Del's Journal
Delnaroi, better known as "Del," is a mountaineer of the Grey Mountains. The closest thing to a permanent home his people have is Mt. Ea, though they wander the mountain chain, following the herds as they migrate to follow the seasons. Ea is considered sacred to them, the physical seat of their goddess, from whom they take their tribal name "Eamite." Del has more contact with the more civilized side of the mountains than the rest of his tribe thanks to his occasional employment by the Adventuring Guild.
Early Summer 452
Day 12
Mead-man seemed doubtful, but was willing to trade small flask of mead for handful of beans. Not sure what to do with rest; save for now, trade later maybe. Was leaving when encountered large group of people - some soldiers, some miners, some nobles. Asked over fuss - one man say group is planning to reopen crystal mine. Mentioned they should be careful; goblins dug traps in entrance, and rockslide made big mess. Explained I'd been there when he gave questioning look. Different man seem very interested in this, ask many questions. Wanted to hear every detail; very long conversation happened after. Much drink. Head hurt this morning. Should have tried beans.
Spent most of day marching with group back to the tunnels. Think I agreed to guide them down to crystal seam and avoid pitfalls; forget terms of payment. Need to not agree to work when drinking. Think man I spoke with is leader of group; others seem funny around him. Odd.
Day 15
Last few days have been guiding men to where goblins were digging. Much easier when many torches and no Hoarde; less efficient when many men. Setting up supply chain to surface and marking correct paths has been tedious. Headache is back, though have not been drinking; crystal feels strange, too. Hurts more when closer to where rocks fell. Dreams are also back. Will need to leave soon. Maybe go out to wilds. Hot Springs too civilized for my taste for long.
Have spent evenings chatting with group leader; keeps asking about time in wilds, strange sights from years. Asks about time with Mountain clan... even asks about legends we tell. Gets faraway look when I do. Almost wish I could speak like tribal storyteller - words not really my thing.
Day 18
Tried to bid farewell yesterday; much work yet to do, but little more that I can add. Also suggested if operation grows, may wish to speak with giant Chief; they may expect travelers but not ongoing miners. Good neighbors and such. Group leader seemed surprised that I had met Chief - said he would be grateful if I could arrange introduction. Could only promise meeting with son, Boog, but agreed to give signal.
Boog was happy to see me. Told Boog that human leader want to meet giant Chief, show respect since more humans come. Boog say he take message, ask if I thought human leader was good man. I say only know him short time, but seems yes - man have spirit of adventure, straight talk. Boog nodded, but leader had strange look when I answer. Sometimes non-humans easier to understand than humans.
Told him what to look for if giants signal, and avoid going into their lands. Wanted to go hunting for a while, deeper inland; also replenish supply of herbs. If he still there in fortnight, would return with news, perhaps items for trade. Said unfortunately, he heading East, likely not be back anytime soon, but hoped our paths cross again. He also mentioned, would appreciate if I could check in on mine when around. I agreed.
Could not shake feeling that he really wanted to go adventuring, but felt like he couldn't. Gave him luckflower that Caedric too scared to drink - told him was rare herb, highly prized when adventuring, might bring him good fortune. He seemed moved.
Also, did not have headache or dream last night. Strange.
Day 24
Has been good several days for gathering healing herbs - lavender, sage, chamomile, thyme. Was considering heading back toward mine when howling come from nearby. Looked - young-ish gnoll being gored in leg by large boar. Put three arrows into its side before it turned for me, but then gnoll stab it through the neck. Good for both of us; gnoll was hurt bad.
We eat together that night; learn his name Arryl. Said he needed to prove to tribe he was ready to be big hunter; I say nobody else know, but he must stop bleeding or prove to tribe he died. Arryl protest at first but calm down when he see I had bandages and poultice. Tell him boar won't spoil overnight, and would help him carry in morning. Would be good to see gnolls again. Wonder if milk of mother still available for trade.
Day 26
Arryl not walking good, so was slow going yesterday. Not sure how he planned to carry boar by himself; think it weighs more than him. Was nearly nightfall by time we reach gnoll camp; gnolls very grateful that he come back mostly in one piece. Told them he kill boar, but got hurt; is not lie. Had big feast that night, much milk of mother. Made sure to go easy this time, not agree to more work.
