Our party continue to increase their use of common sense. Rufus in particular shows remarkable ingenuity and fortitude. Our sojourn into the bandits sleeping areas showed how ill equipped and poorly trained they were. We bound one of the drunken fools for questioning, must take him back to Shadowdale for judgement. This complex will make an excellent base for further campaigns once cleared of infestation.

A satisfying skirmish saw off most of the cowardly scum responsible for the crimes against the good people of Shadowdale.

Unfortunately the leader escaped but we have clues. One of the women has skill with languages, we will track him down and bring him to ultimate justice. We are coming for you!

We must secure this warren if we are to live here. Work will be required to re-fortify the curtain wall and drawbridge. Patience will be rewarded.

The lostlings were found guarded by a fell beast of formidable proportions. He fell to the cleansing influence of Rufus' sword and a cleansing fire. The villagers were unharmed, Thank the Watcher, and returned to their families.

Upon our return to the castle we discovered an infestation of goblin scum. They will be cleansed. This complex is more extensive than we first thought and Rufus has some strange ways. Upon casting his weapon to the ground he decided to pummel his victim to death, unconventional, but effective. This man is indeed a formidable asset.

I discovered that the former Lords of this keep were followers of the Watcher. The crypt was infested with foul abominations. Brother Braenard and I cleansed the area with help from the rest of the party (the first time, I think, that we worked as a full team ). I must spend time restoring this place to the state it deserves.

Our tasks are now simple:
1. Decipher the clues which will lead us to the slavers
2. Purge our keep of goblin kin
3. Rebuild the castle and take residence

I await developments.

Killian Silverleaf

The following note is taken from Nyota's personal journal. Working by candlelight over night I have translated the letter from the slave lords to our escaped enemy Temmi Dharimm. A step further in our quest.

"Hail Temmi,

Once again the last consignment was of excellent quality, Lord Feetla was most pleased. The Slave Lords extend their gratitude. We enclose the payment due to you.

Unfortunately our customers are disputing our prices - it seems that meddling fool Azoun has started causing problems with his accursed Purple Dragons. We are sorry to have to tell you that we can no longer support the prices we would desire to pay you and we are sad to say that your fees will now be halved. Lord Feetla is sure you will be understanding in this regrettable matter, but if you would like to discuss this matter further he would be more than happy to see you in the dungeons of Suderham. Think it over.

The young girl from Daggerdale gave the executioner tremendous value. She struggled for some time before he stopped playing and had his way with her! Such a pity one so young should die so far from home; and from family.

The Slave Lords salute you, Temmi Dharimm,

Markessa"

Returning to Killian's journal.

Our party once again ventured into the uins of Castle Grimstead (destroyed by Drow many years ago) to purge the noble ruin of the vermin infestation. Before this, frankly enjoyable task, we must cleanse the shrine of the Watcher. Evil indeed has been at work here. Foulundead stalk the corridors (no longer, Ha, Ha). A strange mixture we found here, skeletons (an evil clerical creation) and ghouls, both despatched with alacrity by our valiant band. The Fist strike true.

We have recovered great wealth and some intriguing magical items.

Cethorlyn was of little use at this point, having allowed himself to be nibbled by an Owlbear (we saved him however, he may yet prove useful).

Our progress to rid our future residence of goblins was hampered by the production of a barrier. The fiends are resourceful indeed.

Rufus (foolhardy oaf) and Braenard (who should really have more sense) rushed them with predicatable results.

Comical?

Farcical more like!

Rufus (consummate professional) left his arse undefended by leaping over the barricade, while Braenard stood like some straw dummy to be used for target practice by their archers atop the wall.

In the name of Helm, what do these two think they are?

Rufus I can understand (being merely one, slight step removed from barabarian), but I had assumed brother Braenard a more educated man. I was obviously mistaken. My progress to help was hampered by a mere slip of a girl, Shere Khan has no inkling of strategy. I must suggest to Rufus that he take her in hand and teach her some manners.

To cut to the chase, the sight of Braenard hurling himself to the ground in the midst of the goblins with Shere Khan prancing atop the makeshift wall was lamentable. It is good we eventually slaughtered the greenskins, if only to protect our reputation.

Further searching revealed a pair of captured kobolds, starved, tortured and half dead. Rufus gave them the chance to revenge themselves on theor captors, but alas they had no stomach for the fight (or indeed at all once the goblin scimitars had been to work).

In the name of justice we administered absolution on the murderers and continued.

We encountered the goblin creche. It is fitting that the place be cleansed, but we shall employ exterminators for that noisome task.

Close to the creche we encountered the leader of the infestation. Curiously enough, he was defended by two creatures of unusually large stature and aggression. Gond the Wonderbringer was obvious displeased with the antics of Braenard, who was slain. I was spared by the grace of the Watcher to fight again having learned another valuable lesson.

The villains from the temple of Lathander demanded excessive tribute for the raising of Braenard. Shoddy treatment, but what can one expect. They have obviously lost their way. Our rest was fulfilling and our reputation grows - the Righteous Fist will prevail!

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

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