Bree Wildwhisker

02/09/3022   Considering recent events the trip down has been as of yet unnaventful, something I can only hope lasts longer than a day or two. Whilst taking the detor for the map may extend our journeys time it will be a verifyer for how this item works and what to expect from it, I'm glad the group agreed to go check it out even if it turns out to be nothing of import.   02/09/3022   The day has gone by quietly, we are about half a days distance from the map marker which from current looks appears to be on some sort of hill, we'll camp up and head there in the early morning, hopefuly we should reach it by midday.   03/09/3022   Last night was interesting to put it lightly we agreed on 3 watches for the night and I was with Ciri on the first, it was quiet at first but then Ciri got my attention informing me that she could smell what she thought was blood

26/08/3022   We managed to leave the vault and head out to where Storm had previously discover the message about a rebel camp nearby. it didn't take long and we arrvied in the evening. At first they seemed unsure of us, makes sense given the circumstances but then a black dragonborn by the name of Thorne appeared and apparently knew Storm from his past in the group.   The camp is in the process of packing up and moving out, turns out they were here for the slave train in aims to obstruct it and free the slaves, guess the blue prick put a wrench in that plan but maybe death is better than what Cythisis had in plans for them if they arrvied at his palace. Ciri got a letter, not sure how that works but it seemed to be from her brother, turns out the less than favourable brother got fired from his position for losing Ciri and our group and as such is seeking out revenge against us, woohoo....   Mis Fancy is going to be at the Conclave as well, and although she seems to have put out trackers for us we seem to have dodged them, peronally I'm not sure if that's by skill or just sheer luck. Also news on Sousaphon, apparently he has been visiting Mis fancy more often and there are rumours spreading that she is tryig to woo him.   Ciri went into the tent we were provided for some rest, some time later Axel came out of no where and asked me to store the crown in my bag of holding (I had thought it was already in there but it seems Ciri or Axel took it ?) then there was a shrill shreak and she began shouting about something missing, Ciri came out to exclaim that the crown was missing, without missing a beat Axel informed her that he had taken it, this went down like a lead balloon at first, something about Ciri needing the crown, needing to protect it, that it was her job her duty, and some thing about old soveren ?   Axel was able to calm Ciri though for now at least, it seems with recent events and such there's been a lot of stress on Ciri and she thanked Axel. They whispered together for a bit before going back to the tent. Not wanting to disturb them myself and Storm stayed outside with the fire.   27/08/3022   We woke up early and were given some food for breakfast, quite nice I must say. Thorne came to check on us and discuss R's movements, apparenty he also plans to show at the Conclave as a guest of one of the Dragonborn, Storm asks if that happened to be Mis Fancy and with a sharp glance we were all aksed to move to his tent so he could talk in secrecy. after going over what we've encountered in the past Thorne seems to somewhat understand. Storm and Axel then went on to aks if they could help Thorne, wanting to repay the kindness that he had shown us I guess.   Thorne seemed to be in thought for a while but then asked us if we could head a little place called the Moon Market, it is one of the bread baskets of Distel's territory, apparently one of Thorne's men has gone quite, it's been weeks since his last report and Thorne is worried. The task we have is to locate, ascertain his status, then leave a message at a dead drop for a later pickup. Thorne went on to discuss that the last message he had received from his contact, a Stout Halfling by the name "Merry Buckleweather", had mentioned murmurs of a cult to the myst, although Thorne seems reselute in his stance that myst influence is bollocks and that even when Axel showed him the sktech of our stalker the "bendy neck bastard" he did not seem to care, citing that they were all just nonsense stories told to scare little dragonborn.   Our current plan is to head to the grave of Axel's boy Gary then head to this moon market place, I don't know how bad it will be but hopefully not too bad. Before heading out as the group packed up and prepared the horses for transport, I looked around the group, we had met with some of the members and they had chatted to Storm and us. With a little persuading and some money I was able to get one of the more scholarly of them to cast comprehend language on me, this has allowed me to read the text of the blueprint which was so... handily provided to me from the cat demon.   Arriving at the grave we found nothing, or so we thought, second later Gary jumped Axel. seems the guy is still alive, I don't know how that works given I saw is pulp of a corpse but I don't know everything I guess? we then moved on and are now heading to Moon Market, the travel time is 2 days so we should make it by the 29th if we don't encounter anything on our travels.   28/08/3022   Not much to report, still traveling. One day left till we get to this Moon market place, I don't know how bad or good this place will be but knowing our luck the bendy nech bastard or one of his suborninates or another creature of the myst is allready there.   I managed to use the map in the light of the moon at the camp we had set up to rest at just off the path somewhere safe. although there are no real landmarks I can make out with some rough estimates where we are and it seems as we travel to Moon Market that there is a "forgotten treasure" nearby (whatever that means).   01/09/3022   We have made it to the village, it seems quite nice from what I can seem from a distance, fields of corn flourishing, no doubt due to the dragonlords affect on his land.   01/09/3022   Things are worse then I had thought they would be, what I thought would be a simple check up, dead drop and update on myst movements has changed, firstly our target is not only out of town but also seems to be very friendly with the new head harvesters (a friendship that was also quite sudden in it's happening if what we've been told is true). This is what we know so far as of arriving at Moon Market.   - Attacks done by the cult are being covered to look like or rumour milled to be that of bandits. Masked Wolves? - The village has been meeting crop quota for the past 3 years but it's been 12 years since the new managers Silas and his wife Mira joined the village. - The Elder seems to be aware something is going on but is not sure, thus the curfue he has in place to protect those that need it or that aren't yet converted. - The centre monument is of some importance in this, villagers have been witnessed approaching it and whispering "Sleep tight little sovereign soon you will be the eternal king". Likely this is linked in someway to the Nowhere King. - The corn has been corrupted in some form, upon opening one a black treacle like ooze fill it, not all corn is like this but it's safe to assume a majority of it is unsalvageable and that considering Distel's territory is the bread basket for the country a lot of it has been transported far and wide. (There is also the my speculation that seeing as there has not been any movement from the myst in some time and the laxness of the dragonlord means more villages could be corrupted). - Upon examination of the corn it appears to evoke apethy in those that consume it over a certain period of time, with a posability for audio and visual halucinations for those who consume it for longer periods of time. - The maze on the outskirts of the village is a point of interest but unsure what is going on within it.   Hopefully the night is quiet, I want to leave hear as soon as possible, I do not know how active the cult or myst has been of late but our arrival and interferance has likely not gone without consequences, whether their schedule has moved forward or not only time will tell.   02/09/3022   Last night did not go quietly, out movements did indeed set a light to their heels. During our watch as we thought it better we stick together we encountered the "bendy neck bastard". It is in no short measure that I reacted with with all intention and forethought when getting Arkrhyst and his sone involved in the situation, regardless of how I may have doomed both that village and all villages in the surrounding area, as with any infection it kindness cannot be applied in these situations espetially in situations regarding the myst and the many unknown factors that brings with it.   With what I saw that night and how the myst assassin interacts with it's prey it's of import that I make notes of what I can. There does indeed to be some sort of cult attached to the myst, cloaked firgures seem cliche but it is hat it is. Secondly close interaction with this creature has a strong effect on people, I'm not sure how it starts off and what triggers may be involved, fear most likely being one of them given the bar keeps expersion at the time but I did not expect the look of ecstasy from her daughter. It also seems the creatures powers of perception are far greater than my skills in stealth even with the aid of magic.   Leading on from what I saw it seems those linked to the myst may preceive it in an altered way as those who are not, assuming for the moment that the Nowhere crown truly is linked to the Nowhre King and the Myst (which I fully support this link), Ciri's hearing of a beautiful tune at that night when she jumped from the window adds weight to that possible trait, and another weakness for them to pull at in our group.   Althought it took some effort we were able to deal with the cult and rescue Ciri, managing to also kill the Wife Mira but letting both the "Bendy Neck Bastard" get away as well as Silas. We did however find out more information about the myst if only scraps.   - The myst corrupts a persons body, I'm not sure how badly long term corruption would look like but given how Merry looks I can assume it is not a pretty site. - Ciri is pregnant, how? I do not know, well I know the biology of it but this seems very fast considering we've only known each other for a month. - The cultists made reference to Ciri as "The Mother", and spoke of some connection to a "Prince of Kings" and "Akesh" ? - The myst has mind altering affects on people, although we knew they could erase people we now know from Ciri's input that they can put you into a certain state of consciousness, this would explain CIri not knowing how she got to the maze. - Ciri's connection to the crown is seemingly that of a protector/nanny, she was apparently visited in a dream by an eyeless crone who made mention of the resurrection of the prince and the need to fullfill it's wishes.   We got back to the village, it seems there was a fight there too between cultists and villagers, there does not seem to be an apparent winner between the groups though. We informed the survivors (The elder Marlow and the Blacksmith Robin) that the Dragonlords knew of tonights events, Robin fled cursing our names and Elder Marlow requested our aid with escorting him to Distel to give an explaination of events, which was unneeded given the events that then followed.   We found Merry and Storm left an update at the drop off location, on Merry however were a few items of interest. - 3 letters, for with the initials M.U, one with Thorne's name, and the last with Silas' name. The letter with addressed to Thorne seems to be written in a code of sorts, I assume Storm can read it. - M.U - Information about a forces movment, current targets assume Merry to be converted/indoctrinated, materials left at dead drop, incidetns in the bread basket causing villagers to be more inclinedto listen (to the rebelion?) - Thorne - Cult gaining traction, riling Distel and Arkrhyst, possible genocides inbound. There is a bounty for myst touched items a hefty one at that. rumblings on the merc front someones throwing around a lotta cash. Increase seismic activity in London, the tyrant might be stirring ? - Silas - Fertalizer has been made and distributed to multiple villages (which ones ? how many ?). Costs going up both in production and transportation, money is required.   - A vial of black smoke/liquid, which for the time being is being stored in a safe location. (they managed to capture the myst ?)   It seems talks did not take long as Arkrhyst arrived prompty with his son as well as Distel who casually sauntered in, we informed him of what we learned which turned his ire to the Elder of the village, it seems the response of "Opps did I do that" fell upon deaf ears as Arkrhyst crushed his head.   It seemed like Distel might not take the news seriously but his deminor changed when we informed him of the situation, at this point Arkrhyst left to deal with the cleansing of the village and those within 3km of it. In this time we got to speak with Distel we end up informing him of the situation in greater detail and show him the corn that he has been spreading throughout the country, this news seems to have made him snap, where once was annoyance at having to clean and replace this and perhaps multiple villages worth of people and a potential drop in output gave in to anger, his form breaking, acid dripping from his mouth as he saw his food tainted by the mysts. Hearing the story of the Elder he made quick work of what remained of his body before leaving us.   Before he left however he eyed us over, it seems he can smell the connection Ciri has but that to the protection of the boy we were able to avoid any conflict, at least for now. Knowing how his farther might react the boy strongly suggested we leave and gave us some work to do which could be used to explain our abbsence/leaving. we chose to go north and aid Gonorndral, who apparently wants to make a push into Edingborough, and they promised to send him some aid. Before leaving we discussed the crown with him and then left it in his possesion.   By best estimates with travel time our best descision is to head south to Rugby then take the rail up to Gonorndral. It will also bring us by the forgotten treasure that's marked on this map, I do not know what it will be but it will be interesting to see. Given the recent events in Rugby I can only assume things have calmed down and that security has been improved or strenghened to assure that events like that do not happen again.

