Kren’s Journal Part 4

by Kevin Sung

Episode 1: The Pearls of Trouble

We had been in Noguard for a little bit after or little encounter in the pirate cove. Everyone was off doing their own agenda. I spent the time wisely reflecting traveling and finding some answers but unfortunately too many questions raised. I suspected I would find some answers soon though the real question was whether I had a future with this group. I am growing increasingly aware that this party is agenda and mine are not going to be parallel for long if they ever were. I heard some of the party members got in a bit of a ruckus. Something about some Oan priest that appeared to be obsessed by some demon. It did not appear to have gone well with the priest dead and the Fist confiscating everything in sight. I am guessing they did there usual looting but for god sake, I hope they did not get caught. The least they could do is be good doing their livelihood and from what I can tell, the only competence this group has is attracting and causing trouble.

After some discussion and about a week time since coming back from the pirate cove, our fearless leaders decided to go pearl hunting considering the need for pearls in the component identify spell and the general tendency to go for the easy mark. The minotaur did not go. I thought it was kind of odd but I leave it to him to protect his own skin. The temple was too dangerous considering we did not know a thing about what we might find. So we headed out. The roads were sparsely traveled. We saw very few people. One of the elves, the thief became increasingly secretive. I can’t put my finger on it but I am sure he is hiding something and it can’t be good. I don’t trust him but then I really don’t trust most of them.

As we traveled north towards the Kelpie lair, we encountered an amusing distraction. Around a bend along the main road North, we saw a wagon overturned with two men and woman arguing. Considering the state of the world and the fact that there was something odd about them, we chose to ignore the situation. They kept talking and then tried to get us to help them. I don’t trust anyone that looked blatantly like bandits and just kept going. Etrigan for some reason talked to them but kept going. I think the elves might have said a word or two but to be quite honest, I usually tune out the noise. Just when we were about to leave them behind, the young lady said she would like to travel with us. I did not care but if she thought it was safe going with us, she was clearly delusional. I only said it was a bad idea but the elves did not care and the minotaur really has more brawn then brains. I noticed the elf with his hood always up, disappeared. He probably went shopping in the wreck behind us. Typical.

For some reason our fearless leaders decided to let her tag along. Strange, they did not seem like the goodie goodie types but then again, they might be saving her for a rainy day. It reminds me of an old saying my master used to utter “you are only as strong as your weakest link.” We just got a lot weaker. Etrigan would probably be distracted, which means as a group we had one more problem on our hands. Sometimes I wonder what I have gotten into with this incompetent group but I guess it could be worse. It could be an entire party of minotaurs.

During the day, we saw a black galleon. I took a closer look. Definitely from Tenubria. The elven thief wanted a quick gander through my spyglass. As he stood looking on the ship, I saw what appeared as the head skeleton captain waived at the elven thief. Quite eerie. The elf returned the gesture. Just great. It looks like we have another problem to worry about. I might have to take care of this problem. It is clear that this elf had gone over to the side of evil. I guess it was only a matter of time. Elves are the bane of the world. I suspected they created the downfall of the world. If these elves are any indication of the rest of them, there might need to be a whole sale extermination. Safer for the world. Maybe I am being too hard and these are pretty much the refuse as far as elves. I think I am getting too edgy. I should just focus the problem at hand. They have not crossed the line yet. But if they do, they will wish they didn’t. Don’t need more evil in this chaotic world.

We stopped for the night. I got this eerie feeling about where we were heading. Something just did not seem right. I saw two of the elves disappear into the forest. I could only guess what mischief they could be up to. The lady we picked up tried to talk to each of us. I was not planning on getting to know her considering she might die at any moment. I decided to not talk to her and maybe subtly try to scare her away if she was smart enough. Of course she did not listen and thinks I am strange and diabolical. Naïve girl, she will soon learn it was a bad idea hanging around this group. I am already regretting the decision.

I slept strangely well. Apparently there was a commotion last night. The lady we picked up was talking about some strange occurrence last night. Apparently some skeleton came up from the fire, spoke a few words to our elven thief and somehow stayed in a trance like state with the skeletal head moving. Yet another reason to not trust the elves. I think either they are incompetent/stupid or reckless. The scary thing is, I think they are both. I checked the ring of dust. It was animal bone. I know that the elf could not have caught any animal to save his life so he had help. That means one of the other elves. You go with what you know and he felt the most comfortable which means the other elven rangers who would be capable. In my opinion disgraces to the brotherhood of the forest if they helped him. How could they justify the apparent sacrifice of animals. Unless there not really rangers or just pretenders. I am beginning to see a trend and the possibility of a showdown in the future. The elves stick together, means I am going to need help if things turn ugly. None of them I really trust but if I had to I might have to have a discussion with Etrigan.

