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Message: <blockquote data-quote="PieAndDragon" data-source="post: 2822666" data-attributes="member: 18108">As written by Shegall Harrowborn, human NPC with the party.Earthday, 8th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERWe are preparing to leave on our first journey together. Aquotl has business in the village of Queensmeet, by the River Harrow, something to do with his heritage. The Company of the Valiant Blade is currently without an employer, so the others seemed happy to escort him there. The only other work they have been offered came from Kwaku, who offered them five hundred gold pieces to capture a crocodile said to have made its home near Krensharswell, in the Marsh of the Green King. A bizarre request to say the least, but he seems intent on creating some sort of council of animals dedicated to the Pack.This group looks to move quickly, and were unhappy with Sakorat when he decided to bring along Alvin, Simeon and Theodor, his three musicians. They have no horses and cannot move as quickly on foot as Deng and Irenke. The situation was resolved by Aquotl who summoned a horse for each of them to ride. For myself, I would prefer to leave them and their music in the River Harrow, as I take little joy in the songs and music of others.EveningThe Day has gone peacefully, and I spent most of it talking to Deng, Sakorat and Irenke. In addition to the horses for the musicians, myself, Borsca, Aquotl and Sakorat, the group travels with two dogs for the goblins, Irenke's wolf and Aquotl's falcon. I would be suprised if any bandits or marauding creatures could miss our merry band.We have avoided the roads, taking the quicker but more dangerous route by the River Whistle. It is good to be in the wilds again, surrounded by the Green.Waterday, 9th of Seventhmonth, 1533 EROur second day of travel was also uneventful. We passed north of the Harrowmoor, where Deng claims they had dealings with a troll of the night fey in an old mine. Early tomorrow should see us in Queensmeet. The musicians are playing again this evening, with Deng performing a salamander dance for us. Sometimes I miss the peace of travelling alone.Borsca appears to be more comfortable with our new companions, watching and learning what she can from this diverse gathering.Otherday, 10th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERWe reached Queensmeet early this morning and Aquotl has travelled off to speak with his contacts. From his comments I suspect they are not mortal, but his business is none of mine.Little has changed in this small community since I was here last for the Festival of Three Queens. Deng knows a smith here and is helping him for the day. Sakorat and his musicians have taken over the Three Queens Inn, providing entertainment for the locals. I left Andruga, Irenke, Borsca and Lukkar with them while I retired to my room.AfternoonAquotl returned to us and talked to the rest of the group. He wishes to travel to a grove west of Greenbarrows to fulfil a part of his heritage. It had something to do with the forest fey, but I know of no important fey sites in that area. The others had no objections and so we escort him once again.Airday, 11th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERToday I learnt more of Aquotl's plans. It turns out that he intends to slay several satyrs and a dryad at this grove. He has been told there is much treasure at the grove at well. What they intend goes against what I hold dear, so I did not mention that the forest fey rarely hoard treasure, and that such a grove would normally have some sort of guardian.I must think on what path lies ahead for me, but for now I have sworn to serve Sakorat and that remains my priority.Simeon, one of the musicians, called me a ""tedious and dull bore" on our journey today. I offered to introduce his behind to four foot of salamander steel, but he declined the offer and has left me alone since. For now Borsca is avoiding the wandering gazes of all three muscians, as they have been growing overly friendly with her and she senses my dislike of them.EveningWe reached Whistlebridge at the end of our day's travel, but elected to camp outside, as there are few places which can cater to one of Irenke's size, and all seem content in the outdoors. The exception is the three musicians, but I can live with their discomfort.Fireday, 12th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERThe Green has been listening to my thoughts! Sakorat has decided to leave his trio of musicians at Southwatch, to spread word of his deeds and those of the Company of the Valiant Blade. Which means that tonight we camp a short way north of the city, in relative peace.There was news of the war to the north. The Tyrant of Eastcastle has won several victories over the WhiteBlade family and their allies. Rumour has it that Lord HighKeep is dead and his son held captive by the Eastcastle forces. Whitehold has fallen and there is much fighting around Reachingcross. The others appear to have little interest in fighting in the war, being content to stay out of the armed conflicts of others.Earthday, 13th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERBorsca seemed happier today, and seems interested in the fighting styles of Deng, Lukkar and Andruga. I have yet to see them in battle, so cannot judge whether this is a good thing.We passed through Shieldhold and should reach Greenbarrows late tomorrow.Waterday, 14th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERAnother uneventful day's travel. We reached Greenbarrows and camped just outside. I have decided to stay out of the events tomorrow. It is the only way I can fulfil my duties to both Sakorat and the Green.Otherday, 15th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERWithout the foresight to hire a guide at Greenbarrows, we spent a couple of hours wandering around to the west of the town, lead by Lukkar and Irenke, searching between there and the Southreach Hills for this grove. It is clearly a grove of the forest fey, with eight towering oak trees surrounded by rich gardens.Sakorat took it fairly well when I told him that I would not be