The Halfblood Chronicles

[Evil Dad]

or "There and back again, with a lot of pain"

Ouch! I hurt so much.  Today has been so traumatic ...

I remember sleeping and then I was talking to a large Dragon who had summoned me and sent me off towards the town of Hlint.  I hate towns.  I just want to go home.  But, I have been told people are in trouble, so I will try to help as best I can.  I was surprised upon arrival as the inhabitants there were quite friendly.  None of them looked at me strange or treated me bad.  In fact it was almost a pleasant experience.

A nice man showed me around the town and introduced me to a woman named Flora.  Apparently, some books were taken (she called them taxes whatever that means) by some ratmen (I think she said) and she asked if I would help her and retrieve them.  I had to go down into the sewers, which was a new experience and so different to my lovely woodlands.

Oh! this was a bad idea.  I thought that with all my training and years in the woods, that fighting some rats would be easy.  How wrong I was, poor Styx was attacked by 4 or 5 at once and he fell to the ground.   When I went to get him, he was gone and I have been calling him for nearly an hour now, but I can't find him.  I have come to rely on him now, I miss him so much.

Twice now, I have been attacked by more rats than I could count.  I felt my last breath escape me and then suddenly I have woken up by the celtic symbol in town.  I am glad now that I listened and bound myself there.  I am not sure what magic is at work here, but I am grateful for it.  I would surely hate to die so young.

I so wish I had paid more attention during fighting lessons and spent more time working on my strength.  Perhaps then I would be able to look after myself better.  I so badly need some equipment as I seemed to lose most of it when I was summoned.  Maybe I can find a merchant before I go back into the sewers again.  Perhaps I can find an adventurer to help me, surely two of us would be better than just 1.

I really must rest now to heal my aching wounds and prepare my limited spells.  Maybe with some careful thought I might actually me able to defeat these rats.

[Evil Dad]

After resting, I felt a bit better about things, and would you believe it ... Styx came running back to me.  What a relief that was, as I was certain I had lost him for good.  Re-united, and with better tactics, I am sure we can do this.

I decided to take a closer look at the east side of Hlint.  Many stores were open, selling all sorts of goods.  The most use to me was the one selling some nice hide armour (which I had colored a nice shade of gray) and I managed to find a store selling simple weapons and purchased a sling, bullets and skinning knife.  The only shields I could find were made of copper, which goes against all I have always held dear, but I need a shield and I cannot find a wooden one anywhere.  I will have to atone for this once the quest is over, as at the moment I have no choice but to use one.


I paid a vist to the Orc Basher's store.  What a wonderful place that was.  So many armours, shields, weapons.  Almost anything you could ever want.  Unfortunately, I felt very much out of my depth there.  The oaths I have taken as a Druid preclude me from using many of these weapons and most of the ones I can use are all too large and cumbersome for me.  Perhaps with some training I might be able to use some.

With determination I decided to go back down into the sewers.  Finally! I did it.  After several more trips back to the bind stone (which seems to be my second home at the moment), and some fast healing, I managed to defeat the ratman and what a long drawn out fight it was.  I retrieved the taxes for Flora, for which she was very grateful.  

It was a painful experience, but one that has taught me some important lessons.  I feel more capable now.  My fighting skills seem to have improved a little bit, as I seem a bit quicker agile and able to hit these rats.  My stamina seems imroved also, as I was able to last longer in combat before having to heal myself.  But, I don't think I will be concentrating on this side of my skills too much.  I feel closer to nature using the spells she has blessed me with, and I can only hope that as I prove myself a worthy servant she will grant me further spells as she sees fit.

I have visited the Wild Surge Inn again, where I met a couple more people needing my help.  There is a bard who has lost something and an undertaker who wants me to visit the crypts.  Strange how things turn out ... one day I am living life to the full and enjoying the outdoors, the next I am roaming around sewers and crypts.  There is also a guard that wants me to do hunt some goblin scouts.  This might take me outside of Hlint and experience the outdoors again for a while.