One of others, Murrfin, recognize me from tunnels. Said I was one who trade with them, helped clear tunnels of Hoarde. Asked what I was doing now; explained I was looking for supplies. They doing same. Told them perhaps we could journey together for a time - know very little about gnolls, and perhaps we put knowledge together on roots, plants, other things. They surprised that human want to be with gnolls, but helping Arryl prove good intentions.
Day 27
Much more barking, yelping, howling, and other sounds traveling with this group than humans. Conclusion: gnolls are gnoisy. Gno, that's gnot gnice - STOP DOING THAT.
Day 29
Starting to get used to sounds of gnoll travel. Hunting very impressive; when they want, they can be very quiet. Coordination similar to wolf pack: approach from different angles, funnel prey into trap, strike and retreat, strike and retreat. Was part of group that took down large black bear using that technique. Preferred weapons are spears and nets, with some short swords and crossbows. Fingers not seem well-suited to longbow. One even carries giant axe - looks orcish. Think his name is Ferryll. Should learn more about him.
Diet is mostly meat, though they eat roots and berries if meat not readily available. Much relies on fresh kills and smoking meats; salt in short supply. Note to self - gnolls likely would favor salt trade for goods. Though they don't favor herbs, they have surprisingly deep knowledge of them - especially their shaman. His name very hard to say, much less write. Pointed out a kind of stinging nettle that I hadn't seen before; showed me how to crush and mix with mint for tea. Effect was odd; felt like eyes and ears sharper than before, but not in mushroom sort of way. Showed them how to brew bark into potion for better night vision - Arryl excited about this, mentioned something about hunting shadowcats. Must ask what shadowcats are.
Group is led by one who goes by Alpha. Fur is darker than rest, but otherwise does not seem all that big or strong. Talks with shaman and Ferryll often, too quick for me to understand. Catch him looking at me often, not in hostile way, but wary. Wonder how he became Alpha. Many questions today. Few answers.
Day 30
Tried speaking to Ferryll; only got growls. Learned why later from Murrfin and Arryl. Note to self - milk of mother does little making gnolls drunk, but mead makes big difference.
Murrfin say Ferryll was Alpha once, many moons ago - say that with him, tribe was much friendlier with Hoarde, trade much more often. Rendarr - old name of current Alpha - warn was bad idea to trust Hoarde, but Ferryll not listen. One day, Ferryll find great treasure, shiny crystal, bright yellow. Was too bold and wore it as chain, signaling power. Next Hoarde encampment, they demand crystal - Ferryll not hand over. Battle ensue. Many Hoarde die, but just as many gnoll, including Ferryll's brother. Ferryll himself only live because Rendarr fight at side, help kill Hoarde leader. Is why Ferryll carry axe, to remember burden he carry... and why he step down as Alpha. Rendarr far more clever, consulting always with shaman, knowing when to share words or blades, when to be seen and when not, never in one place too long. Tribe has flourished under him.
I ask why his fur different color than the rest; they say Rendarr once belong to different tribe, one that mostly die out during bad winter. Gnolls not often take in strays from other tribes, but with he as Alpha, they are more open than most. Other tribes call them Patchwork, stitched together from many places; Rendarr call tribe Diamond, crushed but unbroken, having many sides and many hues and tougher for them. Not very like other tribes, these gnolls. Perhaps notes not as useful as originally thought.
Day 32
Saw something disturbing today. Buck came charging out of thicket, skewered one of the hunting party and slammed him into tree. We attack buck but it seem not to notice, kept butting gored gnoll over and over. Not sure if he will last night. What was his name - Orlaf?
By time we kill creature, Orlaf in really bad shape. Worse, creature not seem at all normal. Blood was mostly red, but had ugly green tint in it, and smelled bitter. Almost like thing got into nightshade, but impossible for it to eat so much and live. Skin wasn't right, either; big patches of fur missing, hide dark and hard in places where it shouldn't. We decide to burn and not eat. Even shaman seemed uncomfortable with news. Hope there are no more like this.
Day 33
Orlaf not make it. Tribe usually bury, but burned instead because of how he die.
Day 35
Forest strange; Murrfin say it not like this in seasons past. Far too many stinging nettles, poison vines, leafless trees, stagnant water. No fruits, no birds. No fresh game. More sick deer, though not crazy like buck, thank the gods. Everyone on edge, none more than shaman. When not whispering to Alpha, he burning plants and sniffing smoke. Not sure what he is doing.
Day 36
Learned what shadowcats are. Would have preferred not to discover hard way.
