Post by Admin on Aug 7, 2022 16:05:20 GMT
The following journal begins with the epilogue of Valmar's previous life in another realm. As his journey continues here in Thirith, he would like to put that part of his story behind him...
Epilogue
So it came to pass that months turned into seasons after Temple Hill's fall, and the Daredevils spread far and wide, following their own paths. In their journeys, Cei, Verieol, Talfryn, Baron, Ingo, Grymm and Olsen pick up rumors and stories of the ills that befell Valmar after their parting.
Unbeknownst to his friends, Valmar was previously employed with a dangerous thieves’ guild. His parlor tricks served as distractions for the thieves as they spread out amongst the gathered crowd to pilfer valuables. Prior to stumbling into Temple Hill, Valmar had pulled his own con, ripping off the guild to gather the coin needed to finally complete his spell book.
Unfortunately for Valmar, the thieves soon tried to recover by filching a powerful magical item from a mysterious magic user. This mage, from a far-off land across the sea, wore red robes and suffered not the thievery of such scum. Rath Modar as he was known, soon began a scorched earth campaign against the guild, ceasing only when their leader offered up Valmar in payment, by then well known for his deeds with the Daredevils.
Valmar was contacted by the guild nary a month after parting ways with the Daredevils. He was easily found, being deep in his studies at a laboratory not far from the headquarters of the thieves he’d scorned. The offer was simple: if he returned a sum of gold half that which he stole so long ago, the thieves guild would drop its contract against him. Wary of the guild’s influence, and tired of running, Valmar agreed to the terms.
Unfortunately, the olive branch was a trap. But even so, the thieves had underestimated Valmar's greatly increased powers. The Red Wizard, so informed and unprepared for such a violent defense, was nearly defeated. An epic battle ensued. Magical energy crackled through the air! Finally, after both arcane minds had nearly been expended, the evil mage managed to cast a polymorph spell. In his haste, Rath Modar failed to properly speak the incantations he’d committed to memory. Instead of turning Valmar into a harmless turtle, easy to transport far across the sea back to the Red Wizard stronghold, the Daredevil was transformed into a huge unwieldy elephant!
So began the new journey of Valmar, the elephant, carried across the sea in the hold of an illicit pirate ship, only to find himself in a foreign city, where a young thief of a different sort renamed him Zanzibar... then promptly lost this new pet when that city’s thieves guild found itself under its own attack.
After changing hands from guild, to profiteers, to circus to giant roc, to nearly be eaten by a dragon, Valmar found himself back in the hands of the Red Wizard, still powerless to free himself.
Back in Rath’s clutches, Valmar found himself finally in Thay, presented to the Grand Vizier of Thay as bounty for Rath Modor’s own transgressions. By a twist of fate, the Vizier ordered Valmar freed from his transformation, ostensibly to answer for his crimes. As the Red Wizards debated his fate, Valmar made his escape, running blindly through the streets of a strange city, fully expecting to feel the sting of magic at his back at any moment.
As he ducked down another alley, having run until his lungs felt on the verge of collapse, a strange door appeared on the side of the building. It opened easily into what appeared to be a well-stocked bookstore, always a welcome site to one such as Valmar.
But no bookstore was this before Valmar Erebus, but a portal, borne of desperation and the unexplainable events that often follow men of his sort.
So continues the journey of Valmar, servant of Boccob, mage, Daredevil!
Chapter 1 – A new Land
As time allows, I shall relate that portion of my tale which transpired immediately upon my appearance in this new world.
The transition from open doorway to foul windswept moor was instant. The books and comforting candlelight of the shop faded to grayness and rain. I immediately realized that my situation was dire, for where I stood upon the planet, I could no longer be sure. And soon, I would discover just far I had come.
I wandered shortly before reaching the hard wall of a cliff. From the base where I stood, its sheer face rose well out of my sight. Following this landmark I came to a small cave, a welcome respite from the driving rain of this nameless land.
The comfort of my small fire lasted only moments before the sound of groveling goblin fools outside drew my attention. What first was few became many quickly. I tried to snuff the fire ‘fore their beady eyes spied its light, but too late. Within moments, they were upon me.
In desperation I unleashed a fireball, slaying many where they stood. Its nearness singed my cloak as their ashes clogged my nostrils. Their companions followed, innumerable they were, easily overwhelming me.
I can only assume that my display of arcane power indeed saved my life as the fearful beasts bound me as a captive rather than slaying me outright as they easily could have.