The next day maybe around mid-day we encountered a coastal town near the sea. I did not want to go down and thought we should pass it on by. But no our fearless leaders decided to go take a look. By the looks of the town, it appeared deserted for a long time. Something about the place sent a shiver down my spine as if I could smell the stench of evil. Not a place I would go tramping around unless you are looking for trouble or stupid. Again two criteria my party seems to have. Oh well, at least there is plenty of fodder in the party and I already have plenty of options to flee in necessary. Benefits of a classical training in warefare, when the opponent is stronger, divide.

When they came back the apparently found some information as to what happened to the town. The coastal towns people were apparently slaughtered a long time ago by a roving orc horde. Because the Oan priests and the Fist did not come to the aid of the town, the area was cursed by the dead. The priests of Oan have no power in the region and the Fist have avoided the area. All this information they got from some mysterious hag made of seaweed who ate the flesh of the bones. Sounds like some sort of sea hag. The hag urged us to keep moving because there were vampires and other undead in the region. They might have are scent already.

I knew we should have kept out the town. We pressed as hard as we could without killing the horses. Probably around the late afternoon, we saw some bad-ass looking fighter on the horizon. The guy was bristling with weapons and clad in this black armor. Here was a guy who knew what he was doing. He came closer to us and we had a little chat. He only confirmed the story of the old sea hag and that we should get going as far as possible. During our conversation, we also heard news of Velc. Apparently the city gates were closed. The rumor was that there was some disease or infestation that caused the leaders of Velc to close the doors. Very odd. He also mentioned something about vampires and they likely had a scent. Yikes! Two vampires and likely on our trail because the elves in the party wanted to site see. The bad-ass fighter was some sort of watchman. I thought it odd that he was out there all alone considering the dangers. It was very strange.

We pressed on as hard as we could. I was getting pretty tired. The weather was getting worse for traveling and the darkness only seemed to heighten our anxiety. Well at least mine, I am not sure about the rest. All of a sudden, a creature came sweeping in and dropped right behind Etrigan and me! Yikes! Vampires! Of all the vampires we ran into, we had to run into racists ones. For god sakes just because the elves don’t look appetizing does not mean the vampires should not be equal opportunists. The vampire behind me tried to take a swipe but missed. I quickly turned into a bird and darted off. I was not planning on becoming a vampire’s next meal or convert. I saw the vampire take a bite out of my horse. I felt a little sad but it was better the horse then me. Etrigan had his hands full with another vampire. Etrigan appeared to have been wounded by the beast. I saw my vampire go after the shifty elf being the nearest target. Hmmm…. Maybe the vampires weren’t quite as bad. Eventually though the party wore down and killed the denizens of the dark. I was flying around and decided to try to bring forth the wrath of a storm but my acquaintances took care of them quickly and efficiently. I almost wished the vampires finished the shifty elf. It would have removed one less problem.

After our encounter with the vampires, we eventually came upon a beach. There were stone statues everywhere. All sorts of people ranging from terrified commoner to a knight. All in stone in a life like form as if they were real. My guess is they were at one time. I let the entire party go down. I wanted nothing to do with it. The party had business with the Kelpie not me. I did not want anything do to with the pearls. I watched from above while the party tried to figure out how to get the attention of the Kelpie. Of course the resorted to the direct approach. I don’t think they know of any other way. I heard them yell out for the Kelpie. It was a bit comical but I was certain they had her attention. At least I think it was a she based on the seaweed form but who knows. I heard them bargaining. She apparently wanted some scrolls of petrification or some fresh victims. I grew a little bit worried. If the party gave in to her demands, I might be forced to stop the party. I really did not want to have to do that but I know in this world the fit survive while the weak perish.

