turn raised its sword, as did Wade. We jumped back behind the corner and yelled to it, asking who it was. It demanded the same of us, so I conceded, yelling that I am Semaj of the Clan of the Bitter Rose. Wade rolled his eyes at me, but some know of us, I figured it was worth a try. The creature paused and stated that he is in search of the Clan. I couldn't contain myself and smirked at Wade. We agreed to put our weapons down and speak calmly. The half orc introduced himself as Kwog. He said that he is in search of his cousin Calphin, whom he believes is on the same path as our clan. Kwog wanted to join us, and after a bit of talking I thought it might not be a bad idea. We gathered the supplies we were in search of and headed back to the group.

When we got back to the room with all the stripped corpses we entered to Vivian berating some broken down human. I went to Connor's side to ask if all was well. He assured me it was and filled me in on the unfortunate's situation. His name is Haikum and he had been somehow led down into the caves and betrayed by some friends. He didn't know how long he had been wandering. We fed him and healed him up, hoping he could tell us something about the lower depths. He was able to tell us of a dragon, but not much more. Maybe after he rests he'll be more useful. We agreed to take him back to town. We built the sled and went back to town. We went straight to the dwarven temple, but they didn't have room to store the loot. Kwog suggested that we try the town constable in the morning and then offered to help guard the pile in the stable. Once you get past his orcish appearance he's a likable creature. Vivian doesn't really agree, but she is often disagreeable with, well, actually, she's often disagreeable with anyone and everyone.

Thanks be to Meilikki for seeing us through this trying day. May She guide us towards better usage of our natural abilities and show us Her Way. Praise be to Her.

Day 43

Early this morning a rapping at the door woke me. Without ceremony Vivian and Jozhanislav walked in. Connor stirred in the corner and Eloen rose from her slumber rubbing her eyes. Vivian seemed especially abrasive, "Well, since you've gained some new, unsavory elements to the Clan, I'm gone. Joz and I are gonna go back to my family's court and get my inheritance that's due me. I've had enough of all of you and I know I speak for Joz, too. So, bye!"

I called out to her; I couldn't believe she would leave so abruptly (we hadn't even doled out the bounty from yesterday). She stopped long enough for me to ask to see her bag; with a flick of the hand they turned and took flight. Later I found that she had indeed stolen a few low priced gems and of course the jewelry she had been wearing, but in reality it was a far cry from what we would have paid out in yesterday's battle. I think I was more stunned because I thought we were close and had some sort of understanding. I guess it goes to show that I'm better at reading animals than "intelligent beings". The rest of us gathered in the stable to regroup. Kwog told us that Yarew approached him while we were upstairs. Yarew claims to have a potential buyer for our weaponry and armor. Of course he wants a 20% cut. We'll have to weigh our options.

We approached Constable Jardeth about storing our loot. We offered him some weaponry and armor to do so. We became a bit skittish when he made provisions that we would not be able to collect our items for six days, no more, no less. We decided to offload what we could with Yarew's contact and then bury the rest of it in the wilderness. I went out to scout an appropriate location. First we did stop at the Constable's and left some battle axes and armor as a token of appreciation for his time; no need to anger the local militia, never know when they might come in useful.

We met Yarew and his contact, an orc, (I was glad we had Kwog with us now) at midnight. We made the trade and went back to the Lodge to sleep. He took most of the common weapons and armor and paid slightly higher than market value. I was satisfied with the deal, at least we don't have to bury it or lug it back to Verbobonc.

Day 44

It took us almost the entire day to bury the items, we sent Eloen out to identify the magical items. She was spent by the end of the day. The eyepiece we found on the commander, Mereclar, turned out to be called Eyes of the Eagle, which increases the sharpness of one's vision. Since Kwog will now be walking point it was agreed that he should wear it.

Day 45

While we traveled back to the western entrance Haikum (who decided to join us) told us more about the dragon. The dragon - a green one, of unknown size - spared his life in exchange for his money and jewelry; this included his mother's ring. I believe the ring might be his only motivation for returning to the caves. Only time will tell.

Once inside the fortress we had to decide whether to go towards the man-made tunnels or the ones that appeared more natural. We initially went towards the known path, but hesitated when faced with the possibility of meeting the dragon. We backtracked back to the crude, meandering caves. Kwog scouted ahead and the rest of us followed at a safe distance. We entered a room with words inlaid in the floor such as "crush, death, destruction and devour". It sent chills up my spine. We smelled the troglodyte before we even saw him. I was hoping it would be the cleric who had escaped the prior two battles, but a part of me fears meeting him again. As the in-process battle came to our attention I realized that it was not the cleric, but an impressive warrior. Wade sent three magic missiles into the trog as I sent an arrow into his side. The trog seemed angered by this and even as he was engaged with Kwog, roared and lashed out at Wade, showering rocks down upon him from his obviously magical sword. Wade then blasted another magic missile into him, killing the beast. Wade picked up the trog's sword; it had a brown triangle set in the handle. It looked just like the symbol in the floor at the entrance. I wonder what weapons we will face in upcoming battles. Connor pulled the half plate from the trog and put it on. In turn, Haikum removed his chain mail and replaced it with Connor's old breastplate.

Kwog looked around at us and said, "I am proud to fight among such valiant warriors. I had heard that you followed a path to righteousness, stamping out evil, but now I know it is true. You follow the path that I follow."

I was honored to hear him speak so highly of our group and looked to see the reactions of those in the room. My eyes rested upon Connor, "What is troubling you, my friend?" I inquired.

"It is what Kwog said. He speaks of his path. He speaks of your path. How do I say this? I want it to be my path as well. I want to be an adventurer. I dreamed of leaving my life of affluence and traveling about. But Semaj, I cannot deny what Lethander has shown me. When I died and you brought me back I had a vision. I fought the outcome for I want to stay with you all. You have accepted me and embraced me in a way my own flesh never did."

"What was the vision?"

"I must go. I must use the tools I have learned out here and help my God. He has shown me a people in need of my guidance. Of course, I will only be His conduit, but I realize it is the Path I am meant to take."

"You must do what you feel in your heart is right."

"I know this to be right. I am sorry."

"Sorry for what? You have taught us all a great deal. We will miss you. Please send word of your whereabouts and know that we will always hold a place for you."

We all said our good-byes and I accompanied him for a short distance. We embraced as brothers would; I stayed behind a few moments so the others wouldn't see my tears. Connor was my lieutenant, but in many more ways he was my teacher. I don't know how I can even claim to lead without his guidance. When I returned to the others I told them that I could no longer lead this group, someone else needed to step forward and take the reigns. Leading isn't something I'm designed to do, nor comfortable with. With this announcement came lightness and clarity.

But I carry a weight inside, I miss him already.

Praise be to Meilikki. She is all knowing, and I must trust Her in that.

The Earth Temple

Day 45 (cont.)

I was so lost in thought of Connor's departure that I didn't even hear the footsteps. Before I could reach the group I found myself face-to-face with three very ugly troglodytes (not that there is any other kind). I was keenly aware of three other trogs in the area with the clan; I would be on my own for this battle. Since I did not really feel up to this particular challenge I decided to flee. I reasoned that I could circle back and lend support to the group as they took on 6 trogs. My wits were not about me when I turned to leave; I didn't disengage, rather, I cast expeditious retreat. I got over 100 feet away before I was able to slow myself down. When I stopped I realized that the trog must have hit me with his spear, I was bleeding pretty badly. I healed myself and started back.

I arrived to the group battling fiercely. Kwog was in berserker rage and Eloen was holding her own, both in spell casting and combat. There was a large sand pit in the center of the room. Some of the group was still standing waste high in the pit and the others had sand on the bottom half of their clothing. An earth elemental had been added to the list of enemies, and a female troglodyte cleric was casting spells north from our position.

The ensuing battle was tougher than one might imagine. I don't think we were mentally ready for the fight. At one time or another everyone seemed distracted. Thankfully we finished off the trogs. Sensing the end was near the cleric fled. Another troglodyte tried to run away, but I drew my bow and hit her. I saw her fall, but wasn't sure she was dead. I called to Kwog to check upon her. When he returned with her body he was still enraged and threw her into the pit. He then started throwing the other bodies in. I was able to search a couple before his tantrum. When he calmed down from his rage he seemed remorseful and a bit embarrassed. He dove into the pit and pulled the bodies out. We sifted through the pockets.

Wade noticed some boots he thought might be magical. I slipped them on and jumped up and down; the others confirmed that the boots might be enchanted with the ability to move silently. It was decided that I would keep the boots since our rogue, Kwog, already wears magical boots.

Haikum and I spent a few moments healing those in need, and then we ventured on. As we entered the cavern someone yelled, "big wing-ed thing!!!" It was too late. A Manticore charged at us, shooting spikes from its tail at Eloen and Haikum. Eloen was hit and fell; Haikum leaned down to heal her. The spikes were brutal and did tremendous damage. Two of them hit Kwog. Both Eloen and I were able to slow the beast with ranged weapons allowing time for Kwog to charge. I know he was tired from his earlier rage, but he managed a beautiful leap into the air, weapon above his head. He sliced down the belly of the beast, showering its entrails all over him as the manticore fell, dead. Kwog pulled a spike from the beast's tail. He muttered something about jewelry. In the corner Eloen found a severed hand with two rings on it. A bit gory for my taste, but I'm always happy for treasure.

I tracked some footsteps going left, so we followed them. The next encounter was a minor one and hardly worth mentioning. But I got to see something that I have only heard about until now. We met a rock spewing mephit-not a big deal, although he did annoyingly turned the stone under our feet into another sand pit. Haikum and I both drew our weapons to take aim. He threw his axe and I took two shots. All three attempts landed and the mephit dropped to the ground. Again, not amazing. But when Haikum threw his axe, the blow landed and then the hammer returned to his hand of its own accord. It was remarkable. I have heard of such a thing, but it was thrilling to see it up close!

Now I'm just rambling. There are more important things for me to concentrate on. I think I might be trying to avoid writing of the battle that consumed most of our day. It was challenging and tiring and bloody. It was also more than a bit scary. I don't want to talk to the others of this, but in my personal writings I must be honest: the cult we are fighting scare the life out of me, they are pure evil. And they are powerful, which is why we must push forward to eliminate them once and for all. I believe that this is what Meilikki wants. In fact I would not be surprised if all of the just gods are united in this desire. I feel Her beckoning me to push forward and overcome my own fears.

I digress.

We passed through another corridor and saw a large room. It appeared to be some sort of altar room. There was a large 3-tiered ziggurat in the center of the room with the latest sacrifice still on it-dead. But the apparent next victim was chained to the sidewall. He was your standard sized dwarf, almost naked, but still proud. You could tell he hadn't given up the fight yet; he was just waiting for the right time.

Kwog signaled to retreat back to the room with the sand pit. We hoped to get them to chase us and we could pick them off utilizing the corridor to our advantage. This ended up being our saving grace. Once the battle started dozens of centipedes swarmed into our area. They are more an annoyance than a danger until you assemble a mass, then they pick at you (and their poison becomes deadly). I must remark that Wade killed a majority of the centipedes, and he distracted even more of them. He ended up poisoned because of it, but his bravery really showed through. He might be difficult to read sometimes, but he is proving himself a valiant warrior and skilled spell caster.

Apart from the centipedes we had to deal with several earth mephits who kept summoning additional mephits. There were also several troglodytes of varying types-a few clerics were mixed among them, including our nemesis from the main gate, Terrenygit.

Early in the battle Eloen created a magical web, but it didn't catch most of the creatures. She more than made up for this later when she threw two fireballs and took out a great number of our foes; remarkably she didn't even hit the dwarf. Speaking of the dwarf, he pulled his chains from the wall when he saw the fighting begin. He then boldly used the chains to strike a troglodyte down. It was amazing.

A creature of mythical proportions, who we later identified as a Xorn, materialized next to Kwog and myself in the middle of the sand pit. He did some real damage to Kwog with his claws and bite. After several moments in combat, in which Haikum joined us, Eloen was able to kill the Zorn with, of all things, a magic missile.

Another vicious exchange took place with a trog cleric; he had been very aggravating during the altercation. Eventually I could take no more. I pulled back my bow and said a quick prayer to Meilikki; the arrows flew through the air and pierced right through him. It injured him enough that Kwog was able to issue the damning blow.

Poor Wade was almost dead half way through the battle. He retreated to the far side of the sand pit where he continued to cast spells. Once he ran out he continued to help by calling out to us potential problems or targets. It was a bit like being on the front lines of battle with a general behind you choreographing the conflict.

We eventually killed the remaining trogs, Kwog had to chase down one of them so he couldn't get away. We reassembled in the room, a bit tattered, but feeling proud of our outcome.

Praise be to Meilikki for watching over us again. Her will be done.

Settling down in a town full of Orcs

Day 45 (cont.)

The empty altar room felt eerie, the evil was almost tangible. As we raided the bodies of the fallen, Kwog found a letter concerning his cousin. He ran to the cage where more prisoners were being kept. He broke through the lock freeing a defiant elf woman and two miserable humans. He interrogated them about his cousin. The elf had an attitude, which didn't play well with a concerned Kwog. Eventually she told him that she remembered the young boy, but didn't know anything about where he was taken. Kwog also found some faint scratching on one of the walls indicating that his cousin indeed was imprisoned there.