Creatures are about as long as a man is tall, sleek and lean. Fur is black as crow, and hunts at night, so almost impossible to see. Teeth and claws as long as fingers, deep padding on all fours so it moves silent - perfect predator. One came on us last night; took down two guards before alarm was raised. Even then, bloody beast kept disappearing into trees, then coming back from unexpected place.
Lucky I thought of bark potion, and drank quick - managed to spot the thing ready to pounce and put an arrow into its chest. Dropped right in middle of camp; Ferryll finished it, took its head clean off. Will make nice pelt, but many injured, and from just one. Did what I could to help with wounded; used most of herb reserve and clean bandages. Think we need to move from this place quickly, before more are lost.
Day 37
Shaman say he know source of corruption, was able to find from shadowcat heart. Say that there is knot in heart of forest where something evil live, only few miles away - and tribe cannot move with so many hurt. I volunteer to go, along with Arryl, Murrfin, and Ferryll. This may be last entry for some time. Or ever. Wish I still had luckflower now.
Day 41
Thank Ea, we did it. Long story; will make short as best I can.
Distance was short, but very slow going; thorny vines everywhere, quagmire, murky waters with creeping things. Four of us moved carefully, stayed away from water. Caught ripples more than once, slithering movements. Murrfin kept spear at ready all the while.
Finally found old hut, made of rotten wood and half-covered in moss and brambles. Almost thought it was part of growth until Arryl pointed out. No sooner did we go toward it than huge serpent erupted from slime, dove for us. Ferryll blocked with axe, urged us to push ahead; Murrfin stayed back, tried attacking from far side with spear.
Arryl and I got inside, found old woman holding largest green crystal I've ever seen. Hissed something at us in strange tongue, saw mist emerge from crystal reflecting its color. Both of us started feeling sick immediately, like something eating at insides. Arryl rush her, got knocked aside, but I manage to fire arrow. Ea must have guided shot, as I couldn't see straight, but must have hit home - sickness went away quickly, saw that arrow had caught her in the throat. Made sure Arryl was all right, mostly stunned, then grabbed crystal and headed outside.
Serpent was dead; Ferryll had managed to cut its head off, but was hurt bad - beast had managed to wrap around him and crush his ribs. Was barely breathing when we found him, Murrfin trying to keep his head out of the mire. Said something about "a good death." Realized that green crystal might be able to save him; remember hearing something about how they were linked to nature, both poisons and growth. Held it to his wounds, whispered prayer to Ea to guide hand; not sure what happened next, as I felt some kind of energy surge, much stronger than even when white crystal made earth shake.
Murrfin told me later I was out for several hours, but that Ferryll started getting better right away. Think he was awake before me, at least by several minutes - still in much pain but no longer about to die. None of them wanted to touch the crystal, but none of them stopped me when I took it with me.
When we get back, we explain all to shaman, who say that woman must have been using crystal to poison land, creatures. She must have driven buck and shadowcat crazy, made them much more dangerous; same with giant serpent. I offer crystal to shaman, but he say that such things far too powerful for him to want; forest would recover on its own, in time. Yesterday, we even notice a few vines starting to wilt, so seems he is right?
In meantime, rest of tribe recover well; Ferryll in particular treat me with new respect. Much drinking and feasting; they also make cloak of shadowcat pelt, insist I take. Cloak is color of night, make for blending in with darkness much easier. As for crystal, not sure what to do with; keeping for now. Have also noticed that old crystal, one still worn around neck, seems to be flickering more of late. Not sure what that means. Wish crystal-smith were still here. He might have advice.
Long entry today. We lived. Good times.
Day 44
Tribe has begun moving again, which is good; even though forest shows signs that it will recover, unnerving to spend more time than needed in tainted place. Feels odd to have so many eyes on me; not suspicious-like, more gratitude, sometimes awe. Rendarr explain it very rare for humans to do more than trade with gnolls, rarer still to do such great works. Say that tribe will long remember name of Delnaroi Eamite, son of Lairdeno Eamite. Not used to hearing full name. Still prefer Del.
Day 47
Terrible dream last night. Dreamed of Ea's mountain; have not visited since pilgrimage when I was young. Mountain was infested with Hoarde, who were burning trees and toppling sacred rocks. Ea herself appeared, arrayed for battle, but for each one struck down, three more appeared. Last part of dream was her face, as she spoke single word - "Help."
