Quest: Borin's Folly - Tuesday 29th Dec 12noon Eastern/5pm UK/9pm Georgia/4am Sydney

Looking for a team to head out and rescue some damn fool Lathander worshippers... Player Character Class/Race Soap Artemis Level 1 Half-Elf Cleric Cody Jäger Level 1 Shifter Ranger Mark H. Seonbi Level 1 Goblin Wu Zhen Crimton Fergal Level 1 Minotaur Ranger Richelle Sairina Istari Level 1 High Elf Fighter Multiple Nerdgasms Druv Golgoth Level 1 Hagspawn Warlock of the Light Eater (NPC)

im up for it, newcomer to the camp. Lvl 1 Shifter Ranger, Jäger

Also up for it.  If alexandria goes.  Uklah will go.  They frands XD if Soap decides on they cleric I will prolly bring me monk.

Always up for some wandering in the wilderness :D Gonna play as Cathal - Hakuma Monster Hunter if we'll come back in time from the mines

Crimton said: Always up for some wandering in the wilderness :D Woop woop

Crimton said: Always up for some wandering in the wilderness :D Which character, mate?

Biggie the Tortle Barbarian would like to join your quest!

Welcome aboard Biggie and Cathal

Quick update: I'll play Fergal the Minotaur Ranger in place of Cathal. I'm not sure if he'll be back in time and we need some frontline or it's not gonna be beautiful out there

Room for one more!

Day 1 Departed Hope today in the company of a band of likely types. The elf wench has a shapely behind hidden under that chain mail, but We get the sense she mislikes Our demeanor, Our appearance, or the fact We can wield magic. We overheard her speaking to Artemis  about how she saw his divinely granted magic as somehow different from the goblin's magic. Should We tell her more about the Light Eater? They are akin to a god, after all. Uneventful day. The boy seems uncomfortable around Us. Said something about its father liking Us. The boy is clearly mad. We like that. We can use  that kind of madness. We might yet make him an adherent of the Light Eater. This swamp pleases Us. It is a place of rot and gloom and nastiness. We found fish and shared them. We must earn their kinship if We are to achieve Our ends. ---- We awoke in the wee hours to screams and shouts of panic. Spiders came up out of the ground and dragged the squealing elf boy into the darkness. The mad boy flailed about uselessly in the dark, all directionless fury. We had to kill the spiders for them. These children are so lost in the dark, but We are at home there. We see  things. The elf bitch gave Us spider eggs to eat. They pop in Our mouth and spill their juices down Our throat. Delicious. Day 2 More walking. We found water by the side of the road and sucked on it gratefully. Mother's milk. Found another nest of spider eggs after the young elf stepped in them. The mad boy stamped on them before We could eat Our fill. Selfish! We stared at him over the fire that night and asked it questions. It didn't like that. He went off and pretended to talk to its dead father. The boy is addled. Night brought more delightful chaos. We awoke to a panicked boggle charging through our midst with frogmen in its wake. Frogmen were a fleeting distraction. They died easily. Day 3 Found Borin's Folly. Aptly named. The entire place was a ghost town.  The mad boy raced ahead like an eager child on their nameday. Blackened bones rose to greet them. Some yet burned with the fires We had come to extinguish. The elf wench acquitted herself well, as did the goblin. While she held the bridge, the goblin fired arrows of ice and made them explode. Most impressive! The minotaur took the lion's share of the punishment. Fool beast nearly got itself killed. Would We hate that? Perhaps not. Its meat looks delicious. Found Borin fighting an fire elemental. Saved his life with the Light Eater's blessing. Poor fool was aflame when we found him, but selflessly healed the elf girl before tending to his own hurts. If the boy and the minotaur didn't look so aesthetically different, I could not tell them apart. They both floundered about while the strong carried the day. The elf girl, the elf priest, and Ourself did the heavy lifting. The goblin is okay. It looks down (up?) its nose at Us. We can't question its intellect, however. It is like Us. Uniquely gifted. Uniquely blessed. The dwarf gave us thanks and gave the priest a shiny present. It told us of its village's doom. Fire spirits and the burning dead. A most fell light that must be extinguished. We will return.

