Against the Tides of Darkness

A letter to Jonos C. Penrose

The start of a beautiful new relationship.

29th of Ravillus 6079 AR

To: Jonos C. Penrose
From the Desk of Jurji Hassfjormungander

Jonos,
The Caravan has arrived at Farsight with most of the agreed upon refugees. 196 Left from Rosethorn Keep, 181 survived the trek, though several were badly wounded.

Eric Yesypu, Dale Remeaz and Magdaline Nudout were lost to an accident when their wagon toppled into a chasm. Their loss is regrettable but unavoidable. Please send condolences to any friends or family who remained behind.

Chamadarla Lisili and her two brothers fell along with six of my Iron Guardians holding back a swarm of plague warriors while the rest of us fled. They were under instructions to return home after 12 hours, since none of them returned, it is assumed they died a noble death. They are heroes and should be treated as such. A monument is under contruction in Farsight. Nine others have fallen to disease. Their names are included with the attached papers.

Your Rosemen have situated themselves in the west tower at the farsight gate. The accomodations are warm and dry if not very comfortable. As more furniture production becomes available they will be outfitted. The tower is currently capable of housing 250 soldiers, with room for another 200 in the western walls. I encourage you to send more men as they become available. The defence of Leviston and Farsight is a high priority for both me and the war effort, and I fear that Gilt forces from the Golden Crown may take advantage of our relative weakness. If they do come, we will make them bleed a gallon for each blade of grass they try to take.

Field reports from my spies have revealed the strength of Bingu forces. They number approximately 200 warriors, with about twice that number in women and children. I have lost several constructs to their bows. Whatever infernal magic has led to the creation of these weapons, it’s secrets must be mine. These bows fire farther, striaghter and stronger than any I have seen. The priority of your men will be to move in and wipe out the Bingu tribe which lays in Economic Zone 1, In the eastern end of section c6 and the western end of c7. They have approximately 5 dozen huts within their village with their chief in the longhhouse at the centre.

The highest priority of your men is to be the neutralization of the Bingu warriors and capture of their bows. These bows are all to be returned to me as a stipulation of our contract. I will offer new ones up to the Rosemen at a discount should I be able to discover the process to create new ones. This is a process that has been lost to the Bingu.

This tribe is very wealthy in both Furs and Gold. Your men may consider these spoils of war.

Your second priority is labour. Any man older than 12 years old willing to lay down arms and work is to be accepted into the Farsight lumber project in Section B5, as are able bodied women. Children under 12 are to be sent to Farsight to be Re-Educated. Any adult unwilling to co-operate is to be exterminated, but please instruct your men to do their utmost to avoid excessive casualties. If they survive the initial battle Chief Jiskassanya and his personal bodyguard is to be removed from his tribe and quietly executed. I suggest you feed the bodies to the local Crocodiles.

Our negotiated rates will apply, with a bonus of 1000 gold pieces and 1 week paid leave to any squad who returns an undamaged bow. Leave will have to be scheduled based on an at least 80% overall army strength.

Sincerely
Jurji Haasfjormungander

Strength in Steel,
Power in Gold.

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NOV/2011

Epilogue

9th of Ravillus 6079 AR

It has been over a year since I last entered into my journal. I have no excuse for this. I owe it to those we have lost, to at least commit their memory to words. I just kept putting it off. There was always something else to do. After a lifetime of mercenary work, I shouldn’t feel this way. I don’t know, I just didn’t want this to be the truth.

We are in trouble, and this may be my last chance.

We made it back with Copperbottom, but the book he translated was full of prophecies and doom. I thought it all superstitious nonsense and didn’t give it any credit, and by Arda I wish now that I had. I made a selfish, profitable, but utterly dooming manoeuver.

Creed was willing to offer me up the wealth of the entire Dales in exchange for the book, and I agreed.

The predictions of the book held true in Creed’s hands. Whenever someone tried to intervene, the book operated like a strategic advisor and altered its guidance to bring whatever plans he desired into reality. It was utterly too powerful in Creed’s hands.

He spread the plague of black ooze across the Dales, and all the while the Rosemen profited from the rising conflict, but ultimately we were unable to maintain the fragile balance that kept our nation in check. The plague was out of control and Thessia, concerned about contamination was unwilling to maintain their support of our countrymen. As they retreated from our lands, the Empire of Gilt invaded.

Thessian and Gilt forces now wage a war through our lands, while plague armies destroys our crops, towns and people. The Plague is everywhere now. While it can be cured, there are too few capable of doing so, and the cure comes in doses too small. The only saving grace is that once cured, you can never become sick again. Sadly this does not stop the Plague armies from killing you just as easily.

