Hrefna's Calling, Day 59

The Paladins, seeming lacking in anything better to do, have decided to retrace their steps to some form of Drow Laboratory. This place is evil--an entire hallway in the complex is warded against scrying, along with several of the rooms. Before heading down I cast runes to see how the future might manifest, and the result was not pretty. Halgaz, Isa, and Pethro came up, indicating that there is not much to learn for us down this path, but we are probably were to make our situation far far more complicated.

Still, when we entered the lab, I was surprised. The place has a faint but distinct smell of sea caves, and yet we are a long way from the ocean. In one room there is a mural of ancient underwater city, the likes of which are not entirely familiar to me, but for which I have seen illustrations in old books writing of the myths of the Reindeer Tribes. I do not know what this portends, but it cannot be good.

I am now beginning to understand why Óðinn felt it necessary that I join with this group. They are a formidable force to be reckoned with, at least on the battlefield, though there seems to be a bit of a problem in getting them onto the field of choice with all of their weapons pointed the same way.

First impressions:

Tupper means well, but seems to have some sort of communication issue. He went in to talk with the seneschal and, while I wasn't scrying that meeting so I am uncertain on the details, managed to get himself committed. Thankfully it was a fairly small fee to get him out this time, though it is probably best if he stays out of the Seneschal's way.

Arcadius is a Paladin of Palor and is from a land I do not recognize. We have gotten travelers in the past who bear a superficial resemblance to his race, but none of his specific culture. I do not know what this "land of the five rivers" is that he speaks of, but it sounds like a harsh place wholly lacking in the natural and untamed beauty of our lands.

Oda is one of the most amazing swordsmen I have ever seen. We have warriors in Romsdahl who are a sight to behold on the battlefield, who are capable of ignoring great injury and inflicting tremendous damage in battle. Some are blessed--or cursed--by Wod and will work themselves into such a fury that they will bite their shields and be unable to tell friend from foe. Oda possesses none of this fury, but what he lacks in obvious passion he makes up for in iron discipline. I am uncertain of what to make of this combination, and will be keeping my eye on him in the future to see what I might learn and bring back to my homeland.

Hrogar I met only briefly, but seems to be the brunt of many jokes. I wonder what a "Honest Hrogar's Emporium" is and why the others mock him for it?

Fflam is one of the Dwarves, but wholly unlike any of the Dvergar we have encountered in my homeland. For one, he is much too short and seems to lack any skill at fine crafts. I do not quite know what to make of him, though to be fair I am not sure he knows what to make of me either. He seems to be accident prone, and is the first one through the door in times of trouble, leading to an awkward situation when he ran headlong into a Drider's web.

This leaves us with Shelré. I do not know what to make of her as yet. She has evidently proven herself very useful to the group, but also seems to have some ulterior motive in her actions. Time will tell what she is trying to achieve.

That is the group the Raven Lord has seen fit to place me with. We'll see what things they can accomplish in the future.