From ToEE

Daily Diary of Gara Duhl, Holy Warrior of the Orcs

Day Four - Adventure, At Long Last

Woke up. Had a hearty breakfast brought to my room (bacon too fatty but grilled well, tea excellent - must find out where they get it and buy some to take with me). Did my morning exercises, and once again endured shouts about furniture movements and inquiries about the time. Did my morning meditation. Strolled downstairs and greeted my new comrades. That uptight young fellow Benjamin kept starting whenever the serving wenches came past, wincing whenever someone drank a mouthful of beer, and glancing nervously at me as if I was going to eat him. He really needs to relax.

Worried for a moment when I smelled wood smoke - thought the inn was burning down. Realised the smell was coming from a dishevelled-looking forest wanderer who was covered in soot. Very strange... I can only assume nature-mysticism is not paying well and she has has to work as a chimney sweep to make ends meet. At least Vladimir has stopped talking down to me. I may stop calling him "Blabberbeer" now, as I may be in danger of being whacked upside the head with a mace. Grugg seems to be in a bit of a bad mood today. I bet it was all those goblins disagreeing with his tummy.

We seem to have amassed quite an entourage. Also joining us were: a small squeaky creature that employed the word "crikey" (whatever that means) so often that I started to wonder if she was being paid a gold piece every time; that ranger from yesterday, still looking as though she can smell something awful despite the fact that she seems to have cleaned her boots; a dandelion-eating fence-sitter who can't decide between magic and miracles; and finally a very quiet wanderer from far-off lands, some kind of monk, and perhaps a kindred spirit - nice to find someone else who understands the true value of meditation.

Vladimir had heard about some trouble brewing in a previously abandoned stronghold of evil not far off. It sounded like unfinished business, and if there is one thing I can't stand it is unfinished business, people leaving a mess behind. Some adventurers just have no sense of dedication...

Rode to Hommlet. Took quite a few hours, not least because most of our party didn't have the foresight to purchase steeds. By Vargul's empty eye socket, why am I burdened with amateurs? Couldn't do my exercises on horseback, but managed some meditation, despite the many off-key walking songs. Upon reaching outskirts of Hommlet we discovered the aftermath of a goblin attack. I hate to sound anal-retentive, but this is what I really hate about those damned chaotic races - they make such a damned mess!

Followed the goblins' tracks to their lair. The usual stuff ensued: fights, a portcullis, a few secret doors, some wolves, some centipedes (those bites really itch), and a ham-fisted cleric breaking what used to be, by the looks of it, a lovely crystal decanter. For supposedly civilised and law-abiding adventurers, these people seem to be a little too liberal with the smashing of things, and a little reluctant to engage in intelligent conversation with sapient beings (well, as sapient as goblins get, I suppose).

Took home quite a stash of loot, and returned an heirloom to a rather pleasant father. The reward money he gave me was generous to the point of being suspicious... I mean, what exactly do these people grow to be able to afford to throw around hundreds of gold pieces to passing adventurers? I must have a sniff around and see if I can find a secluded field full of "crazy weed". It would certainly explain their bizarre wealth.

Found a nice inn and moved into a long-term suite. Ate a big dinner, paid for by some of our spoils (the veal was superb, and the seedcakes we had for dessert were just delightful). Decided to avoid questions of furniture removal and did my evening exercises out in the coachyard. Attracted some strange looks - you'd think these people had never seen a seven foot tall half-orc engaging in calisthenics before! Did my evening meditation (with the assistance of a glass of the excellent house red). Went to bed.

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