I am glad I have been keeping a journal of what these people want me to do, as I have a bad memory for remembering all the details at once.

I am going to head back down into the sewers again first.  Why? you may ask.  I feel the need to practice my fighting skills some more, and better a familiar environment I say.  Also, there were some horrid spiders down there that I was unable to deal with before and I am hoping that with some planning I can overcome them.

I just hope tomorrow is a better day.

[Evil Dad]

I decided to venture outside of Hlint today as I thought the change of scenery would do me good.  It was breathtaking, vast woods and hills, it felt good and I couldn't wait to explore.  Soon, I encountered some Orcs.  I couln't believe it, I nearly died again, but I did manage to defeat the last one just as I was about to fall.  Luckily I was able to summon some animals to help me.  I do believe my bond with nature is getting stronger.

I decided to work my way around to the west of Hlint, where I saw a Goblin encampment.  I managed to slay a good few on my own, but they soon overpowered me.  However, as I was falling to the ground a Druid was walking nearby and his wolf companion ran over and slew the last few goblins.  What a relief that was.  I worked my way closer to the rest of the goblins.  Their bow attacks were proving a bit too much for me, but again another traveller came by (a mage this time) and with a couple of moves of his arms the goblins were dead.  Another lucky escape.

It does seem that my initial reservations about towns may have been wrong.  The inhabitants of Hlint seem very friendly and always willing to help.  I might even get to like it around here.  I can't see myself staying in the town for too long, but maybe I will find a nice grove nearby.

I decided to explore a cave near the goblin encampment.  It appeared as though it was used by the goblins.  I made my way near to a lower level, when too humans came running towards me.  One seemed friendly, but the other was in like a trance as though he was possessed or something.  Not knowing what to do, I attacked the apparently hostile human, but he replied with a devastating blow.  

Oh well!  I am back in Hlint again, just walking away from my favorite bind stone.  I think I will just sit down for a while and see what is happening in the world.  Maybe I will visit the crypts or one of the caves again.  But, no rush.  I think I will sleep for a while.

Well, I decided to venture into the crypts after all.  On my way there I met a young man by the name of Justain.  We got talking and decided to face the perils of the crypts together.  We cleared 2 out quite successfully, but didnt find the lesser dark soul that the undertaker needed.  In the third tomb, we were overwhelmed by skeletons and we both found ourselved back at the trusty bind stone.  On our way back the the final crypt, a young female cleric called Shelu joined us and the 3 of us set off together.  We worked well as a team, with Shelu turning/stunning the undead, Justain provided the muscle and I used my sling and called some allies from nature.  Having another healer proved very useful.  We managed to slay the lesser dark soul, but were unable to retrieve its essence for the undertaker.  So, after some rest, I will have to venture down there again.

I met up with Justain and Shelu again and we ventured back into the crypts.  Shelu seemed to disappear at one point, but Justain and myself battled on.  After a rest or two, we found another lesser dark soul and obtained his essence.  The undertaker was very grateful for this.

I feel somewhat stronger and more capable after these recent trials.  It is a good feeling.

After resting, I decided to try and find Styx again.  He was nowhere to be found and I feel somewhat of a loss.  But, a panther came up to me as I was searching and joined me for a while.  His name was Pazu, he was bold and strong and a good companion.  I still miss Styx and will continue to look for him.

I met up with Justain and Shelu again.  Shelu showed me the wonders of pack ox, and I purchased one to look after some of my heavier and less needed items.  These things weren't valuable by any means, but they may come in useful some day.  Shelu was wearing a lovely robe, all gold and silver, she is a most striking Elf.  I have never worried about clothes before, as growing up around Druids most of my time was spent in dull robes or hides.  I know I shouldn't be concerned about what I wear or how I look, but it would be nice to have some good clothes so when I am in a town I can fit in better and not stand-out.  I will obviously choose colors of nature as this would make me fell more comfortable.  I wonder if I could learn to make my own clothes?

