4 The Fading Another trip to the temple where the books are supposed to be, as directed by Dark. If I end up breaking the geas because he sent us to the wrong place, I'm going to find something of his to break. I find wrists are good for that sort of message. This time, instead of the rather intimidating woman Eunice, and the necromancer Gravedigger (auf der nase?), we have a pair of gentlemen named Lucius and Plank (dumme). As we have no way at hand to bridge the river that blinded Borin on the last trip, we'll instead follow the much more reliable road and then hug the riverbank until the temple is in view. I know of a bridge near Borin's Folly (verbunden?), so this should be straightforward. 5 The Fading My initial reasoning was sound, for all but how much longer the trip would take. By taking a safer route, I've added another day or so to this journey. Not awful, but my rations are in limited supply with how unique they are and how challenging they can be to cultivate outside of their natural cave environment, I'm fortunate Fizzbang is capable to performing this task for me. The night brought a new danger, and another frustration in the form of an ooze. It turned up during Aerfrey's watch, and while she tried to set it on fire initially, she found and informed the rest that the substance it was made of was close enough to tar to give it a quality for sharing the burning pain it was made to endure with those it attacked. Worse still, my mind had nothing to take hold of, so I was forced to hang back and offer medical aid and sling bullets to help my fellows. 6 The Fading Nothing terribly noteworthy occurred, though we met other adventurers on the road seeking to deal with the mausoleum that had been troubling Hope from afar. They had already seen to several gargoyles, sharing with us some information that magical weapons were quite effective. Ah, if only some were just lying around for us to use. Or perhaps they will be if these would-be heroes aren't as lucky on their next venture. I believe their names were Ayalis, Sidalius, Sir Clyde, and Nefril, two Elves, an armoured Human, and Tiefling respectively. Worth remembering, as they seemed friendly enough. 7 The Fading I'm more tired than I've ever been, but I'm alive and I'm thankful enough for that. Something chased us when we made it across the bridge, massive and powerful, more powerful than anything alive has any right to be. It was some kind of ancient beast, massive and terrible, roaring louder than a thundercrack and running faster than any horse I've seen, though I imagine the horse would find a way with that baring down on it. It nearly killed Borin, but Aerfrey was there to rescue him from the clutches of death and keep him alive long enough for us to make good on our escape. We'd certainly have failed if it had cornered us and forced us to fight. Fog clouded the inside of this infernal mask for how hard I was breathing, and I will most certainly need a bath when I return to Hope. I cannot seem to pull myself out of this exhausted state on my own, but perhaps some sleep will help. The way back into the temple was simple enough, and after conferring with the others, we headed westwards this time, finding more of those undead, and the reek of putrid flesh. My mask earned a reprieve from potential bore holes for saving me from the smell, and I watched from the back as Lucius cut down the zombified denizens of this place with ease. Further in, we discovered what must have been a set of bed chambers, one of which had a zombified priest within, telling from the holy symbol around his wrist. For now, I'm too tired to continue. We've decided to remain this time and see what can be done, and if the books can be found on this first floor.