I was dragged roughly back to their warren where I was stripped of my clothing and dignity, before being presented to their king as a prize. Before I could act, my hands and feet were bound in metal guards to contain my power. I was helpless.
For weeks I remained their prisoner, a plaything for their amusement. I assume the goblin king expected to break my will so I would lend my foreign powers to his cause. Soon, more prisoners arrived, those who remained of an expedition from a far-off kingdom. In our brief moments together, I was able to gather more of my predicament. I found I was no longer in the land of Faerun, but a world known as Thirith. Unsettling, certainly, but fitting considering all that has befallen since my parting of ways from the Daredevils.
My situation became increasingly grim from that point. I yearned for a single hand freed for to slay a sole goblin of this hellhole before inevitably losing my own life.
But then from the darkness the means of my freedom arrived. New prisoners were brought to the king, these being the retinue of a prince from the nearby kingdom the goblins swore as enemy from birth. Prince Davit, the son of a great line of kings found himself similarly enslaved, free of the greatest tortures borne by the other prisoners. Our time together though short afforded us conversation enough that I swore should those seeking his freedom throw their force behind mine as well, his great kingdom of Grandish would have my debt.
By Boccob’s uncaring eyes, we waited barely two days, if my understanding of the goblins’ routines was precise.
A great ruckus arose as the Prince and I endured another round of light torture. Suddenly, men of his kind burst into the room, a great party of five seasoned warriors and their ensorcelled goblin captive. Freedom at last! For the second time I’d be captured by goblins only to be freed by sword and divine countenance. After some convincing, the men agreed to continue forward against their instincts. Prince Davit impressed upon them my powers should I recover my collection of spells.
We immediately set out to find that fat pig of a goblin king I’d been the personal torture device of. We found him in his chamber through a secret path. The grotesque beast was cavorting with unlucky concubines who most assuredly achieved relief with the death we soon afforded them! It was most relieving to feel my arcane powers flowing once more! As the last harried breaths escaped our lungs, the king lie dead, decapitated to finalize the assuredness of our deed. My gear lie scattered around the king’s putrid body. Thankfully, my trusted staff was unharmed. Lucky for me the greedy desires of the dead king for he claimed all of my gear for his own use, and there I re-claimed each item to the last.
In the room next door, incompetent “noble” guards snored their last before they too fell to our now maniacal vengeance.
With blood still wet upon our countenances, we stumbled into the fighting chamber. This battle was not a simple rout. I felt reminders of the last time I was rescued from goblins, far away in the land of my deeds under Kalpoc. I floated the king’s head within full view of his men, scaring some of the fire out of their bellies while still unleashing their formidable anger. In the end we prevailed, but not fore the noble dwarf I’d spent my captivity with had fallen. Deggas was no more, but I shall speak in his memory, and the existence of his land, far to the east, shall not be forgotten.
To Find my Spellbooks
I’ve of yet failed to mention my spellbooks because, much to my immense pain, I’d yet to have recovered them. According to the ensorcelled goblin this Krikor fella has following us around, my books reside deeper in the complex in possession of some beings he calls the “three sisters”. Prince Davit thankfully saw fit to command the group to help me find my tomes for they seemed ready to rush quickly from the complex.
Before we could act, a large door in the corner of the pit room burst open, revealing wave after wave of little nasty goblin fiends. I crouched behind what I could only describe as the king’s wretched thrown while the little meanies fell to my companions’ blades. We finally pushed through into the now cleared training room. Zantar exclaimed a find… a secret door, leading into an ancient tunnel. I couldn’t help but notice oddly familiar writing etched into one of the walls, something I most certainly would not expect to find in such a place…
I expressed repeatedly the urgency of our situation – and found backing with Armen and Tigran the beast – we ultimately rested in this hidden place just long enough for the healer – Krikor - to aid his friends.
***
The wild man called Razmik led the way deeper into the tunnel, following the directions of the encharmed goblin who was watching my back. He has decent knowledge of the complex, but I shall slay him regardless when his worth has been expended…
I must note how frustrating it has been to speak with my saviors in the goblin’s tongue. Whence the danger has past I shall focus all of my faculties on learning their human language!
The maddening warrens continued for what felt to be days! The prize of my lost spell books remained out of reach even as arcane chanting echoed through the walls. Where were the damned wretched witches hiding?