Lord Bronwen’s forces were one of the first to fall. He went to meet the enemy in the field, only to return to destroy his own land and holdings. The Brotherhood of the Bow is long broken.
In time, we retreated to my ancestral lands where the plague has been unable to touch.
Laddermore left to defend her home of Gadric’s Hollow, and I suspect she is dead now with the rest of her family. From what the refugees tell me, the town was under heavy siege after an occupation contingent of Gilt forces fell to a plague assault. We are taking refugees now from all over the Dales.

Nesteruk spends all his time now trying to perfect methods of duplicating the cure in batches enough to defend us against plague forces. Jezzell works with him as best she is able, and has joined us now in the Vale.

Jared has held up better than most. When not working with the mercenary forces, Jared can be found in the bed of some refugee or another.

I am only thankful that the massive wealth we inherited from Creed gave us the resources to Restore Brokenthorn Keep to its original splendour, and make all of our forces resistant to plague forces. For the first 6 months we were accepting contracts from all sides, but with the balance broken, we only have the power to supply the waves of refugees we have coming in, and fight the invading and plague forces. In many ways the Vale has never been stronger. Our forces are bolstered with equipment, food, supplies, resources, and are the only community free of disease. We have no end of new recruits willing to serve in exchange for a cure and safety for their families, but outside of the Vale destruction is everywhere.

Around 6 months ago, Onandi was revealed for the Charlatan he was after his cultists were consumed in the southern fires. Now, he is a raving madman. Sadly, it seems now his dreams tell him more about the future than ever before. After losing the book, it seems something divine is trying to communicate through him. Sadly it has taken a drastic toll on his mind and body. He has moments of clarity, but now someone must be with him at all times, in the hopes he is able to reveal anything to help us.

Sadly, few people realized Creed was responsible for the plague forces, and I should have voiced those concerns to different community leaders, as he exploited his position amongst the Dales, to facilitate its decent into chaos. I chose not to reveal my knowledge outside the Vale, as it would indicate our role in the fall.

After the monks turned down our aid, I have no idea of what has become of the Child of Arda. I suspect they were killed when the plague forces destroyed the monastery.

One week ago, the Ironsmasher Clan whose home resides underground outside of the Vale proper requested our aid. Gus, myself, and 100 of our forces went to provide the IronSmasher Clan the support they needed. It was too late when we discovered it was a trap set by Gilt forces. Gus has been badly wounded, we are only 35 now and although we survived, we have been under constant assault our entire trek home. Iron smasher refugees follow us, but I am not sure we will make it. The majority of clan members have not been cured of the Plague and daily we are under assault from wandering plague forces.

Damn, it seems even the trees are infected in places.

“Thorns and Roses”
Jonos Penrose

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NOV/2011

Take me to the Moon

9th of Lyranor to the 14th of Lyranor, 6078 AR

So we are back to work.

Onandi is dreaming about me. I don’t think I want to write down any more than that passing statement.

We returned to Gadric’s Hollow, but spent only a night there. Edgarin Galesong, one of the Chapter master’s of the local Pathfinder houses returned to us with some news. A book we found in the clutches of Tailianna was not able to be translated, but he did know who could do it for us.

A gnome named Cornelius Copperbottom would be able to translate the book for us, but he lives up on the twice damned moon. The gnomes had established a colony up there ages ago with some combination of technology and magic. Damn little creatues will probably bring the entire thing down on top of our heads one day, but for now, if we desire to have this book translated, it is there we must go.

There was some debate on the subject, as the profitability of this venture was in doubt, but the Pathfinder society was willing to bankrole the journey. Free food and lodging, just stay out of the way of the crew.

Oh yes, the crew.

We were being taken by airship to the city of Amara, on the coast. Captained by Willhelm Rikerson, the Drake Scale was a cargo ship heading west, which was stopping in Gadric’s Hollow. We were to journey to Amara because it was the closest city with a portal able to get us to our lunar destination.

I have not personally been on many airships, but it seemed safe enough. The journey was to be a quick five days of sailing, and we would have no problems. Airships are extremely unique and the odds of coming across more than one are rare.

It seems we have very good, or very poor odds.

Another airship was in pursuit, and gaining. More militarilly inclined, it attacked. The crew managed to fend off the invaders after several close enounters, while our little pack boared the enemy vessel. Their ship was fast and tough, but their crew were not up to the task. It seems they were boarding Willhelm’s vessle to take from us the book, and likely scuttle us. We managed to stop them, but both vessels came down hard. The Drake Scale required some serious repairs, and we forced the mystery ship the the ground.

