Journal of Crunch, Day 323b-328

-day324:
Yesterday was very eventful. We engaged an Egoist Aboleth in combat, and have forced it to retreat from its base in the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth. While the exact location of its point of retreat is unknown, it is deep underwater and accessible by means of a dedicated teleport circle within the base. We have also recovered a series of clay tablets with ancient writing on them, as well as tablets in Celestial that are historical records. Arkadesh has recovered a holy relic inside the ruins of a Temple of Pelor. The weapon is suitable for use by Pelor worshippers, and Arkadesh has claimed it for use on the battlefield. Azan and Bael'thas have been exceptional in advance guard. Until recently, I was blinded by the Egoist Aboleth and unable to report. Keniroh and Ramona are dead, due to the Egoist Aboleth's defensive magics. Their structural damage was heavy; they are awaiting reactivation in jars. Sztuczka has returned, and has commandeered our travel contract with Thorson, as well as the vessel involved. Thorson is nowhere to be found. Sztuczka has not told us about what happened, however, entries in Thorson's captain's log indicated an impending betrayal on his part. I suppose she is merely being modest about her act of bravery, though her request of Thorson's fee is contrary to this observation. However, she is providing safe transport to and from our objective destination; honoring what is now her contract should be no problem.

Conclusions: No land is safe from the aboleth. No aboleth is safe from us. Therefore, no land is safe from us. This is a poor conclusion.


-day328:
We have returned to Stonekeep. Attempts to reactivate the dead have met with partial success. Keniroh is back, but Ramona was restored with water in her mouth and without her soul. Keniroh has informed us that Umberlee, the much-revered and feared Goddess of Fucking Whale Piss, has claimed her soul for Her own. I can only hope it was done for the occupation of a positive afterlife. Plans for a resupply in Tir'Nir'Nea are being made.

Conclusions: Final deactivation of others is never easy to accept.

Bane Ragnar's Family...

Well it appears we are good at killing of Ragnar's family. Let me explain. We Found another abalith. As we were fighting it it used an ability that linked it's heal to others in the parts. At this point Arcadius charged and made a inspiration attack. I think that is the hardest i have seen him hit anything. The problem was as he hit it both our caster brow up. I do not think i have seen a body ever do that. It will hunt my dreams i am sure. In the mean time we tried chasing down the abalith, since it ran. We where not able to find it. Instead Crunch was blinded and we found ourselves in a very old under water city. As far as we have been able to determine it was the first city of the abalith in the previous war. Anyway, we are back in town raising people and there are talks about moving on to buy some more gear. For now I wish Pelor protection for all of Ragnar's family in the after life. They fought well and deserve only the best.

Shullat: Awakening

Al'tyr, why have you forsaken me?

How long have I been here?

So close. I was so close to success, now this.

Men. There are men. Looking. Not looking. Pretending I'm not here. Studying me.

Darkness. How long have I been here?

Light. A reminder of the might of Al'tyr. Men. Staring at me. I want to roar at them, but I can't.

Darkness. Forgotten again.

A booming roar. The voice of a dragon.

Light. The light of Al'tyr. Champions of Al'tyr.

The dragon is tiny. How long have I been here? What has become of them?

Have they come to free me?

The tiny dragon breathes cracks in my prison. Perhaps.

No. They leave. Darkness again. Al'tyr knows no mercy for failure.

Darkness. How long have I been here? I am lost again.

A voice in the darkness. A light, so dim. A light that I know.

Al'tyr has remembered me.

He says that I am... forgiven?

This is not the voice of Al'tyr the merciless, but it is his light.

He says he is Al'tyr. He says he is Pelor. He says I must aid the others.

Which others?

My prison shatters. I am free.

But where am I? How long have I been kept prisoner?

Has the aboleth already won?

I must find my squadron. I pray it's not too late.

Journal of Arcadius

The Sunken City

We arrived at the ruined city, which proved to be half above water and half below. After some discussion of the best route, we went underwater and began our search. The place was desolate, empty, and very very old. From the markings and strange tablets we found, we think it may be as much as fifteen to twenty thousand years old. It inspires awe.

Our search went with surprising speed. We found a building with a closed door, and within, an Aboleth! We were immediately suspicious, for it seemed far too easy. We attacked the foul thing, then began to suspect it was merely some kind of clone or double. In any case, it escaped by magic. Pursuing below, we went deep beneath the earth, though still in water. There after much searching, we found a being in the form of a Sea Elf. We suspected who it might truly be. Thinking what was to come, I prayed for divine sacrifice for the coming battle, accepting the harm I would take. Indeed battle soon commenced.

