Wolves fear Bear. Is wise, for Bear is strong.

I kill wolves, keep Greyhawk safe. Greyhawk not know how well I do, only know the hides I bring.

Weak man take lack of wolves for granted. Weak man have many cattle.

Yjolk is the giver of life, only by taking life. Predators die only to let prey live. 

Prey is weak, prey fears the wolf.

The wolf fears the Bear for the Bear is strong.

Found a little guy. He hired us to kick out people in his house. We explored house. We kicked out bad guys. Then good guys came and kicked us out. I am told we were in the house for a very long time. I think the pointy hatted guy was wrong. I do not feel like we have been in here for very long at all.

Well…that was all just a bust. Sounds like this Crown will belongs to Cedric. However, I still feel like he is trying to kill us, which considering we ran off with the crown, kind of makes sense. I definitely think someone is still hunting us. 

Sending us some zombies to attack us in the Inn, I feel bad for the innkeeper, and I don't think our name is going to be too well respected…at least on the road to Greyhawk. 

I feel it's time we send this crown back to it's owner and then find ourselves some sort of adventure. Not sure I want to continue to work for this Cedric fellow. 

And I'll avoid Greyhawk in the future…unless I want to just throw money out to the streets…
 

We did it! We made it out of that wondrous castle, with a score of booty and the crown. Now to say a big 'Peace Out' to this Cedric guy and head about our ways.

I am a little worried that someone is trying to spy on us at this time and definitely want to be aware of that for the future. I felt that presence once, who knows who else may have felt that. Someone definitely tried to take the crown away from us, posing as our friendly ghost only to learn that he could not take the crown. Stole some of my compatriots trusty weapons though…

So we heave made it to Dyvers and Shikashi's guild has been more than willing to examine some of the magic we found. Definitely the cursed ring of tongue tying should not go to anyone in the party, unless they get to mouthy. I'm willing to let them examine the Tigersoul will and keep a record of that. For as things may lay, I am definitely taking up the role of ruler. For the day we may return.  For now, more adventures await!

Today I go out and try this idea of summoning a familiar…an ardous ritual that has been sitting in my Book of Lost Lore.

The attempt work! This little Pseudodragon is amazing! Having him aid me during this journey will be just as it needs to be!

Where shall we head next, what shall we do, shall we call out Cedric as I wonder around with this crown…That dirty rat tried to have us killed! Thankfully that didn't come to pass, but I do feel an obligation to let the people of Manava know his true intentions if we ever go back that way. I don't like the idea of something lingering over us. 

Ahh yes this Crown, a connection to something long lost and asleep, I shall wear this crown some more and attempt to delve into it's secrets…I think it might be a nice belt for me…

We fond the crown. The nude crown. We left castle. I forget somethings happened in the castle, but it is not important. We traveled to elf friend's place of schooling. There we pay to enter city, it must be a nice city to have to pay to enter.

Skyee sells his stuff, we get more gold. I find a man selling my lost Earth Breaker. I buy Earth Breaker. I now follow everyone, wondering when we go to Cedric to finish quest and get paid.

This is insanity. Their is a huge bug collection in the basement. Hopefully they are held back.

This is such an oddity of a place. This will take forever to clear out and make friendly again. 

We've pretty much cleared the upper floor, there seems to be a captive that we've rescued and a key still to be retrieved, however according to our ghostly friend, we should be able to get into the vault. And then we can get this crown. The crown which we are going to give to our woodby murderer? I think not. I am not going to let this fly. 

We can stake claim to these ruins and use them for our own endeavors. 

Although the druid in the dome may not take lightly to this, however she may be amenable to the idea. 

I do like this feeling of progressing my skills and learning how to handle more power.  Hrmmm….after seeing Shikashi with his bird friend and his usefulness in a fight,  I need to figure that out and find a little accomplice of my own. 

 

Gurl ner trggvat pybfre gb gur pebja. Vg znl or jbegu rira zber guna gur trzf gurl ner pneelvat. Gurl nyfb znl or gehfgvat zr zber abj gung V'ir chg zlfrys va fbzr "Qnatre". V whfg unir gb or pnershy bs gur pyrevp jura V znxr zl zbir. Creuncf, gur bep jr sbhaq jvyy uryc. Ur frrzrq gur glcr gb znxr na nppbeq.

We finished looking at all the rums, so we went to the stairs. We went down, found a nice orc guy. Like Corn, but different. We found a room with a big door. Could not open it. We found a hole. We went down. Lots of big bugs. I prepared to slay them in Joramy's name, but everyone wanted to leave. Jeb followed.

We find ghost man again. He tells us the key we need is in room with big kobolds. I get excited. I am able to kill in Joramy's name after all! I get many blessings from Joramy, then charge. I ignore the fires because Joramy is goddess of volcanoes, and volcanoes are at least 3 times hotter than this fire!

I climb up, punch a guy in the face, summon a Joramy weapon, and jump down to begin hurting them to death. Only, an explosion happened. I did not get to kill any. I am both happy and sad. Happy we won. Sad that I did not get to hurt more to death.

We found a ghost. It screamed. We found a big bug. We smashed it. It made the castle fall on us. It hurt. We found another ghost. It helped us. It ran when we were attacked by kobolds. I charged kobold line. I hit wall. Shitaki turned dwarves into small dwarves, who went into cracks in wall and beat up kobolds. Carn helped me to take down wall. We went after kobolds. We find big guy with big armor, smashing people with hammers. I call on Joramy, and with her might, Axmine, Karn, Shitaki, Skyee, Joltear and me defeated evil man with hammers. I think his suit of armor might fit me.