The ship was unusual to say the least. The pilot, was forced to sleep in a little cot in a tiny room beneath the wheel. Apparently he was the only pilot, and was forbidden to interact with the crew. What was more interesting was that he was essentially working 24 hour shifts with no reprieve. He was brought his meals, and told where to go. He was not their navigator, just their pilot. And his payment for this work was….interesting. The ship was crewed by some sort of insanity cult.

Anyway, when we took the ship, the surviving crew barricaded themselves below decks. The walls were too difficult to smash through. When we finally got the ship to ground, we climbed up through their gunholes, we found that the ship was empty of crew. They must have teleported away somehow.

It seems we have our own airship now. At least, we hope so. We are going through the insides now, and getting a better feel for what will be required to keep the vessel in working order. It has been five days, and we are not yet at Amara. So much for smooth sailing.

On a side note, the new armour I bought Gus fits well. He changed over into it this morning, and it seems to fit nicely.

Oh yeah. I want to write this down so I don’t forget. Watching Laddermore fight via summoned horse mid airship flight was kind of something I would like to be reminded of from time to time.

“Thorns and Roses”
Jonos Penrose

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DEC/2010

Fearlessly Foiling the Fallen Fortress for Feasibly Fantastical Funds

31st of Ivenmirr to 8th of Lyranor, 6078 AR

Jared was correct in his contribution to my journal, for I was quite ill and indisposed. How he found my journal wrapped up in spare clothing, at the bottom of my pack is a note of some concern. My lack of awareness seems to be for the best from what I hear, but we returned to Gadric’s Hollow. After summoning us for a private meeting, Fuldrin Kreed honoured the agreement he made with the Rosemen, compensated us for our time, and funded Gus, Scabs and I into the same chapter of the Pathfinder Society as Laddermore, Nesteruk, Jared and Onandi.

It had been some time since I had visited Gadric’s Hollow, and while there Jared and Laddermore managed to point me to the Prancing Hippogriff, a small inn where Gus could find decent ale, Scabs would be allowed to eat, and I would be able to find a decent nights rest. We avoided the Drunk Duck, a place Laddermore and her siblings had gotten into a confrontation before, and began their entire mess. I suspect the actual culprits were never brought to justice, and I have heard little about the murder on the men from the Duck. Their murders were pinned on The Laddermore boys, but Kreeds testimony only proved their innocence. It would not surprise me if the whole encounter was set up by Kreed to get Laddermore on his payroll. Poor bastards are not likely to find justice.

Jared seemed to think the Duck would be a better place to stay, especially since it is so close to the temple of Eurysis. If you are into that sort of thing.

On a more personal note, all of my recent comrades seem to come with some serious baggage. Jared has often talked about liaisons with assorted debauched nobles, and pretty much anyone able to tickle his fancy. After a single night in Gadric’s Hollow he brought home a significant chunk of change in exchange for his “services.” For the purposes of this thought exercise, I will call him “The Entrepreneur.”

Onandi apparently runs an establishment known as the “Church of the Lucid Eye.” The place is made to seem like a sparse church, but in the back is the most elaborate comfortable sleeping room, designed to house upwards of forty people. Onandi apparently tries to have people discover some sort of mystical truths through their dreams. From the talk he was having with Jared, additional debauchery is not far off the table. More revealing is that Onandi uses these people as a form of personal income, and in doing so tricks them out of their hard earned money. He is “The Scam Artist.”

Nesteruk was begrudging not being able to translate some Alchemical works, for the only person he knew who could do it for him was his dead master. The only other person who might stand a chance, was the man who killed him. He did not go into too much detail, but in the effort to gain some specific knowledge, the murderer killed Nesteruk’s master, and then came after him when he didn’t get what he wanted. Nesteruk did not seem to know exactly what this knowledge was, and fled some time back. Nesteruk is “The Fleeing Scholar.”

Laddermore apparently was supposed to be placed in a nunnery by her father, but her predisposition for violence over thought pretty much nixed that option. She avoids home a lot for that reason, but it makes her an excellent candidate for the paladin orders of either of her brothers. They even made her an offer of recommendation if she chooses to go that way. Laddermore has often seemed to prefer killing things over other solutions, unless pressed. Quick to action, slow to strategy. To top it all off, I think she has some serious daddy issues, and refuses to ask him for anything. For what may be sociopath tendencies, she will be called “The Thug.”

