I've seen this in a few other regions, and I believe it's a great idea. I first saw it in Sword Coast South, DM Mike's region and over time in other places as well. So, since the players seemed to like it, why should I keep you from earning extra XP?

This is a place for everyone to post IN CHARACTER all of their thoughts and feelings.  This is also a great place to keep track of important bits of information such as mission tips and NPC names, instead of going all the way back and search previous threads for the information.

To inspire you to write, an xp award is given for each post.  Be sure to write true feelings and thoughts.

So let's try it!

Log of Mundin Granitearmour
Scion of the Grey Hall

It's been a couple of weeks since we left that edifice of cursed stone, and those of us that left feel the scars still.  Tis been awhile since I wrote in me journal, tis time to get things up to date I dare say.

Jonquol was a decent leader, for an elf that is.  Seemed to take charge and have everyone's interest at heart.  Maybe it be that he agreed with me more often than not, but I dinna care really.  I be glad that he made his way out of that place.  His injuries were even worse than mine when we finally got out of that horrid place.

Wrath was a good man, and I'd dare say a great brother dwarf, but I dinna think I want to adventure with him again if he remains so hot-blooded that he canna see any reason.  I dinna know that rascal Joey, but I could see where he was not doing what he should.  Still, we needed the rascal, and I dinna think Wrath could ever see that.  I be happy to get away from their bickering, though I doubt either of them forgave me for screaming at them like they be children.  I suspect in a way, they still were.  I be not much older than Wrath was.

I never met Aanir, and barely knew Loorn, but I doubt either of them could hold a candle to Opa Merryweather.  I never knew what happened to Aanir, and I mourn the loss of Loorn, as he died bravely at the end there, gods find him peace.  But seeing those dead beings just carry her, that little gnome of a halfling, away like that, my friend.  I swear I'll find her... my quest of vengeance against that White Dragon can wait.

Osfrid however was hard to take, seeing him fall against that horde.  He fought as a warrior and not merely a priest that day.  He did Lathander proud I say before the end.  He be a good friend, and an excellent companion on our quests, but he be at rest now, and I will miss him.

Now I be further from the Grey Hall as Jonquol took me here to Heliogabalus.  Considering he was still after that bloody Necromancer and I was only too happy to oblige, considering that Opa was still a captive.  I pray to Moradin that she be alive.  Alive or no, there will be a reckoning.  My mace has more of these dead to speak to.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:31, Fri 09 Dec 2005.

Official Log of Haroldar Quarig to Duath Tredegar.

Have come to Heliogabalus.  Someone with a serious sense of irony or humor has named this place- the sun hardly ever shows its face here.  A little trouble going north, but nothing I couldn't handle.  Orc situation on the borders of Damara must be dealt with soon, however, or we will see a hoard the likes of which has not been in the region since the days of Vastar.  Did a little trimming of their numbers, but nothing that makes a dent in the problem.

As per orders, am scouting the local inns and taverns for possible comrades.  Hope to find suitable adventurers with right values to join.  Also listening for news on Zhengyi and related troubles, though hard to divide fact from frightened superstition with these people.  The trouble they go to in burying their dead, you'd think they were all devout skullheads of Kelemvor.  Justified though after dealing with numerous undead waves.

To the Glory of the True.  May he guide my paths, may I bring him pride and glory.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:35, Fri 09 Dec 2005.

The report of Whitefeather to Kinland:

Personal note:
What have I done wrong to be here.  Why did you not send one of the less pure hosts to be with this stupid elf.  He really has lost to plot this time.  I almost wish someone would put him out of his misery but he not miserable in himself so even that would not work.

