View source for Field Journal of Halla Stoneward, Valley Militia Medic

== Introductory Notes ==

A few weeks ago I felt that Moradin was asking more of me.  Just a sense; a feeling that I should go and take his favour into the world.  These tales returning from outside the Valley with our adventurers intrigue me, and I believe, that with Moradin’s blessing and that of my father [[Baran Stoneward|Baran]], I can help us discover more of what lies outside of the valley.  

While on a shift at the Lake Side I have caught wind of a new group forming to leave in a few days.  Once off duty, I shall ask if I could be helpful to their venture.


== Leaving the valley ==
=== 27th day of Bahamut-tide ===

Today has been a mostly uneventful day.

Although descending the rope beyond the Falls of Ardun was somewhat challenging, we ran into no mishaps.  Thank Moradin for his favour, for the rocks were slick with spray from the falls and falling from that high would likely be fatal.

The land beyond the falls is peaceful with the high grass of summer.  As per the notes left by previous brave explorers, we made our way to [[Aldalorna]] and were greeted warmly by [[Somoren]] and her brethren.   Sadly we were unable to borrow the horses that are left for Valley visitors to use as the party that left ahead of us still had them.  With no news coming from this party, I worry a touch, but have faith that Moradin will be keeping an benevolent eye on them.

Leaving [[Aldalorna]] on foot, we headed down river towards the village of [[Riverglade]], passing some key landmarks which we used to ensure our path was correct, such as the [[Blightwood]] and the pillars marking the entrance of what we believed to be the [[Temple of Healing]].   Although we considered this as a good defensible spot to stop for the night, there was no clear way for us to safely cross the river.  I’m glad that everyone agreed with this point and there were no ill-advised heroics.

I was starting to feel a little nervous moving on.  We needed to find somewhere to stop which was defensible as we were warned of hostile goblins and denizens of the nearby swamps in these hills, but it wasn’t too long before we found a rocky outcrop around which we could create a simple perimeter and camp underneath.  Thankfully the warmer evenings of late Bahamut-tide meant we didn’t need a fire which could attract further attention.   

I’ve drawn the morning watch, after Pip and Krabog, so I should get my head down now.   Moradin watch over us this evening.

=== The last day of Bahamut-tide ===

As all is quiet this morning while I start my watch, I thought I would document some thoughts about the trip ahead and what we may discov [unreadable ink smears]

I’m glad we found a good location to pause for the night and the discipline to set a watch.  We were just assaulted by a small number of stirges which we made short work of.  A combination of the arms of Lady Cortina and Krabog plus the holy fire of Moradin made short work of them but I shudder to think what could have happened if we were all asleep.   The tales of our previous valley-folks encounter with these disgusting creatures raise my hackles.   

Luckily Pip and Krabog are cooking up something good smelling to take my mind off it before we head off for the rest of the day.

=== The First day of Pelor’s Blessing ===

Yesterday was a long and eventful day.  A day filled with amazing wonders; sights I never thought I would see and two perfect demonstrations of the power of the hand of Moradin in all things.

After our breakfast we resumed our journey toward the Builders Tower and Riverglade.  Just as we saw the tower ahead of us and smoke rising from fires at Riverglade, we encountered it’s residents.   There were a tense few moments between us until Pip broke the tension and I name dropped a few of the Valley residents who I knew had visited Riverglade before.  Soon they relaxed and welcomed us to their village and introduced us to Dimble the village’s leader.     When we discussed our intention for “exploring”, Dimble mentioned a settlement name I hadn’t heard talk of back in the Valley: [[Harmenton]].  Apparently it is a human fishing settlement a day’s travel south of [[Mataka’s rocks]].

Soon we made our way to the Builder’s Tower so we could make our way onto the Builder’s miraculous travelling network.  The gnomish engineer [[Breena]] who seems to be becoming very accustomed to visitors to Riverglade offered to show us how the tower worked and joined us.  She made mention of another visitor to Riverglade, a dark cloaked Elf that she said had come from the Valley, but none of us recognised the description.  I find this puzzling.

Breena showed us the way into the tower and how to operate them and then took us to a snow covered mountain in mere moments.  To say the power behind these contraptions is miraculous is an understatement.  I only hope Moradin will see fit to help me comprehend it with time.   

After a few moments looking over a vast lake below us, we decided it was time to move on to our intended destination.  After explaining our intention to Breena she decided to accompany us.  I did have my misgivings as she hardly looked the sort to be able to look after herself out in the wilds, but she did seem very experienced with using the Builder Towers and I must admit to being somewhat nervous of them.

Happy we’d agreed to take her with us, we travelled to the next tower, the one I believe is called [[Entaurdeshshan]].  While there I took the opportunity for us to fill in a piece of missing knowledge I’d spotted while listening in the Lakeside Inn;  there were 2 more locations from here which hadn’t been explored: [[Traortataenanur]] and [[Deshenshanensenorta]].  I’ll let people know at the inn of these names once we’ve returned.

