Journal of W. E. Tupper, Day 85-92

Day 85
Early this morning, a crystal inside one of the houses started glowing and continued until dawn. When we checked the house later in the day, we found the crystal on a table, a hidey-hole under the floorboards for a book and a shepard's crook, and nothing else.

The book has a picture of a squid-like creature on the cover, and consists of chatter between what seems to be a local lumberjack and a coastal guardsman. Pairs of entries are dated 1-3 days apart; the last entry is dated a couple weeks ago, written by the guardsman, and reads "Run. They are coming for you." Somebody knew that something awful was about to go down and left beforehand.

Arcadius says the condition of the town is similar to how the first group of initates were said to have disappeared. Strange. Apparently there is nothing more we can do here, so we're heading back to Izmir for supplies.


Day 86
Why do we attract so many weirdos?

So we get back into Izmir, meet with Oda, and split up to mull about for goods and supplies for our trip back to the town near the Valley of Death. I snag a nice new crossbow and enough ammunition to last a small war. Fflam comes back with a slew of alchemist's fire and holy water vials strapped to his persons. (I am not planning to stand near him anytime soon.) Arcadius put in an order for a shield with his god's symbol on the front. And Shoitycka found a fellow named Jacob.

Jacob wanted to join our merry band of psychotics and holy men, because I guess he figured he would fit right in. Oda challenged him to a duel so as to test the newcomer's battle prowess. Since Oda has been known to cleave things in half with his sword, he opted to fight with some sticks. And Jacob, fully aware of the spirit of things, began the fight by flying high into the air and flinging energy blasts down at him. You can't say he didn't show us his abilities.

Alcander has yet to jump at him and bite his leg, so at least he's not 'Evil' evil. And we could probably use a crazy bastard for the fight in the valley. Still keeping a close eye on him, though.


Day 87
On the road out of Izmir. Realized this afternoon that I am late again with the bi-monthly report. I've messed with Stuart enough, I'll have to write something meatier this time.


Day 90
Spent part of last night half-dead in a field.

Alcander and I are on night watch duty when a number of lights appear in the distance. We head over to check them out, and find a baker's dozen of robed lizardmen with lanterns. Alcander bumrushes the first one he sees, I try to help him before the damn fool kills himself and I get a ribcage full of ice for the effort. Fortunately, everyone else was woken by his mad howlings and came over to finish the thing off. Apparently the rest of the lizardmen teleported away during the fight, an understandable reaction to a frothing lunatic. It has become seriously grating to rein this kid in.


Day 92
Yet another vision. This one was decidedly less vague and more threatening: a keep near the sea is overtaken by evil on the 100th day of the year. Time passes, and an army of lizard men, shapeshifters, and others stand and fall in combat against it. Praise be to St. Cuthbert for finally clarifying the matter with all the subtlety of a clawhammer. That is, if it is from St. Cuthbert.