The Diary of Constantine RuneLord Priest of Issaries

The Diary of Constantine the Beloved:

I have learned of a new group of Lay people arriving near White Wall.  I remember those days, just like they were yesterday.  My friends Arathe, Bola, and I were doing much the same thing; taking on odd jobs and missions so as not to starve.  This young group did well guarding a farmer’s sheep from feral trollkin.  They were fortunate not to encounter the “real” deal, trained by Dark Trolls to help defend their realm.  Though a few sheep were lost they started learning their tasks fairly well.  Young Augustus was particularly adept with the javelin, much like how adept I was with my Arbalest.  One was not so attentive, but the female was lethal with her deadly sword.  Who knows what adventure they will have this week?  Do they need my patronage?  No, I came too far in life to give things away to such underlings.  Let them prove themselves, and perhaps someday I will “notice” them.  I may let them dig latrines for my latest caravan.  

The Cast of Characters and NPC:

(This is the blog of my old RuneQuest Character Constantine.  He was the first and only RuneLord Priest in Wayne's old RuneQuest game from the 70's and early 80's.  His cult was Issaries.)

NPC: 

Sister Marianna:  She is a Chalana Arroy Initiate.  She is our only source of Healing 6.  It is believed she is headed towards becoming a Rune Priest.  She is probably just waiting for her minimum time to pass before being promoted to Priestess.  She has two lay members that sometimes follow her: Novice Juliana and Novice Esmerelda (normally called Esmer).  

Archivist Asher:  An Initiate of Lhankor Mhy. He secretly spies for Constantine to keep an eye on the "Younglings".  

Jenob the Just:  Initiate of Orlanth and a powerful fighter.  He tends to lead the group due to his experience.  He is very demanding and charismatic.  

Erasmus and Jordan: Initiates of Orlanth and best friends of Jenob.  They are not quite as accomplished as Jenob.  

Jeroboam:  Issaries Initiate.  A very mysterious guy, he has since left the main party along with Asher, Erasmus, and Jordan to deliver a message to White Wall.  

Toby the Wonder Dog:  Carl's dog.  Since my dog Toby is always with us when we play, we let him have is own character.  Toby only goes on local missions though.  He is too loud and distracting to take with us on matters of import).  

Player Characters:

Fiona: She is a mid-range lay person.  She has not declared a cult, but Vinga would be a good fit for her.  She is played by Kimn Weibolt.  

Ulysses:  This is Carl's character.  He and Augustus are boon companions, even though Ulysses is a Humakt.  (Ulysses and Augustus are by far the most advanced characters as they have been on every adventure)

Mars the Younger: This is Eddie's character  He is a lay person of Humakt despite the fact he wears an enormous chicken feather on his helmet. (NOTE: He never plays on Saturday.  He probably could if we could start after lunch). 

Augustus:  Randy's character.  Augustus is a lay person of Orlanth.  He is one of the most accomplished characters in the group and the first "Weapon Master", with his Shortsword.  He is also very good with a javelin, but lousy with a shield!  

Battar Redhair: This is George Woodard's character.  I think he has the optimum weapons of Bastard Sword and Medium Shield.  George always plays with us on Saturday mornings.  

Diary of Constantine the Enigmatic:

Children! They are mere children! They managed to take down a pack of fearsome wolves!  I heard the barbarian Sword Woman Fiona, was injured by the Master Wolf.  This group seems in some sort of disarray as they don’t seem to be acting like a team.  It was said that the Sword Woman went into the woods and bellowed a challenge to the wolves! Foolish child!  

There is a new one in the group.  He is a red headed monster of a boy named "Battar".  His friends Augustus and Ulysses sought him out and brought him.  They all seemed to welcome him with open arms.  There is strength and security in numbers.   

The dire thing is that the group has spotted a small band Dark Trolls.  I am not sure why they are in the area except to hunt down the rogue Trollkin and perhaps have a tasty sheep or two.  It seems these two groups are on an inevitable collision course.  The farmers would be wise to reinforce their guards.  Dark Trolls are a brutal species, worse they operate better at night.  So many times I fought Dark Trolls in my youth with a torch in one hand and my battle axe in the other.  