As it was, the note did mention that the boy was sent southwards inside the mines, to some mysterious being named D'Gran. I held my breath when Kwog read that to us. I didn't feel like our group was in any shape to battle on, but I also knew that nothing would stop me if it was my family or loved one.

The party wanted to rest up a bit. I wanted to find a safe enough place in the mines, but Kwog insisted on going back to town. Some of the others agreed - our location spooked them. I have noticed that Kwog is often the voice in favor of returning to town to rest. I pondered what kind of adventuring leaves a half-orc so prissy? I am happy with a dry, relatively warm location and a good scout.

We offered to show the prisoners outside, secretly I hoped to recruit the dwarf. When we reached a fork in the path the elf, Tenaris, announced that she and the dwarf - Magnus by name - would take the unknown direction in hopes of finding their equipment. We protested, but couldn't stop them. The humans had already fled. I shrugged my shoulders and kept on, we were in no shape for an unexpected battle against an unknown foe.

We were almost out of the mines when we heard Tenaris shouting to us. Magnus was down and needed our help. Part of me wanted to continue on; he chose that direction by himself. But then I thought back to how he bravely fought, even while naked with only chains as his weapon. Kwog, Haikum and I turned back to find and heal him. Tenaris led us through a creepy corridor, filled with all sorts of nasty bugs and crawling things, and we reached an inner room, where we found Magnus bleeding to an inch of his life. The room apparently belonged to one of the clerics from the temple we had just cleared. As we healed him, Tenaris told us he had tried to open a locked coffer, and was hit by a an explosion of sorts.

At least they both found their equipment so we could end the search. Among the items we also found a letter from Hedrack, a name that seems more and more ominous as we make our progress.

On the trip back to Rastor Tenaris told us what she knew of the cult. Uskathoth was the head priest of the Earth temple, where we had found her. Snearak was his second in command. They worship an evil god named Ogremoch. She and Magnus told us of four temples each of a different element (earth, air, water, and fire); each of them is in constant struggle against the others. The temples are arranged inside the mountain in a circular fashion with a fifth one in the center of the circle on an island. The fifth temple is the "head" (for lack of a better word) cult, with everyone vying for ultimate power. The elf said that she believes the southern cult worships air. They also have a bullring of sorts in which she was going to be forced to fight a half-orc. Her final recall provided confirmation for Kwog: Calphin was being sent to D'Gran. She didn't know much about D'Gran, except that (surprise, surprise) he is very evil. Then the elf was off. Magnus decided to stay with us. I think he wants to end what evil resides in the mines. He also mentioned that he was searching for a hidden temple of his god, Moradin.

Day 46

Wade came to me before first light and requested 120 gold pieces for a mysterious errand. He has never been too concerned with his share of the treasure, so I gladly gave it to him. I was a bit concerned with all the secrecy, so I gave him my last healing potion and sent him with my best wishes. As he left I studied the footprints he left behind. Then I prayed to Meilikki that I would not have to track the prints.

I did not want to press Kwog about the contents of the letter or the information the elf shared of his cousin. I learned a long time ago that everyone deals with things in their own way and it is not mine to question. Surprisingly, he went with me to Jardeth, the constable, to inquire about real estate in the area. Jardeth's cousin, Erek, had just finished building a house, but the buyer had walked away. We met with Erek who offered us the house, furnished, for 750 gold pieces, a steal. For an additional thousand he would arrange for two workshops for our crafters.

In the afternoon (while Eloen stayed at the hotel identifying some of our newly acquired magical items) we met again with Erek, the smith Tunraug, Tymerian (a wizard of no small abilities), and a dwarven woman, Thandain Deeperdark to discuss the workshops. Tymerian was very helpful and, in fact, offered us her future services if ever we are in need. They anticipated the workshops being done in two weeks.

We sat over ale and a meal at the lodge that night. I thought with the two-week hiatus we could make a trip to Verbobonc and trade. Just as the conversation took off the door swung open and in walked Wade. He was quite battered, but more interesting, he was not alone. He introduced us to Samson, his raven companion. He wouldn't talk much of the meeting, but he didn't have the healing potion anymore so it must have been brutal. Samson should make things interesting, he's quite sardonic. Just what I need, a cheeky raven!

Discussion turned back to a trip to Verbobonc. We decided that Wade and I could make the trip. We had most of the contacts in place and could probably do it with ease. We reallocated what scrolls and potions we had left and I gave Eloen a portion of our remaining gold.

Day 47

We rose early and went to our hiding spot. We dug up all the buried items and readied ourselves to leave. At the last moment Haikum decided to join us. In retrospect I am very thankful he came along. He has been very quiet since we met him, but he was able to open up during the six-day journey.

I was almost angry that he held back so much crucial information. However, upon reflection I could understand why. He was utterly betrayed by his previous "friends and colleagues", why should he trust us too quickly? He told us a detailed account of what brought him into the mines. He was being recruited by Hedrack (unsurprisingly, he's one of the top leaders). He also cleared up who might have signed that letter to Belak, which originally took us to Hommlet. Hedrack's assistant is named Varachan. My mind boggled at the amount of information he shared with us. Once we get back to Rastor we will have to spend some solid time recording it; I have a feeling that it will mean everything to us in the future.

Day 53

I forgot just how busy Verbobonc is. There are so many people! The first day we left the special sword that spewed rocks with a sage. We hoped it could be identified while we did the rest of our trading.

We were quite fortunate with the amount of items we were able to sell. The magical ogre club fetched a small fortune on its own. We stocked up on items for healing: wands and potions and such.

We traded four of the emerald necklaces we found on the earth temple troglodyte guards for a bead of force. When we left I had a strange feeling that the merchant got one over on us. We took the remaining necklaces to a cleric who offered us eight hundred gold for one. I gave him fifty gold for his trouble, but declined to sell. We bought some other supplies and were able to off-load all of the items we wanted to get rid of. We went back to the sage who had successfully identified the sword as the Greatsword of Earth. He said that it is an ancient sword created using human sacrifices. Although it was made to worship Ogremoch (a demigod who is the Prince of Evil Earth Elementals) the sword itself is not aligned with evil. The rock blast that we experienced can be released once a day using the words, "Roquer Gi". The sage looked thrilled and saddened to be losing the sword. I knew that Kwog would be happy to start using it as soon as possible.

We turned to come home. During the quiet parts of the trip my thoughts wandered back to Calphin. I asked Wade if he thought Kwog would leave to search for him while we were away. Wade agreed that it wouldn't surprise him. We anxiously pushed the horses a little harder.

Day 61

We arrived at Rastor as the workshops were being finished. I was so happy about sleeping in my own bed that I forgot to ask Kwog about his cousin. I paid Erek what he was due and offered him a gold ring as additional thanks. He declined, but asked us to donate it instead. I think we will be safe with him as our next-door neighbor.

Day 63

We went back to the caves to find the front door modestly covered over. I heard ogres within. We sent Samson to scout. He returned with a count of four ogres. I scoffed at the odds--we have taken on worse!

There was much discussion about how to best enter. We decided to go about it the loud and sloppy way and lit the door on fire. A dark cloud appeared, it was possibly some sort of magical security alarm.

We fell back to plan our next action. Our choice was made for us when an ogre came flying through the sky and shot a cold cone at us. Luckily he had not been quiet and we were able to ready our actions. The cone hit, but Eloen had already discharged lightning and it hit big! Both of my arrows landed and I ended up killing the flying ogre mage. The three other ogres came around the bend and Wade shot a fireball injuring all three. Kwog killed one, I got another, and Wade shot the third. I wanted to say, "I told you so", but I bit my tongue. Four ogres are no match for us. We found a lot of stuff on the four bodies, it turned out to be a good morning.

We are preparing to enter the mines again. Praise be to Meilikki, may She bless us with an ounce of Her wisdom.

Following dwarven tracks

Day 63 (cont.)

We searched the ogre bodies and turned to enter the caves. As we crosses the entrance, Kwog fell to the ground and started writhing in silence. His face contorted into many different expressions. Haikum checked for a pulse and found a faint one.

Kwog would not respond to our questions. Haikum tried to dispel magic, but Kwog was still unresponsive. After a few minutes, which seemed like an eternity, Wade threw water on him. Kwog jerked awake, rose to his feet and uttered, "We go south". He would not say anything more of what he had just experienced.

To the south we found two paths, one that Haikum recalled. The group decided that we should avoid the dragon so we took the southeastern path. We followed tracks that had once been used to cart the mined ore up to the surface. Kwog scouted ahead, he did not seem himself, but he refused to hold back. Wade sent Samson up ahead so that they could communicate.

We passed a cavern, which housed some sort of reptilian beast; stone "statues" of creatures at the entrance warned us not to enter. We found a path that connected the southeastern tracks to the southwestern tracks; we followed it to a cavern with two faint glowing lights. Someone mentioned the dragon, but Haikum felt it was deeper into the caves. As Kwog approached the area where the glowing lights had been, fire rodents jumped from the earth. We all moved in and the two creatures were quickly killed, but not before one caught Kwog on fire. He quickly doused his pants, although much of them had burned off. We continued southwest down the path slowly. We eventually entered a very large grotto with a large pit in the center. The tracks we followed continued over the pit in a bridge-like fashion. At the bottom of the pit we saw more tracks. We assumed these were from the southeastern trail we had been on earlier.

Kwog expressed that he preferred the tracks at the bottom of the pit; they seemed to go in a more southerly direction. He climbed down the latter to scout and returned with news of some type of two-headed giant. I figured it to be an ettin and relished the idea of sending the monster to its grave. Some in the party were hesitant to move against the beast, I felt compelled to do so. My blood boiled as I thought of the destruction which giants rain on innocents. I put Kwog's boots on; my speed would be doubled with the magical boots. I hoped to run into the back of the cave and back to the opening. This would allow me to see the hidden areas and maybe launch a surprise attack. When I reached the opening the beast was nowhere to be seen. I went back to confer with the others, but Kwog took matters into his own hands. We all looked at him dumbfounded as he yelled something in orcish. He looked around and whispered, "Isn't anyone going to respond? Help me out." None of us speak orcish so he replied to himself. His ruse was unsuccessful; the giant did not come out of hiding. Wade told Kwog to check out the cave again. The front twenty feet or so were dark and only Kwog has dark vision. Kwog did not want to risk himself and they started to fight. I quickly grew tired of the bickering and announced that I could still do my original plan and would take the ettin on alone if no one wanted to stand with me. Kwog finally gave in. The front area was clear, but he spotted a spiked club poking out from behind a far passage.

I ran halfway across the divide and stood behind an old, rusty mining cart. Wade joined me and the rest moved into the room in various locations. The ettin revealed itself and went straight for Wade, hitting him with both clubs. Another creature, which resembled a very large bug, came out as well and scurried into the room towards Magnus.

Wade ducked into the cart and cast magic missile at the ettin. I drew my bow and both arrows plunged deeply into the ettin's chest. The ettin was enraged, but took his ire out on poor Wade; he pummeled the cart. I feared that our friend would not make it through this crushing attack. I dropped my bow and swung my longsword towards the ettin, but failed. Haikum risked everything to check on Wade, the ettin caught him with one club. Haikum managed to heal Wade, but the ettin beat him down again. I prayed to Meilikki and raged, missing another swipe with my longsword, while the ettin missed both clubs that time. As he composed himself I lunged at him. I dug my shortsword into his side as I sliced through him with my longsword. I was elated to see him slump to the ground.

I looked over to the others and saw that they were still battling the other thing. I noticed Magnus, his armor rusted through and quickly crumbling, screaming something about keeping away from the thing's antenna. Kwog had retreated to the ladder and the monster had followed him. I picked up my bow and shot an arrow, then another. Both pierced its outer skeleton and I heard the thing twitter and sputter as it died. Meilikki blessed me today. It was a good battle. Eloen advised us that we had just killed a rust monster. It literally rusts metal and then eats it. Magnus' precious armor had served as its last meal. Wade stepped forward and offered Magnus his father's armor. I thought the dwarf might start crying, not out of sentimentality of the gesture, but because he had prized his original armor.

We found a bag of loot including some thunderstones. Kwog, Haikum, and Eloen each took a stone. We continued on. We followed a natural hallway, which entered into a massive hallway. The entire time Magnus kept noting the craftsmanship of the stonework. "Dwarves obviously did this…Exquisite work!" and so on.

We found our way into a room with a large water feature in the center. Strange glistening rock formations were all around. Magnus told us that he felt very drawn to the area. He took the ever-burning torch from Eloen and thrust it into the pool. Haikum cast light onto a stone and threw it in. Several corpses littered the bottom of the pool. Using a grappling hook and rope, Kwog fished out a piece of cloth with an eye symbol weaved onto it. Wade cast dancing lights towards the far side of the pool and spotted another corpse. This one was unmistakably dwarven.

