Journeys Beginning

After spending years in the mines and military service I began my journey to find those of similar ilk to pursue my adventures late in life. I roamed for months until I was south of the town of Phandalin in the forest. I smelled the enchanting fragrance of roast meat over a fire. I followed my nose to within a mile of its source but heard a ruckus down by the local mill to the south of me. As I gazed over the pasture I spied and elf and two humans thus being set upon by a strange beast. I made a quick decision, checking to see that my 6 javelins were strapped tight and my broadsword was at my side, I ran toward the group as the human was run through by a spike coming from the animals tail. The beast was in flight as I threw my first javelin missing but exhilaration sent a chill over me. I was torn to either help what appeared to be a cleric thrashing on the ground in his death throes or move towards the melee and help vanquish the ugly creature. I chose the later as I tossed another javelin striking the it mid-flight. Huzzah!
 
Being proud of myself as I approached the group just as it killed the animal. A wood elf with a dark and suspicious look on his face stepped into my path, shielding me from the party. Not being overly fond of elves I tried to remain patient and nonthreatening as I answered his questions. This group could be my key to adventure and I wasn’t going to screw that up. Tuath was the elves name, the unconscious human cleric was named Baric and the quiet human woman was named Blithe.
 
A woman named Adabra rushed out of the mill and miraculously helped the cleric heal; bringing him back from near death. I grabbed a knife and a shovel to help dress and then bury what I found out was called a Manticora. Strangely the first thing the cleric did was say soft prayers over the dead animals grave. Utter nonsense which I usually would have said as such but uncharacteristically held my tongue.
 
After helping the older woman fix her dwelling we headed back into the town of Phandalin. There I officially joined the party and at the inn we stayed for a couple of nights. Baric ever odd was up before dawn looking to hold a “service” for his god, beckoning loudly (to my annoyance so early in the morning) to have others join him. Tuath always had one eye on me and felt him watching me in my sleep. Blithe kept to herself but would find more about her story later.
 
I couldn’t wait to leave this town……
 
Ottoz