Thank god the party did not decide to give in. The Kelpie left and we mulled over our choices. The party decided to scout around and found a little trail leading into the woods. They found a nice garden leading to an old beat up house. We decided to investigate and if all was safe we would use it for shelter for the night. Nothing happened. We had some dinner that the young lady picked up was able to cook. I spent some time wandering the forest above and tending to the neglected. After some searching around, we found a large chess board with a bunch of queens. As we stared at the board we heard a voice. It looked like a male Kelpie or I guess a Kelpo. Funny I never new they came as male or female just Kelpie. Oh well. He claimed that he was playing a game with the Kelpie. They took turns trying to stump each other. He said that if we figured out the solution of getting eight queens on the board without killing each other, he could get us the pearls. It took a while to solve the puzzle but somehow Etrigan figured it out more by luck then anything else. The kelpo promised to get us the pearls and place out in the open.

So after solving the puzzle we bedded down for the night hoping to see pearls the next evening. I had an uneasy feeling. Things just seemed too easy. I know we missed something. I just did not know how. “If there is doubt, there is no doubt.” It is a trap. I could feel it. No point in saying it to the party. They would shrug it off as paranoia. Though maybe I could get a little lucky. Maybe the sneaky elf might catch an unlucky break. So I figured it was safer to watch my back and see what happened.

When we entered the underground area, we saw a box on a pedestal. I was careful not to go near it. There was some murky water on the far side of the room where the kelpo met us before. We did not see anything move. Someone made for the chest and opened. An explosion! A trap! Too bad the thief elf was not taken down in the explosion. With my luck he might live a long time. Right after the explosion, seaweed tentacle came flying out of the water. One went for me but I managed to duck out of the way. One of the elves spotted the Kelpie in the water using some old boat as cover, directing the seaweed. Looked like there was no Kelpo just a trick the Kelpie was playing on us. The Kelpie quickly went underwater once the elves let loose their arrows. I decided the send our fearsome fighter in by casting water breathing. He could do the most damage the quickest and could end this fight quickly. Afterwards, I cast a flaming sphere to sear the seaweed. After our repeated pounding by the minotaur and elves the seaweed reatreated. I took some time to study the surroundings while the elven archers scanned the area with their bows drawn. There was an old beat up boat on the side. A glow was coming from the water on the far right. I moved the sphere out onto the boat in case the Kelpie was around. Etrigan was in a fight of life and death. I saw him attacking the seaweed around him. He seems like he had it under control. The seaweed was lifeless. I saw Etrigan go after the Kelpie. She looked like she might escape through some portal on the right with the green grow but Etrigan finished her off.

After some searching around and the various looting that my companions, the party decided to go through the portal. Etrigan went underwater and the rest of us piled onto the boat and heading into the light. We found ourselves behind the manner in a forest on a lake. We could see the manor behind us. We decided to travel down the river a little ways but eventually decided to head back and gather our things. The first thing we decided was to avoid the haunted town. We decided to head due west for a while and catch the main road. We did our best to avoid other travelers. It was not safe to travel these roads without some prudence with the state of the civilized world crumbling. As we headed further, the sneaky elf announced to the party that he knew of a location of a massive battle site where loot could be had. I was skeptical.

I really did not want to deviate from going back to Noguard but the party overruled me and headed off. How typical. At least it was not too far. We entered a valley and saw massive graves and dead orc carcasses left to decay. There must have been hundreds of bodies. From what I gather, this was last summer’s massive battle where the Fist stopped one of the roving tribes of orcs. After the group did its usual looting manner they found a horde of dead orcs. One of the elves said there was something magical. There was also some barrier protecting this particular battle scene. Based on the battle scene, we figured that the Fist put a magical barrier to make sure no one loots the bodsy. Something was definitely evil. I saw the shifty looking elf try to pass the barrier but turned and ran. Typical elven reaction. Etrigan tried to enter the battle scene and ran. Hmmm… Must be hanging around the elves too long. After some work, they removed the bodies and found this massive orc. He was dead but still griped this massive sword. Black blade and had an ominous look to it.

At that point, the female elven ranger went for the sword but was shocked. A large booming orcish voice shouted out something about warning the elves to not try to steal the sword and issuing an warning that the great dark lord would claim the sword or something to that effect. My orcish is pretty rusty but I am pretty sure that was an accurate translation. Based on the words, they figured it was meant for a non-elf, which only left me as a possible choice to grab the sword. Of course I was not going in. They wanted to loot not me and they could do just fine without me. I decided that without out my guidance, it was best to step far away from this scene. With elves in charge, it was only a matter of time before something bad would happen and I was not about to get in the crossfire so I naturally walked a safe distance and decided to watch the show.

