You Should Journal As Your Character!

Featuring the Journal of a Goblin living life posing as a Halfling Knight Errant. A first-person D&D 5e PC's perspective.

The dreaded, “Who wants to summarize the last session?

At the start of most every longform TableTop Role Playing Game (TTRPG) campaign the Game Master (GM) inevitably tries to offload some of their responsibilities. And you know what, that’s fair, especially in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5e where the onus to keep a campaign running sits almost exclusively on the GM’s shoulders. One such common trend is for the GM to ask the players at the table, “Who wants to summarize the last session?” And if no one was taking good notes or they do not want to step up to orate last sessions escapades… well it’s then right back to being the GM’s responsibility.

GM's if you want your players to summarize sessions - might I suggest at the start of each session asking who would like to orate a summary of the current session at the beginning of next session? That way they aren’t caught off guard and can take notes with that goal in mind.

Embody your characters - a tool for personal growth

I get really invested in embodying my characters when at a table. It’s one of the primary reasons I love playing TTRPGs - games that enable players to roleplay as someone/something they might never get to be or want to be in real life. Sometimes a character will be improv therapy that helps me work through personal traumas and struggles, other times a lens for developing empathy by walking in the character’s shoes, or a blatant embodiment of questionable morals and choices I would never desire to experience or act on in real life.

My approach as a player to session summaries

With that in mind whenever I take notes for any TTRPG campaign I’m in - I do it in first person. Embodying a character is also known as method acting, which does not come naturally to everyone, but journalling as if you are the character will help with this - gaining your character’s perspective. Besides the benefit of helping solidify the personal growth you’re gaining by embodying a character’s mind, emotions, and actions; it also makes for an amazing legacy item to look back on long after the campaign is over.

By journaling from my character’s perspective, I now have the ability to give session summaries as my character, which is a joy to orate. Often times it inspires other players around the table to also get more into their characters, using voices, mannerisms, and thinking like their characters. Not to mention that GMs appreciate seeing the story they have been crafting engaged with verisimilitude; a fancy word often used by TTRPG game designers that means engaging as if the story is true or real, living the fantasy.

Below you will find one such journal I’ve written. I hope it will inspire you to embody your characters and try journaling in first person:

Equestrian’s Whispers

My name is actually Redgutt Blackcave. And this is my story, and though it pains me to write it out... I do not want to forget. My clan was on a migratory trip having recently been kicked out of the cave system up north we had called home. The Knights of the Garden smoked them out, an order of Halfling knights who defended their borders. As they were making their way across the plains almost to the woods three Halfling knights came upon our party of sixteen. I quickly jumped into a nearby bush and watched as just these three knights began slaughtering my whole family. Fighting tooth and nail they had managed to pull one of the knights of their horse, their helmet clattering off into the bush I was hidden in. Seeing an opportunity I grabbed a rock, ran out, and with two hands overhead brought it down into the Halfling’s exposed skull.

Looking up I see my family strewn across the field, only four besides myself remaining. The now two knights turning towards their now fallen companion, anger is apparent in their shouts and how they spur their steeds forward. Fear overtakes me and I flee, I listen as my remaining family members are struck down behind me. Distraught I lose my foothold, tripping, now certain of my demise.

Jumping over me flies a warg, a pack of them drawn in from the commotion. By the time I roll over to look the knights have changed their tune, fighting for their lives. Over the next several minutes they fight tirelessly in efforts to escape. They barely escape. The wargs don’t pursue, More than happy to claim the prize of fifteen Goblin carcasses and one Halfling. I play dead, not wanting to become a fresh meal. Waiting until they have had their fill, giving me plenty of time to think.

A fiery vengeance builds up in me as I wait, an anger towards myself. Angered that I was unable to protect my family, the Blackcave Clan. I was now the only living member. Why was me and my kind to live in the shadows, while Halflings could so powerfully and effectively protect the ones they loved? My anger mingled with jealousy caused an idea to spark between my long olive green ears. I will steal the fallen knight’s armor, and become one himself!

The process was long, arduous, and definitely not easy. My lithe frame took months to build up the strength to wear the full plate armor. It took me even longer to learn halfling. Acquiring and learning how to use spears, a shield, and sword drew my plan into the next year. Finally I was ready, walking into the Halfling village of Harvest Meadow face hidden his helmet. I knew this small Halfling village didn’t have a knight protecting it. An hour later Redgutt Blackcave walked out of the mayor’s home, now Todd Carlton Knight of the Harvest!