26/08/3022   We entered the vault after having the catsith provide us with a diversion, running to the vaults we got in and using the key I had made, which for but a moment I thought I had screwed up managed to unlock the its unique mechanism.   once we entered we were greeted with multiple corridors, this would be a consistent theme throughout the vault, it seems, or at least knowing now what I did not back then that I was not sure what to expect from a vault of that egotistical sex crazed pervert, what I didn't expect was a labyrinth esc zoo of ods and ends that I can only assume is still in the process of being built to allow for some sections to become abandoned from lack of interest and new sections that currently entertain the dragonlord.   It took use almost an hour to explore the whole structure in its current state, which must have been pure luck on our side, as that is how long the aid we were given by Sozu worked for, though I must say for a vault supposedly guarded by his children I only ever remember seeing 3 of those creatures.   With luck and the design of the vault being somewhat linear, we were able to crack the code on how to enter the vault proper or at least that is how I am viewing the experience, Though I am unsure if Cythisis himself goes through this process each time we were able to activate 3 doors of red blue and green, thus activating gems on a door with a relief of Cythisis posing somewhat sexually (I guess?)   We entered the vault after passing through the corridors of ego, and getting past that damnable mimic set up to trick people. The inside of which was a lot less impressive then I thought it would be a small room floor covered with a thick layer of gold and gems, we found the items we wanted and left promptly.   Items found and their descriptions when possible Crown - I couldn't gain anything from this, but I think analysing this is not good for ones health. Gem - although the same design as the others it seems to be of a differing colour to the rest a amber/golden colour. A ring adorned with gems in the pattern of a star - this would allow someone so inclined to commune with their deity or patron. Quiver - it glows on the inside, seemingly imbuing arrows placed withing with an elemental property as and when they are drawn from it. Bottle that when shook glowed - a one use item which when emptied would blast the light of the sun in the poured location for a bit A scroll with gems embedded into it - Some sort of map, which when held under the light of the moon should reveal "forgotten hordes" if they are nearby whatever that means. Gold briefcase - and enchanted chess set, no real use but it does look nice, someone might end up wanting to buy it if we are ever in need of cash.   we also picked up some items around the labyrinth Shiny gold pieces - Trick gold, when a phrase is said these will then melt Eggshells - individually could make restoration potions, or combines to make a greater restoration Amulet - "" Aquamarine stone (2p size) - "" Corked test tube (water?) - seems an endless supply of water, sadly is sparkling water Shiny yeti gem - able to manifest the powers of the yeti one time, in a cone of cold like arangement Ambrosia - seems to be some sort of aid or empowering agent for enchantment based crafting, not my main focus of research but I have dabbled.

20/08/3022   We left camp, not much happened but we saw where the lightning had struck a tree as the cat demon had stated, walking up we found the remains of a cart in it and an obvious patch of dirt that had been recently moved. Digging at the dirt we found a hand and in it a blue print, I did ask for something to make but I never considered it would be in a language I can't translate. Axel went to check out the cart, seems it was the remains of Vox the voice of the card shark, hand removed along with his head. Well we left as soon as we could.   We then headed along and got to the pink ones territory, not so bad here I guess but it is a tad bit warm, it being a desert baren land and all. When we entered the little city we were greeted by a locale sheriff and his team, seems they do in fact have some law around here, and if they had been anything but kobolds maybe I would have been threatened, but it seems more like a child's play acting, we're to spend the night here before heading further in.   We met some people at the inn, staff and an ogre looking for work, seems there is some work available helping with the transport of "stock" for Cythisis, slaves basically. Not great work but it might gain us an in with the dragonlord, we'll see.   21/08/3022   Today's plan is simple, we sign up with the train, do the job and then see where that leads us, hopefully it will at least get us close to the pink palace and to his vault, a lot of work for just one or two items we happen to be looking for but who knows maybe something of interest might appear or a way to translate this damned schematic. Well we made it to the camp area, we travelled with the ogre, not unpleasant company I guess. We met with one of the guards of Cythisis, seems all his personnel wear at least one item of pink, and I would assume what attire that is dictates the rank in his forces but as to who's higher up, that's anyone's guess at the moment.   We met with the Doktor, an interesting if a bit weird fellow, a "man of science" type seems he's very familiar with testing on himself given his attire and what might lie beneath his clothing. Seems we caught his eye though and we were invited to a meal with him, it was a fine meal. I did not expect him to get drunk and reveal what he did, but if that's how it played out I guess that's just it. The doc revealed that Cythisis was barren, a confusing thought but apparently the dragonlord can switch genders at will, the doc was asked to make him able to have children and through whatever work he has done, he has made that a reality... in a sense. Cythisis' guard force is or are his children a mix of him and another creatures blood, I'm unsure of what kind of life that is but it is not natural.   We were able to discuss a few other items, Axel found out about the kitty can he wanted to learn about, and during the drinks we were provided the opportunity to imbibe in a liquor containing cythisis' blood, an interesting concept to say the least, it is said to be an aphrodisiac or so the doktor says, I got some this might be able to aid me in getting through the vaults blood lock, but we'll see given the quantity I will need some sophisticated tech to do anything with it. One thing I do worry about is, during the meal we all shook his hand, upon doing so we all bar Storm received a shock, with closer examination I discovered it was a tracking spell of sorts, with a duration of 12 hours, this more disconcerting fact is that this spell stacks, each time it is applied it begins to have effects on ones sensory organs potentially creating hallucinations both visual and auditory.   Luckily we have Axel with us and with his magic we were able to get rid of the magic on us, whether the doc notices tomorrow will be another thing but I feel safer knowing I'm not being tracked.   22/08/3022   The new day, our plan is to watch the "cargo" arrive and then aid in its transport, hopefully this will go smoothly, although there has been some lightning in the area and I do feel static in the air, I'm unsure what this means but I assume it's weather normal to the area. We went to see the "cargo" arrive, and in doing so were invited by the doc to get a new job, given mine and Ciri's work area we were asked to aid in the examination of the "cargo". when it arrived we were greeted to an interesting sight, a portal opening from it a mind flayer and a collection of creatures, all of which had been heavily experimented on, none of them likely to be in sane mind.   Creatures A giant bull like creature, wielding a giant shield and a spiked mace replacing the other hand. A mouse/rat like creature perched the bull creature, a stand on it for a crossbow. An Aarakocra, a bird like creature, it seemed normal...ish at first but then the fact it's wings didn't move hit us, there's some sort of device on its back allowing flight but it's wings are stuck outstretched.   The "cargo" was delivered with only one "broken product" which Storm was asked to leave at an x mark in the ground in what the doc called the "play pen". We looked over the "cargo" and it went relatively quietly finishing reports and looking over their current health, i dread to think what they will be used for but it is what it is, I don't fancy my chances against cythisis' people nor the dragonlord himself, I already have enough of them looking to kill me I don't need more.   There was a bit of trouble with one of the slaves however, the group seemed to want to help this one in particular, which made sense, it was a child, a tabaxi one at that. I do not know what clan he hailed from, my knowledge of that topic is lacking but I guess I could ask Storm at some point, I don't speak the language but I feel the conversarions they had the kid seemed quite spirited and was not a fan of his current predicament or us even when trying to help, I did my best to distract the doktor, but even with a head start he was caught again. once the work was done the doktor talked with the mind flayer and then they left.   It was not long after that when Cythisis showed himself to us, flying down from his castle or pleasure palace.... diving on the creature at the X mark, eating it in one gulp, making sure to put as much flair into the act as one could. He spoke with the doktor before taking interest in the child and flying off with them. seems his fate is worst of all. The static in the air was getting worse, whilst I wasn't sure what it meant before, the thunder was also getting nearer. Then it struck me, the words of the prophet and from other places as well, the blue one was headed south, I just at the time did not expect him to be arriving so soon, or that he would be here.   