The Journal of the Black Company
1 Mirtul 1281
My name is Moonbiter and I am the leader of the mercenary group known as
the Black Company. We are six in number. Otto, who is a paladin
of Tempus. Sleepy, an elf with a nasty temper and sticky fingers. Croaker, a sad
cleric of Helm. Goblin, a mischievous gnome with skills in weapons and
illusion magic . Lady, a conjurer of some power and of course myself.
Each of us left behind lives that had gone terrible wrong. Fate and necessity has brought us north together. We intend to make the most of it.
We arrived in town of Easthaven late last night after escorting a small caravan here. We suffered only one major attack by orcish marauders, during our journey. Unfortunately the orcs managed to set fire to our wagon and we lost most of our equipment and provisions.
Easthaven is a lake front town. It survives because of the knucklehead trout that can be caught in the lake. The Scrimshanders who live in town turn the ivory like skull of the trout into valued works of art which they sell to the southern cities. The town also seems to do some minor farming but not enough to get by with out the goods brought in by the caravans
We were sitting in the Snowdrift Inn, waiting for our meal, when we were approached by an armored warrior. The warrior introduced himself as Hrothgar, defender of Easthaven. Hrothgar, asked us what our business was in Easthaven and warned us to behave properly or we would answer to him. Tiny hamlets like this are always subject to ruffians who wish to cause trouble so I understood his gruff manner. I told Hrothgar that we were here in search of work, whether it is guarding caravans or exploring the passes.
After talking with us for a few minutes he asked us to stop by his home tomorrow night after we had re-outfitted ourselves, because he might have a job for us.
After our dinner was finished, we discussed the offer for a while. Then we retired to our rooms, for the first time in weeks we sleep in warmth and comfort.
In the morning we went over to Pomab's emporium and purchased some new gear. It cost us most of the gold we had been paid because his prices were absurdly high. The cost was even more insulting considering we helped bring most of that gear up. Well at least everyone is armed and armored as best as can be expected out here on the frontier.
Since the morning was barely over we decided to look around town. We first met an old man named Jed, rumor has it that he is the town drunk, but I think the words I had for him may turn his habit around.
The company did encounter some goblins who had attacked a small boy and stolen his family's daily catch. We made short work of the goblins. Small creatures like that are more of a nuisance than a threat, unless they out number you.
Later we went to the Scrimshanders huts because Goblin wanted to talk with them about there work. Aspel a scrimshander of some reputation, asked us to kill a rabid wolf that had gotten into his shop. I tried to coax the poor creature out but its disease had progressed to far and I had to kill it. Aspel was pleased though and gave us a beautiful scrimshaw dagger in return for our troubles.
After lunch Otto went to the Temple of Tempus, to speak with its steward Everard and to renew his devotions with his god.
I have a strange tale to share about this afternoon. I am glad Otto was not with us, he believes that all spirits are evil and no good can come of dealing with one.
We were roaming the outskirts of Easthaven trying to get the lay of the land when we discovered a strange woman who was colored a spectral blue. Lady suggested we be wary when we spoke with her because she might be a water spirit. As we approached the woman she asked if we would here her tale. I agreed that we would. She said her name was Elisia and she was interested in a man name Jhonen. Jhonen reminded her of one of his ancestors with whom she had once been smitten. Elisia wants to return a weapon that belonged to this ancestor to Jhonen, but she is for bidden to.
Elisia asked us to take the sword to Jhonen and explain everything to him. He was extremely grateful because he had an unknown tune playing over and over in his mind. Now he understood that it was because she was trying to contact him. He pledged never to try and find the woman but asked us to deliver his thanks. As I said it is a strange tale.
Later during dinner Otto told us all the story of the Jerrod stone, which is the artifact that the temple holds. Seems it is a circular stone with a barbarian shaman trapped inside. Jerrod became trapped in the stone during a battle with a wizard and his demon minions. I must get over to the temple and speak with Everard myself so I can write this tale down.
We arrived at Hrothgar's home a little after the dinner meal. He had hot tea ready for us. He told us he had heard of our exploits with the goblins and that he had spoken to the caravan master that we came to Easthaven with. I was not surprised. It would be a strange thing for someone to have not checked out our story.
Hrothgar said he was forming an expedition that would travel to Kuldahar. Kuldahar is an even smaller hamlet some sixty miles east of Easthaven. It is said to be kept warm by a huge mystical tree.
A messenger had arrive earlier this ten-day, bringing a message of strange occurrences in Kuldahar and that the town may be in need of assistance. Sadly, the messenger died not long after giving the message, from the wounds he had received on the journey.
Hrothgar informed us that he needed more people for the expedition and that since we had been recommended by the caravan master, he would like to hire us to accompany the expedition.
After taking a few minutes to get everyone's opinion, I agreed. We set forth the terms of 200 gold for the trip to and back from Khuldahar, in addition to equal shares of any spoils taken from monsters or raiders that we may encounter.
Hrothgar seemed extremely pleased. Since the expedition will not leave for another two days, he asked if we would be interested in investigating the southern road for signs of another caravan who missed its arrival window today. The expected supplies were extremely valuable and some were needed for the expedition.
We agreed to look for the caravan, fee 5gp per member for the day. We will set out first thing in the morning.