Gus, if you ever happened to read this, you probably wouldn’t care what it said. You appreciate tactics when I explain them to you, and you are loyal to a fault. You often espouse these virtues the more you consume. Gus, as always, you are “The Friendly Drunk.”

Scabs seems to be more timid than anything. Great at stealth, he rarely wants to be seen, and heard less. At the same time he has often talks about wanting respect. He was bullied a lot for his size amongst his kind, and it is for this reason he joined the Rosemen. That and money. He does appreciate strategy, especially when it involves avoiding direct combat. He is “The Mouse.”

Anyway, after spending our time in town we took a contract to explore a recently discovered ruin known as the “Fallen Fortress,” near the Gilt border. Earthquakes in the region had collapsed one side of the massive pillar exposing ruins within. For centuries it was believed this was nothing but a stone monolith with no doors or windows, its original purpose lost. Upon closer inspection and some research, it was once a sentry tower built during the Gilt expansion thousands of years ago. Isolated, it had been forgotten ages ago.

The contract to explore the tower had gone up after a gnome named Balon Forsend, did not return from the exploration. They were offering a reward for anyone willing to go to the tower to explore it, and included a reward for bringing Balon back safely. The contract was far too lucrative for the work, so the Gnome was clearly important to someone in the Pathfinder society.

Long story short, we got in, unlocked some doors, found some loot, and cleared out a local bat population. There was the odd monsterous creature, and Jared found a new lizard pet who shoots spanks when nervous. Inside were some very old alters to Berundi, the God of magic. They looked like they had gone without servicing since the tower was abandoned ages back. They still had some magical skeletal guardians watching over them. More interesting was the Troglodyte tribe we found inhabiting the tower. Prior to the earthquake they must have had some sort of underground access, but were cut off when the tower broke open.

So we stormed into their home with Onandi’s monster creature leading the charge. When they attack it, Laddermore and Onandi used it as justification to do a little species cleansing, purifying the world of everything different. It was only after they were given a sudden beat down were they offered mercy or even a word. Before they could even respond Laddermore killed one. Brave little buggers would have none of it though. Never the less, we managed to knock one out for good measure. After a little persuasive questioning, we discovered the Gnome was indeed still alive, but was to be sacrificed to some dark god. We fought our way up the tower, tactically waging war on what was now our clear enemy.

We got to the top, eliminated their Troglodyte chief, and rescued Forsend. He was seemingly ungrateful, but otherwise fine. After staying the night, it took us four more days to haul ourselves back to Gadric’s Hollow, clear out our wagon of goods and collect our reward.

“Thorns and Roses”
Jonos Penrose

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NOV/2010

Package for you. Please sign here.

21st-30th of Ivenmirr, 6078 AR.

I am quite sure that Jonos would not want me writing in his journal. Unfortunately for him, he is currently unconscious. Jezzell says that he was infected by the black ooze dripping from the many goblins we fought. It is an unnerving thought. There is the possibility that we are all infected to a certain degree. Jonos is expected to recover but at the moment he is in no position to object to my continuing his journal.

Tailinna’s baby was born with much fanfare. The child of Arda radiates goodness and warmth, healing the wounds of those nearby. I suppose I should be honored that I was present at the birth of a child of a god. Given what has already happened and what may lie ahead, I don’t feel particularly honored. I understand the old saying that “you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs” but as good as the omelet might be, the eggs might have some cause to object.

We decided to spend a couple days at Jezzell’s hut to give Jonos and Gus’ cousin more time to recover. I returned to the site of the merchant wagon attack to examine whether any of the carts were still usable. With the help of Gus and Katherine I managed to repair one of the carts using pieces from the other three but this meant I had to scale that damn cliff again to retrieve an unbroken axel. It would seem that even the simplest of tasks requires life threatening measures these days. We returned with the repaired cart and retrieved any items of worth from the goblin brewery.

After two days Jonos had not regained consciousness but the party felt that it would be imprudent to wait any longer and Jezzell said both patients could be moved. We began our slow trek home. It had been decided that would take a small detour and deliver the baby to a monastery nearby. Onandi was adamant that the baby be taken to safety and none of us had any objection. The monastery was only a day out of our way and, truth be told, I would be happy to be rid of it. It would mean less danger to both the baby and us. God babies have a way of attracting attention.

We traveled for two days before encountering an avalanche that had blocked the road. Gus immediately started digging. I like Gus, so practical. However his efforts would not be necessary. After the last avalanche I had been keeping watch for side roads should they be needed. I had spotted a cart path about an hour back that I was sure could get us past the obstacle without Gus needing to move the mountain.