From my spot, I pulled out my spyglass to get a good view. I saw the female elf trying a few ideas trying to pry the sword out but to no avail. Finally she pulled out some medallion in the shape of a sun. It looked like something from an Oan temple. She placed it on the sword. I was about to shout something to stop her but decided not to. Let her learn the hard way that good and evil don’t mix. There was a huge explosion. Dust was everywhere but eventually we could see the battle scene again. The female elf meandered out. Drat my bad luck, she was alive. I swear these elves had nine lives. Normal logic would have said they would have been dead by now. The sword and the medallion were both destroyed. Well I guess that should teach them a lesson but somehow I can’t shake this image in my head of something I saw in my childhood. It was a little boy sticking his hand in the fire and always getting burned. He kept sticking his hand in the fire thinking he was some invincible warrior and he kept burning his hand. He was undeterred and one day he kept his hand in the fire and died from his wounds. I only thought that story because I thought I smelled roasted elf when I saw the female elf come strolling out of the chaos.

After the little excursion, we headed west again keeping away from the main roads afraid of strangers and possible undead from the town we were avoiding. Miraculously we did not encounter any other problems and made it safely to Noguard. When we got back, the hitchhiker we picked up wanted to join us. The only thing she was good at was cooking, so she became our chef. I am not sure if she knew what she was getting into.

Episode 2: Catching a Tiger by its Tail

The party again went there separate ways looking for god knows what. I had a separate puzzle to figure out. Funny thing was through all my searching, I ended back to Etrigan. He had some interest in the same problem. I wondered to myself if it was his problem or Evelyn’s. This puzzle seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Etrigan claimed that his only interest was some documents they recovered from a lunatic priest. My question was, how did he know to look for it? He might be lucky but he holds too many secrets for me to assume it is a coincidence. When there is doubt, there is no doubt. He was holding out on me. I just hope his agenda coincides with mine. Somehow I doubt it. At least his agenda coincides with mine with regards to our red eye elf. I would be keeping an eye on that elf and if he so much as steps out of line, I would have some help to dispatch the problem.

The items from the crazy priest all pointed to some place down in the south. They were all after something or someone. It was connected to some of the other things I was looking into. I suspected that the place we were going had significance for me. My concern was that the party would loot all that was sacred to me. I even thought about telling them that if we go to not loot items of significance to my order. Of course that is like telling a kid not to do something. They go ahead and do it. Elves. The children of the gods, literally. I decided to keep it to myself. The real question was whether I go with them. I knew my answers were there but I had a feeling that with our diverging agendas we would be at odds. I might have to consider following the party and perhaps taking care of the indiscretions. No one would miss them that’s for sure.

As the party decided to go, I eventually decided to go with them. It was the best way to keep an eye on them. As we were leaving for the ship to take us south, I noticed a wanted poster. The drawing looked very similar to our elven thief. The person was wanted for breaking into the main temple of Oan. I decided to investigate a little further. I knew that our elven friend left with the minotaur that night so if it was him, he had help.

I started with the pubs and various people I met on the way. Specifically I was looking for a soldier of the Fist. I made sure I was far enough from the party to sneak off do a little investigation. After a few hours I was able to piece together parts of what happened. As far as I can figure one maybe two thieves sneaked into the main library area of the Oan temple. The reputation of some of the guards seems like they were lackadaisical which probably meant they were asleep on duty or not very observant. The library would logically be heavily guarded so I am assuming the thieves were invisible for at least part of the time or at the very least one of them was. Two people sneaking through in tandem would either be really good or lucky. The thieves were after something in main holding where a lot of the records were kept. Not much of value was in that vault though if there after magical or various other means. Those things are stored in another place.

From the eyewitnesses, there was a commotion in the main library, some intruder had attempted to hide on a shelf and fell down. When the main guards and head priest went to investigate, they noted some complex illusion of hordes of ferocious evil looking rats. Some accounts had the rats making an Oan symbol. All accounts though did have the known culprit breathing fire and caused enough confusion to evade capture. They got away with a few scrolls and documents but nothing of real worth.

I am not sure how much of it is true but I decided to go by my trustworthy checklist.

Mayhem/chaos? Check

Looting? Check

Loot consisting of worthless items? Check

Destruction? Check

Culprits barely escaped? Check

Hmmm…….. Five out of five. Yup it was them. There was no doubt about it. Only people in my current acquaintances would accomplish all five of my criteria and still be alive and not captured. At least I know they did not confess their sins to a priest or themselves. Then we might really be in trouble.