The thing changed shape into a black dragon! Bael'thas shot it to great effect with his arrows, but it then cast some psionic spell or power of no immediate apparent effect. Oh how we were to learn otherwise! I charged the thing, and calling upon Lord Pelor, dealth the Aboleth-Dragon a mighty blow, I felt more power course through me in that strike than perhaps any I have ever dealt! Alas! The thing lived, and as our foes seem always to do, disappeared with magic.

O' Pelor, O' my friends, forgive me for my rashness! The psionic power cast by the evil one was such that the damage of my attack was taken to equal degree by two of my companions! Ramona and Keniroh were instantly slain, turned to bloody fragments in a moment! Aia'a, the cursed irony!

We searched far and wide through the city for the Aboleth, finding an ancient temple of Pelor and a magic circle of teleportation. Passing through that we found what was apparently the one-time city of the Aboleth, not their current stronghold, but one from the time of the first war against them. It was very deep under water, perhaps a thousand feet or more. We searched for a long time, but found no sign of it. It may well have fled by some other means to join its kin, or simply into the open ocean. Either way, it had escaped us!

We returned to the ancient city, and there at the temple of Pelor, I found a sword, untarnished by the long ages under the sea, with holy markings and a powerful aura of magic. It was embedded in the wall, and I prayed to Lord Pelor for guidance. My vision and heart told me that this item was not meant to be a decoration, but to be used in the cause of Lord Pelor once more! I carved the sword from its housing, and brought it forth with prayers of respect. It glows in my hands, and those of my friends who follow Lord Pelor, but not the others.

We also collected great wealth from the lair of the Aboleth. The full accounting of it shall hopefully be told soon.

Upon our return to the surface, and the ship, we found Sztuczka standing on the deck, but no sign of Thorsen! Truly, fate can surprise! Sztuczka explained that Thorsen was going to betray us, and she dealt with him. How good it is to see her again! I look forward to hearing the story of how she came to find us.

On the return trip, I prayed for the souls of those inadvertently slain my my attack, and made atonement.

In Stonekeep, we were able to resurrect Keniroh, but not Ramona. Her soul did not come back, no doubt blocked by her cruel goddess. However, there is hope that she is now free, somewhere among the planes. I pray that it is so.

*A*

Journal of Crunch, Day 310c-ish - 323a

-day307 + Sigil day14:
It has been a very busy period of indeterminate time. I regret that I have neglected the chronicle of my actions. I have acquired useful long-range communication tools for the unit, for improved field operations and Friendship. Armor has had some weak points reinforced, and the shield has been augmented. I am also in possession of a nice new belt. Rusty has been given a face for public interactions, though regrettably it was put sideways on the hilt. Rusty does not seem to mind, however, and has been smiling and raspberrying at many people. Some manners and etiquette training will be required. We have been discussing our next plan of attack. We will likely need to return to Subplane 3 in order to properly locate the next aboleth facility. There is also the matter of Mangy leader Nathaniel and his delivery of the final component of the artifact.

Conclusions: There is no rest for the wicked. We Are Why.


-day317:
We have returned to Ragnarr's hometown as part of his final business and debt negation. When our mission is complete, I must remember to return here and fund the construction of a statue in Ragnarr's honor. However, it is likely that he would not enjoy such an honor. Perhaps some combination of statue and keg.

Conclusions: The acts of good and noble men are to be remembered.


-day318:
We have successfully traveled to the Island Keep of the Pirates and retrieved the final component of the artifact from Nathaniel. Zero casualties. The component, a crystal, was found here by Nathaniel when he first moved into his facility. The crystal is tainted by Hatred, and we lack the sufficient ability to purge it. Nathaniel has been true to his word, and has not attacked any settlements in the Land of the 5 Rivers. We have agreed to not use the power of the artifact against the pirate forces. As for the aboleth, Nathaniel has also provided us with the location of a guide who can lead us to the next of their fortresses. His name is Thorson, and he is in Stonekeep. We have thusly made an agreement with Thorson to transport us there by boat. While in the city, we consulted with Hrefna on the conditions of the next fortress. It looks to be well fortified against magical intrusions, but receives regular supply shipments from off-island sources. This aboleth is known as the Egoist Aboleth. I am beginning to like Nathaniel. He understands that against a common enemy, all must unite to fight, and perhaps become all the nobler for it. He also has a neat taste in desks.

Conclusions: The defense of planes makes for unusual 'bed' fellows.