Leaving the tower we found ourselves in the stony ravine as described previously and in scorching heat. Thankfully, Breena opted to stay with the tower while we pushed on ahead toward [[Kassiter]].   As we reached the end of the ravine we came across a road running roughly to the South East.  A market on the road pointed towards Kassiter, two miles east and a new location called [[Marett]] ten miles west of here.   Yet another place to explore, but not today.

We started the long walk to Kassiter but it wasn’t long before a plan of Moradin’s was unveiled.  Ahead of us on the road was a small group of Dwarves with a Donkey in a panic as four vicious looking animals closed in on them.    

Altogether, we rushed to their aid but were unable to get close to prevent the first lunge of the creatures, overwhelming the group.  Two of the Dwarves fell under their claws under that first assault, but once engaged they were swiftly dispatched by a combination of Lady Cortina’s ever accurate javelin arm, the talents of Pip, and Moradin’s holy fire.  

Once the creatures were slain, Krobog and I worked to stabilise the two fallen Dwarfs and I called upon Moradin’s power to heal them, exhausting me of power for the day.  The Dwarves were fish traders, travelling to Kassiter from Marrit, and were Sara, Iden and Mennet.  Grateful for our intervention, they accompanied us to Kassiter and offered to show us around.

[[Kassiter]] is a wonder.  An enormous city built into the cliff walls on the side of a lake so big you can’t see the other side of it.  You certainly won’t catch me out in a fishing boat out there.  It’s fortified with a large stone wall and wooden gate, and inside is a maze of tight wooden alleyways opening into large market squares.  We would have swiftly become lost without the guidance of our new Dwarven friends.    With a sufficient force however, it is very defendable!

They led us into the maze of buildings until we came to a cantina called [[Lilineti's Cantina]]‎‎ where we stopped for some food and drink and took the opportunity to learn a little about Kassiter and the trade route it was founded on by the Dwarves and [[Lilineti]], the Half Orc owner of the cantina.  We learned of yet more settlements along the trading route including [[Halabas]], [[Yeruna]], [[Passisaweh]] and [[Mahtila]].

Feeling refreshed, we decided to sample the enormous markets of Kassiter, primarily to locate some decent maps to help our explorations but people were also tempted to see what was available to buy.   

Again the hand of Moradin was seen to place us in the right place at the right time as an uproar started outside.  Ducking out from the stall I saw a horse and rider racing through the crowds pursued by a brace of guard calling “Thief!”.  Without hesitation I took off after them with Krabog at my side, but we were soon outdistanced by the horse.  I despaired when I realised that after the healing of the dwarves earlier that day, my only options were to bring down fire on the thief which seemed not only disproportionate, but extremely dangerous in the crowded marketplace.

All was not lost however, Pip’s athleticism allowed her to get within range to bewitch the rider causing them to fall from their saddle.   Without a rider the horse was swiftly brought to rein and the thief apprehended.  It was then that we discovered that he had been attempting to make off with the ceremonial silver for one of the temples of Moradin!   This was truly his hand at work, ensuring we were here at the right time to assist.

After taking the thief to the watch house, we were introduced to the impressive Captain of the Guard: [[Khimenti]]. I would gladly work under her as a Captain I feel.  I then took the opportunity to return the pilfered silver to the Temple where we were offered a reward by one of the High priests.  I found myself unable to accept a reward for what must surely be the direct influence of Moradin, especially on a day like the last day of Bahamuts-tide, a time devoted to honour, justice and righting wrongs.

Instead I enquired if the Priest was able to grant us an audience in the upper city of Kassiter with someone influential so Lady Cortina could attempt to open some trade negotiations and this was seen as a fair recompense.

Ah, I must note that my head is beginning to ache a little now.  Following all the excitement of the day we returned to Lilineti’s cantina where our rooms for the night would be and raised a fair few cups to Moradin and my friends around me.  A great night was had with music and singing provided by Pip, and sweet ale and spirits from the bar, but I do find myself wondering if I’ll be able to resist breaking Krobog’s bagpipes if he threatens to get them out again.

Well, the dawn has broken now and I’m sure the climb to the upper city will clear my head for our arrangement with the priest.

=== The 2nd day of Pelor’s Blessing ===

We’ve just set up camp back on the Plains after turning through the Builder Towers and travelling north back along the side of the river.  We should be back in the valley tomorrow with Moradin’s favour but I alway am feeling the itch to return back here and explore further.  The events of the past few days have shown me my instinct to travel from The Valley was right: my faith and arms can be used to help others beyond what I felt was possible.

Our visit into the Upper City yesterday appeared to be fruitful.  We were ushered into the presence of [[Damukhet Sazzarin]], a most significant contact within Kassiter for trade relations.  It appeared he was aware of the Fford-Halewood family through historical trading relationships and this bodes well for future possibilities between Kassiter and the valley.    I do worry about the impact of the Builders and their Towers here though.  2 days to travel a distance of 1800 miles will have a dramatic impact on his business and he doesn’t seem the sort of Dwarf to take that threat kindly.