I made my way back to the boat before they left. It really did not take too long to figure things out. The party decided to make a stop at DragonFall. They wanted to do some research. I decided to do a little on my own. I ask around about the lizardmen. I found out they called them quizzits or something like that. Sounded like they were protectors of some sort. I knew there was some connection to my own druidic heritage. I kept that to myself.

The trip down south was uneventful and soon saw the city of Senta on the horizon. Small favors. The city did not look like much but then I was used to the exploding trade of DragonFall or the strict miltary city of Noguard. Senta can best described as all the leftovers of the Cresent. Kind of like if all the cities on the Cresent represented children, Senta is the deformed ugly child that people disdain to talk about. At least I think so. So much rampant crime and disorder it is usually hard to tell who is in charge in the city. All I know was to stay far away from the main city and quickly pass through.

When we docked, there was a mob of the local charlatans who were hoping to cash in on or gullibility. The female elf said our guide into the jungle would be the first one to clear the docks of his competition. Quickly one of them took charge and cleared the dock. I am not so sure that was the best way but I guess one way to keep the number scoundrels we had to deal with. Our guide was able to secure us a ship. The captain was amiable as can be for working in Senta. He had a orc and some boy to help him with his ship. The rules were pretty simple. He would ferry us up the river and that was it. Any trouble, he was not lifting a finger. If he needed help, we would have to pitch in for tasks relating to moving the boat. The captain gave us a warning that the guide had kin in the Banda and in all likelihood we would face raids on the river. It was nothing we did not know already.

Our captain told us to pay the guide and be done with him so we did. The first day on the river was I guess eventful. Not too far from the Senta town there was a trader of sorts. He seemed to be some crazed ranger. He told us to beware of the banda. Apparently he had some dealings with them and even managed to kill one of the chiefs. He had a souvenir, a mask of sorts. It had some magic powers of some sort he said but did not want to part of it. He confirmed more of the stories of the banda and the quizzts. I could tell the party was afraid of them. I wasn’t. Though if they plan on looting what I think this temple is, they should be afraid. After the party left I gave him my traditional druid parting to the ranger. Things got a little interesting…………

The banda started probing us. A handful of warriors were shooting arrows at us. I think they were just sizing us up. I saw the elves loose some arrows probably hitting their mark every once in a while. I just watched under cover figuring if they needed me, they would call. Eventually they stopped. I figure they would be back but I was not sure when. We did not use any magic and I am surprised they did not probe us further my trying to force us to use our other talents. Clearly amateurs. You would expect them to try some tricks. I am surprised the banda have lasted this long. Clearly inbreeding has taken its toll.

That night the boat set anchor. The elves took first watch. I took the last. I heard a commotion, as I was about to go to bed. I figured if the elves needed my help, they would come and get me. I saw Etrigan and the rest of the party head up to investigate. Soon after, I heard some screams and smelled burnt oil. I guess someone got a good bath tonight. I stayed half awake just incase they needed me but the clashes of metal soon subsided. Good to know they still know how to kill. At least they still have some uses. I was beginning to lose faith that they could not even do that. Elves do have a knack for surviving, otherwise they would have been exterminated by more fanatical groups.

The next night we encountered several giant lobsters that came aboard. We had anchored but we were all still on deck. The sun was setting and we weary from watching the shores for another banda attack. All of a sudden a giant lobster dropped onto the deck! Another came from the opposite side. Great, trouble always seem to come in pair of twos. I saw the fighters engage the beasts while the elves were content with pelting the lobsters with arrows. One of the elves casted some magic trying to slow the beast down. I stuck close to Etrigan and tried to heal him up if he needed it. Unfortunately the hide of these creatures were tough and Etrigan succumbed to the beasts claws. I tried to get to him and bring him up but unfortunately by the time I got there, it was too late. I headed for the safest place on the ship, the aft. It was where the captain chose to view the battle and it was slightly elevated from the main deck. As I watched, one of the elves was fighting hand to hand. Our fearless leader. He looked pretty bad so I healed him as much as I could while he fought the beast. I saw one of the elves go down. The suspicious looking one with the beady eyes. Despite my better judgement, I brought the elf back up. Too bad I had a conscious otherwise I would have let him rot and save me the trouble but then I was trying to turn over a new leaf. He instantly ran for my former hiding spot. The lobster followed me. I ran to my lookout place though it looked crowd as the female elf had joined us. Unfortunately we also had unwelcome company, the giant lobster. It followed me and came up. I tried to fend it off but it was getting pretty tough. I saw the elven ranger fell the other lobster. The other lobster sensing its fallen comrade retreated and tried to take Etrigan’s body. I was not about to let him get away. As soon as the lobster dropped over board, I blasted him with some holy fire to insure the boat was not destroyed. We managed to recover Etrigan’s body but had no way to revive him. Some tough lobsters.

