The Search Continues

Im more determined to find the evil behind the resurgence of Caste Drakkenhoff. On the work board, someone was putting together a group to investigate strange happenings just west of the Castle. Is it connected? Some of the names were familiar. Jafar had signed up and we have completed some quests in the past. The Ranger and Barbarian were new. However, there was an unexpected surprise with him.
 
When we gathered, the barbarian dragonkin seemed awfully familiar. In fact, he knew how I died in a previous life. Kelemvors first test of my character. The memories slammed me. The onslaught was fast, relentless, rife with so many emotions. I felt I didn't like this one much. His voice, his speech pattern, all seemed sooooo familiar. He was also rude, personal, and frankly, dumb as a rock. That being said, he swung his blade with impressive strength and accuracy. The Doomguide said there would be instances like this. Kelemvor tests my patience with this one. I can see why I didn't like him much.
 
Enough of that, the mission. Apparently, wildlife was acting strangely. We headed to Whitesparrow Village first. A 5 day trek. Uneventful trip. Usually, I can forage enough nourishment for the group but my focus was off. The Dragonkin got into my head. Luckily, the Ranger was my equal in survival technique.
 
We arrived at Whitesparrow on day 5. A little investigation lead us to an Inn where a dwarf beard deep in ale. Thomas Windcastle – black sheep of family as he described himself. He worked for Gold Peak Explorers. His family disregarded his warnings and continued off to work. They haven't returned and he cannot muster the courage to go and see. He told us of the extreme aggressive nature and frankly, the blood bath the wildlife was involved in.
 
On the way, we found a trail of carcasses. Ripped to shreds. Investigation revealed that the carcasses were assaulted from all forms of wildlife. A deeper dived revealed even monstrous wounds. We dispatched the wolves easily and didn't have to work hard to find the trail to the mine. It was literally a train of flesh and blood. We continued on without spending a lot in resources.
 
We arrived at the camp and there were numerous Death Dogs. Two headed canines. The battle wasn't difficult, but it did expend a lot of resources. After killing the beasts, we decided to camp and proceed in the evening. Not only to recover resources, but the cover of night might be an advantage. After the battle, I heard what I believed was music on the wind. Harkening back to my experience with Seraphina, I wonder how she is doing..... Harkening back to her, I remembered how she contacted us by whispering on the wind. Closing my eyes I concentrated. It was music, there was a beat, a melody, but it was unfamiliar. It also seemed to try and permeate my mind. This was mind magic.
 
As we entered, more bodies. Dwarves, even a bug bear. While investigating, I was able sense a chattering sound. This was insect like and not a part of the melody. Turning the corner, giant insects were feeding on a carcass. Stone statues lined the area. Another basilisk maybe? I positioned myself behind what appeared to be a siege drill. The insect charged and spit acid, burning us. Again the battle wasn't difficult. We were able to dispatch the Ankhegs swiftly. A short rest allowed us to regain some health.
 
Searching the room, I found a hallway where the music was louder. Maybe the point of origination. The hallway was littered with bodies. I noticed these did not die from wildlife. The wounds were clean cuts. The lacerations were cauterized by great heat. A search of the nearby area showed a possible way to disarm the trap. Jafar's skill saved us from blades and lightening. This was fortuitous because in the other room was a Chuul, and had we been at half health, things may have been different.
 
In the grand scheme of things, we dispatched the Chuul with moderate effort. It was huge! It literally picked up the Dragonkin in one claw. However, this was a bad move. This kept the barbarian in arms reach, and he was quite effective in his butchering of the beast.
 
Afterwards, we discerned the fountain in the middle of the room was the source of the melody. It tried to push through my mind, but I was able to fend it off. I can see while the animals were driven wild. The melody attacked ones instincts. The statue in the fountain was of a Drow Female. Ornate, finely carved. I looked to the ranger, who is a Drow. Watching him for physical responses to this discovery. My insight told me he didn't know what this was. We all participated in the destruction of the fountain. This did stop the music.
 
Overall, I don't think this was connected to Drakkenhoff. If I had to guess, I would suspect an underdark insurgence was responsible. On the bright side, this was a highly profitable venture. We headed straight back home, bypassing Whitesparrow Village.
 
In the end, we found some useful gear and the net monetary intake allowed me to invest in better protection. I also was able to spend time and get some Warrior type training. Learning to melee using a technique to increase my personal protection. They also taught me how to use my adrenaline to boost me in battle. Not having to heal myself and being able to fight defensively allows me to use my magical healing on others. Additionally, I have found a link to my past. Rory, the barbarian, seems to be someone who can fill in some history. I may have to spend more time with someone I don't particularly like. This must be what the Doomguide meant by me not necessarily wanting to find my past. The irony is not lost on me..........