Matrim's Log

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 1
The caravan I joined was headed into southern Longwalk before they were scattered at the sound of wolves chasing a lone goblin. Four others joined me in the defense of the goblin by returning the pair of wolves to the earth. Unfortunately, sounds of a larger party were not far off. Considering the status of the party, flight was the only option.

Personal Log
After receiving this assignment as an advance scout, I made my way south joining a caravan following the southern Longwalk trade route. Besides brief conversations with the team leader and few of the colorful members of the menagerie, everyone kept to themselves. Needless to say once those wolves crested the hill in pursuit of the goblin, the majority made themselves scarce. Those who remained made for an interesting mix: Tenderfoot, a highland moor from the north, and three outlanders GimGimble, a gnome and Merti with Sam, two halflings making their way through Longwalk. And now the goblin, naming himself Turb, has joined the bunch. For him to be pursued by what seems to be a fairly large group is a bit puzzling. Hopefully he will share what he knows so we’ll have an idea what we got ourselves into.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 2
Made first contact with the pursuit party which comprised of goblins and wolves. Bearing no readily seen emblem, they were not members of any of the Longwalk clans that I’ve encountered previously. They claimed to be in search of traitors. In any case, after a bit of miscommunication and eventual clarification, they moved onward to the south.

Personal Log
We were fortunate in being able to conceal Turb and talk out way out of what could have been rather ugly given the state of everyone after that initial tussle with the wolves. Thus far, Turb informed us the goblins are from the depths of the mountains. He has agreed to accompany us in exchange for the help we’ve provided. At the moment, the only option is to continue south following the party and attempt to ascertain the intentions of these underground goblins who are willing to brave the sunlight in pursuit of these so-called traitors. In the meantime, we’ll have to disguise him especially when we enter BrandyBurg.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 3
There seems to be some active raiding parties of goblins wearing a strange insignia, at least one I’m not familiar with. Signs of their passage were evident as we moved south. We came across the Korman farmstead on the outskirts of BrandyBurg. According to the family members, a group of goblins, in pursuit by another faction of goblin wolf riders, barricaded themselves in the family’s barn. Setting fire to the barn lead the fleeing group to their eventual death in a clearing to the south. Aside from the remains of the massacre, it was there I found a bit of armour with a curious emblem of a jagged sword and fire. In the woods just outside of BrandyBurg, we encountered a goblin possibly of the same tribe supposedly mourning the loss of his mount. I have my suspicions but without more information I might as well grasp at straws. All these events don’t seem to add up.

Turb has provided a bit of background but that doesn’t amount to much if we cannot determine the ultimate goals. Speaking of which, he bears the trappings of a chieftan and posseses the demeanor of such. Despite mentioning his responsibility to the Lost Caves clan as well as others that remain unnamed, he’s decided to accompany us in our journey to the south. He makes an emphatic distinction between his own men and these unknown goblins. If I recall correctly, he was being chased by these unknown goblins when we aided him in his escape.

Personal Log
Mert seems to suffer from so overactive fingers as I noticed his attempt to relieve me of my purse. These outlanders are a bit strange. To be on the safe side, I should keep an eye on him.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 4
There was a morning encounter with a pair of young wolf riders who readily named their clan. Despite their excessive swagger, they seemed to be searching for someone, a “surfacer.” Tenderfoot forced a battle with the two. Our own lack of experience proved to be less of a hindrance as the two were dispatched after some effort. Their wolves proved to be the greater threat as they were constantly tripping us up while we focused upon the rider. Turb abandoned his disguise to give aid. Apparently he is a healer devoted to Frexith.

The actions of these Graxish remain unknown and their motivation equally mysterious. What would cause these underground goblins to leave their homes for the surface of Longwalk? Just to hunt other goblins seems unlikely.

Personal Log
The party is still in a state of flux as evident in our first skirmish. Granted an odd event made us unlikely bed fellows throwing us down this path. Having said that, there is a developing sense of cohesion but it'll take time. And from what we've seen thus far, we'll need it before journey's end.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 5
With the kindness of Bartlof MarMullen, the innkeeper, and his three granddaughters, we were able to find some lodging allowing us to recover from the ordeal with the goblins. After a couple days of mending and Turb’s healing touch, we left BrandyBurg heading south toward the Dandelion River. I found tracks of goblins and wolves only a few days old along the banks of the river while searching for a place to ford. Turb did mention a nomadic clan in the area but he saw no signs of them. After a bit of an ordeal, we managed to cross the river. The trail was easily spotted once we made it over though less a couple goblins. Perhaps claimed by the Dandelion?

Personal Log
Turb has been as asset to the group. He provided help in dealing with the Graxish in BrandyBurg, healing both Mert and Gimble who were in dire condition afterwards and rescuing me in my attempt to swim the swift waters of the Dandelion.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 6
The trail south of BrandyBurg led to what was most likely a Graxish encampment on the opposite bank of the Dandelion river. The numerous footprints about the site proved to be useless. Some sticks were organized in an odd fashion, to which Tenderfoot suggested it was an indication of the group splitting up. I investigated a trail that went in a different direction away from the main road seemingly giving the thought some credence. Turb continues to be anxious as we move further south.

Pushing on through the night we caught up with the Graxish in the midst of a ceremony. Turb explained that the ritual as an initiation of blood slaves in which prisoners are bound to their captors as slaves. Only when they shed blood in battle is their obligation fulfilled. Turb also identified the captured goblins as clan members of the Jagged Tooth. GimGimble and I did a bit of reconnaissance during the ceremony to ascertain numbers. Even after dispatching one in the dark, the hostiles total 17, nine Graxish and eight Jagged Tooth blood slaves.

Personal Log
GimGimble displayed some ability during our reconnaissance. He was able to dispatch the guard we encountered quickly and quietly. I'll have to keep an eye on him. Sam's anti-goblin sentiments tend to be a bit grating. Turb has proven his worth several times over and yet she persists. Interestingly enough, Tenderfoot emphatically defended Turb.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 7
Learning more about the nature of the blood slave ritual, we decided it would be to our advantage to free as many of the captured Jagged Tusks. The desired outcome is that they will join us evening up the odds. We set out for the encampment at first light. Holding the rest of the group at about 200 ft from the encampment, both Mert and Gimble moved forward to gather what information they could. Mert managed to dispatch a goblin sentry about a couple followed them back to our position. They were dealt with accordingly but one turned out to be a Blood Slave who managed to survive Tender’s initial onslaught.

These, as it turned out, were just the forerunners as the other goblins undoubtedly discovered the hidden body of the sentry Mert dispatched earlier. After a pitched battle, caught in the underbrush, we retreated into the night. We were in no condition to travel much farther than the old Graxish encampment where we stayed the previous night. The night watch did not fare well as two clear sets of prints entered the camp and three sets exited leaving the prone body of the Jagged Tusk goblin.