a party to the slaughter of innocent fey. It may be that todays events cause me to reconsider my service with him. Myself and Borsca are taking care of the horses while they go about their bloody business. I am not sure what heritage Aquotl has that he would need to slay the forest fey for it, but I find it disturbing.MorningThe Green has taken it's vengeance today! The grove was defended by more than just satyrs, and a balance struck.Borsca and I watched from a good vantage point. Sakorat used his magic to bolster the others, and they ran in eager for the kill. A satyr tried to reason with them, but was shot down by thier arrows. It was as Deng reached the grove that three trees animated and the guardians defended their grove. Someone, I assume the nymph called lightning down upon the salamander, and other satyrs leapt from the Realm of Dreams to defend their holy place.Deng cut down two of them as Lukkar shot down the other. Irenke, wearing full plate which she did not have as we traveled, aided Deng against the trees while Andruga harried from the flanks. Sakorat kept well out of danger, using his the magic of the Immortals from afar. But it was Aquotl who took too many risks, moving up to the grove and spewing some sort of blizzard from his mouth. The Green, recognising the perpetrator of the attacks, gave strength to one of the guardians and it tore the naiad apart, leaving his body turning to water as happens with the elemental fey.After that the guardians appeared to lose much of their fight, subdued rapidly by Deng and Irenke. They paused briefly to say goodbye to their fallen companion, but seemed to have little to say about the matter. The nymph escaped and they set about searching the grove for the promised treasures. They found a pile of gold and a few trinkets where one of the trees had uprooted itself, and decided to leave without further desecrating the place of nature. Clearly only Aquotl wanted to come here and they did not want to risk the wrath of the forest fey.I have taken the death of the naiad as a sign, deciding to stay in the service of Sakorat, and guide these warriors into the service of the Green.Deng also received a magical communication from Kwaku. Apparently there is a group of indentured criminals at their mansion, who are supplying their strength to members of this Company through magical tattoos. Two of them were linked to Aquotl and tried to escape once he died, but were subdued by the siv's magic. I may need to take a second look around the mansion when we return.AfternoonFor now the Company of the Valiant Blade has decided not to return straight home. They are searching for a crocodile for Kwaku, a worthy endeavour indeed. The people of Greenbarrows knew nothing of any such animals and so we move on to Hollyhollow.EveningDanger stalks us this day! On the second watch the two goblins were attacked by an archer and his giant falcon. Lukkar was specifically targeted and was lucky to survive the number of arrows which struck him. He was knocked down by the archer's falcon but luckily Deng and myself were nearby and it was chased away. Two arrows struck me and I too had to take cover on the ground. Sakorat slept through all of this, in the same way I have seen him sleep through a violent storm and a loud rendition from all three of his musicians at once. I managed to wake him and with his magic and the blessings of the Green, myself and Lukkar were restored.Irenke and Andruga chased down the archer in the darkness, and this time I heard the clattering of Irenke's armour called to her by magical means. From what I heard and have been told Andruga reached the archer first and it battled him briefly. Then it changed form and started to fly away in the form of a falcon. But it was too slow and Irenke grabbed hold of it with her claws. When Deng arrived, all lit up with the inner light of his race, we saw that the archer had reverted to it's natural form of a goblin and surrendered to Irenke's tender mercies.Throughout all this, Borsca kept her head. Initially she kept on the ground and then readiedthe horses should we need to exit rapidly. She shows far more sense than some other warriors I know of.Lukkar recognised the goblin from his own tribe, from somewhere far to the north. It sounds as if he is banished from his tribe, having slain another over his father's bow which he carries now. This goblin, Karolik, had been hunting him for the tribe. I have heard of warriors like him, who can take the shape of their totem animals and fight like them. Most are from the far Northlands, but their way of combat is slowly spreading. In fact, I suspect Irenke has taken Wolf for her totem, much as this one took Falcon.Lukkar administered goblin justice with his sword and the party took his possessions as the spoils of war. As is their right.Airday, 16th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERThe rest of the night was thankfully peaceful, and we set off once more after Sakorat had made his prayers to the Lord of the Green Claw and Tunli. At Hollyhollow we found a fair few people, more than one would expect from a backwater village.An old temple of Jas in the Marsh of the Greenking has become the Tower of the Guardian Flame, a joint venture by a group of salamanders, the Bringers of Ultimate Peace and the Children of the Light. They are lead by Khun-Sa, a salamander hero released from stasis by the Company of the Valiant Blade. I remember reading of him once, he was known for his battles against the undead in centuries past but was banished from his homeland of Red Mountain.The Tower of the Guardian Flame is using Hollyhollow as a place to meet those interested in joining or doing other business with it and several of it's warriors were present. They hold my companions in high esteem and offered Deng a place among their ranks. He seemed to be honoured and accepted, receiving a tabard with their emblem but turning down the offer of a shield.We also managed to make progress with the crocodile. A tracker has seen signs of them to the east of here, nearer to Krensharswell. Sydnius, son of Arthyen is not local to here and seemed more than happy to guide us to the animal we