Dear diary, I made some friends today, they all seemed to be friendly and they needed my help finding a goblin name Borin . Father said he wont help me until i prove myself as a hunter, so the best way to do that is to go out and save this Borin . We gathered supplies and headed west, I only briefly met Artemis before going on this journey. We stuck to the road heading west, a straight path to Borin’s Folly , I led the way there over our three day journey to the town, Father always told me when i was little “Your shell will lead our kin into a new era, and all shall fear us!” , i guess he always knew i had leadership qualities and they were showing, i hope i impressed my new friends. The first day was quite uneventful, well until we rested just off to the side of the road later that night. I did some tracking with a Minotaur in our party named Fergal , he seems like a swell guy, Seonbi and Sairina were chatting in camp and Seonbi did some fancy magic with his hat to learn about all the creatures in the area, impressive trick, i need to learn that one. Druv was also there, he creeps me out, I try not to judge people by their appearance but there is something seriously weird about that guy, Father likes him which is worrying as he usually likes the weirdos that murder children, i should keep my distance with that one. During nightfall I awoke to Artemis , our cleric being dragged out but a large spider, I valiantly fought the beast off while Sairina helped Fergal with his. We patched up the wounded, Druv said it may have implanted eggs in Artemis , I hope he lives when we get back to town, I like him. The second day was quiet for the most part, we found some more spider eggs, my quick thinking of stomping on them may prove useful in the future, no damn spider is putting eggs in my body. Some frog people attacked us but proved no match and were quickly dealt with. On the third day we finally made it to Borin's Folly , with my iron resolve i led the party into town and crossed the bridge alone to face the horror that lurked inside, many flaming skeleton emerged and again with my quick thinking i tactically moved back over the bridge to get a vantage point to take out the undead one arrow at a time, the others helped too and we were able to clear the town with ease, not a scratch on any of us. We found Borin alive in the town fighting off a large fire creature, Borin wasn't a goblin but a dwarf, weird the party kept that detail from me, together we destroyed the monster, i need to remember that any that come in contact with it burst into flame like what happened to Borin and Sairina , lucky they survived the encounter. We are going to lead Borin back to Hope , he mentioned a forge under the town where these fire creatures and undead came from. If we return here we need to make sure to bring some water to douse all these fire horrors.

Seonbi's Map.

Notes from the Frontier 5 Highsun Today we ventured out to investigate what had befallen the Lathender-ite Borin and his group of worshippers. The road West seems safe enough so far, expertly guided by the troubled youth Jäger , we have travelled a fair distance today and encountered no issues! As I lie here listening to Seonbi list the myriad of creatures that “might” kill us (some of them are assuredly made up to frighten little children…) I can only offer more thanks to Bahamut for our safe passage. I hope we are not too late to reach this Borin and his companions! 6 Highsun I spoke too soon! It is lucky I am able to write anything this morning! As I drafted off to sleep, lulled into slumber by the (rather unnecessary) demonstrations of magic by Seonbi to a Sairina , all seemed well. Next thing I know, something has grabbed me and sunk it’s teeth into me and is dragging me away! I managed to invoke the wrath of Bahamut’s voice upon it and although I could sense the fear, it still bore me away from the camp into the dark before biting me again. I have never known pain like it and I surely blacked out… the next thing I remember was the hideous visage of Druv carrying me back towards the light. He is truly more pure of spirit than his appearance (or general tone) would imply - a great lesson for all there! It seems that Fergal also befell a similar fate, although his considerable bulk seems to have helped others aid him. I have imparted Bahamut’s blessing upon him to heal his wounds. I am very weary as we look to press on - the group still talks about hunting crocodiles… would that Alexandria was here, her silver tongue could probably persuade them this was folly… alas, once again I fall short of her skill and must rely solely on the wisdom of Bahamut to see us through   the day safely… Praise be, the rest of the day passed without issue. We did pass through an area seemingly teeming with a natural gas, Seonbi seemed interested although it is difficult to tell as he is always scribbling in his little notebook. 7 Highsun I should know by now that I should not count my blessings too soon! As I took my watch with Sairina , talk turned to the use of magic. She hides it well, but I sense a frustration in her inability to tap into the arcane. She reminds me of Alexandria when she could not comprehend the blessings that I found natural. Indeed, it seems  Sairina has also worked to overcome that and become quite a fearsome warrior in her own right - as I was about to witness for myself! For as we sat there discussing the merits of faith versus hard work, a strange creature ran through the camp pursued by something called Bullywugs ( Seonbi informed me afterwards). These frog-like creatures charged forward and we roused the camp to repel them. Sairina took many blows but still stood her ground. Bahamut saw to heal her wounds somewhat and she seemed ready for us to set off for the day’s travel. We have “completed” our quest. The Lathander-ites are all dead save Borin…   We arrived at the small village to the sounds of livestock. Jäger scouted forward although maybe he was a little over confident as he didn’t seem to even try a cautious approach. He was accosted by several skeletal figures and wisely beat a tactical retreat so the rest of the group. Sairina bravely blocked these figures in a bottleneck on the bridge, taking many glancing blows, she seemed to draw on reserves of strength (and a little help from Bahamut) to weather these and stay in the fight. We almost lost the mighty Fergal too, he looked sorely wounded but managed to retreat back beyond the bridge as Sairina covered him. Seonbi managed to freeze some water and explode it amongst our foes to great effect while Jäger and Druv rained arrows/bolts upon them. I note that skeletons seem a little unfazed by the piercing nature of these attacks, just as they seem fairly dextrous when I tried to invoke the sacred flame of Bahamut upon them - indeed, I only narrowly avoided getting set alight by a ball of flame thanks to the blessings of the Platinum One whose light protected me. Having dispatched these unholy creatures, Jäger and I tended to some of the animals who seemed much neglected. At that point, we heard a commotion and a plea from help from a dwarf further in the village (his language was as colourful as I’ve heard Alexandria during her training when she thinks nobody is listening!) and we rushed forward to aid. The speedy Druv was quickest to react and loosed a devastating crossbow bolt at a creature. Rounding the corner, I saw a huge mass of flame and heat assaulting a solitary dwarf. I sensed the power of Lathander as he summoned a fearsome spiritual warhammer to smite at this fire beast. The party loosed missiles from afar and sought cover but the creature seems focused on the dwarf. Invoking the wrath of Bahamut, I assaulted it with a mighty roar but it remained focussed on it’s prey, hitting the poor cleric and setting him alight! Even as a doused the flames, he sent healing magic towards me! We harried and seemed to be wearing the creature down before Sairina darted in to land a vicious blow, however she was borne down by flames that licked from the creature. Seeing that, Druv unleashed a mass of necrotic energy that dispatched the fiery beast. Still aflame, the dwarf then brought Sairina back to consciousness.   Borin (for it was he) told us that the village was built upon the site of a great volcanic forge and that creatures like this Fire Elemental had been resident there previously. Now, in addition to a Lathander settlement, there appears to have been an incursion of “fire newts” and “fire wolves”. We are escorting Borin back to Hope. There is nothing more we can do here today…

