We set off east, through the Outlands. There, we found a tower of white stone, with a historical record of Freevale carved in. Galwyn explained that the monument was from before the Freevale was truly free. He taught us about Androth's conquest of the Freevale, which before him had been divided into several rival kingdoms. Androth easily conquered the peoples of the land, divided as they were. Countless people rallied together for their freedom against Androth, and in the process forged both a common identity, and built the foundation for their freedom.
The tower's bottom had the earliest history, new rings were added upon top to add to the record. Perhaps one day more rings shall be added, featuring both Pelor and his Copolds faithful.
Borik found an odd bush with pink and white berries, and gathered 10 of both. Using my knowledge of the world, I determined they were moonberries, of which the pink unripe and as such, are poisonous. The white ones can be eaten. The rest of the CoW gathered the berries, and they would come in handy later.
We encountered Zuruk, an avid duelist and weapon collector. He challenged Tran to a duel, a challenge of skill and strength. He was somewhat impressed with the heretic, but claimed "the blades sing, but not with each other." Surly Zuruk meant that only Pelor will bring Mr. Tran to greater skill and strength. Such a wise man. After all, Zuruk is a master of the Blademaster art. His greatest weapon is a mastercraft sunblade, forged in his homeland in the far east. An interesting man, he told us of his greatest opponent, his teacher. Before parting, Zuruk warned of us of a local cyclops.
After travelling deeper into the Outlands, I bravely repelled a anti-Peloric gang of Gnomes, without help. I had defeated them so quickly that the CoW couldn't even react to help. I wondered if the heretics in our company would have sided with the devilish gang, had I not put them in their place.
Later, Mo Kaelin found a gruesome scene, a dead couple lying near a dead bear. He skinned the bear and obtained its hide. The woman was named Dana, as we discovered when Buddy found her journal. It detailed their plans and efforts to find Androth's Crown Jewel, the site of his final battle, near an important forest. It mentioned a city called Northgate, and we discovered a standard Freevale map with some locations marked off. Bishop Kaelin and I held a Copolds funeral rite for Dana and her man. As such, their spirits were laid to rest.
We continued further east, and found an abandoned mine. There, we found a locket held in the hands of a deceased miner. Inside a love letter meant for Reysa of Eastgate. The Company resolved, under oath of Pelor, to deliver this last letter.
Finally the CoW came upon the local Cyclops. He had illegally occupied a farmhouse, probably abandoned by good, Pelor-fearing folk upon his arrival. So we decided to rid the world of his evil, and to avenge the farmers he drove away. Borik poisoned the cyclops with some of our pink moonberries. He coughed and proved it would take more than that to take him down. He quickly woke up and attacked the party, like the monster it is.
Tran the heretic, attempted to draw the Cyclops' attacks, but failed from his lack of faith in Pelor.
The Bloodaxe guided me in combat, and so did Pelor's divine grace. Buddy "Ice Knife" Bloodaxe used his ice knifes, of course. Together, we managed to defeat the Cyclops without injury.
The Bloodaxe guided me in combat, and so did Pelor's divine grace. Buddy "Ice Knife" Bloodaxe used his ice knifes, of course. Together, we managed to defeat the Cyclops without injury.
In the Cyclops' pouches, we discovered a book that detailed the wealthy Vandril estate, of which the Cult of Androth's leader, Damacus, is the sole male heir. However, he does have a sister who could lay claim to the fortune. She may be a powerful ally, given the right incentive.
Pelor must be very pleased with our Company recently. However, I'm sure he will give us greater challenges in the future in order to grow our faith.
Praise Pelor, Praise the Sun!