-day323-A:
We have arrived at the Ruined Island of the Egoist Aboleth, and are preparing to disembark. Thorson will remain nearby with his boat. If this journal is found among the remains of a number of sentients, BE WARNED. DANGER IS PRESENT HERE.

-day323-B:
We have engaged the aboleth and forced it into retreat. Keniroh has located the Egoist aboleth in two different places. While this may be some form of deception, Keniroh believes the Egoist can manufacture duplicates of itself. Also, Cuttlefish are very Friendly, and sticky.

Journal of Arcadius

Enemy of my Enemy?

Why are there so few fighting the Aboleth who are of good clean conscience? Why are there so many who seem to be no better than the lesser evil? We have met so few true friends, and so many questionable allies of convenience. We have made pacts of neutrality with evil beings who would better be destroyed! From Melrik to robed wizards conducting cruel experiments, a Red Dragon, Yuan-ti, an enemy wizard, a lich, and now pirates!

It is as if some distant, inscrutable, malevolent power were toying with us, over and over, as if it were all a game.

Nathaniel, the pirate king, was at least good to his word, and provided us with the remaining piece of the staff. We now have all three in what shall hopefully prove friendly hands, and will assemble them soon. In the meantime, we know the location of the Aboleth Egoist, and are traveling there to make our attack. We are doing so in the company of one who knows those waters and is willing to take the risk, a wicked pirate or mercenary named Thorsen, referred to us by Nathaniel. He asks only for a share of whatever wealth we salvage from the Aboleth's stronghold. But... can he be trusted?

Lord Pelor, guide thy servant! I vow to thee that when this struggle is concluded and the Aboleth slain, I shall deal with other evils of the world.


*A*

Journal of Arcadius

The War in Bedlam

We journeyed to Bedlam and encountered indeed the madness we'd been led to expect. It seems there is also some sort of struggle going on there, a struggle covert and just under the surface of events. One side was, perhaps, friendly to us, and the other decidedly hostile. We met raving prophets and furtive madmen. We were pursued by a sly cloaked figure, we were given a box with some kind of poisonous magical object in the form of an insect, and we were attacked treacherously by ragged figures in an alley whom we had greeted peaceably.

The figures proved to be hags, summoning demons and fell magic!

We fought them and rid the planes of their foulness, save one that escaped to a house of madness and magic. There we pursued, while capturing items we thought belonged to the hag. However, the place proved to be inhabited by a strange chaotic spirit who claimed to be its owner. He, or it, called us thieves and harassed us with powerless illusions. Taking it at its word, we returned the items, and it, in turn, claimed to call the hag.

We fought her once more, both she and we passing through walls and up and down floors via magic. The battle ran on and the mad powers of this place did not smile on us! At last however, we nearly slew her, but in the end she escaped.

Leaving this place, we met a silent old man who seemed a sort of guide, and this one indeed took us to the place, very near the gate of madness itself, where the stone was kept. This we took, and fleeing by magic, quickly left Bedlam and its vile chaos.

Back in Sigil, we turned the stone over to the psychic surgeon, who thereby considered our debt paid, and even offered us free services for a time. Likely, alas, we shall need them. Our mission was not without profit, for certain items seized from the fallen hags proved to be of great value, and we were able to replenish our depleted funds, re-equip, and pay our debts.

However, now the Lords of Bedlam are our foes.

*A*

More deals with shady characters

We have a lead to the next abalith. We were talking with leader of the pirates, the one that the group took his desk. After giving us a piece of the staff he told us that he knew of a sailor who knows the location of one of the ababliths. So we are head back to stonekeep. There is a captain with black sails there that we need to talk to. I do not enjoy this tracking down thing. This is war is simpler. Just head to a know location and fight. All this tracking and making deals with shady characters leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Time to leave. Hopefully the boat ride will be a short one from stonekeep.

Ramona: Looming Betrayal

We have gotten ourselves a pirate ship.

As these things often do, it comes with its very own untrustworthy pirate captain, a man named Thorson. For the rather exorbitant rate of 30% of our take, he's agreed to take us to the home of the next Aboleth on the Paladins' hit list.

I can only assume that the percentage he asked for was intended to be bargained down, but it was not my voyage, and I don't anticipate our relationship lasting to the point where we have to pay him.

A part of me wonders if his absurd rate is part of his trick. Perhaps he hopes to make his prey think that if he's already receiving such a large percentage, why would he drop them off the side of the ship and take the whole thing?