I had pulled it off, the ultimate ruse. I spent some days protecting the village from wolves and other small threats. Otherwise, the life of a knight seemed relaxed and quite boring honestly. At least previously where I would be begging or scrounging for food I was now given free meals and a place to stay. Eventually the knights of the Graden, specifically of the Rose started to ask question about where I was from. One of them even mentioned that my armor looked familiar. This wasn't going to work much longer.

In the morning, I boarded a ship with all my possession and crossed from Meraku to Egal. After the long weeks of passage, I step into Myrefall... I guess this is my new home.

Liath Bhean

12-1-2020 Adoption

I walked into Jarin's Stables. And behold the most beautiful mare I've ever seen. A Grey Ashurians with a single white sock on her left hind. Spotted with lighter grey across her whole body. The beauty is something I never expected to find here. Taking her for a ride I was amazed at her speed and grace. Jarin said that she is from Ashur, a very harsh and dangerous place. Mentioning that at one time this gal ran through hills of sand through something called a desert. I've never heard of such a landscape, I hope to one day venture across the lands riding my lovely lady. Which is exactly how I came across her name, Liath Bhean, which means Grey Wife in goblin.

I pay Jarin and work out a deal to work for him, so that I will not have to pay for room and board for Liath while I'm not off on escapades with her. She seems very comfortable around armor and loud noises. Liath is going to make a great steed to ride into battle.

I have already chosen my name for Liath. But I love to bother Cioro, so I spend the remainder of my shopping trip bothering him about naming her. Cioro is so non-committal, but what else would you expect from a musician who plays a hornytoad? After we finished shopping I took Liath for a jot through the local field and then stabled her for the night. After making it back to the Oar's Rest I could not wait to remember this moment forever, writing it down in my journal right now. My first horse, I'm going to be a real knight! Hajajaja! The Knight of the Harvest I am.

12-28-2020 Land Pirates

Dhianni has gathered together a group of us. Besides my myriads of interactions with this crazy hat goblin... I'm not opposed to going on this venture with her. She along with Kezra are the only two who know that I am a goblin. Everyone else believes I am a halfling, its true... I'm from a halfling village in Meraku. Speaking halfling helps a ton as well! But whew, even with all this training wearing armor constantly in public is tiresome. When I'm in my room and doff my armor I feel like I can fly!! Ugh... my thoughts are rambling...

Land Pirates... guess that's something like Ocean Bandits? Blah, I guess humans are just as dumb as goblins. Yet, humans make the laws while we sit in the shadows... One day I hope we can be seen as equals in all arenas. Until then I will do my best as the Knight of the Harvest!

Something... somethings are stalking us on the left as we head north on this path. Without giving away that I've noticed them I lead Liath Bhean into position between our cart and our stalkers.

Rhellyn Stryx gave me some great advice to aim where the panthers were moving not where they are! I didn't miss again after my first attempt. Thanked him immediately. As we continued on our way Rhellyn asked if I could show him some tips for using some of my weapons and maybe even mounted combat. It seems that he doesn't use his horse, named Apple for combat. But just for physical labor.

I spotted some human tracks leading off the road headed to the west. Following them we came across the Land Pirates camp. While Dhianni spends some time speaking with them to see if they are who we are looking for I give wide birth and make it to the other side of their camp. Ready for if anything goes south, I'll charge right in the middle!

I will draw all their attentions and keep any of my companions from injury! That is my duty as a knight, to serve and protect!

As combat starts Dhianni casts a giant web right in the middle of them... BLOODY LAWMAKERS! Ugh, guess I'm going to have to go around to the side and draw only half of their attentions.

As everyone engages on the southwest side of the camp and webbed center it leaves three on the east side that I engage with. I use my lance to keep them under control. But I find that my distraction is not needed. Dhianni is quite effective with the web and a plant-like-whip? They are all rooted in place, I need only do damage.

Lucky for me they seem to be quite unintelligent, none of these "pirates" tried to attack Liath at all. Instead they all failed to land a solid blow on me. Keeping these three busy with no detriment to my condition. Turns out a goblin... in armor... on a horse... is difficult to hit! Knight of the Harvest!

All the land pirates were subdued easily; we did not have anyone go down. Not even our greenleaf, who is surprisingly accurate with a stick... that somehow comes back to him.

We left Frank conscious. Seems like Frank was their greenleaf, he didn't really have any information for us and clued us in to where all their stashes were willingly. Bless his little human heart. He seems to feel even less useful than the most self confident of goblins. Which is saying a lot. He would have done better as a farm hand or maybe even scaring people in a circus... since that's the only thing he says he is good at.

Back at Myrefall now, not a bad payday for me, just over 100gp. Couple more paydays like this and I will be able to open my courier business in no time. Which will help me fund the success of the Knight of the Harvest!