Personal Log
Mert and Gimble did an excellent job snooping around. The battle that ensued was inevitable considering they were bound to find the body of the slain sentry. This also provided an opportunity to try and distinguish the Jagged Tusks from the Graxish. The one we managed to take alive seemed a bit receptive to helping us against the Graxish to free his clansmen.

The battle left us in no condition for travel, especially in the dark with the halflings. Our crude attempt to secure the campsite will be ineffective. These goblins have demonstrated woodland capabilities and have nothing to fear from our small band. I can only hope this gamble will not prove to be our downfall.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 8
Escape from the Graxish encampment took its toll on the group as we were not able to travel beyond one of their previous encampments on this side of the Dandelion River. We woke up to find the corpse of recently liberated Jagged Tusk complete with slit throat and Turb missing. They were not concerned as the underbrush told the story of their passage.

Quickly we broke camp and followed the path back to the Graxish encampment from the night before. They were in the process of getting ready to move. Both Mert and Gimble did a bit of reconaissance while the Graxish were breaking camp and learned quite a bit. There were eleven goblins and two wolves in the camp. Of the eleven goblins, four were blood slaves: 3 Jaggest Tusks including their leader and Turb. They were headed southeast back toward the Dandelion River.

After they set up camp and nightfall approached Gimble and I took up a position to observe their movements in hopes of trying to rescue Turb from his captors. With the winds in the right direction, Gimble managed to infiltrate the camp sneaking past the only awake guard who happened to be a Jagged Tusk which we freed. His next target was the Jagged Tusk leader, IdstWarn. Through whispers, IdstWarn suggested a plan of action to Gimble that would allow for a proper ambush of the Graxish invaders when they forded the river in the morning. This involved hiding the payment for the blood oath and leaving them in the camp. Unfortunately, Turb remained a blood slave as the wolves near him would wake should anyone unexpected approach.

With the rise of the sun, the noise of the goblins attempting cross the Dandelion woke the party. Mert took a position to the north while the rest of us remained south of the goblin caravan. The Jagged Tusk leader initiated the ambush as Mert, Gimble and I peppered the Graxish with arrows and bullets. A nearby Jagged Tusk managed to nick Turb releasing him from his obligation. What followed was a pitched battle spanning the river. The ambush was successful as the remaining Graxish surrendered with the death of their leader, Lodast.

We learned from the Graxish prisoners that they were from the deepest mines of Minor’s Mountain under the command of Lodast. Their orders, as conveyed by Lodast, were to make blood slaves of the surface dwelling goblins. The chest they carried was filled with gold knuckles and various artifacts including a couple that were returned to Turb and the Jagged Tusk leader respectively. The letter among the treasure was sinister suggesting a greater plot afoot rather than the odd claims of broken oath the Graxish prisoners seem to find solace in. We were able to make contact with the Firehounds to warn them of the Graxish threat. Furthermore, we secured the help of IdstWarn in the future.

Personal Log
Staying at the previous Graxish encampment was a gamble that did not pan out. Exhaustion was the determining factor in this case. The fact we did not die in our sleep is amazing. It proved to be their downfall leading to their demise. Mert proved his worth by felling a war wolf as well as maintaining the presence of mind to save Gimble who fell into the river while attempting to cross it during the battle.

The script of the letter is a bit unsettling. Not something you would expect from a goblin. Besides the fact it was signed as “-B” the other perplexing thing is the last line about making blood slaves of 5 surface clans without taking the lives of any gnomes. I fear the worse but that may very well be grasping at straws until something substantial can be divined. This information and letter must be placed in the hands of Uncle Tel. He’ll know the appropriate channels to ensure its delivery to the Aegis Spear.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 9
After making contact with the Fire Hounds and warning them of the Graxish threat, we parted company with Turb, leaving him in the remainder of the Jagged Tusks and the Fire Hounds clans. Continuing north toward Woltfang, we happened to pass through Gornum’s Pass when it was under attack by a two-headed giant. We watched as it proceeded to destroy a couple buildings and then the bridge spanning the Dandelion River. Too far away to provide aid, we did what we could to help with the survivors of the attack. After meeting with the village head, RamonaRus, and the militia leader, WilWick, we learned the village has been under attack by this monster every evening for the past two weeks. But the dwarven priest of Roccio, Glint, gave us a bit more interesting details.

The giant was seen, in the night, creeping through the village to the shrine where he apparently left an enigmatic riddle. Strangely, it was chased away. Current suspicion is the monster was sent by a powerful evil wizard, Stondylus who resides at the Old Keep, to ravage the village. According to Glint, previous adventurers have passed through here trying their own hand at dealing with the wizard. None have returned. WilWick has the makings of a hothead, especially one who has revenge on his mind. He may prove to be the proverbial thorn.

Personal Log
Having navigated what seems to be the surface of the Graxish threat with Turb, I will miss his presence. Not only has he proved to be a stalwart ally, I’ve learned much from him about the goblins. Despite speaking the language, my exposure to goblin society is limited and always in a gnome-dominated situation. As it is the city-states are provincial, leaving their own people to the wolves. The few things they’ve agreed upon left the surface goblins vulnerable to seemingly concerted efforts by other clans such as the Graxish. Uncle Tel warned me of the ugly face of politics but my immediate concern is for the safety of the people of Gornum’s Pass.

Indirectly, I’ve familiarizing GimGimble with wilderness survival. I want to see how he takes to it since he isn’t a native of this region. Merti seems to be rather anxious to return to an urban setting, most likely this will help him placate Sam. Tenderfoot is a character…a tough companion in arms and very accommodating and helpful. He seems to be able to deal with Sam somewhat effectively.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 10
We made contact with the marauding giant we saw the day before on the road to Gornum’s Pass. It seems the two heads are able to act independently of each other. The one praying at the shrine of Roccio named himself “Krinyon” and the other head “Muck.” We learned that the man was cursed by the wizard Stondylus, former resident of the Old Keep prior to his demise. Krinyon has lived in this cursed state for the past 2 years. After he departed, Gimble and I noticed a new verse that seemed to be a response to the one left by Krinyon. In the morning, Glint proved to be helpful in suggesting possible references. Shortly afterwards, he agreed to accompany us to the Old Keep in an attempt to make contact with Krinyon.

