Paying the Iron Price

A Rakastan died under our watch.

A creeping mist descended upon our party, filling the jungle with a dense fog.

Two... white... ghoulish-like creatures appeared from the haze; our convoy reacted instantly.

Before we knew it, a brave unfortunate soul had descended upon the pair — with a strange hulking mound barely visibly behind them.

The Rakastan engaged the ghouls but was quickly overpowered. He was torn apart limb from limb.

Despite our best efforts, we caught up far after he had perished.

Djura had conjured biped reptiles. Speedy buggers. We reached the creatures before they could escape with the body.

Though we had failed to save the cat, vengeance was exacted upon the ghouls.

The mound — to which the ghouls had attempted to drag the lifeless cadaver of the poor feline pilgrim — had vanished without trace. Damn this cursed place.

We trudged on after giving him a proper Rakastan farewell, fire and all.

Unfortunately, time had proven an enemy. The sound of drums rolled through the forest like thunder at dusk. We were being hunted by an army of dog-kin; the very same ones the guardsmen warned us of.

There were far too many to face in open combat. So marched at pace hoping to elude them; and we did. Weary... we found respite the following night.

By the campfire, it would seem the Paladin Elf has found a new... talent. Never seen anyone hold their breath underwater so long. Peculiar timing... but could prove useful.

The following day our march was once again impeded by the dog-kin. This time, they held the high ground and rained arrows upon us.

The water-breathing elf, was hit several times before we could regroup behind some rocks. Balthazar, Bistek and Flo'rel cooked up a plan. It would be a pincer attack involving a Rakastan advance party up the river.

They managed to sneak by the line to their left... the moment they engaged the dog-kin flank, we charged.

Djura's... pets again kept pace, as well as the Sabretooth Riders while Balthazar fired arrow volleys and Flo'rel launched javelins on approach.

Bistek too was doing his best.

The leader of their warband was a hulking figure... resembling a hyena. He sauntered briskly toward us and dealt a single powerful blow to one of the velociraptors.

But, in a blink... he was on the ground. Four of the raptors had descended upon him, ripping him apart. The blood sprayed on me, the raptors, his kin...

In a moment, there was nothing left of him but a pile of mush and entrails. The rest of the Rakastans made quick work of the archers and raptors did the rest.

I plan to remain in the Druid's good graces...

Onward, to the valley. This temple better be real.

- Cyd