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Message: <blockquote data-quote="PHDungeon" data-source="post: 5073913" data-attributes="member: 86320">Journal Bjorn Thorskirk # 9 & 10We are back at sea now and on our way to the auction, I now have a moment to resume my recollections . Having cleared the temple to the foul devil we proceeded to the rectory for further investigation. At this point we learned that the prison held one of the former lord's sons, a man named Florin who was in disgrace for following the church of Rao. Certainly an improvement over devil worship, if only barely.  It was said he was visited nightly by an angel and healed of his tortures that were inflicted daily.  Truly a sign of his faith as he had little respite from his torments even in the night hours. As the hour was late we decided to leave him safely where he was for the moment and ensure the village was secured. To this end we went to check out the lord's manse. When we arrived we were set upon but the dwarven mercenaries we had earlier spared on condition they leave immediately. As they had broken their parole they paid the price. It was a short but nasty fight in close quarters, and given their ability with crossbows probably a better location for us to fight them.Having cleared the last vestiges of the old regime, we freed Florin and established him as new lord. Given how steeped in evil this region is I do not have a lot of hope for him having a long reign. However, he is most definitely a modest improvement. He said he believed that there were many in the village who would support him. I hope for his sake he is right.Not long after setting up the new lord the storm broke, and we were again on our way. Given the suddenness of the storm and its breaking soon after we had excised the rot here, I think the Storm Lord  may have had a guiding hand in our presence. I never cease to wonder at the Majesty of the Lord.  It may be that this area has a greater destiny than I know. I shall have to keep it in mind. We have made it to Alaster, and barely in time as the auction is tomorrow. The city proper is an orderly place, though it seems there is a pall of fear that keeps it in order. This would not be a good place to stay for long, and my skin itches as if I am under constant unseen eyes.  We attend the auction tomorrow and with luck I will pick up Bella a little something, though checking I do not seem to have the resources I thought. We shall see.Jarl Sturgleson,My lord I have learned, what it is Starke was after here. It is some sort of construct called a Warforged.I do not know much about these and your scholars my be able to find out more. There is some talk that they may be self aware even alive in a way that a golem is not. I had no interaction with it personally and cannot comment further. Though it is possible that it is nothing but a very advanced construct which would be more concerning in Starke's hands.Let me relate events as they transpired. We made port barely in time for the auction. Having secured quarters outside the city walls we prepared for the following day. At auction we failed to win the construct for Starke, and I must admit I was not too disappointed, however Bella may have earned the enmity of the local lord in forcing up the final price, and if not that certainly later actions. The lord having won the auction  announced he would parade his acquisition though the city to his palace.  Bella had some plan for stealing the construct if it should make it to the palace, but there were several other interested parties at the auction who seemed eager to obtain it so we were not sure that it would make it that far. To ensure it made it as far as the palace we decided to shadow its progress, and not far from the new construction of the palace walls the procession was attacked by a dark spawn and its shadowy companions.  Seeing opportunity we also sprang into action and fought the assailants. In the ensuing battle I noticed that the leader bore a symbol of the dark trickster.  This renewed my efforts to ensure that they did not gain possession. We either killed or ran them off and in the chaos Bella, Darren and the construct slipped away. Darren later let us know that Bella, using a scroll, opened a portal though which she and the construct passed. When we make landfall in Grimsburg I will find out if Starke does indeed have possession or not and let you know. Your respectful servant,Bjorn Thorskirk Journal We are again at sea, and may or may not have succeeded in the task we were sent for. Though I think it would be a bad idea to return while the current lord is in power. We went to the auction and while we failed to gain the item Starke sent us for Bella won an item she long wished for. I had hoped to obtain it for her but it was beyond my means. For that matter  it was beyond hers as well. She has gone into debt with Starke to posess it. I gave here what I could to reduce the debt, and the hold Starke has over her.  She is a valuable companion. One I hope is okay, for she is not with us now. Darrel tells me that she and the construct passed through a portal she cast from a scroll after the battle of the town square. I have also encountered a minion of the untrusted one. Their interest in the construct we were sent to  get concerns me but not as much as the fact that whatever way we travel we are running into signs of them. There is something far greater at work, and I hope we are srtong enough to face it when the time comes. I have felt my powers and confidence increasing since leaving the monastery, but am aware of my shortcomings. I trust in Thor to see me through however and his challenges have only strengthened me so far. I can only do as i see right and hope it carries me through.I am a little concerned about Torrfin, he seems a little more distant as if there is something bothering him. I will let him know that if he needs anything I am there to support him. As for Darren, he seems to blow which ever way the wind blows, he is young and still finding his way but he needs to soon develop a path and stick to it or he will alienate all. I shall have to take him to one side and talk to him soon.</blockquote>

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