Jeb is tired.

-Inside the castle, didn't take long to find sumthin. Found a stone circle with a big ol' egg inside and some gems inlaid. Apparently, enterin' these chambers must've alterted some 'ventures outside. I know one's called Jeb and I've yet to meet them.

-Friendly enough folk. Travelin with 'nother dwarf, so they got that goin for em. Welcomed me with a quick embrace as we investigated the room. A lady point-ear came out, she said she was a demon that lost a bet, seems likely, I would never loose a bet to a dandelion-eater! She rambled on about some shite from eons before, alls I heard is she wouldn't mind being free. These 'ventures seemed to be on the to and fro on this, I'm just here for battle, glory, and the glorious sound of coin in my pouch. Smashed a gem in the circle, letting her out. Worked out all right, she took off after a few more babbles, left us with a rock to call upon her if we need another history lesson. I'll pass.

-Narrowly avoided death from a REAL demon. The stuntie among my new friends has got some balls on him. Threated the demon with with life, demon took off, apparently fearing the little guy. Stuntie, he may be, but he got my respect. Shortly after, took down a spider near my size, couple blows from the hammer took him down quick. The big guy took down a construct of stone. Better him then me near an enemy of that size. Found a few ghosts, others managed to touch one, apparently startling them into this century. "He" seems to be a real piece of shite, whoever he is.

We continued to move along. Looking for a nude crown. We find another dwarf. He wields a hammer. Smaller hammer than the one Joramy uses, but still a good hammer. This dwarf likes doors. Jeb doesn't. We open more doors, find many ghosts. We leave the ghosts alone. We find a stone monster. I hit it. Joramy blessed it. It died. Ghosts touched us. They gave us some information, I think. I could not hear them so well, since I was humming a death hymnal of Joramys. I did not have fire, or proper fighting gear to properly show respect. I do not know if they follow Joramy. They should. Joramy is a good god.

It wasn't long after my last entry I heard an opening and closing of a door behind us, as we went to investigate we found a room with a strange pulsating crystal inside of 4 other gems. There was another dwarf that was welcomed easily enough, more adventurers, and he seems to be a front liner. That's good. And with enough of our screwing around and the crystal in the center disappeared and a Elf of some sort of demonic persuasion appeared to be trapped in some sort of prison. They were friendly enough, but perhaps not the smartest as apparently this is a Demon that lost a bet to a Demi-God and now has a conscious. They seemed to have been trapped here for over 6 centuries. They were brought here and trapped by some wizards to figure out what has cursed this castle and why all of it inhabitants were dying. During the conversation Tjordiir thought it wise to let them out of their prison. I felt it was inevitable, was hoping to find a little more information before hand, but alas they seemed to have been scarred away by something. They gave me a gem for summoning them in the future, I'll make sure to lock that away. 

Across the hall from Belora was another door that they had advised us of great evil and that we should leave well enough alone. I'm not a fan of that idea, and fortunately neither was this Tjordiir fellow, opening up this door we found a very upset demonish thing. It began attacking us and we ended up with a divided party, I tried to urge Jeb to get out while he could and I would have followed, but alas that didn't happen, it was coming for the 3 of us. While the remainder of the party shut the door to keep us in here. 

During the those first few seconds while I thought about what to do, the dwarf came running in an attempt to help and we seem to be killing its tentacles, I took it upon myself to attempt to scare it away, yelling in one of my more aggressive voices "You don't want to die here!" It took a momentary pause and then disappeared in a blinding flash! Ha! I knew having these skills would be better than big clunky weapons and armor! 

We continued through on the adventure, coming upon a stone creature that attacked us and with Jebs amazing strength and my weakening it with the acid we disposed of that creature rather quickly. Even if someone was trying to attack it with a ladder in the midst of the mist that Shikashi had conjured. We also dispatched of a small spider and I found another shiny made from a shell.

The remainder of the day we found a craft room with a couple of ghosts that didn't notice us at all, I feel sorry for these trapped creatures. 

We rested in the sage's room and those that needed to regain spells did, we moved on through and found a ball room with more ghosts dancing, during our transition through the room, Khaarn and Jeb bumped into them and they became congnizant of our presence. They were shocked to learn they were dead but did remember that the castle was cursed, it seemed to have impacted their memories. They left us with more questions…"It was him, he cursed us"

Who is he?!?!?!

-It's been nearly a full moon cycle, maybe two sense I left the last town. Cask's getting low, gonna need to find another source soon. Been a slow adventure for the past month, not much else then creatures to hunt. My luck may have changed, I've seen signs of an adventuring party, possibly containing one of my kin. Think I'll follow to see where they lead.

 

-I've followed the trail for a few days now, nothing of note along the way. Wild's plentiful, keepin' my belly full at the least.

 

-Downed a bear today, the most thrillin' excitement to grace me in near a month. Almost lost the trail, fairly sure I'm still following it though.

 

-This MUST be where they headed. I've come across a castle that seems to have not seen civilization for quite awhile. It looks abandoned, my kinda place. The ought be treasure and adventure in these halls. Fairly sure these tracks outside are the same I've been followin'

 

-An explosion echoed through the halls shortly after I entered, think I'll investigate, could well be the ones I seek.