As Magnus stripped off his clothes I checked the water to see that it was safe. He jumped in and when he emerged it was with a symbol of Moradin. We also managed to pull the dead dwarf's armor up and Wade found it to be magical. Kwog scaled up the far wall and threw back the few items he found: a magic battle axe and what appears to be a masterwork shield. We went back to the railway and followed it to a stream of water. There was a five-foot ledge, which we started down. An unidentifiable jelly jumped from the water towards Wade. He hit it with a magic missile. Kwog hit it with his sword and it split into two foes. I was at the back of the group and decided to step back into the corridor. I thought our best hope might be to disengage since every weapon (blunt, slashing, or piercing) split the jelly into two, and we already had five of those things fighting us. I guess Wade's success with his magic missiles gave him another idea. I watched in terror as he set a fireball into the tunnel. The jellies died, but just about everyone took damage. Luckily, no one was killed. We fell back to the room with the pool and healed up. I can only imagine what is in store for us tomorrow.

Praise be to Meilikki.

A Green Dragon

Day 64

Kwog gruffly "requested" his boots back this morning. I guess he's feeling a bit better. We returned back to the ledge where Wade had fireballed the jellies. Scouting ahead Kwog spotted some charred cloth. We couldn't see a body, but then again, the area was pretty dark.

Seemingly out of nowhere the green dragon, Vranthis, appeared and spewed us with acid. We realized too late that we had forgotten to protect ourselves with magic this morning. Eloen managed to get a lightening bolt off and hit the beast. I sunk one arrow into its neck. Fizzling a magic missile, Wade jumped into the water. Vranthis flew through the cavern - a sort of overhead attack. Kwog managed to get a good hit at him.

Haikum and Magnus rushed to heal those in need. The rest readied actions waiting for the dragon to emerge again.

I stood in the back of the group pivoting back and forth; we didn't know which direction Vranthis would come from. I was so nervous I could hear everyone's breath and my own heart beating. Until I heard a splash; he was in the water! With the echo there was no way to know where he had entered. That is until he popped up and sprayed acid at us. I let go two arrows, sinking one. At the same time I felt the heat of a poorly placed fireball - Wade strikes again. I swear I'm starting to wonder which side he's on.

Thankfully, Vranthis continued on around a bend. I wasn't excited to follow him, but at least we had some time to breath and heal up.

Wade sent another fireball after Vranthis. In the distance we could see some sort of structure light on fire. Kwog ran in, but the dragon was gone.

We climbed out of the water and started towards where Vranthis fled. We slowly made our way north, Vranthis taunting us the whole way.

In the center of the room was the charred remains of a massive, old mining platform.

Wade cast mage hand on an extra cape and "guided" it down the hall. At one point the cloak was wrenched from Wade's control. We continued to follow it into Vranthis' apparent den. The cloak floated into the center of the room. Vranthis continued to taunt us. Wade unleashed - surprise, surprise - a fireball towards where he thought Vranthis might be hiding. An eight-foot, four-armed monkey appeared; the dragon's pet maybe? Kwog snuck up behind the monkey and hit it. The monkey's attack was partially unsuccessful (thank Meilikki), but brutal. He did not connect with his top two arms, however the bottom two hit. And when they did, they pulled and clawed at Kwog, ripping him apart. It also managed a nasty bite. Vranthis swooped down and touched the monkey on the head. I can only imagine what spell he cast. By this time we had all entered the fray: Kwog concentrating on the monkey, Eloen summoned a bear which helped distract the monkey, then she started sending magic missiles towards Vranthis, Haikum and Magnus were busy healing us as needed, and I somehow ended up head to head with the dragon. Unfortunately I was not as victorious as I would have liked, I ended up unconscious at one point.

When I was brought to the monkey was dead, Vranthis had fled and Kwog was chasing him down to kill him. Kwog returned triumphant to find us searching the room. The main loot was a large iron pot filled with gold and jewels. It had melted due to a certain sorcerer's fireball. There was also the remnant of a large bronze statue sort of welded to the lump. After much debate we decided to push on. It was perhaps a mistake. We ran into some type of acid-spewing creature, which we killed easily. At that time we decided to skin the dragon, take our treasure and return to town.

Upon reflection I must thank Meilikki for blessing us with spell of endurance and enduring elements such as acid. If it were not for Her blessings we might not have survived.

Praise be to Meilikki, for She is great.

Meeting D'Gran

Day 65

When we woke this morning I was still tired from the long days we've spent without sunlight. I long for the open woods and nature. Someone spotted a person outside our house; it ended up being that elf woman, Tenaris.

She wanted to join our party. I questioned her motives-she had been so haughty and quick to leave after we rescued her. She claimed that she had been very affected by her stay in the dungeon, but truly wanted to end the rule of the evil temples. She challenged any of us to a one-on-one battle to prove her worthiness. Kwog stepped forward fancying himself the best at melee combat. He started strong, but as I watched her quick blades smack against him I knew she would be a grand addition to our troupe. I think it was about that time that Kwog realized he hadn't yet put his armor on.

Haikum bet a gold piece on Tenaris and Eloen took the bet; a fool's wager in my opinion. I only hoped the elf would be as skilled with her bow as she obviously was with her sword.

Tenaris released Kwog from the fight after only a few rounds. Kwog was upset, but could be heard murmuring something about her only winning because he wasn't wearing his armor. He was probably right, but the morning would scar his ego for a bit of time.

Over breakfast Magnus told us of his adventures during the previous night. He took the two strange keys to the dwarven church. He showed us what they had come up with. When placed together, back-to-back, the keys "fused" into a single piece. I wondered aloud if they are keys at all. We assumed they are because of the shape and the "teeth" but when fused they appeared almost wand-like. Jesting, Wade suggested I tap Kwog with it. I held it to his head and went into a trance-like state for about twenty seconds. I had a deep desire to say something, but could not find the words I was looking for. Kwog claimed to feel nothing. After about ten minutes the keys broke apart.

On our path to the mines we happened upon three soldiers. They wouldn't speak to us so Kwog and I tracked them for a bit to eavesdrop. They spoke about their pit master being upset lately with the quality of recruits. They also spoke about a rumored slain dragon; they found that rumor ludicrous. I had a bit of a laugh at that. They also spoke of one of the temples being raided recently. We'd better continue our quest quickly before too many rumors are circulating about us. We traced back through the caves to pick up our previous trail. We found a large cave covered with fungus. It looked like the underside of a volcano filled with toadstools. I found the fungus was both edible and highly nutritious. This might be an important room to remember in the future.

We were greeted by two very ugly exo-skeletal creatures with pincers. One cast some sort of mind control over Wade and Kwog.

While we all tried to take the beasts on, Kwog started to attack Tenaris. After the first monster was finally killed Kwog regained his mind and dealt a crucial blow to the remaining creature, allowing Tenaris to strike a final deathblow. We continued on and found a stone staircase of obvious dwarven crafting. Magnus reminded us that the Rastor dwarves had told him of a temple inside the mines which had been overtaken by evil. If we would find it and clear it out they could re-inhabit it, thus giving us a nice foothold.

Violet fungus appeared and attacked Tenaris in the room we entered. Although Kwog decimated it, it was too late; she had already been poisoned. Magnus used his divine powers to neutralize the poison. Wade piped in, "That'll come out of your cut". I couldn't say I disagreed with him. I wanted to see a bit of what she showed us this morning.

Kwog went forward to scout and bumped into a troll. Kwog retreated back and we went forward thinking we could send a fireball in and have an element of surprise. We were wrong. When Eloen approached the curve in the path she was clawed. She cast flaming sphere instead. I suggested that she travel pretty close to the sphere since she has to direct it. I figured I could go right behind her to offer ranged support. Kwog disagreed I guess; he jumped in front of me, blocking any view I might have possibly had. This proved to be a reckless (and useless) mistake.

For a while we were quagmired. Poor Tenaris ended up on her own on the wrong side of the flaming sphere. I finally convinced Kwog to push me in front of him. Once he did I took aim and killed one of the trolls. A little collaboration made quick work of the other. We tossed the bodies on their refuse pile, now a bonfire due to the flaming sphere.

We healed up to move on. We really should have paid more attention. After caves and rough hewn stone, we entered an area that looked like the inside of a building. The two trolls were obviously guards, but no one put it together. Kwog opened the door and tumbled in. a troll was waiting for him on the other side and hit him pretty hard. Some lady wizard who was obviously waiting for us sent a fireball into our vestibule as Kwog hit upon her, hard. Wade then sent a fireball in and the wizard fell. I plunged two arrows into her to insure she wouldn't get up.

We were caught in a small annex with a long hallway feeding into it. Wade yelled that people were coming down the hallway. The troll was tough. He just kept laughing when we would hit him. I hate trolls. Wade sent a fireball down the hallway sizzling a group of brigands. Magnus summoned a celestial bear and at that point the evil fiend, D'Gran, showed up. I feared we were so ill prepared that this might be the death of us. D'Gran spoke to Kwog and became invisible. We had our hands full with the troll and D'Gran so I threw the bead of force down the hall; it trapped a large summoned dinosaur within, but a smaller one ended up on our side. The celestial bear swiped at it and killed it.

When D'Gran appeared next he cast the room in total darkness. We could hear the approaching soldiers retreating. I realized there were doors we hadn't accounted for. Might they circle around and engulf us? I chastised myself for the reckless use of the bead of force. I don't know much about what happened during the battle, as most of it was done in darkness. I know I hit two arrows into the troll, I think Tenaris downed it with a final arrow. Everyone was yelling, trying to communicate in the dark. How would we light the troll on fire if no one could find it? And what to do about D'Gran? It was a mess. The doors opened and another troll emerged. Every time D'Gran swooped in (did I mention the ugly fiend flies?) he would lighten the room, make his attack and drop darkness on us again. I fought my instinct to take out the troll and concentrated on hitting D'Gran the next time he appeared. It worked! Both arrows sunk into him along with one from Tenaris and magic missiles from Wade. D'Gran was so distracted he missed his attack on Haikum.

Kwog had tumbled at some point past the troll and he and Magnus were flanking it, but not doing much as far as damage. Another wizard appeared behind Kwog and hit me with a couple magic missiles. On a couple of occasions the wizard tried to destroy Kwog's sword, to no avail. I bet he recognized it, as it was "procured" from the earth temple.

At some point I turned my attention to the troll and between Kwog's melee ability and my arrows, the troll went down. By that time the wizard had disappeared. Eloen attempted to web D'Gran, but instead we were all mired in the strands. I hit D'Gran a couple more times and he disappeared. The problem was that we were barely hobbling and we didn't know if he had left or if he was prepping his next action. Without killing the trolls, or looting the dead wizard's body, we retreated. I fear what we will be up against next time, as they know we are coming. I don't even think we can prepare for this battle, we must leave it in Meilikki's hands.

Praise be to Meilikki, may She continue to watch over us.

The Death Toll Increases

Day 65 (cont.)

As we left the D'Gran's chambers Kwog dropped to the ground. I guess he'd gone into a rage and was not doing so well when he came out of it. Haikum quickly healed him and we moved on.

The trek home was a quiet one. I think we were all tired from the battle and smarting from the surprise of meeting D'Gran so soon. The walk felt like days.

Finally our home came into sight. The first thing we noticed was the open door. I snuck ahead and peeked through the crack. The place was silent. Eloen's workshop was in disarray. At the foot of her bench two legs poked out, blood pooled beneath. I waved the group forward and entered. No one was there, save the body.

Kwog searched the house as I looked over the body. No one recognized the man. Upon further inspection we found two vials with powerful healing potions, but more importantly a letter addressed to us. It was signed "a friend". In the note, he warned us about D'Gran, letting us know that he had even more forces at his disposal than we thought. Our "friend" also wrote of his chief, Hedrack, whom we recognized as the suspected leader of the cult. He then made a curious mention of the altar we left intact at the earth temple, urging us to go and destroy it now. Why has this never occurred to us before? What added evil have we allowed into our world by not completing the destruction of the earth temple?

We decided it might be worth trying to speak with the recently departed. Magnus went to the dwarven temple to speak with Rerrid. Magnus said Rerrid appeared to be angry that we hadn't yet spoken to the constable. He agreed to follow Magnus home and assess the situation.

After a little convincing Rerrid agreed to perform the "ritual" as he called it. We would have the opportunity to ask two questions, he would ask his own question as well. His clerics came a few hours later to retrieve the body. They assured us that Rerrid would handle all of the local authorities.

We went to the trading post and stocked up on supplies. Oil and acid were first on the list. We'll need accelerants for the troll corpses.

We were still in great need of healing so we went back over to the temple. We didn't want to disturb Rerid so we spoke to some clerics Magnus was acquainted with. They offered eight cure light and two cure moderate spells-the charge was five hundred gold! I was outraged, but knew how desperately we needed the healing. We couldn't afford to give D'Gran too much time to prepare for our return. We paid the money and the clerics "healed" us. I don't know that any of us felt we got our money's worth.

This evening before bed I took a walk outside. I found an empty grove and dropped to my knees. I prayed that Meilikki guide us tomorrow and look favorably on our quest. It is Her will that I want to act upon; hopefully this is the right path. I feel it must be. Praise be to Meilikki, may Her strength inhabit my arrows tomorrow.

Day 66

At first light we headed to the temple. Rerrid had already asked his question but wouldn't share his finding with us. He warned us that we were running out of time. He ushered us into the altar room, disclosing that the body was aligned with lawful evil. I was thankful for the information, as this would affect our questions. We first asked the messenger who sent him. "My Master." Great, a cryptic corpse! We had basically wasted a question, but needed to recoup. Our final question was the name of his master. I almost fainted when he uttered, "Varachan".