The chanting grew louder as we continued on until it became possible to make out the voices clearly. I pushed towards the front, just behind the wild one. We burst through a door into a large chamber. The room was hideous, a hive of evil. Two horrendously awful hags faced us with all of the burning fury they could muster. Krikor rushed straight to tallest of the two, over 8’ tall she stood as his sword cut deep into her flesh. I ducked behind a pillar to toss the last of my arcane missiles at the smaller hag. Somehow she absorbed my blasts and continued the fight while screaming out in the language of the ogre. I could barely make out that the two sisters were yelling, “The day has come!” What prophecy did I fulfill for these wretched hags?
I cast my fly spell to elevate above the melee. From near the high ceiling I could see my books resting on pedestals around the room. I launched into the air, pulling Violetta towards me with my Ring of Telekinesis as I flew high above. Out of the corner of my eye I watched a hand snatch Coluna Infernal into the shadows! At that moment the most hideously foul beast I’d ever seen entered the room from my right. The sight of the third hag nearly stole the bile from my stomach. I dove down towards the pedestal at the speed of a screeching eagle. There was my book in the hands of the sneaky thief. He stood frozen from the sight of the third hag, so I snatched my beloved tome from his hand. I rose above the fray again, but as I was securing my books the hag screamed out in the most piercing voice, causing me to drop them! I was stunned for a moment but gathered my senses to snatch my books. The giant Tigrin felled the last hag at this moment.
The dead witches were in possession of a crystal ball which I gladly stuffed into my robes as we fled with whatever other loose items we could hold. The flight to flee the complex was furious and fast. The fighters downed those goblins that dared step into our path. Finally, we burst into the sunlight! I know not how long it had been, but the blazing rays of her warmth washed away what felt like centuries of missing her. Now… a bath.
To water, please?
After leaving that stinking hovel we moved swiftly for a few hours, stopping only briefly to catch our breaths occasionally. As the sun dipped below the rim of the canyon, we set camp within a boulder field. Exhaustion’s chains hung heavy upon us all as we sank into whatever little we could muster for comfort. I drifted off while staring at the sky above, full of unrecognizable constellations.
I awoke to the dawn’s rays, instantly flipping open my beloved Coluna. Oh the feeling as my eyes drunk in her wonders! The ecstasy lasted mere moments as some commotion to my left harkened the arrival of a most odd monstrosity. Millions of common bugs formed themselves into two man-like creatures. My companions engaged them violently. I desperately tried to continue my studies as the melee swirled. Eventually, the fight was won.
The hours ticked by once more and indeed I measured them each by the increasing stench surrounded my body. But that should encounter just one puddle of water!
Food remained a close second priority which thankfully was fulfilled quite accidently when we stumbled upon large horse-like beasts grazing the local flora. As we cleaned out kill, I related the story told to me by the dwarf Deggas Cragjaw during our captivity. (I shall make sure to enter this story in its entirety at my earliest convenience).
Well my belly is full of meat, but my skin still reeks. I must find water!
This is a terrible place! Our feast brought in the hounds – literally - in the form of a pack of hyenas. My Ring of Telekinesis proved quite useful! I directed all of my anger through its gem to smash the lead dog into a nearby rock, killing it instantly. I shall be certain to use this technique often. The dastardly dogs were relentless, but we eventually prevailed.
…then the heavens opened up and in a great sign of Boccob’s accidental gaze, rain poured down, cleansing my body like as would the soft sponges of the richest king’s handmaidens. I cannot describe how my skin feels now, cleansed as never before having been so encrusted with filth!
This March Will Never End
Waking up this morning clean, refreshed and with my books laid out before me, I realized I have not felt so alive in too long! My companions keep fooling with the other items we pilfered from the hags, much to my chagrin. They truly do not have experience with mystical objects. May they never learn the hard way. At my insistence, we’re finally heading out once more.
The weather cooperated with our goals throughout the day, though fierce winds blew occasionally.
Our night was interrupted once more by those horrid hyenas, surely relatives of those we destroyed the day past. Once slain, the fighters of the party slathered their weapons in the beasts’ saliva, anticipating any poisonous properties would be transferred to their blades. These men are quite amusing indeed.
Finally did we leave the walls of the canyon, but not before one last surprise. During their journey to free us from captivity, the men apparently made acquaintance with the most peculiar of life forms: animated boulders. We encountered them once more and engaged in a friendly parlay which ended with their leader presenting with me a token of their friendship, a most beautiful and pure opal. As they faded back into the scenery, we continued our trek.
Soon after I revealed the full extent of my powers to my new companions by unleashing a vicious fireball, incinerating an unfortunate group of worgs and their nasty goblin riders deigned to attack us. The men of Grandish were quite perplexed by my display but seemed appreciative to say the least.
