Alexandria's Journal : Abandoned Castle II 25 The Fading A quick restock and rest before we return to the castle… the sight of Artemis still frozen in place drives me in this pursuit of riches. The selfish focus lends clarity but still feels off somehow, I wish I had more to go on than my thoughts of restoring him… but surely this is still the “right” course of action? He is chosen and if it takes my life (or others) to bring his light back, then that is surely a price worth paying… Thank Bahamut that Uklah joins us. Her very presence reassures me, with in her capability and in the fact this cause is true. No sign of the “king” this time though, I guess he’s prepared to let his “subjects” claim this castle on his behalf. Burglekutt more than covers our magical needs, assuming he can focus with that “herbal” cloud that follows him around. The combination of Sairina and Teres ensures we have sense leading this sortie - although I will say that the trollkin Lippy seems to grow more intelligent as I spend more time with him. The same cannot be said for Ghargh … although his heart seems in the right place and he has proven a capable warrior. It looks like he’s left Fluffy Bob behind this time though - this fact encourages and terrifies me… will Ghargh be more focussed? But why does he feel he needs to be…? Our journey is blissfully quiet, I think we’re all contemplating the task ahead. Poor Uklah still seems distraught over the death of Drago. I worry about her heart - it seems her only weakness and is exposed far too often as she chases love 26 The Fading Weird dreams through the night. I think I heard voices whispering about lizard kitties and watching tents but clearly tiredness takes it’s toll. Talk of future endeavours, who knew that Teres had hopes of her own tavern? Bahamut willing, she seems the sort who could certainly make it work - there’s surely no shortage of patrons looking for alcohol to help them forget their pains Tomorrow may be tough. I don’t know if we’ll all survive but I pray to you Bahamut to watch over my friends and I as we attempt to clear this castle. 27 The Fading The bridge remained down! We were forced to storm by speed and our might. Sairina once again leading the way to the mouth of the courtyard before taking stock. Joining her, I could see many new enemies had gathered. Before we had a chance to push through, arrows assaulted us. Burglekutt conjured swarms of beetles to aid the cause - truly powerful magic, they would prove instrumental in our push. Sairina pushed forward and was showered by more arrows and bombs from the tower, her armour and pure grit protecting her! As I joined, we managed to cut down one of the Gnolls guarding the courtyard before it’s master joined the fray (and got covered in beetles!). Lippy threw himself into the right flank and was almost instantly surrounded. I couldn’t see much but the occasional sight of his giant cauldron swinging away assured me he was on his feet at least! The bombs continued to fall before out of nowhere, Teres appeared over the wall and dashed through the enemy lines and into the tower with the goblins throwing their explosives. I was so surprised (and amazed) that I almost forgot our combat with the Gnoll leader! Fortunately Sairina did not miss a beat and dealt telling damage. She is truly a formidable warrior! I managed to get sight of Ghargh throwing himself into combat with the Gnolls, Bugbears, and Wargs engaged with Lippy . The sight of the two raging is truly fearsome, I’m not sure many enemies could stand up to their onslaught! Especially as Uklah rained death on them too! Seeing this, one of them moved to engage her… gods, I almost felt sorry for them as Uklah (once again) succumbed to her urges and bit them again and again… Meanwhile, the sounds from the tower indicated that Teres was inflicting terrible vengeance on the goblins who had dared stay… and then there was silence. Having cleared out the courtyard of foes, we found some emaciated animals in the stables. Ghargh ’s pure heart wanted to free them but we decided it might not be safe for them just yet. A lone (and very nude) goblin was found in a bathhouse of sorts. I admit that my senses were maybe still twitchy and I grabbed them before calmer heads prevailed and we allowed them to talk. Bahamut watch over me and stay my hand if I lose my senses in the bloodlust of combat!! We ascertained there is some sort of devil/demon locked up in the southern tower. Best to leave that until we clear the rest of this place. A sweep of the smithy introduced us to a poor fool who seems happy to melt metal down to invent questionable new options. We left the poor creature to his “craft” and cleared out the southern tower. The assault on the main building didn’t start well… Teres picked the lock well enough but when I opened the door, I was greeted by a trio of crossbow bolts to the torso… as I tried to pluck the bolts out (I think one might have broken a rib) I saw an odd suit of armour advancing! As Lippy and I battled what appeared to be two lots of three goblins in suits of armour on the left flank, Burglekutt and Sairina attempted to handle the right flank. Burglekutt ’s amazing beetles once again filling the hallway! Sairina seemed to find something very funny and rested for a moment but luckily, Uklah and Ghargh helped bolster the left while Teres moved in to aid the right. Whatever was happening must have been really funny as Teres also decided to chuckle and rest. As we dispatched the last of the Goblin suits, Burglekutt and his beetles forced their way into the weird Goblin dandy ranks. Mopping up the survivors, we’re now faced with a chance to push deeper into the castle. Unfortunately, something tugs at my mind urging me to return to Hope. The name “Borin” and the image of the morning lord haunts my mind…