When we met Haikum he had told us of Varachan; he had studied under him. I long suspected Varachan as the mysterious "V" who signed the letter to Belak, which originally brought us to Hommlet.

Rerrid finished the ceremony and asked if there was anything else he could help with. I awkwardly brought up the previous night's healing session. I didn't even have the chance to finish the story before Rerid excused himself and left the room. When he returned he apologized for his clerics' oversight and offered supplemental healing. He then advised us to come to him in the future for healing and wished us luck in our upcoming adventure.

We got back to the mines with no trouble. We wound our way through the caves, which have become familiar to me. When we arrived in the area where we had battled the two trolls we found an obvious trap. The room was filled with garbage; there was a path down the center. We decided that Wade should detect magic to find anything suspicious.

Good thing we decided on that route. There was a magical trigger of sorts in the center of the room. Kwog tossed in a stone and set off the trap. The room exploded into flames, a veil of darkness encompassed the space and a fishnet dropped over the opening. Had we marched on down that path (as some had suggested) we would have been ensnared in the fire with no way out.

We waited for the darkness to lift and entered the room. The burned up refuse was still slick with oil. What else were we in for? We quickly learned the answer.

A fireball ignited the room. Eloen ended up being the only one take damage (a mixed blessing). Two trolls and D'Gran came towards us. We were back in the annex we had fought in before and we were fighting the same trolls we had not disposed of yesterday.

D'Gran targeted Magnus; he must have really upset him yesterday.

The trolls were big and doled out a lot of damage so we targeted on and once he was downed the group turned to focus on the beefier of the two. Right before I downed the skinnier troll the wizard appeared and cast a web over a group of us. Everything got very hectic and hazy. The female spell caster showed up with fireball in hand. They must have raised her. A summoned dinosaur appeared at another point. Then there was D'Gran floating above-fading in and out of invisibility. I aimed and hit 2 arrows into D'Gran. I noticed Kwog lying on the floor and Magnus standing above him. At the same time three friendly black bears appeared and though they all missed their attacks I hoped they would be a good distraction. I focused in on the remaining troll. Tenaris was against the wall so she narrowed in on the dinosaur. Wade attempted to hit the mage in the corner of the room, but the magic missiles seemed to fizzle.

I started to feel confident in our chances of pulling this through-I thought too soon. Kwog sat down to apparently rest. I wanted to run across the room and throttle him. I figured he must be charmed-again! We have to find him some way to fend off these impulses-if he lives long enough.

The bears ended up being very useful combating a group of human warriors who flooded in.

Wade yelled for the group to back out so that he could fireball the room. D'Gran must have loved that. Just as we all (except for Kwog who was sitting with the lady spell caster) got into the hall D'Gran appeared and shot us with a cone of cold. Eloen and wade dropped to the floor.

In my mind's eye I can still see Kwog resting by the lady spell caster as Tenaris ran to Eloen with a healing potion. Eloen slowly rose to her feet and sent a fireball into the trolls and D'Gran. In almost the same moment Haikum ran to wade and fed him a healing potion. Wade, in turn, groggily stood up and sent another fireball into the same area. One of the trolls fell. I slung and sunk two more arrows into D'Gran.

When I looked up I saw a wolverine (which was obviously summoned) and a hill giant enter the fracas. Kwog and the wolverine went at it; Kwog ultimately won. The giant turned to him and said "Now you dead".

Tenaris and I both moved forward. I killed a human fighter and she hit the lady spell caster. Then I turned my attention towards the giant, as did Tenaris.

D'Gran swooped down and hit wade. I took aim and hit him with two more arrows. I watched Wade's body again slump to the floor. I knew it was too late to save him. Thankfully I was wrong! Someone must have healed him because out of nowhere a fireball flew by and hit D'Gran-he fell to the ground (a sight I didn't think I would ever see).

Eloen and wade both hit the giant with magic missiles, but only after he dropped Magnus. In the end we had lost both Magnus and Kwog to the hill giant and D'Gran.

We had several dead bodies strewn about. We needed to loot the bodies, handle D'Gran's corpse and gather our dead to flee. But we were also too well aware of the reinforcements on their way.

Another day, another fallen

Day 66 (cont.)

Quick assessment of the situation did not leave me optimistic. Haikum ran to Tenaris to heal her. I grabbed Kwog and ran. When I reached the spot D'Gran should have fallen there was nothing there. I didn't have any time to search so I kept running. I heard Tenaris and Haikum behind me dragging Magnus. Wade and Eloen just kept running.

Giants and other reinforcements were flooding into the room. The dead bodies slowed them down, allowing for our getaway. We stopped to heal up as much as possible and then moved on. I realized at that time that Wade was gone. I figured he must have been spooked and just ran home.

We exited the caves into the bright sunlight of the midmorning. As we came around the corner we practically stumbled onto a dwarf. He greeted us with condescending salutations. I was in no mood for dwarven humor (it really takes a few mugs of ale to get their humor). He and I exchanged barbs, but when I announced that he was denigrating the Clan of the Bitter Rose his jaw fell to the ground. It's nice to know our reputation has circulated. Turned out that this dwarf, Mudo'owne, was looking for us; he wanted to join our cause. I figure he's a plant of Rerrid's to make sure we continue looking for his lost temple. It doesn't much matter to me; the dwarf could be a valuable meat shield.

We must have looked quite a sight when we staggered into town. We went straight to Rerrid, who was unfortunately unable to help us. He offered to go to Verbobonc on our behalf, but I thought it might be a good time to offload some of our findings and maybe pick up some supplies. Rerrid's clerics prepared the bodies for the trip.

Eloen went to look for Tymerian. She was planning to craft some items while we went to Verbobonc. I thought this would be an excellent use of time. She bumped into Wade at the pub and the two of them came back to the house.

Wade pulled me aside and told me that he'd had enough of adventuring. We've had many close calls lately and he just didn't feel like losing his life for any cause. He requested a modest sum of gold and bid us farewell. The only good thing about his departure is that Samson went with him.

Day 67

Mudo'owne and I left at morning's first light. The trip took the usual 6 days; I worried about the bodies the whole time. We wasted little time on the road. Mudo told me of his quest for redemption. He seems like a solid sort who is dedicated to a righteous cause; just the type we need. Sometimes I think back to how much I've changed over the last few full moons. I used to be such a loner and not give much thought to the forces of good and evil; nature doesn't discriminate. But then I met the evil of these temples. Just a taste and I know the world must be rid of it. If Meilikki sees me as a proper tool in this quest for good, well, I am Her humble servant.

Verbobonc

We went to the same temple we've used on our prior trips. I was able to work an appropriate deal with the head cleric. The place was bustling with workmen and carpenters. Wonder who funded that? We were escorted to a room, appropriately marked with a mosaic rose.

The next morning over breakfast Kwog and Magnus joined us. We begged them to bathe before joining us. Magnus seemed happy to have another dwarf join us. Kwog was his usual gruff self; he looked a bit surprised that we raised him.

The vendors in town have become a bit more difficult to deal with. Seems all of the money circulating about has changed the town a lot. We managed to strike quite a few good deals though. The pot of melted gold and gems fetched a pretty penny. We stocked up on potions, scrolls, wands and other necessary items.

The trip back to Rastor was full of lively conversation. Magnus and Mudo had filled skins full of ale for the return trip. Kwog actually joked around a bit. It was a pleasant trip. We arrived in Rastor full of energy and with a renewed sense of purpose.

Day 81, Last days of Summer

Any questions I had about D'Gran and whether he was dead were solved first thing as we approached the entrance to those blasted mines. Someone (most likely his "followers") had mounted his head on a spike. It was an eerie sight-a half-demon in the light of day. I noticed a few in our party startle and cringe, "What? It's not like we haven't all seen him before. After all, we killed him. More than likely, it was placed here as a warning not to enter. That's good for us, less people. Now let's get going." I hoped the others didn't see me shake.

We followed our southward trail-still on the hunt for Calphin, or at least his corpse.

We found a new blockade created for our benefit, no doubt. The room that was filled with garbage last time was now filled with water. Sandbags held the door from the inside so that the water was not noticeable until we wedged it open. After much debate and hemming and hawing we finally got into the main section. We were met with a fireball. That lady spell caster is nothing if not predictable.

A troll entered the fray exclaiming excitedly, "Thought you kill Krall, hah!" Stupid and defiant-I would enjoy killing him for good this time.

A duo of hill giants became our main battle. Magnus went pale when he saw one of them. The ugly beast let out a maniacal laugh, "I, Rau, killed your family, now I finish you!"

I moved to two weapon fighting hoping to sink my long sword into a giant's rib.

A wave of gnoll fighters entered the hall. A quick fireball from Eloen took most of them out. And soon after she did it again. She's proving herself very skilled with fire!

All of a sudden a flash brightened the area above Mudo'owne's Warhammer. It looked like some sort of dancing spirit dwarf. I haven't had the opportunity to ask him about it yet. I'll have to remember to do so.

That dancing dwarf is the last thing I remember. Next thing I saw was Haikum standing over me. I guess I died again. I don't mean to sound nonchalant about it. I had this strange thing happen to me. I felt the Presence of Meilikki. She came to me as if in a dream. I was so moved by the experience that I had to write it down at my earliest opportunity. When I found ink and paper I could not bring myself to record it as if it happened to me. It would only come out as a story with me as the main character.

One thing I can say about death this time around-at least it came valiantly. I would rather die in the effort of ridding the world of filthy giants than at the hand of a cowardly assassin like Chatrilon! Praise be to Meilikki. She is truly Great!

Break-in

Day 81 (cont.)

A side door opened and six gnolls came out. Their hands were in the air and they were pleading for mercy. Thankfully Kwog speaks gnoll so he was able to interrogate the group. We gathered quite a lot of information from them, including names in the temple hierarchy. They also confirmed our ideas about the layout of the Stalagos.

We made a deal to escort the gnolls out of the mines if they would show us to the great hall. They had seen us fight D'Gran earlier, not to mention their awe of Mudo, so it wasn't too hard to convince them to go along with us.

The gnolls pointed out storage rooms on the way to the Hall. Across from the Hall we saw a large corridor-it opened to a bridge leading to the inner temple. The gnolls were getting antsy, so we moved towards the massive doors leading into the great hall.

I heard footsteps running away from us. I immediately turned and ran the direction. Kwog heard the footsteps as well and sped past me.

When I caught up to Kwog he was standing on top of the lady spell caster, Tippesh. He was literally on her hands so that she couldn't move or cast spells. She claimed that she and Heunar, the wizard, had been conducting experiments with dinosaurs. She ended up providing us with a wealth of information. I believe that she is not aligned with any of the temples, I don't know what kind of person turns a blind eye to the horrors D'Gran perpetuated. She also explained how the "passage ways" to the inner temple are guarded. All this info will be extremely helpful in the near future. The best information she gave us dealt with the dwarven temple. It's somewhere to the east. She warned that south of the bridge complex is a stone golem guarding the shrine.

Kwog and I disagreed over what to do with Tippesh. I couldn't envision killing her. I thought we could garner favor with Rerrid (and the gods as well) if we took her back to Rastor.

We went back to the group and entered the great hall. I wanted to both vomit and cry. The entire space had been used as a torture chamber. Blood spattered the walls, which were pocked from having steel balls tossed at them. In the far corner a "stage" was erected; D'Gran obviously shackled his victims in this section. And the most recent was still confined. I ran over and felt the halfling's neck. She was barely alive. I couldn't get the locks opened. I felt tears streaming down my face. How could this be done to a living being? Kwog came to my aid and the halfling crumbled into my arms. With her seemingly last breath she told Kwog that Calphin had been dumped into a storage room. I cradled her in my arms and poured a little bit of water into her mouth. I then tried to break food down enough so that she might be able to ingest it. I noticed her hands, gnarled and broken. I wondered if she would have been better off dead. I prayed to Meilikki that She would heal little Descritad, as we came to know her. I felt myself rocking her back and forth in my arms as my mother, Talindra, once had when I was a young child. Is this what being a father is like?

Kwog went in search of Calphin, I can only imagine the sadness and fear in his heart; Calphin had been D'Gran's victim prior to Descritad. Miraculously they found him alive, but Magnus was unable to heal him, as if too much evil surrounded him. Calphin died in Kwog's arms.

Kwog, Mudo, Magnus and Eloen searched D'Gran's chambers, the armory and the wizard's room.

The gnolls were desperate to exit, but stayed back at Kwog's urging. He's become quite the role model to them. Finally found his calling I guess.

Haikum and I sat vigil over Descritad. Both of us silently willing her to live and to get through this with little pain. Ever so often she would shudder and moan. I imagine her nightmares will last for a very long time.

The others eventually came back with some weapons and supplies. Truthfully I didn't pay much attention. I was focused on the halfling and desperate to get out of the mines. The memory of the torture chamber still chills my bones. I wanted nothing more than a peaceful walk through the forest.

We were going to stop at the house to clean up before taking Tippesh to Rerrid. I knew our house was on fire even before I saw the flames. The billowing smoke gave it away. Townspeople with buckets were running back and forth trying to save the structure.