Epilogue
So it came to pass that months turned into seasons after Temple Hill's fall, and the Daredevils spread far and wide, following their own paths. In their journeys, Cei, Verieol, Talfryn, Baron, Ingo, Grymm and Olsen pick up rumors and stories of the ills that befell Valmar after their parting.
Unbeknownst to his friends, Valmar was previously employed with a dangerous thieves’ guild. His parlor tricks served as distractions for the thieves as they spread out amongst the gathered crowd to pilfer valuables. Prior to stumbling into Temple Hill, Valmar had pulled his own con, ripping off the guild to gather the coin needed to finally complete his spell book.
Unfortunately for Valmar, the thieves soon tried to recover by filching a powerful magical item from a mysterious magic user. This mage, from a far-off land across the sea, wore red robes and suffered not the thievery of such scum. Rath Modar as he was known, soon began a scorched earth campaign against the guild, ceasing only when their leader offered up Valmar in payment, by then well known for his deeds with the Daredevils.
Valmar was contacted by the guild nary a month after parting ways with the Daredevils. He was easily found, being deep in his studies at a laboratory not far from the headquarters of the thieves he’d scorned. The offer was simple: if he returned a sum of gold half that which he stole so long ago, the thieves guild would drop its contract against him. Wary of the guild’s influence, and tired of running, Valmar agreed to the terms.
Unfortunately, the olive branch was a trap. But even so, the thieves had underestimated Valmar's greatly increased powers. The Red Wizard, so informed and unprepared for such a violent defense, was nearly defeated. An epic battle ensued. Magical energy crackled through the air! Finally, after both arcane minds had nearly been expended, the evil mage managed to cast a polymorph spell. In his haste, Rath Modar failed to properly speak the incantations he’d committed to memory. Instead of turning Valmar into a harmless turtle, easy to transport far across the sea back to the Red Wizard stronghold, the Daredevil was transformed into a huge unwieldy elephant!
So began the new journey of Valmar, the elephant, carried across the sea in the hold of an illicit pirate ship, only to find himself in a foreign city, where a young thief of a different sort renamed him Zanzibar... then promptly lost this new pet when that city’s thieves guild found itself under its own attack.
After changing hands from guild, to profiteers, to circus to giant roc, to nearly be eaten by a dragon, Valmar found himself back in the hands of the Red Wizard, still powerless to free himself.
Back in Rath’s clutches, Valmar found himself finally in Thay, presented to the Grand Vizier of Thay as bounty for Rath Modor’s own transgressions. By a twist of fate, the Vizier ordered Valmar freed from his transformation, ostensibly to answer for his crimes. As the Red Wizards debated his fate, Valmar made his escape, running blindly through the streets of a strange city, fully expecting to feel the sting of magic at his back at any moment.
As he ducked down another alley, having run until his lungs felt on the verge of collapse, a strange door appeared on the side of the building. It opened easily into what appeared to be a well-stocked bookstore, always a welcome site to one such as Valmar.
But no bookstore was this before Valmar Erebus, but a portal, borne of desperation and the unexplainable events that often follow men of his sort.
So continues the journey of Valmar, servant of Boccob, mage, Daredevil!
Chapter 1 – A new Land
As time allows, I shall relate that portion of my tale which transpired immediately upon my appearance in this new world.
The transition from open doorway to foul windswept moor was instant. The books and comforting candlelight of the shop faded to grayness and rain. I immediately realized that my situation was dire, for where I stood upon the planet, I could no longer be sure. And soon, I would discover just far I had come.
I wandered shortly before reaching the hard wall of a cliff. From the base where I stood, its sheer face rose well out of my sight. Following this landmark I came to a small cave, a welcome respite from the driving rain of this nameless land.
The comfort of my small fire lasted only moments before the sound of groveling goblin fools outside drew my attention. What first was few became many quickly. I tried to snuff the fire ‘fore their beady eyes spied its light, but too late. Within moments, they were upon me.
In desperation I unleashed a fireball, slaying many where they stood. Its nearness singed my cloak as their ashes clogged my nostrils. Their companions followed, innumerable they were, easily overwhelming me.
I can only assume that my display of arcane power indeed saved my life as the fearful beasts bound me as a captive rather than slaying me outright as they easily could have.
I was dragged roughly back to their warren where I was stripped of my clothing and dignity, before being presented to their king as a prize. Before I could act, my hands and feet were bound in metal guards to contain my power. I was helpless.