So far, he's cautious. He doesn't want to do his fighting for himself, and his greed hasn't blinded him to the likely disastrous consequences of trying to kill me on his ship.

But how long will it hold? Even if he intends, now, to honor his deal, will he still plan to when he sees the take he could have all of? And how long will it take before his good sense is overwhelmed by greed, and he makes his move?

I give him a day, if that.

With luck, I'll be able to convince Arcadius of that. If I can, then we can send the earnings back to Stone Keep by teleportation and send some of us back with Thorson. Without the goods staring him in the face, perhaps he will keep his honor.

Or, more likely, he will not. And we shall never have to pay him his ridiculous percentage.

Journal of Crunch, Day 309b (in the right light)

day307 + Sigil day2-B:
We have successfully returned to Sigil with the required crystal. Although thwarting rooms full of spiders, traps, and the undead, we ultimately failed to slay the vile hag that assaulted us, but drove her to a full retreat. The building itself seemed somewhat sensible at times, but ultimately proved to be set against us as well. During this time, Ramona exhibited a desire to engage in theft. No one should rob houses, even mentally unstable ones. I may have to discuss this with her if the behavior continues.

After concluding operations in the house, Ramona was able to divine information as to the general whereabouts of the crystal which led to our encounter with an old organic who led us to the crystal's location. We then gated out of the city, where we encountered a illusion of an enemy combatant. This illusion stated that we stole the gem from the Barons of Bedlam and that we must return it immediately. Given that these barons employ cruel tactics against their enemies, I do not see an issue with the so-called 'theft' of the crystal.

Our funds have been very much improved by the day's activities, and tomorrow we shall begin spending it towards equipment upgrades for our war against the aboleth. Now that I have proven to Rusty that its sentience is not a dire novelty amongst the others, I will seek to refit it with a symbol of Emotion and a proper face with which to address others. I have considered christening Rusty with the title of the Blade of Emotional Conation, though it has expressed interest in something shorter.

Tupper's spirt is trapped in a house?

Well I might have found something more annoying then Tupper. I am referring to the living house. Not only did it try and bait us but it would not shut up. It just kept talking and talking. That aside other then playing follow the wizard we were able to chase down and almost kill the wizard. He teleported away, apparently back to upper part of town. We decided at this point that he would not be bothering us for a while so we continued our search.

After sometime of search with an old man following us, someone decided to ask the man following us. Pelor be praised he knew were it was. After finding it we took it and got out of the town. We did receive a warning thou. It appears we have made some new enemies. More importantly we have paid off our debt to the surgeon. Now comes tracking down the next abalith.

Ramona: Post-Bedlam

I think I'm beginning to see what Ragnarr saw in this bunch. There's something strangely endearing about them.

It's like the puppy my parent's foolishly bought me when I was small.

I think they thought it would protect me from the predators they thought haunted the shoreline. And he might have done a good job of that that. He was a big dog, strong, with a killer grip and sharp teeth.

My father learned this well. We never did see any predators, but Bucky had a great love for my father's boots. And for pissing in my parents bed, and eating anything that was left on a counter, or on a plate, or in a poorly-closed container on the kitchen counter.

It wasn't that he was particularly good at getting into things. He just couldn't seem to figure out that he wasn't supposed to be on the kitchen counter, and he was too clumsy not to knock everything off once he was there.

He never figured out how doors worked, either. If the door was closed, he would just run at it, full speed, over and over, and smash his face into it until either someone let him out or he broke the door again.

By the gods, did he break a lot of doors.

Bucky never did learn his own name, either. Or to come when I called.

If he had, he might not have stayed on that sandbar. If he was smart enough to swim, he might have made it back to shore, even with the tide coming in.

Umberlee has little respect for loyal, strong, and stupid. But she does like sacrifices, and likes flattery and worship from those who would otherwise shun her.

I'm sure my father thought he had hidden his makeshift shrine well. He was never good at keeping things from me.

And now I find myself with an entire group of poorly house-trained Buckies.

I can only hope that Umberlee hasn't noticed them enough to care, and that she doesn't have it out for them.

If she does, they might as well give up now.

Journal of Crunch, Day 309a (if you squint)

-day307 + Sigil day2-A:
We have arrived at Bedlam. It has been somewhat disconcerting; I have not witnessed a single wholly flat table so far. There are prophets and preachers on many street corners, and a wide variety of unknown objects for sale. The architects of this city require an overhaul. We have encountered enemy forces of unknown origin, with the potential capability of generating hostile but mentally unstable organics for use against us. They attempted to waylay us with an organic insect placed inside a non-local box, with no casualties. When politely confronted, they responded with destructive magic and the summoning of demons. We defeated all but one of them, who retreated after receiving serious injuries. Ramona has located him, and the command staff is working out the proper course of action.

