Siax Journal

I am not sure whether to write this out as a journal for my first task for the guild or as a report. Perhaps it could be both? Father always said that knowledge is the key to survival and that knowing your enemy is half the battle. Perhaps this knowledge of my journey and my task will be useful to the guild in the future.

On route to the town of Phandalin, I joined a caravan party. The caravan is on route to drop off goods and supplies to the town. A stroke of luck. It is safer to travel in numbers.

The caravan after traveling for the majority of the day has stopped for the evening. I have mainly been keeping myself to myself. Catching rabbits along the way to help provide food.

We have been lucky. It's been quiet. We have stuck to the main road. The weather has been on our side. Bright and clear. Although it gets colder as we head closer to the town and nearer what I hear people from the caravan call Icespire Peak. These are the mountains in the distance.

As people start to prepare for the evening, Creating fires and camps, I take the opportunity to get my bearings. I do not require the length of sleep the others do in the camp. It would be wise to use this time to my advantage. The route we have taken is more of a dirt road. Similar to the dirt trails on the outskirts of home. The dirt is moist but crumbles easily enough in hand.

I notice in the brush near our camp that the brush has been disturbed. Flattened in places. Signs of wild boars. Lots of them. Seems like too many. Could be a problem in the evening if the boar populace has grown too large. They may come to the camp in the night drawn by the fire and noise the camp would create settling down for the night. These boar may need thinning out and culling. The populace seems like it's been allowed to grow too many in number. Although they seem larger and potentially more dangerous judging by the patterns and paths they have used by flattening the brush. Still could provide a good source of food for the nearby town of Phandalin. As long as caution was taken not to get overrun by the multiple numbers.

I head back to camp where I notice a young human male. Blonde hair, close to being white. His vestments betray him to be a holy warrior. He sits on a log eating what looks like beans. Near him on the opposite side of the fire on a log is a young human woman with red hair. On another log, there is a cat person. The fur is snow white with spots on it. They all seem quiet and content with the rest and a meal by the warmth of the burning fire.

A dwarf comes to greet us at the fire. Blonde hair. More Balding than blonde, betraying his age. He has a well-built stature. Arms thick. The physique of a person who has a demanding physical workload. He introduces himself as Ghelryn Foehammer. He is the leader of the Caravan party and the one who has organized the supplies to go to the town of Phandalin.

He asks us to walk and escort the lead caravan. He says there are rumors of bandits and Orcs in the area and he wants there to be a presence to deter ne'er-do-wells. I struggle to understand his accent. It is thick and ungraceful. Every word was like a thud to a beating drum. He offers everyone a gold each.

The money means nothing to me. Not this amount anyway. I am more than happy to help. This is the kind of task that was the bread and butter for The Guided Path guild. An easy and simple task maybe. Still, it is a good way to ease me into helping the town and the people. As was my task from the Guild. Yes. This will help me and the guild to gain a reputation in the local area.

We all agreed to help. As everyone started to settle down and get to bed, I took one last look at the area ahead. I walked over to the front of the caravan and looked into the distance. Surveying potential threats ahead for tomorrow's journey.

I remember Gaela telling me about his tales and troubles with Orcs. He said they were brutal. Savage. Hostile. Built like the thickest and eldest of the trees back at home. He says they fight relentlessly and do not underestimate them. When you think they are down and out, they pursue with greater ferocity. His teachings of their language will surely help with tomorrow's task.

As I looked ahead I could see potential ambush spots. More likely from the forest side than the mountainside of the road. especially as the road meets the bend. If the caravan was to get ambushed or attacked, that would be the spot.

As I headed back to the camp ready to rest for the day's travel tomorrow, I could not help but think of the words father had said to me in my letter. Be mindful of your surroundings.

Do not worry father. I am prepared. I am ready.

I still can't believe it! A fucking Dragon! A huge, monsterous white adult Dragon!

We should have died today...