Report:
Thamol was as I last told you was wandering aimlessly as usual though the forest of Chondalwood went he came across a Dryad.  (I know we serve Rillifane but why one of them creature).  Well another miss spent week with her was clearly on the cards.
Well that I could handle but why did she have to tell him about the last winter tree.  The most northern Dryad and her ice tree.
Did she not know he believe her.  Well maybe she did.  Many be she though it would be funny.  Well it not.
So the stupid elf believed her about it and that if he finds her she give him one of great ice gems she has.  Give him ice gem.  Nobody in there greatest moment of foolishness would give Thamol a read magic scroll let alone a great artefact.
Well he suddenly became alive with interest and said he seek her out.  The Dryad should just laugh at this point but no.  She gave him one of her acorns from her tree.  Told him to give it to the Winter Dryad.  Well that was it, Thamol was off like shot.

Well one last goodbye to Dryad but that Thamol for you.

Only thing I will say is he stuck at it.  Why now, why stick at it now.  A ship from his forest north to the moon sea.   Then across to Damara.  For an elf of forest the stupid creature spent most of last year on boat and didn't mind.

We picked up a wolf on way.  After he left his old friend behind in Chondalwood saying it would be unkind to take the wolf so far north.  Well I have say he does care about the creature his incharge of.  Even me.  Made me nice nest to sleep in, in his backpack.  Warm their.

We here now in Heliogabalus.  Just got in yesterday and I got no idea what he going to do now.  I don't think he does.

Final Note:
Well at lest in this climate I don't have to worry about mites in my feathers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:41, Fri 09 Dec 2005.

My my... Some really great posts! Please find your rewarded XP in the respective post! - Thanks for a great read!

-DM Raven

  Out in the wilds for the first time without the rest of my unit backing me up.  I must admit that it's exciting and frightening at the same time.  When I make a name for myself as a hero and adventurer I'm sure my return to the  shining city of Silverymoon will celebrated. Then I will be rewarded with a command of my own to run as I see fit.  Of course I must deal with the uncivilized rural folk that live out here but that's the price I have to pay to earn my commission.  We elves are a patient load so a few decades of dealing with peasants shouldn't be a bother.  After all I'm an elf from Silverymoon and my superior breeding should be apparent.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:45, Mon 19 Dec 2005.

The report of Whitefeather to Kinland:

Personal note:
Why is it when I think things could not get worse they do.  Looks like I am in for large amount of running around in snow with Thamol chancing his own tail.

Report:
I am sorry to write a new report so soon after the last one but I am sure you like an update on what just happened.
It seems Thamol has fallen in with a group of the most disreputable of adventurous going.  They have managed to talk him into joining a quest for a Necromancer in the area.  As usual he forgotten what he was doing to run of after something else.
The group, 2 other elves (most likely exiles), a dwarf (say no more), a halfling wizard (yes wizard) and a human or two (can’t have group with out human trying to lead it can you).  I am told their more but we see.  The most misfit and unorganised group I ever seem.
Seems they going try to free some friends of the dwarf and kill some undead.  They spun him some line about the Necromancer making an army of undead and going to stop him.  Seems he now think he going to single handily stop an undead horde.  Turn the evil tide.  I tried to tell him he is a druid not a cleric but he would not listen.  NO!  Well it just the sort of clap-trap he’d fall for.
Thormal is as usual total unprepared for such things.  I think he turn tail at the first site of them and disgrace us all.  Really don’t think the party know what waste space he is.
He seems to believe that by moving around with this lot he going to find his Ice Tree.  One site of this lot and that dryad will turn them all to ice if she got any sense.  Really can’t see this lot helping him, but then he is beyond help so why should I think any different.
Not that I believe she excises anyway.

Final Note:
I would have note that Thamol showed usual sense by not getting involved with disagreement between one of elves and a human.  It was over who was best archer.  Seems Thamol though it silly and did not wish to get involved with silly contest.  Seems he does have some sense.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:47, Mon 19 Dec 2005.

Despite the cold, this is proving to be an interesting place. I cannot be sure what brought me here, but I plan to make the most of it.  I have met up with quite the odd assemblage of folks, and it seems we are to undertake an "adventure" together.  I am not sure what to make of everyone, though I find that halfling with the long beard quite amusing.  I was surprised to encounter another elf of Silverymoon so far away from home, but I'm confident that I'm not being followed.  I doubt that officer who drove me out of town even remembers my name ... if he ever knew it at all.

