Hathar's Journal

On the road to Solace: (Reorxmont 14th, 351AC)

It was five years ago tomorrow that I left the town of Solace which I had called my home for so many years. Tomorrow I will return, and with any luck see my old friends again, for it was to here that we gave oath to return. It seems that I have been away for an age, searching across the lands for a sign of the true gods. It saddens me that I have been unsuccessful, I fear that my friends will have been to, but my heart lifts at the thought of seeing them again.

On the road to Solace: (Reorxmont 15th, 351AC - evening)

I had met most of my dear friends earlier this afternoon. Simanuêla, Thalin, Kryllian and his damn bird Eyesore, Nemmerle, and of course the irrepressible Arcus. Only Uriel was missing. Hopefully we will see him in Solace. As we walked along the Solace road, discussing old times, we were set upon by a bunch of hobgoblins, demanding a blue crystal staff. Their leader, who called himself Fewmaster Toede, escaped after ordering the others to attack us. Their mistake to obey, as most of them died when we defended ourselves. We captured one however, and interrogated him. He claimed that the Theocrat of Solace was behind it. He sounded as if he really believed it, but all of us find it hard to believe.

On the road to Haven: (Reorxmont 16th, 351AC - evening)

The last day has been almost unbelievable. In the morning, we had just broken camp when were were approached by a young human couple from the plains. Goldmoon, a beautiful lady and Riverwind, a strong, proud young man. She sang a song of beauty, accompanied by Riverwind on a flute - almost as way of introduction. The song told how she was the chieftain's daughter, and that her father had sent Riverwind on an impossible mission to return with a sign of the True Gods as proof of his worthiness for her hand. (It must have been a sign of the True Gods for us to meet them this morning, since that was exactly what each of us had been trying to do for the last five years!) Apparently, he had succeeded, and returned with the "Staff of Mishakal". For his efforts, he was denounced, and stoned. Goldmoon ran to his side, and the staff teleported them to safety - just a short way from where we met them it seems. We offered to escort them into Solace, as they appeared lost, although at the time, I think we were all a bit sceptical about their story.

Cautiously, we entered Solace, making our way to the Inn of the Last Home. I may be a dwarf, and have stone and mountains in my blood, but the mighty Valenwoods of Solace are in my heart, and as we returned back under their leafy boughs my heart soared at their peace and tranquility.

In the Inn, Otik and his now grown up daughter Tika were somewhat subdued however. We found from them that there had been many changes in Solace recently, and that the local Theocrat was not the man he once was.

Uriel was in the inn when we arrived, and was in a sad mood, since he had hoped to find his long lost brother, but had failed to do so. A strange old man was telling stories to some of the locals, and Goldmoon became very agitated when he told a story which seemed to echo her and Riverwind's own experiences! We subsequently spoke to the old man, who called himself "Elder", and he told us some things that we found hard to swallow. He was definitely more than he seemed - he claimed he could see the future. Certainly he foresaw a group of hobgoblins coming up the tree! We took the back exit and climbed down a rope to the ground. We are now camped in the woods to the north of Solace. My bones are tired and I will have to rise again in only a few hours for my watch, so I will end now.

On the road to Haven (Reorxmont 18th, 351AC - morning)

Only a couple of hours ago we had a very strange encounter.

Coming out of the woods, we came across a group of what looked like monks with a cart. Their leader claimed that they had a colleague in the cart who was on his death bed. He claimed he had heard about a magic staff that could perform miracles. We were suspicious, as none of them would show their faces. Suddenly, they threw off their cloaks and revealed their true nature – strange lizard like creatures, who attacked us. After a brief, almost surreal battle, where the creatures turned to stone upon dying – Manu lost her weapon as it got locked inside the stone – we questioned the plainsman Riverwind again. He had frozen with fear when they had revealed themselves – he had witnessed their kind before, although the memory had been lost to him till that moment. He told us that he had seen these creatures and others like them – creatures that resembled the legends of Dragons – when he had travelled to that far land to find the staff which Goldmoon holds today.

Luckily, the stone crumbled to dust a short while later – releasing Manu’s sword. Arcus managed to keep one of the statues on the cart, and although as I write it is starting to deteriorate, we hope that it will last till we make Haven, so we have evidence to show the council. It appears however that we are not the only ones to see these devils, and I am glad Arcus thought to cover the damn ugly thing with a blanket. The road is full of refugees – armies of these creatures are attacking villages to the north. We have seen the smoke ourselves! Dark times indeed!

Into Darken Wood (Reorxmont 19th, 351AC - midday)

Our visit to Haven was less than satisfactory – it appeared that the council there were only keen on finding the staff and giving it to the Draconians – that is what people seem to be calling these lizard like winged creatures. We all kept quiet about Goldmoon’s staff, and Arcus suggested we go to Xak Tsaroth to search out and kill / "study!" the suspected Dragon there. Goldmoon however had other plans, and revealed the staff to the council. They demanded that it be handed over, and their leader, the Minster, tried to take the staff from her by force. He was struck down by a lightning bolt! As he lay near death, Goldmoon used the staff to heal him. Having witnessed this miracle – the council agreed to allow the party to travel to Xak Tsaroth to "return the staff" to it’s rightful place. At least we had a chance to replenish our supplies before we left.