I am not a believer in the gods, nor do I believe in fate. Well not before. Perhaps I am destined for greater things. Is that why we were able to escape with our lives?

No that can't be the reason. I failed the task. My first task. Protect the lead caravan. I couldn't even do that. A simple task. Even if there were complications.

Damn those Orcs and that fucking dragon!

The day started well. I was prepared. I had a good nights sleep. I had Food in my belly. I had surveyed the road ahead. I had seen and knew where the ambush would come, if it would come. My quiver full of arrows. Shortswords sharpened ready for battle.

The group walked along with the lead caravan. The weather was clear and bright. I was on the right side. The forest side next to the horses that pulled our caravan wagon. A lady dressed in black leathers flanked the left side. The mountainside. The dwarf Ghelryn Foehammer, the caravan leader was sat on the carriage leading the horses by the reins. Idris the blonde haired human was behind along with the human red haired lady and the cat person guarding our rear flank.

The horse next to me started to get spooked. It was too soon for the ambush. we had only just started our travel. I went to hold the reins of the horse, when out of nowhere the cat person came and was able to soothe the horse right away. I could have sworn he was muttering something in a whisper to the horse as he was stroking it. Quite the talent. Perhaps he is a horse whisperer?

This earned him an invite on the seat next to Ghelryn. Ghelryn called him a "Tab-axe-ie". Is that the name of the race of these cat persons?

The hours of travel were peaceful and uneventful as we approached further down the road. Any minute now. This is where the ambush will come.

To my surprise there was no ambush. The Orcs did appear though. Slowly rising from behind rocks and out from trees in the forest. They were clearly waiting for us. I should have spotted them earlier. My longbow was ready with an arrow knocked.

The orcs were dressed in crude hide armour. Weapons of Jagged metal. A larger orc approached. I could see his tusks jutting out of his mouth. He was different. He wore armour of thick plates. His weapon of choice was a huge Greataxe. Far too big or heavy for the normal sized person.

He calls out bellowing his demands. "Leave the food carriage and go back!"

Not today ugly, I thought to myself as I aimed my longbow at him. I am a Ranger of the Guided Path guild and my task is to protect this caravan.

The holy man steps forward and tries to negotiate peacefully with the orc! Like that was going to work?!  I am reminded by what Geala my brother had taught me about Orcs. They cannot be negotiated with. Savage, vicious creatures. They only care for bloodlust he would say.

The Blonde human seeming to be getting nowhere with his negotiations, places he sword into the ground and declares war on the Orc leader. He demands the orcs back down. I cannot blame him for his effort but this was only ever going to go one way with Orcs.

The fight broke out quickly, but not quick enough for the lightening speed of the Tabaxi. He was in the front lines from his seat before I could fire my first arrow. Impressive indeed.

The human is also surprisingly capable. Joining our comrade going blow for blow with the group of orcs.

My target was the orc in the forest. He was the closest but still around 30-40 feet away. I fired my arrow and it flew true hitting the orc and piecing the shoulder. He did not go down though and it was at this point I realised what my brothers tales really meant first hand. Before I could knock the second arrow, the orc charged for me with surprising speed for a creature of his build. It caught me off guard as he raised his weapon and slashed at my chest. I felt the immediate burn of an open wound. It was deep. The feeling was like nothing I had experienced before. Not even from back at home. It was enough for me to drop my longbow. I fumbled for my shortsword. Time running out as the orc was preparing for a second swing. He was overbearing me. As I managed to find the hilt of my sword I slash wildly at the beast. It was not graceful. It was out of desperation. Luckily it was enough to fell the aggressor. Savage and ferocious indeed. I was lucky.

I pick up my longbow. The pain searing through me as I survey the battle. It had only been seconds since the fight broke out and it was already beginning to look grim. The holy man and the Tabaxi are down. Lifeless on the ground. It appears that they took down some orcs with them in their final blows. However the leader fast approaches the dwarf Ghelryn who had jumped down from his seat to join the fray.

