I like weddings.
I especially like outdoor weddings with lots of people and an open bar. And this particular wedding was so lovely and so crowded, I allowed myself to sip wine and even throw my hood back, all the better to enjoy the party and watch the beautiful, blond bride glide down the isle.
Until the goblins showed up.
I don’t mind goblins. Actually, I get along with them quite well, when they’re not trying to beat me or force me into manual labor or anything disastrous like that. It wasn’t
my wedding, either, or my politicking, so I was quite content to simply drain the last of my wine and watch the spectacle. But then the kobolds arrived, and if there’s one thing I hate more than mind-flayers, it is kobolds. Still, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best candidate for combat.
Healing… that’s another matter entirely. My abilities in that respect are a source of pride for me, so when all was said and done, I was more than happy to call upon the strength of my god to heal those brave enough to have entered the fray. I was quite impressed with one particular human warrior—he was the first to draw his blade, and the one to save the bride from sure peril. His name is Harcrit, and aside from the rippling biceps, he possesses a commanding presence. He seems determined, capable, and enterprising; qualities, no doubt, which initially inspired me to ally with him. Along with myself, a stunning elven ranger and halfling militia officer have agreed to accompany him. I’m embarrassed to admit, even to myself, that I can’t seem to recall their names…
We’ve been commissioned by the lord of this particularly sorry excuse for a town to find out what sparked the sudden, strange attack by goblins and kobolds—unlikely bedfellows, though a magician or some larger organization may be involved—and to reclaim a mace that was taken. It’s a local artifact, blessed by a benevolent god and passed down the generations.
Also accompanying us is another girl, with golden hair and the most peculiar eyes. She is undoubtedly beautiful, but for all her loveliness, she seems a bit tactless and naïve. And she seems to think that she has some sort of involvement with our quest because she was invited to the wedding. She’s also become rather adamant about keeping a kobold prisoner-of-war as a
pet. She is infuriating and charming, and manages to be both at the same time, if that is at all possible. Her name, I do remember: Lissah. I think she’s a bard, or a dancer, or something else impractical. It will be interesting to have her as a companion.
My new motley assortment of cohorts and I began at once to look for any clues as to where we should start our investigation. Unfortunately, there were too many odd leads and not enough specific clues for us to find a clear path to the source of these strange events. A cloaked figure was seen on the top of a house; she cast lightening as the battle of the wedding died down and fried several remaining kobolds. My guess would be to keep them silent, though it would be a serendipitous turn of events if she just happened to be fighting with us (or at least against the goblins and kobolds). However, the figure ran off so quickly, we couldn’t ask her directly, and have decided to pursue her instead of tracking either the goblins responsible or the kobolds that attacked in tandem.
After breaking into two groups, we spent most of the day searching for further clues, but tracking was impossible and no one in town seems to be observant, logical, or, indeed, of any use. I’m worried slightly that it’s a fool’s errand we’re setting out on, but I will keep my dourness to myself. Mestarine knows my pessimism is worthless in a situation like this. Look on the bright side, isn’t that what they say? Though I’m finding it hard to find a bright side, after so many decades of being lost in the dark...
