Logbook of Holland Wellhouse

2/1/5044

How fortuitous. Upon leaving my apprenticeship I was able to gain membership in a forming adventuring group called the Red Hands. They were looking for a mage to fill out their roster. Hilfast, the group priest, had a barely readable map that he gave to me to decipher. After several days of study and research, I was able to translate the map. It told of a treasure in the mountains near Dilurn. We loaded up with provisions and secured mounts and set off in a pursuit of glory and treasure.

The members of the group, all human, are: Brigor, a headstrong warrior; Jilpan, a warrior of nature; Hilfast, a priest of Hoar; and Milken, a seedy looking individual.

I rather like Brigor for all of his boisterous ways. I think that there is a poet lurking within his harsh exterior, I spoke with him at length last evening and he was full of insight and wisdom. Jilpan keeps a distance between himself and the rest of the group. I have not been able to get to know him as well as I would like to before setting out on an adventure such as this. Hilfast is easy to like, despite his bleak and unforgiving attitude. He is definitely a priest of Hoar. Now Milken... I am not sure about him. There is something... wrong about him. He is a very shifty individual. Alas, I am new in this group, perhaps with time I will learn to like him as I do the others.

2/1/5044

The others have elected me to be the leader. I do not know why. Milken had strong objections but the others shouted him down. It is hard to think of myself as the leader. I now worry about four other souls above mine.

2/3/5044

We rode into an ambush today. My first time in melee. Even now, my hands shake. Everything happened so quickly, but I'll to relate it: Several arrows flew from the trees to our left. Milken was off his horse and into the woods along the trail before I could as much as blink. Brigor and Jilpan hastily dismounted and rushed forward into the trees taking serious wounds as they tried to draw the creatures into melee. Hilfast followed the fighters in order to give aid. I saw one of the creatures whom I found out to be hobgoblins and cast a missile at it. My missile struck it in the chest and ended its foul life. The arrows stopped as the fighters and cleric fought in melee with the creatures. I heard a noise to my rear right in the trees. Twisting in my saddle I said the words of my remaining spell. Flames, in a wide arc, sprang forth from my hands and engulfed the trees near me. From the trees a burning body came bursting out, cursing loudly. I remember grabbing my dagger, my last defense. That is when I saw that it was Milken. He began rolling on the ground to put out the flames that licked his body. After the flames were out, Milken weakly got to his feet and I swear a look of hatred burned in his eyes. I apologized to him and explained that I thought he was another attacking humanoid but Milken just stalked off. By then the sounds of combat from the trees had ended.

It was quite exhilarating to use my spells for their intended use for the first time. I really do not feel bad that I killed the hobgoblin, nor do I feel bad about burning Milken. In fact, I enjoyed the feeling of power that ran through me as the magical energies took shape and caused the damage that they did. I will have to watch myself as I grow in the Art. It would not do to become addicted to the lure of magic.

Nevertheless, Hilfast tended to the wounds of the warrior and the scorched Milken. Jilpan quickly set out to find the tracks of the hobgoblin war party, to find out where they came from. Brigor and I looked over the dead bodies, a most sickening chore, looking for any booty. Afterwards we stacked the bodies for cremation. We found a few necklaces and trinkets as well as a bit of coin. I also found a fine looking dagger on the body of the hobgoblin that I slew with my magic. I took the dagger as my due. The others assented.

Jilpan returned after about an hour, by the time that we had the bodies burning and told us that he had followed the hobgoblin tracks back to a cave. He had heard humanoid noises coming from the cave entrance and wisely did not want to check any further into the matter. We spent the next several minutes debating amongst ourselves whether to look into this matter or not. I must admit that I was quite active in voicing pursuit of the hobgoblins to the end. In retrospect, I think that I was still charged from the recent combat. The others differed to me and so the plan was set.

Hilfast and I rested while the others stood guard. He regained his prayers and I regained my spells. Hilfast used his prayers immediately in healing the warriors. Milken voiced complaint that he was still wounded, but no one really listened to him. We headed off to the cave lair. Once we got close to it, Jilpan signaled for silence and we quietly dismounted our horses. The plan, as lengthy it was to actually agree upon it, was simple. The warriors would enter the cave with their bows out and stand just inside of the entrance. They would rain down arrows on everything inside that moved. They would then drop their bows and move in to melee. Hilfast and Milken would follow them as a second wave and I was to bring up the rear. Something that I did not have any problems or complaints with, I fully understand that once my spells are exhausted, I am nothing but a easy target. Funny how you may be elected the leader but everyone still wants to lead... I might write a paper on that..

Things went relatively more smooth this time around. There were only a few hobgoblins present in the cave. They were the remains of the war party that attacked us earlier. These stay-behinds were supposed to prepare the cave to be used as a base camp for the war party. This meant, of course, that they were asleep at the time of our attack. Brigor and Jilpan killed two of the filthy creatures with their arrows and swiftly dealt with the remaining two. Though I might add that I helped Jilpan a little by practically slaying the one he was fighting with one of my missiles. He didn't seem to mind though.