Can't you just say hi anymore...

One day I look forward to being home. All of these crazy places I have been in the last year have made me appreciate home. In the latest location we Crunch tried to talk to a group of people to ask them questions and they tried to kill him with a magical spell. I think it was a disintegrate. I believe that is what the casters referred to it as when it was cast on me before. It is not a good feeling. Feel like it rips you from the inside out. The good thing from our encounter is we got to see some of Ramona ability. She is not a standard healer, well not like Ragnar. I believe we need to be less recklessness. She does not seem to be able to heal as powerfully as Ragnar did. Not that many could. He had a gift and before i die I will find a way to save him. For now i do not have time to reflect longer we are headed to were one of the wizards teleported to during the fight. Pelor protect us, we will need it in the coming minutes.

Ramona: In Bedlam

It seems we're in Bedlam.

I'm not entirely certain it's a good idea. On the one hand, this group of Paladins does seem to be rather under-equipped, if any of the glimpses I've managed to get of their enemies are accurate.

On the other hand, if they've truly demolished the seer, it's possible that the aboleth are shutting the gates, manning the walls, and bracing for a massive assault. The time they spend out here may be all the more time their enemies have to gather their forces, and they may find themselves fighting the three remaining aboleth altogether, rather than the one at a time that has given them so much success.

Which, for me, raises the simple question: how far am I going to take this? For that matter, how far with Umberlee allow me to take this?

She is none too happy about the aboleth, certainly. But if they were to pull in, abandon the vast majority of her seas and stop trying to take away her control, she may very well consider them defeated. In that case, she may not look too keenly on my risking my life (her life, really. It's not mine anymore) for a defeated enemy. I've managed to keep her appeased this long, it would be a shame to die now. And to die because I wanted to get myself killed doesn't make any sense at all.

Though she does like vengeance. So I suppose it depends on her mood at the moment.

A single aboleth, though, she would almost certainly approve. Easy targets are her favorite.

Either way, I suppose it's in her hands. I'll help the paladins as long as I'm able, and when I'm not, well, I hope they'll do well enough on their own.

This is their fight, after all. I'm sure the gods that chose them, strange though their sense of humor may be, chose them for a reason.

I hope that will be enough.

Journal of Arcadius

Sigil Yet Again

Upon our return from the Aboleth's plane, we'd found ourselves in the hometown of Ragnarr, may peace be upon him, at the temple of Pelor. It was fitting, worthy, and no surprise that he would send us there. We resurrected Crunch, Keniroh, and Bael'thas, and are now still deeper in debt.

Keniroh's curse of brain spiders, or whatever they are, seemed to have followed him even from death, so we decided to return to Sigil to visit the psychic surgeon. However first we had Ragnarr's letters to deliver.

His ex-wife, Ramona, was in Stonekeep. This was a cause for some apprehension, but upon arrival there found it to be no longer under the rule of the Aboleth's minions. It seems that Nigori, whom I'd never met, though heard much of, was in part responsible for this excellent turn of events. Ramona herself was not at all the ogress of Ragnarr's memory, and she, in most noble and worthy manner, gave us a toast to him. Whatever Ragnarr said to her in his letter, she gave little sign. She is a priestess of Umberlee, however, which baffles me, but at least that cruel and chaotic goddess is not in league with the Aboleth!

Ramona agreed to join our cause in Ragnarr's stead. It was well done, and her manner has been grave and praiseworthy throughout all of this.

In sigil, we delivered further letters: to Chris, who was sad at Ragnarr's passing, to a bartender who was pleased that we paid Ragnarr's immense bar tab. This cost most of what remained of our meager funds. The final letter was to the psychic surgeon, Anna, and its contents seemed to make her uncomfortable. I will not speculate further. She was able to cure Keniroh of his malady, but we are now in debt to her as well, at least for now. For, she has a task for us - a potentially moneymaking task.

We are to visit a place in the Outlands sitting astride a gate to the foul chaotic plane of Pandemonium, and there recover a gem.

Lord Pelor, you know my soul, and I swear upon it and my devotion to you that I did not set forth upon the path of a Paladin in search of riches, but assuredly we will need funds to continue our struggle. Please forgive me for the mercenary task I must take on!

*A*

Ramona: Waiting for the Paladins

Ragnarr's dead.