seek. He is of the Horse Beastclan, known for producing skilled riders.We wasted no time in Hollyhollow, with our guide taking us into the Marsh of the Greenking. Borsca is keeping an eye on our surroundings, being a far better tracker than myself, or any of the others bar our guide. Avoiding the other creatures out here, we have made camp among the marsh, in a dryish area found by Lukkar and Sydius.Fireday, 17th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERSydnius managed to find us a crocodile, which we quickly subdued and Irenke carries without apparent effort. As we reached the edge of the swamp, a group of krenshar started to trail us. A displacer beast lead them, and demanded tribute from us. The others responded with violence, slaying half of the krenshar as the battle begun. Unfortunately most of them then fled from the shrieks of the vile things. Deng, Irenke, Lukkar and Borsca all fled. Sakorat managed to bolster Andruga with magic before he lost his nerves and fled once more. Luckily myself, Sydnius and Sakorat were more than a match for the remaining krenshar and their leader. I injured the displacer beast and it fled into the swamp once all of it's followers were no more.I had not expected a party such as the Company of the Valiant Blade to flee from such wretched creatures. Maybe without Kwaku, his Near-Brother and Aquotl, they have lost some of what they once were.EveningWe camped on dry ground tonight, taking care to keep the crocodile subdued. Sydnius has asked to continue travelling with us, as he searches for someone among the fey, and my companions are known to have many dealings with them. I hope he wasn't looking for a satyr in a grove to the west of Greenbarrows.The others have no problem with him continuing his journeys alongside us, welcoming another warrior and having need of a skilled tracker.Waterday, 19th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERYesterday we continued our journey and today we returned to Southwatch. We have sold the goblin's equipment and rejoined with the musicians. Sakorat has them spreading the tales of our battles in the swamp, although no mention has been made of the events at the grove outside of Greenbarrows.We are spending a few more days here as Andruga receives the attention of a tattooist.Fireday, 22nd of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERI have been doing the rounds in the taverns along with Borsca. We have also been keeping eyes on some of the others. Andruga has been consorting with some people from out of the area, and Sakorat has been dropping the name of the Redroad Trading Coster to help his trading. It appears that many of the deeds of the Company of the Valiant Blade are now known here, as are those of my employer. Most seem to know of Deng, Lukkar and Kwaku, the veterans of the party. They also recognise Irenke, who, being a cycuri half again the size of a human, is hard to miss. Myself and Sakorat are also now associated with them, thanks to the naiad's trio of bards. Few seem to know of Andruga, a fact which seems to bother the goblin little.Tonight I meet with an old friend, who may have news of the Harrowwood and some old business there.Waterday, 24th of Seventhmonth, 1533 ERWe left Southwatch this morning, heading with all speed back to Whistlesprings. The musicians are riding double with some of us so as to not slow us down. So we must all endure. Tonight is Harvest's Thanks, but I celebrated it in solitude among the trees.Airday, 1st of Eighthmonth, 1533 ERThe mansion is our home once more! Andruga has moved into Aquotl's old quarters and the crocodile is now installed in the pond. The indentured thralls linked to the group's tattoos have been blinded by Kwaku's magic and will find it difficult to escape. The siv has also been given a seat on the Whistlesprings Council. I think Sakorat would also have liked a seat, but to my surprise did not manage to trick one out of them.Fireday, 2nd of Eighthmonth, 1533 ERMy life has become far harder. The trio of musicians has become a quartet as Sakorat's fame spreads. A young siv priest has also come to learn from the naiad. This brings the mansion's total servants to two cooks, one manservant, two guards, a gardener, a guard for the thralls, a carpenter and a priest of the Green Claw. Oh what a hard life we lead. I think one of the cooks has her eye on me, but I am keeping my distance for now. I would not wish to share my fate with another so lightly.NightWe had a distinguished visitor this night. Peregrina, the former owner of the mansion and the bearer of the Amulet of Wethinoc, arrived in a coach pulled by great apes, with a four-armed primate three times as tall as a human guarding from the roof.She had a gift for them in the form of a pech statue and spoke awhile with the others. Apparently she grows more powerful in the eyes of one known as the Monkey God.She did not stay long, just checking if the Company of the Valiant Blade was willing to work for her again in the future.I suspect that one shall be a power in the months to come, as rumours have it she has had dealings with the night fey and the Tower of the Guardian Flame. I know not what she needs this power for.Earthday, 3rd of Eighthmonth, 1533 ERWe heard disturbing news today, of a group of Highkeep guards turned to stone on the road towards Southhunt and Southwatch. I suspect they were trying to enforce the new Monkey Tax of the SouthWatch family and ran afoul of Peregina. Kwaku has paid his tax, but there are said to be quite a few unhappy with this levy.Earthday, 8th of Eighthmonth, 1533 ERWe remain at the mansion, training and passing the time in peace, waiting for the Immortals to play the next part of their game with us.Fireday, 12th of Eighthmonth, 1533 ERThere are rumours of a powerful undead creature in the Blackstone Hills, to the west of Highkeep lands. It glows with many colours and harasses the good people of Pridesprings. No doubt the Tower of the Guardian Flame will soon deal with it. My companions seem to have little desire to bring such a creature to justice. More's the pity.End of Session Fifteen</blockquote>

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