Spoke to shaman, who is convinced that this more vision than dream. Makes sense; Hoarde has been pushing my tribe back for some time now. Would not be surprise if they have reached her mountain by now. Did not want to leave gnolls, but felt that I must. Ferryll volunteer to come with, insist that his life belong to me and want to help in sacred mission. Murrfin and Arryl want to come also, but tribe can ill afford to lose greatest warrior, let alone all three. Promised that I would come back if able. Have feeling that this task will be still more difficult than last.
Noticed, too, that white crystal has resumed being constantly lit, though not as strong as before tunnel. Maybe better from being close to green one? Maybe goddess lighting path? Another detail not clear from legends. Must find better story-teller. Have many questions.
Day 48
Dream happened again last night, same as before. No doubt now. Said goodbye to tribe this morning; left with Ferryll. Long journey ahead - Ea's mountain is many leagues to the north and west. Much haste to be made if we are to arrive in time. Ferryll acting strange - every so often, he stops and howls, then listens, like waiting for an answer. Do not understand.
Day 51
No dream the last few nights, thankfully, though did not sleep well anyway. Have not been to sacred mountain since I was very small; barely remember it now, though all tribal members know the way. Wonder if I was the only one to receive dream, or if others of my people also summoned.
Was nearly dusk on night after leaving when started to hear wolf calls. First time I can recall Ferryll seeming truly excited - was yowling back in kind, like they were having conversation. From behind trees come two of the biggest wolves I'd ever seen, one icy gray, one jet black. No, not wolves - dire wolves. Beasts near as big as horses. Thought we were in trouble but Ferryll kept chattering on in barks and growls - and they were replying in kind. Eventually Ferryll explained he summoned them, knowing that we would need to get there faster than on foot. Tried to tell me their names, but I could not make sounds proper; rolled his eyes and said the gray one was Mist and the black was Shade, in human tongue.
Have spent last few days and nights riding Mist with no saddle. Holding on is difficult. Walking afterward, more so.
Day 55
No shortage of fresh meat when part of wolf pack. Would prefer to cook, but Ferryll say dire wolves hate fire. Much messier when eaten raw, and also stringy. Keep thinking of ancestors. And tales for grandchildren, if Ea favor me.
Day 62
Sacred mountain at last in sight. Then I remember that mountain still very far away. At least I can walk normally when not on wolfback.
Day 66
Mountain looms ever closer, but still elusive. Had dream again, most vivid of all. Must get there faster, but wolves have slowed pace; they have limits, and starting to see signs of Hoarde activity. Cannot directly engage their patrols, at least not yet.
Day 68
We at last arrive at foot of mountain. Wolves depart; almost sad to see them go. Terrain is like to be much steeper on the way up, and if dream is literal, many more Hoarde on the path upward. Old broken crystal seems almost back to its old brilliance, and Ferryll's axe is pulsing like it has inner heartbeat. Smells like trouble.
Day 69
Encountered a pair of goblins on patrol; fortunately, we were able to dispatch them before either could raise alarm. Tracked them back to a larger encampment, where there were maybe a dozen or so. Ferryll went charging in like a creature possessed, starting hacking them apart; I stayed back, picked off several with arrows if they tried to fire or if they got too close. Strange, though; even when all were dead, Ferryll kept hacking at one of the bodies, howling. Had to hit him to snap him out of it, and for a second, he looked like he was ready to murder me. Reminded him that there were many more, and he was like to attract too much attention if he didn't shut it. Even now, he's still watching for them. Think it's reminding him too much of what he lost before. Not used to seeing him feel.
Day 73
Have spent last several days playing cat and mouse with goblin patrols. Set trap, wait for scouts, take them out in groups of three or four at a time. Ferryll have nasty idea to mangle bodies, make them think mountain is haunted - savage work, but have agreed. Seems to be producing effect; patrols are larger now, more on edge.
Today we find small group of my tribe, beset by goblins and led by pair of orcs. Once more Ferryll charge in with a roar, which gave others chance to recover and strike back. This time, remembered I had shadowcat cloak, and stayed on the move, slinging arrows from different places to keep Hoarde off-balance, think they attacked on multiple sides. A few goblins broke and ran; orcs rallied and re-focus on Ferryll. He took bad hits, one in shoulder and one in side, but kept swinging; remaining Eamites surged and came at orcs from behind, overpowering one and ramming a long knife through temple. Ea must have saw us fighting for her, as my next shot found the other orc's left eye and sent him earthward. After that, remaining goblins fled or were killed... lucky this time Ferryll not so blood-drunk. Maybe because he lose so much blood.
