Who Steals Wood?

Thankfully the effects of the Mind Flayers magic only lasted the one night. My head finally cleared up in the morning and was able to think critically again. I'm not too surprised that Lucy was initially skeptical in regards to our unit encountering one of those creatures. I knew they were rare and haven't been seen in many centuries but I was not aware they hadn't been seen since the destruction of the World Tree. This may be an ill omen for the future. I'm not entirely convinced this kingdom is equipped to deal with a Mind Flayer incursion. For now though we will just have to wait and see what other intelligence Lucy is able to gather. With luck this was just a singularity and we won't have to deal with them again.
 
With a week of downtime I thought we would have some time to rest and possibly do some research. Unfortunately I was only able to get a few hours in the library they have here at the citadel. But what an incredible library! Oh how I wish we had this resource when I was younger; but knowing my younger self I doubt I would have even utilized it to its fullest potential. I will not squander this resource now that it has been presented to me. It has already provided some amazing value! If the only unrestricted book on Mind Flayers available to me detailed the reproductive cycle of these beings then I can only wonder on the knowledge that is being restricted. Hopefully the meeting with the High Priest on the 21st of 2nd will go well and we will be granted further access. If it goes poorly maybe I can use Lucy's influence to pull some weight and be granted access. That will be a secondary plan of course as the best way to gather knowledge is to be in the good graces of both the High Priest and Asmodeus. If all else fails maybe Danis can provide some clandestine support. He does seem fairly nimble with his hands, and wonder if there may be some other skills that he hasn't share with us yet...
 
I almost didn't recognize Thrazmoc when we met up again. I believe that he embodies the idiom 'Cleans up Nicely'. The smell is a tremendous improvement, though I shouldn't be so offhand with his presentation. I should probably follow in his place and find somewhere to get cleaned up as well. The smell of fish seems to still cling to me. I'm sure my tutors would have a field day with me if they were to see me (or smell me) as I am now. I will take inspiration from Thrazmoc's transformation and follow suit. There must be some baths somewhere in this town.
 
We have only completed one operation so far and been active for a few days and we are already being head hunted by others of the Kings Court. Rowan Steel, Master of Coin, seems to be a pleasant enough person. From first impressions he does appear to be greedy or lavish enough to fill the master of coin role. It seems well earned though if his rise to power is true. I can certainly respect someone who earned their place through both hard work and the knowledge to leverage that gain. I'm eager to see what types of assignments we will be given from him. So far it appears we are on another assignment to prove our worth with this banditry job.
 
I am a bit skeptical on the actual nature of this banditry though. Wagons going missing on the road isn't anything new and I've certainly been on enough missions to patrol trade routes to recognize actual banditry and piracy. This isn't one of them. No one has died, been kidnapped or seriously wounded. In addition whoever is responsible is destroying some of the goods which just doesn't make sense. Why go out of your way to destroy loot? I do not know the answer to this but we will likely find out. The rumors we heard today saying that the wood cutters guild may be facing some corruption may give some credit to this not being a normal bandit operation. If the woodcutters themselves can't feed their families or even themselves with the increased taxes on the goods harvested then maybe the ones committing the crimes are the workers themselves. It would certainly explain why Riggu wants to see the party responsible before being presented to either Keldon or Rowan. I find it odd that I'm actually hoping there are bandits on the road rather than any alternative. Will probably be the last time I hope for such a thing. If its not the last time then this world is certainly becoming something foreign to me.
 
I wonder if the dwarves have any trouble with bandits where they come from. They certainly export enough raw materials to make them a target and yet I never hear tales of them being hit. Then again I suppose I did live most my life secluded from the rest of the world. My ignorance of the world continues to shine through. Maybe someday we will actually travel to their homeland and I can find out for myself. I think I would like that....