We backtracked and took the side path and proceeded without incident until late in the day. A roaring from the forest revealed a large black bear, or at least a large bear covered in black goo. We were about to dispatch the poor animal when we were halted by a group of archers. The bear was a companion of a druid in their party. They managed to subdue the animal without harming it.

The leader of the group, Jamarons Carter, also known as Longstrider, demanded to know who we were and what we were doing there. Amazing arrogance. The men skulking in the forest with the diseased bear attacking passersby demand to know the identity and business of those using the public road and minding their own business. Turns out that they are all members of the ‘Brotherhood of the Bow’, (how original for a group of archers). From what I know of them, they are a kind of secret police endorsed by Lord Bronwen. Obviously they have been up in the mountains for some time. Whatever good manners they possessed were extremely rusty. The half-elf druidess Eilella didn’t even thank us for not chopping her gooey moth-eaten bear into dog food.

Longstrider did recover some of his manners. (Where do rangers come up with these terrible hackneyed names? What’s wrong with Jamarons?) He invited us back to his camp for the night fearing for our safety. I did not mention to him that we probably shouldn’t join them for fear for their safety. God babies have a way of attracting attention.

We travelled to the Brotherhood’s camp and settled down to a pleasant meal. Whatever you may say about Rangers, they generally eat well. The party learned that the area with rife with various things infected by this black ooze. We told them about the brewery goblins and the large pool of the stuff. I think it is safe to assume that there are many of these pools littering the mountains. Yet another good reason to get back to Gadric’s Hollow as quickly as possible.

I got to spend some quality time with a young ranger named Sevric. Weeks in these cold, wet mountains meant that a little companionship was a welcome change. He was inexperienced, but archers are known for their dexterity. Luckily, the horde of black oozed goblins that was to attack our camp had the decency to wait till we were finished. When I say horde, I do not exaggerate. There were approximately eighty of the vile little things lead by a dozen goblin warriors, a goblin druid and a large Owlbear, all dripping in the toxic substance we have come to know well.

We would have been slaughtered without question were it not for Arda’s baby whose presense kept the majority of the horde at bay. I pulled Sevric into the protective circle and began shooting anything I saw and stabbing anything that got close. Given the number of creatures attacking us, I am surprised I missed at all. A couple well placed alchemist fire also served to thin their number.

The real heros of the day were Gus, Onandi and Katherine. Gus was able to kill many of the goblins and usually took care of those that breached our defenses. It was also he that eventually grappled and killed the goblin druid. Onandi summoned many creatures to deal with the wave of attackers and many fell to claw or fang, this without the help of his creepy nightmare thing. Katherine was instrumental in dispatching the Owlbear, a fearsome creature even without the presence of the ooze. The great creature died but it nearly cost her life were it not for the timely intervention of Onandi. Many of the goblins died when Eilella cast a daylight spell that caused them to whither. Too bad she hadn’t done so sooner. Perhaps if she hadn’t been mooning over her wretched bear most of the combat, four of her warriors would still be alive. Druids are known for their vaunted wisdom. I guess some druids are wiser than others.

After the battle, the Rangers decided to remain vigilant for the rest of the night. I had ensured Sevric had survived and spent the rest of the night dozing near him. I told him to look me up the next time he was in Gadric’s Hollow. I also implied that he might want to do so sooner rather than later, for his own safety.

We left the Ranger camp early in the morning taking with us the gift of four horses, the ones that belonged to the warriors who had (needlessly) died last night. We pushed our horses and made good time over the coming days. We arrived at Windsire Abbey to be greeted by Father Marcus who had been (of course) expecting us.

We handed over the Child of Arda and said goodbye to it (and good riddance). It turns out that Tailinna is a member of a new cult of an evil god of corruption to which her brother is the high muckity priest, Pail or Kail or Whale or something. However Tailinna has redeemed herself by giving birth to the Child of Arda. In spite her redemption, she intends to return with us to Creed, her brother and her church. This is very good news for Katherine’s bothers so I don’t mention to her what an incredibly bad idea that is. Jonos is right; she is a very stupid woman. Hopefully Arda will protect her. She certainly seems to need it.

After spending a night at the monastery we returned to Gadric’s Hollow. Shortly before we arrived in town Jonos regained consciousness but was still weak from his illness. While on the way to Tholdrin Creed’s offices I notice that his warehouse is being rebuilt bigger and better than ever. I was surprised but I probably shouldn’t have been.