For weeks I remained their prisoner, a plaything for their amusement. I assume the goblin king expected to break my will so I would lend my foreign powers to his cause. Soon, more prisoners arrived, those who remained of an expedition from a far-off kingdom. In our brief moments together, I was able to gather more of my predicament. I found I was no longer in the land of Faerun, but a world known as Thirith. Unsettling, certainly, but fitting considering all that has befallen since my parting of ways from the Daredevils.
My situation became increasingly grim from that point. I yearned for a single hand freed for to slay a sole goblin of this hellhole before inevitably losing my own life.
But then from the darkness the means of my freedom arrived. New prisoners were brought to the king, these being the retinue of a prince from the nearby kingdom the goblins swore as enemy from birth. Prince Davit, the son of a great line of kings found himself similarly enslaved, free of the greatest tortures borne by the other prisoners. Our time together though short afforded us conversation enough that I swore should those seeking his freedom throw their force behind mine as well, his great kingdom of Grandish would have my debt.
By Boccob’s uncaring eyes, we waited barely two days, if my understanding of the goblins’ routines was precise.
A great ruckus arose as the Prince and I endured another round of light torture. Suddenly, men of his kind burst into the room, a great party of five seasoned warriors and their ensorcelled goblin captive. Freedom at last! For the second time I’d be captured by goblins only to be freed by sword and divine countenance. After some convincing, the men agreed to continue forward against their instincts. Prince Davit impressed upon them my powers should I recover my collection of spells.
We immediately set out to find that fat pig of a goblin king I’d been the personal torture device of. We found him in his chamber through a secret path. The grotesque beast was cavorting with unlucky concubines who most assuredly achieved relief with the death we soon afforded them! It was most relieving to feel my arcane powers flowing once more! As the last harried breaths escaped our lungs, the king lie dead, decapitated to finalize the assuredness of our deed. My gear lie scattered around the king’s putrid body. Thankfully, my trusted staff was unharmed. Lucky for me the greedy desires of the dead king for he claimed all of my gear for his own use, and there I re-claimed each item to the last.
In the room next door, incompetent “noble” guards snored their last before they too fell to our now maniacal vengeance.
With blood still wet upon our countenances, we stumbled into the fighting chamber. This battle was not a simple rout. I felt reminders of the last time I was rescued from goblins, far away in the land of my deeds under Kalpoc. I floated the king’s head within full view of his men, scaring some of the fire out of their bellies while still unleashing their formidable anger. In the end we prevailed, but not fore the noble dwarf I’d spent my captivity with had fallen. Deggas was no more, but I shall speak in his memory, and the existence of his land, far to the east, shall not be forgotten.
To Find my Spellbooks
I’ve of yet failed to mention my spellbooks because, much to my immense pain, I’d yet to have recovered them. According to the ensorcelled goblin this Krikor fella has following us around, my books reside deeper in the complex in possession of some beings he calls the “three sisters”. Prince Davit thankfully saw fit to command the group to help me find my tomes for they seemed ready to rush quickly from the complex.
Before we could act, a large door in the corner of the pit room burst open, revealing wave after wave of little nasty goblin fiends. I crouched behind what I could only describe as the king’s wretched thrown while the little meanies fell to my companions’ blades. We finally pushed through into the now cleared training room. Zantar exclaimed a find… a secret door, leading into an ancient tunnel. I couldn’t help but notice oddly familiar writing etched into one of the walls, something I most certainly would not expect to find in such a place…
I expressed repeatedly the urgency of our situation – and found backing with Armen and Tigran the beast – we ultimately rested in this hidden place just long enough for the healer – Krikor - to aid his friends.
***
The wild man called Razmik led the way deeper into the tunnel, following the directions of the encharmed goblin who was watching my back. He has decent knowledge of the complex, but I shall slay him regardless when his worth has been expended…
I must note how frustrating it has been to speak with my saviors in the goblin’s tongue. Whence the danger has past I shall focus all of my faculties on learning their human language!
The maddening warrens continued for what felt to be days! The prize of my lost spell books remained out of reach even as arcane chanting echoed through the walls. Where were the damned wretched witches hiding?
