Success!!!!!

I decided to try again to head out to the deserted outpost and look for one of the Relics. Adventuring with the same group I did before, I was hoping that we worked together much better then before. This process is so unlike the Iron's way of operating. I see advantages, but also I have experienced disadvantages. So far, the disadvantages have been obvious.
 
The trip out was once again, not so smooth. Our camp was invaded by a small goblin party. Zorak, hesitated to wake us and the goblins seemed to get the openers on us. Lucky for us, they lack my skill with ranged weapons. Instead of just shaking one of us, Zorak choose to yell, waking everything in the kingdom, along with us.
 
I awoke to the yelling to see arrows flying through the camp. Drawing my weapon, I fired a shot hitting one of the invaders in the forehead, spraying both brain cells on his mate. The party dropped all but one gobby who decided the camp invasion was an il-fated idea. We chased the last invader, once I got in range, I fired a shot, hitting him in the back of his head. The body falling forward into the dirt, with his head burrowing a trench where he lay.
 
After some discussion about how standing watch worked, the rest of the nights proceeded uneventfully.
 
Approaching the deserted outpost, we stumbled across bandits hitting a caravan. 2 fighters were locked into battle. As we approached, we convinced them to drop their weapons and take neutral position. One of the wagon guards expelled his last breath to me. Taking his tips, we secured the two fighters, and I searched the bodies finding the rogues bands identifying markers. Checking the two remaining fighter, one did have the red pocket inlay. I choose to free the other fighter who summarily executed the bound fighter.
 
Other may be offended at the action, but I had no issue with it. This band just cleaned out everyone he was with. We assisted in the disposition of the bodies, Zorak giving last rights. He left us, head down, with his wagon, heading for town.
 
So far, this group has had 3 events in two attempts at the outpost, and we haven't gotten to the outpost yet.....
 
Eventually, we finally came to the outpost, which, was no longer just an outpost. It was refurbished into a small keep with defensive battlements. After some discussion, we decided to assault in the evening, under the cover of darkness. The idea was to stealthly take out the guards. My weapons are ill fitted for such attacks. The noise generated is quite loud. Someone looted a short bow off a goblin. I have never used one, but it seemed pretty balanced. My first shot downed a guard. In fact, I downed numerous guards. I just may keep this item for future stealth missions.
 
As we cleared one guard post, we were able to approach without being spotted. We moved to a corner and using alchemy alcohol, set up a small bonfire to start the wooden battlements on fire. Hopefully, this will attract enough resources to allow us to complete the mission. We surreptitiously moved our way into the main hall where we found a monk and acolytes.
 
The battle was in our favor from the beginning. The acolytes support of the monk were efficient, but we handled the Monk pretty well. We still had some communication issues in battle. Paragon getting in the way of my abilities, but in the end, we completed out mission defeating the monk and one of the two acolytes. The other acolyte surrendering, after I put a bullet through the monks head, spraying his brain all over the acolytes face. The look on his face was complete surprise, interlaced with dry heaving disgust.
 
The trip back was uneventful. Returning Galvars body to Abbendis with the item, and the remaining acolyte to be dealt with as he saw fit. Abbendis was visibly disappointed, but he didn't seem in despair from his brothers death. Making a mental note of this, we collected our loot and moved on.
 
The haul was considerable for adventurers of our experience. Not much in magic, but the general loot brought us tangible value. Overall, aside from a few glitches from not adventuring together enough, we all paired well. My skills in missile fire shined of course, but that was never in doubt. The Gods were on my side today with my aim. I also experienced some of the advantages of this process. The success of this mission has inspired me to stay a bit longer.
 
After cashing in, I mosey'd through town and found a little guy who builds items with imbued magics. This fascinates me. Spending time with this person, I picked up some skills. I cannot wait to build this skill set with my fighting abilities. EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Time to check the message board for more adventure!