We then searched the cave and the bodies of the hobgoblins. Jilpan found a longsword with elven runes on it, we decided to let him keep it. We also found more coins and a few gems. Brigor and Jilpan stacked the bodies and started them aflame while we decided what to do next. Since it was getting dark, we decided to move on until we found a suitable camp site.

Sitting here writing in this journal is quite peaceful, I think that it helps me deal with the blood and the smell of burnt flesh. Who knows, perhaps someday I will be famous and all will want to read about my humble beginnings. HA! That will be the day...Jilpan and Milken are still going at it. Jilpan is calling Milken a coward for taking off into the trees and facing the hobgoblins. Milken is insisting that he was going to loop around the hobgoblins and attack them from the rear. I don't think that Jilpan believes him.

Oh thank the gods. Hilfast put a stop to the matter. I thought for a moment that Jilpan was going to pull steel on Milken and smite him in two. I have finished cleaning up from dinner and the guard shifts are starting. My shift is last, so to bed I go.

2/6/5044

Thankfully we did not have any further incidents and found what we believed to be the entrance to the hoard. Actually, it was Milken who found the entrance in the side of the mountain. It took the warriors at least an hour to clear the rocks and rubble from the entrance to the point that one could slip through into the tunnel beyond. Jilpan fed and watered the horses and then staked them down. Both of which, I would not have even thought of.

I have learned in the short time that I have been with the Red Hands that I have much more to learn. No matter who the person is, or how much smarter you think you are, you can always learn something from them. I learned a lot from my Master about Art; but now I learn from my friends about Life.

But I digress.. The tunnel went straight into the mountain, occasionally there was an open entrance way leading off the main tunnel. These led to small crypts, one on each side. Unbelievably, there was a bit of treasure in these small crypts. I found a ring as well as a rotted pouch containing three large pearls.

We finally came to a "T" intersection where our tunnel ended. We looked down each of the tunnels, we saw the left one went on for about 40 feet and then ended with rocks and rubble. The tunnel on the left led to a door. We headed down to the cave in and Milken listened at the rubble. He told us that he could hear humanoid noises. We all strained to hear as well and managed to hear some faint noises coming from behind the wall of rocks. What drew our attention were the noises that came from the tunnel that we had originally used to enter the mountain, Our ONLY known way of egress.

Looking down the tunnel we saw skeletons come pouring out of each of the crypts that we just recently pillaged. I wonder why they did not animate while we were in the actual crypts. No matter, what happened was Hilfast immediately, albeit with a shaky hand, held out his holy symbol and began chanting in a sing-song voice. Thankfully, the skeletons turned away from him and moved down the tunnel towards the entrance. A peculiar thing is that once the skeletons reached the entrance that we created they stopped as if they had hit a wall.

The fighters immediately moved down the tunnel and began firing missiles at the cornered skeletons. Unfortunately, their arrows did not really have an effect on the unholy creatures. I stood back at the "T" intersection and had an inspiration. I called the fighters back and led everyone to the caved-in tunnel. There we all picked up large rocks. Hilfast had remained in place still chanting, holding the skeletons at bay. We threw the rocks at the abominations and after a few trips back to the tunnel for more ammunition, managed to shatter all of the skeletons.

At this time, Jilpan was a bit unnerved and wanted to leave. He did not like the enclosed tunnels as well as the fact that there were undead creatures about. He argued that we had found several pearls, a lot of coin as well as several small pieces of jewelry and we should leave while we were ahead. Milken was the strongest voice in opposition to Jilpan. After, yet another, debate, we decided to explore the rest of the tunnels. Jilpan, against his better judgement, stayed with us.

We headed down to the closed door and let Milken do the work that he has trained for. It was somewhat fascinating to watch him work. He took his time and special care with the lock. He also oiled the lock as well as the hinges, a prudent move that I will always remember. After a few minutes, the lock was beaten and the door was opened.

Inside was a large room. It had several coffins in it. Jilpan again cited his arguments quietly and voiced his desire to leave. This time Milken's voice was the only opposition. I did not really want to find out what was in the coffins and I was glad that it was still daylight outside. Trailing a sulking Milken we quickly left the tunnels and reclaimed our horses. I noticed that Jilpan continually looked over his shoulder at the mountain until we reached the forest. Once within its green arms Jilpan relaxed considerably.

We are planning to return to Selgaunt and have our items appraised and exchanged for gold. We are now camped in a small clearing about a day's ride from where we found the Hobgoblin lair. Jilpan warned about having only a low fire, just in case, seems prudent to me. The night is late and I am tired so to my bedroll I go.

5/10/5044

I still see red! This is the first opportunity I have had the strength and inclination to write and I feel a need to record these events while they are still so bright in my mind's eye.

It was the night that we left the mountain and were headed back to town. The attack came after midnight, during Brigor's shift. I awoke to Brigor's death cry. Looking at his still body, I could see that four arrows had pierced his body. I immediately grabbed my pack and the party sack and rolled away from the fire. I saw Jilpan rush into the trees, unarmoured, swinging his sword. Milken had vanished again.

