Journey entry #1:

The long journey up to the small town was long and uneventful though the end of summer could not come soon enough. The heat was still oppressive even in this late in the season. I had hoped to find a short and uneventful job. I needed the work with my carpentry being slow. At least I got to commune with the true gift of the world, the forests. The local tracker, Jack had told me to meet him at the tavern. When I walked into the tavern, I had to pause a little before passing the bar. Good thing I recognized my party right away. They kind of stick out with all of those weapons and the fact that the regular people constantly stare at them. Sigh. Looks like troublemakers if I ever saw one. Three elves, a minotaur and a human. You would think that the elves would turn on the human and the minotaur and the minotaur turn on everyone. I guess even in these strange times, requires strange partnerships. After introducing myself as Kren, carpenter by trade and adventurer by night, I took a seat and quickly evaluated each. Kaylo, the minotaur looked like he had been in a quite a few battles. Probably in the pits the way he seems accustomed to using most weapons. He did seem to have a slight cough every once in a while. Ettriggan, the human, was fighter with scars all about him. He had seen lots of action through mercenary work. He had a huge scar across one eye. The other three, elves were different. The youngest seemed to be a bit more adept at alleviating people of unnecessary silver weight than removing a soul from a body, Drake seemed like an odd name for an elf. Maybe an indication of another heritage or past life? The other two, brothers ran the company. One was the front man, the other the brains of the operation. The front man did most of the talking. Judging my is dress he new the woods well. The brains had tattoos all over his face or maybe it was just one tattoo. I could not tell. Never seen that before though my guess is they are not from around here. The “brains” was definitely more ripped and probably could give Etriggan a run for his money in a strength contest. After introductions, I listened in on the discussion. I got words of dead justicar and haunted mansion and my hairs at the back of my neck standed up. I was right, troublemakers. Looks like it was going to be a longer job. After some discussion though it seemed more like once the brains decided, we headed out to check out a haunted mansion. Not much there, the doors were sealed shut and every entrance seemed barred. They talked about entering the building through catacombs beneath but I did not pay much attention. It was good to wander around the woods so I ignored the conversation. They don't quite trust me and nor I they. After much deliberation the party headed to an old ruins forming a circle. The pillars had strange runes inscribed in them. Purple mushrooms surrounded the place. I recognized the place. Rumor has it that it was created by wood elves for another purpose back when the elder gods roamed this world. Children that have been playing with the ruins have vanished for periods of time and appeared further into the woods. It was close to sunset and the light hit the top of the ruins with a peculiar hue. Ettrigan stepped right into the peaceful light. He shimmered and then disappeared! Quickly the rest of the group followed. "Are they crazy?", I thought but I followed them regardless of my instinct. I trusted the woods enough. I felt a surreal feeling as cherry blossoms dropped all over. Near the arch of a tree stood what looked like an elf with a wolf. He spoke to us wondering why we were here and our intentions. He quickly left through the entrance and walked away. The area shimmered and disappeared. Almost like passing through a sanctuary of sorts. We agreed that we needed to investigate further and would wait until morning when the sun would be right to open this gateway and that we needed to step all the way through to investigate. We arrived in the early morning and quickly stepped into the shimmering light at the center of field. Again we met the elf in his wolf. We asked many questions though what we got was very little answers. All I know was to stay clear of the tower he was heading. Something about dark powers trying to get a foothold in the world beyond and the placing a tower under his nose was not a good omen. He also warned us to not draw any weapons for only in peace could we go. Before he left I bid him good luck. He stared at me and said he did not think our kind still roamed the earth. I said we still did. He mentioned meeting a good druid named Daryoon. I had never heard of him though much of the lore of the druids remain hidden to me. He might not even exist yet. Ponderings for another day. I looked around more closely and found a the forest different. I am not sure where the gate took us but it was not where we were. A familiar yet different place. We had our ranger scout the town and found that where the town stood was a tent and a flag of unknown device. We agreed to head towards the tower we had previously tried to enter. On the way passing a grove of interest to me. The trees grown creating a natural arch. When we arrived at the clearing, the tower still looked uninhabited. It was also still sealed shut. As my employers debate on how to get it, I wandered back to the trees. Every once in a while check back to see if they needed my help. From what I saw, they tried to open the windows and when that did not work, they tried the top of the tower. It looked like the minotaur tried to use his superior strength and gave himself a hernia. Pathetic. At least the minotaur is good for a good laugh. Wen that did not work, they tried prying the trap door with a weapon and breaking it. What idiots. Oh well, I guess that’s what happens when elves and minotaurs are running the show. Not that I am biased. While this was occuring, a lady appeared. Rather pretty lady though in this world, I feel that people are not what they seem. The ranger, took a stroll with her. He is the boss but I have this disquieting feeling about her. I walked away from an old life for simpler times yet the world around us has a very chaotic feel. Like the game of houses was a microcosm of the game of life.