The chanting grew louder as we continued on until it became possible to make out the voices clearly. I pushed towards the front, just behind the wild one. We burst through a door into a large chamber. The room was hideous, a hive of evil. Two horrendously awful hags faced us with all of the burning fury they could muster. Krikor rushed straight to tallest of the two, over 8’ tall she stood as his sword cut deep into her flesh. I ducked behind a pillar to toss the last of my arcane missiles at the smaller hag. Somehow she absorbed my blasts and continued the fight while screaming out in the language of the ogre. I could barely make out that the two sisters were yelling, “The day has come!” What prophecy did I fulfill for these wretched hags?
I cast my fly spell to elevate above the melee. From near the high ceiling I could see my books resting on pedestals around the room. I launched into the air, pulling Violetta towards me with my Ring of Telekinesis as I flew high above. Out of the corner of my eye I watched a hand snatch Coluna Infernal into the shadows! At that moment the most hideously foul beast I’d ever seen entered the room from my right. The sight of the third hag nearly stole the bile from my stomach. I dove down towards the pedestal at the speed of a screeching eagle. There was my book in the hands of the sneaky thief. He stood frozen from the sight of the third hag, so I snatched my beloved tome from his hand. I rose above the fray again, but as I was securing my books the hag screamed out in the most piercing voice, causing me to drop them! I was stunned for a moment but gathered my senses to snatch my books. The giant Tigrin felled the last hag at this moment.
The dead witches were in possession of a crystal ball which I gladly stuffed into my robes as we fled with whatever other loose items we could hold. The flight to flee the complex was furious and fast. The fighters downed those goblins that dared step into our path. Finally, we burst into the sunlight! I know not how long it had been, but the blazing rays of her warmth washed away what felt like centuries of missing her. Now… a bath.
To water, please?
After leaving that stinking hovel we moved swiftly for a few hours, stopping only briefly to catch our breaths occasionally. As the sun dipped below the rim of the canyon, we set camp within a boulder field. Exhaustion’s chains hung heavy upon us all as we sank into whatever little we could muster for comfort. I drifted off while staring at the sky above, full of unrecognizable constellations.
I awoke to the dawn’s rays, instantly flipping open my beloved Coluna. Oh the feeling as my eyes drunk in her wonders! The ecstasy lasted mere moments as some commotion to my left harkened the arrival of a most odd monstrosity. Millions of common bugs formed themselves into two man-like creatures. My companions engaged them violently. I desperately tried to continue my studies as the melee swirled. Eventually, the fight was won.
The hours ticked by once more and indeed I measured them each by the increasing stench surrounded my body. But that should encounter just one puddle of water!
Food remained a close second priority which thankfully was fulfilled quite accidently when we stumbled upon large horse-like beasts grazing the local flora. As we cleaned out kill, I related the story told to me by the dwarf Deggas Cragjaw during our captivity. (I shall make sure to enter this story in its entirety at my earliest convenience).
Well my belly is full of meat, but my skin still reeks. I must find water!
This is a terrible place! Our feast brought in the hounds – literally - in the form of a pack of hyenas. My Ring of Telekinesis proved quite useful! I directed all of my anger through its gem to smash the lead dog into a nearby rock, killing it instantly. I shall be certain to use this technique often. The dastardly dogs were relentless, but we eventually prevailed.
…then the heavens opened up and in a great sign of Boccob’s accidental gaze, rain poured down, cleansing my body like as would the soft sponges of the richest king’s handmaidens. I cannot describe how my skin feels now, cleansed as never before having been so encrusted with filth!
This March Will Never End
Waking up this morning clean, refreshed and with my books laid out before me, I realized I have not felt so alive in too long! My companions keep fooling with the other items we pilfered from the hags, much to my chagrin. They truly do not have experience with mystical objects. May they never learn the hard way. At my insistence, we’re finally heading out once more.
The weather cooperated with our goals throughout the day, though fierce winds blew occasionally.
Our night was interrupted once more by those horrid hyenas, surely relatives of those we destroyed the day past. Once slain, the fighters of the party slathered their weapons in the beasts’ saliva, anticipating any poisonous properties would be transferred to their blades. These men are quite amusing indeed.
Finally did we leave the walls of the canyon, but not before one last surprise. During their journey to free us from captivity, the men apparently made acquaintance with the most peculiar of life forms: animated boulders. We encountered them once more and engaged in a friendly parlay which ended with their leader presenting with me a token of their friendship, a most beautiful and pure opal. As they faded back into the scenery, we continued our trek.
Soon after I revealed the full extent of my powers to my new companions by unleashing a vicious fireball, incinerating an unfortunate group of worgs and their nasty goblin riders deigned to attack us. The men of Grandish were quite perplexed by my display but seemed appreciative to say the least.