Do you enjoy owning and running a business while playing a TTRPG? What been your biggest business success?

02-01-2021 Business Endeavors

For the past several months I've been here and there looking for either some halflings or goblins of a civilized nature to start a courier business with. I've met with a few and informed them that I would let them know where to find me when I have the building and horses required.

04-13-2021 Shroomed Jaggi

I got dragged onto a boat to gather a gem for some crazy gem society denizen. The money is good, otherwise I probably wouldn't bother loading Liath onto a boat. I spent most my time below deck with Liath to keep her calm with my company. She is still so beautiful and brave. I remember the first time I boarded a boat to get from Meraku to Myrefall. I did not handle it this well at all.

None of the people I ventured with paid me much attention. That's fine with me; it has been a while since I've been around Myrefall and the people. More and more I'm seeing Orcs, Goblins, and others who bear their visages publicly. The world sure is changing fast. Why do halflings and goblins murder each other over on Meraku? The Blackcaves did nothing to deserve their death at the hand of the Knights of the Rose. We were just trying to survive...

Welp, I wrote a little too much there.

Anyway, the way we were sent was into a glowing mushroom forest. There are some weird places in this world. Most of my party mates kept picking and pocketing the mushrooms. I think they mean to get high off of them or something. I will never understand how adventurers can be so relaxed in the midst of unknown lands and dangers.

The gem is in the chest of a Great Jaggi, a velociraptor looking beast. When we engaged it called several allies to help it. I immediately engage one of the smaller Jaggi on the right. From what I know it can get fairly ugly when they hunt as a pack, an impressive tactic. I spent the whole fight facing off this Jaggi with Liath. It landed two heavy hits on me. Whew I almost was out there... (1 HP) luckily I got my second wind earlier. The party finished off the Great Jaggi and the other small one. I backed off and let them finish off the remaining one.

After harvesting the gems... queue more stuffing of mushrooms into packs. Moss, a very muddy elf, especially seems to enjoy these shrooms. Looks like they gathered one of every color. We are now headed back, we do so without any problems.

Liath doesn't want to board the ship to get back to Myrefall but once I walk on, she follows me. I really did name her appropriately, in many ways my wife.

04-15-2021 Sleep Well My Grey Wife

At least today's venture doesn't require a boat. I'm not sure I could have coaxed Liath onto a boat a third time. After traveling some time we came across a lanky spider creature. After I lanced it, it died. No surprise there. I harvested its mandible, upon getting back to town I sold it for 3gp. I was hoping for more honestly.

After more of a journey we arrived at a cave... sadly I chose to bring Liath into this cave... I don't really want to write this entry. Liath Bhean died. May she gallop through the desert of Ashur in the afterlife.

AHHHHHHhh! I should have listen to the druid, and ridden him instead. I was worried that Liath would have been ambushed if I left her outside by herself though. My heart mourns, I...

Athair Uaimh, Gaineamh Uaimh, Crimini Uaimh

4-16-2021 Hearts Bleed, Laughter Heals

I think I made a new friend. Moss is a very quiet elf who seems to enjoy a natural approach to pretty much everything. I'm so glad she is soft spoken and speaks with motions, most these people have way to much of an ego for me to want to associate beyond our assignment. She gave me a smooth red/orange rock striped with black.

It was a busy day for me and to my surprise when I invited Moss to accompany me she accepted. I obtained three new horses and a carriage and am now leasing a property. Moss named my draft horse Crimini. I gave the other two horses names in Goblin. My warhorse I gave the name Athair, which means father. And the riding horse Gaineamh, which means sand. I was going to give them all the sir name of Liath, but I decided to honor her in another way. The business I plan to operate will be as a courier, messenger, making deliveries and such; I'm naming it "Liath's Couriers". As none of this would have been possible without my ventures with her far and wide. I will miss her, but I need to move forward. I decided to give the horses the sir name of Uaimh, which means cave in Goblin; this is to honor my lost family the Blackcave tribe.

After I am done with all my errands I find myself talking with Moss quite a bit. Thankfully I'm wearing a helmet, because otherwise she would of seen a look of surprise. I play it off and keep talking with her, and she keeps responding. Truly, I think this is the start of a great friendship. I try my hand at hand motions and offer to hug Moss. She goes for a handshake instead, Hajajaja, such a shy girl. Before she heads back to Oar's Rest I give her a Dire Turkey Tail Feather that's over 5" in length. She was so overjoyed!

I'll be sleeping with my horses whenever I get the chance, I have to bond with them. So, though I have a bed upstairs I probably won't use it for the next two weeks.

What have been someone of your favorite companions in a TTRPG game? Tell us their story!