Our encounter did not go well, the fight, if it can be called that ened fairly fast, though we lasted longer then any of the other mercs that Cythisis hired, so I guess that is something, also we are still alive, if only because we were needed to do a job that he could not be bothered with. All I can say is that big man was not a fan of the guy and that Storm seemed to have some sort of history with the guy, guess we will see what comes next. It's a shame that Gary had to go that way though, I know if was hard for Axel, but I'm just glad I'm still alive.   Apparently the job we need to do is to get into the vault and find a crown of some sort. I do not know what this crown will look like but it will likely stand out, either that or the blue priest also does not know what it looks like which does not help the situation.   We are currently taking time to rest, I don't know if anyone else made it out alive but hopefuly some were able to escape.   23/08/3022 - 24/08/3022   The rest was quiet, the statics died down and the thunder has stopped, we took a moment to have some food and talk about what to do next and what we plan to do about the blue prick. It seems there were survivors though, I can see someone in the distance, we will see how it goes but here's hoping they're not here to kill us.   Seems all is good, the person we saw, or rather the people we saw was the Doktor and a small group of slaves he had managed to capture/keep alive. Given that the other mercs were dead and much of the "cargo" was gone he knew that Cythisis would not be happy but he was clearly doing all he could, we spoke for a bit and then he hired us on the spot for transport protection, given the situation it makes sense, there was no one else to hire bar dead corpses. We discused the path the take, 2 options available and we choose the longer but safer path, going to X then to Guest House before getting to BBB and then onto the path of shame up to the... palace.   Before we set off, not wanting to waste time the Doktor asked if we would take a drug to On our way there we went past the guest house, apparently its for the guests of Cythisis as he doesn't like them sleeping in the palace, each to their own I guess, I imagine there's plant of room but I'm not the size of a dragon so who knows. Sadly as we passed some of the group felt as if we were being watched, apparently the Blue priest is taking residence there, I can't imagine with what has happened that Cythisis is pleased with this turn of events.   We then made it to BBB, the Doktor does not seem to like this place, something tells me that he would have been happier taking the more dangerous route just to avoid this place. We made it partway through the settlement before the Doktor broke and asked us to stand in a circle, with whatever he has on his body he charged some sort of device or spell, I'm unsure as I didn't get a good eye on it, but it did not seem to have a positive effect on the people around us as the place went into chaos but it seemed everyone part of the spell, in the centre of the eye of the storm as it were, we were transported closer to the palace.   We then spent the next 3 hours walking through the desert to the palace, it was relatively quiet, and as we got closer to the palace it was distinctly colder then I would have expected. As we walked we did have a small incident with Storm who decided to throw gold on the floor, not sure what that was about, I think he mentioned something about a contact but I'm not sure.   At the end of the last hour we could see the palace, at that time we also saw a dust cloud, and this is where we met the assisstant of the doktor a "centaur" he refers to as his "fräulein", seemingly one of his creations or patients from the look of all the stitches covering the body and a device locked onto it's head with a similar sparking to that of the Doktor's equipment. The doktor introduced us and then announced she would be here to guard us. We then headed on.   We eventually got to the castle, walking up the stairs and into one of the main corridors of the palace. The temperature was a lot nice than outside but the art is certainly fascinating, in a way. All of the art was of Cythisis, pre injury. We met with some of Cythisis' guards, one of whom wore a pink sash similar to one we met before. the doktor spoke with him for a while before they turned to us. Apparently we have arrived earlier then expected but due to the recent events with a whole lot less "cargo". For a moment it seemed like he recognised us but I guess thanks to this place being slightly out of the loop our current situation is not known here by a majority of people.   I spoke to him about one of the other guards we saw in a sash, apperently that person was to be their replacement for their retirement in 3 years but, not anymore I guess. We were then shown a way to a place of rest and told we would be provided with refreshments and a place to bathe within the nest day. Axel managed to talk up the guard and with a little bribery managed to get in good enough to get us the code, this should allow us to access a few places within the palace, shame it had to be "cunalingus".   We discussed for a bit with the guard and he eventually got around to asking us for help, we are to attend the event, will be allowed to take weapons with us, and should the need arise (which apparently it will, and always will) we are to step in and help with the issue, which I am unsure how this will go.   The bedding area was called the sand room, entering it the name makes sense, an entire room fille with sand, comfortable warm to the touch, which is nice. Apparently it was a room requested by Cythisis but then abandoned when he lost interest in it. We rested there for a good while, myself due to exaustion but the others to help deal with the side effects of the medication, looking over them it seems they will be fine though.   25/08/3022   We woke up, upon doing so we found Ciri awake, given the bags under her eyes it does not seem she was able to sleep well, but it was well enough to avoid the affects of the drug. Apparently she met with the catsith, the creature that Axel is looking for. acording to what was said we need to do a few things: Kill the blue one Steal the crown of nobody - Free the Catsith - He wont kill us   There was additional information but it seemed like something that was private to Ciri and Axel. When that was done we headed to the baths, a nice enough place, apparently the water cleans itself, a useful ability, although not perfect apparently given the stain at the other end of the room, which apparently was one of Cythisis' pets. We were greeted by the catsith before being able to take a bath, this did not help with Ciri's state of mind but neither did the doktor walking in and undressing either.   We rested for a while before heading out and getting food. We then headed to the lab, a very busy place, lots of differing species as well. We then made it into the doktor's office, a lot cleaner then I would have thought. on one wall was a human, unconscious, another wall had a plastering of notes, a desk in one corner covered in books and notes. looking over the other tables and shelves I noticed some fairly high tech filtration equipment, although it seems I was not discreet with the ogling, but thanks to how the doktor seems to view me I was able to get him to agree to me using his equipment.   I took some time to look over his notes as well, although the field of biology is not one I am studied in or have any real interest in at the moment I was able to understand to a certain capacity what the doktor was trying to achieve. The doktor whishes to find ways to alter what people see, to be able to induce halucinations in a subject and control what they see, hear and feel. Currently he is using fear, the side effect of most of his experimentations as a means to see how effective his work is progressing. From what I can see he is able to get the results he wants but is lacking when it comes to the control aspect that he truely wants.   Looking over some of the notes I find myself wondering how he evaluates the effectiveness of certain concotions to the degree that he does. Though they may just be mad skriblings. From what he said after we talked, it seems he has been at this for at least 4-5 years, and he got this inspiration a few years after his work placement with Cythisis started.   His assisstant was also with him, Ciri mentioned that they looked somewhat familiar, the doktor heard this and went on to talk about the origins of her, it seems an event 50 years ago caused this individual to find themselves here, tortured by Cythisis for attempting to steal something, the previous person in the doktors position apparently left them as a head and torso, but when the doktor got into the possition, with the help of a centaur servant who was killed in an accident, the body was used to allow her to move around.   The doktor was very pleased with the fact that all the organs were moved to the human portion of the body, allowing him to make a breeding chamber in the horse part of the body, disturbing as it is, apparently this is where Cythisis' children are born from, but due to a bad batch recently she has been given time to rest.   The moment he mentioned the incident 50 years ago it seems both I and Ciri remembered who it was, I from what Ciri had said before and Ciri from what she had read about the freedom fighter Sozu. which is slightly distrubing. We then left and managed to get the assisstant to follow us for a short chat. I'm not sure how Ciri did this though they seemed to be taking in a language I had not heard before, apparently the doktor had though but was surprised to hear it, as apparently druidic is more of a writen language than a spoken one.   Before leaving the doktor warned us about the party which was occuring the following day, first there was a warning about unseen servants who apparently have been set up with trigger words to pinch, slap and otherwise interact with the patrons of the party, although the doktor knows this is happening he is unaware of what the code words are that activate them. He then went on to discuss some of the guests of the party, one being the blue priest and the other being the blue priestess a lady Oliver. The doktor also mentioned that the party is leaveable when the fruit comes out, which is usually served on platters but nothing stops Cythisis from serving them on people which is apparently a event he revels in.   We discussed for a short while and managed to ask a few questions, we were able to find out quite a bit. Sozu wants to kill the doktor, which is fair.   Sozu wants the catsith to be freed, and to do that we must enter the vault. In line with this she has provided us with a vial of sorts, apparently it is pheromones, with this we will be invisable to the guards of the vault, the sons and daughters of Cythisis. it should last an hour apparently. We discussed how long it would last if less of us went but the vault is filled with traps so it would likely be best i everyone were to go.   I asked her how the blood lock worked and if my plan of extracting blood from the drink we had with the doktor would work, she agreed that this would work and that I would have to wait for the doktor to leave before getting the job done, which should not be too difficult.   We then head back to the sand room, discuss the nest plans, the big man seems worried, he might be worried that the priestess recognises him so he plans to keep a low profile. an hour later I was able to get the work done with the help of Sozu, the key should work.   heading back to the sand room we prepared for the party and the next day as a whole.   26/08/3022