Personal Log
Krinyon seems to be constantly brimming with rage. Granted the helpless he feels when Muck exerts control over the body does not help his disposition. The source for the new verse remains a mystery, but it seems to have given Krinyon something resembling help. We agreed to do what we can, now it’s just a question of figuring out how to do so before WilWick and his militiamen get any ideas.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 12
Three hours outside of Gornum’s Pass, our group, led by Glint, was ambushed by a pair of ogres. Their trap was so perfect that before any of us could react, Glint was speared through and through. Both Mert and Gimble fell in our attempt to rally against the onslaught. At that point, Tender and I ran in opposite directions drawing away the orges from our fallen comrades. Our respective orges departed shortly thereafter to find other prey who require less attention. Upon returning, we were relieved to see Gimble was on the road to recovery through the efforts of Mert who effectively feigned injury. Because of our current state, we headed back to the village.

Along the path we encountered Sam who readily relayed events that took place in our absence. The giant attacked the Gornum’s Pass after we left. Our absence, along with that of Glint, allowed the militia leader, WilWick, to jump to wild conclusions finally enabling him to convince the others to attempt a sneak attack upon the giant at the Old Keep. Consequently, we were forced to alter our plans and beat the militia there if we were to try and save Krinyon. Arriving at the site of the Old Keep we encountered some clanless goblins known as wracken. They were interested in the elimination of the giant as well. Fortunately we were able to negotiate a plan of action that would prevent them from interfering with our rescue efforts.

We gained entry into the Old Keep to find Krinyon awake while Muck slept. Tender masterfully explained to Krinyon that his pride and anger were the basis of his cursed state. In the meantime, Gimble, Mert and I kept WilWick and his men at bay while Krinyon worked through the riddle and came to a realization that would ultimately set him free.

Personal Log
Momentary lapses in attention to detail will often be the death of you…the first lesson in Longwalk survival. The loss of Glint weighs heavily on me. Although more seasoned than myself, I should have been paying attention to my surroundings. Unfortunately, there is no “next time” for Glint. Both Tender and I were fortunate in drawing off the ogre pursuers. Help from the mother badger allowed me to live and fight another day.

The nature of the ambush did provide some information of note: the pair was intimately familiar with the area. This would further imply their base of operations may very well be in the area. This bears further investigation but will have to take a backseat for the moment until we’ve healed.

WilWick, whose intentions may have been good, is driven by a desire for revenge. Left to fester like a diseased wound, WilWick’s anger might have put him on the same path and lead to his downfall. Observing Krinyon’s transformation seemed to open his eyes. Perhaps he will learn something from this ordeal.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 13
The bridge the ettin destroyed when we first arrived at Gornum's Pass will be repaired shortly. However the matter of the ogres weighs heavily, especially where the safety of the village is concerned. The ambush indicates a level of intimate knowledge of the surrounding area. This begs the question why no one was aware of their presence prior to the ambush. Granted the trail isn’t frequently traveled but the fact is they remain a threat that must be dealt with, better sooner than later.

GimGimble and I entered the woods separately this evening to do a bit of investigation. Almost immediately, something was amiss. There was a definite change in the atmosphere from the time we last walked the path. As frightening as ogres are, this seemed rather unusual. We later encountered something that could not be identified. From the sounds of it, we just managed to escape in our flight from the woods. Unfortunately neither of us were able to get a good look despite the racket it made. This warrants further examination at first light.

Personal Log
Morale is on the rise with the resolution of the ettin attacks on the village. The others have found ways to entertain themselves. Merti, as expected, is occupied with Sam. Tenderfoot is helping rebuild the bridge. GimGimble seems to be off quite a bit, perhaps intiating his own investigation. Krinyon now holds the position vacated by the late Glint as a sort of penance. Perhaps his demons are finally exorcised. In any case, his abilities and experience may prove to be useful in future travels through the area.
examination at first light.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 14
Early this morning I searched for any Aegis markings that might indicate the nature of our quarry. Unfortunately I was unable to decipher the symbols I found. Further investigation with Mert and Gimble led to the discovery of a series of curious mounds and finally the identification of the beast as an acerbic spider. We followed the increasing number of mounds east toward the Dandelion before we attempted to set a trap for it. The monster managed to turn the tables upon us and we were left to improvise. The ensuing battle finally ended with the demise of the acerbic spider in its earthly grave.

Personal Log
The mother badger from my previous excursion in the woods was helpful identifying the beast that terrorized the forest life. It seems to also have been the ultimate demise of those two ogres who slayed Glint. I cannot expressed any regret other than it is the way of nature.

Although alive, the battle left me battered and on death’s doorstep. Despite being caught in the acid-coated maw of the acerbic spider, I found my self in an unusally calm state focused upon sending the beast back into the earth in which it dwelled. That could easily have been my undoing. Thankfully Gimble and Mert draged me to safety after I jumped down the hole after the acerbic spider finally collapsing from my wounds and exhaustion.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 15
We encountered a fairy enroute to Woltfang. Introducing herself as Elydda, the fairy was sent by Tender’s mother to warn him of events taking place in his homeland concerning his clan. Because of the distance and time required for the journey, we were transported to the realm of the Fey where these factors would be of little concern. We entered via the thatched roof of a bugbear who went by the name of Bren’ath. Oddly, he wasn’t particularly hostile just concerned about the state of his abode.

Regaining our composure, we managed to locate Elydda outside the house at which point she chose not to continue in our service as a guide. Through Bren’ath’s help, we were directed to Lester the Grasshopper. Only after agreeing to spend the night dancing were we given the location of Oakstump who could provide us with passage out of the Fey Realm to our destination in the Tundra. The price of his services was an agreement to plant one of his acorns in our lands.

To our surprise, the cold tundra was exactly that…completely covered in a snowstorm.

Personal Log
Even after a month of travel saturated with battles against monstrosities, there remains much to be learned about my travel companions. Our fine friend from the frozen north is the most recent recipient of this distinction with the appearance of Elydda. Besides fluctuating between brief periods of eloquence and incoherence, he’s seems to have some sort of affiliation with the Fey which may very well be the cause for such inconsistencies. As he’s been a stalwart companion, following me down paths that required my attention as an Aegis, it is my turn to repay this favour. This goes for all my companions, even Mert who “seems” to disappear when things look ugly.

A point to note upon entering the Fey Realm, with the exception of Tender, the rest of us seemed somehow faded with an alternate appearance. Possibly a reflection of an affinity to the Fey? Seeing as I grew up only hearing stories and now find myself here, this may warrant further investigation. I wonder the depth of change that takes place upon touching the Fey. My own personage in the Fey seemed a bit odd: I was taller and garbed in a something that seemed like an oak root. Oddly enough, a small bit of it accompanied me when we departed. There’s a sense of vitality that pulses through it which is baffling since I’m not sure how I know this.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 16
According to Tender, the winter storm was indeed unusual since it seemed to herald the coming snows in the middle of summer. Initial attempt to build a windbreak and then a snow shelter failed as those not from the area were greatly affected by the adverse weather conditions. We were able to follow some tracks that ultimately disappeared under the snow but got us away from our exposed position on the slope. Shortly afterwards, we found a cave which provided protection from the elements. There was an unusual darkness to the cave that could only be penetrated with torches and a fire and even then only for a limited range. Near the back we found a passage that led further back into the mountain. This required further exploration if we intended to weather the storm here.