Damn what an adventure it was, you won't believe it! I'll split it into chapters just so it is easier for you to understand my chaotic cluster of words. The loss of traveler's virginity We've departured from Hope ready for everything that wilderness would throw at us (at least we thought so). We were just following the old road through the swampy terrain so there's nothing really to elaborate about. Jager - our navigator did great job leading us to and along along the old road that Lathander's worshipers were supposed to follow tothe so called Borin's Folly while Gruv  and I foraged for additional supplies which we didn't have to be so careful about as Sairina as a confident in her abilities lady kept a watch on our safety during this process and Artemis watched carefully for any tracks going away from the road what would be a really bad news but thankfully even his eagle eyen didn't notice any. The first obstacles We've set our camp to get some rest and be prepared for the hardships of the following day. Unfortunetly we were not meant to rest as what I got beastly confronted with in the middle of the night when I woke up half naked in the tight embrace of a giant spider dragging me out of my tent. As far as breaking free was not a problem, preparing for the next attack was not so much. I've proceeded to stand up to resist this filthy creature but that split second was enough for it to take advantage of my vurnerability and it sunk it's fangs in my fleshy which have knocked me unconcious. I didn't see much of the fight but from what I heared Druv and Sabrina proved themselves by neutralizing the thread. After that we obviously went back to sleep. The boomerang of fait You probably know what I meant by this title. Another rather calm day (at which I tookover the duty of navigator) finished with unexpected bloodbath. The thing worth mentioning is that all mighty Seonbi which was drawing a map in the meantime, warned us about over 20 types of creatures that could be a potential threat and also identified the unpleasent smell to be so called amonia which if I remember correctly is the gas that separates when bodies are decomposing so it would be wise to be extremly careful while passing through these surroundings. Sun started to set and just like a day before we set up a camp with addition of rain-catchers to utilize Mother Nature's generosity and fill our empty waterskins (you may know it under the name of "camels"). Unfortunetly again we were not meant to sleep in peace as a loud creature rushed into our camp shouting in panic. It appeared that the creature was running from bullywugs which we have succesfully took own for their insolent night raid. Heated click clack During the third day we finally made it to our destination - The Borin's Folly, from where we were supposed to retrieve the noble dwarf. It didn't take long untill the hell broke lose and we have been confronted by the division of skeltons, some of which were on fire. I took quite a beating once again but thanks to wise advices of Artemis and Sairina drawing attention of the larger portion of them. But it wasn't the end of our struggles as we heard someone shouting for help and so we rushed to provide it of course  What we've seen there was quite terrifying. A creature made entirely out of flames was advancing on a poor ginger dwarf that has reached the wall and had nowhere to run. It took us a while but eventually we've managed to put an end to it's existance and achieve our goal thankfully rescuing the noble and making a new friend. So you see father, I do not regret my decision of leaving the tribe to help here. Gonna make more notes later but for now I need to rest and prepare for next expedition we'll probably depart for soon.