4-17-2021 Island of Firinowa

Sadius Mulvanis once again put out a call for help. Apparently they found a new island, which wasn't there before that is overrun with these gemheart creatures. There is apparently a tribe of native called the Firinowa, which they named the island after. It is two weeks travel one way... This is going to be a long trip. It better be financially worth it, last time I worked for them they paid well. So I'm not to worried about it.

Captain Torvus supplies rations as long as we work for him during the time we are on board the Baron Straights. I purchased feed for Athair for 4 weeks of travel, 14sp. As we near the island of Firinowa a spectral haunted shift with a cursed crew and captain approach our ship and seems to ask a favor of Astorian. That they would end the curse on them placed by a sea hag. I'm glad I was below deck when this happened, I don't want to deal with ghosts.

Towards the end of our first day's venture some small figures in red masks start throwing knives at us. As we engage them the local wildlife end up attacking us as well. I practiced a lot after losing Liath and have gain some new skills in mounted combat. Quite a feat for me considering I was still in mourning for her, but it kept my mind occupied. Anyway, this helped amazingly during the combat, Athair did not get hit a single time. I made an interesting choice and ran over Wakum to wake him up after one of the masked figures put him to sleep. Apprently the knife throwing pygmies are called Si-Gajja-Laka. Athair is truly a warhorse, upon running over Wakum he did (10) a great deal of damage! I won't underestimate that again... I also charged forward and landed an incredible amount of damage with my lance, (26) I didn't know I was capable of such a lethal strike. None of these creature, which I were told are called Maccao had any heartgems, apparently they are native to this island.

Shortly after we defeated the lizards some of the Firinowa, they appear to be a small catlike people. Wakum is very disrespectful to them, suddenly I don't feel so bad about having Athair run over him. Purrio is quite the cool cat, he is their elder/leader. Apparently they have come from the same plain of existence that the gemhearted creatures are originating from. Would never have imagined that civilized peoples would come from the same place as these beasts; he mentioned that humans and other races are very rare on their home plain. Purrio requested help to remove the Kongas, a type of hippo faced monkey from their village which they overran. Apparently the big ones are called Konga'lala and used mushrooms to alter their attacks.

Upon coming up to the Firinowa's old village there are so many of these Kongas! I count 10 of them plus a Konga'lala. Ugh, the pesky Si-Gajja-Laka showed up as well again, they seem to be the antithesis of the Firinowa. I make it a point to take them out first, they seem to have daggers with all sorts of poisons. After all the Si-Gajja-Laka are slain I turn my attention to the Konga'lala. Before I even get the chance to address the large monkey eats a mushroom and breaths electricity knocking me and Athair unconscious. By the time I come back to my party seems to have been successful and brought us back to the village. Apparently, Moss fed Athair a potion! I am so grateful! I don't know how I would have handled losing another horse... I need to stop getting attached. I'm going to pay Moss back and do something special for her.

4-19-2021 Undead in the Crypt

Taking a break from my deliveries I was requested at the Oar's Rest. This man who worshiped some god called Deneir wanted some book fetched from an island crypt. I'm getting kind of tired of these voyages, my horses don't enjoy it either. Seeing that Anubis was with us I decided to not traumatize Athair and just assist my comrades in their defenses.

We got attacked by harpies on our voyage there. Such strange female figures, they embraced nudity as fully as I wear armor. One of them sang such a eerie tune, I couldn't help to be drawn to it. Walking forward I seem to have lost all will to fight; that was until I had another harpy rake its claws into my back. So sharp! cutting through portions of my chainmail. Nautical encounters are something I'd rather avoid going forward.

We fought our way through bandits who apparently overheard our conversation at the Oar's Rest and tried to get there before us. Moss cackled quite a lot as she cleanly hit many of them in the eye bringing them down one by one from a great distance. Rok became not only a bear, but a huge one! Me and Anubis made a great team, he held the Konga form for this whole encounter. He attacked so recklessly while I drew all the attacks towards myself. Riding a monkey is not easy, its so hard to hit my strikes on his back! Every time anyone has begged for them to be spared these people pay little to no mind. Killing without taking names... it feels strange to not be on the receiving end of this behavior. I'm not so sure how well this sits with me, but I'm playing along for now.

The crypt was full of ghouls, after killing them Myshon seems to have a habit of burning the corpses. I've heard of this being done when undead are involved. Truely disgusting to think of coming back to life only with a renewed thirst to destroy life. I hope I never befall that fate. There were five books on an altar right past where we fought these ghouls, we were given instructions not to handle them. There was a passage back to the right, where we found two what appeared to be warlords entombed. These dreadful beings were a deadly force, I shake at the thought of their ferocity in life. They brought down Myshon in a single harsh blow. I saw their gaze shifting to Rok's and quickly moved from Anubis's monkey form to climb up onto Rok's broad shoulders. Their glare, it haunts me still. Froze me in place, I could not move until they had struck me solidly in one of my openings. Drawing blow after blow from Rok, I knew if I kept this mighty bear of a man alive he would finish them off.