Now we pause for a bite to eat. We have the feeling we are being followed, and Darken Wood beckons as the shortest route. We are all nervous since it has been rumoured that the dead walk again in Darken Wood, and apparently none come out alive!

Near Xak Tsaroth (Reorxmont 20th, 351AC - morning)

My hand still shakes as I write this, and I make a vow, never to experience that sensation again. I get ahead of myself however.

Within a few hours of entering the wood yesterday, we were met by a group of Centaurs – half man half horse. They appeared to be expecting us, and led us to someone called "the Forest Master". This someone turned out to be one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen – a unicorn. The Forest Master told us that he had been visited by a powerful entity (we hoped he meant one of the true gods!) and that he had been told to expect us. He was to aid us in our journey to Xak Tsaroth. Apparently, we had less than 2 days to reach the city and according to the Forest Master, once there "if we prove worthy, we shall receive the greatest gift given to the world." Hmmm….what that means remains to be seen!

It was at this point a group of Pegasi landed in the clearing, and they were the means by which we would accomplish the journey in such a short time. They were to carry us nearly all the way there. Despite wearing Raspaldin's ring, I am only thankful that we were tied on and that the Forest Master was able to make us fall asleep on the journey. It was a nightmare of a journey that lasted the night. Dwarves are not supposed to fly!

Before us now lies the march swamp land, beyond which lies Xak Tsaroth. We have woken having been flying all night, and we are about to enter. I will write more later.

A camp just outside Xak Tsaroth (Reorxmont 20th, 351AC - late afternoon)

We have been captured by a large patrol of Draconians! These seemed somewhat different from the others, and proved so by their ability to cast spells. They also died in a different manner, turning to acid. All of us bar Manu now sit in a bamboo cage – we don’t know where she is, but we think she got away – if anyone could, she could. I tested the bars, and I’m sure I could break them, although I think I will wait till the guard goes first, as I am without armour and weapons. We are in some form of clearing, with what looks like a Dragon at the far end of the clearing. Something seems strange about it though.

Eyesore, Kryllian’s familiar, has just proved that something was a bit odd about that dragon! It is made of wicker! Kryllian has sent Eyesore off on another mission – and that clever bird has returned with his spell components! We have a chance after all!

Xak Tsaroth (Reorxmont 20th, 351AC - evening)

Nemmerle died today, cut down from behind by a Draconian priest! Our long time friend, who’s childish ways and almost incomprehensible dialect, was lost forever to us. We all mourn Nemmerle today.

Manu had created a diversion for us, setting the wicker dragon on fire. This gave us the time we needed to break out of the cage and find our belongings. Nemmerle also found another captive halfling named Kralin in one of the small huts that were there. In rescuing him however, he had attracted the attention of the Draconians, who then attacked us. We killed them all, but not before their leader priest had killed Nemmerle.

I can wrote no more - time is short, and we must march on to reach our destination. We have only 5 hours left to fulfil some unknown mission! I will write later if I can. Kralin has decided to join us - he thinks he will find more adventure with us! I will never understand the ways of kender!.

Xak Tsaroth – Temple of Mishakal (Reorxmont 20th, 351AC - night)

I am in awe. The power of the Gods is truly with us.

We had come across a large well next to a large building. Goldmoon had gone inside the building, led by some hidden voice I feel, and we had been looking around outside when a real live dragon flew out of the well. Complete and utter darkness had descended, dragon fear washing over us, and causing most of us to cower in fear. Arcus’s ring had dispelled the darkness moments later, although I almost wish it hadn’t. The Dragon dove at us, and breathed acid over us. Many of us were terribly burnt, myself included. But Arcus and Kralin were most badly injured. The dragon, thinking it’s work done, had dived back down the hole.

Goldmoon then called us into the temple, where to brought our friend Arcus’s body, together with our newly met companion Kralin. A miracle was performed, and the Goddess Mishakal appeared before us. Arcus and Kralin were brought back to life and we have been given a goal. The Disks of Mishakal – we are told provide much learning and lore about the gods – need to be retrieved from the city of Xak Tsaroth which apparently lies below us. Arcus explained that he had read in the past that it had been swallowed by the earth in the Cataclysm.

Mishakal has healed and refreshed us, and we have found what looks like a way down into the city below. For now, we have only hours to achieve our task, so I will stop here.

Xak Tsaroth – the buried city. (Reorxmont 20th, 351AC - late night)

We have just stopped to rest, and to make some plans. We had only just started to descend towards the buried city, when we had come across a couple of Draconians who had been patrolling the passage ways. We had captured one of them and attempted to get it to reveal details of what we could expect – but it seems that the vermin just don’t respect any life – not even their own unnatural ones. Soon however, we came across a load of other vermin. Gully Dwarves! It appears that they infest the ruins of Xak Tsaroth now like rats.

Luckily they are also pretty stupid. One of them showed us a secret tunnel – read slippery pipe - which they used to ascend to the surface. Apparently the Draconians have been using the Gully Dwarves as slave labour, and as ballast to work some form of lift. It sounds similar to devices my mountain living cousins have in their mountain holdfasts – although I bet ours would work in a more sophisticated way! One of the gully dwarves claims to have seen what we seek, the Disks of Mishikal, amongst the treasure in the Dragon’s Lair.. I don’t trust it further than I could throw it! And that is being generous.