The next day in broad daylight we were attacked! The impudence of these Banda to attack in broad daylight. I decided to teach them a lesson and stop these incessant attacks. It was time to set an example of them. We saw four boats approaching us. Two directly in front of us and two on the side. The leaders of the banda were clearly in the front. The ones to the right had some really nice looking weapons. Clearly crack warriors. I decided to strike the boats in front. When you cut the head, the body ceases to function as my master said. I figured the quicker we took out the leaders, the better chance of surviving and the fact of the manner was if the probe was any indication, they were not planning any real tricks. Maybe some illusions to increase there numbers but nothing to try to confuse us. They were likely in capable of reall subterfuge. I blasted both boats out of the water with some holy fire. The two boats to the right disappeared. Just as I thought. Though it meant there was a wizard around. One of the elves pointed out in the brush a floating object in the distance. I was no help though because I had no range spells. One of the leaders looking warriors came aboard. I decided to leave him to the elves. The other leader who I took as a cleric made it aboard also but the elves made short work on him. The banda warrior was hurt bad so I hoped he could finish him off. The female elf had been concentrating arrows on the banda warriors left in the river though they quickly were finished. She then concentrated fire on the wizard but it was a tough shot. I sat and observed the battle at hand. Our elven thief was going toe to toe with banda wizard with spells. The elven ranger turned into a gargoyle and went for the wizard but only managed to scare him off. It looked like he grabbed Etrigan demonic cloak. The battle done, I went back down below.

After a day or two, a storm brewed. We started to slow down a bit because we were closing in on a treacherous part of the river, mud flats. It was shallow and very difficult to maneuver. The captain did pretty well but just at the last moment we hit a snag. Drat. It looks like someone was going to get wet. From the terrain it looked like the water might be infested with leaches. Good thing I am not a strong person, otherwise I might have to go down. In the end the minotaur volunteered. He managed to get us untangled but we noticed a giant leech on his back! Yikes. We quickly burned the leech off and I managed to heal him up a bit though he was not in great shape. He lost a lot of blood.

After the leech incident, we made it to our destination without any further delay. Well as far as our daring captain was going to take us. He said the temple was beyond the cliffs in front of us. We could not miss it. There was a path heading up. The captain said he would wait a week or so before heading back and wished us a safe journey. Somehow I got the feeling that he did not expect us back. The climb was not too difficult but I did not like the narrow path. Rock on one side and an empty chasm on the other. It was a bad place to be in an ambush. Our illustrious leader decided we need to carry the boats up with us. What an idiot. We were better off hiding them closer to shore maybe a little ways down the river. Odds our if we are leaving the temple, it would be in a hurry and we probably would not have time to carry the boats down.

As usual, I was right. We were ambushed by some acid breathing beasts. One in the front and one in back attacked me in the rear. I quickly transformed into a bird and fled. Best to leave the beasts to the rest. The party quickly dispatched them though we did lose some gear to the breath of the beasts.

When we got to the top, we saw the temple and trekked to the opening. I was not sure what to expect. As we came close to the entrance we noticed various Vekna inscriptions but clearly this temple was dedicated to someone else with the elephants and various other pictures and sculptures defaced by the Vekna worshippers. I had a bad feeling. Not for me, but that I was nearing a choice where the party might choose to make a fatal choice.

When we entered the entrance chamber I had this sick feeling. Veckna’s presence was everywhere. There was a main door but no way to open it. I was a little worried that they might just knock. They were not very subtle and I did not want to die young. At least I had a backup plan. Of course it was escape only for one. Maybe two if Etrigan did not betray me. The rest can die with there own stupidity. Thank god the sneaky elf found a secret door on the left.