In many ways Moss was the unsung hero of this mission, as soon as we entered the crypt it was so hard to keep an eye on her. Even when I knew where she was, my gaze just could not focus on a solid form of her being. But bolt after bolt sunk into the exposed flesh of our foes. She also figured out how to enter two treasure chambers using a couple stones carved in the shape of a wolf and bear that were found on the warlord brothers. Overall this was a very profitable trip I pocketed over 200 gold pieces once again. The tasks that require a voyage by ship seem to be much more lucrative. Guess I will tolerate ships for now, maybe I will get my sea legs and Athair will become a seahorse. Hajajaja.

4-23-2021 More... Undead, around Myrefall

Authorities of Myrefall were worried about reports of undead only a day and a half journey away by horseback. Calling together a group of us they told us what we might be facing, they had sent a group ahead of us. The debrief was quite lacking, they had no information as to what we actually encountered. I was glad to see Moss and Rok'ati had also been called to solve this request. Strong fighters, and I dare say friends.

I offered to bring Crimini pulling my carriage to carry everyone with us. Cutting what would have been a three day walk in half. I know most of them understand I'm trying to start a business, so I remained quiet and hope they would offer to compensate me for the service. None did, but at least part of my reward money didn't go to one of Jarin's rentals this time. Not that I don't wish the best for Jarin, but he is somewhat of competition currently...

Skeletons! So many skeletons! They are slow, but when there are so many of them, they get a lucky hit in every now and then. I kept them all off Athair and was very grateful for my new Splint mail. I got scratched a couple times, but it was nothing compared to munching grass and Kongas. There were a few bugbears undead amongst the skeletons, and some skeletons had bows. I focused my attacks on clearing out the back line of these ranged attackers. Bugbears have such long arms! It's kind of freaky, but hey I bet it’s also useful. I literally have to climb the cabinets back home to get the pots on the top shelf.

After we cleared the first wave of undead, we came across the first band Myrefall had sent out ahead of us. I'm surprised we didn't get there before them. It did not look like they had any mounts. It’s a pity we didn't get there first, a couple of their friends died, and they were fleeing for the final swarm up ahead. Yelling about some sort of flying undead. More skeletons, so many skeletons! Once again, I focused on getting rid of the smaller specialized undead and then tried to help Bridget clear the swarm surrounding her. She was not having the best time with her axe. It kept slipping out of her hand, I don't know if she was scared or something else was going on. I should probably tell her to wrap some leather around the handle to make it harder to lose a grip on. Myshon went down at least two times, but to his credit he kept getting back up and fighting! He was a bit of a liability though, especially since by the time Moss went down our fiery druid, I think her name was... I can't remember. Anyway, she was out of healing abilities. really quite remarkable how she could just speak and myshon recovered from his deadly wounds. The gloamwing, a monsterous snake looking creature with wings was being ridden by a spectre, this is what took Moss out. It was chasing her for most the fight. Since she was the only reliable ranged attack making contact with its very thick hide. When Moss went down Myshon jumped on my horse with a potion at the ready. I quickly took him over to moss, who was not looking very well.

We all made it out of the jungle alive, thanks to our superior combat ability. A great team. I landed the killing blow on the specter, stabbing right through its ephemeral form I pull back quickly letting the skulls I'd collected on my lance come tumbling off and trough the specter's body. It dissipated. Looking around for the dead comrades of the first group I did not see any, they either got eaten or became one of the fresher looking undead we killed today. Pity, but at least my group was without casualties.

Making it back to Myrefall the authorities paid us 100 gp each. Not bad for three days work. I also came away with one of the Gloamwing's pale yellow fangs.

4-26-2021 Dang Boats, Horses at Home

A privateer of sorts approached a group of us in Oar's Rest and commissioned us to keep him alive and clear out a pirate cove. The offer was 100gp up front and 10% from the sale of loot within the cove for each of us. Blah, I wouldn't even consider another boat trip if it wasn't for the money. Why do seafaring ventures pay so well! I'm going to be leaving Athair at home, frequent trips aboard a boat don't bode well for their digestion. Luckily Anubis was around and will be coming on this venture. Even though we don't see eye to eye, we both know we are a formidable force on the battlefield.

Moss mentioned something about Griffons. I would take a griffon on a trip like this in a heartbeat. Wonder if I'll be able to capture one and raise it from egg. I need to do more research at the library on how to go about that.