With only minor problems, we managed to make it down to the city floor. It is a strange dead place – half of the buildings are upside down and there are spectres and ghosts of the people who used to live here. Kralin is convinced we are in the Abyss and keeps expecting to meet Chemosh! He makes me laugh almost as often as he makes me cry that one. His presence helps us get over Nemmerele’s sad demise.

The gully dwarf has presented us to his "king" – who has agreed to help us by staging a diversion, whilst we sneak into the dragon’s lair and steal the disks. We have paused to rest and to plan how we might do this.

On the Plains east of Que-shu (Reorxmont 22nd, 351AC)

Uriel, our long time friend is no more. We have defeated the black dragon, the same one responsible for the death of Arcus and Kralin before the Goddess Mishikal brought them back to life, but our victory is hollow because of the price we have had to pay. With help from a cursed gully dwarf named Bink, we had found a secret way into the lair - a water filled tunnel that came up through the floor – and Arcus had then acted as decoy to entice the dragon out. Once inside the lair, we set up an ambush and prepared ourselves for the dragon’s return. Arcus, still outside the lair, used the magical properties of his cloak, and enticed the dragon out escaping by passing magically through walls. Back in the lair, the dragon had charged in, only to receive a Kryllian sent fireball and several enlarged flasks of greek fire. A massive fireball had exploded into the cavern, killing the dragon, but also back-lashing onto us as well. Uriel was caught fully in the blast. Kryllian, always close to Uriel, is taking it particularly hard, as it was his spell that triggered the back-lash, and I think he feels guilty.

After the dragon had died, Riverwind found the Disks we had come for amongst the many treasures of the dragon’s horde. If only we had had 2 dozen pack-ponies! I think the disks are made of platinum – they certainly look quite heavy! As the explosion had caved in the ceiling within the main entrance tunnel, we had to exit the way we came in, and wet and dripping we made our way out, only to witness what could only be described as an "army" of gully dwarves facing down a large number of Draconians. It seems the disgusting runts had some back-bone after all!. "King Bubbub" (Ha!) was at the front speaking to the Draconian leader, when suddenly a figure materialised from nowhere and slit the throat of the Draconian leader. Instantly, the stalemate was broken, and with a mighty roar, the two facing forces charged into each other.

Feeling that our presence might help tip the balance, several of us had charged into the fray, trying to reach the mysterious figure who sparked the battle. After what seemed like an eternity of wading through a nightmare of blood, gore, sudden sprays of acid and weapons lost, trapped in suddenly stone draconians, we made our way, with the new-comer in tow back to the surface and the Temple of Mishikal.

Suspicious, we questioned the newcomer to discover his identity. Apparently he just "happened" to be in the area. He is an elf named Lore – one to whom Manu took an instant dislike. I know there are things about Manu’s past that she does not like to talk about - I think Lore may be getting the brunt of that. Certainly she spends a lot of time away from the elven homelands.

He too was suspicious of us – and thought our story about the return of the True Gods to be lies, at least until Mishikal appeared before us again. Filled with joy by the Goddesses presence, I still feel tears well up when I think of it. Goldmoon returned the staff to the Goddess, and in return, received a medallion of some kind, some kind of Holy Symbol. The Goddess healed all our wounds and gave us a mission: to find the man whom would become "leader of all the people" and give him the Disks we had retrieved.

As I write this, the light is failing fast – having marched out of the swamp next to Xak Tsaroth, we have been marching across the Que-shu plains towards Goldmoon and Riverwind’s homelands, and I am tired. It is fine for those long legged fellows, but myself and Kralin do not have their advantage in length of stride, and these long marches tire both of us. Kralin has not once today tried to "examine" my wood carvings! Tomorrow hopefully we should at least reach the hospitality of Goldmoon’s tribe, although from what Goldmoon told us of the last time she was here, that may not be that good!

Oh yes, and we have one other addition to our band. The smelly gully dwarf, "Bink" has for some reason joined us. I wanted to kick the untrustworthy, stupid, smelly piece of garbage out, but for some reason was over ruled. I don’t understand what the others see in him, but as long as he doesn’t bother me, I guess I can withstand his presence.

The Que-shu plains (Reorxmont 27th, 351AC)

I cannot write about the scene of devastation that greeted us when we arrived at the plainsfolk’s home. The village that was once their own was now a ghost town, decaying bodies and burnt homes were all that remained – from the numerous tracks, we deduced that a Draconian army had passed through here.

Sadly, it seems that Goldman and Riverwind's are now the sole survivors of their tribe. In the ruins we met a gnome named Rikwik. He had wandered in, travelling alone, and had been sheltering from the weather . As we spoke with him, a band of draconians appeared – whether advance scouts or tail guard we were unable to determine, as Lore leapt into action and suddenly we were forced into combat with them. Luckily, our skill out matched theirs, and we survived the battle with no injuries, and managed to capture some. They revealed no information upon questioning, and we were forced to dispatch them. Not a pleasant task I can tell you! Some of the others failed to see the necessity of this task – Bink’s reaction was probably the most surprising

We still have no idea on how to complete our new mission. Mishikal has told us what to do but not how. Despite Goldmoon and Riverwind’s obvious shock and grief, we have decided to press on and return to Solace to see what is happening to our adopted homeland. Rikwik decided to join us.