Erek was on the scene and told us that no one saw anything. Luckily I saw footsteps leading from the house. I grabbed Kwog and we followed the tracks. They led us to Tal Chamish's keep. We have run into him on more than one occasion, and now it has ceased to be coincidental. Something inside me snapped. I've been so focused for so long on ridding the world of this vile evil that something had to give. We hatched a plan that after sundown Kwog and I would come back and grab Tal. Meanwhile Magnus and Mudo took Descritad as well as the bodies of both Tennaris and Calphin to Rerrid. They requested Tennaris' body to be prepared for burial, Calphin's body prepared for transport and for Descritad to be given all the attention she needed.

After dark Haikum and I met Kwog back in the forest. Haikum strengthened us and cast spider climb. We removed our boots and scaled the walls. We had little trouble getting into the main house. We passed through the halls and easily found the master's chamber. The door was unlocked; we entered quietly. The quiet quickly disappeared-the door triggered an alarm. We rifled through papers, drawers and wardrobes as quickly as we could. Kwog threw a chair at a side window and we escaped out the opposite side. It was a stroke of tactical genius, and just enough for us to flee safely.

We met up with Haikum and went back to town. On our way home we ran into Erek who told us of a recent break-in at the keep. We went down into our basement and looked through the items we had collected at Tal's. There was a box with a strange powder and liquid. They all seemed to derive from the same plant, which I could not identify. The paperwork led us to believe we were looking at "tanbrosh". I remembered the tea Tal had once given to Joz and Viv-it made them ill and hallucinatory. The paperwork looked like it detailed some sort of import/resale business.

Day 82

This morning I went to Rerrid's to speak with Descritad. She had not spent much time in the caves, but she had listened well while she was there. She was a minor source of information, which I have recorded in the charts that Eloen maintains. I then told her of Vesta in Hommlet. I hope she goes there to make a new start. She is so tiny it was hard not to look at her as a child in need of my help.

In the afternoon we went to the keep to discuss the "lawlessness" of the town. Jardeth was there. It wasn't a very interesting conversation except for the fact that Tal wasn't even home when we broke in. I guess we hadn't planned our break-in so thoroughly. Of course that is what a rash decision will do!

While Kwog was getting an ale in the lodge he overheard some kids talking about a buddy of theirs who had started the fire at our house. They said his name was Rooga, an orc.

It was a busy day; Magnus managed to successfully cast divination and communicated with his deity. When Magnus asked the best way to non-combatively gain entry into the lost temple of Moradin he was told "you (meaning Magnus) must lead them through the secret entrance"

Eloen was able to talk to Tymerian who agreed to scribe her a scroll of darkvision and will also research stone golems.

Day 83

Kwog and I stayed up late discussing what to do about raising Calphin. Kwog wanted desperately to take him to Verbobonc. I understood and sympathized, but I had to be realistic; we couldn't afford to raise Calphin and take two weeks off while Kwog went to Verbobonc. So after great soul searching Kwog decided that we could ask Rerrid to deliver Calphin so that we could go back into the Stalagos. Having that settled Kwog composed a letter to send with calphin's body so that he won't be too disoriented after he is raised.

Rerrid informed us that costs have been rising in Verbobonc for cleric services (we can only blame ourselves). We needed to come up with 2000 gold for the entire endeavor. He also told us that Descritad left 200 gold towards our cause. I would be lying if I said the 1800 gold didn't hurt, but we'll find a way to make it work. Kwog has promised, "Whatever it takes". And I would hope the clan would do the same for me.

Jardeth came by to inform us that Rooga was caught. He was in jail, but comatose from what seems to be a tanbrosh overdose (the hand of Tal again?) We requested that he be moved to the Moradin temple for hospice and detoxification. Everyone generously complied.

On our way out of town we stopped by to speak with Tymerian. She gave the darkvision scroll to Eloen and shared her findings on golems. Not only are they huge, but they also have a high magic resistance and to top it off they can slow opponents at will. The only way to effect a stone golem is to "transmute stone to mud"-the best option is probably to run like hell! We'd better find that secret entrance. Praise be to Meilikki. May She show us the way.

Destroying the earth altar

Day 83 (cont.)

Magnus tried to communicate again with his deity regarding a pass phrase with the golem. This time he was not successful. Rerrid informed us that in the lost temple we should find some gem-laden discs named Hammerspheres. He warned us not to touch them, but also requested we bring them to him. An interesting request. Again he warned us that the temple would be full of dwarven set traps.

Eloen and Kwog thought we should search the earth temple since we hadn't gone back there after the main battle. We found our way back to the earth temple without any problems. We came across a few stones and some sort of magical incense that might be handy at some point.

We arrived at the pyramid room only to find two large earth elementals. I shot an arrow in vain yelling, "What are we doing, guys?" Mudo and Kwog turned to retreat, but it was too late for Magnus-one elemental had made it across the room and attacked him. The second disappeared into the ground as the rest of the party retreated. I knew that eventually we would have to handle these creatures if we wanted to destroy the rest of the temple; so I ran back to the group and insisted they fight this battle.

We buffed up and went back in with Kwog mumbling something in orcish-no doubt insulting to me. Mudo and Kwog each took on an elemental. It was a long battle with us picking off small hits and the elementals avoiding us and hitting hard whenever possible. One elemental fell Kwog just as Eloen sent a magic missile through the other-it crumbled on top of Kwog. I prayed we would not lose the grumpy half orc. Haikum and Eloen started to dig Kwog out as I plunge an arrow into the remaining elemental.

After the battle Magnus and I moved to the altar. We scaled it and fused the keys-they were freezing. The key had the normal response, but Magnus didn't feel any closer to the proper phrasing.

We spent much time debating the merits of destroying the altar. The clerics all wanted to, Kwog being very against the destruction and Eloen and Mudo undecided.

Kwog made sense when he argued that the altar might be a link into the inner temple and that we might never get the password for the key if we destroy the altar. However, we (the clerics) feared the repopulation of the temple, not the mention the sheer evilness of the location. We came here to destroy evil and we had a golden opportunity. We won the argument. We agreed to search the temple rooms before starting on the altar.

Magnus' amulet would heat up and pulse in various location, but we found nothing of interest in our search. We went back to the altar. Kwog and Mudo hacked at the stone structure. Eventually they hit the core and Kwog's sword (the one we took from the earth temple trog guard) warmed up and sparks flew from it. Kwog wanted to stop out of fear of losing his sword. He hadn't even wanted to destroy the altar and now faced losing a powerful weapon in the process. He steadied himself and said, "Let's see what happens if the sword attacks its source" and then said the password to the sword. We backed up expecting some sort of reaction, but nothing happened. He climbed up to the top of the altar and struck it. Sparks flew everywhere and the sword trembled violently in his hands. The room shook and dust fell from the ceiling. Kwog made a final blow and the sword exploded into many pieces. The pyramid shook intensely.

Kwog hopped from the pyramid and ran. We couldn't see him through all of the falling debris, but we did hear him yell that he was okay.

After about ten seconds the earthquake ended and we all ran out. We stopped outside to see who else might flee. Four goblins emerged and Kwog slaughtered them before we could stop him. No one else appeared. As we walked through the forest the animals all acted normally. It was strange, but it seemed as if the temple itself might have been the only place affected by the quake.

We headed back to town only to receive bad news. Rooga died from his overdose. Magnus and Mudo went to speak to Rerrid who was predictably upset that we "wasted time" destroying the earth altar. He needs to understand that our quest is important and that his requests are just side projects-sure we want to help out, but they are not the reason we are here.

By the way, we tried the keys again. They still fuse together, but there is no longer a desire to say something. Kwog worries that we might not make it into the inner fane now. I trust that Meilikki will guide us.

In the middle of the night I woke up in a magically darkened room; the others were there as well. A face appeared in the darkness-it was Hedrack threatening our deaths. "We're in the cyst, aren't we?" I asked no one in particular. Eloen looked as if she would respond, but Hedrack shot a green ray at her and she disintegrated into dust. I hit two arrows into Hedrack, which seemed to amuse him. We all made contact at some point, but Hedrack was too powerful. One by one he picked us off. Magnus was the only one spared.

Day 84

We woke up in our own beds, a voice echoing, "Remember this night and be gone!" Magnus said his head was ringing with Hedrack's voice, "I am watching you."

We were all terrified to the core. I prayed that Meilikki would give me the strength to carry on. For the first time since this adventure began I wanted to flee. The sleepless night left us poorly rested and no spells had regenerated.

Eloen, upon hearing Magnus' warning, checked for scrying-to no one's surprise we were indeed being watched.

Praise be to Meilikki.

Dwarven rebirth

Day 84

Eloen and Kwog had somehow been cursed during our nocturnal adventure. We healed up a bit and agreed to take the day in order to heal and plan our next action. We checked out the items we retrieved in the temple: a ring of climbing, holy water and an incense of meditation.

A letter arrived by Quaal's Feather and I opened it to read it, but the first line stated we should only read it if we are certain we're safe. I closed the letter. We eventually fashioned a way to read it. I will not disclose what it said or who wrote it-I fear my journals might be stolen or I might even be scryed upon while writing. I might add it into my papers eventually, if we are successful. Meilikki willing.

Magnus asked again to speak with Moradin. We received a general response regarding the location of the lost temple.

Day 89

The last few days have been filled with trying to heal Kwog. Eloen came through her cursed state quickly, but Kwog truly suffered; it looked like we might lose him.

More bad news came from "our friend" today. Hommlet has been almost completely destroyed by Hedrack. We received very little information about the decimation. Elmo and Y'Dey were both lost. My heart was truly broken by that news. The interesting part was that Hedrack had made reference to the Clan when he went to Hommlet. I am full of question, but have no one to direct them to.

We went back to Stalagos. The place was almost deathly quiet. We wound through the caves, and as we neared the fire bridge we came across a crudely lettered sign with a rose pained on it. The primitive lettering stated "we tok". Another sign was in the next room. Fresh orc tracks led us to Murant, who quickly beckoned us not to kill him.

He is the leader of the orcs who were located past D'Gran's forces; they moved in when we cleared the fire bridge out. He also told us of a multi-headed beast to the south-my guess is a hydra.

I can honestly say that I like the orc tribe. There were countless women and children running about. Except for their hideous appearances they could have been any civilized clan; they made me miss the community of druids I grew up with. I vowed to Meilikki that we would do everything in our power to keep them safe. Kwog obviously felt the same way. We agreed to warn them to flee once the dwarves are set to move in.

Murant's lieutenant, Grani showed us the way to the entrance into the lost temple. On the way he pointed out the direction to the air temple and the hydra. With that he wished us luck and made a quick exit.

We entered an area where it was evident dwarven craftsmen had spent a lot of time working. Their stonework is always so impressive. As we opened the door we were sure would lead us to the golem we all must have been looking at the craftsmanship-Kwog, Mudo, Magnus and Haikum all fell into a cleverly built pit trap. Eloen breathed a deep sigh of relief; taking up the back with me had prevented her fall.

Kwog looked up from the forty foot drop, "we're all fine." Then he rumbled around a bit, "Found the two lost orc adventurers."

As they climbed out of the hole Mudo and Magnus were engrossed in a conversation about the superb quality of the trap. One of them figured out that opening the door without a key triggered it.

We healed up and crossed the pit. We were faced with a long corridor; steps were at the end of the hall. There were a couple of doors in between.

Magnus' symbol pulled him in a direction where we found additional doors. We continued forward, mounting unnaturally clean stairs. A large altar was in the space, lined with gems and runes.

We doubled back to a set of doors and entered the room beyond. There was a large basin made of a solid emerald. Eloen surmised that the space was used to make holy water. In each corner of the room stood a huge stone statue of a hammer and anvil.

We followed Magnus through a large door opening into another massive room. This time there was a magical trap set near the doorway, but we managed to avoid it. A long table spanned the center, adorned with a blue velvet tablecloth. Six spheres covered in gems sat on the table. We hoped these might be the hammerspheres that Rerid warned us of. Mudo went to grab a hammershpere, but we caught him just in time. We had a brief, agitated argument, but were finally able to pull him from the room. Most of us just didn't feel comfortable with touching the spheres before Rerid saw them.

We headed back to the altar room; Magnus entered alone and went towards the mosaic. An eight-foot stone dwarf - the golem! - rose from the floor and started towards Magnus. Magnus held up his holy symbol and said, "In the name of Moradin allow us to pass." The golem ceased and went back into the ground. Mudo ran into the room with no result. The rest of us followed one by one to search the room. It was amazingly beautiful, so white and clean.

Kwog found a lever near the golem and pulled it. A hidden door opened to reveal the outside. We could see that the cliff we were standing on would be virtually invisible to any passersby below.

Kwog ran back to town to fetch Rerrid. Rerrid was understandably happy, yet wanted to make preparations. Kwog convinced him that time was of the essence; Mudo was chomping at the bit to explore the temple and investigate the hammerspheres. Rerrid complied-luckily since we had been fighting to hold Mudo at bay the whole time Kwog was gone.

Rerrid cried as he entered the temple. Then he laughed and danced and jumped. I thought he might break into song. He promised us great rewards for finding it. Then he ran room to room with Kwog. Magnus and Mudo were right behind and the rest of us followed after. Rerid showed us how the hammerspheres work, a most peculiar device. Touching it without uttering a code phrase will polymorph the careless user into a dwarf. A dwarven joke if I ever saw one. Then the password must be spoken to activate the weapon part of it. I was thankful Mudo never grabbed one; he might have engaged it and I probably would have turned into a dwarf somehow (knowing my luck).