The next room was clearly a sacrificing room judging by the blood and various human body parts. There was a banda woman gagged naked chained to the wall with a leg missing. She was still alive. I did my best to heal her wounds check for poison and left it at that. I did not see anyone else lift a finger to unchain her. I was more afraid she would scream. I decided to come back for her and set her free once we explored the temple a little more though I was not sure when that would be. There was a dirty pool in the room. I decided to purify the water. I found an elephant symbol of sorts at the bottom of the pool. It looks like my suspicions were correct. I pondered my dilemna that I knew was ahead.

We quickly entered the room and found it in a square shape. I guess it was more like a corridor surrounding the walls. It was a weird shape and it did not smell too well. One of the elves scouted up front and said the next room had hoards of shedding snake skin and it was big. Great. That means we had one on the loose. We heard a hissing sound and quickly found the snake on the other side of the corridor that we had not checked. After a few hacks, we finished the job. I saw the minotaur gut the beast in hopes of finding treasures but succeeded in finding nothing. At least they are getting better in their looting methods. There might be some hope yet.

The next room had a weird eerie green light with various items for a place of worship for Vekna. The sneaky elf checkout the room and did not see anything. All of a sudden a priest came in. Crap. The minotaur rushed in. The elves soon followed but I stayed in the entrance. I saw the minotaur go down as well as our elven thief. I managed to get the thief up but the minotaur was dead past by abilities. The cleric quickly withdrew once the rest of the group entered melee and escaped through the door. This was bad. I could hear him shouting. Well I guess we might as well get this over with.

We positioned ourselves for the onslaught. The sneaky elf scouted ahead and detected people coming. We checked both entries. We waited for a while. At once we heard something coming. I was ready. It was this giant flame being. Nothing I had was going to be any use so we waited until it was closer. Eventually the ranger came out and fell it with a few swipes of his sword. Not as tough as it looked.

We waited longer figuring it was better to meet them on terrain we knew. Probably a good plan given the circumstances. One of the elves scouted ahead and said they were coming. I kept watch on the other entrance we came threw. I figured the noise from the snake skins would alert me. I waited a little while a detected a noise. I decided to make sure they did not come this way and blasted them with some holy fire. That stopped the noise quick. The elves were shooting arrows and taking care of the people from the other door. The battle was fierce but we quickly dispatched the poor man’s Vekna worshippers. After all if they were the real deal, we would be in serious trouble.

We decided to scout the rest of the temple figuring most people had cleared out. We saw the mess hall quarters and various other captured animals. One of the rooms had a phase spider of sorts. It attacked us and we managed to fend it off but did not kill it. I found another pool with dirty water. It looked like it was similar to the pool that we found near the girl. We also found some loot though the important items were three raise dead scrolls. There was one room we had not checked though. I was a little weary of going into it.

There was a corridor leading to a room. In it was this mysterious green mist in the far corner. Vekna worshiping materials everywhere. That got me up front and I blasted the green mist with some holy fire. I must have pissed him off because I suddenly saw this undead looking flying beast quickly move towards me. He shouted something about a watcher. This beast reminded me of an undead angel if that was possible. I quickly ran to the rear but felt several blows by the beast. I must have weakened it because the party quickly overcame it. The beast did not like me too much and I was worried he had friends.

We quickly raised our dead party members and rested up. A prudent move. I also freed the Banda woman. Not that she could go far. Apparently these priests raided the banda for people to sacrifice from what we gathered from her. After some rest we decided to go to the inner portion of the temple. We were ready as we ever were going to be. There was a moat and I had a bad feeling as to what might be in it. No way of getting across. Etrigan eventually held out the eye and might have said something. I was not sure. A door opened and a sickly green light came forth. One of the elves stepped on and was able to cross! Not something pleasant I wanted to do but I followed. Eventually Etrigan was left on the other side. He managed to come across and keep the eye. I am not sure how. We kept the door slightly open in case we need to get through. There was only one entrance. Some dark mysterious looking portal of sorts. At least I thought so. Etrigan tried to go through but was afraid. The elves made it through. I saw the minotaur tried to push Etrigan in. I did not like it. I was thinking about not going at all but eventually the party members convinced me to go. We entered another room with an entrance. There was another eerie looking door. A painting of a jaguaral person held the eye. The party decided to go for the main door and Etrigan held out the eye. Trap! The floor gave out on us. I managed to step back into the room we came. I saw someone managed to get through the other eerie door and the rest dropped down.

I had a difficult time getting through the door again. Some internal fear kept gripping me. Eventually I made it through both rooms. I turned into a bird just to be sure to avoid any traps. The rest of the party was in the other room. They encountered some undead type monsters but were quickly dispatched. We could not speak because of a silence spell cast on the room.