Diary of Constantine the Benign:

So I hear that some of my initiates have hired the Younglings to guard their loads?  It seems they are not without skill.  They have recruited yet another youngster to help them out: Mars the Younger.  His nerve and skills are questionable.  Will he fit in with them?  

It seems young Ulysses and young Augustus seem to have a bond. They do a great job supporting each other. Augustus is developing some skill with the javelin!  Perhaps I should entice him to become a follower of Issaries?  We need able caravan guards, but I suppose that an Orlanthi one; plied with fortune and loot will be just as loyal.  

All three joined cults in White Wall this week!  Two of them joined the Death Cult Humakt (Ulysses and Mars the Younger).  Augustus followed the lead of his ancestors and chose Orlanth.  His skills seem appropriate for following a storm and mountain God.  

The Dark Trolls are coming!  The young ones slaughtered some Trollkin and ransomed a Dark Troll. They did a great job defending their caravan.  Augustus was able to impale a Trollkin and kill him outright!  Ulysses, is becoming a LETHAL swordsmen with his broadsword.  Who knows what this troll menace means to Sartar? For me I am doubling up my caravan guards, even though I have excellent relationships with several Orlanthi trolls and troll merchants.  (I knew there were troll merchants but I never knew there were actual Dark Troll members of Issaries.  Just when I thought I knew everything). 

On the way back to the Inn, they encountered a disaster-a troll attack on an innocent farmer.  They rescued the farmer’s son and claimed three sheep. Ulysses used his “sheep” money to purchase a dog, they named “Toby the Wonder Dog”.  While a mongrel he is useful due to his barking at strange sights and sounds.  

The group then took up yet another caravan escort. This time they defended the caravan while attacked by 7 fearsome bandits!  Between the awards for the bandit’s deaths, and selling their armor and weapons, they were able to outfit themselves and put themselves in a better situation.  The Sword Woman, Fiona, greatly benefited from gaining some armor.  

These young folks are worth watching. It is rare to have people coming from obscurity to notoriety.  Bola, Arathe, and I rose from nothing to greatness, bringing many young ones along with us.  These remind me of us, but are much less diverse than we were at that age.  I have heard that Arathe is writing a novel of our adventures.  Bola is teaching horsemanship to the next generation.  We are all too old to adventure anymore.  I just hope that our legendary exploits are preserved.  Our legacy is the most important thing to me as we enter the autumn of our lives.  Money, while important to an Issaries Rune  Lord Priest, is not a precious as time.  Time you cannot purchase.  

Diary of Constantine the Hurt

Where were the Younglings this week?  I have heard they have left on a mission with a Chalana Arroy initiate to gather herbs.  Perhaps I shall summon the initiate so that she can relate their progress?  

No matter.  As I am lying here in a narcotic haze, my thoughts wonder back to my old adventuring days.  My teeth were aching terribly.  However, the potion did give me a chance to dream a little.  

I recall one mission to stop a Broo RuneLord.  Not only was he there, but a Rune Priest as well!  We had a veritable army of men with us!  Arathe, Rune Lord of Llankor Mhy, Bola, Rune Lord of Orlanth, Rembert, Rune Priest of Chalana Arroy, Me (Rune Lord Priest of Issaries), an entire contingent of Daka Fal Priests and initiates, a couple high level initiates of Yelmalio and I think a couple Humakt initiates.  Oh how the battle raged!  I don’t know how many times I personally went down, but my tremendous power and rune magic, my allied spirit Trader, and my bound spirits kept me in the fight. Almost all the initiates went down at some point, only to be healed by the Chalana Arroy Rune Priest or by their fellow cultists.  I know Arathe and Bola were terribly wounded at times.  It took all three of us to take down the Rune Lord.  His skills were amazing, but so were ours!  I recall the valiant Daka Fal contingent taking down the Rune Priest; oh what a battle!  At least a dozen high-level Broo were taken down as well.  

We were rewarded richly by our cults and by the local community that we saved.  The sad thing is I don’t really recall any more adventures after that.  Perhaps that was the last one, and that is why I am dreaming about it. Well it was nice to go out on top I suppose!   Our group was so large and powerful, we had to break up.  All the Rune Priests had their own flocks to attend, their own gods to serve, their own obligations and rituals to perform.  Me?  I am a trader, I trade.  I led a grand expedition to the south and came back a rich man.  Perhaps, I will write of it someday.  