15/08/3022   After I left the train it was easy enough to find the person I had been asked to meet, I'd heard a few rumours about them, most seem to be true, but I suppose I can work with this. I as able to make a good impression this should be a good thing for any future jobs they might have.   I then headed to the Lysander Family branch in Manchester, it's been a while since I was able to report back in, It was nice to see "NAME" again glad to see them doing well, after making my report it seems it warents a more indepth meeting with superiors to discuss where things go from here, I hope I didn't put too much stree/work on her table, the meeting will probably be in the next few days. (Given the ultimatum I and the group were given from Chesh I should be fine).   I then met up with the group at the at the pub, we discussed our next moves and Storm brought up his little golems, I thought of somewhere that could help but it seemed easier to go with Ciri's suggestion, we'll be doing that tomorrow. I then brought up that I had been requested for a meeting, it seems Axel had planned to stay for a bit anyway so that fit in quite nicely, apparently "his boys" will be returning tomorrow, not sure what that means but if they're with Axel how.... how bad could it be ?   We then moved from the pub to asmodeus, a special place for Axel I believe and the group includng myself were invited to see a preformance, I wasn't sure what that meant at the time, but the topless guys and almost nude women were certainly something I was not expecting, as well as that talking cat (cursed by a hag, I don't know any of those sorts but I'll keep this in mind not to piss one off) who seemed to be acting as Axel's carer ?   We got a private room and were in one way or another told to expect some sort of company, I wasn't sure who to expect but I was not expecting Chesh himself. Seems the bounty issue is a lot worse than I thought, Sousaphon definitely wants us dead apparently or at least acording to Chesh, because of this issue we were given the ultimatum of leave within 4 days or be killed (5 including this day) which considering he is a Dragonlord and a chromatic one at that is quite lenient. He didn't stay long, I can only thank his good mood that Axel (and probably the rest of us) weren't murdered because of his outbursts but it seems he's more understanding I suppose would be a way to put it, or this could be due to who Axel is.   We headed back and thankfully had somewhere to stay for the night.   16/08/3022   This morning during breakfast we discussed our plans, first we'd find where Storms 3rd golem is, Axel suggested a place outside Manchester, apparently not too many people go there so hopefully it'll be fine. Not sure how this will work out but it'll be interesting to see how this process works.     16/08/3022   We went out to the place, pretty empty but it definitely was not abandoned, we soon found that out. Ciri brought down the lightning which was very impressive, the little golems then went into the lightning, for a moment they showed a map of the island, then it zoomed to show a pink dragon and their loot pile, a green gem, similar design. then it zoomed out to a desert. From what the group has thought about it this is likely in Cythisis' territory, they've not got as much land as other dragonlords and they have few groups backing them but we'd better prepare for the trip if and when we plan to go.   It seems that the noise of the storm Ciri brought down did attract some attention, we had to deal with what looked like land sharks, Axel says they are something to do with the Simic Conclave but likely to young to prove of any use to discovering any of the conclaves secrets.   We then went back to manchester and to our inn, seems the little golems are resting for now. The group decided to prep for moving, the horse and cart the boy got us in rugby came with us on the lightning rail so we are likely going to use that to aid travel. I managed to make some potions and although a little rusty I was able to make a bonus potion.   I received my summons to a meeting tomorrow (17th of Opus) and have managed to get Storm to agree to come with me this should help my position, part of me wonders if I should ask Ciri due to her connections but I do not want to strain her more than needed, she is already under a lot of stress as is with current events.   17/08/3022   3 days left and then we have to move.   Was awoken rudely by a loud knocking at the door, turns out it was Axel's "Boys", not the best introduction but they're paying for breakfast so maybe they have some manners at least.   Axel introduced us to his group, I forget the names but they seem like an interesting bunch, too nosey in my opinion though. One of the high guards came to give me my summons and one of them attempted to steal the communication cylinder, through this I was able to have a brief discussion with Lady Mariann Lysander herself. Shortly after I asked Ciri if she would be able to attend the meeting as a witness and she agreed, I decided not to ask Axel or the big man for obvious reasons.   17/08/3022   Well that was something, coming from the meeting and splitting from the group to get some work done one certain projects in the Branches main facilities I can only hope I'm not fired. I did what I could but not keeping certain items on my possession was if prudent at the time now seems like a mistake at current time. I worry that my trying to garner everyones favour I have shown my hand to Mariann as someone who is... keeping their options open in case of swift dismissal.   18/08/3022   Early in the morning I was able to get some work done on one of my projects and with some of the refines crystals I was able to make 2 explosive devices, they will need testing and my be slightly volotile but they should work. After that I went back to the inn to be then greeted by Axel asking the group to come with him to a meeting he was having. We travel deeper into Manchester than we have before and went to visit someone Axel calle "Sugar lips". taking a look around the place I wasn't sure what to expect but the mechanical devices as well as the guards she has in place the rumours that she was sponsored by the Card shark seem more likely to be true.   I can't say I was expecting to see what I saw but Axel probably knew what it was down there, I'm unsure as to if any of the group knew what it was but I did not expect to see one, especially a captured one. We were all allowed to ask a question of it, but I'm unsure as to how it knows that something I want will be under a tree struck by lightning. The rest of the group asked their questions and from what we've learnt Axel now has another reason to go see the pink one, also with the divination done, it seems one of us will be bait for the dragon, unlikely to be me as my skills lie elsewhere.   We headed back to the inn and I began work on my cane to reinforce it and my tricks, hopefully this will help us in the situations in the future.   19/08/3022   While having breakfast we were joined by Axel's boys and "momma". she informed us of the death of Sugar lips which although good for her (less competition) it is a worry as she was backed by the Card shark. Good thing for us that we aren't easily linked back to the event but with a demon on the loose it is still worrying, it does not seem angry at us at least but demons and their attitudes to things are as fickle as anything so I do not have high hopes in that regard, I did do a bit of snooping while the group went to see the person they met in the hospital, Upon getting there I was able to get in and assess the situation, I was able to get sample of the "guards" as well as one claw of the demon, the poison of which should make an interesting project in the future (And who better than me to work with it).   We then reunited at the inn before taking the cart and horses and heading out of Manchester, not wanting to gain the Card sharks wrath on top of the others that already want us dead. Leaving Manchester I did not see any lightning struck trees but I assume we will soon find one that is if the demons words can be trusted. We drove past a boy with a manticore when passing through Distel's and Razorfangs territory, Axel seemed to want to help the boy but I didn't much point in this and when I asked what he could do to help I think he realised my point.   20/08/3022   We should be able to get to the pink one's territory soon, we should discuss our plans on how we intend to get in and out as well as the vault (which apparently has a blood lock/seal on it ?) but according to what Storm said there was a lightning strike last night, not that I heard it, but it should be interesting to see if what the demon said was true, maybe he did plan on escaping and knew we would be the ones to get him out, I do question why he didn't kill us there and then though, or why he decided to gift me something when he had no reason to, (maybe he saw something in me that he like ? who knows I guess). We'll head out after breakfast to see what's there.