As is to be expected, our boat was ambushed on our way to the cove. These ugly fish people, not strong in the slightest, but they did take out a couple of the crewmates. I heard them mentioned that these creatures were called Sanhuagin... or something like that.

We found Timmy washed up from one of the pirate crews recent excursions. He gave us some unsettling details. Apparently there was a sort of witch that worked with the pirate captain. And a witch she was, when we found her she summoned these green parasitic warms that covered and ate at anything living. Earlier I had called out to make sure we killed the witch first. So me and Anubis who was in the form of a warhorse took her down.

4-30-2021 Back to Firinowa

Sadius Mulvanis posted across Myrefall once again. Upon speaking with him there is apparently a large spider gemheart that has awoken. Which has brought concern to the Firinowa. Sadius is offering 200gp in payment for this spider's gemheart, plus bonuses for any aditional gems ascertained. After stopping by the marketplace we head to the docks. Getting aboard the Baron Straights I greet Captain Torvus. Everyone seems to be in a good mood, except this ridiculously religious fellow named Markus Pedala.

Starting this trip off right I interrupt one of Markus's morning prayers, letting him know that this is exactly how it feels when he's rude. Athair has grown very comfortable during these boat trips, I still hate to bring him on these venture... but alas, nothing I can do about it when the annoyance named Anubis isn't here to be a partner on the battlefield.

On our seventh day into the twelfth day a storm starts to brew. The twelfth day we come upon four Storm Giants with arms and eyes upraised to the storm. I quickly go and speak with Captain Torvus to get the lights snuffed out. Hopefully so that we do not attract the Storm Giant's attention. This man named Kalis with a stutter and a giant robot... informed me and the captain that the giants probably were trying to put the storm out. This is news to me, apparently not all giants are bad. Aurora apparently considered the storm unnatural. I guess we were lucky to have those Storm Giant's nearby, the storm clears by the end of the 13th day...

I had first watch on the 13th night. In an area ahead of us, probably past the island of Firinowa, there are shooting stars... very slow moving shooting stars. Worried at first I keep a close eye on the horizon. Nothing happens, but the slow shooting stars persist. I wake up Aurora and inform her of what has been happening with the shooting stars. Aurora doesn't have any insight but doesn't seem to be worried. I leave her, and head below deck to sleep. Apparently Markus saw one large shooting star at the end of his shift and then they stopped.

Upon reaching the shore of Firinowa we make our way with escorts to the Firinowa tribe, which on my last trip here we freed from the Konga'lala. I introduce tribal leader Purrio to everyone. Aurora is absolutely lovely, I follow her lead as she begins offering rides on her horse to the tribe members. Purrio puts on a feast in our honor and tells us about this spider creature which they call a Nerscylla.

We head out the next morning to find the Nerscylla. We came across some native wildlife, talking to Purrio later I learned the small ones were called Ioprey and the big ones are Iodrone. They look like axebeaks, red in color with these crowns atop their heads. They had beaks and seemed to breath poisonous fumes. Might be because of their diet... The Iodrone hit me hard, I went out for a few seconds before Kalis healed me saying, "Its not time to sleep little knight." I admire those who take time to learn the arts of healing.

We successfully cleared out the cave they were in and removed the green gem from the chest cavity of the Nerscylla. There were smaller Nerscylla with purple gems embedded in their carapaces. I harvested four of these purple gems buy cutting the carapaces away. We found some Gemheart Society members dead in the cave; looting a Ring of Swimming, Potion of Animal Friendship, and Elixir of Health. I returned the robes of these members to Sadius Mulvanis upon returning to Myrefall.

5-1-2021 Griffon Eggs

Timmy Fondlebread needed help. His horse was taken by Griffons. Markus is a fool, this trip once and for all confirmed it for me. The man solidified a deal where the commission was loaves of bread, chickens, and "coins." We ended up each being paid by Mr. Fondlebread 100 copper pieces each. If it was not for the value of three Griffon younglings this trip would of had very little financial value. In the end the selling of the younglings brought in 12,000 gold pieces! Only agreeing to help them sell these in order to care for the Griffon eggs. Which was the whole reason I agreed to this mission in the first place.

Moss, Aurora, and I seemed to be the only ones who were not blood thirsty to kill for no reason. It brings me no join to kill creatures who were just trying to protect their young. There was no reason to clear these Griffons out; Mr. Fondlebread is obviously not of sound mind. He drowned his chickens because he thought they were going to get him when he wasn't looking. He's strong enough to push the plow by himself, so there is no need for him to get another horse...

I am very excited to nurse these eggs into strong defenders of society.