Diary of Constantine the Curious:

(Account of the Younglings as told to Constantine)

The Younglings accompanied Sister Marianna , a high ranking Chalana Arroy initiate on a quest to gather healing herbs.  Along the way, they disposed of several Rock Lizards and a fearsome Cliff Toad!  When they arrived at their destination, they were swarmed by a wolf pack!  All the Chalana Arroy people were seriously injured by the wolves due to the lack of experience of the Younglings.  The trip was nearly a total disaster.  The Good Sister was NOT happy with her escort.  

The Sisters gathered medicinal herbs to help in the suspected troll unrest.  They were set upon by a large band of thieves!  Young Augustus skewered their leader and they fled in panic.  While it seemed easy, it could have been a near run thing!  

Being in such rocky terrain, the band attracted the attention of another group of Rock Lizards. The band easily disposed of them, with little harm to themselves.  This time the group was working together to make absolutely certain that the Sisters were not harmed.  

Most of the trip back was without incident until they neared White Wall.  The merry band came across three Dark Trolls pulling a merchant’s wagon!  It was obvious that they had eaten the mules and now were taking the wagon as booty.  Augustus hurled himself down the hill outnumbered three to one!  His mates chose to use their slings instead of fighting, but eventually came to his aid.  Augustus’ best friend Ulysses, managed to take a Dark Troll for ransom.  Augustus though outright killed his opponent, despite being hit with a maul to his leg.  

The trip was very rewarding for the group!  They gained a lot of treasure from the booty, the bounty on the Dark Troll, the Merchant’s wagon, and lastly their reward from the Good Sister.  

Diary of Constantine the Indecisive:

From what I hear, the Younglings took another escort trip with one of my initiates.  This time, not only did they escort my merchant, but also two important initiates.  One is Sister Marianna , and the other an undisclosed member of Lhankor Mhy (Later found to be Archivist Asher).  

The Younglings after a glowing report earlier in the week; had a hard time of it on escort duty.  Young Ulysses almost died from arrow fire! They were attacked by several bandits. My initiate persuaded them to leave despite the damage caused to the Younglings.  Also on the trip they ran into my old bane, “TROLLKIN”.  These weren’t the “feral” type but trollkin that had some abilities and training.  Augustus took a terrible wound to his left arm, but was later healed.  

Upon arriving at Boldhome, Battar the Novice was able to secure some additional armor.  Ulysses donated part of his earnings to his temple.  I’ve got to say he is a paragon of a Humakt lay member.  Augustus retired his sling and single stick for a finely made light mace.  He has finally realized the folly of not having a crushing weapon against those enemies that do not use a shield.  

After their trip to the market, the group ran into a Rune Priest of Lhankor Mhy!  He was part of a parley of many groups.  They mentioned something about the “rock people” that we had seen on our herb gathering expedition.  Also the mentioned something about a “crack” and how the Earth cultists could potentially seal it-if they can find it.   

I wonder if that Rune Priest knew Arathe?  Surely he would know of him!  Perhaps I shall seek him out.  I wonder why they didn’t seek me?  I mean I am “ONLY” a Rune Lord High Priest of Issaries!  I am almost offended, but I suppose they figure me retired and more concentrated on my merchant life rather than saving the world.  After all I have seen over 60 years of life and am fortunate to have lived this long.  Confronting danger is for the younger generation.  Perhaps I can lend money or aid to those that wish to help?  (At a small interest of course). 

Diary of Constantine the Befuddled: 

The Younglings were very busy this week going out to Swenstown.  This was their first foray near Prax.  While the mission was to gather herbs, it seemed to have a different agenda.  What was interesting is that all four of the Lightbringer cults were represented in their expedition!  Though young Augustus is but a Lay Member, he represented Orlanth well.  Surely the cult will promote him soon?  

The trip was plagued by Trollkin attacks!  Feral Trollkin, Dark Trolls, and now more skilled Trollkin seem to be everywhere.  Is this a normal cycle or something brought on by this new menace from beneath the earth?  The little group took out the better part of a dozen Trollkin.  Their tactics seem to have gotten much better, thinking less of themselves and more on their team and the effort.  I was told they received a bonus from my merchant and the Chalana Arroy initiate!  

