[Shrowd Umbra]

Disaster. Utter disaster.

The day had started out well enough. After being kindly asked to leave Toranite matters in Toranite hands (I think credit for not simply sneaking along is due on this point) I came across Tod Fellow, an old friend with a charming humor about him. He agreed to help me enter the Haven mines, a feat I had attempted with some success before in the company of Xavier and Tyra. We both agreed to try stealth over force, and found it much to our liking. We not only disposed of the tribe's leader and his warrior guardsmen, but mined a good portion of iron ore, something I need desperately. The trip went so well we even spread out my cloak to have a picnic at the bottom of the mine.

My elation lasted through the Silkwoods on a trip to gather silk for my latest ambition. It turned foul when one of those dratted cockatrices trailed me unnoticed. I had the pleasure of not only being turned to stone but ravaged by one of the great beasts of the forest. The spell ended just as it was losing interest. I dragged myself away in terrible shape, only to have it chase me down and finish its work. Then I felt something rip at my very soul.

I have heard stories of the soul mother and her reaper. Heard whispers among adventurers of those gone on to face her one last time. No words can describe the feeling. Dread does not seem sufficient a word. After this my path is clear.

I am going to pluck every cockatrice in the forest bald and sell the meat to gnolls.