3 xp each
41 gp each
21 days of downtime each
1 elexir of life (minor) each
2x potency runes
1 ring of discretion
1 set of full plate armor
Participants: Verdant Amberforge, Ami Ward, Kiiri, Hurggrek Valkorn
Locations: Watchers' Holy Lands, Avis River
Verdant of the clan Amberforge reporting.
This was a short an simple assignment by the Thaumaturge. We were to get the River Drake eggs from nearby river before they hatch giving us a time limit of 2 to 3 weeks. With plenty of time on our hands we headed out without any rush.
The first thing we were assaulted by was bad weather. This would continue through most of the quest. We reached the wetlands around river. During the third day we had a brief encounter with Bog Striders. We assume they were natives of the area. Our attempt at first contact failed and the creatures fled.
It appears the place is quite infested with Aberrations, as later that day we were attacked by two rats and a crocodile all mutated due to infection with some Fungus. If we are correct at identifying it seems to be Cythnigot. The disease seems to be infectious and quite unpleasant. Once infected, the fungus attacks both body and mind, which I can confirm by experience. The disease does not seem to be lethal, as progression stopped without my intervention, which suggest that either it can not take control of creatures with higher cognitive functions, or requires the host to be killed by outside sources to take control over the body.
The next two days we once again were forced into hiding due to storm. We only managed to find a shelter on the second day. However, it was occupied by a Violet Fungus, which we had to fight while exhausted from disturbed sleep. I failed to obtain any sample of the poison, however i did acquire spores, so perhaps it will be possible to cultivate some for further studies.
The next day we finally found a nest of the River Drakes. On the other hand the fungus found it first. It mutated the one to hatch into a fearsome beast with thick hide and diseased bite. While we were not able to bring the creature down - nothing we threw seemed to hurt it - we distracted the Aberration long enough for Miriko Raiji to grab two eggs and then successfully recalled to town.