Field notes entry 1:
My banner grows stronger today. These new soldiers are a mix of students of war and craftsmen, perfect for me. My 1st Spear Makaan will be drilling them today, and those who are not fit for battlesmiathing will join the legion’s infantry instead. There is a place for everyone in the Legion. I am surprised that a female has joined the banner. They usually enlist as archers and spellslingers. She looks as strong as the men, and Makaan says she is quit of wit. I think she is called Nosraa. In two tendays we leave for the front. The barbaric hill dwarves of Kalad-Mur have broken the treaty we once forged to repel the Gnoll horde, and the greedy dwarves now make claim to our lands. We will see if they are as resilient as they claim.
Field notes entry 4:
Warlord Maazorn The Spike has granted my banner quite the boon. A gnome merchant was caught stealing two horses and punished accordingly. He carried several exceptional magic items, including an iron wand and the gnome's compact telescope. Captain Pissbreath IV overlooked the wand and scope for a bag of enchanted gems. His loss is my gain. This is perfect to adapt my arcane hand cannon for long range engagements. It will be a good smithing lesson for the new soldiers as well.
Field notes entry 9:
The new soldiers are learning fast. I have already named two to lead their own Fists. I trust each to choose their five "fingers" well. Nosraa is a brilliant smith. Her arcane axe is a rudimentary choice, but her Iron Defender is a marvel. The steel wolf has a sleek silhouette, but great power and grace. It makes my panther look quite primitive. Bazorg'ka Elfrender is a warrior, like his brothers. He has taken to explosives and destructive spells very well. Should I fall, my banner has two capable leaders who will bring honor and glory to the legion.
Field notes entry 11:
Tongigt was a party! I truly inducted the nnew soldiers with “blood n brew.” (I told them it was dwarf bloood, haaa!) They took the pig blood shot and chased itt with a tamkard of rich black ale. Savage Axe Gryttol makes the beststuff. The big brute Bazorg’ka puked on two of his soldiers! Thiss banner maybe my strongest yet and they are tryly a family. Nosraa played a balllad of battle on her flute that had afewmen in tears. She is mentally and pphysically so gifted. We spoke at length abouat her family and mine, maybe I shshuld take her to meet mom tomorrow? It is late, and tomorrow we march for glory.
Field notes entry 12:
The legion is alive this morning. We are traveling to the fields the dwarves have stolen to drive them back into their hovels and feed our crops with their blood. For many it is their first time away from home. I bid farewell to mother and she prayed to Nomog-Geaya to bless my weapons and tools for conquest. “Father would be proud.” she said, as she always does. Captain Lazaak Towerfall had little understanding of us battlesmiths, but he respected our unique strength. He died with honor, earning his title as he sieged The Black Tower of Ji’than Ogres. His honor put great expectations onto me as I took his place as 3rd Captain, but my battlesmiths have proven worthy.
Field notes entry 15:
We have made camp in a forest at the edge of Kalad-Mur. Today was our final day of preparation before the battle. My banner is ready. Makaan, Gryttol, and promising newcomers Nosraa and Bazorg’ka have prepared our soldiers well. Nosraa and Bazorg’ka have a warm friendship, but I’ve advised Bazorg’ka to not let her distract him in combat. He is too brutish for her regardless, but he respected my words.
My Arcane Rifle is coming along nicely. The new Repeater Infusion will help me tear through even the stoutest dwarven armor.
Field notes entry 18:
Finally, a moment of rest. The hill dwarves were well prepared for our assault. Their mounted crossbowmen flanked and exposed our artillery cannons. Our banner was ordered to turn and retake the cannons. Iron Defenders spooked their horses and we made quick work of them. The battle smiths had total control of the fight. Nosraa fought beautifully and we suffered no losses. Nomog-Geaya be praised. My Defender was destroyed in the assault, and I don’t think I will have time to repair it before morning. The new arcane rifle shoots true, and even old Gryttol was surprised by its adaptability. I must finish crafting my spell shots tonight. Tomorrow, we assault their keep.
Field notes entry 19:
We've breached the walls. Glory and honor to Makaan. We were first over the outer walls and he ripped through the archers like paper. The hail of arrows and blades brought him down, but not before he turned the dwarves' own ballista against them. See you soon old friend.
Field notes entry 21:
The damned dwarves blew it all to hell. This was a trap from the start. Too many losses. Nosraa, you should never have come on this forsaken mission. A brilliant mind is gone. Your damned wolf sits waiting for a command that will not come. Nomog-Geaya, why? I must gather the remaining soldiers and decide our next move.
Field notes entry 22:
There is a squat, sturdy tower up the hill where our goblin scouts believe the dwarven commander sits. Warlord Maazorn wants to strike tomorrow, but our odds are better if we strike at night when the dwarves are drunk. My banner prepares for tonight.
Field notes entry 23:
Glorious. We cut our way up their foolish tower, sending the dwarves to see their ancestors. I took Nosraa's wolf under my command, and it performed beautifully. I will keep it as tribute to her. Maazorn was displeased that I defied his orders, but gracious when I threw their commander's fat, bearded head at his feet. The battle is won, but I don't feel like celebrating tonight.
Field notes entry 30:
My leave is going well, if not a bit boring. I would rather be training my battlesmiths during this downtime, but Warlord Maazorn was just to ask me to take this leave after defying orders. Many soldiers would kill for this "punishment." I met a trader today who told me of a forgotten guild that is recruiting adventurers. I will apply, as it could pay well enough to fund my artificer studies. Surely, they need officers to lead them. I think I will bring her wolf as well.