5-2-2021 Helping Researchers; The Death of Athair

Clerics of Denier really needed help, their previous crew was unavailable to help, and I was asked to step in. At hearing that undead needed to be slayed, Moss was excited. I'm happy to help her with this venture, she has a passion to see natural processes complete their cycles. I'm very uneasy about leaving the eggs behind. But apparently Moss trusts this Ulvrick fellow...

Athair was lost to a gelatinous cube monster thing. Becoming an adventurer has never been more demanding on my emotions. I was grateful to have Moss there to comfort me as we rested in some sort of rope portal she created.

Apparently we lost our way in this catacomb, happening upon a group of Drow rather than skeletons and undead. This has been one of the hardest fights of my life, partially because I no longer had Athair... but these Drow cast so many spells, just tearing me apart. My armor is no match for the arcane. I barely survived through this, Javit was a savior with his healing magic.

Kovak was hostile to me through this whole trip. Though I suspect its more playful than not. I just keep responding with I love you. I'm sure I might one day hug the large angry man. He is fairly handsome, I doubt he also likes men though. His loss, he's not really my type anyway. All that rage and anger is a turn off...

Gaineamh Uaimh, Crimini Uaimh

5-4-2021 Willow Creek is Unsettling

Willow Creek is the name, a small village with not even a dozen houses. There was something very un-natural about the people of Willow Creek. I just can't place my finger on it. I headed out there with a group of friends from here in Myrefall. Apparently the town's gossip is who had posted about getting help for the town. Around the mushroom groves where this gossip named Merrigold Greenleaf collected them to make potions is apparently where chimera had been spotted. There were two of them, she thought there was only one. I kept the cockatrine and the horse head off the albino one. It was so beautiful! I really hate that there never seems to be an easy way to relocate these beautiful creatures I come across.

I talked with Valifar Greenleaf's children during breakfast. One of them said that there is a deer with red eyes that watching him during the night. Thorn, that's the boy's name, was very brave to speak up and tell me so. His parents and siblings don't seem to believe him. But between his gossip mother, plumber father, Emerald the medicine woman, Gorga the gossip’s apprentice, and the owner of the Rusty Nail... Tormak the owner of Trog's Rogs seemed to be the only completely stable one. I told Torn that I might help him with his window problem in the future, perhaps the next time I make it to Willow Creek...

5-9-2021 Books are Dangerous

A few days ago I found a book in the library's "New Books Section." This book was humming, and alive apparently. The title read Kiza and I quickly found out its name was Kiza. It spoke to me. Apparently Kiza pretended to love a warlock and was cursed to be a book until he found a mutual love for someone. Dhianni was "kind" enough to take 300gp from me to remove this curse from Kiza. But now he just resembles a large paper pinata. I took him back to my place... I'm worried what would happen should he get caught in the rain. Oh... and apparently he is a prince of High Elves. Prince Kalameet. To think I was going to try and date a book just because it had a handsome voice. I'm honestly not good enough for a prince, so I'll just let him live with me till he finds a prince or princess of his own...

I went back to the library before Kiza's book form was lifted... and got sucked in with a bunch of my friends. It just so happens that Lady Winters had been apprehended into this book, so we were off to save her. Books I'm convinced are dangerous. They put odd notions in peoples heads, and sometimes are cursed, or will suck you in. The contents of this particular book tried to eat me on several occasions. I was glad Rok was with us to help smash crawling hands and mimics alongside me. We had a fair amount of greenleaf adventurers along with us. Glad we could keep them safe. There was this Toad statue made of onyx we found, I'm sure Moss would have liked that but we sold it. Can't deprive the greenleafs of their gold. We found and got Lady Winters out, she looked exhausted, but I'm sure with Aurora's care she will be back to health in no time. Two very pretty and intelligent ladies.

5-11-2021 Drowned Horses

Rumors of the lake outside of town being un-usable have begun to surface. I've been asked to assist. I am always happy to help. Especially when its so near to home. Screw boats! This is the first trip I've been able to make with Ulvrick. He's a decent fighter, better companion. Which is truly the more valuable quality. Moss hangs close to Ulvrick, for obvious reasons. She definitely gets attached to people, its cute.

Before getting to the lake, we get assaulted by another Chimera and a lone Griffon. If only the Chimera knew that I had two of its Albino friend's heads hanging in my office... Finally making it to the lake there were these drowned horses who sang perilously, causing many of my friends to act strangely. There was also this pond sludge and moss that animated up out of the lake. I can see why the locals did not want to use the lake. I wonder how these creatures got here?