Kwog managed to get Rerrid calm for a few moments and was able to discuss the orcs. Rerrid seemed surprised that we all trust them, but when Magnus voiced his belief in them, Rerrid was won over. He promised no harm would come to the orcs and that the dwarves would use the mountain entrance if need be. He then agreed that Kwog and I can broker a peace arrangement between the two groups. This worked out better than I hoped. Praise be to Meilikki, I can feel Her hand in this!

Day 90

Kwog and I went back to town yesterday to fetch our supplies. Rerrid has offered us lodging within the temple until our quests are finished. I sense he has another request for us that will come soon.

This morning Rerrid called upon us in order to give us our reward for finding the temple. He traded Magnus a new adamantine armor in place of the antique armor he had been wearing. Mudo was presented with an adamantine chain shirt. The party was given two raise dead scrolls and two stones worth about five thousand gold each.

We filled Rerrid in on all of the recent activities. He agreed to create a "safe room" from scrying. We were given secure private chambers and space to build our workshops. I'll miss the home we created in Rastor, but I won't miss the constant threat of death, discovery, or invasion.

Day 91

We went out this morning in search of the hydra; we figured that we should take care of it now rather than happening upon it later. The beast ended up being more difficult to kill than anticipated. Thankfully I was able to kill a head with my arrows, so I never needed to move into melee battle. Eloen concentrated on ice storms and lightening bolts. Mudo and Kwog were so badly injured at one point that Haikum had to stop what he was doing to heal Kwog. Magnus was able to cast a divine storm-always amazing to watch. We finally killed the beast by slaying one head at a time.

Although we has hoped it would be a quick and easy battle from which we could move on and adventure some more for the day, we had to return to the temple to heal and rest.

We enjoyed dwarven ale over dinner and folk songs.

Praise be to Meilikki, for She is strong.

The Air Temple

Day 91 (cont.)

We sat sown for an afternoon tea to discuss our best course of action. I swear I think Kwog has put on at least five pounds recently from biscuits alone! Rerrid finally let us know of his task for us; he spoke of Tullian's Eye, which is rumored to be in the air temple. It is a magnificent diamond as big as a child's fist with unknown magical powers. It was lost when the doom dreamers arrived; they might have hidden it. Rerrid requested that we find the diamond. He promised rewards beyond our imagination.

Day 96

The group decided to take a bit of down time while that was still possible to allow Eloen and Magnus to craft some items. Eloen created amazing Goggles of Dark Vision for me and Magnus upgraded Kwog's armor. Now I can help scout in addition to having a stealthy attack option! We did not have the resources to create the items, so Kwog ran (literally) to Verbobonc to trade items. He brought back 10 pearls, 2 gems, and an additional Wand of Healing. He returned this evening absolutely exhausted. Those boots of his are amazing though, allowing for such a quick journey on foot!

Day 97

We buffed up and headed to the Air Temple this morning. We strategized as much as possible, but Kwog's ability to scout the location was impaired by the rough-hewn tunnel system. There were two paths, but no real way to see what the rooms had in them. One large cavern had a tower with a group of gnolls, half orcs and human archers guarding it. Beyond the cavern was the Air Temple with its gleaming white marble altar.

We managed a fight with the group in which we prevailed, and no less important, maintained relative quiet throughout. We were only picking them off until Kwog was able to jump into the tower (those boots again!), take out the remaining fighters and pull one archer down for interrogation.

The human didn't know much, but was able to tell us that that Fachish and his assistant Choranth were in the altar room. Fachish would be the fat man and Choranth was the female cloaked in robes.

We left the human in the tower to create a diversion. Eloen and I stayed in the corridor for backup while the others would sneak in under a shield of invisibility. There were six humans (two clerics, one commander, and three soldiers), a skeletal bear and two ogres. Our plan was quickly ruined when an invisibility purge revealed our fighters. Kwog was held early in the battle and had great difficulty in breaking free. Mudo took and dealt the vast majority of the early damage. An air elemental appeared and wreaked havoc; at one point lifting Haikum into its vortex. The commander was a fierce opponent, between him and the bear I was dropped several times. Magnus eventually turned the bear; Choranth wasted much time summoning it back to her (it must have been her pet). Fachish and Choranth had some powerful protection spells; I would guess they had protection from good (didn't help that we were fighting on what felt like unhallowed ground) and something that allowed them to deflect incoming arrows.

The battle was bloody and long. I was downed at least twice. Eloen eventually drank our final invisibility potion and made her way through the group feeding healing potions where needed. Despite making a few good attacks, I was not able to kill Fachish. Choranth was dead by the end of the battle, I didn't see who killed her. The commander was also killed; Kwog claimed that kill. Fachish, unfortunately was able to get away. I am sure we will face him again.

We lost both Haikum and Mudo. I think everyone was unconscious at least once during this battle. We knew we would have to be better prepared when we went back in. And we knew we would have to get back in soon.

I will finish the highlights later. At this time I am spent physically and mentally. I am tormented by our fallen and searching for the right thing to do. Rerrid will decide Mudo's fate. I seem to remember Haikum not wanting to be raised, but Magnus remembers things differently. We'll have to sort it out soon, but right now I need sleep.

Praise be to Meilikki, may She watch over us and guide us with Her wisdom.

Destroying a second altar

Day 97 (cont.)

I believe I left my journal entry at the end of our battle with Fachish. We searched the bodies and fled. We carried our dead back to the temple, humbly hoping for their help. The dwarves prepped both bodies for burial. It was a difficult decision on both counts, but the right one.

I led our helper to the orcs and asked that they show him safe passage out of the mines. When I returned to the group, Rerrid was speaking of an adventuring orc who wants to join our ranks along with a dwarven cleric. It amazes me that we have recruits even with the obvious danger we regularly face.

Day 98

Our new members arrived this morning. Zorn, the orc is even more hideous than Kwog. But he seems strong and capable. He's quiet too-not a bad trait to have in an orc. He and Kwog spent most of the morning comparing weapons and skills. I believe he'll be a good addition. I'm not so sure of Olvgakk, the dwarven cleric who joined us as well. She seems to be a skilled fighter and a worthy cleric, but I am always skeptical of the dwarves sent through Rerrid. We need to make sure that the greater quest takes priority over his political ambitions. Time will tell.

The Air Temple had been ransacked by the time we arrived. We searched the temple and found some interesting books regarding some sort of portal. Unfortunately we didn't have much time to investigate. We got in a minor skirmish with some gnolls while searching. I didn't want to kill them, but they left me no choice.

Rerrid had promised us extra protection while we destroyed the Air Temple Altar. The three clerics he sent were very silent. I guess they needed to meditate for the upcoming situation. Kwog took the air sword and scaled the altar; destroying the earth altar at least gave us an insight into the task. He struck the altar with the sword with the same outcomes (substituting air for quaking). The steam rose around him to the point that it was difficult to see him. On the seventh blow Fachish appeared out of thin air to try and stop him. He cast some sort of spell and we could no longer see anything. But we could hear Kwog striking. Later Kwog told us that he sliced into Fachish, but when his blood fell on the altar it mended. Kwog was able to resist a mind spell (first time for everything) and dealt a final blow, severing the altar, breaking the sword.

Upon the destruction of the altar, Fachish's body puffed up and exploded into a dark cloud, which engulfed the room. The cavern started whirring with air. The clerics helped me pull Zorn to safety as the room collapsed. Another earthquake trembled through the Stalagos as we made our way back to the temple. A dwarven guard reported that the earthquake scared the beasts and creatures out of the mines. To his knowledge, only the dwarves, orcs and evil temples remained. I stepped onto the outside cliff to survey the fleeing creatures. Although the fleeing had quieted down I noticed that the sky was full of black currents of a smoky substance moving towards the inside of the Stalagos, centering in the area of the air temple. In the distance I could see giant wasps with riders flying around, possibly reinforcements? Suddenly Fachish's face appeared in a large black cloud above the air temple. My remaining question is whether he is dead or just some gaseous form now. I think I will sleep in the protected room tonight.

Day 99

I am lucky that I chose to sleep in the protected area; Kwog woke in the middle of the night with a spike through his heart. Crumbled on the floor next to him was a picture of an eye and the words "I'm watching you". Luckily the assassin's dagger was not fatal.

We buffed up to go after the gargoyles that guard the pit. As we searched corridors, hallways and empty rooms we had the misfortune to come across a ghost, a specter to be exact. A futile battle ensued and it took the rest of the day to heal from it. I grow weary of our slow pace. I feel urged to move quickly, and yet we have constant obstacles.

Praise be to Meilikki, may She show us the path.

Finding Tullian's Eye

Day 99 (cont.)

Kwog ended the day with a talk with Rerrid. Seems our odd-looking friend is feeling a bit of a religious sway. Rerrid advised him on the intricacies of prayer. I would have loved that! I spent the rest of our day walking in the woods. I miss communing with nature. I could feel Meilikki's love wash over me; She is so great. I headed back to the Stalagos after sundown. I had no earthly idea what lay in store for us.

I wake up again in the Cyst (or someplace resembling it) the darkness was blinding and the silence deafening. I grasped for my amulet but felt only the cold metal in my hand. I prayed to Meilikki and attempted to cast protection from evil. I could feel the spell almost succeed, but then fizzle.

I looked up and saw a slicker of light in the distance. I walked towards it, hoping it might be an exit-an answer to my silent prayers. The light grew as I came closer. I stopped at the sight of Hedrack's face, "Hedrack" I whispered under my breath. I could see his lips moving, but I heard nothing. He started to laugh wildly with tentacles growing from him. I felt eerily drawn to him. I tried to back up, but I was willed towards him. Hedrack was beckoning me; he seemed so nice- he wanted me to join him. There was a part of me that wanted nothing more than to give in, but I kept praying. I clutched desperately at my amulet, praying, in vain. In an instant my amulet warmed, I felt an amazing strength and was able to stop.

My prayers to Meilikki had been answered. I was able to break free and pull backwards. A shot of searing light entered my consciousness and I entered a deep sleep, void of the nightmare.

Day 100

I awoke to a room full of dwarves bending over us. Rerrid was looking at Zorn's hands; I noticed they were badly charred. Eloen and Kwog were full of warts. I looked down at myself to see what my curse might be; I could see nothing. Magnus and Olvgakk were unharmed as well. There was a pool of sweat collecting on the floor.

The dwarves dispersed and we shared stories. Hedrack had tempted each of the non-dwarves. Rerrid believes that Moradin protected Olvgakk and Magnus in His temple. He also believes that my strong faith in Meilikki protected me (praise be to Her, for She protects Her faithful). Zorn's refusal to bow to a higher power was met with a horrid curse; not only are his hands charred, but they burn those who touch them. Eloen and Kwog met with a milder curse, yet Eloen's strong will allowed her to be healed (some scarring was left), whereas Kwog remains full of warts.

Rerrid also gave us good information about an ancient artifact called the Tentacle Rod. It was believed to be destroyed, but Hedrack obviously has gotten a hold of this very evil item.

While the dwarves focused on healing my party I stepped outside, prepared to offer proper thanks to Meilikki. From the cliff I felt a veil of depression. It was cold and darker than normal; I could see a thin smoke wafting towards Stalagos and a cloud forming above the tower. The air was normal, except there was an inexplicable shift.

I went back in to warn the others and then I left for the forest. The animals were obviously sensing the veil. I spent the rest of the day calming and comforting all of the animals I could find. I went back at dinnertime to plan for tomorrow.

At the end of dinner we heard a sound come from the middle of Stalagos. It was a piercing, horrible, tormented scream that lasted seven, maybe eight seconds, but seemed to last an eternity. The cry sounded vaguely human, and even stranger: something about it seemed familiar to both Eloen and I. When the scream cleared the air, so did the veil. We must quickly find out how the two were related.

Day 101

We woke again in the middle of the night to find ourselves in the Cyst. A muffled voice identifying itself as our "friend" spoke of the scream we had heard. He told us that "the timeless child may have been found" and that he was being tested. The scream was his scream, during the "first test"; he survived where no one else has. There are five more tests, which start today.

We continued on our search this morning and came across yet another amazing thing. I had never heard of a Blade Spirit, but now I have met one. They are a gruesome spirit, which is almost invincible. Thankfully we can get by it. I would love to write more, but I really must record our finding of Tullian's Eye! Yes, that's right, we found it!

Early in the day we found a series of dwarven tunnels and chambers. There was not much to be found, except for three statues made of stone, with traces of an odd, bluish iron. Later on we learned that it was called cold iron, or Platinite. They depicted Rastor, his wife and a miner. We felt strongly that the statue must have something to do with Tullian's Eye, but it took three trips back to the area to find the very keenly hidden passage. After bypassing a series of well-laid traps we met with a mimic. Eventually we overcame the mimic and recovered Tullian's Eye. I thought Rerrid was going to explode from happiness. There was great celebrating into the night, but of course it was dulled with the knowledge that another test will probably be faced tonight and we are nowhere nearer finding the "timeless child".

As a final note I should mention that we did battle with some sort of fish/frog people today, named Kuo-Toa. They weren't particularly tough. We presume they must be from the water temple; just a taste of things to come.