Was strange stand-off between Ferryll and surviving Eamites, as they tried to figure out whether this was new foe - I came forward then. Spoke to them in our ancient tongue, with ancestral greetings, and asked whether they, too, had heard the dream-call of our goddess. They were astonished, but grateful; of the six who had gone out, three were fallen with one more near death, only two of them mostly whole. I exchange glance with Ferryll - he shrug. Very glad I kept green crystal - was able to stay awake this time, though felt like I had drank an entire flask of milk of mother. Other two Eamites - Aedhan and Bearrach - filled with wonder when I use crystal on dying man - Morphran, his name.
We manage to move with our dead deeper into the forest, finding shelter where we may. Morphran tell us there are other groups of Eamites about, but also many, many Hoarde. Will be difficult going, and we have many injuries to recover from.
Tonight, we make cairn for the dead; would burn as is tradition, but cannot risk the smoke. Those of us who can, sing soft dirges to help their ascent to join the ancestors. Wish there was more time to honor properly. We move at first light.
Day 76
Strange word: "guerrilla." Never appreciated what it meant before. Strike, fade, strike, fade. There is rhythm, but must always vary technique. Lack of caution invites death.
Day 80
Have been seeing more signs of destruction Hoarde has brought to sacred mountain. Large swathes of forest cut down or burned black, smoke mixing with mist in sickening fumes. Found shattered relic - think it was once in shape of Ea, but not much left save torso - rest so many broken rocks. Beginning to fear we came too late.
Ferryll has been keeping more and more to himself... seems not to like other humans much, or maybe just realizing how many more Hoarde are out there. At least Morphran is moving better, and in much better spirits - says we are making new tale for our great-great-grandchildren. Bearrach not so cheerful; usually grunts or glares in response. Survive first, think of grandchildren later. Wonder if ancestors felt same way.
Day 83
Two days ago, finally made our way past top of tree line. Can see sacred peak up above, but many Hoarde are encamped thereon - so many fires, so many tents. Aedhan wanted to turn back, said we could not fight so many. Was then that I felt a tug at my neck - the old crystal was burning as bright as I'd ever seen, though only half as large. Told the others to find cover... was about to do something very stupid.
Just like back in tunnels, I reached out with the crystal and spoke to the stones above. Remember feeling this building pressure behind eyes, squeezing them shut, reaching out with all my inner strength of will... and feeling a distant rumble before blacking out. When I came to, it was dusk - Morphran say I was out most of the day. At first nothing had happened, but then they all started feeling the mountain move, as rocks and snow were sliding from the peak and forming rapid avalanche. We were lucky - there was a cave not far from where we broke from forest. Worst of rockslide was able to miss us, Ea be blessed. Many of Hoarde, we think, were buried alive. Ferryll went out with Aedhan and Bearrach to take closer look; they have not returned yet. Also noticed that I had lost necklace; must have fallen when they carry me, or maybe power finally used up from stone. Reminds me vaguely of Boog; wonder if he felt anything when all that happened.
Still feeling very tired. Must sleep.
Day 85
Ferryll, Aedhan, and Bearrach made it back early yesterday; say that there are still some Hoarde about, but most in rough shape with little fight left. We spent most of yesterday clearing out the remnants, those that still remained on the mountain. We made the peak ourselves just now - altar at pinnacle still as I remember it. Have little of true value, so made offering of green crystal. In her hands, maybe Ea can use to heal mountain. Ferryll shake head, but not disagree aloud. Pretty sure he glad to be rid of it, though he would not say.
Day 86
Goddess came to me in dream last night, no longer arrayed for battle, but wearing robes of priestess. She smile, tell me that the danger has passed for now, and that the offering has pleased her greatly. She ask me what I wish for in return - I knew not what to say. Told her that I was unsure where to go now, with quest complete, and asked her to light my way. Last memory I have was of something shimmering, just outside of my grasp. When I awoke, the green crystal was gone; recalling the dream, however, I dug for a few moments in a snowbank just beyond. There, I found a white crystal, much smaller than the green but somewhat larger than the one I once had. Took as sign, and when I took in hand, it immediately pulsed with a familiar light.
Aedhan, Bearrach, and Morphran all swore to tell the tale to others of our tribe when they make their way back down. Ferryll simply grunt, but there was glimmer of pride in his eyes. Quite sure we have made tales for his children's children, as well. For now, think work here is done - time to begin making our descent.
End of the Journal