The elf's name is Quansil, and he certainly seems a bit overbearing and arrogant. I've met lots like him, both human and elf.  I remember some of those oh-so-superior types from the militia and guard when they used to come visit mother and the rest of the women ... I shall have to keep alert for a good opening for a practical joke to play on him.  I could not help but be impressed by his skill with a bow, though.  That should come in handy when we go after this necromancer and his horde.  Doubt that necromancer will have much of a sense of humor, either.

Strange that Erevan brought me here.  It is so very cold. I hope the great jester isn't playing a joke on me.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:48, Mon 19 Dec 2005.

Mo' great reading an' mo' XP heading you're way... :-)

Official Log of Haroldar Quarig to Duath Tredegar, entry 2

Have met with a group of adventurers on quest, possibly two-fold.  Mundin, a dwarf from these parts, is our ostensible leader, as he and an elf, named Jonquil, are the survivors of an expedition against a necromancer and his minions.  Mundin wishes to rescue these two, a Lathanderite cleric and a halfling mage, from the necromancer's clutches.  We are also investigating reports of a horde rising on the Vaasan border.  The two may be connected, though no information is known as yet about the make-up of this horde.  I know such desires are unseemly, but I fervently hope there are orcs present; I will sing hymns to Torm as I cleave through their vile forms.

The makeup of this group is rather mysterious, so I should fit in well.  First is Feremar, a human.  Though the cold here is just shy of that one would expect in the Nine Hells, this man wears little clothing.  Enough to be decent, but certainly not enough to ward off the chill.  From comments he has made, I suspect he might be a follower of Ilmater the Sufferer.  I would be glad to have another follower of the Triad with me, but I wonder how long he will last dressed as he is.

Next is a halfling named Criston.  An older being, I rightly suspected that he was a mage (the frog he had sit atop his shoulder was a good sign).  He is rather cantankerous, reminding me of the stereotypical old men from the mummers' farces in Tantras.  His experience and wisdom (and accumulated knowledge, I hope) will be invaluable.  He is looking for a lost nephew, which may or may not tie into our quest for the horde.

Then there is Filean, a rather flighty elf.  He wears an oddly shaped star around his neck in much the same fashion as my gauntleted hand.  I know very little about his skills, though he intimated that he might be somewhat larcenous.  Time will tell, and I will need to make sure that he does not use such skills for harmful purposes.

After that is Quansil.  A native of Silverymoon, I've taken, and based on conversations between him and Filean a member of their militia.  Unfortunately, he fits every negative image of the elves- a haughty man with great pride in his race and his skills.  I challenged him to a contest of archery, hoping to deflate his ego.  Sadly, I succeeded in merely deflating my own.  Torm taught me humility through that, thank him.  Should Quansil get over himself, I sense he and I would be fast friends, as I suspect we have a shared love of the woods.  His bow and steady hand will be assests enough until then.

Finally there is Mundin.  He seems, like the few other dwarves I've met, as if he were carved from the very rock of the earth itself.  A faster friend I have never met, though.  He is greatly concerned about his missing comrades, and the two others that perished he mourns deeply.  A loyal man, hard to find these days.

As our mission progresses, I will update you accordingly.  Glory to Torm, the True Light of Virtue and Valor.

Haroldar

PM

The report of Whitefeather to Kinland:

Personal note:
I not sure I proud of Thamol or what to slap him hard.  Many I find it hard to except somehow he has more to him that stuiped dreamer.

