Session 3

Upon wrapping things up with Shane, I again acted out of selfish desire as I advised we head towards the temples to inform them of the information we gathered with the cultists near Maford.
 
Given the nature of those around me, I'm sure they would understand my plight and understand my near zealot desire to find information about this cult and the members involved, perhaps even want to help me, but as we have just met, I can't see myself willing to disclose that information to them completely yet nor involve them in such dangerous situations, even if we do find our selves in them as we have traveled together.
 
This is my fight and burden to bear, I won't let more innocent people get hurt if I can help it.
 
Remembering that Mara and Ashton had shown interest in the Church of Kord back in Maford, I thought it would be best to head to the one here in Twin River first. Give them a chance to commune with their god, while I talked with whoever was in charge. And as I had predicted, Mara immediately went to pray somewhere ( at least that is what I assumed she was doing ) while I looked around, eventually settling my eyes upon who looked like the man in charge, and approached to inform him of what happened deep in the forests around Maford.
 
Introducing himself as War Cleric Rabalt, he appreciated the information given to him, and when we asked if there was anything we could help with, he pointed us toward Berthold. Admitting that his forces were thin and some activity needed investigation, we agreed to head to one of the hovels in Oakshade and began our way there.
 
For as long as I can remember, other than the occasional vagrant staying here, this place has been vacant. Upon entering, it looked nearly the same as the last time I was here, but there were subtle differences. I found footprints within the layer of dust on the ground that led to a crate in a corner, and when I investigated further, I discovered it was a hidden door with a ladder that led below, likely to a basement.
 
The basement looked abandoned — at least it seemed that way until someone sneezed, and a battle ensued. More cultists. We were able to take down two of them and capture another, who didn't want to be taken alive and attempted to run into a pillar to collapse the ceiling around us. Thankfully, we subdued him further and shoved him inside a crate for safekeeping.
 
Speaking of crates, hidden behind them was a set of stairs that descended even further down, and using my stealth, I went to the next level, which appeared to be a catacomb filled with bones, death, and mustiness. Seeing it was safe, I called for the others to join us.
 
As we went deeper in, there were more cultists, more of those dogs, which Shane had informed us what they were, but that name illues me. It's not something I want to put to memory. Then, these creatures seemed to blend into their surroundings, attacked us. One struck me down with a fatal blow, and if it weren't for whoever picked me up, I would have been done for as when I came to, I could see where the creature tried to burrow through my armor and into me. I need to figure out who that was and thank them later.
 
Venturing deeper into this floor, we spotted one chamber with a gargoyle; it had a piece of cloth within its mouth, and I was very suspicious of that, but it seemed harmless for now, so we continued.
 
With my little health, I approached the next battle warily, choosing to fight from a distance instead of engaging face-to-face. With Mara and Ashton in their face, we brought them down when they rejected Chael's desire to offer clemency.
 
Once we are out of here, I must remember to give Chael the ingredients I bought while in Maford to have more healing potions. I will need them, especially if I am not careful and not thinking clearly while in battle.
 
I'm curious to see what is beyond the next door, but also fearful, as I don't want to go down again and be a burden upon the others.