All these ruminations will have to wait. I will probably never come to an answer for them anyways. Lives are at stake as I continue to drift in my own thoughts!
It appears that this is not only a goblin lair. I recognize the numerous hobgoblins that appear to live here, but this is the first time I’ve seen a bugbear. Rather dangerous creatures, and considerably larger than their goblin cousins. We are lucky to have caught most of them by surprise - we came across several who are still sleeping. Our luck ran out eventually though. More and more we encounter groups which are prepared for our presence. Considering the amount of beating we took, we’re quite thankful for that healing wand. (OOC: Although its placement is less than desirable…)
It also begins to appear that this is no mere goblin lair. The whole thing looks more like a military operation - hobgoblins, bugbears and goblins, or so I have heard, don’t really get along too well. The fact that they’re all living in one place, and moving in such organized groups is surprising.
The place is also riddled with traps. It’s like someone decided to trap the place as a lifelong project. Every other door, every other passageway is covered with traps! Who can live like this! I wonder how many of their own have died thanks to accidentally stepping on the wrong stone. Our poor rogue Elrion is definitely not having a good day. He’s grown quite paranoid (and us with him) with every sprung trap, especially when they almost took out his errr… women pleasing implements.
Despite the fact that this series of hewn passageways and rooms are not entirely that large, coming out into the world and acting on our own is quickly teaching us many important things about combat. Already it is clear that we are fighting better and better, and gaining confidence in the face of difficult enemies. If only I had the time for some peace and quiet to pray. I have so much to discuss with the Radiant One. (OOC: Levelling up as a spellcaster -twice!- in a dungeon sucks!!! WTB time for preparation of spells. Grrr.)
As we fought our way deeper into the dungeon, we came face to face with a door inlaid with the symbol of the nation of Dol-guldur. Few have not heard the name of the vile necromancer clan, although this is my first time seeing their crest - a gaping skull with red eyes, and some runes on the forehead. The two wizards quickly identified it though. Indeed, there’s more than meets the eye here.
Through the door, we could hear an argument. A human voice, speaking to a goblin, berating him for attacking Freehaven and destroying the bridge too early, before the ‘caravan guards’ could escort the king’s sister out. It looks like my party have made a difference in this necromancer’s evil plans. Torgan my caravan leader and the paladin Gorak are apparently quite famous names on their own, being veterans of the Mage War. It appears that this necromancer also helped build the goblin army for this purpose.
I wonder whom he serves. Only one way to find out - ask him. May the light destroy all that choose to lurk in the vile darkness!
