Bloody Freezing

Excuse the shaky handwriting. Fingers are still a bit numb from the cold of those awful creatures. Used a bit of phosphor to create a wall of fire. I hope it brought some well deserved warmth after what could've been a horrid end to all of us. Our night of sabotage started off horribly with a giant patrol coming across our hideaway. By happenstance they seemed to have stumbled across us while they were hunting a pair of bears. I had hoped that a Confusion spell would dull their minds beyond use, but that bastard Frost Giant seemed to have willed himself out of it. He took his chance to alert the whole village to our location. Won't be going back there anytime soon. We'll have to make camp elsewhere, Var'ros offered the cavern we find ourselves in. But with our latest discovery that the cavern leads into the tomb below, there is a bit of apprehension of us staying here. I noticed there happen to be a lack of dead bears in the snow where they once laid. Seems one of us used the divine to bring them back to some semblance of life. I won't say that was a terrible choice, but what we just went through, was incredibly harrowing.
 
We sought the cavern out in hopes to gain some monetary reward within the ice wall. Zaxel had a good idea in that he'd use that wall of clockwork to crush the ice into small enough pieces. In doing so my fire wall could easily melt the bits of ice away from our treasure. Unfortunately, the noise seemed to have upset two frost worms that claimed this territory as their home. Won't make that mistake again. Unfortunately it caught most of us off guard as the two tunneled through the walls. Their jaws inspired fear and their breath froze us solid. But the worst came when we had finally defeated one. The blasted creature exploded in the midst of its death throes. Zaxel and Dredoc nearly died, thankfully Giggety was quick enough to pop a healing potion into our little gnome. I felt it my duty to make sure he didn't go down again and used the highest divine magic Sarenrae has bestowed me to keep him alive.
 
I wasn't going to allow anyone to die if I could help it. I had hoped to never have to use such terribly destructive magic. But if it is to save everyone then it will be worth it. The pendant I received in Celwynvian. A dangerous item and one I had hoped to keep to myself if only to keep it out of the hands of nefarious hands. The last worm seemed to be at deaths door, and this pendant could make sure it would fall. I yelled for everyone to clear the area in hopes the creatures death would be less destructive. Thankfully my words didn't fall on deaf ears. They cleared out at my request, and I spoke the terrible incantation. I hope the worm sleeps peacefully. I hope that I have not damned a creature to a plane of existence where all it will know is pain. I've only heard of such magics in books, it was thrilling to hear tales of powerful Mages condemning a creature to death with but a word. Such tales excited me, such powerful magic beyond my grasp. But wielding it now? I'm terrified. This dark enchantment, did it way on their minds as it does mine? It seemed a few of the party saw what I had. I hope none of them ask of the final moments of that battle.
 
For now I shall warm my hands against the flames of the arcane. And keep this pendant still. Var'ros, if you're reading this, and I have fallen. Bring this journal to Meenah. Wherever she is.
 
On the bright side it seems we've come across a magical rod. An immovable rod that extends into a ladder. Oh the practical uses amuse me even now as I ponder about it. I can only imagine the hijinks Zaxel and Var'ros will have for it.