At some point in time, because of where they were located, they were confronted by a resident of Prax-Morokanth!  They are vile creatures that herd MEN out on the plains of Prax!  A group of them caught Augustus alone and tried to take him.  Augustus slew one by himself, and another with the help of Mars the Younger.  The rest of the group arrived just to see two more of the vile creatures running away.  

There is trouble coming.  Rune Lords, Rune Priests and the combo of the two are on the march.  The threat coming from the earth is much more dangerous than I thought.  Heroes are gathering.  The Younglings were a witness to some sort of “Stone men”.  Dwarfs? No these appeared to be stone itself!  They could not be mistaken for the Mostali.  What role will the Younglings play in this epic?  Surely with so many heroes around they will have a very minor part at best.  

Game Master Summary of what happened near Pimper's Block

After the last encounter the party returned to Swenstown.  Where you inexplicably waited at the Chalana Arroy temple for four days.  Suddenly you were asked by Sister Marianna to join with the Lhankor Mhy inititate and a "new" Issaries initiate aka Jereboam (one based at the Issaries temple in that town), and you left Swenstown to venture about 2 miles east on the path that leads to Pimpers Block.  After waiting there for several hours, you saw a group of seven barbarians (probably from the plains of Prax) riding large four legged beasts that you had never seen before (your character would learn several days later that they are from the Bison Riders Nation and the beast is what is called a bison/buffalo.  After first meeting them the three initiates had a hushed extended conversation with a male and a female who were had the front of the group. After a couple of hours, the male road his bison over to the other five.  After a brief conversation, the male gave what appeared to be a salute to the others, and the five turned their mounts around and headed off probably back to Prax.

Upon joining you, you eventually learned from Sister Marianna that the male was a Rune Lord of a Praxian god called Waha, while the female was a Rune Priestess of a Praxian goddess called Erithia (an earth goddess who apparently is a key part of group that will deal with the "crevice" is you ever find it.  You ultimately notice that the male has a broadsword forged of some odd looking, non-bronze metal.  Sister Marianna explained that it was a rare, mystical metal called "iron" -- which is far superior to bronze.  

This group then turned and headed west back toward Wilms Church.  But the group ultimately reached a point that the PCs missed seeing when they passed by headed east by virtue of the odd way in which a well-maintained "road' merged with the path heading toward Swenstown.   This juncture was immediately and easily spotted by the PCs when heading west.

The group inexplicably camped there for two days; no reason was given to the PCs.  Then shortly after the morning meal, the party spotted a number  mounted individuals coming down the well-maintained "road" toward the campsite.  At that point, the PCs learned that the "road" led north to the legendary city of Boldhome.

The first five riders were the five men who "passed" the party several weeks ago on the path that led north from Whitewall to Wilms Church.  Following those five, were a male and a female--both mounted on truly enormous horses.  The male prominently bears the runes of Orlanth, who also bears a bastard sword and a pair of greaves made of the same strange metal that the PCs noted on the Waha Rune Lord.  The male is obviously a Rune Lord of Orlanth.  The female is elderly and grey-haired.  You later learn from Sister Marianna that she is a Rune Priestess of Ernalda, the Queen of the Gods of Sartar.  Ernalda, like the Praxian goddess Erithia, is an earth goddess.

But following them was the oddest sight of all.  Some type of overly wide, bulky, two-wheeled cart [chariot) is being pulled by two huge beasts (which you will later learn to be "bulls", large males of an unfamiliar type of animal called "cattle" (envision large versions of the type of bull you see in the old Spanish bull fights).  Both bulls are wearing head and chest bronze armor, which makes them look incredibly brutal.

But standing on the two-wheeled cart were two truly odd individuals.  Unlike all the rest, these two were clearly not "human."  They looked to be short, but unbelievably wide/stout.  You would later learn that the two of them were very tall for their race, each only being about 5 feet tall.  The average was unbelievably around only 4 feet tall, but about as wide as they were tall.  They looked like large square crates with arms and a head.  The one with the reins was bearing an iron great axe and an iron helm.  The other looked much older and was bearing what the PCs first thought was a solid bronze staff.  However, it later appeared not to be a normal staff at all, but some type of "hollow staff."  Even Sister Marianna was uncertain what it might be.

