Gobu 3

Dearest Diary,
 
Maybe Olma and Cade were on to something, for nothing short of divine intervention can account for these most recent series of events.
 
Here I was, preparing my manipulations, when the group suddenly returns from their mountain trek, some looking crestfallen, others eager to travel to the Tenebrous. Apparently there's some great slumbering evil within that needs to be destroyed.
 
Of course there is...
 
Still, I shouldn't look a gift lizard in the mouth. Despite their assorted peculiarities, this band can be very competent (when they want to be), and now I don't have to expend any effort in convincing them to bring me to the desert. Sufficient preparation will still be required however, which is why we've teleported to Corp. The trade hub is certainly an interesting place, with all its treehouses and cults. It wasn't long before we encountered a demon possessed parrot (loyal to Pazuzu, I believe). We teamed up with a mysterious halfling man, by the name of Chadwick and took a job for an agreeable (at the time) hobgoblin, Vikkar. Parkeh opted to compete with me for his attention, and I dare say I was caught off guard at her proficiency in such games. Considering my current state (more on that later), subsequent clashes will continue to be in her favor.
 
Regardless, Vikkar betrayed us to the green dragon Viridex (an actual dragon? I didn't think any still lived in the Silent Lands!), whom we had to do battle with. We defeated him, but spiteful creature that he is, he placed a curse on me (another one!), trapping me in the form of a goblin!
 
A carefully planned out and perfected skincare routine, right out the window!
 
The indignity!
 
Although, I suppose I'm in better shape than Vikkar. There wasn't much left of him, but Parkeh has mentioned having the ability to bring people back to life, so I took a finger with me (don't judge me diary!).
 
Regarding the dragon, I can be spiteful too. I would never admit it to Erwood, but I've come around to seeing the value in necromancy, unsightly that it is. I've been studying Erwood's reanimations and while the magic is unfamiliar to me, I think I'm close to managing to replicate it. Certainly the Shadow Weave is capable of supporting such magics. Let's see how the dragon likes shambling about at my beck and call!
 
But I digress...
 
Once Viridex was killed, we managed to raid a portion of his lair (his sister claimed part of the spoils). While there, Chadwick displayed a truly impressive ability, able to seemingly detect all the intelligent beings within the cave. I think he'll make an excellent addition to the group. We returned to Corp, dragon corpse in tow, and I endeavored to announce our victory to the townsfolk. Olma seemed a bit embarrassed for some reason, but I doubt she has any complaints about the discount I was able to get us. I wonder if "the Irregulars" will stick?
 
Speaking of embarrassing Olma, while I'm far too mature to gloat in front of her, at least let me tell you about the delicious irony regarding Olma's powers: Chione has been sacrificing spell-marked individuals and sending that power to Olma! I warned her time and time again that there were no gods in the Silent Lands, but did she listen? Maybe next time she'll be more appropriately weary of unexplained power
 
Certainly, I don't expect to hear anymore peeps out of her about my treatment of Chandra. At least I took steps to remove the actual need for such behavior by the Shadowspeaker, while Olma chose to leave and do nothing about Chione. If Shadowspeaker Ellis decides to continue sacrificing citizens, that's on him and every death by Chione's claws is on Olma.
 
Hmm...
 
Validation aside, I do hope that, should Olma emerge from the Tenebrous, she'll manage to rally herself and return to Kema to deal with Chione. If she doesn't, I suspect it won't be long before Olma is consumed by her guilt, from the inside out.
 
Anyway, we depart for the desert tomorrow morning. What ink and paper I have remaining will be spent detailing the Tenebrous. I think it likely that this will be last time that I'll write you. Thank you, dearest diary, for your companionship all these years. Sad as it may be, you're probably my oldest friend. Try not to miss me too much.