Ghelryn calls out to the sky, and suddenly a bright light encompasses the human, the Tabaxi and the lady in black leather armour. They appear to be healed from the grievous wounds. A miracle!! We might still win this yet!!

However, afterwards Ghelryn is knocked out by the orc leader. He does not appear to be impressed, or scared by the powers of the dwarf. I have to hand it to Ghelryn he held his ground and has helped potentially turn the tide of battle.

Suddenly appearing from behind the human with the red hair approaches. She throws and wields bolts and balls of wild magic. Although she appeared harmless she is clearly a powerful magic user. She downs 2 orcs and damages their leader in quick succession. Chaining wild magic that jumps from one orc to the next and finally to the leader. An impressive display of force and power. I am reminded to not judge a tree by its leaves.

Thats when it happened. The unthinkable. The unimaginable. It appeared from the peak. At first I thought it was the snowy top of the mountains. Until IT got closer. The velocity and the speed that was approaching was frightening!  A white dragon! Bigger then castles! It flew past the ongoing battle, breathing fiery ice onto the battlefield in a blink of an eye! It created an ice wall that killed the Orc leader and shrouded both the orc and Ghelryn in Ice. The white dragon flies past and turns to position for another attack!

There is no possible way to defeat a creature of this size. We need to retreat. We need to retreat now!

"Retreat!! Run!! Dragon!! Head for the town!!Leave the caravan!!" I shouted as I made my way around the ice wall to the other side. It was difficult to run as the pain in my chest was getting worse. I clutched to it to stop the bleeding. I could feel my life essence draining with every step. I hope the dragon goes for the caravan. With any luck it will eat the horses and we can make our escape.

As I got round the corner of the icey structure, I could see through the wall and the dragon flew in again. It hovered over the caravan we were protecting. It Bellowed noises and a language I did not understand. Then it took off with a horse in each claw and the caravan swinging beneath it.

I fell to one knee. Partly due to the pain in my chest, but mostly at the shear shock at what I had just witnessed. Never could I have imagined seeing a creature so big and so terrifying. Moments passed as I thought about what had happened, holding on to the wound in my chest.

We should be dead, I thought. Food for the beast that flew from the peak. It took the lead caravan. The caravan we were supposed to protect. The caravan i was willing to sacrifice and leave behind. I couldn't even stop the orcs. I couldn't even do that simple task. I barely made it through the battle!

How am I to prove that I am a member of the guild if I can't even complete my first task! I am supposed to be a member from the GUIDED PATH GUILD! I am a failure. I bring shame to my family name, not honour.

Life away from home is wildly different to being at home. Being with my Brothers. My Father. the protection of the family and the guild itself. What would they say now?

My brothers have fought orcs. My father has slayed monstrosities.

I am far from ready. I was naive to think I was prepared. Siax the stupid. Siax the naive. Am I even capable of the being a member of the Guided Path. Or is it just a naive perception of my lack luster skills and inexperience?

I snapped out of my thinking hearing the banging and scraping of ice. Through the ice I could see the others cutting out the dwarf  through the icy structure. The cat person looked to be concentrating. I am unsure on what he was doing?

I could see the orcs fleeing in the distance. Running from each of the caravans in different directions.

I try to go and help, free the dwarf, but my body fails to move to my commands. By the time I got around the wall the human red haired lady was already administering and healing Ghelryn back to consciousness. She has saved his life! This lady is incredible! Powerful with her magic and with her healing capabilities. Her magic is stronger than I can describe with words.

Thankfully I was bandaged up and helped onto a remaining caravan cart as the caravan headed for the town of Phandalin. I could see the spirits of the travellers were downtrodden. Faces hitting the ground.

I was quiet on our way to the town. My thoughts rushing to the sight of the dragon. My thoughts overplaying the events with the orcs.  I couldn't help but feel I had failed. I should be thankful that I am still alive. Yet, I feel sick. Overwhelmingly sick and ashamed.

