istainion

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03

The rest of our day was uneventful as we resumed our path toward the highly infested area. Blessed with the flavor of water later in the day when it came to an end.

Day 5: 36 > 35 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

We adjusted our course lightly, hoping to find the threat of undead near us in order to reduce their number significantly. But while we made our efforts, we were instead surprised by a scent that was difficult to define. Not only that, as soon as we neared the location on our map, our entire environment began to shift from a healthy appearance to a more sickly one. The plants and fauna seemed in a very bad condition, the appearance of it all, alone, could tell that staying too long in a single place could potentially make us sick. We pressed onwards.

An alarming buzzing sound in the distance had caught our movement and advanced toward us, making the buzzing louder and louder. We met a new appearance of threat.

Small, but quick. Not quite a mosquito, especially not in size, however, not much difference. We are warned that if these creatures, by the name Stirges will attach to one's skin to consume their blood, it will not let go unless force is applied. Their fleshy tone makes it quite easy to track, especially in these dying surroundings. While these aren't particularly strong, they can be quite troublesome without a doubt.

With my blade drawn, I pray for a good outcome. The swarm approached us, and we were forced to battle. The swarm divided between both me and Naewarin, who quickly shifted into a dire wolf. I have NEVER seen such a thing, and I must be honest, I thought another enemy emerged from the depth the moment I had my eyes elsewhere. It was also to my luck that these creatures could not penetrate my armor in the slightest. With our combined forces, our offense stood no chance, and the battle met its end.

The afternoon had another surprise awaiting us, but there was a mild rain to grant us the blessing of water, before we walked past a cliff. More sound reached our ears, coming from the right of us where the rocky terrain was at. The sound of flapping wings.

I hadn't realized the mountain had holes in them, until we neared it. It was soon becoming clearer that bats laid their eyes upon us as well. As fast as both Taban and I could move, we made an attempt to block and distract these holes from the bats coming out. While we did so, they surrounded the two of us, and made their many attempts of striking us.

With the enemies distracted, our allies helped against the swarming threat, which gradually lowered their numbers. This, until their will to battle shattered, and the last few escaped our grasp. The battle came to an end.

Ever eventful as our day resumed. That evening, we walked past a river with the evermoving ground on which we stand. Covered with its many insects. While we are used to it by now at day five of our journey, today it went a little differently. A strange few swarmed around us and formed a struggle close to where Jasper was at. I had quickly stepped toward him in an attempt to assist with the threat.

We made quick work of them, thanks to the assistance of our numbers, but when the battle was over, the druids pointed out that we have faced a bigger threat than we may have imagined. These are violently venomous insects, and we are considered lucky that they hadn't had the chance to bite us in that moment. Juniper made mention of a so-called "Shivering sickness" disease that we had avoided this day. What a relief.

If it wasn't enough of a danger of a journey already, the night's heavy storm came to alert us of it just the same. No rest this day was granted to us, but it is to our luck that we had enough to drink.

Day 6: 35 > 34 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)
LOOT: 8 Ghoul heads (Stored: 4/4 Gat/Streth) VALUE: 20 gold per head (160 gold total)

The morning had no rain available for us, but the day sure had enough other things. While I hadn't heard it myself, Jasper said that he may have caught a glimpse of a similar species like him in the distance. It does not seem too unusual, given this place has many surprises for us to discover.

Qawasha said that he had indeed heard of Yuan-ti scouts being seen in these surroundings. Who and what they work for is yet to be discovered, but according to the fact that they had made a run away from our group, that they wish no troubles with us. Perhaps it are our numbers that had them intimidated.

When we continued our journey after having risen from our ... Less than comfortable camp due to the heavy storm, we soon were confirmed that we entered just the surroundings we needed. The rotten scent of meat and distant sound, that are even less pleasant to the ears confirmed that we have, indeed, found our target. A number of ghouls and another type of undead (Ghast) greeted us from the distance. It did not take them long to notice our presence as well.

I wonder why it is they can sense us in all honesty. Would they not be occupied with the scent of their own being? Hmm, perhaps it's the perfume that Arden used in battle against the stirge creatures of which I had also been sprayed by? I very much hope that I will not be set aflame like their kind!

Each of us moved in position when two spells were aimed at the enemy. With the group quite close, Gat managed to get some of them lit by a spell. A familiar one, that what they name the fire of faeries. Accompanied by the many vines that grew from the ground and bound some of them has allowed us a significant advantage.

They appeared not to have any fear, when they strategically tried to surround us. Are they more than just mindless beings, or are they perhaps given orders by that larger threat in the center? Unsure what awaited us, I reached toward my pendant and utter my spell for guidance. Helm's protective powers surrounded me, and His presence calms me. We had to keep our numbers safe!

With guided strikes, and enough of a beating, we faced our enemy with success. I had caught a glimpse of Taban, who seemed to stop moving for a while as soon as the enemy reached him. While I am glad he moved soon after, I fear that he is unwell.

Was he paralyzed? I have heard that Jasper had the same experience. We must be wary of their teeth and claws!

We have been blessed this day with our survival, and with our enemy faced, the two druids we had in our company must return to Port Nyanzaru to refill their supplies and receive their next orders. However, we at first rest together to recover from what could have been yet another permanent death. We are allowed enough rain to refill our water supplies as well.

A relief. Hope is out there, we must hold faith in our quest and purpose.