Sister Marianna later would explain that they were of a rare, seldom-encountered race called the Mostali, who derive their racial name by virtue of worshiping an earth god called Mostal.  Apparently, the solution to sealing the "crevice" that is thought to have resulted in the release of the stone creatures will involve the collective actions of the Rune Priestesses of Ernalda and Eritheia and the Rune Priests of Mostal and Lhankor Mhy.  The three Rune Lord are apparently involved to guard the four Rune Priests.

The entire group travels back to Wilms Church where they join the Rune Priest of Lhankor Mhy, who remained behind to work on the logistics for the ultimate mission.

After a couple days of rest, the Younglings were able to recuperate.  Augustus is near becoming a master of the short sword and javelin.  He obviously learns very quickly.  Ulysses is a feared foe with his broadsword.  Mars the Younger, is starting to develop as well.  They are working much better together than previously.  Ulysses and Augustus even bought “Light” spells to help the party!  They could have easily been self-centered and did more to protect themselves and their own agenda.  Instead, they realize that their future is inexorably tied to each other.  What will the Younglings train on next?  Rumor had it that they were assaulted by spells for the first time! That is a learning curve they need to overcome very quickly.  Either they need to raise their power, or they need to think about protective spells such as Countermagic and Dispel magic.  

The Diary of Constantine the Concerned:

(Account relayed by the Archivist Asher, Initiate of Lhankor Mhy)

Three of the Younglings again journeyed with Sister Marianna .  This time both of her Novices stayed behind, but the expedition was joined by three very tough Initiates of Orlanth led by Jenob the Just.  The two others were almost as accomplished as Jenob, their names were Erasmus and Jordan.  

In their quest to secure more healing herbs, the group encountered a HUGE pack of Wolves!  Augustus quickly dropped the pack leader with his Javelin!  The rest swarmed the small band, but with the Orlanthi help, the Younglings were able to put down the pack.  

An encounter that is happening far too often, the group encountered a contingent of Dark Trolls and Trollkin.  They totally surrounded the group which had no choice but to fight independently.  The three Younglings quickly took out a Dark Troll (Augustus’ javelin severed the Dark Troll’s arm), while Ulysses and his friend took out the Trollkin.  The little group ran frantically back to help the others in the group.  They were relieved when they saw the three Initiates unharmed, but went to the aid of Erasmus as he was felled by the combined attack of a Dark Troll and two Trollkin.  Jenob, Ulysses, and their friend Jordan attacked the Dark Troll and Trollkin which ran for their life.  

The group is becoming formidable on the attack, not so much on the defense.  This could pose a serious problem for them if they run into another group such as the one that attacked them.  Young Augustus is rapidly learning the Short Sword and Javelin.  He is approaching Master level with them!  Ulysses is also gaining valuable experience with his Broadsword and by far puts out the most consistent damage in the group.  

The Diary of Constantine the Maligned:

(Account relayed by the Archivist Asher, Initiate of Lhankor Mhy)

The Younglings are still on the trail!   Archivist Asher returned today with the two of the Orthlanth Initiates; Erasmus and Jordan.  The Issaries Initiate, Jeroboam, also returned with them.  They carried important messages from an Issaries Dark Troll.  Archivist Asher was able to relay some parts of the adventure.  Later on he completed it after they returned.  

The area the Younglings are traveling through is VERY rough!  Some of the time they had to clamor up steep hillsides, some nearly sheer!  While traversing a deep ditch, Augustus took a serious tumble but was able to survive.  

The group was attacked by some sort of human-like creature.  To me they sounded like some sort of “cave men”, but surely I am mistaken.  The group evaded them for a while, but they were confronted just as Augustus was being pulled from the ditch.  Many of the Younglings were wounded and they spent much power to heal themselves.  

That evening a large group of Dark Trolls confronted the group.  It turns out their leader was a member of Issaries.  While it isn’t normal, it isn’t unheard of.  For example, there are a few Dark Troll Orlanth followers!  The other Initiates then left along with Asher my scribe.  

In a very narrow passage the Younglings confronted one of their oldest foes:  ROCK LIZARDS.  By this time the other initiates had left the group.  It was only Jenob, the good Sister Marianna, and the three Younglings.  Without too much trouble the Younglings disposed of the troublesome lizards.  