Well, after our little excursion around the town, we decided to venture into the wastelands and hunt goblins.  We worked well as a team and we ventured into the goblin caves together.  At one point, right in the heart of the cave, we were heavily ambushed.  We put up a grave fight, but Shelu was badly hurt and sent back to the bind stone.  Justain stayed to guard our position and I ventured back to help Shelu, but on my way I was ambushed by 5-6 goblins and ended up back at the bind stone myself.  I met Shelu back in town and as we headed back to the caves, were joined by a dwarf (or was it a short fat man, i'm not really sure) who offered to help us.  The four of us, battled further into the caves and cleared them of the goblins, or so we thought.  High on victory, we made our way back to the surface.  What a mistake we made by not resting properly.  We were ambushed again, and being weak were all sent back to the bind stones.

This time was worse though.  I feel much weaker now, as though some kind of essence has been taken from me.  I only hope I can find my strength again.  I won't be able to join Justain and Shelu as they venture back to the caves as I am so weak at the moment, maybe tomorrow ...

[Evil Dad]

Month 7, Day 16, Year 1388

I woke up today feeling much stronger again.  Even Pazu returned, so maybe this was a promising sign.

I met up with Justain again.  We are becoming good friends I think.  We decided to venture back into the goblin wastelands, as Justain was asked to stop some goblin scouts so I offered to help him.  He also decided to take their ears back as proof, like i had done previously.  Justain is becoming quite the miner and asked me to help him recover some games/metals from the goblin caves.  We did this and I believe Justain found some copper.  While in the caves, we had to fight some goblins, which we managed a lot more successfully this time around.

When we finally ventured back to town, we bumped into Shelu.  She offered to show us the way to Fort Llast, as she had been there recently.  We took her up on her offer, and I must admit that it was wonderful being back in the forest again.  I think I could have happily stayed there.

Fort Llast was fairly small, but a handy base for adventuring.  I lost Justain and Shelu while here, so I decided to run some errands for some of the locals.  It kept me busy for a while.

I decided to explore the forest further.  Trust me!  I stumbled across a band of mercenaries, who weren't pleased to see me and turned hostile on me straight away.  I managed to kill a couple of them, but got overwhelmed.  Coming from Fort Llast, a lady stopped and helped me.  She was very skilled with a bow and had a panther companion.  She helped me fight off all the mercenaries, but it was too late, as I found myself back at the bind-stone again.  I never really got her name, I think it was Vera, but I was grateful to her none the less.

I felt the need to revenge, which isnt like me, and I must get control of these urges.  I ventured back to the mercnaries again.  This time I managed, to lure 1 or 2 out at a time and then was able to summon the help of some dire wolves. There was 1 dwarf left that was too strong for me.  I was able to out-run him for the time being, when who should walk by but ... the famous bard Acacia Thistletongue, leaper of canyons and lots of other stuff she told me she was famous for.  Acacia quickly dealt with him.  We spent a while talking, especially about Acacia and her acomplishments.  She also told me about a night of bards, which I would really like to see.  I was quite taken by her clothing, a wonderous array of colour and style.

I think I will learn some tailoring skills.  Although I don't need any glamorous clothes and I am more than happy to wear the colours of nature, it will be good to have some nice things to wear around the town so people won't always see me in my armour.

Month 8, Day 4, Year 1388

I went hunting goblins again.  This time it was with Tailslin and Garet Stonesmythhy.  We ventured deep into the goblin caves, killing goblins that attacked us and mining for various gems and maetals.  Well, eventually I got the head of the leader, to prove I had completed  the task for Jonus.  Jonus was very pleased with me and rewarded me with a pair of boots.  They seemed a bit warn, but I felt a bit lighter and more agile in them.  Anyway, I will keep them for now as they are a nice shade of green and I like green.