13/08/3022   I was able to finish my projects with relative ease, and I think I've made a good impression with the other smiths and tinkerers at the workshop. I ended up refining the fuel crystals but I'm still trying to figure out what I want to achieve with them.   After that I was able to get down to the food hall in time to meet with the rest of the group, apparently Ciri had agreed to a food eating contest with someone, It's good too see her smiling again, and with totally no intervention from myself or Axel she was able to take the win.   14/08/3022   Spendning the night here wasn't so bad, it helps that the bedding helps keep you warm even if everything appears to be made of ice. I'm unsure as to what the plan is today but I do know that some of our group probably has things they want to do, or places they want to go, I have some buisness in Manchester and I believe Axel did too, it's quite the distance but if I'm remember correctly the Lightning rail extends down here so hopefully that can reduce incidents from the entity.   14/08/3022   Breakfast was quite eventful, we spoke for a while about our plans and everyone seems keen on attending the conclave in order to clear our names from at least one of the bounties on our heads. after a bit more discussion the boy offered us positions at this Citadel, and quite high ones at that, a kind offer indeed and especially. Ciri probably took this news the best but put up quite the protest, most probably due to whatever Miss Fancy and her previous "Master" taught her but it's neither here not there.   What I didn't expect was to see Arkrhyst, and he backed up the boys claim too, seems everyones welcome and with this token he's given us seems we're already part of his forces either way, at least in an informal way. He spoke with us all in turn and when he came to me I said it'd probably be nice to have a place to rest and work for my last years, with the looks I got it seems no one was aware or at least no one thought about the usuall life expectancy of a Mousekin, although 10 is considered young to everyone here I'd be considered a grandpa or great grandpa within my clan, I'd also be questioned on how I've lived this long but even I don't know that one.   After that we packed up quite quickly, heading towards Manchester and from there who knows. The boy offered us supplies and to pay the cost of the lightning rail and provided us with a way to communicate with him when it's time for the conclave or if we need anything else I assume.   Boarding the train feels off, the scuff marks from last time still there but most of last times events have been cleaned away, I know some of the group were apprehensive about the lightning rail considering what happened last time but it's best for us to move quickly, perhaps what will reduce the damage we cause due to the entitiy following us. The lightning rail stops off at Rugby, which is good for the big man who has been asked to talk to Brightgleam on Arkrhyst's behest asking after the shard I left there with the archonists.   I also gave the items I had prepared out to both Storm and Ciri, I do hope both of them appreciate them, they seemed quite thankfull for them and hopefully it'll keep them both safe.   15/08/3022   Woke up, seems we have arrived at Rugby, the stop for this trip. I don' hear any screaming so I can at least assume nothing is wrong, we're about to head off it seems though, the kobold server that works here in the first class carriage informed Big man that his order is here and are here to see him and us. I don't know what this means but I can't imagine it's something good.   15/08/3022   As we left the train we were greeted by 3 knights. I imagine Big man knew who they were but I couldn't even tell their genders let alone tell them apart baring the different weapons they weild. We were forced onto a metalic cart, a tank like vehicle drawn by a automaton/golem in the form of a horse. we left at some speed and discussed a few things with the knights. They wanted a report on Arkhyst from Big man but that then turned to Axel who knows draconic, then when he mentioned the shard the conversation turned to me, he must have been a bit out of it because he seemed quite open with the information. The knights also discussed something about a champion of blue coming from the north.   I informed them of the shard and where it was currently located and that Arkhyst was after it with its connectio to the myst, I hope my warning helped but they still sent someone to check on it or something like that. When we finally stopped we found ourselves underground, some sort of underground natural cavern that it seems over time has been expanded, it seems this is a storage area of sorts whether its a backup area or not I do not know.   In the cart on the way to the church, the knights seemed inclined to inform us that they had done research on us, informing us that they knew our names, revealing both Ciri's and Storms full names as well as my own. Axel seemed to think they were doing this to intimidate and so was a tad hostile, Ciri was not best pleased to hear they knew her last name, the rest seemed less impressed.   We then met with the Prophet in what seems to be a natural underground lake, the guards had left at this point, I don't know when, which is impressive given the armour they wore. The prophet I must say was an interesting one, and apparently the Big man hadn't even met with him before. I'm not sure if its part of the profession or a personal interest but he seemed to sing everything he said. According to him he sees through timeline both past and preasent.   He then told us our prophecies, I'm not sure why this was needed but I guess this is why he wanted to see us ?   My Prophecy I see a song of tenacity, a song of disguise, a song of wearyness, a song of inginuity, of moving forward, I see a new head, Whether above ground below up to Bree, will you rule above or below.   And then He gave us to lines for the group A song of blue and a song of insects   From what I know now the song of blue probably relates threat from the north the knights mentioned on the cart ride. I'm unsure on the song of insects but I don't see it being good.   He then announced he had a gift for us, then left, a few moments later we were greeted by a a jug that floated out from the pond, looking over it turns out its a slightly modified alchemy jug that produces tea instead of poison, axel seems pleased but I don't see it fitting in the bag of holding nor do I want to heft that around.   Storms litte golem chose this moment to get out and after seemingly repairing the other green gem in the waters of the lake, then shocking it with lightning, it came out uncoloured and then through the process of eating a bit of the alchemy jug (which now can't make drinking water) and Axel's "knife", he is now able to communicate with us, albeit through some form of telepathy.   We were then lead back to the train that they had held up for us.   15/08/3022   We're headed to Manchester now, from what I understand its abour 5 hours time from Rugby, we've spent some time relaxing again, it's been nice, we discussed what we think of the prophecies we got, Axel and the Big man seem fine with the ones they got. Ciri, as expected, was unsure of her's but I can make a few assumptions as to its interpretation. Storm's seems quite violent, especially him toppling a dynasty. I believe I understand most of mine but not even I could see, nor do I currently understand what he means by a new head or whether I'd rule above or below ground.   15/08/3022   We've arrived at Manchester, all seems well so far, guess we will see what happens next but I imagine some or most of what will happen next will be somewhat involved with Axel and his past.  

10/08/3022   The plan is as it stands to head out through the tunnel and then, somehow meet up withe the boy or find him ? Unsure of how this will go but hopefully he wont have gone far.   10/08/3022   Traveling down south by cart now, as we left the tunnel we were met with the scene of a young boy 5 horses and a cart, without too much hesitation Axel walked up, the young man recognised us and handed over the transportation, checking it over we found the boy inside, a bit of a talk later and I think he understands to at least voice his plans before running off without warning. I hope that our journey will be a peacefull one, but I know it wont be, our luck isn't that good.   First day of travel went smoothly, we found a place to camp, Axel and Storm procured some food and we ate quite well.   11/08/3022   Traveling once more, we spoke a bit until we got to a crossroads, one to Bath, one to Bristol and one to our end destination the Citadel of Frost. the group decided that they wanted a little rest and relaxation, I myself just want to get the job done but who know maybe they have a workshop near where we stay, the plan is to head to bath, find a nice hotel and rest.   11/08/3022   We have just got to Bath, quite pleasent... I guess, we were wlcomed in and upon entering asked if we would like to partake in a raffle, this is apparently supporting the local baths run by the monks? Axel and Storm bought some and then we got the boy selling them to show us to a nice hotel.   11/08/3022   Upon entering my room, I found a bounty note and a job, the task is to find a group of people and deliver them to Birmingham, it just so happens that the group I am traveling with is that group. Shit. Also this means I am being followed, or that the clan has people stationed in Bath of all places and just happened to recognise me, either one is bad, but for the time being they do not know I am traveling with the people they want (or maybe they do and this is some sort of elaborate test ? seems unlikely).   11/08/3022   I went to the workshop, got a bit of work done, managed to process the gem fuel I got from the train into something usefull, however I will need better tools if I want to pursue anything more than this at current time. When I returned to the hotel the group was eating so I joined them for the meal, during which Storm and Axel found out they won something each, Axel a romantic trip thing or something with a fancy chef that only cooks for couples? and Storm seems to have picked up another piece to his mini golem puzzle. Axel mentioned that after traveling down south to escort the boy he wanted to head somewhere but said he couldn't talk about it in public.   Heading back to my room I noticed a pressence in my room, locking the window and setting a chair by the door I managed to get a talk in with my clan member before he left, seems the note that was left for me is real, also seems he is unaware of who I travel with (maybe?). He asked that I keep an eye out for these people and that the person behind this is the Dragonlord Erebus, he's never contacted us before so this worries me, he's apparently offered the clan this job in return for land/a home in his territory.   Speaking frankly I don't trust this, nor would I want to live in the mist lands, and given I have allready burnt bridges with the entity in the mists by assossiation with that gem and now that. it's better not mentioned even here is not safe.   11/08/3022   I have informed the group of the situation, they took it better than expected, Ciri seemed to have taken worse, Axel seemingly finds it an achievement that he now have 3 bounties on his head. The group seems to be on a consensus that the reason for this new bounty is to do with the creature of the mists we encountered a few days back, though no one has really discussed this further. I write this during second watch as we decided to sleep together with all this mess going on, seems this was a good idea, Ciri and Axel who took first watch encountered or at least were greated by someone behind the door who seemed off, I can still hear them outside, or could I think they've left.   12/08/3022   Seems the night passed relatively peacefully, Axel didn't sleep much and don't think anyone got a good rest but we'll manage... I hope. All we have to do is press on, what's the worse that could have happened right ? this entitiy seems to be hard focused on us and I doubt anyone else will get inolved with it.   Our plan from here is likely to leave as quickly as possible and head down south to the Citadel of Frost, we'll be able to seek some protection there from both the Mists and those of my Clan and anyone else in league Erebus. hopefuly we can make it down there safely.   12/08/3022   Looking back maybe I was hoping to much that the entitiy outside our doorway would be too focused on us that it wouldn't bother anyone else, it seems 2 people have died due to this, a receptionist and a door guard, a tragedy to be sure but in the grand scheme of things it could have been far worse. We managed to leave Bath with little incident and thanks to Storm winning that ticket from the raffle we managed to get the mayors bodyguard off our backs for the time being, albeit we are now probably banned from Bath for the foreseeable future.   Our travels so far have been uneventful, althoug we did encounter a member of the Church of Bahamut, his cart seemed badly damaged and a few arrows were noticable. According to him he had been attacked by a group of skaven, during which he had lost a holy relic which he was meant to be transporting to Rugby, He asked if we could look for it but seemed reticent to send us into any danger.   We traveled a bit further from there, not seeing any sign of the skaven mentioned so far, and then decided to rest for the evening.   The entity is still on us, I believe it is taunting us, it's made it's presence known but I do not know exactly where it is, The boy suggested that we try lure it out but I did think that would achieve anything. This thing is highly intelligent, it wants use to know that it is there and has made it's intentions very clear.   13/08/3022   During breakfast Storm went to check the area for any sign of the entity, It feels obvious that it would leave a calling card of some type but I was unsure what form it would take, to the groups relief that form to the shape of one of its shedded skins and not a dead body, on a slightly dower note it seems to be getting better at disguising itself, according to storm it looked less wrong than the last time we had seen it.   13/08/3022   Fuck me its freezing here, who the hell wants to live in this sort of weather all year round. The trip down to the Frost Citadel was quiet atleast, though the sight of the black mist wall that encroaches onto this land was rather unsettling. As I sit here in the workshop I've been allowed access to it's not so bad I guess but I don't believe I belong here, and as long as Erebus has that bounty out on the group I likely do not have any place I can call home for a while now.   On our way down we didn't encounter much of anything like with yesterday, we did encounter some of the Dragonlords men bullying a homeless man but past that it was quite tranquil. That was until we met with the Dragonlord himself Arkrhyst, the boys father, I only hope I don't have to experience his wrath anytime soon.   Our first encounter could've gone worse, but I feel it could've gone a lot better too, unsurprisingly Axel managed to get on the nerves of the Arkrhyst, but what surprised me was his affection for the boy that glimmered through the shell of a tough and gruff personality he seems to exude.   Heading into the Citadel and up to his lauching off point from what it looks like we discussed the events that lead here and everything concerning the mists. It seems at least Arkrhyst has heard of the eneity that follows us but due to how it kills there is little information on it bar a sketch and int's obvious affiliations with the mists. He did not seem best pleased when I spoke about the shard and where I had left it to be secure but hopefully I wont cause any wars over this. One good thing I suppose is that we've been payed, bothing in money and with one request we can make of the dragonlord himself, I was surprised by how many of the group were looking for information rather than material goods but we all recieved something in the end.   I'm glad Storm brought forth the idea of asking for represntation at the soon approaching conclave but given the timing it seems that Arkrhyst will be busy, thankfully he has asked his son to be his representive and has asked our group to partner with his sons usual guard to protection for the event which will be next month.   I sit here wondering, pondering our next moves, we all have places we need to be, finding a path to take will be interesting if not completely maddening to have to accomplish.

