1 Winterswax Year One
An interesting development. After the core group of that small band of mercenaries Tharok, the Iron Sentinel, led me to, suffered some casualties including two clerics, I was asked to step up and join the main party. It seems everybody realized that having a battle-priest around is a good idea. Patience brings opportunity, and this is mine to prove to Tharok that I am worthy of his guidance.
After a brief discussion about future plans, our party traveled from Vyones to Ximes, where we rested for the night. Unlike Vyones, Ximes is not on a war footing. Not yet, perhaps?
I took some time to walk the streets and talk to some locals. I wanted to find out more about this strange land we found ourselves in. It seems they worship a useless collection of heathen gods. No-one has heard of Tharok, the Iron Sentinel. And while I got some good information, I was careful not to probe too deeply. I did not want to arouse suspicion. With the general fear and outright ban of magic, and many local temples closed and repurposed, the last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves.
I do wonder, though. Did Tharok lead us to Averoigne to bring his word to the godless people? Or is it because of the war brewing? Or is it all but a test, to see if we can find our way home? It will all be revealed, of that I am certain.
At least my employers do not skimp on food and accommodations. Keeping an army fed and well-rested is good for morale.
2 Winterswax Year One
From Xiomes, we traveled east, through the woods, until we came upon a small pyramid. This was apparently the destination, though some of the party members remarked that the sand surrounding it was unexpected. Three statues lined the pyramid, a bearded warrior wielding a lightning rod, a cherub, and a woman in a toga, with a sickle, wheat, and shield.
As we entered the pyramid, those who had been here before remarked that the tunnels used to be wet, and had dried out since. Apparently whatever water was here had been drained in some fashion.
We followed the tunnel and, arriving at a door, heard strange voices. We sent a scout ahead, who reported several men wearing bearded masks. We decided to parlay, and the gamble paid off. Indeed, the men became quite friendly when they learned of my companions’ prior deeds, killing some of the other cultists in this place.
The men are, as we learned, priests of Gorm, a warrior deity of some sort. I had heard about this, and the other deities the priests mentioned, in Ximes. As Tharok teaches, knowing is half the battle. Gorm is the deity with the lightning bolt, whose statue we saw outside. I wonder if this is the local name for Tharok, or whether Gorm is one of those Tharok faces in eternal battle. Probably the latter.
While our party negotiated with them – and from what I gather, some of my companions have less than honorable intentions – a swarm of insects attacked from the direction whence we had come. Simon, our wizard, was injured, as was Glugfield. Gobea was not so lucky – she succumbed to her wounds. I made sure to offer the appropriate prayers after the battle.
The followers of Gorm also lost one of theirs, but they carried him off before I could offer the same prayer. They have their own rites, but if Gorm is anything like Tharok, the Iron Sentinel, honoring a fallen comrade-in-arms is always acceptable. I’ll say this – they did not flinch, did not retreat, and held their ground, doing their share to drive off the beasts. And they offered to cremate Gobea and return her ashes. The way Kanadius was offering, this was a great honor.
After the battle, negotiations continued. Our party offered to destroy the three other factions that these honorable priests are in conflict with, with each faction thus dismantled granting us a 30% share of the treasure recovered. It’s a good deal for them, for sure. Some party members pointed out that we’ll have all the risk and work, but that’s what we do, is it not? I am looking forward to proving my honor in battle. And I am convinced that the Gormites will aid us, when necessary. After all, they have everything to gain by doing so. Even if they do not join us in battle, they might at least provide a safe place for us to recover.
The three factions we are to eliminate are Usamigaras – the cursed wizards, Madarua and her Amazonians, and Malashi, apparently the most heathen of the lot. Kanadius described them as “Animal Lovers”.
After agreeing, Kanadius showed us a trap door which leads further into the temple. We’re about to descend in a few moments.