A day or so later, the group ran into a HUGE pack of Wolves!  Outnumbered two to one the Younglings held them at bay.  Jenob the Just slew many of them, but the Younglings did very well too.  That is except for poor Augustus.  He tried to parry a fearsome wolf and his shield strap broke!  How embarrassing and potentially lethal!  Augustus’ bad luck continued when he failed to disrupt a VERY powerful (but wounded) wolf.  His friend, Ulysses easily killed the brute.  

At the end of their day of traveling, Jenob the Just, called Augustus forward.  He took Augustus’ sword and carved a master rune onto its blade.  That was to signify Augustus’ mastery of the Shortsword.  This is a VERY important step in becoming an Initiate and a vital step to becoming a Rune Lord.  Augustus beamed with pride, and thanked Jenob the Just for the honor.  

As told to Constantine by Archivist Asher-Note this is third party information so accuracy could be questioned).  

The Younglings are still in the field looking for the source of the great crevasse.  Rune Lords and Rune Priests are scurrying to the area in preparation for closing the rift in the earth-if they can only find it.  Sister Marianna, Jenob the Just, and the four Younglings (Augustus, Battar Redhair, Ulysses, and Mars the Younger) are all looking in earnest.  

The terrain has become more and more difficult.  Tough rocky areas are causing the group to sometimes crawl on their hands and knees to traverse.  On top of that there is grave danger from the inhabitants (rock lizards, wolves, cave people).  The group has weathered the storm and has been able to prevail so far.  

As the group was traveling through some especially difficult terrain, the earth shook! Not just once several times.  Sometimes the group fell to the ground such is the strength of these tremors.  

On a particularly difficult climb, Augustus fell twice!  Fortunately for Battar Redhair, Augustus was picking himself up from his second fall just in time to have three hungry wolves charge them.    Augustus pulled his new light mace out, only to have it shatter on a rock from a miss.  Unfortunately for him, his shield had also fallen when he fell and was lodged high above his head.  Down to the last weapon, Augustus yanked out his shortsword and killed the wolf attacking him.  Battar did not need any help as he was easily able to dispatch the two wolves attacking him.  

As the group ascended the Earth began to rumble anew.  The group crested the hill to find an amazing series of ancient ruins, like none of them had ever seen.  The ruins were mostly rubble.  Even the great walls of the site were only waist high due to erosion and the shaking earth.  A great cloud of debris flew into the air as a part of the ruin collapsed.  Going over to the cloud the group discovered that in fact it had collapsed exposing a passageway down below.  Brave Jenob the Just went down into the hole to explore as there were signs of stairs and hallways.  Alas the earth shook again, even more powerful than before and the hole collapsed trapping him!  

Almost as soon as this hole was sealed up, another fissure opened up to the North East.  Racing quickly the group went to the new hole hoping that perhaps they could figure out a way to find Jenob.  Peering down a narrow hallway, Augustus led the little group into the subterranean ruins.  That is when the group first encountered what they called, “Moon Cows”.  These creatures made a horrendous squawk, but otherwise seemed harmless.  What were these things?  They have never been seen by man before that is for certain.  

As the group explored further they ran into yet another denizen of the ruins.  Some sort of creature with a gelatin-like body with various strange appendages.  These creatures were undoubtedly touched by Chaos. They also for certain preyed on the “Moon Cows” as the group encountered one of the strange creatures devouring one of them.  Avoiding no less than three of these beasts, the group went back to report to Sister Marianna who was greatly grieved and distressed.  

Though it didn’t occur to anyone for a while, Augustus surmised that direction of where Jenob should be in relation to where he was trapped.  The group descended again armed with this vital information.  

Exploring again, the group again ran into another “Moon Cow”, a large beast with three great eyes.  The creature blocked the most direct route to the South West.  Instead of attacking or provoking the beast the Younglings went around following a collapsing passage to the west.  They were making good progress until the group stumbled into the lair of some sort of strange creature. The creatures had claws like a scorpion, a great wide mouth, and no less than six legs.  These were fierce and disgusting creatures.  

During the battle, the group was heavily damaged. At least two of them took severe arm damage from the claws. The most HORRIBLE attack though was that the gaping maws of these creatures breathed fire.  All three of the Younglings were horribly burned.  Augustus’ arm was gravely injured. Ulysses was burned and bleeding all over.  Battar’s right arm hung limp from the damage.  On top of that Battar shattered his bastard sword.  With their power low, weapons broken, and heavily injured the Younglings had no choice but to return to Sister Marianna to report in, heal, and recover their depleted power.  