We handed over Tailinna and said goodbye to her (and good riddance). Creed, true to his word gave us the charter to the Pathfinder Guild and arranged for the release of Katherine’s bothers. The charter required four signatures so Katherine, Onandi, Gus and I signed the document. Taking Gus and Jonos to speak privately with them, Creed dismissed us and we left for the guild.

Upon our arrival, the Pathfinder Guild verified our charter for its authenticity and turned us over to our handler. There was talk about money and bards and fallen fortresses and such, but to be honest I was too tired and too relieved to be home to pay much attention to any of it. I know the party agreed to something and we would get gold. That’s all I really need to know.

One thing I do know is that I intend to spend a long comfortable night in a warm expensive bed. I wonder how much Lady Bainbridge has missed me over the last few weeks.

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NOV/2010

Deus Ex Machina

18th-20th of Ivenmirr, 6078 AR.

* I found Jared rummaging through my journal the other day, trying to edit parts. I have to be more careful about what I write in here, and remember not to leave it out where he can find it.

* With our new companions, Guss and I decided to sleep for the night before continuing to our destination. That night we suffered some pretty heavy dreams involving Gods, babies and skewed perspectives involving staircases moving behind ears. It was a fairly intense experience and when I woke I was drenched with sweat. Suffice it to say, I was tired and not in the greatest of moods.

* In exchange for a favour down the road, I offered to take Lady Katherine Laddermore, Nesteruk Scheppen, Onandi the Dreamweaver, and Jared to their desired target. They accepted, although Jared was very reluctant to promise to any open-ended requests. I assured him I would ask for nothing more than an equivalent task in the future. I would have asked for currency but at this rate, they’re all pretty much broke, and I really wasn’t in the mood to try and stop them from following me.

* As we traveled through the Wildlands back to the roads we came across a group of Orcs standing alone hunched around some frozen carcass. Laddermore’s first inclination was to charge them in a frontal assault. While I respect her martial capabilities I expressed to this noble leader that was not our responsibility to cleanse the wilds of every beast we come across. The simple truth, is that I prefer to avoid unnecessary fights as much as possible, as I enjoy living and would not want to shorten the experience unnecessarily. I also didn’t like it. Several Orc tribes knew we were in the area, and it seemed just a little too convenient. Onandi shadow creature was able to inform us of the Orcs numbers, but after sending Jared ahead to scout, we learned that there was a large cave nearby. The last thing I need is an entire tribe of Orcs hunting us through the wilderness or springing a trap. So we prudently waited until they moved along, before advancing.

* On our return we came to our broken caravan. The scavenging had gotten so intense that two of the wagons had fallen over a precipice onto the rocks below. Jared and I seemed to be of like mind, and we decided to search for anything left behind. While we didn’t find any useful supplies, Guss’ cousin and fellow IronSmasher was found injured and sick, hidden and unconscious beneath one of the wagons. We were able to heal some of his basic injuries, but his illness made it impossible to revive him.

* Since we were on the way to meet Jezzell, the witch woman, we tied our sick comrade to the back of Laddermore’s horse. After meeting up with her, she revealed a govlin infestation in the area. The goblins in particular were covered in black ooze. More importantly, Paili, who was supposed to be here, ran off alone, into the forest filled with dangerous creatures. Jezzell had no idea why. While we would be able to track the girl, a cure for Ironsmasher required us to travel back into the forests. I was not a huge fan of the idea, but it made Guss happy and it was on the way.

* Laddermore and Jared volunteered to ride ahead to an old gnome mage tower that had rusted out. Apparently the rust would grow a certain type of mushroom which was required for the cure. Although I didn’t witness the specifics, Jared tells a pretty good story about how he tried to enter the tower and retrieve the mushrooms by stealth. Apparently the tower was occupied by several dozen wolves. The way he tells it, he was quite heroic, but seeing as how no one else saw him, I am somewhat suspicious. All Laddermore tells me is she saw Jared jump out of a second story window, fleeing from wolves. It would not surprise me if this was not the first time he was nearly caught, and had to retreat via window. Ultimately, they were unable to get the mushrooms, and met up with us as we tried to negotiate with some Goblins for a rare moss used in brewing their alcohol.

* The goblins were unresponsive to our negotiations, and rather suicidal as they ran back into the hands of some black slime covered orcs. Black slime is apparently the fashionable statement of the season, as the orcs began to sacrifice the goblins to a black slime pit. We tried to rally the goblins to defend themselves, but they couldn’t be talked out of the much more tempting suicide in front of them. It was only a matter of time until all of the Goblins were sacrificed, turning them into the infected black slime creatures that they became. These creatures were extremely tough, and if it wasn’t for a door they chose to leave closed, we wouldn’t have been able to defeat them so easily. Apparently their overwhelming urge for suicide couldn’t be slimed out of them. In numbers we wouldn’t have stood a chance. I can take faith that not all goblins are this stupid, as Scabs have proven himself on more than one occasion.