This feeling was made worse as we hit the town and Ghelryn handed each of us 4 pieces of gold forour trouble. Even though I failed his request. The town looked like a ruin from the distance but as we got closer you could see the town was in the process of being rebuilt.

 I didn't deserve the gold. I did not complete the task. How have I helped this town by failing to defend the lead caravan??

The caravan stopped at what Ghelryn called the town green. He thanked us once more and said he would speak to us again but he needed to unload the remnants of the caravan convoy.

The holy man in armour took this brief moment to introduce himself to us all. His name is Idris Doryu. The group then introduces themselves one by one.

The Tabaxi with the white fur introduced himself as Pine.

The lady with the red hair said her name was Zenari.

The girl in black leathers gave an expression to say that she would not let us know of her name.

As I went to introduce myself, I could not finish the sentence. The shame had got hold of me once more. I am too embarrassed to finish the words. I am not worthy of the title. Right now I am not even worthy of the Moonglide name.

I need to rest. There must be a place to rest in this town? I need to look after this wound.

I looked for a place that fit the description I was looking for, but was distracted by a gathering of villagers towards a larger building in the town.

There was a Human banging on the door asking for a Harbin Wester. I could hear the villagers talking about the dragon. News travels fast in these parts so it would seem. The villagers are angry with this mayor Harbin Wester.

Suddenly the human who was banging on the door, addresses the villagers and tells them we are the adventurers he has hired?? What is he talking about??

Before any of us had a chance to react, Idris spoke. He raised his greatsword in the air as it glowed with a bright yellow light and aura. It was hypnotising. Motivating in fact! This is what I was meant for! I must answer the call. To not answer would sully the Guild name and reputation  further. This is what father has asked for. This is what I have been sent to do! Idris has a incredible way with words and motivation.

Idris's rallying call was enough to appease the crowd as they then started to disperse. The villagers whispering to each other as they left.

The man who addressed the crowd introduced himself as Sildar Hallwinter. He said he was a member of the lords alliance and that he was head of the towns guard that was stationed at Phandalin. He is a older man with white and grey hair. His eyes was a look of a man who had seen battle. His face weathered.

Idris introduced himself and mentioned he was a noble lord from the family house of Doryu. He bears a signet ring with his family crest on it.

Sildar apologises for the deceit and asks for a favour. He says the town is in a state of emergency. He pleaded with us to find and warn folks of the dragon sighting and escort them back to town. There is safety in numbers back at the town.

This made a lot of sense to me and I am more than happy to oblige in his request. The dragon is a monster of enormous size. The town could use the help of as many people as possible.  The town has nobody to spare. This is my chance to redeem myself. To gain reputation for the guild and restore my family name.

Sildar asked us to go and warn Adabar Gwynn the town's healer and apothecary. she lives by herself in a stone windmill on the other side of the hill outside of town.

We are to also warn the Rockseeker brothers. Two dwarves that are currently mining in the mountains to the southwest  investigating an old Dwarven ruin.

Finally we were asked to go to Gnomengarde. There is a clan of rock gnomes that reside in a cave to the southeast. There are two kings. Their people are known for their inventions. Perhaps they have something that can help the town defend against the dragon?

As Sildar continues to brief us on this new task, I notice our companion in black leather across the street.

 Was she not with us all this time? She slides into the shadows as if she belongs to them or vica-versa. She is one to watch and keep an eye on. Her skills of stealth are impressive.

Silder gave Idris a letter allowing us free lodgings at the local Inn. My body now aching and welcoming the thought of rest.

As we head to the Inn, Pine mentions to the group around his personal quest within the mountains. It is vague and he doesn't go into much detail, but he asks for the tasks to be completed in a certain order as to not get distracted from his beliefs. Perhaps he will tell us more in time as we travel together. It is the most I have heard him speak since I joined the caravan yesterday. We should honour his request.