09/08/3022   The night passed quietly and it felt good to be somewhere indoors with light. I will say something has occured however, it seems whatever was in the item I held has now left, this worries me but there's little I can do about this so for now I'll leave it on the back burner. I will head out in a bit, maybe have some food before discussing with the group how we intend to move from here, maybe we can head to Rugby by foot and seek transport down to Arkrhyst's territory from there. I'm aprehensive to use the lightning rail due to recent events and I assume that sentiment will be the same with the rest of the group.   09/08/3022   After discussing plans with the group over breakfast the bar keep mentioned that he had planned to move to Rugby as well and doesn't mind heading off one day early. we go with this plan. During this Axel picks a fight with the 2 green dragonborn which he considered to be sketchy, they argue, axel hurls insults towards them, they laugh it off and leave, teleporting out of the pub.   We soon set off and arrive at Rugby, during which Storm talks another patron who stayed with the pub on it's journey to Rugby, we get walked through the gate by the bar keep and then part ways. The boy smells the air and announces to the group that it is unlikely that Brightgleam is here, upon questioning from Ciri, seeming very embarrassed he revealed he was also a son of a dragonlord which is why he and Rénlèi considered each other to be family.   Apparently the man Storm spoke to suggested if we need help to seek the aid of a Father Gideon of the old ways curch here at Rugby or the Court of owls, but given the group as well as my own affiliations we decided to against that. Walking up to the curch Axel encountered someone from his past and without too much explanation, other than it being a high elder of the simic conclave split from the group, I sent my little contraption with him just in case. We then headed into the church and were greated by the Father himself, moving to a private room we spoke of our situation, it seems the father and the boy know each other, not on great terms but they didn't fight. we got transport out but were asked to look for a Anna Petrescu as a favor, and that they would recognise the book. This seemed innocent at the time but I should of seen something like this coming.   We left the church and were met by Axel who said he had to meet the Head of the church, Father Gideon had little time but humoured Axel, casting some sort of divine magic around the area to give some cover, Axel described how someone of the simic conclave had met with a bar keep of a nearby bar and discussed the purchasing of a weapon that had an airborne weapon and that thier target was the religious quarter, then going on to discuss how he had seen the same person leaving and sending a few biological creations through the waterways that ended with axel following them to the water treatment plant in Rugby.   The Father seemed more like he was humouring a child than taking anything seriously but turned to talk to someone in a lab coat before they ran off and he bid us adieu, we left to head to a bar that Axel had got us a free meal at, I had buisness with the Archonists and after discussing transport concerns to Bristol, the boy had suggested he would look into seeing if he still had access to some funds of his.   My meeting with the Archonists was an interesting one, I was greeted by a Mousefolk at the door a Scribe Mathew, he guided me to a small room in which I showed him the Golem core, he immediately rushed off, a few minutes later another person came in, an older human , slightly out of breath, came in. He introduced himself as Ezera Stern, Chief Rabbi, soon after asking for my name he fell to his knees in prostration. Apparently they had been looking for this item for generations, a raid from a Black dragon from up north had seen it taken and to have it back it seems a great thing. Apparently it was one of the first golem cores.   Thinking on the Shard in my pack I ask for somewhere secure, without a word he guided me deep into the church, this place was for someone like me, no words would do it justice, the enchantments here amaze me and so many layered upon layered to provide whatever functions they provide. I was guided to a small empty room with a circle in the middle. the first item I revealed was the shard, I had thought not to do this but I couldn't miss this opportunity to get rid of this thing as well as try to understand it more.   Putting it in the circle he described the item as pure evil. He also talked about the creature that had followed it, an assassin of the mists, those killed by it are removed from the world and all history, both oral and litterary. with little discussion I agreed upon him taking the item, i then showed him the green crystal which he saw as a statis gem as I did, he seemed to be able to gleam a bit more information from it, a small golem was inside and that it was not of an evil nature but would follow anyone it bonded too.   He announced that what I had asked for would not be treated as the favour owed as he considered this a nessassery thing to do for safety, at the time I could not think of what I wanted and as such was provided a quartz gem that if shown would allow me to call upon the favour at any time. he then guided me out of the church, closing the door behind me I could have sworn I heard him shout "WHOOPEE".   I rejoined the group and upon getting to the table Storm asked if the bartender looked familiar to the one we were looking for, to be truthfull I hadn't paid much attention to the description but the red hair did catch my eye, I agreed with him and gave him the book so that he could show her. we then rodered food.   A short while later Storm revealed that the book had been taken and that he had also found something in his bag, taking out a small golem from his bag, putting it on the table it seems to cling to him whenever it could, upon seeing it I realised that it was the being inside the stasis gem I had, and with taking it out it seemed to recognise it, it did not seem to be a possitive memory for the little thing.   Storm asked it to see where the red head had gone as she did not come out with the drinks we had ordered, it followed the order and came out moments later describing in a complicated game of charades that the girl had burnt the book and was currently angry/crying at the fire, Storm decided that he needed to know what this meant and I sent him with my contration, he barged into the kitchen and there was a heated discussion before a pan flew otu the door, Axel followed by Ciri went to invistigate.   There was a heated discussion and as this was happening I watched as the other bar maid ushered everyone else out the bar, all but one left bar myself. I went to see what was going on, it seems that we had found the girl but she had been in hiding from the old god church and that we had ruined their plans.   A lot of fighting went on and it ended with axel leaving after shouting about how they were idiotic for hiding under the nose of the church. the only man left in the pub asked the girl about the simic they had met with, she took out a weird weapon? deformed fish with a trigger ? and then upon saying she couldn't give it to him he left it and they left. which the boy then decided by himself to go and follow them. moments later a kobold ran in and after blurting out the name of the man and who he was working for, there had been a complication at the water treatment facility.   With the Simic conclave being in the area and knowing their intrest in bio-tech as well as their interest in the recently constructed water facility I should have expected what we would discover, with permission of the Big guy Sheel? we entered the water treatment facility, at the front gate there were red flags arising. The guards were no where to be seen, the alarms on the door had been deactivated, and there was a slime like substance on the doors, whoch thanks to Axel who has a connection to the conclave we were later informed that this was the residue of one of the conclaves units.   Acordind to axel these units are colour coded to identify their role, red infiltrate units, blue command units. red/yellow for assault, green for specialist tasks. he also informed us to be aware of a slightly sulfurous/eggy smell that they would exude. There is also a theory that roleless units are clear and that some/a majority of the residents in the treatment facility have been turned into.   As we entered, trying to be sneaky, we discovered something of interest, on approach Sheel was noticed but we did manage to get a glimpse of a clear slime humanoid before it liquified into the floor. We continued further in following the right wall. Upon reaching a small workshop we saw a small child, the likeness was amaing, I say this as we eventually disconvered it was not a child but an infiltration unit of the conclave, we were able to destroy it but Ciri noticed a tether like appendage as it disolved into the wall. Likely our presence was allready known but this probably didn't help.   Moving forward we encountered a small prayer area, where Ciri heard the slight sobbing sound of someone trying to hide, we found them and they were not in a good state of mind. We managed to discuss with them for a time and found out a few things.   An alarm had rang out 3 or so hours ago, while he and his brothers and sters were in the prayer area they had been attacked by flying flat fish and he described that something that looked like one of the guards had done something to him, upon inspection we could see that a portion of his right arm had jellyfied and that it was slowly spreading up the body, unsure on how to stop this my suggestion was to cut the arm off, the rest of the group assuring that I could make an arm to replace the lost one, which, if this does stop the spread, I can only hope he forgets about due to shock.   Once Storm had applied the "anaesthetic" I went to work with the inpiration and guidance of the group. Not being a doctor or trained in any medical first aid or even even owning any medical tools I set to work with what I had, which happened to be my wood carvers tools. With a bit of effort and applying some "binding salve" to the wound he arm was successfully removed. whether this has worked will remain to be seen but I did what I could. the arm allthough jellyfied seems to keep its shape which is interesting. I took it and will try to figure out something from it.... maybe ? I also made sure to take samples of the clear slime. Maybe I should take these to the archonists to check what these are.   We moved on but Axel seems to be taking this very hard, which I suppose is understandable, him and Ciri seem to be discussing something as we moved on.   