I'll be meeting his friends, soon. They'll probably think their delivering the news, but the bones have never been clearer.

I do mean never. The sea is rarely this forthcoming, which means I must be dealing with Umberlee. I'm sure she'd be only too happy to give me any gory detail I would like, to rub my face in it and watch me suffer.

I don't think I'll ask her. At least a Paladin might try to soften the blow. Though from what I've seen, subtlety has never been Arcadius's strong suit. It might be better to hear it from the bitch queen.

This is her price, I suppose. Thanks to her, any number of the Aboleth's fleeing minions will never make it to another fight. They thought the sea would protect them, but they didn't get that their masters were too far away to protect them from the wrath of Umberlee.

And she's been denied her wrath for too long. I suppose I should have been more active, but I thought that, sooner or later, Ragnarr was going to ask for my help. He should have known I would be able to, whatever he thought of me.

But, then, he's a stubborn ass. Or was a stubborn ass.

I wish I could blame Umberlee for what happened between us. I know he did. But I don't have that comfort.

What happened to us had begun long ago. The jellyfish only sped things up, and the child put the final nail in that coffin.

But we had drifted apart long before, and I belonged to the sea long before I belonged to Umberlee.

But it was what it was, and it was what it had to be.

And if Umberlee's vengeance can be made in Ragnarr's name, so much the better.

May she have mercy on my allies, and vengeance on my enemies, now and forever.

Journal of Crunch, Day 303d-308ish

-day304:


I remember when I first met Ragnarr. It was in a tavern. I sought him out because the locals told me he was a fine source of a wide variety of culturally-centric emotions, which proved to be true. He was very interesting to observe and proved to be a good friend, even if his Humor was misaligned. He was the first to show me the true depth of the emotion of Cursing.


As of Day 303 local time, Ragnarr is dead. Casing unrecoverable, soul location unknown. This unit was inactive at the time of his last observed act, which was severing the final junction between Subplane 3 and the Plane of the Seer Aboleth. He left a series of letters for us after his death. In the end, he hoped that I could experience drunkenness. I believe that this would be a good forgehumping trait to have at this time.

Conclusions:


-day305:
Construction of new furniture did not go well. Weapon practice gained the ire of local authorities. Gave up and retired to isolated location, only to have a fishing hook snag in an ocular. Have since engaged in general Moping at the inn for the rest of the day.

Conclusions: Do not attempt to build then assault chairs. Do not sulk in rivers. Do not die again.


-day306:
All units are fully rested. It is to be noted that Bael'thas and Keniroh were deactivated at the same time as I, and that they have also been restored to full working order. Adjustments to armor complete. Rusty has expressed concern over my recent actions, but I do not foresee issues.

While the forces of the rogue aboleth still abound in this plane, we have decided to honor Ragnarr and his sacrifice by implementing his final desires. His letters were not only addressed to us, but a variety of individuals. It is only proper to deliver them all.

Conclusions: The work of Justice is never complete.


-day307-A:
We have located Ragnarr's ex-wife Ram-mor Ramona using a lock of hair provided by Ragnarr. She is in Stonekeep, and we have travelled accordingly. The number of crystal-wearing people in the city was lower than expected. Ramona was stationed in the keep, and greeted the bad news with alcohol. According to her, the local aboleth forces were somehow distracted by a sea-based elf female in leather, allowing friendly forces to overtake and control the city. As for her, she has agreed to honor Ragnarr's request and will aid us in our missions against the aboleth.

-day307-B + Sigil day0.5:
We have returned to Sigil for further letter delivery. Ragnarr's bar tab has been paid in full. Chris and Lief are doing fine. The psionic engi ist from before, Anna, was also due a letter, which was fortunate as we also needed to run diagnostics on Keniroh. Keniroh's condition, if left untreated, would have destroyed his brain in less than a standard year. Due to our current financial status, we have opted to run a mission for Anna as payment for his treatment.

Conclusions: Ramona is not infernal as was expected, nor is she particularly dog-like. We may have a new ally in the fight against the aboleth.


-day307 + Sigil day1:
Preparations. Anna has explained her mission in full: she desires a special crystal in the city of Bedlam, on edge of the Plane of Pandemonium. We are to travel there tomorrow and acquire it.

Nathanial, the leader of the Mangy privateer division, has contacted us. He claims that he has the final piece of the artifact. Whether or not he does, and whether or not we are to actually receive it is unknown at this time. The odds of this being a ruse to locate the other pieces is very high.

Conclusions: Pending.