Surrounded by a small group of adventurers in the Stuck Pig, Sairina finally had her audience to tell the tale of her Borrin's Folly adventure. Sitting next to the roaring fire with a glass of honey wine in hand, she begins her epic story.  ---- "The adventure started out easy enough. We just followed the road West towards Borrin's Folly, looking for any sign of the dwarf or his followers. The entire first day was quite boring and uneventful really... until night fell.  Sairina pauses to make sure everyone is listening... Seonbi and I were on watch duty when I started to notice a strange webbing all over the ground. As I began to investigate, a giant trap door spider lurched out of the ground and grabbed the young  Artemis , dragging him still half asleep from his tent into the darkness! Just as I was about to chase after him, another popped out of the ground quickly knocking the minotaur Fergal unconscious! Then another appeared next to Seonbi ! Thankfully the creepy gentleman Druv was able to see in the dark to chase down the spider who stole Artemis , and I took on the one who took down Fergal . Thankfully, the group of us were able to fend them off. But I highly suggest choosing your campsite wisely in the future. Be sure to check for spider webs on the ground because there must be more of them out there. We managed to smash some of the eggs... and well, Druv ate some of them.  Sairina makes a face showing her clear distaste for the man If I remember correctly, the nest was about 48 miles west of here.  The next day we continued on, following the road until we met a swamp filled with giant turtles! According to Seonbi the swamp is very flammable, so be sure not to light any torches around there. You'll know it from the horrible smell around that place.  Thankfully that night we had a bit of rain, so we were able to fill our waterskins. But that evening, we had another encounter! As I was on watch with Artemis , we had a small creature... a fey of some sort, run into camp screaming about bullywogs. Thankfully we were able to make short work of them. As long as you're prepared, they aren't too much of a threat. We shot them down at range, and they can't even see in the dark! I have no idea what they were doing hunting this little fey creature after nightfall, but they sure paid the price... and quickly. Finally, the next day we made it to Borrin's Folly. The town is directly on the road, you can't miss it. But when we arrived we saw the entire place was a ruin. Everything was smashed or burned to the ground, with starving livestock still stuck in the pens. Jager quickly crossed the rickety bridge to investigate and was immediately met with animated skeletons, some of which were on FIRE! The coward ran back across the bridge screaming, and Fergal and I went to take the offense.  We noticed pretty quickly that arrows were useless, but I was able to take down a few with my sword. I spent the majority of my time fighting off skeletons while blocking the entrance to the bridge so that none could come after our more delicate companions. While the regular skeletons were easy enough to handle, the fire skeletons are tricky! Not only do they throw fire, but when you kill them they EXPLODE with flame. Thankfully I was able to jump out of the way before my eyebrows were burned right off my face!  Just when we thought the mission was finished, we heard a cry in the distance... it was BORRIN. As we ran to investigate we saw him single-handedly fighting a fire elemental. The thing was MASSIVE and completely covered in burning flames. When I rushed in to help Borrin I was completely seared by the thing. Thankfully I was able to get in a few good shots with my bow and the massive creature fell. Honestly, I've been around for over a hundred years and I've never seen such a thing in my entire life! After the battle was complete, Borrin explained that the moment they built the settlement they were relentlessly attacked by different factions fighting over the forge in the area: "fire wolves" and "fire newts". However, he also said the forge was very lucrative and in need of investigation. So... if anyone is interested in joining us, we'll be heading back out to investigate the forge in a few days' time. I'll be in here most days, so you can approach me and let me know if you're interested in joining. 