Praise be to Meilikki. May She guide Her faithful.

Dwarven Gratitude

Day 101 (cont.)

We cast Silence in order to sneak past the Blade Spirit. It worked, but left us with no sure way back. We wandered through a series of dead ends and caves connected by long hallways. One interesting thing I want to note it a spherical room we found. The room appeared to start at a ledge and burst out from there. Eloen was able to discern that an aberration named Destrachan probably created the room, likely running out of the mines after we destroyed the air temple. I'd like to find out more about this fascinating creature some time.

We met Tarren today. Although we have information that he is an evil druid he supplied us with a lot of good information. Unfortunately it cost us about seven hundred gold to pick his brain. He told us more about the rituals necessary to become a doomdreamer and also how to get onto the center islands. The keys we have been finding can actually meld together to form master keys or great keys.

He warned us that the fire temple is indeed the strongest temple, but worse than that they are coming together with the water temple to battle us. Nothing like a little Clan of the Bitter Rose to bring two dueling evil temples together!

We went back to the temple where we were informed that purple rain was falling outside. Try as we might we were unable to collect any of the strange rain. We planned our invasion of the fire temple and turned in. Despite Kwog standing watch an invisible assassin entered the temple and attacked Eloen in her sleep. We all tried in vain to hit the person, until Olvgakk cast Invisibility Purge and the female assassin appeared. She was able to drink a potion, transform into a gaseous state and escape through the cracks in the wall before any of us were able to kill or capture her.

I can tell the dwarves are starting to fear our presence here. I think some might be questioning the sanity of allowing us to seek refuge here.

Day 102

Upon waking I knew that another test had gone forward. I don't know how, but it felt as if someone had been tortured. "He has passed the second test" was emblazoned in the air above us. I could feel the pit in my stomach grow larger. We didn't have the time to talk about the message as one of Rerrid's helpers came to fetch us.

We arrived in Rerrid's chambers and it was immediately obvious that things had changed. Standing next to Rerrid was a mysterious dwarf; both of them were decked out in ceremonial garb. Rerrid started to speak, but made it obvious that we should not. His voice was strong, as usual, but there was a more diplomatic undertone to it. He advised us that he has been summoned to Verbabonc to join the council of nine (as if we know what that is). He produced a large sack and explained that the church wished to thank us for Tullian's Eye and our reward was twenty bars of platinum, the value of the stone. He went on to explain that although the platinum covers the church's monetary debt to us that he felt there was also a debt of honor owed to us. The mysterious dwarf (later revealed to be Dorn, the keeper of the treasury in Verbabonc) looked shocked, and somewhat ill as Rerrid bestowed upon each of us a lavish gift. To Zorn he offered an Ioun stone, to Kwog a cloak of resistance, to Eloen a ring of wizardry; to Magnus a dwarven war ax (one of the most beautiful pieces of weaponry I have ever laid eyes on), and to me he provided a lightly fortified chain shirt made of Platinite. I am humbled by his generosity. I must admit that I did not expect such rewards. They will not be wasted, as we need every bit of help in defeating the evil temples.

Unfortunately, that was the end of the good news. Not only did Rerrid leave immediately after giving us the rewards (which also included a personal token from him-a Ring of Wishes with one wish left), but we were quickly informed that the temple will be sealed this evening barring anyone from coming or going. We were invited to stay and were assured that it should only be until after the testing is done. Now, doesn't that defeat our whole purpose? There was no explaining that after the testing is too late, and no good will come after that, but their minds were made up. In the end I guess we overstayed our welcome. Truly the worst news is that Olvgakk has decided that she will join her clan now that her quest with us is finished. Can we make it without her strengths? In Meilikki's name we must.

As we walked towards the fire temple Rerrid's last words rang through my head, "be careful of the ring's power and use it to destroy the doomdreamers." I have heard dwarven lore in Rastor about Rerrid's family and the "curse" the ring brought with it. From what I can gather one must be very careful when wishing because the ring doesn't read your thoughts and the wish fulfillment can be very different than your intentions.

I was lost in thought and was therefore surprised to look up and see the smooth black walls of the caves we entered. The red diamond inlaid on the floor told me we were in the right spot. We didn't have any time to look around before we were attacked by several mephites and elementals. We made quick work of them and moved on. There were three paths and we searched each. I feared our spells would run their course before we entered the great battle. We found some strange statue of an evil head spewing smoke. Still searching for the altar we were hit by a fireball. Many elves, human archers and a single sorcerer appeared. After a few moments of battle Eloen sent off a lightening bolt frying almost the whole lot. I picked off the final elf. Eloen looked pleased (and she had the right to be), but Magnus and Olvgakk looked none too amused as Eloen was standing behind them and sent the bolt over their heads. I think Kwog might have wet himself from laughter.

These battles were nothing compared to what we will face, mere annoyances to hinder our course.

Praise be to Meilikki, may She stand with us during the upcoming battle. She is strong and wise.

Fire is out, Earth bridge is ours

Day 102 (continued)

Moments feel like weeks. I grow increasingly tired of being underground. I know that we are actually above sea level, but it feels as though we are tunneling into the depths of the earth. I don't know how the dwarves managed it for all the years they were down here. Then again, who can understand dwarves anyway? Magnus and Olvgakk are not exactly paragons of handsomeness, yet they seem to like each other.

I'm exhausted; the only thing keeping me going is that I know that if we do not continue the whole world will suffer and there will be nothing to live for and nowhere to live. Live….what must that feel like? When I leave here, after we rid the world of this evil, I just want to settle down and raise a family. I will hang my bow above a hearth and bring it down to tell my children great stories of days gone by and evil that we crushed. I am certain my stories won't do justice to our experiences, and they probably will still sound like exaggerations to my little ones.

But for now I must record the rest of the day's events:

The fire temple was somewhat difficult to get into, but it was also strangely beautiful. The altar floated above a lake of fire and lava. We battled the fire chief, Tessimon, as well as gnomes, spiders, salamanders, undead, and other warriors. Tessimon used flame strike against us, I had heard of this spell, but to actually encounter it was terrifying. I felt as though my insides were cooking. Each battle we enter tells our enemies more about us. Zorn will make himself a huge target if he keeps being as effective in chopping them down, but right now they tend to try to kill Eloen and incapacitate me (or use spells to deflect my arrows). I see their point; if we lose our ranged capabilities, my arrows and Eloen's spells, then we will surely perish. Their forces are always overwhelming, but too dependent on their backline. Our survival depends on bringing down those clerics, and that requires Eloen's services and mine.

We found a rod of tentacles, which seems to have controlled the platform; when I put it in the bag of holding the platform upon which the altar resided followed me. Kwog eventually took the rod and climbed up onto the altar to begin the process of destroying it. Eloen gave him the ability to fly, so that he could get away once he was done, but his work was still fraught with peril. He bravely kept attacking the altar even as flames engulfed it. Had we a bard with us, that was a sight they would have sung songs about for centuries to come. Kwog's bravery and persistence ended the fire temple's power. The earthquakes followed, it is sad to say that they are becoming second nature. Thankfully, Kwog made it out safely. I shudder to think what the next days will bring.

Praise be to Meilikki, in Her name I go forward.

Day 103

We awoke this morning each having the same dream, similarly focused on a loved one. My nightmare showed my dear Amra practically killing herself, scratching and tearing at her skin until she became a bloody mess. It was the only time I have come close to giving up on this quest. But if I give up the whole world will know this evil, it will be even worse. I can only hope that it was just a nightmare, but in my gut I know it is reality.

Eloen and I teleported to her hometown, only to find her house broken into, abandoned, and rudely marked. Rumors of the Clan preceded us-most of them not good. We took care of our business and then sought out her family. We found her aunt only to discover that our nightmares were indeed real. I felt for Eloen as I watched her family exile her. I attempted to appeal to the local cleric, but he fears us as evil. Hopefully someday soon we will be able to change their minds, but right now our mission is greater than us all. As we left to go back to her house, purple rain started falling. As an omen, it was bad enough, but then it got much worse; as we teleported out I could swear I saw the walls bleeding purple as well.

We had just enough time to buff up and ready ourselves for battle. This time our task was to take over the Earth-bridge, to the east of the crater ridge mines. It was a difficult but straightforward fight, except for this amazing monk who kept picking my arrows out of the air. Sometimes it is hard for me to not just stand back and simply watch the incredible things we are regularly witness to.

Damn those Dwarves!

Day 103 (Continued)

The group decided that we should heal ourselves and identify items recently acquired. I grow impatient of the time we waste. The Champion is being tested and we are identifying items? But I shall keep my displeasure to myself. We rested, Eloen performed her magicks, and then we moved on.

We came upon a red circle drawn inside of a large room, a circle devoid of any furnishings or items within it. It seemed ominous, especially when we discovered inscrutable magical writings along its periphery. After a brief discussion, we decided not to risk it, and looked for a bypass.

A little later, we passed by a chained bear that had gone mad. The cultists must have left behind the poor creature, and he was obviously maltreated. I cannot comprehend the hearts and minds of those who could hurt an animal in this fashion. I spoke to him and managed to calm him down some, but he was so badly hurt that he was beyond saving. The others would not let me kill it initially, but I insisted, and eventually put it out of its misery.

We then discovered a secret door, with dragon statue that had a lever for an arm. It was obviously of dwarven construction. Oh, how I wish we had left it alone! Unfortunately, our stalwart group had not learned its lesson, yet. We decided to see what would happen if we took the platform down, and as I feared, it turned out to be a trap. A trap of the worst kind, a water trap! The platform sank, then the top sealed off and as it hit bottom, a wall opened and water from the Stalagos poured into the chamber. We were all fully dressed in our battle gear. Poor Zorn and Olvgakk were the worst hit, with Magnus closely behind them, as their armors kept them from being able to float upwards. It was in my moment of desperation, as we were all seemingly beyond hope, that I remembered to call upon Mielikki and rise up to the top, who did not fail me. I became Free to Move for six seconds or so, just enough to be able to get to the surface, gulping for air. I quickly stripped my armor and swam down to help the others. We struggled for what felt like hours, while in truth it was minutes. Ultimately we delivered everyone who had a chance to safety, and managed to reset the trap. Olvgak and Zorn drowned, but Magnus was able to raise Olvgak using one of the precious scrolls gives us by Rerrid. As Olvgakk came to, she raised Zorn. We had to cut our day short due to all this excitement.

The night passed almost uneventfully, but at midnight we were made painfully aware of another of the Champion's tests. His screams reverberated throughout the mines. I lay awake, for an hour afterwards, trying to shake off the chill that had crept into my bones. Only when I placed my hand on the amulet of Mielikki did I finally fall asleep again.

Day 104

We looped around into the surrounding caves researching along the way. The biggest finding was a book about summoning a demon hunter, a monster scarier than any I have seen before. It appeared that the demo was keyed to arrive should anyone cross the red circle. I heaved a sigh of relief. For once, the clan has avoided serious trouble.

Heading for Water

Day 104 (Continued)

Then we found some old storage areas from the dwarvs' old mining days. It becomes tiresome to always be on alert, so when we found some dire scorpions we crushed them quickly. I found that it relieved some tension.

We were able to interrogate a couple of fighters whom we let flee; I'd rather kill fewer innocents than necessary, even those innocently employed by the temples. Everyone needs to make a living, and not everyone can afford to question to morality of their masters. Even better, they had heard about us, making it easy to question them. I am not certain if their stink was due entirely to their choice of hideout, in a nearby lavatory. Speaking of which, why are there so few of those in these mines?

The guards gave us a lot of useful information about the water temple. They advised us that much of the temple is surrounded with water, which only served to worry me after our encounter with the water trap yesterday.

We came across a sea hag who seemed… lonely. She called herself Guoquog and would have gladly eaten any of us. We fashioned a makeshift bridge, using some barrels that Kwog ran back to fetch from a room we had previously visited, and managed to safely cross the area she inhabited. Soon after, we located the water temple, but decided to search our surroundings first and make sure there we no nasty surprises. It was then that we ran into the naga. I have heard tales of these creatures, but they are stranger in life. A large snakelike body, an almost humanoid face, and no visible extremities. We learned the naga's name - Zeityan - and that she wasn't necessarily a threat to us. I think she figured out along the same lines. We then traded some items for knowledge and water breathing spells. The worst part of the payment was giving her the demonstone, which must have been an artifact of sorts. And to add insult to injury, on her way back down into her water tunnel Zeityan saw it fit to advise us that we would all have been better off with fly spells. I'd have loved to shoot her, but she will be useful in the future and is probably much more powerful than we are. She has a sort of pact with the water temple to not bother each other, but she told us she would reward us if we can prove to her that we killed Mhunaath and Yklah. They are, apparently, two powerful sorcerers who can be found in the outer fane and who disguise themselves regularly as nagas. It appeared to have offended her senses that they should do so. I do not question the motives of such a creature; she is much older than any of us, and we would likely have to kill these two, anyway. I am glad for the warning of their existence. Other than that, and a few minor hints she wouldn't give us too much information. I can understand this since nobody knows which side will win; why would she want to risk herself?