Well, isn't that an interesting turn of circumstances. It seems I've now been given the responsibilities to put to rest the remains of Lady Tigersoul. Such an interesting turn of events. What reading one little letter can do, There was also a spell book as well as this nice little chest both bound to the same key. Such an interesting group of items. 

An unexpected visitor seems to have wanted to join us, and orcish/elfish person of what appears the be of thiefly persuasion seems to have meandered into the room, apparently trying to stay away from a oozy thing. He is a great reminder not to stand in the way of Jeb's hammer. 

After discovering the Lady Tigersoul's body, I wanted to make sure to give it some last words. I didn't know the lady, however she must have been quite important. I wonder what else may come of this letter. 

Adventuring on, we stumbled upon Cedron, he apparently has been here for some time, in fact I'm pretty sure he doesn't even know how long he has been here. Seems a little lost in his thoughts and books that he continues to burn. 

More exploring and more of what Cedron referred to as Sweepers, the oozy things, just clean the hallways. They are simple minded creatures, and apparently explode from frost. Collapsing tunnels and such. Fortunately we have our other way back in, when Shikashi said secure another exit, I didn't think he was going to mean close it off. 

Some more interesting rooms to be found, some seem to have more structural something or other jargon that Shikashi passed on, the amount of knowledge in that elfs head has to to stupifying at some point I would think…we shall see. 

O and apparently, now the druid has gone and gotten a bore…what an interesting creature this dwarf is…

I wonder what will lies beyond ….

 

 

Axmine go to bury rotting pet. We lookd for more things to open. We discovered a skolar, a person that likes to reed. I lik to reed, but words are hard. We leave skolar.

Oh yeah! Before skolar, but after Axmine we were in a room. Hiding from jelly cubes. We opened door and in charged a orc man. I hit him. I think it hurt him. After he explained himself, I healed him. As Joramy would want it. So yeah, sorry for menion not saying that before jurnal.

Where was i. Oh yes, we left the skolar. As we looked around, the skolar left. He was carrying a wierd looking shield and weapon. Then Chikashi wanted to follow to exit. Exit was a climb, easy too. There a jelly cube comes to us. Chikashi wants to kill it. He does. only it exploded. Closed our way. So we went to Kobold entrance.

Axmine parted with the group temporarily to bury her dead animal compaion and procure another one.

The group found a will and Skye opened it. 

Skye became the heir to Lady Quilynn Tigersoul's property, and the party gained access to the chest and book in the room.

They attempted to go through the second door when a half-orc ran into the room, apparently being chased by a gelatinous cube.

Jeb scored a harsh hit on the orc, taking him to the ground. They then began to interrogate him.

They opened the second room and discovered A body they believed to be that of Lady Tigersoul. They left the room and continued onward.

The party investigated a room full of old weapons and found a magical crossbow bolt that was larger than Jeb's light crossbow.

The party slipped into a side room quickly and found a (rather boring) man named Sedron that talked to them for a bit. 

Sedron told them that Tessamere has somehow managed to remain unknown, and he has found it a comfortable place to study and read.

They exited the room and ran into Axmine and her new Boar companion.

The party continued onward, looking to secure another exit for safety.

Sedron passed the party and left the dungeon carrying an interesting green weapon and green shield.

The party found a silenced room, likely for music dedicated to the goddess Olidammara.

Shikasi blew up an abnormal gelatinous cube with a ray of frost.

The party found a reinforced section of the dungeon with misc crafting supplies and several long-dead bodies.

The party noticed that their friend Gurley suddenly vanished. Perhaps hiding in shadows and going their own way.

The remaining characters decided to see if they could harvest any parts from the Carrion Crawler they killed. Axemine managed to cut off a tentacle and preserve it. She intends to use it as a weapon.

While deciding what to do next the party came under attack from two fronts by a group of Kobolds that shot them with crossbow bolts from behind two improvised barriers. Hitting Jeb and Laki.

Axemine was not hit but slipped and fell next to the carrion crawler.

Shikashi tried to speak to the enemies and did not find a common language. He then cast Sleep and put one of the creatures to sleep.

Skye cast Dancing Lights on the far side of the first barrier to try and see WTF was going on. Then hid behind Laki.

Jeb rushed and lept over the barrier nearest to him. He charged the prone sleeping Kobold with a crushing blow from his hammer. While yelling "JEB HIT YOU BACK!". He squashed the poor creature to mush with his Earthshaker (Making a mess in the hallway) Another Kobold tried to attack Jeb from a side door as he rushed past but missed.

Laki attempted to drop her torch and rapier and take a shot over the second barrier with her bow. But unfortunately she stepped on the torch she had just dropped while trying to aim and her shot went wild.

The Kobolds nearest Laki fired at her again and all three shots missed.

The remaining two Kobolds near Jeb find themselves cornered. They drop their crossbows, draw knives and attack him. One hits him, the other slips in the gore on the floor and lands flat on his face.

Axemine got back up and moved to assist Jeb

Shikasi created an illusion of Axemine to assist.

Skye threw a vial of alchemical fire towards the barrier nearest them. But it did not make it over, impacting on top of the barrier.

Jeb smashed the second prone Kobold with his Earthshaker, killing it. (And adding to the mess in the hallway.)

Laki was hit by one of three bolts that were shot over the barrier by the kobolds.

The Kobold attacking Jeb continued his assault and hit him again.

Axemine "Ran up and hit shit" in the area near Jeb. She tried to grab the Kobold attacking Jeb but could not get a grip on him.