Diary of Constantine the Aged:

(As told to Constantine by Archivist Asher-Note this is third party information so accuracy could be questioned).  

The second day of the search for Jenob the Just was on.  Three of the Younglings, Ulysses, Augustus, and Mars the Younger descended down into the ruins again.  Mars the Younger and Sister Marianna were attacked the previous day by starving wolves, but were not harmed.  

Augustus was certain that the group should head to the southwest.  Taking every precaution the group slowly moved through the crumbling hallways.  This was where Mars the Younger had his first encounter with the “Moon Cow”.  It turns out that its loud screech is to demoralize and warn their foes.  Mars trembled in terror at the outwordly looking beast.  

Continuing, in the ruins, the Younglings encountered a lair of some sort of creature.  While not very large, they were indeed fierce.  The worst thing was they had acid blood!  Augustus managed to kill one fairly easily,  but its acidic blood caused damage to his sword blade.  While helping his friend Ulysses his blade took even more damage.  Augustus carried a secondary weapon, but he greatly preferred to use his reliable shortsword.  After searching the room and getting a closer look at the creatures, Augustus named them “ Hell Spitters”.  For some reason neither of the creatures elected to spit, but the capability was there.  The group all decided that they were fortunate to kill these creatures quickly.  They will not hesitate to either attack them on sight or to simply run away.  Doing a little bit of testing proved that their spit could totally dissolve almost anything it touches.  

While exploring a long hallway, Augustus found a trapped area.  Doom would have been certain had they tripped the trap.  It was honestly blind luck that it was discovered, or this would  have been the end of the story of the Younglings.  

Ulysses approached a four way intersection.  Looking to the east he saw three more HELL SPITTERS!  The hallway was so narrow that only one of the group could engage (certain death).  The group quickly backed away to where Mars the Younger saw the “Moon Cow”.  The plan was to perhaps flank the “Hell Spitters" and attack them one at a time with some proper tactics and positioning.  

Fearing things left behind them, the Younglings ducked down a side hallway.  They ran straight into yet another group of nasty creatures!  

These animals were a lot stronger than they seemed at first.  They attacked with a long sharp horn placed in the center of their heads.  As if sensing the two strongest, the creatures double teamed Ulysses and Augustus.  While it took him a while to get up to speed, Mars the Younger dispatched one of these creatures with his shortsword.  Augustus, despite losing his large shield, managed to take down one, and was helped by Mars to take down another. Ulysses was taking horrible damage from these creatures.  His leg was mangled and he fell to the ground.  However he was effective even from that position!  He managed to kill one by himself.  Augustus and Mars helped to finish off the last one.  These creatures had obviously been living here awhile. They had a tremendous amount of valuables strewn around their lair.  Augustus took to calling these things “Horned Impalers” due to their ferocious attacks.  

The Younglings were beat up-again!  Poor Ulysses was literally on his last legs.  The group could have stayed put and healed up, but instead they hurried towards the passage upwards.  As fate would happen right as the group was about to turn the corner to refuge, they were attacked.  These creatures were easy to name, “Killer Crabs”.  They had six legs and one large claw that did tremendous crushing damage.  Augustus and Mars were able to impale their creatures and come to help Ulysses.  Fearing more of these awful creatures the group fled in all haste.

  
Sister Marianna was greatly distressed.  The odds of finding Jenob the Just were getting dire.  After all, the creatures encountered so far have seriously injured her bodyguards.  Despite his great skill, Jenob is just one man in a maze of horrible monsters.  Many of these monsters have acid or poison.  All of them are well armored. This place is the epitome of hell on earth.  Sister Marianna has vowed to either find Jenob or find out what happened to him. 

 
Thoughts of Constantine:  Not being able to find Jenob is terrible.  He was a devoted follower of Orlanth and became somewhat of a mentor to the Younglings.  With these horrible Chaos creatures running around, I wonder what this has to do with the “Crevasse”?  Wasn’t the “Crevasse” supposed to be something about warring factions of Earth spirits?  Perhaps it isn’t? Perhaps it is Earth spirits trying to rid their realm of these Chaos beasts?  At this point in time I question if the group has their focus in the right place.  Mission first, men second; but both are important.  The group may have to abandon Jenob and continue on the quest for the Crevasse if he doesn't turn up soon.  (What of the four initiates and their message)? 