5-13-2021 Fae Warlock & The Brightlord

One of the captains came running in worried for his daughter. Sarah Seger was apparently last known to have headed toward a hippy commune. We ended up saving this girl named Hellen on the way there. Who apparently was good with a sword by unable to defend her friend? She didn't even know her friends name. We made quick work of the skeletons surrounding Hellen. She apparently was headed the same way as us... little did she know that we would be saving her a second time. As soon as we got to Faelevon she ran off to the "druid."

This "druid" took control of the town, with the help of a Fey being called "The Brightlord". Never heard of this stuck up snob before. He was GORGEOUS thought... anyway. In the fight I did my best to focus on this fake druid all my assaults. His magic onslaught against me tore away at every grain of my willpower. Following him through a portal I was able to kill him. Unfortunately that lead to Moss seemingly having to make a deal with him. I'll have to ask her about that when we get back...

We were unable to find Sarah Seger and had to return to the poor captain without his daughter. She was most likely a sacrifice in the rituals of this warlock in the service of The Brightlord... I don't understand how these people justify these cruel solutions. Yes, we all want the jungle to heal... but it should be through the deaths of others. We will find another way. Because we removed this warlock, I can almost guarantee that Faelevon is going to go back to rot. I had decent conversations with Gro'gruk an Orc equestrian, promising him the first foal from one of my mares he agreed to move to myrefall and work for me as a hired hand. He has a wife the is a Drow, I always love seeing interracial marriages. That's how life is supposed to be lived, without prejudice... prejudice that has caused to lose my own family and now wear this helm wherever I go...

5-16-2021 Vampire

Clerics of Denier asked us back to take care of the vampire problem. Last time we were in this forsaken dungeon we apparently lost our way, coming upon the Drow instead of the blood sucker. Which I did not mind as the Drow are extremely cruel to their slaves. I have no problem with slavery as long as the master is good. Which leads to the problem, there are so few good masters... of anything, not just slaves.

Bloody traps keep springing up in every other room. You would think we would have learned by now how to disarm them or trigger them safely, but we have not. Traps and all this area of effect magic drives me insane... Makes it so hard to keep Gaineamh alive.

When we finally encountered the vampire is was living in a HUGE pool of blood... I thought they just drank blood not bathed in it. From what I've heard in legends I was expecting this to be more of a challenge. I moved far into against the western wall to the back of the room. When combat started the vampire cam bubbling out of the center of the pool of blood, along with a pack of wolves? I think he summoned them. I distracted and nullified about half of these wolves so my friends could focus on the vampire. Kovak... bless his heart, was completely useless. In fact, he was detrimental to my friends, he kept striking out against Agwenu and Darjarian. I knew this must have been the vampires doing and so urged Gaineamh towards him. We surrounded the vampire and struck him down. Moss knew that vampires can come back to life after they are slain!?! How wild is that? Moss also found two treasure rooms on this trip, she has an eye for details. Once again I walked away with nothing of magical note. The one thing I did want the cleric Javit took.

5-17-2021 Elementals Abounding

The Clerics of Denier can't do anything for themselves can they? The very next day they tasked us with acquiring keys from these elemental altars... there are so many, we didn't even finish the job on this trip! They paid us 250gp per key we fetch, which wasn't bad... I've certainly been paid better.

The first room held only two elementals, which was not bad at all. They were magnetic in nature, making it hard for me to maneuver in my metalic armor and strike with my weaponry. Moss and a few of the others collected the magnetic pebbles after the elemental's power was nullified. I wonder what she plans to do with these?

The next couple rooms were quite close calls. Either myself or Gaineamh were mere breaths away from a shallow grave. I'm sure Moss or Cioro would have made sure I didn't die. But I do not like taking that chance. The strangest elemental you could conceive... half water and the other half fire was by far the most devastating of the day’s encounters. Magic is certainly strange to be able to hold these two in a united form.

The final room I decided to be smarter about my positioning. I have grown tired of Kovak assuming his job is to save me. I would appreciate some gratitude for the attacks I draw away from all of them, the countless scars upon my body to keep others from being hit. This final elemental room we were able to clear was covered with blood all the way up to Gaineamh's knees. I did not go in, staying back. This was a smart decision as these bloody elementals rose from the contents of the floor and swept over the rest of our group like a tidal wave. I will say that I am grateful to Kovak for one thing... He let me use his magic javelin which made my attacks as effective as they should normally be. I stayed in the back, engaging, dealing damage, and then disengaging. A successful fight for me, no injuries obtained, and I didn't hear Kovak yelling, "Fuck you, Todd."

If you made it all the way to the end, thank you for enjoying Todd Carlton’s story. I really loved playing the little fella.

What was your favorite moment of Todd’s?

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