After tripping a magical trap of some sort, the cave was the domain of a Dramash Ryul, possibly a necromancer, which would explain the darkness. He left a guardian to deal with trespassers accordingly. The battle with the undead wolverine in the confined space proved to be difficult as Tender bore the brunt of its’ attack since he was at the head of the line. Gimble managed to disperse the tortured soul that was imprisoned in the rotting carcass.

Personal Log
The cold is taking its toll on the party. The need for fire increases with each passing moment. The last thing we needed was to find ourselves in a pitched battle with an undead wolverine. Mert surprised all of us when he dropped in behind the wolverine from above. Proved to be a bit of an edge for delaying the onslaught of the beast until Gimble managed to somehow disperse it. Mert was able to stabilize Tender until we could administer to him properly.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 17
Returning to the antechamber, we tended to the injuries sustained by Tender in the battle. Once he was back on the road to recovery, we moved farther down the passage that was guarded by the undead beast. It led to what appears to be a burial chamber with a coffin. Mert and Gimble examined the coffin while I searched the room. Upon opening it they triggered a final trap which, fortunately, they were able to escape.

Within the crude coffin was the body of a gnome dressed in battle garb. Perforations like those for ornamental rings adorned his face upon a backdrop of tattoos on his forehead. The symbols were similar to those we observed in the passage. Tender uncovered a cache of goods the gnome was to carry into th e afterlife. With Tender’s recommendation, we burned the coffin and corpse which served two purposes: a source for warmth and meeting the highland gnome burial rites. The next day, the storm seemed to have blown over allowing us to continue our journey north. Tender put us in the direction of the caribou herd leading us ultimately to the Hide Cutters’ clan.

Personal Log
We were lucky to survive the night. The lack of mishaps was welcomed as it gave the others, as well as myself, a chance to recover. Meeting the Hide Cutters clan was also fortunate as we were ill prepared for this sort of weather.

The live oak pulsed in my pouch while I was examining Tender. Before I realized it, the piece of oak found its’ way into my hand over Tender’s body. Odd words like those used by Oakstump in the Fey passed through my lips as the sound of cracking rocks seemed to fill the cave. Tender’s eyes fluttered open as his body began to knit itself back together. The bit of root continues to pulse with life but not in the same way after helping Tender. Perhaps a departing present from the Fey? I find myself increasingly able to focus through the oak root as my mind expands as if opening my eyes for the first time and slowly comprehending the vastness of the surrounding world.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 18
In exchange for their help in providing us with food and shelter from the cold, the Hide Cutters asked us to investigate the disappearance to their food stock. In the meantime they would deliberate the situation with the caribou herd they were following. We also met another traveler of the frozen Tundra of the north, Nackle VanVinder. Hailing from the Golden Rivers in Anzer, he was researching the oral histories and traditions of the barbarian tribes for the past 10 years.

Further investigation of the food tent indicated that the possible perpetrator was a wolf. Most likely trying to obtain some sort of sustenance for her cubs in this harsh weather, her decision to enter an occupied camp represented the gravity of the weather situation here in the tundra. After spending several hours lying in wait, we made contact as the wolf appeared. I followed her back to her den after making contact. Some bears took up residence in the antechamber thus making it difficult for the mother to leave her cubs in search of food. I helped her relocated to the cave our party occupied before finding the Hide Cutters. One of the cubs decided to join me as I left to make my way back to the Hide Cutters’ camp.

After travelling through the remainder of the night and well into the morning, I arrived before they struck camp. That evening, the Hide Cutters were pressed to decide upon a course of action as their herd continued south toward warmer climes and into Cavingrel territory. I, along with the others, volunteered to aid the Hide Cutters in their attempt to divert the herd.

Personal Log
The dramatic difference in weather patterns for the Tundra affects more than just the peoples who inhabit it. Only a pup, this wolf promises to be larger than life. I lost a good belt and a couple pack straps to his overactive jaw. Well, at least it isn’t my arm or leg or ear anymore. Through the oak root, I could communicate, albeit crudely, with the mother wolf. I am constantly surprised at my intimacy with the natural world. Perhaps this is what Uncle Tel referred to as the “awakening” that some may experience.

Hoguul’s dislike of VanVinder is palpable bordering on hostile. Needless to say his eyes bulged when Nackle VanVinder volunteered to participate in the mission to divert the caribou from their present course into Cavingrel lands. The fact the rest of us agreed as well also gave him some food for thought. VanVinder seems to be a good enough gnome. However there exists a definite difference in how he holds himself as if he holds sway over a great power that no one is aware of making him a strong ally or a dangerous enemy. He gave a small preview of his abilities when he healed me with his touch.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 19
Leaving the Hide Cutter encampment at first light, Tenseg lead us on a path to intercept the caribou herd headed directly for the Cavingrel territorial border. Our path led us to Wurm Lake which was to be crossed in spiked shoes. Initially, the lake seemed to be at the foot of a mountain. Standing in its shadow during our crossing, it was apparent the mountain rose from the depths of Wurm Lake. Tenseg stopped the party to check the state of the ice layer to ensure our safe passage.

The frost giant, identifying himself as Okor, had another thing in mind for our party. His well-aimed boulders illustrated poignantly how precarious our current situation was as the party was strung out in a line across the frozen surface of the lake. The attempts to deter his interests through conversation with various party members seemed unsuccessful as his disposition quickly soured. In his haste to get to us, he fell from his perch. That in turned woke the legendary creature of the lake’s namesake from its slumber as it broke the icy surface to reveal itself. Okor, already partially submerged, was the focus of its ire as the two engaged in mortal combat. This effectively separated the party leaving each fraction to fend for itself as the ice continued to fracture with each passing moment.

This titanic struggle became the backdrop for our own survival upon the treacherous surface as seven ice mephits were bourne with the icy blast from the wurm’s mouth. Fortunately the cold somewhat stabilized the fracturing surface. There was a short reprieve when the wurm dragged Okor beneath the surface into the depths of its lake. In that moment, we could focus upon our own adversaries which proved to be a handful. Tender and even Aymeri had some success. Although the latter fell into the lake and was later retrieved by Tenseg. Ahide Cutter on our side of the struggle also fell before the onslaught of the mephits.