Laki too a shot over the burning barrier and scored a lucky hit on one the  Kobolds there hurting it badly.

Shikasi went prone in an attempt to use the Kobold’s barrier as cover to not get hurt in the ongoing violence.

Skye threw a vial of acid over the stairs which seemed to have done in two more of the baddies.

Jeb turned and obliterated the Kobold attacking him from through the side door with a critical hit.

Laki attempted to see if anyone was alive beyond the burning barrier.

The desperate Kobold attacking Jeb managed to get a hit on him.

Axemine managed to get a hit on the Kobold attacking Jeb and killed it without hitting Jeb.

Jeb notices other Kobolds in the room he was attacked from.

Skye started to put out the fire on the burning barrier.

Jeb closed the door on the other Kobolds into the side room and moved a large rock in front of the doors.

The three bodies beyond the first barrier had 60 silver and a few pretty rocks on them.

The three Kobolds past the second (burning) barrier were all found to be dead. While attempting to loot the bodies Skye was hurt tripping a trap which collapsed the stairs while trying to loot the bodies.

Eventually Skye found 11 sp on each of the bodies. A rock and some form of Canine tooth where found on the first body. Another pretty blue rock was found on the second body, along with what looked like a mummified finger. The third one was carrying nothing special.

Laki rendered basic first aid to Skye in an attempt to keep them alive if they did something else silly.

While the party healed the Kobolds in the room and three others made a mad dash for freedom through a hidden door to the outside. Shikasi allowed them to escape without engaging.

Shikasi offered to transport Skye around on his floating disc to give him additional height.

They investigated the room the smaller Kobolds escaped from and found a gross nest. Shikasi took one of the antelope horns they found there.

The group attempted to decide on a leadership method while Laki attempted to clean up the disgusting hallway, calling it a risk to their retreat.

They investigated another room nearby where the kobolds seem to have been destroying furniture to make their weapons. Skye found another small dirty rock that seemed to have been accidentally dropped.

Jeb opened another room and tripped a trap caving in the ceiling. He took minor damage from falling debris. The room proved impossible to enter after that.

Jeb refused to open the next door, but Skye convinced Jeb to stand in front of the next door while Skye opened it. (Natural 20 on Persuasion check by Skye)

Shikasi (loudly) announced that he had an idea and proceeded to open the door at a distance with a Mage Hand spell. The door was trapped, but the trap failed to work correctly. They investigated the room and found that two columns supported a very weakened ceiling. They found nothing else of interest in the room. Skye closed the door and marked it with a simple warning.

The party moved on and found another locked door. Behind it they heard scraping and clattering noises. Attempts to communicate through the door failed.

They left that door alone and Shikashi attempted to open the door across the hall. Half the door fell from it’s hinges to the floor. 

Inside they found a Kobold that had been crushed by a large stone. Axemine moved the stone and found a magical knife and a bag of coins on the body.

Shikasi tested the knife on the bodies of some dead Kobolds from the previous fight and found that it effortlessly carved them with amazing effectiveness.

The party continued on past the crumbled stairs coming upon several doors that do not seem to have been opened in a very long time.

Axemine attempted to bash open the first one they found with her hammer. But nearly broke the weapon against the door. Shikasi investigated the same door and managed to unlock the magical lock.

Inside they found an ornate desk and chair. There was also a box and book on the desk, plus a sealed letter.

(The adventure concluded for the evening at this point)
 

I feel as though I just snapped out of a daze and almost dream like a hallucination, filled with burning effigies, bright lights, music and shenanigans! Fortunately I snapped out of it just as the little lizardy kobold's started their attack. Seemed we were being flanked from 2 sides and they seem to have a small tactical advantage. So what's the best thing in a moment like this; CHAOS!!!! I chose my actions carefully and to ensure a chaotic moment for our enemies. Some dancing lights, a quick duck for cover behind my taller cohort. Alas I noticed her take a bolt to the shoulder, it's apparent I needed to get closer. Running as far as I could and tossing my last flast of alchemists fire towards them I got it close and it is working to help with cover. Alas they managed to get a shot into me before I could get substantial cover again. I approached the barrier and lobbed over some acid. Things seem to have gotten a little quieter from both ends. 

Tried to extinguished the fire with some dirt and appears the wee little bastards are dead. They are sneaky as they set a trip wire to collapse the staircase, that was a close call as the collapse slammed me against the wall. Checked the area carefully and search these denizens. Some meager finders a tooth, a mummified finger, some silver and some stones. Perhaps these will work for some sort of strange component for some potion, only one way to find out. Pushing onwards we discovered a little nest and some other very scared kobolds that made a run for it, good deal less to deal with. 

More traps and more hallways. Alas my friend Jeb took a bad smack from one of the trapped doors. We shall have teamwork for the next door. Fortunately Shikaashi offered his spell of mage hand to open the doors, these seems way safer. We found a room with some sort of ferocious sounding critter. Safely locked away. I think it may be best to leave it locked away. 

Digging around some more our group found a magical knife on a corpse and it seems to cut some nice meat. Some like a good carving knife for whoever does the most amount of cooking. We thought about going to take a rest in the wizards chamber, but alas it seems to have been locked. I didn't feel safe enough for us to leave so much unexplored down the way past the kobolds as there might be more danger, we pressed on a found some locked doors, however Shikashi seems to be quite astute and found a something magical holding one of the doors closed and was able to futz with it some to open it. It seems he found a key that keeps doors locked. I am curious if it also opens locked doors? 