Report:
We have know for a long time that many of other elves have lost touch with nature and are to interesting in books.  An elf, yes and elf tried to run down Thamol and the ways of nature.  He called all wild elves ignorant savages.  He really did ran his own kind down.  Thamol put up a brave fight.  He showed great incite and understand that I did not think he had.  Somehow all the lessons he had in the ways of druid came out.  He seems to understand the value of other people but also the careful ways of Wild Elf.  Where did the "The things we value will be around long after all your builds are rubble and your books are just wood pulp that some fungus has eaten.  What good will your Civilization be then?" come from?  What a line.  I still can't belive he said it.
I send you a full rundown of the conversation.  You would be proud of him.
He as named the elf Quansil Valania "Child" for his words and called on all of nature to recognize the name.  I did not think he understood such things.  It seems he does.  I must request that you uphold this naming and let all our kind to know this elf this way.  Let the wind and earth, the trees and flower, the birds and beasts to know his elf as Child until he reconciled the ways of nature.

Final Note:
I feel however this event is a one off.  It seems he quit cable of defending his own kind and our ways.  I fear however this does not go any future went comes to himself.  I feel he will still chance after rainbows and butterflies at every turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Mon 09 Jan 2006.

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Sat 14 Jan 2006.

Well, this place is certainly not the most friendly of environs.  The gnome who worked the front desk at the town hall was an officious and overbearing sort, exactly the kind of small-minded person who picks on others whenever he gets a chance and is fool enough to think he actually has a modicum of power.

Things were interesting indeed at town hall, though. It seems they have some sort of magical security system, and it went off all right at the dagger I keep hidden in my boot.  Luckily, I was able to tell them a little sob story and escape with just a bit of fine. I daresay the money was worth the entertainment.  I suppose I feel a pang of guilt at besmirching my mother's name in the tale, but I suppose it is not so, so far removed from the truth.

This group is proving to be an interesting lot.  I continue to dread Quansil's opening his mouth.  He represents all the worst things I remember about many of the soldiers in Silverymoon.  In truth, I do not know if I will be able to stand his company long.  Perhaps something should be done to deflate his ego sooner rather than later ...

A Pray of Thanks.

To Rillifane Rallathil "The Leaflord".

As the tree roots stretch out fare beyond the trunk.
So do your influence and power extend beyond the forest.
You wish, all creatures to have their place.
They should live out the fullness of life.
You have given me life and friends.
I think you for my new companion and friend.
Donama (Silverflower).
Long may she run and far.
Free and strong.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Mon 23 Jan 2006.

Penville's Scribblins - Year of the Bloodbird 215th day
(Written by Gregor Ironfist of the White Dragon Clan)

Yes, you can start writing now, no not that bit, right here we go It's been a hard and long journey, but good to be back into colder climes. It gets a little hot down south and the people are nice but the big spider people ain't. Did I tell you about them? They killed all my party! And they were going to eat me, well I'm told, but Bigby, RAAWFF, oh did you write that as well? Well leave it in, Bigbys been with me ever since we left home.

Umm where was I? Oh yes, okay, so I was in like my first ever group, and things were going well, we'd been out and found the orc tribe that had been hunting all the caravans. And so after... God he drones on. Good job he can't read this. But of course we couldn't leave him there, so we had to drag him out, Bigby helped. He likes whiskey you know, apparently it was a St Bernard that told him of it. I don't know. I can't speak dog. Would be good, but it seems a very complex language.

Thanks for doing this for me, it's a bugger not being able to read or write stuff down, especially when you're trying to write songs and things as I forget them sometimes. Umm right so then these spider things came and killed us all. And I think they only left me and Bigby as we were little. I got PLAYED WITH! A kids toy! I wish I had more learning as then I could cast spells, I mean I know how but I've not got the talent. Seems I need magic to get magic! Ha!

Anyways I got rescued but then this monster thing came and ate half the new rescue party! So Bigby ran out, and with me on top. Hope they heard the thanks, not sure if I even got their names? Well anyways, I'm heading on to the next town, to see if I can get another group or something. I need to do this adventuring thing. Errm how much I owe you? Right here we go, oh cross that bit out.

Temp - post - are we back to using this again?