Month 8, Day 12, Year 1388

With nothing much to do, I journeyed back to Fort Llast and got chatting to Liutenant Jursen.  Jursen needed some simple weapons, which I managed to achieve.  It just meant I had to walk to-and-fro a lot to obtained these items.  I just wish Jursen had asked me for all the items at once, that would have saved these poor legs a trip.  Even though Jursen gave me some money for each item, it was considerably less than I actually paid for it.  I didn't want to argue with him about it and it did seem to put me in his good books.  After I collected all the weapons for him, he rewarded me with a nice helmet.  I don't like wearing helmets usually, but this has a strange aura about it and maybe by wearing it I can find out what it does.

I have started to learn tailoring now.  I had managed to get some cotton earlier, a sewing kit, a needle/thead and of course a book and some patterns.  It took me several attempts, but finally, I was able to make some clorh which I might be able to use to make a nice cloak or similar.  And maybe as my skill increases I might even be able to make my own armour.

[Evil Dad]

Month 8, Day 19, Year 1388

Today I am harvesting cotton, in an attempt to make some cloth and possibly some cloth patterns.  My plan is to be self sufficient and hopefully make my own clothes and armours.  When I finally return home, these will be very useful skills to have.

I travelled north from Hlint.  I managed to harvest a few bundles of cotton, when I saw an old tower.  Upon entering it I was welcomed (if you can call it a welcome) by a grumpy wizard called Moraken.  He told me to come back when I wasn't such a whelp.  What a rude man he was.  Near his tower was a group of 3 stones, with some symbols on.  They look ancient and may have some religious context, but they meaning escapes me at the moment.

I stumbled across an Orc camp and to my surprise I was much more capable of fighting them than I used to be.  Not a great fighter myself, Styx charged in and I was able to summon another dire wolf to help him.  I surprised myself when I was able to call upon the forces of nature and was granted ligtning.  Zap!  They were all dead.  I will surely have to remember that incantation.  We met another band of Orcs, but struggled a bit more and in my rage I turned into a large bear (wich I was very shocked about).  My senses were incredibly, everything smelt different.  I could feel its power coursing through my vains.  I charged into battle and with my trusty animal companions we dispatched these foes quickly.

I have truly grown as a Druid!

I went back to the craft house and tried my hand at making cloth.  I wasted lots of cotton in the attempt, but eventually I made several bundles of cloth, which was very satisfying.  I decided to try and dye my clothes, as the bright forest green I had been wearing was a bit conspicuous.  I have selected a nice olive and dark tan combination.  I must see it looks good and I am sure Katia would approve of these colors.

I travelled eastwards from Hlint and came across a place called Haven Castle.  I met with the Lord there, who asked for my help in dispatching some ogres for them.  I offered to help, but feel I am not yet strong enough for ogres.  I think I will have to find some friends to help me.

On my way back from Haven, I went via Lake Alon.  I saw an dark colored elf being attacked by some kobolds.  Styx charged in to help and I followed.  The elf didn't really need any help, but was grateful none the less.   I learnt that he was actually a Drow.  I have heard of these, usually dark evil elves who have a hatred for surface dwellers.  But he was friendly towards me and said his name was Unthuz.

Month 8, Day 21, Year 1388

I was making a regular trip to Fort Llast when I was attacked by mercenaries.  Foolishly I was unprepared.  I was able to dispatch 3 of them, but 2 chased me.  Two travellers came along, Quin and Zerpa, who both very quickly and easily helped me out.  We stopped for a chat and they advised me against travelling alone.  I will have to listen to this a lot more in future.

While in town I met a young wizard called Vesath.  I offered to show him around town.  I introduced him to Flora, then took him on a scenic tour of the sewers.  I felt hungry after all of this, so we went to the inn and I introduced Vesath to the undertaker.  After this, we both needed some supplies, so we went to the eastside of town where Vesath met up with Johan.  I went to sort some things out, so we went our separate ways.