As I sit on the bed in the inn writing this I cannot help but think of the events of the day.

My companions and their various skills.

Idris the holy man from a noble house. He does not flee and bravely holds in ground in battle. He has the gift of being able to rally and motivate the people around him.

Zenari the red haired human who can wield the most powerful of magic's. A healer who can bring back people from deaths door . Quiet and appearing shy, there is more to her then meets the eye.

Pine the Tabaxi. Fur as white as snow. Quick as lightning. Mysterious in nature with strong beliefs. Silent with his thoughts.

The lady in the black leather armor. She slinks in the shadows. I do not know much about her. I get the sense that's how she wants it to be.

I wonder what the group think of me? Siax the naive. The failure. The pretender.

I picture back to the orcs and the standoff before battle commenced. I should have spotted them sooner. Orcs are relentless, savage and ferocious just as my brother described.

The townsfolk of Phandalin. Worried for their future.

Ghelrynn the Dwarf. Stout. Hardy. Brave.

Tomorrow we set off to warn good people of the dangers ahead. I myself must prepare better. I must BE BETTER!

I will check the towns stores and shops to see what could help me in the days ahead. But for now, I must rest. The others have been asleep for hours now. I should too. Tomorrow is a new day and who knows what we will be faced with.

Hopefully not a fucking adult white dragon!!

Today we nearly lost three of our traveling party.

I sit here trying to find the words to describe the emotions and thoughts racing in my head.

It can happen so quickly and easily. One false step, one wrong turn, one wrong move.

Dead.

There is danger everywhere. Potential death around every corner.

Yesterday I saw a white dragon. Today I barely escaped a collapsing mountain.

As I stare at my companions resting, I feel the importance of preparation more than ever.

Thank goodness for the quick thinking of our lady in black. She was able to stabilize both Pine and Idris. Both had been caught in the collapse of the mountain as we all raced against our impending doom. Both had become unconscious.

Now me and the lady in black leathers keep watch whilst we wait for our companions to regain their strength. They are being looked after by the Rockseeker dwarven brothers.

We both sighted and heard a group of Orcs and Goblins in the near vicinity, whilst the rest of the party followed the trail of the mystery that was within these mountainous ruins. We heard the Orcs say they were looking for a new home.  It appears the white dragon has disrupted many of the lives within this region. Luckily, they did not venture to where we were.

More reason to finish the task given to us by Silander Hallwinter back at Phandalin.

The Rockseeker brothers have agreed to head back to town now that we have cleared out the ruined temple that they were excavating. We have paid a high price though to clear the temple. Not only did Pine and Idris get caught in the collapse and nearly lost their lives, but we also lost Zenari….

She disappeared during our first encounter with the oozes. I had hoped to find her further in the temple. However, we eventually cleared the temple and could not find her. We did not have time to search for her on the way back as the mountain crumbled above us. There is no way she could have survived the collapse. We barely survived the collapse.

If only the Dwarven brothers had listened when we met them!! Zenari would still be alive and we would be on our way to Gnomengarde. Instead, their greed and curiosity has cost us a companion….

Was it worth it?! My answer is no.

Despite the treasures we may have found and the split from the Rockseekers it doesn’t amount to the loss of life.

We should have known better. We should have been more careful. Instead we rushed in like curious children. Ambushed by oozes and caught in many traps.

The warnings were there. As we ventured deeper into the cavern, we found crystal recordings depicting a dwarven acolyte of Abathor named Gul’Kathanan.

The recordings told us of what had happened to the ruined temple. Gul’Kathanan warned that the previous gemstones and sacrifices to Abathor were lackluster and therefore their god was not happy. A solar eclipse was approaching. Gul’kathanan fears the order will not listen to his warnings. As the solar eclipsed approached nearer and nearer, the mountain and the temple rumble.

