The Expedition Departs

General Summary

After three days of preparation, the expedition to the Shrine of the Preserver departed The Spire of Truth. Those three days were not uneventful, though, as it was discovered that Gharlos had a checkered past. During his time as member of the dreaded Apple Dumpling Gang, Gharlos participated in bank robberies in Cyrecuze. Learning that the expedition, Gharlos included, was about to depart, the associate commandant of the Larissa Watch ordered Tiberius to take Gharlos into custody. If convicted, Gharlos will live out the remainder of his natural life breaking rocks to ship to Gneiss…   The first couple of days on the road to Paludis Oppidum (Swampton) were relatively uneventful. Ard Almiead's road systems are set up for easy merchant travel. The roads are paved and at regular intervals there are a series of campgrounds with amenities and services. A new caravanner named “Coop” joined the expedition, working in various capacities. During lunch one day, Coop and Tiberius noticed Prof. Tybalt Muse folding and surreptitiously placing a paper bird in the crook of a tree. Very suspicious, indeed. Near Swampton, Capt. Markesh held a briefing to lay out plan for the journey into the swamp. From Swampton, the expedition would proceed via swamp boats, Navigating the large rivers and finger tributaries that constitute the River Kawa delta. Clearly trepidatious about returning to the Shrine, Capt. Markesh warned everyone about the “froggy bastards,” or bullywugs, that decimated and harried his previous journey.   The stop in Paludis Oppidum was relatively uneventful, but Tiberius was able to discover that the swamp is also home to a moon shining family of swamp people who may be in thrall to a black dragon. Pirates and sahuagin also prowl the dark waters.   Shortly after departing the safety of Ard Almiead’s last fort, Fort Floodgate, the expedition was waylaid by the “froggy bastards.” Bullywugs and giant frogs attacked the boats from the sides and from the front and behind. The encounter was bloody indeed. Roughly half of the explorers were killed, including the expedition’s academic leader, Pinkus MacEarthy. At length, despite numerous blunders, Tiberius, Coop, Tybalt, and Aemon managed to drive off or kill the ambushing monsters. Captain Markesh was sorely wounded in the exchange and has ordered the survivors to set up camp. No comfort to be had the first night out. The stale air reeks of death, decay, and fear. Who knows what horrors await in the coming days?