Icarus' First Letter

*Dearest Eryn,*

*I have recently arrived in Elpida, where there are already a number of strange and wonderful inhabitants. I have already lead a number of them on this downtrodden towns first successful foray into the wilds. You will be pleased to hear that despite fierce battles, not a single one of my charges fell under my protection. Alas, we were too late to save those poor fishermen in the marshes (the 'Chittermarsh', as named by the locals), but I shall get to that grisly tale later.*

*The trek to the marsh was quite eventful, as we happened upon a group of Kobold's desecrating the land, digging through some old ruins. The kobolds are much as described to us in our training, and the high priest's linguistic training has already come in handy as I was able to communicate with the creatures. Though I attempted to show mercy by allowing them the chance to abandon the area before next I returned, they dared to attack me. Despite outnumbering us, they were easily put down, though I fear my body is still not accustomed to being on the surface- while I did not make a fool of myself, perhaps with a little more experience I can impress those I lead with my true skill with the Trident. The others, for their part, were quite impressive in battle.*

*You would particularly be impressed at the Half-Elf, **Alexandria**, and her skill with the blade. **Corsair** (that is his name, I have not thrown my lot in with pirates!), was quick on his feet and slew a number of his own. A curious-looking Lizardfolk named **Uklah** wearing a dress with an umbrella was also able to assault the creatures from afar. I think you would find the ensemble quite beautiful, though wildly impractical in the water. A druid named **Lizzie** was also able to offer her support to the others as needed, particularly to **Diarmuid**, a Vanara... I think I should leave the description of this creature and let you see him with your own eyes once you arrive.*

*One among the Kobolds was spared, so that perhaps he may spread the word that the land is now under my protection, though he did mention a giant lizard master, with his tribe being at war with both humans and goblins, so perhaps I will have to take things into my own hands.*

*During our watch that night, troll tracks were discovered, which if their nature is truly as we have been taught, they will obviously have to be dealt with as well. My duties here seem to continuously pile up- but do not fear, I will endeavour to make this place safe enough for you and the others to join me, the thought of this drives me.*

*My navigator finally lead us to the fishermen's camp we sought, but there were no signs of life to be found.*

*After **Diarmuid's** keen eyes found the first lifeless body of one of the fishermen, we were ambushed by what I'm told are called 'stirges' (a kind of strange, flying piranha)*

*While one of our number was almost overwhelmed by these beasts, my magicks were able to strike a number of them down with the aid of the others, and a search of the camp found not a single living soul, **Lizzie** happened across a journal that detailed information about an old coot that has been causing problems in the area. The reactions of the others leads me to believe that a 'coot' is an idiom for some type of person, and not the aquatic bird we are familiar with. Perhaps I should investigate this further.*

*We returned to the town without issue, though upon our return one townsfolk mentioned a rumoured druid in the wilds worshipping a 'Zuggtmoy' (yes, apparently that is correctly spelled). Perhaps you could ask the priests if they had any details of this.. deity?*

*Regardless, I will add it to the list. I fear I may need to rely on others to accomplish some of the tasks in this place, though thankfully those in this expedition show some promise with a little leadership.*

*Give my best to the others, I hope your continued training is going well. Please check in with Corus, I'm afraid the way we left things may cause things to fester between us.*

*I miss Myth Nantar. I miss the depths, it is difficult to sleep without the comforting pressure of the deep waters. And if I may be so bold, I miss you.*

*Yours,*

*Icarus*