Once the giant and wurm resurfaced, however, our own battle became negligible as Okor was able to deal the beast a deathblow. This, in turn, killed the victorious Okor who was received the full force of the wurm’s demise as it exploded. Fortunately, most of us were able to escape the blast. Mert was caught in a cave and unable to dodge the debris.

Despite all of thise, we still managed to get ahead of the caribou herd. Unfortunately our efforts were all for naught as they overran our makeshift fortification while almost trampling Tenseg. Apparently the magnitude of the battle we survived has taken quite a toll.

Personal Log
Combining use of the Hero’s Brew and an incantation shielding me from the cold, I was somewhat better prepared than the others to face the mephits. They, in turn, required the combined efforts of several in order to cause some sor tof reaction. Only Tender’s sword was effective as my own would only ship away an occasional chunk of ice.

Unfortunately a couple Hide Cutters fell in the wake of the battle waged by Okor and the wurm. Among them was Aymeri who was quickly stranded in the midst of the broken ice field. I was amazed that Tenseg was able to retrieve Aymeri’s body in the midst of the chaos that ensued. Many were in bad shape after the battle and were attended to by Vinder. Considering the current state of the party, the longer route around the lake is the route of choice.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 20
With the caribou heading deep into the Cavingrel lands, Baric suggested we wait for the rest of the HideCutters to show up before deciding upon another course of action. The HideCutters arrived about mid day bearing wounded. Apparently they were set upon by a group of clanless wanders. News of Aymeri’s demise did nothing for Hoguul’s already volatile temperament. Likewise Merti’s news that his brother was indeed alive raised his spirits accordingly.

As for the matter of the caribou, we agreed that being outsides of the tundra we might be able to gain passage into Aros. This might allow us to sneak both Hoguul and Halgar into the Cavingrel court allowing them to plead their case accordingly.

Personal Log
There are more layers to Hoguul than one would expect. Despite having his own prejudices, he is well aware of Vinder’s sensitivities and is quite ready to exploit them as need be to achieve his desired result. Thusly Vinder was accepted into our “clan,” so to speak. To dismiss him as a mere barbarian would be a mistake. Granted their confrontation needlessly delayed our plans for Aros. Although in his jubilation in realizing that Aymeri was alive and just frozen he did make Mert an honorary member of the HideCutters. It’s a toss up who will live to regret it.

I am a bit concerned about this plan to smuggle both Halgar and Hoguul into the court of Cavingrel in Aros. Although his approach of appealing to the common good in light of recent hardships may strike a chord with the people, he mentioned their previous encounter was anything but friendly. Hopefully they can see past their respective biases. The last thing we want is to get caught up in clan feuds with our own destination just over the horizon, literally. Hoguul did make an offhand remark about bringing the head of the frost giant Okor to Aros to parlay into some sort of favor.

As an aside, I managed to discuss a few things with Gimble that have been neglected up until this point. Now, it’s a matter of time before we can make it back to Woltfang. My own fate will be decided accordingly as I am not much more than a neophyte advanced scout.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 21
After a few delays we left the Hide Cutter’s camp for Aros with Hoguul buried under a pile of furs and Halgar disguised, ironically, similar to Vinder complete with false wounds. Two days of travel brought us in contact with the Cavingrel border patrol. Some trivial miscommunication regarding the tribute further delayed our passage, but we were finally on our way to Aros, a vast change from our many months in the Wild. We also learned the Cavingrel have a new Clan Chief. Remains to be seen if this will hamper Hoguul’s negoatiations. The effects of the sudden winter were evident as we neared. Villages of tent camps dotted the outskirts surrounding the urban areas. The streets were filled with gnomes from various tribes, even those who are on less than friendly terms. Occasionally the brawls spill into the streets but the local policing force is pretty quick to maintain a hold on the alternative activities some are fond of besides drinking and carousing.

Navigating the streets in the sleds required some attention but we finally settled upon a particular tavern in an out of the way section of town. A few of the others entered to inquire about lodging and food. There was an odd lull in street traffic allowing both Hoguul and Halgar to make their departure and appeal to the newly installed Clan Chief Marna.

Personal Log
The increased number of people now occupying Aros has driven prices up for everything. Fortunately I maintained a stash of the treasure we’ve collected thus far. Although the increased demand with the unnatural winter has driven prices up. Perhaps we’ll be able to recuperate some of the losses with the sale of the Hide Cutter furs. Our own supplies have dwindled and are in need of replenishment.

Gimble and Vinder seemed rather intent upon gaining an audience with the new Clan Chief. Their efforts bore fruition as they obtained an appointment a week later. I must remember to discuss with them what they hope to learn from her.

Thus, we’ll be in Aros for a week. This presents an unexpected opportunity for each of us to attend to our respective businesses. Mine own duties will include a certain wolf cub. Given the urban setting, it would be a good idea to start training him in some of the basics.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 22
As we were all occupied with our own pursuits, the week passed quickly. Tender shut himself away with Baric to pursue his dream of being a skald. Despite his academic efforts, he still manages to disappear along with the server girl Anda well enough. Gimble was in pursuit of the perfect trap after that makeshift whatever failed during our ordeal with the Graxish. Mert was no where to be seen as Sam informed us repeatedly. Thus, the day of Vinder’s appointment for an audience with the Clan Chief was upon us.

I sent Mert off, armed with some knuckles, to gather a bit of information regarding the vague references to a threat in the north. The rest of us decided to make our way to the Tundrawalker meeting house in the Feigrhus. Coincidentally we ran into one of Tender’s many older brothers, Hurlclubbin Hefgrig. Apparently Tender’s clan have taken up temporary residence near Aros due to the unusual winter.

After agreeing to meet up with them after our audience with Clan Chief Marna, we made our way to her reception room sand Mert who seemed inclined to drink. After being announced and presenting ourselves to the Clan Chief, Tender utilized his newly acquired bardic abilities and explained our desire to help find the cause for this unusual weather and hopefully reverse it. To the surprise of those others also gathered to seek her attention, we were granted a private audience in five days time.

Personal Log
The audience with Clan Chief Marna went well, considering the entrance Merti made while trying to sneak the ink well belong to the scribe. His overly active fingers will someday put him in a position where none of us will be around to intervene on his behalf, should we feel inclined to do so.