The Que-Shu plains (Reorxmont 28th, 351AC)

Leaving the scene of devastation of Que Kiri behind us, we have continued our journey towards Solace, climbing up over the Sentinel peaks. In the distance we can see smoke. It does not bode well. Although it is dusk, we have decided to press on, our concern about what is happening at Solace at the top of our mind. I swore by Reorx to have revenge on whoever was responsible for what we could see. Bink heard me, and flinched. Flinched as if I’d made to hit him! Made me think though, if my morals had sunk below that of a gully dwarf, then what was to become of me!

Outside Solace (Reorxmont 30th, 351AC)

My eyes fill with tears and it is not from the smoke of the burning Vallenwoods. Solace is afire. The others arguing about whether to enter the town and try to rescue some of our old friends , or whether to wait until dawn . We have just witnessed dragons flying over the town burning the mighty trees with their fiery breath. Lore has decided to go into the town on his own , I think we're going to wait for him to return.

***

Lore has returned. He has witnessed many people being rounded up and put into caged wagons, captured as slaves. We have made a pledge to follow where they are being sent to. Tika, Otik the innkeeper at the Inn of the Last Home's daughter, has also staggered out of the ruins. She wants to join us to follow the slave caravan. We will search the ruins in the morning for any survivors and then follow.

Qualinost (Hiddumont 4th, 351AC)

It has been a few days since I have been able to write. We are currently in the elven city of Qualinost - and a finer looking place above ground I cannot imagine. We had followed the wagons for a few days as they headed south, trying to figure out a way to rescue the captured people of Solace. Before we could perfect any plan however, help came from an unexpected quarter. The elves of Qualinost ambushed the caravan of slave wagons, slaughtering the draconian guards. We arrived to help release the prisoners, and quickly came to realise that the elves had interest only in one of the prisoners - an elven prince named Gilthanas who had been helping the humans of Solace. Theros, my blacksmith friend from Solace had lost his arm, and was near death. Goldmoon healed him using Mishikal's power, and word quickly spread amongst the captives that a miracle had occured.

Gilthanas thought that it would be good for news of the return of the True Gods to be taken to his home - and , despite reluctance on the part of his brothers, Gilthanas persuaded Goldmoon to go there. Although Manu was reluctant to go, though for what reasons she has not yet said, the party split with myself, Manu, Krytllian, and Kralin accompanying Goldmoon and Riverwind with the elves here to Qualinost and Thalin, Arcus, Tika, the gnome Rikwik and the gully dwarf Bink, leading the refugees to "safety" elsewhere.

The journey to Qualinost was uneventful, though the elven lands are beautiful, and the horrors of the Dragons and Draconians seems a long way away. As I sit and write this, we are waiting to attend an audience with Gilthanas's father, the ruler of the elves.

South of Pax Tharkas (Hiddumont 8th, 351AC)

Again, it has been several days since I managed to get the time to write in my journal – but I feel it may be several more before I get a chance to do so again, so I sit here now, in the foot hills close to Pax Tharkas, and scribble these words.

My last entry was whilst we were in Qualinost – awaiting an audience with the leader of the elves. Meeting Gilthanas was an honour, though he had little interest in sending any help beyond his borders – even when Goldmoon performed another minor healing miracle on his own long time infirmity! The thing that changed his mind, and the reason that Gilthanas is with us now, is because whilst we were in their palace – Lore turned up on the back of a wyvern and kidnapped Laurana – Gilthanas’s sister!

Re-provisioned, and luckily not in too much trouble because of Kralin’s fiddling with things which didn’t belong to him, we had set out in pursuit, heading towards Pax Tharkas – the only destination our limited clues pointed us at.

Yesterday, we came across the scene of a battle. One survivor – named Eben – has joined us, though I am suspicious about his motives – I didn’t like the coincidences surrounding the manner in which we met him.

Now we sit, watching an army of draconians marching northwards out of the great fortress that spans the mountain pass, whilst we wait for darkness. Gilthanas claims to know a Sla-Mori – Secret Way – into the fortress. Inside, we suspect is Laurana and the other slaves. More importantly, Goldmoon has had a vision from Mishikal, and believes that the man we seek – the leader of all men - is within the fortress.

Inside Pax Tharkas - Resting in the Chain Room (Hiddumont 9th, 351AC)

We have penetrated the fortress. The Sla-Mori was just where Gilthanas had said it would be, and he surprised me by casting a magical spell to open it. It was not the only surprise at that point, as Thalin, whom we did not expect to see, had been following us, and had just managed to catch us up again at that point. It was good to have the young Solmanic Knight back with us again.

We made our way through ancient tunnels, past crypts where the dead walked and had to be fought off, and eventually found our way to a room with a huge ancient chain, each link thicker than a man’s body. Our suspicions about Eben have come to a head, and Goldmoon is currently speaking to him alone – I personally don’t trust him as far as I could throw him.

Kralin has climbed the chain and apparently seen this Dragonlord through some form of peephole.