Afterwards our beloved leaders were deciding whether it was better to go into the cemetery and what was below during daylight or nightfall. What idiots. It is going to be dark either way. I just keep my mouth shut. At least for some I know that they are not plotting behind my back. Well I should say without me knowing it. I have a few ideas who are trustworthy. Either way they came to my conclusion and decided to go down during nightfall.

Apparently they had fought some undead here and examined a wall in particular. There were scratching sounds at the end with strange markings. One of our members decided to pour blood. The scratching noises intensified. After much talk and trying to figure out how to open the door, it was discovered that the device on a shield needed to be turned up. The doors creaked with age. There was a scattering sound. We saw shadows in the distance avoiding the light scampering about. I was more concerned about keeping my distance. One of our fearless elves started flicking arrows into the shadows. I think he got a couple. One of them asked us why we were attacking. All they wanted was fresh blood. Yikes! What had I stepped into? With a quick clearing the entire room was cleared. So far so good. I guess the minotaur and Etriggan do pretty good work. We examined further and entered a cavern with huge spider webs hanging from the ceiling and a pool of murky water in the center. Again our fearless leader decided to shoot a flaming arrow at the web! Do these guys really like sticking their hands into hornet’s nests and getting stung?! Of course a spider came down and we dealt with it. Further down we discovered a way into the tower. Nothing of interest though the brandy could be useful right about now. One room that was sealed we decided to wait and investigate after some rest. Well some of us did. Ettrigan tried to open the door and collapsed. Hmmmm……. Some of those strange elven behaviors must be rubbing off on him.

We were about to call it a night. At least I was but again those elves got into trouble again! We came a running and discovered one of our fearless leaders was trapped in the closed room! The minotaur with his burly strength lifted up the door. It was now or never because he was not going to keep it up. Yikes these guys attract trouble like a bear to honey. If I was drawing cards mine would be the fool. Oh well, elves can only be sensible as much as we can make a vegetarian out of minotaurs. I tumbled in a saw a coffin in the center of the room. I heard thumping sounds. We quickly tried to move the coffin. It moved but not by us. I hand, well I thought it was hand reached out a grabbed my neck. I felt it searing my flesh and ripped a good chunk of it! Falling backwards, I stumbled. I was dazed. The lid of the coffin. Trembled a little. All of a sudden it exploded up! A large mummy came up. It seemed angered. Our elven campanion was inside, unconscious. I went for him hoping to heal him with some herbs. Tried everything I could but I could not revive him. Looks like I am going up for a while if I am going to save this life. Oh well, did not plan on sleeping well anyways. The minotaur, and the two elves kept the mummy busy but I knew that it was just a matter of time for the mummy to overcome them. I kept focused on my patient. At one moment I felt a flash of sorts though it sent chills down my spine. I only shuddered at what dark magic was going on. There was a stand off. Somehow, we ended up working for him.

A relic of by gone years, it seemed we had little choice if we were going to keep alive. The mummy trapped me and my patient in the darkness. I can only guess what heinous acts would have us do but I figure for now he will require his holy items being a priest. If was a wizard he would have zapped us with something more potent. In the darkness I did my best to keep the elf alive. When I knew he was out of danger, I leaned against a wall to sleep. I was exhausted.

I awoke to the shouts of my comrades. I was going to answer but I saw my patient, recovered and groggy give me the sign to be quiet. So I decided to finish sleeping. I was tired. Next time, the stone slap rumbled. I knew it was probably the minotaur or the mummy. They lack, how should we say, tack? Well at least the mummy is understandable what being stuck down here. So I guess the plan was we would round up some kids for the mummy to drain the life force from. I think my companions would probably sell their own mother if it meant saving there own life! I was not going to allow it though out numbered and without the aid my god, I needed to bid my time. I am not sure what, but the time would come where I would have to act.