* We found the rest of the goblin tribe jailed in one of their own cells. So we ransacked the place and took the moss we needed before releasing the goblins. Inside the cell was also a huddled mass that looked like a human. Jared wagered it was the girl we were looking for. The odds of this seemed so remote I had to take the wager, for 15 marks. I mean, of all the forest, what would the odds be that the girl we were searching for would be here, in this remote cave, captured by suicidal idiotic goblins who also got themselves trapped in their own cells. I mean, it would be way too convenient. Unrealistically convenient. Apparently the gods like a simple narrative, and I lost my 15 marks.

* We found Paili and she was heavily pregnant, where she wasn’t pregnant a week ago. Apparently from what we had discussed with Jezzel, we had all shared an identical dream regarding gods, birth and forced, unprofitable responsibility. Three things I have no caring for. Onandi saw this as a brilliant sign. I saw this as inconvenient, for I suspect her father did not intend us to get her pregnant while taking her through the mountains. God babies or no. We decided to take her back to Jezzel before pursuing the mushrooms.

* Paili was foolish and reckless for running into the forest alone and away from comfortable safety. She was doubly so, because she claimed she became pregnant voluntarily, after some divine orgasm she experienced from having her vision. Seemed to have made her wet for this new god. So I slapped her. I mean what irresponsible mother, runs off into the dangerous wilderness to become pregnant and have a child. I would have claimed it was the god being irresponsible and sending her into pointless danger away from a woman who has experience birthing children, if not for the events to follow.

* So Onandi attacked me with his shadow creature. I had no weapons drawn, and the shadow creature grappled me. I ordered Guss to attack Onandi, and always loyal he did so without hesitation. I am only lucky I managed to remind Guss not to kill him. So he simply knocked him out, dispelling the shadow creature and releasing me from my bondage.

* This is why I hate the gods: the divine had no problems telling an underaged girl to run off into the forest and get pregnant with no protection from wild creatures. The unborn baby brought down a lightning bolt which only SUBDUED Guss. It seems our rescue was entirely unnecessary as the baby could have easily managed to escape on its own. I can’t pull down lightning bolts, so this thing is much more powerful than I am. So it seems the divine wanted her to be in a cell surrounded by goblins and orcs, where suicide and sacrifice appear to be a common theme. Maybe that was the whole point. Sacrifice the woman to the goo, oh but it gets better. I learned something very valuable about godly intervention.

* It seems the baby is capable of making complex and moral judgements with no socialization. If it had lashed out at Jared, or maybe Katherine’s horse I might have understood as being a random attack induced by stress. If it was instinctual and it felt threatened, it would have attacked me, as I was the one who smacked it’s mother, but NO, it attacked Guss, thus eliminating the tension within our little party. I mean I was the one wearing a LOT of metal and ranting that the gods were idiots but no it attacked the dwarf. No less it attacked the dwarf with a lightning bolt, that only knocked him unconscious. He was injured in no way. Hence the baby made a complex moral decision. So it seems the gods are dicks, and our services are unnecessary, but he does like orc infested dungeon cells.

* So we went back to Jezzel’s. Apparently the baby was to be born the next morning and Ironsmasher didn’t have long to live. Onandi claimed this was all destined to be.I mentioned that this could all just be a mildly skilled wizard. He did not agree. I claimed that since this was all destined to be, we could really use his help obtaining the rest of the cure. I suspect he doesn’t agree with destiny 100% as he refused to help us save the dying dwarf. Nesteruk seemed no better and had no interest in helping us in our task as he was tired.

* The rest of us managed to clear out the old Gnome Mage tower. aI was able to negotiate with the wolf leader after we slaughtered more than half his pack and we secured the needed mushrooms. Jared was able to skin the twenty wolves we killed, giving us some profit from the endeavor. While his skill was adept, I was more impressed/suspicious by the fact he performed eight hours of the gory business without complaint or distraction. Given the time the half-elf needed, Laddermore returned to Jezzel with the mushrooms and we camped at the tower that night. By the point we returned the next morning, the baby was born. From here we need to move to Gadrick’s Hollow, but in an effort to avoid the straight path, I’m going to take the group in a roundabout way for their own safety, once I get Laddermore’s permission. Guss recovered without difficulty.