Inside Pax Tharkas (Hiddumont 10th, 351AC)

We have found the slaves – or at least their womenfolk. Some of the others, Manu and Goldmoon included have gone to feed the children – which is what the draconians are using as leverage to get the men and women to co-operate. We have also found the man of whom Mishikal spoke. Elistan. He was sick and dying, but Goldmoon and the power of Mishikal soon cured him and persuaded all the women present that the Gods had returned and that there was still hope in the world. Finally, we have also found Gilthanas’s sister Laurana – in fact she was the first we found. She was being taken by 4 now dead Draconians – presumably to see Verminaard – the DragonLord who appears to be running the place.

South of Pax Tharkas (Hiddumont 12th, 351AC)

Again, some time has passed since I last had the time to write in my journal. Having formulated a plan, the party split into three. My group went to find Verminaard and try to kill him. Another group went to try and release the children who were guarded by an ancient red dragon – who the women had convinced us was senile! The last group – basically Eben – stayed with Elistan and the womenfolk.

We found Verminaard – and his younger not senile dragon he called Ember! Although we managed to kill Verminaard, he was not to stay dead for long. The dragon, although distracted by some powerful spells of Kryllian’s, took Verminaaard’s body and escaped – much to our relief! Kryllian also out an great illusion of the dragonlord, using it to persuade a group of draconians to leave us alone!

Having done one part of our task, we returned to find that the other group had succeeded in rescuing the children, and we in the process of hiding them with Eben and the womenfolk in the Sla-Mori. We pressed on, battling with more draconians to get to the area where the men-folk were held. Shortly after that, the slaves revolted against their slave masters and suddenly, it seemed everything was going well. It was at that point that Verminaard somehow managed to return to life, this time flying his dragon Ember. Mishikal somehow must have had a hand in our fate then, as the ancient senile red dragon who had been guarding the children appeared, attacking Ember for "stealing her children!"

The two dragons, locked in combat, fell to the ground on the north side of the citadel. We led the men-folk to their women and children, and they then started to flee south away from the keep.

We headed back inside the keep to see if we could invoke the ancient defence mechanism of the keep – namely blocking the main huge doors of the keep with hundreds of tons of stone. Having done that – the dust from which made me cough for hours – we did a quick search of Verminaards’s chambers for any useful information, then followed the refugees south.

Currently, we are camped close by to them two days south of Pax Tharkas, having encountered only a couple of draconian patrols, so far we seem to be having an easy time escaping Pax Tharkas. The refugees seem to want us to act as advisors to a damn council they have set up. Humans! They have to run everything by committee it seems! I also seem to have gained a shadow – a young kender named Floop seems to want to hover at my elbow all the time – and I’m getting fed up of asking for my carving knife back all the time! But he does make me laugh, so I can’t be angry at him.

Tower of Elar (Hiddumont 13th, 351AC)

Fate has a cruel turn it seems sometimes. Scouting ahead to search for danger (at the "council's" behest!), we found a tower standing by the side of the trail and overlooking the Plains of Dergoth. Considering it a good place to camp for the night, we explored the tower whilst waiting for the refugees to catch us up. The tower was empty bar a metal spiral stair which led to the open top. On the top of the tower was a platform with some strange lense contraption. It appeared to be a large looking glass of some sort. Looking through it, I could see the base of "Sky's End Peak" Turning it around however, we witnessed the refugees being attacked by what looked like Verminaard on his dragon Ember.

It was a soul opening experience for me. In my anguish about being unable to help them, I heard a voice. It is difficult for me to describe in words what that voice sounded like, and I am sure there are many who would want to slay me as a blasphemer simply for claiming I had heard it, but I know that it was the voice of Reorx. Reorx the Soul Forger. He showed me how I could help by caring for the injured and by leading them to a hidden valley known as "Hopeful Vale". I returned to the ground to await for the survivors to arrive.

Later, I helped Goldmoon with the injured, and discovered first hand what Reorx had meant, as I healed a child with His power. I felt truely humbled by the experience, and feel unworthy of Reorx. I cannot understand how he could have chosen me to be his priest!

I hear there is going to be another bloody council soon, so I suppose I had better stop now.

"Look on as did Fistandantilus
Magician past his age,
Through the Eye of Elar
At the Gates of Thorbardin
Sealed now and forever against
Love and life.
Now only Fistandantilus holds the key
Buried with him far below."

The sun has just set, and as it's setting rays hit the lense at the top of the tower, it shot a ray of condenced light onto a stone monalith next to the tower. It lit up with the words I scribbled down above - in blazing red letters. I guess that the lense mechanism is the Eye of Elar, and this must have been Elar's tower.

Hopeful Vale (Hiddumont 16th, 351AC)

Again, several days have passed since my last entry. Let me catch up. As we slept at the base of the tower, we were attacked by a force of Draconians. We managed to beat them off with minimal losses, but it hightened the need to find safe haven. I am convinced we need to go through Thorbardin - it will be the quickest way by far to get around the mountains and to the civalized lands beyond. Unfortunately, no-one has entered Thorbardin for centuries, and the refugees need time to rebuild their strength before we travel much further, so they were happy to follow my lead and allow me to bring them to this wonderful valley we are in now. We found a new refugee as well. Wandering around in the early snows of winter, close to the entrance to Hopeful Vale (which I might add, seems to have plentiful game and a more pleasant climate than outside it!) we found an old man, dressed in wizard's robes, who seemed to be having a conversation with a tree. The man is most strange. Most of the time he seems to be a complete fool - a senile old man who should be kept safe by his children in the safety of a town. But some of the time, he seems to be more than he appears. Everytime I think about it, my head hurts, and I end up thinking of other things. Must stop now - need to attend another council meeting.