Seonbi's Journal 5 Highsun Today I have grouped with a larger contingent of travelers than I am normally used to.  I thought this would yield more efficient results.  Many seemed somewhat competent, but I do have weary eyes for the hagspawn we travel with.  Do others not know of their origins?  I best not be quick to judge though, after all I am used to strange travel fellows.  It is disappointing to see that I am traveling with a bunch of barbarians.  Everyone seems to jump at the opportunity to eat meat.  How revolting.  Do they not know what suffering they must entreat upon the consumption of flesh?  People of higher enlightenment must realize that they are capable of compassion.  It is a shame that they do not practice it.  Even the so called priest and their belief in the intersession of some divine being.  What a shame to be deluded.  Uklah, despite their belief and practice, I have seen exercise sound judgement over the creatures of the land and delicate attention to the spirits around.  They understand that it is not some divine being that gives the spirits around countenance, but the spirits themselves.  Why worship a god of sky or the land when you can ask the spirits themselves?  Why have a divine being intercede when you can learn the lessons taught by the very elements themselves.  Just acknowledging their existence is not enough.  They ask that you forgo eating meat, and other such things to pay homage, and in exchange they offer you command over them.  Regardless I find that I have taken Uklah's cooking for granted.  These cattails do taste better when Uklah prepares them...what is their secret?  Regardless our young navigator has done a sufficient job, Uklah would have done better, I did have time to notice all the different evidence of dangers that exist out here.  I must be careful going forward.  I do not know the capabilities of those I travel with. 6 Highsun I was sloppy in retiring to sleep.  I have taken Jizo's watchful gaze for granted.  It seems my looming shadow is a a better sentinel than most.  A shame though, I could have been more prepared despite my excellent surveying the night before.  I fear the looming eyes of the hagspawn must have distracted me.  Could they have been behind our ambush?  Again, must not be too quick to judgement.  A pity that spider's eggs were squashed.  If we had left them where they were, perhaps other spiders would leave us alone for we are the ones that trespass upon it's domain, these barbarians have no respect. They think of only their well being.  I had to fight off a giant spider all by myself!  For shame!  I have seen Uklah show great care as to not hunt and give in to the selfish desire for eating animals, I miss their rose tea that they would prepare during the morning summons.  I should perhaps show more kindness to them...if their map skills improve. 7 Highsun I have marked a successful and accurate map so far.  This will make further navigations easier in the future and I can concur with Jizo to see their results as well.  I will admit Jizo's tend to include details I may have missed, but I do find that I have to correct Uklah's though.  It must be easy to just "copy" other's hard work.  This village though lead such great reward!  Not only did we find the village, it was full of skeletons!  Supernatural dealings for certain!  This will make a great addition to master Toubin's Spirit Guide.  I find that my traveling compatriots are adequate when it comes to such dealings.  Despite the many uneducated lobbing arrows at skeletons...how ineffective...alas I did also follow suit, albeit a natural goblin tendency, but I did suppress that will and embraced my ingenuity.  I froze the tips of arrows to garner them a more concussive and bludgeoning force.  My arrow also proved a very effective way to yield a payload of water that I was able to unleash to great effect, turning the "tide" of the battle.  I must say the female did show quite a tactical acumen by keeping the skeletons at bay on one side of the bridge, truly the smartest of the companions I travel with.  A shame they find me off putting.  No matter, saving the people in the village is all that really matters at the end of the day.  It was a pity only one survivor was left.  I was a bit too preoccupied with noting the skeletons we had encountered to pay more attention to the fire elemental.  My Ignan is not strong and I do need to work on my primordial studies, communication would have not been an option do to the dwarf's behavior though.  Did he realize they may have angered the elemental?  The female did prove their bravery though.  I admire that, brash, reckless and poorly informed, but admirable nonetheless.  I witnessed what must have been the dwarve's godly magic.  Curious, the pious may have some power yet, but all could have been avoided if greater respect had been given to the flames that power a forge than fealty to some god of light.  I would like to adventure back to this village one day.  Perhaps try to commune with the fire spirits that are said to be here, use the forge to mold metal out of the earth.  Alas there is much to explore and knowledge to endeavor.  These lands hold much danger and knowledge to be gleamed.  I must tell both Jizo and Uklah of the discovery of skeletons here, restless spirits have been found here.  Shall we consecrate them?  Does this Borin have more knowledge or stories of ghosts and other such beings that were once here in this village?  Are they to be trusted?  I am want to not trust some god or those that worship them wholeheartedly.

200xp for Gryffindor  Sairina & Seonbi!