Day 1
Ogab, may the Gods smile kindly upon him, has managed to get me south to the Tragoth River by smuggling me aboard a merchant caravan. Having slipped out of the caravan this morning, I shall make my way into the southlands and seek my fortune. If the land is as rich as they say, I may be able to raise enough gold to hire an army and drive out the usurpers who killed my father!
Across the river the land was marshy, so I decided to head along the river and into the forest, as hills are visible to the southwest beyond the marsh.
On my way I met a merchant with a caravan of slaves, but I had too little money to hire any of them. He must have brought me good luck, though, for I managed to bring down a buck for my dinner. As I was roasting the beast, though, I heard the sound of spurs jingling - and there they were, three foul mercenaries sent to hunt me down. I charged at them, swinging my sword, but they forced me back and I had to withdraw, taking with me a grab slab of venison.
Day 2
I awoke in hilly country, and followed a stream down to the Tragoth River. There were raftsmen poling a barge along the river, but as I needed to travel south, I passed them by and swam across the river myself.
Day 3 - Day 6
I spent several uneventful days recuperating from the wounds I suffered at the hands of the foul usurpers' men.
Day 7
Then I headed southwest into the forest, and approached a farm. It was inhabited by a group of relatively peaceful Reavers, with whom I stopped and exchanged a few words.
Day 8 - Day 10
The forests here grew thick and overgrown, and I made little progress for two days before I finally reached hillier ground. The hunting was good, though.
Day 11 - Day 12
Yesteday, I made my way out of the foothills and into the town of Cumry. As I had but 4 gold pieces in my pouch, I slept in an alley. Today I went to see the town's mayor, but was confronted by two boorish guards who demanded a bribe of me with their swords drawn. I whipped out my sword - their first blows missed, the fools - and slew them both, although they cut me badly. From their purses I took 14 gold coins, and fled town and headed back into the hills to the northwest.
Day 13 - 16
I spent several days resting quietly, but on an easy walk I came across some old mines. My curiousity got the better of me and I went into them, and found that they were not uninhabited, but teeming with dwarves! Luckily the little fellows didn't mind my looks at first, and let me in. When I tried to see their Lord, though, I was turned away as unpresentable.
Day 17
The next day I again presented myself to the Dwarf Lord, but his Chamberlain scuttled up next to me and insinuated that he wanted me to line his pockets with gold. As I did not have the money to pay a bribe, I turned away, knowing he would never let me approach his master until I could make the foul shortling richer.
Day 18 - 20
I tried learning of news in the mines, but only found myself a cheap place to stay - as if I wanted to give these dwarves any more of my few gold coin! The next day I left and wandered slowly south. I met up with a band of mercenaries, their leader on horseback, who charged after me as I sought to slip past them. When they least expected it, though, I burst through their lines and escaped to the south.
Day 21 - 24
I spent a few days resting from my old wounds, but the sight of a half-dozen goblins, led by a larger hob, made me decide to continue my travels to the south and rest somewhere safer.
Day 25 - 26
I crossed a river today - it must be the Nesser - and struggled through the reeds on the other side. I made slow going, but managed to creep up upon a herd of wild horses! The mare that I caught will make a fine steed. I will call her Whistlin, for her colour reminds me of the mountains at home in the winter, and their whistling winds.
Day 27
Whistlin and I made good time, crossing a plain and entering the forest. The lands are quiet, aside from the sounds of birds.
Day 28 - Day 29
It is often said that it is easier to enter a forest than leave one, and I learned this full-well today. To make things worse, a group of giggling pixies teased me as I led Whistlin along the maze of tracks in these woods.
Day 30
Still no sign of an end to this forest! And a boar attacked me tonight at dinner. It grazed me twice with its tusks before I managed to put my sword through its eye. It'd been a long time since I'd had roast boar.
Day 31
The open plains once again! We travelled south, far and fast, passing the farmlands of Cawthor to the east. But I'm heading southwest now, to a temple of Branwyn that I've heard tell of. I hope to find favour with the gods when that of men and dwarves eludes me.
Day 32
A deep hidden valley cut our journey to the southwest to an abrupt halt. It took some riding to find a way down into it, but carved into the cliffs are the ruins of a once-great city! We'll spend a day or two here before heading on to the temple. Who knows what treasures are hidden in these old buildings?
Day 33
Talk to me not of treasures in ruins, for whereever you find them, you'll find hideous trolls, I'll wager! It gave me a cut or two before I managed to evade it. Trolls are magicspawn, and I'll not fight them without a wizard or a band of men at my side.
Day 34
Today we raced along the WEST edge of the valley cut, and turned away from it and back towards the Nestor - the Greater Nestor, a wide, sluggish river of which I've heard many a tale. Hidden in the forest on the other side must be Branwyn's temple!
Day 35
I reached the temple uneventfully. To keep thieves at bay, I'm housing Whistlin in a stable, and I convinced the stablemaster to let me sleep in the loft above.
Day 36
Today I bought appropriate spices, approached the temple of Branwyn, and made a sacrifice to the goddess. A priestess inhaled the fumes and spoke in cryptic words, but I believe she spoke of a treasure hidden on the far bank of the lesser Nestor, two days away on foot!
Day 37 - 38
Following a path pointed out to me by a priest, I made good time to the northwest. In fact, I had to ride 'round another band of goblins, and believe I have come too far. Tomorrow I will double back.
Day 39
I found it! I found it! An iron chest, buried by an ancient oak. Within, I found more than a hundred gold, and... I can scarce believe my eyes. Long ago my ancestor, King Tharl, led an army south across Tragoth and was never seen again. He and his army must have come to an end near here. I found it! The Royal Helm of the Northlands is mine! I shall return to my people and rouse them against the usurpers!
Day 40
Rode hard and fast into the forest and through scattered beeches and elms.
Day 41
We entered into this lower, wretched plane in search of a new slave, having been alerted by the discovery of The Helm. An excellent way of selecting those fit for the role of our slaves. This diary, now ensorcelled, will play the same role should it be found...
Kathor, Lord of Spectres