Skullcap (Hiddumont 19th, 351AC)

The results of that meeting three days ago were fairly straight forwards. The refugees, including Elistan, would stay in Hopeful Vale until we return with news of how to pass through Thorbardin. That will probably take a miracle in itself. The others seem convinced that the words on the monalith (see above) show the way, and it is thus that we find ourselves camped in the mouth of a skull shaped hill of melted rock in the middle of a mosquito infested swamp - yes, even at this late stage of the year when there is snow on the hills - and tomorrow we are going to descend into the "throat" of the skull and try to find an imaginary key to Thorbardin. Still, Goldmoon has faith, and although I have not heard Reorx's voice since the day on the tower, I have felt his presence when I pray, and I too must have faith that we are doing the right thing.

On the posative side, I've already been down the "throat" - chasing Kralin and Floop - those two damn kender are more than a handful. They are worse than children, because children at least are scared of the dark! From my trip (with Gilthanas), we could see that something of the old Fortress of Zaman does appear to remain, as the corridor we saw still looked intact. The gods know how much we will have to explore to find this key.

Skullcap (Hiddumont 20th, 351AC)

Another "interesting" day! At dawn, we entered the "throat" of Skullcap, and started to explore the ruins. Many rooms seem whole still, though there are also many caved in areas. I hesitate to make too much vibrations lest further cave ins occur! Our biggest shock of the day came when we entered a room that had obviously once been an armoury. A large silvery hemisphere dominated the room. I touched it with my gauntlet to see what it was made of and it disappeared to be replaced with a bronze coloured dragon!!! A LIVE one in mid orc snack. It seemed just as surprised to see us as we did it! LUCKILY, it seemed friendly, and we discovered that it had been magically captured during the Dwarfgate War. My grandfather may well have fought alongside it! I had forgotten the ancient stories that told of both good and bad dragons!

We spent many hours searching dry dusty rooms - not all uninhabited. Various spirits, specters, wraiths and skeletal warriors seem to have been unable to gain their peace when the fortress of Zahman fell, and continued to live a strange "unlife" - or certainly "undeath!" Reorx knows why their souls could not pass on from this world to the next. Some of them certainly seemed to hate us for intruding upon their peace! I wish I knew what we were looking for so we could get out of this place.

We also encountered something worse than the restless dead. A dark dragon - similar to the black one that would have been the death of Arcus and Kralin had it not been for the power of Mishikal (may the Goddess be praised!) - had made it's lair in the upper levels of Skullcap, and were it not for the presense of Blaize, who disappeared chasing it off, who knows if I'd be here writing this now.

We have also met someone new. A human woman named Caitrin. We spotted her wandering around the complex. Apparently she had been following our footsteps - searching for her brother, whom she believes is one of the refugees. She had come across our tracks and followed them hoping we would lead her to her brother. Yeah, like the tracks of the 8 of us, could be mistaken for the tracks of 800 odd refugees. And like refugees would head through a swamp to a place like Skullcap! I certainly have my suspicions about Caitrin, though she does a good job at coming across genuine.

Ha! Talk of the devil - she just asked what I was writing! Well, I had better stop soon. We are currently holed up in an old altar room - though to what god it was once dedicated I'm not sure. I'm writing this whilst Caitrin and myself are on watch.

Skullcap (Hiddumont 21st, 351AC)

Well, that was an interesting, if exhausting day! Simanuela, Goldmoon, Floop the kender and myself climbed down the shaft in the centre of Skullcap, right to the bottom. Caitrin had a very interesting enchanted rope that proved very useful in negotiating the climb. The boots she'd managed to find in the lair of the shadow dragon also turned out to have magical properties - giving her the ability to levitate!.

At the bottom of the shaft, we discovered that, as above, the place was not completely wrecked from whatever catyclysm caused such wreckage of the old Fortress of Zaman, and we explored further, encountering further undead - these ones actually seemed to speak to us, begging us to free them from their bonds. Caitrin smashed one of them into smitherines, and Goldmoon and I trapped the other two behind a door. But the most amazing sight was a huge room with what looked like a multi-headed fire-breathing dragon made of metal in it. In fact, there were two of these rooms - each with it's own dragon! When Kralin threw some gravel at one of them, we discovered that there were in fact invisible walls and platforms in this room - and that if we chose our route through the room carefully, we could in fact avoid the dragon's breath and multiple jaws. This we did, though not without some trouble, and a few injuries. Having discovered a safe route, we decided to head back to let the others know our progress. Whilst doing this, Kralin and Fizban decided to join us. The senile old mage managed to cast some sort of "featherball" spell - which caused both him and Kralin to fall into the pit - though somehow also protected them at the same time. How that mage hasn't killed himself yet I'll never know!

