Travel to Quillshire Lake Day 4 – On the road today we were set upon by a band of Halflings and their pack of snarling attack dogs.  As we came over a hill we heard the baying of the hounds and soon enough they were on us.  Out of all the forms of violence I’ve experienced lately I found this to be one of the most disturbing.  The small folk are general so kindly and harmless it was very jarring to see this group out for our blood.  I’ve seen Shirefolk fight before but it’s usually a doughy but determined little fellow with a pot for a helmet standing up against a charging orc or a daring little rogue ducking and dodging between the legs of a cave giant – this was something else. 

It didn’t help that they were using dogs to do their dirty work either – I’ve killed a dog or two in my day when I had to but I’ve always felt bad about it.  Plenty of people deserve to die, dogs are just victims of their owner’s desires.  I’ve never felt much regret about a fight before, other than the fact that I wasn’t able to avoid it, but this seemed so senseless to me.  Poor little pooches.

With my ring I was largely able to keep the dogs off me, although I did managed to get bitten pretty badly on the back of the thigh, but that didn’t do anything to help Arastra, Oona, or Jeyne – the Halflings were even more savage and animal-like than the dogs were, they were literally foaming at the mouth with rage.  One of them came very close to skewing me with a lance – I mean sure a Halfling lance is more like a spear but spears kill plenty of people and skewered is skewered. 

I’m not sure how helpful I was shooting with my crossbow but I couldn’t have hurt – and in the end we carried the day.  Oona and Jeyne may have filled their heads with pious twaddle but they’ve got fighting spirit to spare and the skill to back it up.  Arastra may be one of the serenest people I’ve ever met – even in the midst of battle she stayed collected and calm.  There was no panic in her at all.  I’m not ashamed to say I was scared out of my mind.  I’m no warrior, that’s for sure.

I would have liked the chance for a little light looting but I didn’t think my companions would approve – which has never made sense to me, why is wasting good gear somehow noble?  Isn’t thrift supposed to be a virtue of some kind?  And here we are throwing away perfect good, if small, arms and armor.  It’s a real shame.

They of course gave the Shirefolk a proper burial – I wonder if they get tired of being so noble all the time.  Seems like it would be exhausting. That night as we camped Arastra looked at me solemnly over the flickering fire.

“There is a truth you deserve to know. That creature in the grave uttered Korrok’s name. It can only mean that he has risen in yet another incarnation. This changes nothing the three of us. Should we fall our faith will see our bodies protected from his curse. You, however, will not be spared this fate. If you die at Korrok’s hands you face a fate worse than death. I need your help but cannot in good conscience ask you to continue without knowing the risk. I will respect whatever you decide.  I admit I had my doubts about you when I first met you, but you have proven yourself to be a stalwart companion and I am glad that we have become friends Ela.”

“I’m not too worried about Korrok, I’ve been cursed by the best of them.  We finish this tomorrow – I’m not in the habit of failing to complete what I set out to do.”

“You’re trying to be flip, but the danger here is different.”

“There’s always danger.  Run from it, hide from it, it’s there just the same.”

“I fear that you don’t really understand what could happen to you Ela.”

“I understand well enough.  Besides you and your girls would never let anything happen to me.”

She smiled softly “Of course not.  You’re a brave person Ela.”

“No.  No, I’m not.  I’m just trying to make my way.”

“The Gods have given you many gifts Ela, I hope that this darkness I see hanging over you isn’t more than you can handle.”

“I can handle anything.”

Her smile faded “Yes . . . . . I suspect that’s right.” 

____________________________________________________________

Funds: 7,530 gold

XP: 49,403

Inventory: Ring of Many Garments, Bag of Tricks (rust), Cap of Disguise, Secure Pocket, Resplendent Diplomat’s Palette, Secure Paypack, Skeleton Key, Brooch of Shielding, Pouch of Magic Stones, Masterful Grey Gloves, Black Marketers’ Bag, Biting Bracelet (Endless Ammunition), Boots of Escape, Bracers of the Glib Entertainer, Ring of Animal Friendship, +1 Falchion, +1 Greatclub, +2 Commanding Light Crossbow, Headband of Alluring Charisma +2, mysterious Korrok gemstone, 4 potions of unknown wickedness 

Signet ring, noble’s outfit, candlerod (9), masterwork dagger, succubi carving, Domiel family ring, walking stick, masterwork playing cards, spinel and peridot holy symbol of Kralten, diamonds (14), silver crown

Potion of Invisibility (3), Potion of Spider Climb, Potion of Eagle’s Splendor

Silver ring, gold bracelet, gold and pearl pendant, gold ring, platinum necklace, mithril hair clasps (3)

Revenge List: Duke Eaglevane, Piltis Swine, Rince Electrum, watchman Gridley, White-Muzzle the worg, Percy Ringle the butler , Alice Kinsey , “Patch”, Heroes of the Lost Sword, Claire Conrad, Erist priest of Strider, Riselda owner of the Sage Mirror, Eedraxis,  Skin-Taker tribe, Kartak, Królewna & Bonifacja Trading Company, Hurmont Family, Androni Titus, Greasy dreadlocks woman, Lodestone Security, Kellgale Nickoslander, Beltian Kruin the Splithog Pauper, The King of Spiders, Auraluna Domiel, mother Hurk, Mazzmus Parmalee,  Helgan van Tankerstrum, Lightdancer, Bonder Greysmith, Pegwhistle Proudfoot, Lumbfoot Sheepskin

Rumors : Exiled noblewoman (Reoccurring), vigilante “Litheria”(Reoccurring), murderous Halfling (Reoccurring)

Graltontown Buildings – Mill