I’m curious what information Marna possesses regarding this unnatural summer in the tundra. Her vague remarks leave a lot to the imagination. I’ll have to find out what Mert ferreted out of the locals…besides their respective purses. In the meantime, we’re off to meet up with the Hurlclubbins and see if they could possibly provide us with some information since they’re the reason for our journey north.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 23
We made our way to the Hurlclubbin camp in the morning. We passed a curiously tattoo gnome upon horseback. The tattoo was the same one that seems to follow us since our arrival in the Tundra. Our approach didn’t go unnoticed as Hefgrig met us at the outskirts and lead us toward what seemed like a makeshift settlement. The structures looked like they were built neigh a month putting a time on the duration of the storm. We were led to a fire where Beartooth.greeted us as a party. From him we received more information regarding the unusal winter that blankets the tundra in the midst of what should be summer. The information took the form of the only surviving member of the Bjorkin clan from the north.

Wrapped in a white fur, the Bjorkin began his tale. He spoke of a whispering madness upon the wind that claimed his chief thus leading the clan into the valley of the ice demon. The demon attacked while the gnomes were forming circles of power in order to subdue it. This was when the whispering wind revealed itself to be a tall stranger. Their contest of wills exploded freezing everyone and everything in the vicinity except this single warrior who fled south and eventually into the care of the Hurlclubbin clan. With the conclusion of his story, he removed the bearcloth hide that adorned him and gave it to Tender.

At this point, Hefgrig and Beartooth provided us with some insight regarding the stranger upon horseback whom we saw upon the road earlier. It turns out the gnome was a Deathspeaker who claims the souls of unnamed gnomes upon their death. He was demanding recompense for the violation of his stash. His stash, apparently, was the cave we found shelter in upon our arrival in the Tundra. So, in six days, he will return to claim Beartooth’s soul unless his demands are met.

This weighed heavily on my thoughts during the trek back to Aros. Mert stopped us for a second sharing some of the information he managed to gather to date. First and foremost was the name of the storyteller who spoke of the strange weather when we arrived in Aros, a Ziglur PenPerse. For a few more coins we received a “full” account with less embellishment. He began by describing the arrival of a mysterious individual with dark skin who managed to remain unseen except to him. Seeking out a story, he followed the fellow, at a distance, north into the lands of the Crestfallen. Encountering no problems with the warlike inhabitants, he followed the stranger to a cave where upon he witness a grand exchange of powerful magic. It ended with the wizard changing into a bird and flying away.

Personal Log
Oakstump’s advice continues to echo through my head:

Your journey, perilous it be
You must overcome these obstacles three,
To find your way home,
Far will you roam,
The river of lost souls will have you at a loss
But if he remembers the way, the lost one can cross.
You will find frost sharpened to an edge,
Weather locked in winter, gears blocked by a wedge.
The one who gloats tell many lies
But there are many horrors trapped in his eyes.
Seek out the demon and break his spell
You'll need his name, and his foe's anger you must quell
Look for the one who made it free
The hide of bear, the face of a gnome you will see.

Seems like ages have past since we arrived at the tundra from the Fey. And now to have various bits suddenly materialize before us in Aros is slightly disconcerting. Fortunately, the events of the past months and dealing with them were preparation enough. The Bjorkin clan member was identified as was Ziglur PenPerse. Despite PenPerse flowered presentation, he was indeed scarred from from the events he witnessed, even if he doesn’t realize the magnitude. His expression changed as he seemed to enter a trance-like state. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to extract much else from him. From the two accounts we’re now aware of two locations that seem related. Perhaps Marna will provide some info that will clarify the series of events.

Mert seems to have taken this information gathering to a new level. With each of his disappearances, he’s managed to return with some useful tidbit of information such as the name of the storyteller from the pub. He also managed to help us circumvent the entry tribute into Aros during our return trip from the Hurlclubbin encampment.

I have no intention of allowing Beartooth experience a premature departure at the hands of this so-called “Deathspeaker.” Although it is true we sacked his belongings, we also spared a dead gnome a fate into oblivion. The timing is unfortunate, but we’ll make due. Our meeting with Marna will determine how quickly we set events in motion

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 24
We bore witness to the politicking within the Cavingrel clan upon our arrival to Clan Chief Marna’s throne study. One of her brothers is a shaman who, along with his followers, managed to locate the valley described by the Bjorkin warrior. Seemingly assailed on all sides, she chose to take us into her confidence, but after investigating some of our activities prior to meeting with her. I was appointed leader of the expedition and given the name “Cavingrel Farmann.” We were shipped north by ship accompanied by 40 spears, half Cavingrel, half Hidecutters. Among the Hidecutters were Hoguul, Halgar, Tenseg and Aymeri. We also received a full complement of sleds and dire badgers for our continued travel once the ship reached the beginnings of the ice floes. Important items that we received include a salve that would help us as the temperature dropped and some potions that would allow us to enter the valley from which the cold originated.

Personal Log
Marna’s ascension to the head of the Cavingrel clan seems to be rather rocky, more specifically in the form of one of her brothers, at least. Consequently, it didn’t require much persuasion or effort before she accepted us into her confidence and provided us with what information was available to her. Knowing her brother and his contingent of shamans located and enter what was is most likely the valley described by the Bjorkin warrior gives us something tangible to work with, even if the exact location remains somewhat vague.

Once again politicking reared its head as Marna wished to write the name of Cavingrel into any success that we may achieve, much like the Hidecutters did with the demise of Okor. Accepting the name “Cavingrel Farmann” seemed like the appropriate choice at the time as this would provide resources otherwise unavailable to us. It remains to be seen if there will be a conflict of interest with my Aegis duties to the south. It was indeed a pleasant surprise to find ourselves in the company of our Hidecutter friends prior to our stay at Aros. I suppose this is part of whatever overtures Hoguul offered to Marna in exchange for some inter-clan cooperation. So other than trying to get Halgar onto the ship, which was an effort in of itself, the ship will carry as far north as possible whereupon well, weigh anchor and go to the sleds.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 25
We managed to squeeze a day and half of travel north using the ship before the ice floes prevent further progress. Dropping anchor near shore, the sleds and teams of dire badgers were quickly unloaded along with the various supplies. The ship moved south as the ice continued to expand. After gaining some bearings and consulting the map, we headed north toward the Ice Demon’s cave as described by Marna making our way through the lands of the Crestfallen.

The sleds flew over the snow following a path that threaded a frozen river on our left with steep cliffs to our right. In the distance, we noticed ridge dropped eventually converging upon the river. Surprisingly, we encountered none of the hostile inhabitants indigenous to the area. However, the barest shaft of light of light produced a glint off an exposed weapon upon the ridge. Further investigation revealed the presence of at least 150 Crestfallen warriors. Their intent was easily discernible: they intend to ambush the convoy of 40 gnomes where the river and ridge converged.

The plan was simple: divide the convoy and someone gets through. With the exception of a single sled manned by the steady hand of Halgar, the other nine would charge the juncture drawing the imminent downpour of the Crestfallen. The remaining sled would follow after quickly trying to circumnavigate the battlefront. As outlanders from the south were piled into the single sled along with some of the supplies.