There seems to be quite a bit of magic in here, something about the chest, the seal on a letter and a book. This could all be a trap.  

 

We looked for more doors. Found one with magic on it. There was a room for cooking too. Some one lived here, but did not want to talk. He locked himself in another room. Statue come to life, ugly. I stepped out and hit it. It did not get hurt. I went back inside the room and closed the door. Ugly statue was not able to get inside.

Ugly statue get bored, leaves us. We look at other doors. Find room with food. Room was cold. We looked at other rooms. We found a very large bug. We smashed it. 

 

I must remember to build a castle with less doors.

The party continued to delve into Tessamere.

A side room was discovered that seemed to be lived in.

The party poked and prodded around the first room trying to see what they could find or take. They found two boxes that were VERY well locked and immovable. And an altar with a glowing stone on it. Skikashi noticed a Protection from Evil glyph carved into the back of the door. After this they decided it was not a location they should loot.

They suddenly realized they were likely not alone and someone was scrying on them. They found a secret door and attempted to find a method of communication that the one scrying on them might not understand. As well as obscuring fog to cancel the scrying.

Shikasi (finally) tried knocking on the secret door. The door was very well locked, and the person behind it indicated he wanted very much to be left alone.

After much searching they deduced that the occupant was likely a high level non-evil wizard, and that leaving them alone was a good idea.

A stone breast with wings was noticed coming down the hallway. It noticed the party and began trying to open the warded door.

Jeb attempted to hit it with his hammer, which proved ineffective. He was going to make his weapon magical and try again, but the party decided to leave it alone. The enchanted door to the wizards living area held it at bay, and it failed to break through the wall. It eventually moved off to parts unknown.

The party tentatively left the relatively safety of the "Wizard's Apartment" and continued down the hallway. A "cold" room was found with misc foodstuffs and another Protection from Evil glyph on the back of the door. They presumed it to be the "Wizard's Fridge".

The party heard a loud crashing sound from somewhere, but where unable to pinpoint it's source.

More rooms were searched. In one they found the bodies of several naked dead Kobolds and nothing else. Several piles of rubble were found in the hallways. They were roughly 4' high and seemed to be deliberately placed there.

In another room they found a large green tentacled creature and killed it. (It seemed to be very interested in the dead badger Axmine was carrying.)

(At this point we ended the evening)

Well only a few moments to write, oi vey this party is so scattered, we are all over the place in regards to what to do, and in doing so we may have uncovered a freaking huge gooey goo that is immune to fire, but perhaps not acid! I think it may have killed feeble. Only time will tell

seems like just mere minutes since I last wrote in here…time seems weird in these ruins

Entry XI

With haste, I scribe upon your leaves in hopes the events of the past few hours will loosen its traumatizing grasp. From the woods where last I wrote we ventured not but a half day through dense foliage to our destination. The ruins of Tessamere seemed impenetrable, but with Skye’s affinity to the forest creatures an entry was found. Seeming long abandoned, we traversed the dusty rooms of the dilapidated domain, finding little of value or interest. With the strength of Jeb and Axmine we were able to dive deeper into the ruins, but it was not until a secret door was found that our luck for the uneventful ran out.

We forced our way past a hidden door obviously designed to open one way, into a short hall with yet another one way door. How this hall was to be accessed I have yet to investigate further. With Jeb taking the lead, Gurley and I entered the unknown room to be greeted by the fangs of a giant spider! As the situation quickly devolved into chaos a second spider manifested, and the rest of the party joined the fray. When all was settled, Muffy, Axmine’s badger companion no longer drew breath. She hasn’t spoken much sense she picked up her companion’s corpse… I… I hope she is well… I will be sure to speak with her when next we rest. We looted from the remains of a long fallen poet, and bottled a few vials of poison before reluctantly pressing on.

The halls twisted and turned with doors leading to long lost alcoves containing fragments of a lost age. We encountered a door leading back the way we came, but it was heavily enchanted to remain shut… I questioned then why… I also failed to take heed of the floors being cleaner… Mistakes I hope to learn from… The party continued to explore in a helter-skelter fashion until we discovered Febble had abandoned our gaggle. We discovered him beyond one of the doors I had presumed locked with the remains of animated undead at his feet. Beyond a small crate of preserved food, there seemed to be nothing of value. We pilfered what we could from the crate, and we paused to discuss our next course of action. With haste, Skye manifested from around the corner to alert us of trouble, but by the time we returned to the room… Febble was no longer to be found. Beyond the door he had ventured beyond alone was a monstrous ooze, larger than ever I have read about! Had I been able to see it in more ideal circumstances, I would have enjoyed documenting it properly… For now I shall describe it as translucent, with a uniquely smoky grey haze, and an unknown size. The cube showed remarkable strength and determination by slamming into the doors barring it from us, until the very frame splintered and gave way. Hoping to fell the beast and free our lost companion (whom we have not seen or heard from sense) the group exposed the ooze (and a great deal of the room that formerly housed the skeletons), to a copious amount of some alcoholic drink long lost within the halls, and with a quick light, the room erupted into flames. To our dismay, the ooze showed no sign of injury from where it touched the scorching flames, and so we were forced to retreat. In a final effort to better understand our frenzied foe I cast a basic acid spell upon it, to see if it reacted to acid. The ooze seemed to melt away where the acid made contact, like I would expect human flesh to. More time and contemplation is needed to understand this creature better, and for now we have placed several large rocks in front of the door separating it from the rest of the dungeon… I am in shock from our consecutive losses this day, but it is not yet time to rest. Febble may very well be alive still, and the evening has yet to prompt our rest. I shall write again soon… hopefully with better news…

We looked around the halls. We looked into doors. We looked into rooms. Lots of dust. Lots of empty stuff. Found 1 room with spiders. They killed mean puppy. I am sad for mean puppys owner.