We moved into town hoping to plot our next move. There was commotion and soon discovered a troup of soldiers were coming to investigate the disappearance of the justicar. Our fearless leaders decided to try to use this to our advantage and maybe get the soldiers to take care of our little problem. One of the elves, I think the ranger and the minotaur took off to take the plan into action. Great, with our luck they would probably screw up. Why could that not send Ettrigan instead of the minotaur? If they were caught the minotaur’s pea brain would probably say something stupid like “Do you know how many humans I killed in the gladiator pits?” The remaining party members headed towards the tavern. I suspect trouble would soon be coming. Jack did not like the party much. Some how I don’t think he likes me much now.

The commander of the soldiers headed straight for us. I noticed a priest of Fultus and Rahvin. Pretty typical. They inspected our gear and low and behold one of the elves had the justicar’s ring fall out. Ihad a sinking feeling. One of those, I wish I was some where else instead of here. The elven thief was taken for interrogation by the priest of Rahvin. More like a torture session. After we told our “abbreviated” story, I knew we would all be interrogated. The priest of Fultus seemed particularly agitated at the openess of the inquiry. I think he knew more than he was letting on but then I have a suspicious nature. I suspect the Rahvin priest would want to toture just any body and the priest of Fultus would tried to stop him. Odds our half of us will face the Rahvin priest. I am hoping for the priest of Fultus to do my inquiry. We heard a scream at this moment. Well I guess the priest of Rahvin is having his fun. Our fearless leader decided to go next. I suspect he would get much of the same treatment. No screams from him though. I was surprised when they stopped the interrogation. The priest of Rahvin might be all about pain but if he thought we knew something he would have pressed more. I keep on getting this feeling that he was somehow involved or knew more. Why stop interrogating if he wanted to inflict more pain. If I were a betting man, the god of Rahvin is probably making a move up on the god ranks. The soldiers eventually left the town a headed for DragonFall leaving us to our problems.

After a brief discussion we decided on a frontal assault. Not the brightest ideas but that’s what happens when elves and minotaurs are in party. We headed into the woods and all of a sudden we were ambushed! Damn must be angry villagers. They dislike the company I keep. There was a skirmish but we were not too badly hurt. We captured Jack who apparently was the ring leader of the group. The party members had special plans for him. As we descented to the tomb I knew we were in for trouble. A Wyvern Watch was placed near the entrance. We through Jack in to trigger it. Poor Jack but better him than me. Our mummy taunted us with the usual taunts but we continued. The plan was to get the old liquor and maybe sent him on fire. Not a bad plan but as we got to the door, skeletons were upon us! Yikes! We had a fight and managed to hack them down but we were in no shape to take the mummy. I tried to keep as many of them alive but sometimes it was harder than most. We decided to head back. Spiders were everywhere but we managed to get through. I was through. Mummy man decided to out flank us! The party wanted another go but I think they were crazy! We failed once with a poor plan. Next time would be our only chance but if we failed, we would be dead. I had to make a stand. I am surprised Ettrigan left with them. I thought he would have had more common sense. I decided to wait with the wagon while they inacted their miracle plan of setting the mummy on fire but first taking out the spiders in case of a hasty retreat. While they were gone I was thinking about how the mummy man could take them out. If I were him, I would set the skeletons in the water. The nice advantage of undead troops is they can stay submerged forever. No one would suspect it, especially this group. That way if the party came by, they would out flank us and trap the party. Of course I would take the old wine and spill it all over the hallway in the back. One light and the hallway would be on fire. This would trap the party from going forward and the skeletons in front but then I am not really a smart man. Plus the smoke generated would effect the fighting ability of the party but not effect the skeletons. But those thoughts are all lost in the past and I hope to keep it that way. Too many mind games then. Of course the only problem is if we set mummy man on fire, we would also be intoxiated by the burning smoke and possibly get burned ourselves. Oh well, that is why they don’t pay me enough to think. I just heal, heal and heal. I waited a while and low in behold they survived! They must be tougher or maybe luckier than I thought. Unless mummy man was jut plain dumb though I doubt that. He was after all lived much longer. I was right though in one respect. Someone did die. Poor Ettrigan. That is what he gets when he sticks with elves but I must say the party proved more resilient.