I met Gloin again today.  I like him, he always puts a smile on my face.  I had a good look through all of his chests and found several items I wanted.  I bought an Iron Dagger off him as it would be stronger and sharper than my copper one.  I wanted to get a Lion Sling, but it was far too much for me.  Gloin offered me a deal (i think he was just playing with me).  If I would go to Haven and bring him back a nice chicken he would let me have the sling for 500 instead of 1500.  Wow!  That was a good deal.  I promptly set off for Haven, where I found the house with cows and chickens in.  I managed to talk to a chicken and it stayed with me.  We must have looked a sight, we this chicken following me all the way back to Hlint.  I went straight to Gloins, but didnt have the 500 on me.  Gloin laughed about the chicken and said I could bring the 500 back to him another day.  He is a nice man!

I went back to the mercenary camp to get revenge for the other day, but I had once again forgotten to prepare barkskin (how stupid was I?).  I managed to kill 4 of them but the final 1 killed me as I was fleeing.  I woke up again at the bind stone.  This time I prepared properly and went back.  He was finished off very quickly, but during all this I had lost lots of money.

I felt the urge to go cotton picking again.  I met up with more orcs, but quickly dispatched them again.  I had a nice batch of cotton, so went back to the craft house again.  I wasn't able to make much more cloth, but I did try to make a couple a cloth patterns and to my surprise I succeeded.  I think my skill with a needle is slowly getting better.

I decided to venture into Sielwood.  It is a large forest, but very dark.  I felt more at home her than in the town though.  I met the infmaous wich of sielwood.  She was very nice and bid me welcome.  There were lots of beetles around and we had to struggle through several battles to defeat them all.  They aren't particularly strong, but they spew noxious gases at you.

I need to go back to town now, but I must explore here further as there is meant to be a cave somewhere where the bard lost her necklace.  I did promise to try and find it for her after all.

[Evil Dad]

Month 9, Day 2, Year 1388

A fine start to the day.  I met another young halfling, by the name of Rugo Bumbleroot.  We stopped and chatted for awhile and I offered to show him where Fort Llast was.

On the way out of Hlint, we met with Shelu who was looking less than herself.  I introduced her to Rugo, but apparently they had already met.  Shelu told us she was in the High Forest, when she was attacked by some spiders.  We offered to help her and off we set.  When we got to High Forest, we were soon all attacked by the spiders and although we managed to defeast most of them we all found ourselved back in Hlint at the bindstone.  Back to High Forest again!  We eventually cleared the area and I got a Dire Boar skin for Johan.

This ability of mine to cast lightning is proving very useful.

On our way back to Hlint, we stopped off at Fort Llast and I introduced Rugo to Jursen and Dalton.  Shelu introduced him ot the horse trader.  We headed back to Hlint so we could rest and re-stock.  However, we decided to venture into the goblin caves so Rugo could acquire a bat skin.

The goblin caves, didn't seem as dangerous as before.  We traversed our way through them fairly easily and Rugo managed to get himself the head of the current leader of the goblins.  I am sure they will be back though!  Shelu and me congratulated ourselves on how well we had done this time around.  But were we speaking too soon?  On our way back to the surface we lost Shelu, so me and Rugo went back for her only to be ambushed by a horde of goblins.  Shelu caught up with us and joined the fight.  The irony of it!  Both myself and Shelu found ourselves back at the bindstone.

After our escapades in the caves, we cleared the hilltop of goblins and Rugo managed to get the last of the ears he needed for the quartermaster.  These goblins just keep coming back.  Shelu went off and acquired a badger skin for Rugo.  I am glad she did it on her own as I don't know if I had the heart to kill another animal today.  It seems so wrong sometimes, no matter how hostile they are.

Back in Hlint, we all split-up so we could rest and restock.  I gave Rugo a share of the gold, plus a helm I found.  I still have Shelu's gold and  will give it to her when I see her next.

Our next journey will be to Sielwood, I think.