Everyone talks about a big thing. I didn't see it and no one asked for me to hit it, so it must not be important. I'm going to open another door. by by jornal.

The party continued into Tessamere.

Unfortunately encountering mainly empty rooms in this section of the ruin. Finding a pile of broken wood in one area. Skye kept a piece.

They also encountered one room with a chest of women's clothing. Skye kept a piece.

They broke through a secret door and found a room with two giant spiders in it. One attacked Gurley as they checked out a door. Gurley then tumbled across the room into the waiting jaws of a second spider hiding under a table. Quite the battle ensued with Febble standing idly by because the GM totally forgot his ass was there… 

The ranger learned their longsword was really a rapier.

One the spiders slew the Druid's baby dire badger outright with a horrible critical hit.

After killing the spiders they found the desiccated corpse of an adult male carrying a cloth satchel. The body container 10 coins of unknown variety, possibly gold, along with a dagger, axe and longsword.

Axemine took the corpse of her fallen companion with her.

The party continued on to find a set of spiral stairs and several more rooms. One with bones strewn across the floor.

Febble broke from the party and killed three skeletons in a room before the party caught up to him. The party found dried food in a crate in the same room.

Febble then entered an adjacent room and found an enormous living cube of jelly. Far larger than similar creatures previously known of. And also appearing to be quite dark in color.

Febble slammed the door and told Skye to run. Nothing further is known of Febble.

The party attempted to burn the cube with a barrel of alcohol the previously found, but this proved unsuccessful. However, Shikasi was able to hurt it in a minor way with acid. The party decided it was safer to close the door.

(The adventure adjourned for the evening. And were each awarded 1600XP for this session and the previous one.)

Feel free to comment OOC with what I missed or your opinions. (Yes, comments here count for rerolls) Thanks!

Laki is rihteng. Shitaki is rihteng. Pretty Sky is rihteng. I shuld riht two.

I left temple to find praise for Joramy. I am in gud muuds. I shuld not be in gud muuds. Joramy is Goddess of Anger, Volcanoes, Fire and stuff. I need two be strong and feerse.

I found a note wit a perty wax seel. I opened it and notees, sees, saws lots of rihteng. It says I have gold to get, and more to earn. I think. reedin is hard.

I sat at fancy table, met many people. We all agreed to find a nude crown in tessameer, tessaract , a castle. I am exsited happy. There is a small man. Dressed pretty. His name is Girly. Hehehe, Girly. There is a small dwarf. Name of Sky. Hahahaha! A dwarf wit a name of Sky. There is a female dwarf. She has a pet. It looks mean. Her name is Ax nine. Dwarfs have strange names. Pretty man wit bird. His name is mushroom. No. Speciphic mushroom. Shitaki? Pretty people have strange and wierder names. Quiet dark man. Name of Feeble. That name does not feel like a good name. I think he got beat up a lot as a kid. He gets food tho. I like him. Last is Laki. She is pretty lady with red hair. She is very curious about everything. She makes me feel safe.

Okay. Evory one is stil rihteng. I roht as much as I culd think of. Good night journal.

As I finally set to the work of preparing for the sleep I've never before longed for as I do this night, my mind can't help but run  back over the week since I left my childhood home.  Initially, I was apprehensive but very very confident that this was the right path. After all, my parents only spoke of marriage with regard to my mid-age years and I've yet to reach those by FAR! Ever since they moved on, he's acted less and less like the brother I knew and loved and more and more like a tradesman with an eye to a profit. If I had not hidden away the provisions and goods I could glean from the home for this journey I know he would have denied my request of them.  Having adulthood suddenly thrust upon us has moved us apart in ways I never would have foreseen—still, I do miss my  mother and think of her often. She would have, I ken, approved of the job and path I've chosen as she was daring and had a spine of steel when required. I pray Elhonna will gift me also with double portions of these as I fear along the journey-already.   The town, which is normally not this crowded, was full of an energy I had not felt prior in my 24 years. At first, I misread it as excitement but now reflect was more of an anxious air. I remember making several miscalculations on that first day, among them-that the letter and subsequent offer of employment- were intended for me.  By some unknown measure I was weighed and judged able to attain the prize the noble, Curdale, seeks and so to solace my aching pride and a small hope of finding a people with whom to belong-I joined. I am not certain how safe it is to speak aloud of the journey, let alone what we've been sent to acquire, and can freely admit I'm nervous even to write of the details for fear the words would convict me if what we seek is rightly held by others. For now I shall hold caution on both my tongue and my quill and suffice to say that we are a band of 6 with no discernable leader who have, in the week of journeying, failed to bond in any outwardly discernable way, except perhaps Jeb-who is a huge wall of a man with much strength but no real language skills and may be slow of mind as well. Certainly, he is the most amenable to all at this point in the journey and I find myself beginning to trust him-when I venture forth to lead in the forests, I am comforted in his footstep at my side. I do hope that the item we seek does not return us empty-handed, or not at all. I must forego more writing, as I seek proof of, and perhaps contact with, the dragon that we have reason to believe is in the area. 