Encountering some of the overflow from the avalanche of Crestfallen, Halgar guided us to safety over, and in some cases, through bodies. The noise of battle receded with distance as we entered the frozen blight. Only the salve provided by Marna shielded us from its detrimental effects. Finding a pocket in the mountain range, we came upon an ascending staircase carved into the side of the mountain. In severe disrepair, it led to a door presumably was the lair of the ice demon. Fatigued from our flight, we found some shelter in some trees and saved the ascent for the morning.

Personal Log
The boat trip north into the lands of the Crestfallen was unusually uneventful. Having been informed this was a warlike tribe, we waited for something, anything. Fortunately, nothing happened. Eventually disembarking from the ship, our sleds traveled at a good clip as we continued north meeting no resistance. Needless to say Halgar was relieved to be off the ship. The calm belied the torrent that circulated just beneath the surface.

Even at 150 to 40 odds, the gnomes did not flinch when Hoguul announced the strategy for gaining the pass. Thus, on this day, we witnessed Hoguul’s battle prowess allowing him to rightfully lay claim the title: Master of the Sleds. Unlike those before him, he skillfully directed the dire badgers in the onslaught methodically trampling the oncoming Crestfallen.

Sitting around the small fire, our thoughts drifted toward our comrades whom we left behind at the pass. Particularly Halgar, who adeptly navigated the edge of the conflict, more than once looked nonchalantly to the south. He did not want to leave his brother’s side.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 26
The watch through the night was largely uneventful; Merti vaguely described something about feline eyes but we found nothing to substantiate his claim.

After ascending the crumbled staircase under the guidance of Gimble, we stood at the entrance of what appears to be crafted by dwarves. The smoothly carved tunnel opened into a large circular room with four statues forming a square at the center. Nearly reaching the roof of the domed ceiling, the four statues were of dwarves lending credence to the origin of the ice demon’s residence. A single hole in the center of the ceiling revealed another floor located above. Merti discovered a hidden door he found amongst some pillars lining the section of wall near the entrance. The door unveiled a gently sloping pathway that seemed to wind around the room we previously occupied. The unusually clean passage crossed a hallway with a door located on the far side. Following Mert into the hallway, both Gimble and I turned in surprise as a portcullis slammed into the floor from the ceiling separating us from Tender, Halgar and Vinder who remained in the passageway.

Farther down the hallway to the left, a shimmering block moved toward us at an alarming rate. As it turned out, this was the reason for the uncommon tidiness. Gimble attempted to pick the locked door but was poisoned for his trouble. As the shimmering masses advanced upon us, we noticed the opposite end of the hall ended in a deep hole filled with the remains of previous adventurers who reached this point. Noticing a lever at the far end of the hallway through the ooze, he quickly passed a grapple and rope through the portcullis to Tenderfoot in hopes that he might activate it after the mass passed that point. Having dropped two Alchemist fire potions into the ooze between attempts to hack away at it, we tried to move through it and were caught in its maw accordingly. Fortunately, Tenderfoot delivered the killing blow as the mass collapsed into a pool of jelly leaving the three of us lying on the floor.

Gimble, abandoning subtlety altogether, took his blade to the locked door and surprisingly cut through it with a bit of effort. We entered the room and found only a balcony to which we climbed. Standing in the middle of another hallway, one end led to a library of infernal texts while the other to a bedroom complete with a young white dragon. The encounter was brief as we strong-armed the young dragon to parlay. After a bit of an exchange with the dragon leaving our presence for a few minutes, it return leading us into a room that filled with a torrential inrush of water. However, to our amazement, a suspended stone descended from the ceiling upon which was both the name of the ice demon, Oriestan, and the Staff of Ancestor’s Void.

Saturated to the core, we were finally able to free ourselves and exit the demon’s residence. Unfortunately, a significant amount of our gear was consumed while in the maw of the ooze. However, with Gimble’s guidance once again, we were able to make the descent along the dilapidated stairwell. Returning to our sled and badgers, we discovered the young dragon’s handy work during its absence. Salvaging what we could and fashioning some snow shoes, we headed toward where we thought the conflict on the previous day with the Crestfallen in the hopes we could encounter some survivors as well as some much needed supplies. About an hour into the journey, we encountered the remnants of the original company sent from Aros. Only two sleds and a handful of Hidecutters and Cavingrel survived the battle. Hoguul, Aymeri, Tenseg and Baric were among them. After a brief exchange, Tenseg and I determined the location of the valley. Traveling only a few hours into the night we set camp.

Personal Log
The trek through the demon’s residence provided a king-size portion of excitement. Ignorance coupled with carelessness nearly resulted in the death of two of my party members as well as myself. Then again, hindsight is so much clearer. But once the trap was sprung, I was not about to leave Mert alone to face whatever it was at the end of the hall. We were lucky to survive that particular encounter.

We later determined the room to be the one we saw at the beginning of our exploration of the demon’s household. It was designed to literally flush any intruders from his inner sanctum.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 27
Continuing at sunrise, we found the valley encased in a tangible dome of blizzard and ice. Five others, Hoguul, Halgar, Baric, Aymeri and Denir, would join us to continue the journey into the dome. The dire badgers, having reached the limit of their tolerance, were held in reserve for a hasty retreat. Tenseg and the remaining gnomes would watch over them. The salve provided a minimal, but necessary, measure of protection as the potions provided by Marna were nothing more than peach whiskey.

Undaunted we moved forward. Both Gimble and Tender seemed unaffected by the cold that buffeted the rest of us from every direction cutting as deeply as a sword without drawing a drop of blood. Immediately both Vinder and Mert were affected as fatigue set in impeding their movement. Only a short distance in we found a casualty who, unfortunately, turned out to be one of Tender’s bothers. Upon encountering this, those of us who could sprinted toward the center while the others kept up as best as they could.

What we found was a strange sight.

A ring of frozen bodies, presumably the Bjorkin clan gnomes, encircled two tall forms: a dark-skinned wizard and the “ice demon.” Frozen in their moment of confrontation, we quickly searched for the ring that held the beast. Our frantic search uncovered it at the foot of the demon buried under the ice. Immediately the air seemed filled with anger as the ring began to glow. With the exception of Tender and myself, the others seemed to be engulfed by it. Tender invoked the power of the staff calling forth the Ancestral Void while proclaiming the name of the demon and striking the wizard. What ensued was chaotic.