The next room we saw several mummies. Not something I was looking forward to. In the back there was clearly the leader mummy. I blasted what looked like the leader with some holy fire. The fighters quickly dispatched the lacky mummies and then went for the leader. I did my best to keep the fighters up in top condition dashing in and out to revive and/or heal them. In an attempt at a stalemate he cast a spell and levitated in the air. He was clearly out of spells and tried to negotiate his safe passage. I decided to settle it and dispel his foul magic. He quickly fell to the ground and was dispatched. Before we finished him he claimed that he could cause quite a commotion and it would attract the attention of various parties. The elves declined the option and swiftly killed him. He was gone in a bright light and much fan fare. Great! I had this bad feeling that they made a bad choice. Oh well, at least I already planned my exit strategy. It might mean moving up the timetable.

We waited a night before heading into the tomb so that we could be in the best fighting shape. One of the elves touched the door and we heard a booming voice shout that if we respected Daryuun to not disturb this tomb. I advised my party to not enter. They did not listen including the human fighter. They saw riches behind the door and would not be dissuaded from looting. I was betrayed by my own kind. A sad day though I suspect the human fight might have more demonic blood then human. It only confirms his guilt or else why side with the elves?

The party breached the seal and entered. The only one that stayed back wads the elven thief. For a moment I thought he sided with me but then I realized his treacherous intent! He met to kill me if I moved against the party. I saw through that pansy elven ruse. I had survived the Game of Houses by not letting my guard down. He was a mere amateur. He would be the first to die if I decided to finish my acquaintances with this group.

Once inside, the party was quickly assaulted by two more of those undead angels. I let them ream into the party. The elf quickly ran to their aid. I sat and watched hoping for divine providence that the party would be struck down. Alas some higher power did not heed my call and they dispatched the guardians of a most sacred tomb. I was saddened and angry.

One of the party members triggered something. A large globe appeared with what appeared to me some world. It was stating something and said the darkness took over the world and then the globe changed into the world that I knew. Yikes! The world before and after. Some cataclysmic event must have occurred. I continued to watch and wait for my moment.

Eventually the party decided to open a coffin. They chose the farthest one. When they opened the coffin water rushed in! A trap. They would be drowned like the rats they were. Unfortunately they were able to get through. I a brief that passed my mind to trap them in the room but alas I was too slow. Curse me for my indecision I could have finished this problem once and for all.

The tomb slammed shut and filled with water but the intruders did not loot and pillage do to a fortuitous stroke of luck. I thought that would be the end of it but the intruders remaining persistent and devised a plan to drain part of the water and attempt to loot. I left them to there own devices and planned a way to get even.

Drat my cursed luck. My plan fell through. I decided on an alternative plan. Turn my enemies against each other. I waited for my moment……

The party emerged from the tomb and into the entrance of the inner temple. Without knowing it they opened the door and were attacked by the rune beast. I watched as the party toiled to defeat the splendid beast. If only there were more, then there would be a better chance to take advantage. I will still mad about my lack of resolution for punishing the party. I watched as the intruder weakened but did not break. The intruders were weak after finishing the rune beast.

All of a sudden, several rangers appeared. I assumed they were rangers judging by the hearty looks and woodland clothing. They chatted with the party and I listened in detail. They asked about the druid so I naturally appeared. They did not like the company I kept, neither did I. The funny thing was the intruders had the gall to ask for my healing. I stated my demand, return the items stolen in the crypt and I would. They did not.

Eventually a great warrior appeared calling himself Tarkin. He seemed like the warrior in the murals. It was his tomb yet he let them go. I thought that was wrong. The druids do leave peaceful existence but to be slighted in such a way. This disrespect should not be tolerated. He offered me a choice to go with him. A dream come true in some respects just not the way I hoped to arrive at it.

He let the intruders mull over his decision about not meddling. They did not want me in their discussions, which spoke volumes as their intentions. They were planning on betraying Tarkin. I could tell. The question was, should I do anything about it? I felt myself sinking. I knew my thoughts crossed the line and that my former training pushed me towards some dark deeds. I thought I was rid of these thoughts but I guess incompetence brings out the worst in me. I looked out into the stars for a sign of which to choose hoping to find the answer the question.. Do I let my past dictate my future by showing these intruders the true meaning of the art of war or do I try to make a concerted effort to change and go on?