21 Highsun Ah, my first day back amongst civilised folk, if only I could walk amongst them without being hidden beneath this mask, but it's for the best. I very much doubt they'd take to the truth too kindly, at least not while I'm a stranger. Perhaps I can earn their trust so as not to get killed if I were to ever be truly found out? Possibly. The day started well enough, assigned as navigator with my knowledge of such tools in order to take us to what was called The Mouth of Doom. Apparently it's rather close, close enough for children to have stumbled upon it, only to be warded away by some mysterious, yet nevertheless courteous voice that warned them of the danger within. Only a day to the south, a simple task. I was joined by Reza , a tall, blue fellow with an air of nobility about him. Second was Indigo , a martial man who seemed to not understand how a shield worked and chose to wear it on his head. Or perhaps something happened to cause this paranoia, I am not to judge without a little probing first. Third was one Byron , a pale fellow who struck me as one of the Dhampir I'd read about. Together, we would surely tame this land and put a notch in our blades. A simple task, or so I thought. My eyes are not so well adjusted to the harsh light out here, compounded by the ochre fog that seemed to cling to us even harder than any I'd witnessed before. It didn't let up even into the night, though it didn't seem to prevent the wildlife from hunting us down while we slept. After a failure that day of my own making, we were set upon by enormous feathered reptiles, which we dispatched in quick order. Even after seeing my powers, none seemed to be suspicious of my talents. Fortunate. Pity these attackers were just beasts, but I made due with the cerebral moss bars I'd prepared before this venture began. Perhaps the town has a herbalist to let me propagate a more reliable resource? Will have to inquire upon our return to Hope. Byron was especially effective last night, using his crossbow to particular effect against the beasts. To do: -Research moss cultivation. -Hone navigation skills. -Find use for reptile feathers. -Discover dungeon entrance. ~~~~~~~~ 22 Highsun A new day brought me some redemption, allowing me to bring us back on course and locate the entrance to this mouth-like dungeon entrance. It appeared to be made of some strange green stone, similar to gargoyles that the locals spoke of. Speaking of, well, speaking, it didn't have anything to say to us, even after myself and Byron tried speaking to it in different tongues. Perhaps it merely warns the unprepared? A positive sign for us. Within, some way into the darkness, with the aid of Reza's magic to light the way for those incapable of seeing in the dark, we discovered a chamber with six doors. The most northern door spoke a warning to Lucious . Ah yes, Lucious had apparently meant to leave with us from town, but had missed us while getting supplies from the trader. No matter, he proved to be a helpful sort. Byron investigated the north-west doorway, surrounded by holes with a wolf above the arch with the remains of some unfortunate curled up to it. Myself and Reza looked to the south, finding a door marked by a pentacle; a profane symbol used in summoning rituals. While we pondered its purpose, Luscious took the first door, prompting us to follow should he need aid. It was just as well we moved together, as Kobolds had invested the deeper parts of the upper rooms, and defended their pitch here fiercely, refusing to leave and punishing Byron the most. My feet were tested the most during the encounter, running back and forth to keep my fellows alive, with Reza's assistance. It was difficult, the Kobolds proving fierce and readier than we, but we won in the end. I was unconscious for the moment of victory, one of the scaly little shits having been an adept alchemist, and I couldn't seem to jump aside fast enough to avoid the blast as he tossed some concoction our way. I was awoken to the sound of the others telling me to flee and running, warning me of undead on the approach. I knew what I had to do; get that scaly little shit's head , even just for the principle that he nearly did me and Reza in. Indigo assisted in retrieving it, only to insist on holding onto it until we'd both escaped. With the rest having already flown from this place, we fled despite Indigo's wish to remain and fight. Outside, my newfound hunger got the best of me, and nearly cost me my skin that day. While I delved into the Kobold's fading knowledge, I was spied upon by my fellows and they called out my secret. I felt, perhaps, at this point, that I could trust them to know my intentions were pure. I had watched over them, after all. Thankfully, I was correct, and they swore not to speak of what was discovered about me that day. Perhaps Hope will be more than just a name for me here. To do: -Return to Mouth of Doom when better prepared. -Buy drinks for my fellows. -Rest and enhance my skills. -Discover town's roaming cartographers and collaborate our efforts.