* Personal note: Remember to get Jared’s last name for future journal entries.

“Thorns and Roses”
Jonos Penrose

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OCT/2010

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Oct 22, 2010

Captured by the Giant King

Arena Fights

17th of Ivenmirr, 6078 AR.

* It has been a very interesting few weeks since Gus and I were taken hostage and forced into the Arena.

* We have have been fighting in this Giant King’s arena for over a week now. While the fights have gotten predictable, their lethality has only increased as we run low on resources. We also completed our preparations for escape with help of our new goblin Comrade.

* Scabs; our new goblin member, prepared everything we needed to depart. During the 3rd round of fighting in the arena, once the pathway was clear, he opened the rear Southern door. The plan was to keep ourselves concentrated near the portal as to make a hasty exit. The combat was more grueling as the “King,” finally had enough of us. He threw his most powerful lizard creature against us, intending to kill us once and for all after playing it up to the crowd, we slew it. When the Giant guards approached, he slipped through the door and barred it behind us. We gathered up our prepared resources, and slipped through the exit into the deep tunnels.

* Interestingly enough, there was also some degree of profit in it. We met up with some interesting fellows. Lady Katherine of house Laddermore, was taken captive with her comrades. Nesteruk Scheppen, a half-orc alchemist of sorts, was quite skilled in the fight using a variety of explosive and acidic potions. Onandi Valentine, a jungleman, who fights with blowguns and shadow creatures proved to be quite the challenge. Finally, they had a man who managed to disguise himself amongst the Orc crowds named Jared. He aided the fight where he could, but his skills seem to be more stealth, subterfuge and observation rather than full out combat. He slipped out with us as we made our departure. As our task in the Arena was complete, I exchanged an opportunity for their freedom for some good money.

* We made our way through the tunnels using the poor quality map provided by Scabs, and Jared’s navigation skills. As we approached the outlying boundaries of the Giant King’s territory we came upon a guardhouse blocking our method of escape. Scabs created a diversion by burning out the Guardhouse’s alcohol provisions, and leading the barrel of it down a side tunnel. Most of the Giants fled but one. We led a straight assault on him of 6 to 1. We were victorious, but by the gods, that thing hit hard. Ironsmasher managed to get several good solid hits on him. A combination of snake venom and cavalry charges finished the task. We managed to find our way to the surface rather effortlessly after that.

* It turns out Lady Laddermore is the daughter of the famed Lord Derrick. From what Nesteruk tells me, Katherine’s brothers have fallen into some legal trouble. I didn’t catch the whole things, but they are apparently being framed for a serious crime. In exchange for some favours, like providing the necessary evidence to prove the brother’s innocence and bankrolling their way into the Pathfinder society, old Thuldrin Kreed has requested these people come in search of a caravan that I was on. They were searching for Paili. Kind of funny that, but Creed never was too patient. I have not told them that I was part of that caravan, or that I know exactly where Paili is. I may if it proves to be lucrative enough, and they offer me wages for my services. I may even take them right to her, as they might prove to be useful in delivering the cargo. I have yet to decide, I don’t particularly want them to get in the way, and Kreed might be less inclined to chalk up his fee, now that he had to buy out this little rescue party.

* Frankly, I am a little surprised Thuldrin is playing such a dangerous game. If it was my own family, I would be more inclined to go back to Daddy, march on Thuldrin’s place and force him to hand over the evidence. Now that I think about it, I was under the impression Laddermore was the local lord. If that is true, he is the law of the land, and has the power to free his sons with a wave of his powerful hand. I don’t know the specifics. Maybe he thinks they are guilty and deserve justice, or perhaps he simply don’t give a damn. To the best of my knowledge Gadric’s Hollow is Laddermore land, but I don’t recall. There are likely nuances to the situation I don’t care to familiarize myself with.

* Never the less, they seem to be a decent group, more interested in helping out their friend Laddermore out of some personal family trouble than in for profit. Jared may be an exception, but we shall see. I might stick with them if they hire Gus and I on, otherwise I am heading back to Brokenthorn Keep to prepare for the campaign season.

“Thorns and Roses”
Jonos Penrose

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OCT/2010

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Oct 03, 2010

A letter to Jonos C. Penrose

The start of a beautiful new relationship.

Epilogue

Take me to the Moon

Fearlessly Foiling the Fallen Fortress for Feasibly Fantastical Funds

Package for you. Please sign here.

Deus Ex Machina

Captured by the Giant King

Arena Fights

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