 

 

Entry X

Again I return to you Cainen’Canta within the 140^th year of my birth, and I do believe your metaphoric counsel will be sought regular from here on. Several nights back, after learning of the most wonderful source of knowledge amassed by mortals in the keeping of the Greyhawk Guild of Wizardry (a place I will need to return to in time), I received a pigeon from my guild in Dyvers instructing me to travel to Manava to answer the summons from a Lord Cedric. Though reluctant to waste my time on the trifles of a human lord of Greyhawk, I set off to fulfill my obligations. After participating in what was one of the most unprofessional and ill-prepared auditions I have ever heard of, I found myself with a small gathering of ‘the chosen’ whom all seemed as puzzled as to the nature of the summons as I. When at last the Lord himself arrived, I was disappointed to find the aspirations of nobility and power are what incited such an unnecessary rigmarole. The meeting went something along the lines of “Search for the Crown of Denu in the ruins of Tessamere within the Gnarly Woods; here is a map and some gold; I am busy.” He then left in a huff, making me wonder if his desired station would be beneficial to those beneath him, but I shall complete the tasking granted to me by my guild with trust in their guidance.

Over a week of travel has passed sense then, granting me a few small events by which I have been able to get an initial evaluation of not only how our lucky group of  7 functions as a unit, but each person individually. Many secrets remain between us causing the comfort of trust is lacking, and though communication seems to be an on-going process, I feel we are prepared for the challenges we are to face in the ruins ahead. To help organize my thoughts, I shall single out each traveling companion, and describe them for later review:

• Febble is a capable middle-aged male of questionable linage. Clad in darkened garbs and hidden behind an undignified cloth mask, he is standoffish, reserved, and judgmental in a passively aggressive way. On our travels he has proven skilled at hunting by providing deer for us to share, and clear-headed in combat when we found ourselves troubled by an odd carapace critter swarm that had burrowed beneath our camp. He also seems well equipped, having quite a bit of gear to utilize. He does not like to speak much which has caused some concern, but I feel he can be trusted. In passing I witnessed his mask slip to expose a terrible scar that exposes much of his teeth, but seeing his quickness to return the garb to its rightful place caused me to not inquire further. I conclude his lack of interest in eating with the rest of the group, seeming disinterest in the others’ desires, and guarded nature is related to that injury. I shall not push further with questions at this point with him… though I do find it odd that the bounty he brought for us to share shown no sign of ranged or melee damage… will need further examples of combat…
• Laki is a novice scout seemingly eager to adventure, but reserved enough to openly question any situation with an irreverent flare. The mixed elf woman displayed this nature on several occasions (while questioning the Lord about the quest, in asking Febble about his mask, and when a group of adventurers passed by after having allegedly devastated a large gathering of undead) making her seem juvenile, though I see her as honest and proactive in avoiding death (which I will prematurely assume to be a fear for now). I will need to spend more time to get to know her, as I feel much of her spontaneity to be due to unease than distrust.
• Axmine is a peculiar dwarf and obvious priestess of nature. The druid is clad in stone armor, and accompanied by a badger of all things! Very little have we interacted, but during a scuffle in the night she was quick-witted to toss a rope to our cleric when the ground opened up to swallow him in a hoard of carious critters. To what extent her power reaches I know not… More information is needed to understand her, but I have no reason not to forward the same respect and expectations of her as I have druids of my own blood… though she is quite an odd dwarf… a bit touched in the mind, perhaps? Dwarves always seem off to me… Drunk perhaps?
• Skye is a free-spirited gnome with an arcane knack. Though flippant to a near fault and obviously keen on self-preservation above heroics, he is useful in a pinch (which was displayed one night when a group of goblins attacked our camp, when he illuminated their area by way of elementary arcana). Of the gnomes I have met, few embodied as much of the fey spirit as Skye. Though his true goals and intentions will remain hidden until a time he deems right, I feel at ease when he is on watch. Perhaps sharing with him my selection of spells would spark a bond? Is he even a wizard or am I being too presumptuous? Perhaps he is one of those roguish types like those from Dyvers?
• Jeb, the devout of Joramy the Raging Volcano, is a simple yet undoubtedly good soul. I shall say now, if his lack of understanding is a ruse, I am none the wiser! With genuine trust and honor he faces uncertainty with the resolve of the mightiest of fabled paladins. When unknown danger snuck into our camp in the dead of night, it was he that left the safety of our fortifications to answer the call to arms; though he did ended up trapped to the waste in a critter den. He is a strong and well-armored giant of a human, and between Axmine and him I know not who the mightier. Of our crew, I am most fond of him, though his aptitude for elevated thought may be a bit lacking. I feel with the right supervision, he will be an irreplaceable asset. I do wonder what I might learn from one as detached from reality as him…
• Gurley Hobniz is one of the most sociable wee-folk I have ever encountered! Truly gifted with a silver tongue, what he lacks physically was made up for with his diverse skillset! Taylor, Locksmith, and scout, his skills abound and have yet to be found as useless. A Smith true and true, in so many ways like Papa was. Though I have yet to see his combat prowess, I doubt I shall be disappointed.  When situations rise, his ideas are unique and helpful, but I do not see him leading our merry band by way of motivational or executive speech. Might his gift for gab not work on the masses? Might he simply not think himself capable of representing us due to his stature? It may be he sees our union as too short, and wishes not to trouble himself with such concerns… but it could equally be due to a lack of initiative as well.
• Our motley crew seems capable of achieving our goal of retrieving the crown, and possibly even delivering it to our employer. We are obviously lacking in leadership, communication, and transparency, but I do not see that as the fault of any one person. I am as guilty as the rest at being reserved with my past and the goals it has bestowed, but perhaps it is this self-awareness that grants me the tools needed to fix this error… that is if it is truly in need of fixing. Is it best we remain disjointed so to ensure simplicity and survivability of the self at the detriment of the growth of the group? It is hard to say, though why worry so much about a situation that may be over well before the first fall of snow?