There was another recording of a high priest ignoring the warning of Gul’Kathanan and wanting him found and silenced.

The final recording was of the temple being destroyed and acolytes being turned to oozes. The final recording was of Gul’Kathanan trying to cast his soul somewhere to escape the collapse.

I feel we failed just as the acolyte dwarfs in the recordings had done. Why did we not listen??

The further we went in the worse things got. The oozes we killed were the old dwarves from this temple. The Oozes pack a punch and their essence burns when it touches flesh. I felt this first hand as we were ambushed by the slimes. Although many of my arrows flew true against the oozes it was not always enough as many of us fell during the battle multiple times.

I did manage to find two red studded leather armours which would help. These are tougher than my green leathers and the lady in blacks leather armour. Which means it should prevent further harm in the battles ahead. Underneath the first layer of red leather was a leather layer that was the colour of gold. It would make sense that these armours were once worn by the dwarves and acolytes that roamed this temple. Perhaps a bad omen considering what we have all been through, traversing these ruins. Did a dwarf die in these leathers before turning into a translucent creature of slime? Either way they won’t be needing them anymore.  

It was the final chamber that caused the cave in. It all happened so fast. My memory fails me even though it was only a few hours ago.

A statue. A gem. A pillar.

Wait!! Could the statue have held Gul’Kathanan’s soul? Or perhaps the gem Idris held?

Something I can ask my companions when they wake.

Our next part of the task from Silander is to head to Gnomengarde which is East from our current location. Or so we have been told from the Rockseekers.

At least the Rockseeker brothers will be on their way back to town soon.

We were unable to persuade Adabra the lady in the mill earlier in the morning to head to the town. This will hurt the town greatly as I am sure her healing skills and her apothecary talents would have been useful.

Although the mill is not far from town, it will be difficult to come to her aid should the dragon or other threats approach her doors again.

We did manage to stop a Wolf from attacking her mill when we approached up the hill. Although the methods were……unorthodox.

 My companions managed to converse with the wolf. Pine once more showing his talents when it comes to speaking with animals or beasts. Pine was also able to heal the wolf from his wounds. These were caused by the predatory white dragon.

To appease the wolf and prevent it from attacking the townsfolk of Phandalin and Adabra in particular, it was agreed that we would hunt for food for the wolf. I still do not understand why we didn’t kill the beast where it stood. The hide and trimmings would have come in very handy back at the town. Food, armour and clothes a commodity the town currently lacks. Something my skills and talents could have been put to some good use.

Instead, I was persuaded to use my skills in hunting and feeding the wolf. Easy enough to do. I manage to find and track a herd of mountain goats. It reminded me of the hunts back at home with my brothers.

 One quick quiet arrow and I was able to pierce and kill 2 of the goats with the same arrow. Again, it felt like a waste feeding this beast rather then contributing the spoils back at Phandalin.

The wolf was grateful and showed us its nearby cave where it revealed a wolf cub.

Cubs mean a growing populace. A potential future threat if not monitored.

I made my feelings clear to the wolf and I intend to keep that promise. We shouldn’t be seeing more of the wolf. If we do…..The hunt is on!

Adabra seemed grateful enough according to Zenari. Zenari mentioned Adabra gave her a letter to give to Silander……

Shit!!!!

Zenari…..  

I am sorry. Sorry we couldn’t find you. Sorry you were caught in a collapse. A mistake that we your travelling companions had caused.

Forgive me…….

We will need to pass the mill on the way back to town and explain to Adabra. Perhaps another letter can be written? Or perhaps we can persuade her of the dangers ahead and bring her back with us to town as originally intended?

We can cross that when the time comes. For now we must prepare our trip for Gnomergen.

 We will head east along the mountainside.

Wait….

The Orcs were heading east? Oh no!! They said they were looking for a new home.

We need to leave as soon as Pine and Idris are awake!

Hopefully it’s not too late…..