We got to an office but it had been ransacked but what seems to have been a command unit acounting for the colour of ooze that was found in the melted safe, also seems someone lost their life here as we found more clear ooze in one of the chairs. we moved on and encountered an ooze dropping from the ceiling before entering a small area, a quick overlook of the area showed that there had been combat and this area had yet to be cleaned up, most bodies had gone leaving only armour behind but one remained propped up against a door.   "BODY"   We entered the building and could hear an ooze disolving a victum on one of the the small rooms further in, most of us decided to leave Ciri tried to look through the drawers but managed to alert the ooze, we had quite the encounter and were surprised by another ooze fouther down the room but we managed to take care of them, seems they really do have elemental resistances, something to do with their diet or biology, but it seems to be indicated by their colour/role.   We moved further in to discover the main part of the water treatment facility, we enetered the room on the right and the water seemed healthy enough, ciri, storm and axel went further in and discovered a small room for medicinal herbs which would in normal operation be mixed into the water treatment process to aid with civilian health, unfortunately there seems to be some ill intent behind these plants as some have grown in odd ways and have mind altering affects, perhaps in a way to make people more passive to changes.   moving over to the control room onthe left we discovered the control levers for the water ficility as well as another sample of water, ths sample was heavily corrupted and was a vibrant purple colour, looking over the lever and button system I found a way to make it enter a maintanence mode which would shut down distribution for the time. We then heard a voice, female of sorts, addressing Axel as a "very naughty boy". We had a discussion on whether we should leave and the group finaly convinced Axel to go down to meet this individual.   We spoke with them for a bit, Axel informed us that is was a commander unit, one the conclave had less control over, they went by the name of Priscilla , according to them Axel had a bounty on their heads. We eventually got into a fight and by the end most of us were quite badly hurt, I managed to finish her? off with a well placed crossbow bolt to the head.   Big man picked up Priscilla 's weapon a trident of sorts, the rest of the group took some time to rest as I had to sit down and take a moment to breath. Storm's little golem partner came out and seemingly nibbled off a bit of the trident and through this the groups discovered what the function of the golem of the is, the function of the trident and that the little golem seems to be speaking some variation of celestial according to the big man.   We left the facility, checking up on the boy who's arm I took off, he seems to be fine and the ooze has not spread, we encountered a heavily armoured paladin at the door of the facility and he then began to discuss recent events with big man. Axel and Ciri interjected a bit and I informed him of my actions concerning the maintanence mode of the facility. we then left to discuss things further in the church district the Church of Bahamut. Axel offers to discuss the conclave but asks to be paid for the information.   As we left there was smoke billowing from the nicer part of the city, we later found out this was to do wit hthe boy and his encounter with the girl we were meant to find. but all seems "well" on that front, or at least is none of my concern.   We entered the curch and found ourselves in a small room to discuss things, apparenty the paladin had been in contact with a soothsayer and they had discussed both the big man and our group as well as a painting which seemed to have put them out of commission which is understandable I suppose considering the context, I let the big man look at it at the request of the paladin, what he got from it is up to him to share or not but is not my concern at the current moment.   the soothsayer also seemed to have mentioned the stability, mentioned that we would either be the end or the continuation of the dragonlord, and the enders of the black mist. both Axel and Storm asks why they should care or what it has to do with them, revealing some of the big mans history it seems he was once involed with the cult of tiamat, the main religion of london.   we discussed our movement plans and were asked to avoid specific areas/dragonlords - Brightmantle territory/North Whales - Chryselephantine the Diplomat - lahamorantos - The Southern Coasts   Then we began to discuss our escort, who seems to have had a confrontation with the old ones church which ended in some of their members dying, some civilians dying and a few fires before he and the group he was with fled the city. We were then also informed that Missy has put a bounty on our heads all but the boy and big man now have a price on them and Axel now has two.   Ciri seemed to take the news quite badly and I suppose I understand, I tried my best to calm her down, dusring which the paladin came into discuss wit hthe big man something about him being a rep for the them in their meeting with the conclave, this would occur around the 25th of Darkwhisper. to ensure he can get there on time he was handed some sort of teleporter ?   I headed out to so the archonists and used my favour to get an upgrade on my tools as well as give them the ooze sampls I had collected, likely wont help with anything but it was worth a shot and I don't need them.   We decided to rest up before heading out through a hidden tunnel to the exit through the same gate as the boy.

06/08/3022   We arrived at Cambridge, it's nice enough. we split up and then agreed to meet up later at the rail to the move on from there. I met with my contact and discussed some research and findings. I then went to the Lysander family branch here and discussed my movments and my plans going forward.   Getting to the rail I seemd to be the first one there, looking over the prices however I deffinately would not have been able to afford this first class carriage, luckily thanks to Rénlèi had a contact with Sousaphon, who has seemingly agreed to pay for our trip as long as we escort this friend of Rénlèi's.   07/08/3022   We were woken by a jolt, the train has stopped, another attack form the Court of owls no doubt, hopefully things will be sorted soon, the shutters have all closed and upon investigation we found the Kobold butler we had been provided was likely assassinated by the court, a horrible way to go but that's how it goes I suppose.   07/08/3022   We are currently hauled up with a old, crazy, mad coot of an owling calling themself the "Commador", an old owling from the war, seems he suffered a head injury and it's never really healed. He managed to save us atleast... I guess.   Going over the days events it all seems a blur with how fast it went by, investigating the train, we discovered the court of owls, what I didn't expect was the abomination that came with them, with what I know now they are definately linked with the black mists and the "Nowhere King" which apparently is some sort of boogeyman and stories are told to little children to make them behave. Some of those killed by this entity though seem to be turned to ash, if that wasn't bad it seems to remove your memory of them as well, The son of a dragonborn family was taken but they don't seem to remember having a son at all.   The boy was kidnapped by this abomination, we made chase after securing the train and calling for... reinforcments... I guess...   We managed to save the boy but he seems to be in a deep sleep. We fought the abomination, it wanted something from my bag.   The Commador told us about a nearby wizard's tower apparently its been abandoned for a while but still holds some sort of treasure, it may contain something of use for the boy. I feel this could go well a wizard's tower will be filled with knowledge of the arcane, the Commador called him a pervert but all wizards are slightly odd when living alone and secluded, whats the worse it could be?   08/08/3022   I change my mind, burn that tower to the ground, nothing will be lost.   08/08/3022   Todays been a hard day, this will be a recount of what happened.   After dealing with the tower, we returned to the owl's home, seems that psycho Brightwing had other plans and didn't like the owl saving us/taking his play things. We found the owl surrounded by many corpses of skaven, it was too late for him, he had been poisoned by something not even I could heal, shame but it was impressive to see that even in his state he could still fight. He gave us a set of medals to, if we encountered any of his old squad, help introduce ourselves. Basil Staghare, Silent Sam, Marie the Swimmer, Dr Raven   He then asked us to appologise to Dr raven for eating one of his ravens, and to appologise to Basil and that he wished he could have been more.   After burying the owl, we left to save the boy, it did not take us much effort o find the arena. we got in and thats where it all went weird. Rénlèi acted as if he had some sort of plan, if he had told any of us this may have ended better then it did. He went to speak with Brightwing, Axel went with him for support and, to my confusion at the time, and now serious concren now Ciri joined them, at the time I didn't think about it but now, knowing what I know it seems mad that she decided to put herself so close to Brightwing when he would know who she was.   I agreed to help Axel at the time and went to check on one of the skaven weaponry groups on the other side of Brightwing's box, this left Storm to himself but he handled himself well all things considered.   I'm not sure what happened and I don't feel I should ask but Rénlèi had a conversation with Brightwing and then managed to make a deal with him for the boy, who at the time was being stroked by Brightwing, something about a waifu, I'm unsure of what this meant but I know I don't want to know.   Rénlèi managed to make a deal however and managed to set up a fight with the ginger tabaxi, I was worried to where this might go, and more so when they decided feed ginger what they called "the blood", which tranformed them into some sort of monstrosity.   The fight ensued. In the end Brightwing was dead, the boy was brought back with the scroll, thankfully it worked even though I am not that skilled in the arcane or divine scriptures detailed in the scroll. But unfortunately both the Ginger and Rénlèi died, some of the group took scales as a reminder of his existance but we had to move as Skaven were moving in on us according to the boy.   