It is only now as I replenish my ink well that I notice how much I have scribbled and how little I have said. I would say my ranting is in response to my own lack of understanding of this situation I am in. Though I was born in the Gnarly I have found no use for the knowledge I have gained from beyond its wooded boundaries. Is it due to insecurity in my studies that drives me to seek your council Cainen’Canta, or perhaps something a bit less vein? With how old this forest is, I should not be surprised as to my ignorance to it. Speaking of the forest… I have returned, however the terrors of the night have yet to become noticed by my group. Granted, I have not found myself confronted by that object of terror in my dreams, but it makes me wonder how long it will be before I can no longer be trusted to sleep in silence…  I think it best I keep the mask my secret a bit longer… as I know not what tree may cause it to stir once more. Maybe it will be a full fortnight before my next episode? Would be a first… On the morrow we will be arriving at the ruins which our crown is fabled to rest. When time permits I shall review our conversation in hopes of some sort of epiphany.

Waterday the 12th of Patchwall
Well I knew this journey would be entertaining soon as I got the Letter from this Cedric fellow. I find it odd this humans always thing that some random item from the olden times will get people to respect them more? Shouldn't it be based up his actions to earn his respect. Although the old human bartender did say he meant well. O well silly humans. It pays well, 5 gold just to listen and 100 more to start out. That's more money than I've had for quite some time.

This party is rather interesting at this point. A interest halfling tailor, Gurley, seems to be a friendly sort, I'm sure he means well. Although I believe he might be underestimating me and some of my abilities, I mean my dancing lights definitely thwarted that goblin attack. The Axmin dwarf is nice enough for being a dwarf, not rowdy and trying to cause too much a ruckus, that's also good sign, maybe some smarts in that stone grinder… The bulky human, this cleric named Jeb, seems like a simple minded individual, I'll make sure to be a little cozy and nice up to him, don't want anyone taking advantage of him. The Ranger Laki is definitely acting the ranger role, making sure to try to appear to know what they're doing. Febble, what is he? Some sort of thiefly type? A quiet sort, but I think he is warming up to me, he seems like an effective killer, no qualms about it, I imagine he get's right to the point. And that bookly elf wizard…what's his name Shiitake? Shiscani? Shitzuki? Shacazula? I don't know…typical elven wizard, figures unless you've spent time with your nose buried into some book learning the in and outs of magic then you don't much know what your talking about. I notice these times that he just overlooks what I can possible do, He was afraid to go into the forest??!?! What type of elf is that? Pssshhh, he'll be a fun one to toy with.

15th 
Along we traipsed for quite a while, glad they didn't mind my walking, I didn't want to subjagate some random beast to just make myself more comfortable. Those had to be some of the most bored horses to have along with us while we were bebopping along at short leg pace.  Definitely appreciate this Febble character doing some hunting, made the prepurchased food last a wee bit longer. 

The map we were given was clear enough, seems easy enough to follow and finding those two great trees and climbing to the top was a hilight of the day for sure. The view from up there over this forest was quite breathtaking, almost as good as the view from the Great Fur in the Hornwood, ahh home. Maybe one day….ahhh I digress

16th
Crossing the river and further down to find the ancient oak tree, nothing too spectacular happened along here, some other random adventurers that just couldn't slow down or be bothered came across our path, and I couldn't believe the ranger attempted to stop them, ballllsy! Have to watch out for that one, glad that didn't start something. I could have had to finish this journey on my own. Or at least, one less ranger. Shortly after that we found a pile of rotting corpses, apparently hacked to wee little pieces by the previous group. Glad they cleaned up that messed, undead are not something to triffle with! There was a momentary survivor it appears, but nature won again, snatched that humanoid right off the ground and left me his walking stick. Nothing nifty, not even balanced well.

17th
Last night was definitely a rude awakening to some burrowing little critters. I couldn't believe Febble there melted them all with a pot of shit, I mean that stuff was vile, he must have some alchemical skills, or just came a little more prepared. After that it was time to move away from that stench, so finally a little extra movement and a long day to get us further down. I know my legs are short, however at least I don't feel like I'm slowing the party down. 

18th
We found the oak tree! Pretty easy to do, and then Gurley just had to bring that pony! Poor pony, looks like it was just struggling and suffering! Wish he would have just sent it back like Febble and Laki did. And all the extra damage to the forest, well if someone was trying to follow us they definitely won't have any issues finding out path. I Tried to tell them I could carry extra items with me and we didn't need to pony. Alas, seems my words fall on deaf ears at times. 

19th
Found the ruins, I knew the little woodland creatures would be the best to chat with in these times. Always know were the entrances are, I love my fellow forest creatures, such beautiful souls. These adventurers sure do go about making a rather loud ruckus when moving through ruins, not much respect for some of the possible inhabitants. Bashing down doors, trashing whatever they get their hands on…fortunately I managed to save one of the crystal jars, not the finest but definitely a relic of a by-gone era.