Following this, we all descended through the crystal maze again, and found some further rooms. In one, a massive fireball trap exploded - burning Floop to a cinder and apparantly killing him. Goldmoon was unable to do anything for him, and with sadness, we moved on, through an "upside down" room with a stone golem in it. Somehow, we managed to destroy it without incurring serious injury to ourselves. Leaving Fizban behind us, the old man having fallen asleep, we progressed further, encountering the spirit of what might have been Fistandantilus himself. Although we tries initially to fight it - it didn't seem to attack, merely threaten us, and when we left it alone, it finally collapsed. We found some circlets that we suspected might have been needed to free the skeletons. It was around this time that we heard an unusual sound - something that seemed different for all of us, and a short while after, Floop returned to us - still scorched looking, but very much alive and in good health! His memory was somewhat disturbed, but he was in his usual good spirits - how he was brought back to life we do not know.

However, what I have written so far today pales in terms of unusual experiences. Having discovered what must have been the treasure chambers of Fistandantilus - I picked up a fancy looking helm, which I tried on. Immediately, I found my spirit pushed out of my body, and into a small hard place. It was very confusing for me, but a voice - belonging to Prince Grallen of Thorbardin no less, spoke to me and told me what had happened. The Prince told me what had happened to him, how he had died, and asked for us to go to Thorbardin and tell his tale to the Council of Thanes there, so his soul could be returned to the Valley of the Kings. He also told me how to find the Gates to Thorbardin.

Since then, we spent most of the rest of the day getting back up to the same place where we camped last night.

Skullcap (Hiddumont 22nd, 251AC) Early morning

Just a brief note - we're finally getting out of this depressing tomb. I'll be glad to put it behind us. With the new knowledge, and the maps, we're on our way to Thorbardin at last! Well, back to Hopeful Vale first, and THEN on to Thorbardin. Hopefully the dwarves there will be more open than they were in my parent's time! Caitrin also hopes that she'll find her brother amongst the refugees when we get to Hopeful Vale. I just hope the Draconians haven't found the refugees first!

Hopeful Vale (Hiddumont 23rd, 251 AC) Evening

We spent all yesterday marching through the swamp, even now I'm still scratching from the damn mosquitoes! And to think they were still biting at this time of year! But there are more important things to report. Fizban, that dotty old mage that we met nearly 10 days ago talking to a tree - not a hundred yards from the entrance to this miraculous hidden valley - well, he disappeared in the swamp. The gods know what happened to him. One moment he was with us, the next disappeared - and nobody heard a splash. Shame - I was starting to like the old fellow - though he was as mad as a gully dwarf!"

On another matter, Caitrin doesn't seem to have found her brother. She seems quite depressed. I'll pray to Reorx for her.

Got to go - the refugee council are meeting and want to talk about our plans. It is quite a burden to bear the responsibility of all their lives - as well as that of my companions.

Hopeful Vale (Hiddumont 23rd, 251) Late Evening

The meeting just finished. Elistan - the new cleric and defacto leader of this rabble of survivors - appeared to take some poison or something, and has fallen into a trance. Reorx's knows why! Just before he did so, he spoke - telling us that the Dragon Armies were coming, and that there was no time to waste - we needed to find the Gates of Thorbardin. The place is in an uproar, and despite my suggestion that we head out now for Thorbardin, the others persuaded me that we should go first thing in the morning instead. Time to get some rest!

Hopeful Vale (Hiddumont 24th, 251) Early hours of the morning

Reorx's beard that was a horrible dream. Several of my companions appear to have the same, or at least similar dream. We could hear Elistan, calling weakly for help. In the dream we were were in a tower - and had to choose to between wealth and riches, and the passage that led to Elistan. As we entered that passage, something terrible happened and then we all woke up, though I can't remember the end of the dream!! Though it hard to sleep, I'm going to try to go back to sleep.

Hopeful Vale (Hiddumont 24th 251) Morning

I have little time, as we are about to leave to find Thorbardin, but I must record what just happened. We were packing up, ready to leave, when suddenly that cursed DragonLord - Verminaard, appeared above the vale, flying on his dragon. He called down to us, and the memories of my dream came back to me. It was terrible! Even now, a lump comes to my throat as I remember the sense of dispair that overcame me - even as hoards of Hylar dwarves attacked and cut down my friends around me! But my faith in Reorx is strong. This is not a premonition, this is Verminaard seeking to break our moral, to discourage us from our course. Manu cast a fireball at the dragon, and Verminaard fled - but he will be back soon with his Draconians. We must waste no time and get these refugees into Thorbardin as quickly as we can! Goldmoon is calling me - we go now to seek Thorbardin, then we'll return to get the refugees.

Thorbardin (Hiddumont 25th 251) Early hours of the morning (I think)

Well I almost can't believe it - we are finally in Thorbardin. I'm not sure of the exact time as it is hard to tell the hour this deep under the mountain. This ancient dwarven city isn't anything like how I imagined it might be, and I can't think where I should start to describe it - but I will attempt to do so by going back to where we first found the entrance. Prince Grallen's spirit guided me to find the gates - a high up ledge on a vertical cliff face. At first we couldn't see anything, but then that stupid senile old mage decided, in his infinite wisdom, that it required a spell to open the gates. Of course, he screwed it up, and ended up casting fireball, blowing himself off the cliff in the process. It would have probably taken a day to search for his body, and with the pressure of time against us, the fate of the refugees in the balance, we decided not to search. I do not know what it was about the old man, but it is only now, writing these words down, that I find I can think about him without getting distracted. Occasionally, it seemed as if he were more than he seemed - sparks of sanity seemed to appear every now and then behind his normally befuddled facade. Even now, I am starting to get a headache thinking about this.