*Rawooof rasoo woo woooga woooo rawww warra, ooooooowwwwww raraaa woo wagga gwaas shaa rawwooo woof woof woof fooowww raweaaw*
(Shortened due to the chances no one will read this bit anyways)

Translation by Redtrunk the druid: So me and Penny went a wandering further into the ecological expedition in our old backyard. Searching for a death seeker who raised abominations against the souls gods given will to remain at rest. Still with the mins and soul gone, the body is but a empty husk able to be used by such arcane evilness to their own foul purposes. Met up with a group from the short statured dwarven kin, to the lushcious ladies and blood hungry men and the lightfleeted elven party members. Lets hope they last longer than the last lot. Pretending to be a normal dog for spider people was alright, but the smell of that place. A nice hay bed and fresh meat is all one needs.
- note by Redtrunk, I have used what words seem most appropriate and I was able to comprehend.

The report of Whitefeather to Kinland:

Personal note:
We back out in cold again.  Why does he like this place so much.  Does he not know it cold.

Report:
A lot has happen since my last report.  I sorry it taken so long but I was not sure what was going to happen.  First I must tell you Thamol got the items you sent him.  The Leafweave leather and clock are really nice and he looks the true elf in them.  They do however not fit in with the cold bleak land we in.  He still does not know the staff is from the great Oak.  The first ever one planted by our Lord.  I am sure over time it will show it powers.
Thamol showed some sort of back bone again and told the very unpleasant elf he did not want to be with him any more.  It seems the group agreed with Thamol and elf left the group.
Three more creatures have joined the group.  A half drow, half human. Thamol seem to like him.  I really not sure about that but I keep my eyes on him for Thamol sake.  A very strange halfing with dog as pet.  Last is Tarmes a human female.  Well what can I say.  She has all right curves.  As usual Thamol has made it clear he likes her.  What humanoid female does he not like.  She not taken him up on his offer yet but I fear it only time.  As usual I can’t ell the poor girl not to get involved with Thamol.  I just hope she see how inept he really is.
It seems all Thamol time out here in cold has developed his skills in way of nature.  I still don’t think he really cut out for the role you want for him.

Final Note:
Are you sure I have to say with him.  He only going to get himself killed.  Please can I come home it cold.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Wed 03 Jan 2007.

Journal of Mundin Granitearmor, Scion of the Grey Hall

I be somewhat saddened at the departure of the high elf, but I fear it be good riddance.  He had a great deal of knowledge but could not bend to fit the needs of the group, or that the group may not be entirely ideal, nor that young ones may have vital information for us.  Bloody fool, he be, but I wish Quansil well.

Thamol follows loyally, though he be rather aloof, even for a wood elf.  The others that now form the party are rather unusual.  One halfling that seems to bear clothing cross between a barbarian and a jester.  A boisterous young lady that seems advanced to a point, but still somewhat uninitiated in the cold wilds of Vaasa.  Another quiet young lass whom I seem to feel I'll take a liking too, even if she doesn't want to talk so much.  The exact opposite of Opa, but she I believe is a fair enough lass, who may make luck instead of believing in it, a rather odd Tymorran I must say.

The last I speak of is a half-drow, who seems more haunted by his heritage than one who wants to embrace it.  I may come to like this fellow, but will reserve my opinion until I see him, or anyone else in battle.

Until then, Fafnir and I will be part of any part to track down this bloody Neconlius, and perhaps then, I'll find out what happened to Opa.  Osfrid and Loorn will not have fallen in vain, this I swear it!

Journal of Zar'Da, Follower of the Bronze Wyrm

It has taken many days but it would seem Ronal and his sister had finally warmed up to me. I was extremely saddened that I could not help in saving his mother and father, a condition I am all too familiar with. They are a good couple of children, but I fear that revenge is now the only thing that keeps the boy warm at night. I do so hope he lets that go or else it will consume him, yet another subject I am well versed in. I have met up with a group that seems hell bent on finding and stopping this foul Necromancer that I have been following. I am a little leary of this group not knowing just how they really are yet, but they seemed to shrug off my heritage and are giving me a chance to help which is all I can ask. I am reserving my personal judgment on these fine folks until I have traveled and fought beside them for a while.