Session 7

Esteemed Council Members,

This report is submitted for your consideration by Initiate Chillax Qualinflow.

Three guild members, Harry, Yna and myself, were approached in the local tavern by a Dwarf. He introduced himself as Halmax, a Cleric and follower of Tor, the God of Justice. He was following the traces of a cult that is wanted in the empire.

The cult members are known to wear leather masks that have tentacles hanging from the face and they make sacrifices to their god. They have existed for some time, perhaps centuries. They are all zealots, come from all walks of life and worship an ancient being. People are known to become missing where the cult is encountered and some of their bodies are sometimes found dead with strange symbols carved into their skin.

Halmax was pursuing leads to the new continent. He asked if we had heard of any local people missing or seen a specific type of writing that he showed us an example of. The writing system is reminiscent of what we saw on the cave walls. We met with Brumgold Westcot and shared the information. He knew nothing about any such cult activity, but suggested we check with the local merchants.

The same party of three guild members, let Brumgold know that we would help Halmax investigate further. We checked with a goods seller. He remembered a group of about eight that bought a lot of supplies before heading into the woods. They seemed novices at exploration based on the weight of their supplies. They asked about territories to the east, towards the cave system. We followed what we were pretty certain were their tracks, based on the heavy footprints, until we reached the logging camp.

I spoke with the foreman. He confirmed that a group of eight humans was seen heading to the east and that they had large packs and a few women included. He was very surprised when they paid him in gold for giving them directions. He also told us of some spherical creature that illuminated light and drifted over the camp recently. It didn't attack, but they had no range weapons to defend themselves. Perhaps adding this would better protect the lumber camp.

We continued following the trail until twilight and then begin to set up camp. A floating pancake tentacle creature approached the camp. I was able to gesture and shout at it and get it to float away. It had the same odd floating behavior we'd seen before in the chameleon like creatures.

Toward the evening of the second day, we saw two large jelly-like creatures, but were able to avoid an encounter with them as well. We discussed how we'd deal with the cultists when we encountered them. Harry planned to try and reason with them first. I expressed concerns that they might attack outright.

We continued to the cave mouth and saw two white tents pitched outside, but noticed no other activity. Halmax heard the sounds of screaming and ecstasy. After pointing it out to us, we all heard it and entered the cave cautiously. The inside of the cave now had torches mounted. We continued cautiously up toward the pool area where we've encountered the small octopi creatures that interacted with Harry and Novad. On the way we found discarded clothing and cult masks.

Beside the pool, we found nine naked creatures that appeared to have human bodies but octopus-like heads. They were all lying close together engaged in a massive orgy. We quickly and quietly discussed the way to approach the group. While we were discussing tactics, Harry seemed disengaged. I noticed a smaller octopus creature beside him again. It looked like one I'd seen him interacting with at camp one night on a previous mission. Harry told us that “little Harry” had told him that the Thumar had joined with the cultists. I was concerned again about the objectivity of my companion and his fondness for “little Harry”.

Just then, the group stood up and one of them spoke. We recognized the voice as Tharzoon, who we encountered on our last expedition. Halmax and Harry tried to reason with Tharzoon. They told him that the cultist were wanted in the Empire for killing innocents and mutilating their bodies. Tharzoon said that now that the cultists had joined with the Thumar, they had left their old lives behind. Halmax stated that he came to the new continent to capture the cultists and that he was reluctant to return empty handed. Tharzoon stated that he would not let him take the others back with him and that once we left, they would probably leave as well. He said they would pursue a new life elsewhere and leave Thumar Harry and Thumar Novad.

I urged everyone to fall back safely outside where we could discuss. Halmax stayed behind to parlay with the now changed cultists. I talked with Harry and Yna outside the cave. Harry told us that he planned to join with Thumar Harry and go with the cultists! He planned to leave a message for us if the cultists left. He wanted us to warn the guild and bring soldiers back to the cave. I was shocked and pleaded with him to reconsider. I told him he'd no longer be a Halfling, but this new creature that would share his mind! But the mind he had left was already made up and Yna and I decided to respect our friend's wishes.

We went back inside the cave and surprisingly Halmax was still talking to them. I felt it was because of Tharzoon that he hadn't been attacked. He easily could have been pushed into the brood pool or killed. Harry told them that he would join the Thumar when our party left. Tharzoon was elated and welcomed him with open arms. Fortunately he was now dressed. However, he did say they all should celebrate. We quickly left for Rockport!

I agree with, what I can only assume now is our former fellow guild member, Harry's last request as a Halfling that soldiers be sent back to the cave. I will gladly accompany them. It is my opinion that although Tharzoon has been friendly toward us, that the Thumar brood are a threat to anyone they interact with and they should be eliminated. We've just lost one guild member to them. Let us lose no more!