The trek back to Dragonfall where the party was heading, was uneventful. I was brooding dark thoughts. Going to the city reminds me too much of the dying druid ways. When we finally entered, the party started looking for a way to bring back are fallen comrade, Ettrigan. Knowing our cheap employers, I am guessing the priest of Rahvin will be quite busy raising of Ettrigan. The priests of Fultus would probably charge way too much. I hear the War God is the best deal but knowing our employers, he will be resurrected by a priest of Rahvin. Poor soul, once revived, they probably will not stop causing pain for a while. Sick people and I suspect up to more than just the usual. I spent the time healing trees and the like but the darkness enveloped me one night. I could not take it and ended up getting drunk. I missed my job the next day. Oh well. Later on, I headed to a meeting to gather news. It was a bit sad with the death of one of our own but I felt a little better talking to those that had the same goals as me, even if we disagree on method. I gave me a sense of purpose. I think I know what I have to do……

I spent the rest of the days listening to gossip. I was looking for someone, I had not meet. Most of the news was pretty typical, though I did hear of a caravan going out to the desert country. Apparently one of the big houses was sponsoring the journey. No doubt other houses would soon follow suit. In most cases there is usually one group seeking to use other methods to prevent the caravan. I heard of one such person. He is currently anchored on the pier. A tiger man of some sort. I have heard of his reputation and rather dispicable one at that. He will probably try to send a group to stop the caravan and create his own monopoly on the desert realm trade route. He will likely use his money and bribe a few of the town guards to “arrest” all potential parties. Maybe I should say thugs instead of parties. The charade would throw off any honest decent people. These groups would be taken to the pier where his boat is tied. Eventually he would display the opulence and all his riches. Probably one hell of a party to get the poor sap drooling so that he would agree to anything. Maybe brag about his Southern trade routes which I hear will net him quite the fortune. Show a few gems and scantily clad women and they usually get stupid. After a little meal maybe some smoking of opium and the like, he would get down to business. Likely look for a small party with some connections in the desert area. Must be a good fighting group. Of course he would give the typical, if you double cross me, or else speech. After seeing all the money, most people would forget to bargain a little and just accept the offer. Of course, he would send two groups out. One as a decoy and one as the main group. The decoy would basically be bait to distract the authorities or any other potential competitors and probably eliminated to prevent any loose ends. Of course, he probably would eliminate the party once the said job was done. Probably pay them, soften them up, and then get rid of them. That is assuming they show no usefulness. I am sure our employers are smarter than that. I mean, they are elves but that does not make them completely stupid. At least they would have bargained for a good deal. Not that I would approve completely. I would prefer to say near Lete. I still have lots of unfinished business there. I really should stop thinking about these dark things. It reminds me too much of the past.

The party eventually found work as hired guns to protect a caravan. Why I don’t know. It just seems too…. Well tame though we do need to get out of town. We are black listed. Can’t believe that I got black listed for something I did not even due. I don’t trust them much though Ettrigan and Kaylo seemed more at ease. Ettrigan seems more withdrawn. I heard the resurrected him through the local priest of Rahvin. Scary thought.

We moved forward and the weather got worse. Rain was pouring. Who ever organized this expedition clearly had no idea what they were doing. All of a sudden we heard an explosion. Ambush! Somewhere in the front. I casted a spell the help them up front. A lot of good it will do them. I decided the investigate. I was as good as a sitting duck back here. I investigated further. Elves were moving forward. Some soldiers tried to attack them but it turned out to be an illusion! Misdirection. Good thing I left the rear. I would have been dead. There was some skirmishing. I left with the rest of the caravan while our elves and Etriggan skimrished. I was more concerned about getting out of there. Ettrigan told me to unhitch the other wagons but I thought they might need the horses to go back.

In retrospect I should have known they would hit the back but in a way I did know. Otherwise I would not have moved forward to avoid the action. There is safety in numbers. All I know going forward, is I must survive to complete my plan and meet my own destiny.