The water temple was huge and filled with water. We stood at the landing realizing that fly spells would have indeed been very useful. Eloen cast a lightening bolt into the water to wake everybody up and then cast fly on Kwog. We immediately encountered skum, a huge water elemental and mephites. It was so quick that we lost our bearings. People were screaming over one another. I caught a vision of Eloen who was under heavy attack; she pulled back, just barely. The rest of us tried to take on the kua toa and summoned creatures that appeared, but I knew we too would have to pull back. The clan would have to regroup.

Minor temples out, Outer Fane in

Day 104 (continued)

We did regroup; the clan would not be easily deterred from its purpose. This is the last temple; by the grace of Mielikki, it will be gone before the day is out.

We ran back in, and picked off all of the summoned creatures and anything else that rose from the water. The water elemental, sadly, got away. There was no way to hit the spell casters, but at least he was running through spells. Eloen cast a wall of force right after we got hit with a lightening bolt and a second unholy blight. I hate that spell! Even worse, the now weakened Magnus then got killed by one of the Elemental's swipes.

Again pausing to regroup, we backtracked to where the sea hag lived. She was even less friendly this time so I killed her. I have no patience for these creatures anymore. Zorn investigated her underwater lair and found a couple of almost dead commoners. They were too weak to travel so he fed them and told them we would return to save them later.

At this point, we had to decide whether to proceed. It took some convincing, as a major argument arose regarding our chances of survival at this point, seeing as we were almost out of spells. The argument to go forward eventually prevailed as we realized that they must be out of spells, too. I, for one, did not want to face them again when they would be fully prepared for our arrival.

Meanwhile, Kwog ran back to Rastor to load up on whatever supplies Tymerian might have. When he returned we shored ourselves up and went back into battle. Early on I was able to kill the spell-casting elf. I was relieved because I really didn't want to be hit by another lightening bolt. Kwog flew in invisibly to scout and trigger any booby traps, while Magnus was looking through Kwog's eyes using one of his spells. Minor error in judgment; kuo toa can see invisible creatures, and most of our opponents were either kuo toa or had kuo toan blood in their veins. Kwog's "appearance" really must have upset someone because the water elemental quickly swam in, attempting to catch Kwog in his vortex. Luckily for him, Kwog escaped the vortex, but many of the kuo toa were not that lucky. They died quickly, and the path was open for us. The elemental subsided. Kwog was in some difficulty, and it became worse as the spells cast upon him were mostly dispelled. Somehow, his fly spell remained on him as he lost all others; it was that which saved him. In the meantime, we picked off all of the summoned creatures and anything else that rose from the water. It was like a nightmare; the more we would kill, the more that would come. But eventually their forces thinned, and we were still standing. We lured the elemental towards us and Magnus blocked it in with Divine Storm. We then attacked it jointly and quickly killed it. I hate elementals, they are so unpredictable.

We gathered into a boat and started making our way through the water. Since most of the scum and kua toa were dead we hoped for a somewhat easier passage. It was not easy, but we made it. We encountered a Kua toan monk, which, in retrospect, just seems odd.

The altar had three pools around it, filled with various liquids. Kwog tested them with some of the weapons we gathered from downed opponents, realizing they were not beneficial. Obviously. I could have told him that without having to test them. He then set about destroying the altar. We only found one of the water keys, I figure one must have been on the spell caster I splattered on the wall. At least we have one, which is all we will need to get into the inner fane. The water door, however, remains blocked to us.

Like a bad dream

Day 104 (continued)

As we left the water temple area the quakes were dying down. A cave in buried the temple, and also blocked access to the inside of the Stalagos from that direction. We visited with Zeityan, who appeared to be distressed. She demanded to know what had happened. We told her that we had tried to warn her, but she had been too preoccupied with the trinkets we had traded her. As she listened to us, she calmed down visibly, and eventually wished us good luck and slithered back into her keep. I think she was happy to be rid of the temple, they must have constricted her previous free reign of that area.

It was then that a feather token arrived. It was the longest letter from our "friend" yet. First, he confirmed that he is, indeed, Varachan. That means we have a powerful ally in the cult. If I recall Haikum's words, Varachan was only second to Hedrack himself. I cannot imagine the risk he must be taking to identify himself to us in this fashion. He mentioned that he was in a dire predicament that was growing daily. I wonder what it is. We must make haste and find him. But that, of course, requires that we enter the outer fane. I shudder to think of what Hedrack has prepared for our arrival.

Varachan also proved very useful, as he sent us a general layout of the outer fane and a warning of lightening towers and spider eater riders. None of us know what they are.

But most terrible was his diary, where he detailed the process of corrupting Prince Thrommel, 30 years ago. As we were reading the text, I grew anxious, and then suddenly was overwhelmed with exhaustion. The evil we are facing is pure, distilled, focused. I know not how Varachan survived it, if he did so at all. Maybe this is all an elaborate scheme designed to lead us into a trap? I cannot imagine how anyone could do the things he writes about, and turn back to good. Corruption of this magnitude is too thorough. But I shall keep my thoughts to myself; the rest of us, it appears, harbor no such doubts. I will include the text at the back of my journal. I hope that there is a way to find the Prince's sword, Fragarach, and maybe, somehow, turn him back towards good. He was once a valiant warrior, the paragon of his day, and carried the day at Emridy Meadows.

As we finished the letter we heard another scream that lasted about 45 seconds, leaving a deafening silence in its wake. The final test of the Champion. It was the worst of them all; I shall never forget mixture of pure agony and masochistic delight emitted in that scream. Never. In my heart, I know he had passed.

This has been the longest day of my life. Mielikki, my faith is with you. Keep us strong.

The group hit the recovered temple about midday, this time truly utilizing protective spells to good effect. It was the first time they had gone beyond basic buffs, adding spell resistance for everyone, various protection from elements, and the like. They were, in fact, buffed to the gills.

Coming down the corridor, their vision was severely hampered by the water vapor in the grand room, caused by the combination of Imix and the second's presence over time. But when a momentary shift of vapor showed Lareth blowing his horn, Semaj immediately tried to shoot to disarm him. The arrow hit the first wall of force and fell harmlessly to the floor.

Eloen disintegrated the wall, and combat was enjoyned. It took the group a few rounds to dispatch the mooks in the main room, losing Farrus to the elder elemental but using a true ressurect scroll to bring him back up, minus his buffs (houserule, all buffs are lost when one dies). In the meantime, a couple of successful dispels stripped Semaj of most of his protective spells as well.

During this time, Lareth has managed to grow the nimbus of energy to a significant size - the portal was opening! The party tried to attack them, hitting the second wall of force. Cursing, Eloen spent a round pulling a disintegrate from the spellpool - lucky she had a 6th level slot ready! But the extra round was all Lareth needed. By the time she disintegrated the second wall, the nimbus was up to its full size. Semaj used his ready action to disarm Lareth of the horn, and it was followed by Magnus stone shaping the floor around the horn so Lareth could not get a hold of it. Imix placed the orb on top of the nimbus. Lareth simply reached down through the stone floor, retreived it, and finished the ritual of summoning the nimbus by blowing one last time, causing the nimbus to start rotating slowly, with the orb sitting on top, a cascade of magical energies engulfing it. There was no stopping it now; they party didn't know when the nimbus would fully open and suck the orb in, but it was surely going to do so.

Imix then turned to handle the interlopers. He is a damage dealing machine like I have never seen. With his full attack, he literally kills one or two character every round. And so he did, first destroying Farrus, then Olvgakk when she came to ressurect Farrus. Semaj got a few arrows in, dealing about 80 points of damage to Imix, but that was all Imix needed to turn around and tear Semaj out of the air, especially as he was pushed right next to Semaj following a blade barrier by Magnus. Dead, Semaj's wings of flying gently dropped him to the floor. Lareth was also pushed aside with the barrier, and no longer had one under his feet.

The party was desperate, but Olvgakk, in an act of self sacrifice, ran in soaking a couple of AoO's and used Harm on Imix. With her beads of Karma, it was worth 180 points of damage. Imix staggered. Then he capitulated and tore her limb from limb. She would not rise again in this combat.

Lareth, in the meantime, dropped a wall of force as a dome on Eloen, who cursed as her next spell bounced off it harmlessly. She teleported out and did the same to him. He burrowed out and popped up right next to her, surprising her and everyone else. Then he dropped another dome, sealing her inside again. The wizard was not having fun.

The nimbus was rotating faster and faster now. The orb was almost not visible anymore, with the play of the dark energies around it. The rotation was now so fast that a barely audible shriek started emitting from it; it was almost time.

Magnus managed a lucky greater dispel, hitting him where it hurt - he got the endurance (dropping Imix to 68 HP), Mage Armor (dropping him to AC34), and Bull's Strength. Eloen dimension doored next to Semaj, and placed a new greater magic weapon on his bow (the second was using dispel magics through a wand I gave him, and had dispelled those spells on Semaj's bow, making it ineffective against Imix's damage reduction).

Magnus used Mass Heal on him, Farrus, and Kwog. That allowed them to survive exactly one more round, as an enraged Imix dispatched Farrus for the last time, but not before the latter nailed him for a couple of times, which together with Eloen's Ice Storm, seriously hurt. Imix then went after Kwog. Kwog got a lucky crit on Lareth, and as the latter died, he screamed "Now, Mit-Kranyak, NOW!". He was then summarily dispatched by Imix. And the party had the dragon to contend with.

At this point Olvgakk, Farrus, and Kwog were dead. Imix was down to 30-something HP's. The second had not been hurt at all, but he was mostly a nuisance, using his hold person and dispel magic wands to limited effect. The nimbus was almost ready to open.

The dragon, however, had not come here to play. He swooped down and breathed, splashing acid everywhere. It hurt, but nobody died. Semaj managed to connect on Imix and dropped him to 2HP. Magnus tried to climb the altar, failed, and instead tossed the silvery orb to Semaj, who made his relfex save and caught it. The dragon repositioned himself next to Eloen and Semaj, hitting Semaj badly in the process.

The nimbus opened, and Imix banged on the golden orb which was immediately sucked inside. Semaj flew straight to it, soaking an AoO from the dragon - and got repulsed by it. Imix laughed evilly and boomed "I am still here, you fools!". At that, Eloen made another act of self sacrifice, with a second ice storm aimed at Imix, dispatching him to his plane of origin. As she finished her casting, she turned her eyes to Mit-Kranyak, who chuckled and clobbered Eloen to the nine hells.

But the second finally had a role to play. He cast another hold person off his wand, and this time, Semaj failed his roll. He fell to the floor, and Magnus rushed to him with a remove paralysis. He touched the orb of silvery death as he cast the spell, allowing him to avoid Hedrack's curse of having to plan his action for a full round. Semaj got up, but was now smacked again by the dragon's tail slap. He was down to 9HP, but he was still alive.

Semaj, grabbed the orb and shot through the now rapidly closing nimbus. In the distance, he could see the gate to Tharizdun's prison, and the golden orb hurtling to it. The solar was standing in front of the door, oblivious to this happenning. He did not expect it.

In the main room, the second emerged next to Magnus, and made a full attack with his tentacles. He hit with all four, and critted with two. With his Bull's Strength, he managed to get him for 91HP. Magnus only had 89HP. The Dragon stomped on him too, for good measure. But the nimbus had closed, and Semaj was in it, chasing the orb. Would he succeed?

Semaj flew fast, faster, chasing the golden orb. It looked like he would be too late. In desperation, he hurled the silvery orb towards the gold one, trying to divert the latter's course. He needed an 8 or better. He rolled a 1.

The silvery orb went flying past the golden one, and hit the door first, immediately followed by the golden orb. But faith often plays games. The hit from the silvery orb was not enough to sunder the gate, but it was enough to alert the solar, who immediately turned around and grabbed the doorway. When the golden orb hit, the door started cracking, but the solar was holding it together. Both orbs were now feeding energy to the door. They had to be destroyed.

Semaj knew that the orbs would be weak at this point. But he had to decide which to shoot first. Then he remembered; the golden orb could not be destroyed without the silver one gone first. He pulled his bow and arrows, and prayed.

His first arrow lodged in the eye of the silvery orb, shaking it. His second hit the top of the skull, and a crack appeared. His third hit it squarely in the middle, shattering it to a million pieces. He had one last arrow, and the door was about to break, and the solar could not hold it anymore.

As the silvery orb was destroyed, the golden one suddenly grew a bit larger, and less solid, and started to pulse. Semaj nocked his arrow, and took aim. The whirlwind around him, the noise from the cracking door, the solar's effort acocmpanied by his scream, none of those had an effect on him. The arrow left the bow, and flew sharply towards the pulsing orb. For a moment, it seemed as if it would miss, but instead, it dipped and found the skull's middle.

The golden orb exploded in a flash of blinding light. The door stopped reverberating. It was cracked, but still closed. The solar leaned against it, closed his eyes, and looked at Semaj. He then uttered "I know not who you are or where you come from. You have no place here. Begone", and with a flick of his fingers, Semaj was banished back to the main room at the temple.

Mit-Kranyak was no longer there. He had turned on the second, and then flew out to look for other prey. The second's body was pinned on the altar, now cracked and useless. The room was deathly silent. Semaj floated down to the ground, letting his battered body get a few seconds of rest. Then reality hit him. They did it. The triad was gone. Tharizdun was still imprisoned. The orbs were destroyed. And he was still alive.