27th Elient What a fantastic and fortuitous day! So soon after my arrival at Hope, albeit a little quiet, I was able to find myself amongst other adventurers in order to scour, map out and hopefully salvage from the fabled Sunken Tower. What could it possibly hold within its sequestered vaults, especially with the beastly Bullywug around? Rumours stated it being the once mighty and intimidating tower of a powerful wizard, though where is he now? Perhaps we'll find clues and be able to track them down! I'll confess, I was concerned I was going to find anyone to travel with, considering how no-one attempted to approach and converse with me, despite my clear difference amongst the locals, and setting myself up at the busiest part of town within the Stuck Pig. But I did, a likely group comprised of myself, Frank McStank, a refreshingly clean and well presented Dwarf with a fondness for armour and front-lining, Isaa, a truly tiny Halfling with fists of iron, a strangely dressed woman who called herself Constance, and finally, my most cherished companion to date; a Grung named Dougal. A real Grung, just like in my book! And with the loveliest aubergine-purple skin. We set out towards the tower on the first day, but seemed to get a little turned around, crossing what appeared to be the same road multiple times. I thoroughly doubt I'd have done much better myself, but for heaven's sake, we're only going south! It turned out to be a blessing in disguise later, as we encountered and regrettably fought against some kind of lesser elemental made of water, from whom I was able to gather a purified liquid with vital medicinal qualities. Dougal and I shared conversation about many things, and he was so kind as to autograph my book upon request, after properly fact checking it, of course. I felt so priveleged! 28th Elient Next day brought us closer to our mark, close enough to see it, as it happened, after a little more wandering around out here in the silt and mud of the swamplands. That night was less forgiving, as wily little Kobolds snuck into our camp during the night and saw to a few of them making off with our possessions, including my sleeping bag! At least it wasn't my books, or first aid kits, else we'd have been in serious trouble out here. 29th Elient Arrival at last! The tower, though it seemed sound enough, leaned somewhat as it sank into the deep muck of the land, seemingly out of whatever magic was keeping it well founded. It teemed with life, still, in the form of crocodiles outside and Bullywug within, the former of which we luckily were able to bypass with Dougal and I on point under the water, scaring them off while we pulled the rest along on a log to keep them afloat. I didn't want to risk Frank drowning, especially not when we're so close! Within, the halls were dark and quiet. The Bullywug didn't seem too keen on patrols, at least not the way we came in, and we caught them quite by surprise as we entered a chamber off the main hallway just within the front entrance. Two of them down, and we pressed on, finding yet more. The ensuing battle was tense, mostly with me chasing down the rest and getting them back on their feet with my medical expertise, though even I was overcome under the assault, waking some time later to friendly faces waking me. We decided at that point to recoup and retreat, taking what little we'd found to gather more fellows and return when we're better prepared. I needed to purchase more kits anyway, the single one I brought with me was nearly out of supplies by the time we were done with just a few rooms.
