Alexandria's Journal - Wanted: Iron

*5 Highsun*

Set out to go and clear out an old dwarven mine today with the lovestruck **Uklah**. Maybe venturing into the Harrowmere will be a good distraction for her to stop swooning over Corsair... I worry about her getting her heart broken! Several newcomers joined us, the stealthy **Teres** and nimble **Cathal** will surely help us spot problems to avoid, while the gigantic **Bruisetooth** and disciplined **Drago** seem likely to be stalwart companions if we do encounter any trouble.

We happened upon a weird obelisk in the middle of the Harrowmere, it seems to have a mysteriously preserved chest attached to it and some sort of puzzle to unlock. We were disturbed from too much investigation by the attempted ambush of several creatures. **Bruisetooth** got a better look after I pointed out movement and advised they were Bullywugs and they wasted no time in trying to accost us. **Teres** was quick to check their advance with fire from her shortbow, while **Cathal's** chill touch found it's mark on the groups apparent leader which distracted it enough for **me** to land a grievous wound which **Drago** then followed up with his own deft bladework to cut the leader down. This seemed to spur them into action but their attacks all seemed frantic and inaccurate while **Teres** took one of them with a well placed arrow. **Cathal** cut down another of them and **Uklah** landed a telling blow with one of her new rose darts causing the creature to flee while **Drago** dispatched it's last remaining companion. It was an impressive display from the party, with not one of us taking any damage!

We pushed on until we found a suitable spot to make camp

*6 Highsun*

A peaceful night's sleep! Bahamut be praised, I had almost forgotten that it was possible to rest unabated in the wild! However, the rest did not seem to have helped our progress as we seemed unable to track our progress or forage effectively for the day... eventually we wound up back at the fishermen's camp, much as we had left it with just the addition of carrion as they worked to tidy what was left. Pushing on, we found an usual camping spot in amongst the remains of a great figure. **Bruisetooth** dubbed it "Goliath's Fall" and headed to investigate but only seemed to rustle up a number of wolf spiders that the party moved to engage. Again, the swift **Teres** dispatched one of them with her shortbow while **Cathal** and **I** moved to address others swarming out. **Drago** however noticed a giant spider sneaking towards our flank and hurled an axe at it before positioning himself between the monster and the unaware **Uklah**. His chivalry did not go unnoticed by the lizardfolk - I sense she will always be quick to fall "in love", I only pray she does not get her feelings hurt! **Drago** meanwhile was getting more than his "feelings" hurt as he was enveloped in web that the monster spat at him and took a nasty looking bite. **Bruisetooth** dispatched another of the wolf spiders and dashed towards the fray but between the rest of the group, we were able to carve great wounds in it's hide until **I** managed to sink the moonblade deep into it's abdomen.

There was a strange metal present in some giant swords piercing the floor near the camp. I managed to chip off a decent sample size to take back to Hope - maybe Muredach will have an idea what this is...

**Cathal** managed to spot the mine location while checking where the big spider had come from - hopefully it's our destination!

*7 Highsun*

Disaster... We made our way to the gates of the mines. **Teres** scouting by assailing one of the watch towers. The coast seemed clear and we prepared to head down the primary shaft to see what we might find when we were set upon by many more wolf spiders. **Teres** was nearly borne down instantly but **Bruisetooth** managed to distract the spider at the last minute, saving her from almost certainly falling. **Uklah** responded with an unerring rose dart before another spider savaged **Drago**, with the brave fighter drawing on some hidden reserves of toughness to stay on his feet. **I** managed to land a fatal blow on one of the beasts with **Bruisetooth** dispatching another. For a moment, it seemed like the tide had turned as **Cathal** dashed forward to engage, however he swung wildly and missed. As **Bruisetooth** and **Uklah** combined to finish off another spider, a sudden lunge from one caught poor **Cathal** and poison coursed through his veins killing him instantly... I heard a snap as the spider ripped out part of his spine... **Teres** responded by taking the foul beast with another deadly arrow while **Drago** and **I** finished off the last of them.

**Bruisetooth** dug a grave and we laid **Cathal**'s body to rest at this spot. I don't know if they had a name but I think I'll propose we name them "Cathal's Doom"...