The old man - or Fizban, as I should give him his name - who somehow had rejoined us as we were making our way to the gates - the gods know where he went whilst we were in Hopeful Vale! - had, through some miracle managed to trigger the opening of the gates with his spell however, and they ground slowly out of rock on large screw. The stone must have weighed many tons, and the machinery that moved it must have been massive. But it was clear immediately that it hadn't been used in years - in fact, I'm sure it hadn't actually been opened since it was shut during the battle, as the mechanism to hold the door broke, and it extended too far and fell away down the mountain.

The noise of its fall will have been heard miles away, and I fear what the dwarves of Thorbardin will do when they find that their northern gate has been permanently opened.

The dwarven halls beyond the gate were full of the dead. The bones of dwarves who had fallen in battle showed that some of my ancestors must have actually made it inside, and battled long and hard - possibly even after the gates were finally closed. From the stories my father told me, the battles were many between the two sides before the gates were finally sealed. The halls themselves are carved from the solid rock of the mountain, with uncanny precision by the ancient dwarven miners. The walls are all dressed stone, and the floor has had slabs of stone laid flat upon them to provide a smoother surface. I have been told that the layout of the halls are in blocks - patterns of rooms and halls that repeat, with different patterns or blocks serving different functions. I have to confess, I would not wish to live in these cold halls.

Travelling further in, we were all worried that the whole of Thorbardin would be just as dead, but after a while, we found some life. A sole dwarf - an outcast perhaps. He was rude, and told us little before he scuttled off into the darkness. Later we met another group of dwarves - this time all armoured. It turned out that the halls we were in were not really Thorbardin - merely the halls around the Northgate. Truely the size of the ancient dwarven city was massive! The new group of dwarves were led by one named Arman Kharas. He was leading a group of dwarves on a rescue mission. Apparently the Theiwar - one of the surviving kingdoms of dwarves who still lived in this area of Thorbardin, had kidnapped Arman's brother Pick. Arman and his kin were of the Hylar, the largest of the kingdoms of dwarves that still inhabited Thorbardin. If I remember my history correctly, there used to once be nine kingdoms of dwarves. I can't remember them all, but I do recall the Hylar, the Aghar, the Daewar, the Theiwar, the Daergarand and of course, the Neidar - in which I grew up on the surface. Sadly mostly decimated at the time of the Cataclysm.

The dwarf we had met earlier, was one of the Theiwar apparently - Krothgar I think he said his name was.

Arman said he could introduce us to the King of the Hylar, who he was apparently related to, but that he needed to rescue his brother first. At first, I was unwilling to get involved in a dispute between dwarves, but Arman was persuasive, and so we travelled with him, locating the area where the Theiwar kept their prisoners. After a brief skirmish with some Theiwar guards, most of which were sadly killed, we rescued Pick and continued our journey to meet with the Council of Thanes. We have camped for the night in a large natural cavern that is dominated by lots of fungal growth. I am hoping that they are all benign and we won't find ourselves covered in mold in the morning!

Thorbardin (Hiddumont 26th 251) Waiting to visiting the Council of Thanes

We have finally arrived in Thorbardin - the lived in part of it at least. It is at least as wonderful as the legends tell - though the locals find the presence of non-dwarf races in the city somewhat disturbing I have no doubt. Shortly we will be introduced to the Council of Thanes. I have to confess, I'm not looking forward to it - for these are in all likelihood, the same dwarves who shut my kin out some three hundred years ago during the Cataclysm. But it is not my place to dwell on past crimes. I know it in my bones that Reorx has led me to this place - at this time - with a mission. To heal the rift between the dwarves and re-unite our race. Even now I remember Bink, and consider that there should be a place in our society for even the Gully Dwarves. However, that, I fear may take more time than my lifespan!

Thorbardin (Hiddumont 26th 251) Meeting the Council of Thanes

We have just come out of a meeting with the Council. Arman introduced us to his father, Hornfel Kharas, and the other Thanes who occupied the council. It was interesting to note that the council chamber had Seven thrones in it - supposedly one for each of the dwarven clans. Hornfel represented the Hylar, Realgar represented the Theiwar, Rance the Daergar, Tufa the Klar, and Bluph the Aghar. Two thrones were empty - the one for the Neidar, where I imagine my Uncle Dorn might sit were he here, and one, the central one, which I would have thought would have sat the High King of Thorbardin - but from what I've picked up, there hasn't been a High King since Derkin's time - Prince Grallen's father. Hornfel seems OK - prepared to listen at least, but I'm worried about Realgar - he seemed a bit too much like Verminard with his hatred for my liking. I wonder how far the Dragonlord's reach extends! The council are currently deliberating our fate. I tried to do my father and uncle proud, but I'm not sure if my words will sway the council.

Thorbardin (Hiddumont 27th 251)

The Thanes have given their verdict - and a dumb one it is. Rather than believe us, or send out scouts to confirm our story even, they have decided to use us to help fix their own petty politics. Arman's father - decended from the legendary hero Karsas, has sent us (with Arman admittedly), out to the Valley of the Thanes to try to recover their ancestor's hammer - the return of which supposedly heralds the arise of a new dwarven king. THEN they might deign to help us!