I ran for the safety of the trees, I looked over my shoulder as I ran to see Hilfast laid low by arrows as he leaned over the body of Brigor. That is when I was rewarded with the arrow in my shoulder. It knocked me off balance and I slammed into a large tree. My head flashed with pain and my eyes burned a blood oozed down from my scalp over my face. I don't know how, but my feet kept moving and I made it to the trees.

I wiped the blood from my eyes so I could see and I tried to quietly move through the woods. Two of our party were down and I was grievously wounded. I saw Jilpan, like an avenging angel in his shortclothes, strike down an archer. He looked up to see me and smiled. He started to give me a thumbs up signal when I saw his face go white and his eyes suddenly go wide. I watched as Jilpan slowly sunk to his knees, his last energies used to signal for me to flee.

I hid next to a tree and watched as Jilpan's blood and life drained out of him, his body falling forward. I clenched my teeth just in time to stop from crying out warning when I saw Milken standing where Jilpan had just been standing. Slowly my eyes focused on Milken's bloody sword and watched as Milken quickly looted Jilpan's body. THAT DAMNED TURNCOAT!! MAY THE GODS STRIKE HIM DOWN!

I heard humanoid jabbering coming from the trees around me, once I heard Milken answer back in the same incomprehensible language, I understood. Milken was in league with these filthy creatures and had sold us out. I moved away from the scene with as much haste and silence that I could muster. I stopped when the pain from my shoulder became too great.

I used my dagger to cut the arrow out and used some herbs as a compress to stop the bleeding. After hastily bandaging the wound I set my feet to the trail and began walking back to Selgaunt. I knew that if I rested my life would be forfeit. I don't know how far I traveled but my next memory was waking in a small room. Apparently, two priests of Hoar, Ponfly and Waltor, had found me in the woods and carried me back to their church.

The priests told me how close to death's door I had traveled. I had caught fever and had lost a dangerous amount of blood. I guess it was not my time. Not like Jilpan...

As I regained my strength I told the priests of the betrayal. When I mentioned Hilfast's name, Ponfly smashed his fist into his hand in anger. He wanted blood-debt for Hilfast's death. I trembled in my sickbed at the emotion that poured out of Ponfly. I don't think that I equated Hoar with the God of Vengeance until that moment.

Messages were immediately sent out with a description of Milken. After I regained my health, I returned to my former master's house and studied Art. Spells came much easier to me and I was able to memorize more of them, indeed I was growing in the Art. I quickly noticed that due to my head wound, a portion of my hair had turned white in color. A streak of white through my black hair. My master's new apprentice, Yolinda by name, said that it made me look more distinguished and handsome. I could not express in words to her how it was a daily reminder to me of the deaths of my friends, I don't think she could have possibly understood.

I will wear black in their memories until the day their deaths have been repaid..

6/19/5044

Ponfly has contacted me. Milken somehow learned he was being hunted and has fled aboard a ship to the Stars. I volunteered to follow Milken and settle accounts once and for all. Ponfly was rather pleased with my statement and has arranged for transport to Waterdeep. He also gave me a special brooch. He told me that it would identify me as a friend of the faith to all followers of Hoar as well as it would give me some magical protection.

The priests then conducted a ceremony wherein I was charged with the duty of Vengeance.

7/25/5044

The priests here in Waterdeep have secured me passage aboard the NIGHTRAVEN as an apprentice helmsman. I leave in the morning for my new life.

12/4/5044

No sign of Milken, I am realizing how difficult this search is going to be, the Stars are vast and numerous.

10/5/5045

Boarded a new ship, LIGHTHAVEN, as assistant Helmsman, no sign of Milken as of yet.

5/16/5046

Rumors of a man who matches Milken's description. First solid lead.

8/2/5047

Rumors were false. Not the same man. Will Vengeance ever be satisfied??

10/17/5048

No further leads. Boarded a new ship, SILVER WING, as primary Helmsman.

3/17/5049

No further leads, losing hope... Entered the service of House Moune on the Rock of Bral as Helmsman.

5/7/5049

I have found him. He is the captain of the pirate galley PROWLER. It figures he would consort with such low-lives and miscreants. We battled in the secret pirate port called Barre Sinister on the planet Shipwrecker. I wounded him but I know he still lives. He had magical arrows that sliced through my protective shield. Vengeance is near. We will repair our ship and repair our souls. We will gird our loins and take up arms. The next encounter will be fatal, for one of us.

6/01/5049

Evidently the hidden cove we found is not the Barre Sinister; it was an entirely different pirate hideaway. Makes one wonder how many secret bases these pirates have. I haven't told the others about Milken, it just didn't seem an easy thing to do without opening up old wounds. Instead of returning to Shipwrecker, we have taken a commission to Spiral. I hope we return to Shipwrecker afterwards.

6/15/5049

Spiral was a bust. We lost the STAR in a fight with two Scro vipers. We patched together a raft and limped to Ironpiece.

6/23/5049

Milken slipped through my hands again but I dealt him a hard blow. We liberated his ship. He is now a Captain without a ship. This should stir up the pirate community.