I'll miss the elf, we weren't really close but he was a good guy if a bit impulsive at times.   We escaped to the woods and managed to avoid any attention we discussed what to do next, who to tell, who to trust   The boy suggested we go to his father, Axel and then eventually Ciri suggested Miss Fancy should know, Storm was unsure, I suggested we should move on. We decided to go to the Fae to meet miss fancy and discuss what had happened. Ciri guided us through the woods till we found the gate, a circle of mushrooms, and after a do's and don'ts of the Fea Wilds, most of which seemed targeted at Axel we made our way in to be greeted by Ciri's brother.   We were then guided in to see Ciri's master, who on the discussion of the flower called her a dissapointment. Then to Miss Fancy's Library, quite an amazing one at that. we met with Miss Fancy who welcomed us with open arms, we discussed the death of Sousaphon's son and Brightwing, we then were sat down at a table with tea, we enjoyed a good cup. But seemingly seconds after a good joke from Storm that made the table chuckle the mood turned sour, Ciri looked distraught, Storm's face filled with utter hatred.   Ciri burst out asking how she could say such a word but Miss Fancy informed us all that she was just so distraught about her health and worry over not being able to find the flower. Miss Fancy made sure to announce Ciri was not a failure and that she was her favourate. Storm snapped shouting that Miss Fancy should never had said those words and that Rénlèi was no abomination, this seemed to rub her the wrong way and if Storm had not brought up 2 names "Grayscale" and "Robert the Bruiser" I fear she may have attacked or worse.   Things calmed, she moved us all to the guest wing and we left as soon as we could. Meeting with Ciri's other brother, a far calmer and nicer brother. We ate and discussed what we planned to do next until this little fairy creature appeared and we were informed that a warrant for our arrest had been sent out, apparently the other brother, the head of the guards did not question the order and that we would be collected the next day. Thanks to the nice brother we were provided exit. Ciri and Storm tried to tell us that our memories had been altered, that Miss Fancy had spoken ill of Rénlèi, thinking back to it, something seemed. No it. Nothing of the sort happened but then what was that pain, it felt like someone was chiseling at my very mind with an ice pick, although I have no recolection of the supposed events, I definitely think something is awry.   Before leaving I managed to make a "donation" to the cause, finding out that he had connections to a dragonlord rebellion group I passed over some items of interest, for my part it was to gain a bit of favour with the group, but also to avoid the risk that the bag gets checked and I get slaughtered for the verry illgal nature of said item. I was seen by Ciri and the boy, Ciri paid no mind to it but the boy asked where I had got them, but seemed to reconsider and wished to not have anything to do with it.   We found ourselves on the outskirts of the Territory, bordering with Brightgleam's Territory, moving towards rugby we found ourselves heading to a small village to rest. we were followed but as soon as that monster noticed us it ran, arriving at the village we saw an odd pub with legs, Storm barged in and souted to the bar keep who seemed to know him, there was a small discussion, the other people inside were a 2 dragonborn, a rabbitfolk and another patron.   the rabbitfolk did offer to give recomendations for both axel and Storm for the iron brigade but both declined.   the rabbitfolk caught my eye so I approached him out of curiosity, allthough on edge at first upon showing the medal and saying the last words that the commador had left him, the rabbitfolk introduced himself as Basil, one of the commadors comrades of the Iron Brigade, we spoke about it with him for a while, joked about his life then headed off to bed.

03/08/3022   The storm hit hard this time, the mayor got everyone in the village to come ot the Phoenix Inn for safety, although I've been here almost half a year I'm still treated like an outsider, at least they don't treat me with suspicion.   3 Strangers entered during the storm, outsiders to the village each here for their own reasons no doubt, A female satyr by the name of Ciri, A male elf by the name of Rénlèi, and a male tabaxi by the name of Storm. The tabaxi seems to be asking after the grayscale family, from what I hear they haven't been seen for a while but they live in the manor located in the swams to the east. Ciri seems ot be in search of a flower for her mistress Miss Fancy who is unwell/bedridden ? And the elf seems to be here for some official buisness.   Another outsider, this time dragged in by the guard, seems the roudy type apparently caught going through the bins out back, an interesting instrument on his back, he is a human as far as I can tell and goes by the name of Axel, he's quite loud but seems to be a nice enough person.   The Mayor has both asked us to help with the night watch as well as asked the outsiders to look into the Grayscale Manor and I to supervise them, Duncan will be the one who guides us their as he knows the path. I write this before I go to sleep mine is the second to last watch paired wih the tabaxi Storm, I can only hope it is a quiet night.   Before heading off we discussed current events with the mayor, from this I can surmise a few things I want to make not of. The lady of the house has not been seen since the death of her husband and son which was 6-9 months ago now. For whatever reason the mayor seems to blame the Lady of Grayscale for the mist being far more active of late, although rumours it is true that after the death of most of the family and the disapearance of the lady the msts have encroached further where it used to not, this night being evident of this fact.   04/08/3022   Night watch was not what I expected, woken by first watch myself and Storm went down to the ground floor of the inn and kept watch of the door and windows, to be honest at the time I was not sure what to expect, looking outside took me by surprise however, the entire town was covered in the mist with the lights inside the inn feeling like the only thing keeping the shadow out, as if it were alive in some way of speaking. This idea was sadly, if not horrifically proved right, tendrils of darkness, seemingly with some sort of mind of their own or maybe a greater influence is at hand, the tendrils reached for the lights in the inn but none made it too far past the cracks in the door of the inn.   Outside of the inn altough dark there seemed to be lights, ghostly green lights, whisps, pulsing through the town. They had a certain pull to them but something seemed off, Storm seemed to see something as well, but nothing came of it and we passed to the next shift. Apparently their watch was quiet as well but Axel did mention seeing someone he knew but that it would have been impossible for them to be there given that they were not longer alive.   In the morning while having breakfast the mayor came for a report on what happened during the night and to intorduce us to our guide, Duncan. We duscussed what happened, which worried the mayor. We are set to head off soon, hopefully we can get this done before the sea comes in and the bridge is no longer accessable.   04/08/3022   Well this is not what I expected, upon getting to the bridge we were made witness to the ghostly reenactment of the death of the lord and son of the manor followed shortly by the scream of the lady who witnessed the event. Duncan had us come off the road as we witnessed it, and from what I understand this seems to be common place, it certainly left an impression with us all I feel much more with Ciri but we all made it ot the house. upon arrival at the doors of the house Duncan left us running as fast as he could.   We found the flowers that Ciri spoke of but sadly this did not help her, although asthetically similar in look the stems were off and were painfull to the touch, from what I've experienced of this house now it would seem maybe it has corrupted the flower, but it could very well just be a different variety.   We entered the house, entering a small antichamber, those with shoes felt the need to take them off as if respecting the house but this house has been abandoned for some time now and likely no one would mind nor care, as we entered the hallway we were greeted by the hum of chatter as if there was a tea party going on at the time, this was offputting at the time but looking back was probably an omen of what to come. It was not helped by a tamestry hanging next to the door, seemingly themed around harvest and farming upon closer inspection themes of cannibalism run throughout it, seemingly depicting creatures in the act of consuming the flesh of others.   As we moved forward the front door locked itself, and even now at time of writing it is still locked. As we ventured through the ground floor we found more art with hidden and horrific themes, each room seemingly with a fireplace still lit but its flame a mere facade of a fire providing no warmth to the room not to say that it was or has been too cold. Entering the dining room we were greated with a table filled with food, its smell and appearance was quiet amazing but we decided against eating it. and with the examination of the kitchen this seems to have been the right move, devoid of any ingredients although the meal at the table looked just cooked.   We then entered the smoking room, what were are now using as a place to rest. apart from the 3 taxidermied wolves posed about the room and to my surprise very well maintained, a small table with chairs and a lounge char and chair near the fireplace, filled then and now with the same cold fire as everywhere else. There were to locked cabinates in the room but a little work and they revealed a few working crossbows the other containing tableware and a few bottles of wine. What peeked our curiosity at the time was a small trapdoor located by the fireplace, seeming locked in place by magic, however when getting close it seemed to cause a sound to eminate from the wolves, at first a weak deterent with thought but when 2 of the 3 wolves became animate and attacked this proved us wrong.   One thing of interest was a peice of art, it seems to speak to the group or at least some of them. It diserves further looking into due to its nature but for now I'll keep it on the back burner.   05/08/3022   Glad that's over, The house is burned, and the dragonborn we met in the Inn... dealt with. I'm unsure what the Lady's sister hoped to achieve even knowing the goal, but I think it's best to move on, I've recieved communications and need to move to cambridge for further details.