Diary of Constantine the Confused:

The younglings are still trying to find Jenob the Just.  After a brief conversation with Sister Marianna regarding the status of the mission, the group again descended into the depths.  None of the younglings felt they would survive this mission.  The feeling of doom was palpable.

  
Again trying to go to the southwest the group ran into some of the “Killer Crabs”.  These seemed to either be guarding the route to the south west, or just resting there.  After having fought Killer Crabs a couple of times, we feel they have some sort of communication system.  We can’t understand it or perceive it, but they seem to work in concert with each other.  

The group ran into basically a loop and found they had no access to the south west.  As they retreated from a room, they were trapped in a narrow hallway by two “Gorptapi”.  These were basically immune to weapons.  Ulysses Beastmode (his new nickname), had to fight them one on one.  Augustus backed him up by casting multiple disruption spells to the point where he could no longer overcome the creatures.  Mars the Younger also helped by throwing spells.  Just at the last “Gorptapi” dropped dead a massive creature was approaching from behind.  Though Ulysses was injured, Augustus essentially pushed him into the room from where the Gorptapi had been residing.

  
Ulysses and Augustus waited in ambush.  They told Mars the Younger just to run between them.  As the great beast rounded the corner, Ulysses earned his nickname “Beastmode” by hacking down the creature with a single stroke despite the numbing damage to his leg.  

As Mars the Younger kept running he ran straight into a “Horned Impaler”, a nasty creature with a frightening horn protruding from its head.  Augustus rushed to his aid.  These creatures have heavy armor and it was difficult to hurt them.  Augustus impaled it twice but still failed to kill it!  Eventually the repeated hits laid the creature low.  

(The group ran into two of the “Hell Spitters'' at one point. Though they were quickly dispatched, Augustus almost had his sword dissolved by their acidic blood)!  

As the group tried to leave the deadly “loop” area, they ran into yet another “Moon Cow” that was blocking the hallway.  Though they tried many things, the group resorted to VAULTING over the strange creature.  It was a miracle that none of them failed in their attempt to leap the great beast.  Though it seemed curious, it was not aggressive.  

No matter which way the group turned there were severe obstacles in their path.  It was almost as if they were being herded in one direction.  While exploring a new section, the group found a room with a hideous smell.  In the room was a strange altar.  The altar had some sort of strange allure to Ulysses, but Augustus and Mars the Younger pulled him out of the room.  

When the group left the room, Ulysses received a strange premonition-there was an ambush waiting for the group.  The group quickly ran back to the wide hallway they had just traversed.  Just as the group formed their defensive line the trap was sprung.  No less than six of the nasty “Killer Crabs” launched an attack! Two came from the rear and four from the front.  Brave Ulysses decided to fight two of them leaving four for Augustus and Mars the Younger.  It was a BRUTAL fight with Ulysses lying virtually dead.  Augustus slew three of the beasts including the one that took out Ulysses. Mars the Younger was a whirlwind taking down two and helping Augustus against the last one!  Everyone was bleeding and bruised except Mars the Younger-he was UNTOUCHED! 

 
The group quickly gathered and poured all of their remaining power into Ulysses so he could hobble out of the ruins.  Upon ascending they saw a welcome sight-JENOB THE JUST WAS ALIVE! Oh how the group rejoiced at his safety.  However he was gravely wounded and was probably dying from exposure.  Jenob’s two friends volunteered to escort him back for additional help. 

 
As the group said goodbye to brave Jenob, Archivist Asher (Lhankor Mhy Initiate) corralled them asking all sorts of questions.  Ulysses mentioned the altar, the smell, and its magical pull.  Of course Archivist Asher could not help but demand an expedition to see the room.  Just when the younglings felt they were safe, danger was knocking on their door again.  

(Footnote by Archivist Asher: Dearest Constantine, though I felt very sorry for the younglings, my curiosity was overwhelming at the mention of the altar, the stench, and the "strange allure".  I simply must go down and see this.  I do seriously doubt these creatures have some form of communication or motivation.  As an explorer, it would be a curiosity.   It could be similar to how insects communicate with each other perhaps they have some sort of "hive mind").