Entry: Theibar’s Journal

Day 1

I had been asked to escort master Shandru along the coast to Magnimar. this afforded me the opportunity to sell several of my furs and hides. With such a large community of tanners in Magnimar, I was forced to sell a number of my finer creations at a much reduced rate. Some creatures have no appreciation for the quality of elven crafts.

On our journey back towards Sandpoint, we were met by a Goblin adjacent the Brinestump marsh. I suspected an ambush, but much to madam Ameiko’s disappointment, there was no such event.

The goblin reported a mass of undead attacking their tribal camp. Evidence of a oriental lamp suggests that the goblins may have come across a Kaijitsu shipwreck. I suggested that we withdraw from our goblin company and discuss whather or not to investigate the issue.

Our return to Sandpoint was met by the rudeness of the Seven Swords company. Young Matsuro continues to amaze me with his idiocy and disrespect. There were high hopes for that child, alas he has gone the path of many human males, lined with pointless bravado. Perhaps he should join us as we venture into the Brinestump marsh tomorrow. It would be ever so unfortunate for him to fall folly to one of the many treacheries the marsh has to offer.

My sympathies fall to madam Ameiko for having such detestable kin. Though I am amused by her methods of handling her sibling. She is an admirable human.

I still believe that Luthien holds some contempt for my distant relationship with Shalelu. I wonder if she realises that Shalelu is a methodical in her teachings as a dwarven miner: consistently hitting the point until the indentation is made, with little time for idol chatter. Aside from my observations of Shalelu’s behaviours and idiosyncrasies, I believe Luthien knows more of what is in her heart than I do.

And finally to Athebryn, who can always be counted upon to break the awkward silence with awkward gnome foolishness. I fear that he may end up putting himself on the wrong end of the Sword’s graces.

Day 2

It was a late start, this morning. Luthien and Athebryn did not arrive at the Rusty Dragon until well after sun rise. Lady Koya had heard of our intentions to venture into the Brimestump Marsh and she kindly prepared packed meals and morning tea, though for some, it was breakfast.

It was a pleasant walk towards the Marsh. We passed a number of travellers as the morning traders began to their trek to and through Sandpoint.

We arrived at the Marsh and signalled to our goblin guide known as Scribbleface. The trip into the Marsh was slow. It has been a time since I have travelled in the wilderness with gnome companion. The leisurely stroll through the marsh allowed for peaceful observation of the natural surroundings. I was conscious of Athebryn’s movements, with concern that he may fall victim to one of the Marsh’s hungry inhabitants who may mistake him as a breakfast morsel.

Scribbleface escorted us to the Licktoad fort. He had previously indicated to us that these Licktoad grounds had been attacked by a score of Undead. The main purpose of our visit to the fort was to investigate these claims. Applying our stealth skills, we approached the seemingly deserted fort. There was clear evidence of an Undead presence but it appeared that they had since departed. Luthien and I began to search the grounds as we suspected a number of the goblin inhabitants were concealing themselves. Scribbleface refused to enter the fort.

As we approached the upper walkways, we were alarmed by the launch of a firework that came from Scribbleface’s direction. It seemed that we had been duped into an ambush. It was obvious that the wretched Scribbleface has intended to use the Undead attack on the Licktoads to lure us into the fort where he would force a confrontation between us and the Licktoads.

Alarmed, I hastily moved back towards Scribbleface’s position in order to detain the filthy creature, however at Luthien’s observation, it seemed we were blocked from his position by magical brambles. It baffles me that a creature as seemingly primitive and vile as a Goblin could deceive us into doing his bidding and possessed the higher comprehensions to utilise the magical arts.

A stirring from within the fort produced a number of goblins who began to advance on Luthien and Abethryn’s position. From my vantage point, it seemed Luthien initiated the first strike. I was later informed that her intent was simply to push back the advance, yet poor timing resulted in a forceful blow, as opposed to a gentle shove (rolling a natural 1 to push back the enemy). Thinking quickly, Athebryn applied his bardic skills and performed a tune of slumber, which only partially affected the goblins approaching their position.

Concerned that Scribbleface would draw more than goblin attention to our position, I managed to volt the fort’s outer walls. Surprised by my advancement, he launched magical force into my chest, winding me. I freely admit that by this point I was enraged. A combination of anger and guilt for the dishonour that I had brought upon Master Shalelu’s teachings clouded my apparent judgement and self-control. In an attempt to simply wound the creature, I did not take into consideration the lethality of my Elven blade. In a swift strike, I decapitated Scribbleface (rolled natural 20 with confirmed crit damage).

Meanwhile, Luthien had managed to capture one of the goblins who had initially threatened her position. I re-joined my companions, with Scribbleface’s head in hand. Using her new captive, Luthien persuaded our entry into the chieftain’s chambers. Apparently the price for our entry was the death Luthien’s captive. Goblins truly are one of the lowest forms of life.

Obviously we were unwelcome. The chief of the Licktoad tribe sat atop the most perplexing chair that seemed to defy the laws of physics. This wooden construct moaned and creaked under the enormous weight the goblin chief, whom spat his disjoined words at us. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, Luthien managed to remark that she was the sister of their feared “Yellow Haired Demon”, clearly Shalelu, who is likely responsible for the majority of Licktoad death’s outside the creatures of the marsh. They attacked us.

Thinking quickly, Luthien dismounted the Licktoad chief from his throne and sent him crashing to the floor. Those that advanced upon Abethryn may have thought that they stood an even chance with the like-heighted gnome. Surprisingly, our small fey companion not only managed to cleanly knock one of his combatants unconscious, but he proceeded to eliminate two more goblin fiends. Not bad for a half-sized bard. Luthien and I systematically exterminated those who opposed us, while advancing on the chief. Despite managing to arm himself with a bow, he proved completely ineffectual, and Luthien had the satisfaction of ending him.

Once we had claimed evidence of our accomplishment of disposing of the Licktoad threat within the marsh, we searched the chieftain’s chambers. We discovered a number of Tian artefacts including a fan with a crudely drawn map of the Brinestump Marsh. At this point we decided to make our way towards the Halfling warden’s residence. This would hopefully afford us an opportunity to rest and perhaps bargain with warden for healing potions and supplies.

TBC…