Disintegrating into a pile of ash, the bear cloak worn by Tender fell to the ground. The ice encasing the two combatants seemed to recede as they began to thaw. However it was a small window as the ice slowly began to re-exert its influence. Gimble, after negotiating an agreement with the wizard, began striking at the circle that trapped the demon finally destroyed the enchantment. The rest us were poised to provide a delaying action once the demon was free as Greycinder prepared a spell.

Hoguul fell beneath the blade of the demon in the initial skirmish. Our efforts functioned primarily as a distraction as the demon received little if any damage from our attempts. The tide of battle turned when Greycinder’s spell came to fruition as he gained control of the demon. The pair flew off as the dome of ice began to crumble. We were just able to escape from the valley with the body of Hoguul and Tender’s ashes. VanVinder succumbed to the biting cold but not before saving Mert. Denir fell during this retreat but saved Gimble. We were unable to retrieve either gnome’s body.

We found our companions who remained behind at the lip of the valley. Loading the survivors and the deceased, we made for the designated port where the Cavingrel ship was to meet us. Pushing on through the night, we boarded the ship which immediately set sail for Aros.

Personal Log
The sun was a welcomed indeed. Having lived through the last few days, one wonders what exactly happened. To some extent we’ll never know exactly what transpired. In the meantime, there is much to mull over:

At the forefront is the problem with the amber potions. Now two conclusions can be drawn from this. Knowing we, as outsiders, would rely upon these for dealing with the extreme cold we would encounter far in the north, Marna felt this would ensure the failure of our mission. In the meantime, having the salve work properly would placate any hesitations we may initially possess. I find this highly unlikely as she has much more to gain with a successful effort on our part. The second, which is more insidious, is that someone else was trying to sabotage the campaign from the beginning. This seems more likely as it would most likely help undermine Marna’s efforts especially since she enlisted the aid of outsiders. Rest assured, I will get to the bottom of that to exact justice for my fallen comrades.

The next is Gimble’s erratic behavior. He seems to swing between bouts of silence and high activity or agitation. These are further magnified by periods of great intensity. And of course there was the faint appearance of the invisible helm upon his head that manifested as the ice dome crumbled around us. A few of us recognized it from his appearance during our time in the land of the Fey. All in all, if not for his effort, we would be buried underneath several layers of ice. Gimble is taciturn as it is, but he seems more so as of late. I will have to keep an eye on him.

This is followed by a need for remembrance of those who fell along this treacherous path which we navigate. Vinder gave of himself selflessly saving Mert in his last hour. Even the dour guard Denir was given to a bout of heroic effort by pulling Gimble free as the dome crumbled. The fall of Hoguul was a great loss to the HideCutter clan who now follow Halgar as their Clan Chief. Many songs will fill the air with his courage during this excursion. However, the greatest loss is to our group with the fall of Tender who, in the barbarian lands, never received his name.

Finally, as we race south back to Aros, there is the matter of this Dramash Ryul whose laid claim upon the life of Beartooth. Mindful of a promise I made to my departed friend, I pray to Endool we’re are in time. Ignorant of the Deathspeaker ways, I sought out Halgar, Baric and Aymeri in an effort to learn more of what we intend to face. Halgar was of few words deferring to Aymeri while Baric continue to mumble about something before disappearing below deck. Other than warning about their cryptic magic, there doesn’t seem to be much else available for an avenue of action. We will see what we see and not before that.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 28
Our ship weighed anchor late into dusk as Beartooth’s fate laid in our hands. Making preparations to leave quickly, we came upon Hefgrig who was to lead us in secret to the meeting place for Dramash Ryul and Beartooth.

We arrived early enough to set up an ambush as well as we could given our current state of affairs. The skirmish that ensued was fast. We focused our efforts upon Dramash Ryul himself. However, he managed to call forth some zombies. Hefgrig and the others dealt with them leaving the rest to deal with the Deathspeaker himself. Both Mert and Aymeri were able to draw the attention of Dramash Ryul whom we tried to keep disoriented. Part way into battle we were joined by a dwarf who was at the forefront of a gnome army that surrounded the hill. Finding himself in a deteriorating situation as the tides of war shifted, the Deathspeaker escaped promising retribution against the Hurlclubbins.

Having rescued Beartooth, we learned shortly thereafter that the dwarf who stood with us was the reincarnation of Tender. He is known hence forth as “Frostbreaker.”

Personal Log
The necklace we found in Dramash Ryul’s cave turned out to be his undoing as Mert effectively disoriented Deathspeaker throughout the battle. But the end result is that fortune smiled upon us with the rescue of Beartooth and the newly named Frostbreaker, albeit in the shape of a dwarf.

The next order of business is to ensure the well-being of the party. We have traveled many miles and it is time to settle in and heal up a bit. This will also give me enough downtime to follow up on a few unanswered questions.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 29
Further investigation revealed the betrayal was devised by Dorga, a shaman who follows one of Marna’s her brother. His treachery was revealed whereupon he was slain by Marna’s own hand when he revealed his disgust at her station in the clan.

Within a week of this episode, passage south was secured. In the meantime, a gathering of the threes clans (Cavingrel, Hide Cutters and Tundrawalkers) and their respective chiefs made for a celebration for the end of winter’s grasp upon the tundra

Personal Log
Barbarian justice is swift, like the rules of the wild. Suffice to say my own blade would have found its way into the chest of Dorga if not for Marna’s swiftness. The shamans are fools for believing her to be weak in the face of adversity.

I find myself anxious to start on our journey south. Even by boat it promises to be long. The information regarding the local goblin clans must be reported to the Aegis quickly. I fear what may have transpired while I was away for the past three months.

Notes for Aegis debriefing, entry 30
The seasons change rapidly as we near the end of our journey that has taken about 6 months, half of which was spent on this boat. Finally able to regain our land legs we made for Wolt Fang by the most direct route.

Personal Log
This wolf cub grows rapidly with each passing day. Only its hunger seems to keep pace with it. Requiring a lion share of the rations, I learned much in training this arctic wolf. Taking it from its home in the north worries me. But it is young and energetic, it will make he necessary adjustments and adapt.

The others seem occupied with matters of their own…

Gimble rarely leaves the sanctuary of his quarters. And the few times he does he is rather sickly in appearance. Even more taciturn than normal, I am concerned with his well-being. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem to volunteer any information.

Frostbreaker is still adjusting to his new “form” so to speak. Some of the gnome crew haven’t accepted him as readily for his appearance. However, we do have the benefit of both traveling and fighting along side of him in battle for many months. Few things could ever sway that trust.

Mert is well, Mert…for the lack of a better descriptor. He will be happy once we step foot in Wolt Fang after the ordeal in the northern Tundra. The bustle of an urbanized area seems better suited for him. I pray he does not find more trouble than he can handle as I will be unable to help him.