Thumping in the Forest

We began, perhaps too cautiously to the tower. After some failed rock throwing checks, and nothing happening. We proceeded up the tower where I tied him up in an upright standing position. Careful not to pull this corrupted being out of this magic tower which had dark magic pulsing from the tendrils spewing out from this crystal. I went to watch from a safe distance. Dark magic doesn't belong on this world. Between our shit artificer and mage, they were able to find a way to free the man and the crystal from the grasp of the dark magic. This lead to a small pack of animals coming out from the forest to come try to kill us I presume.
 
A short fight later, where I once again showed these imbeciles how to fight. Having killed most of the baddies stalking the forest (again) I threw one of the dead to the feet of Zex, to show him a target he might hit. When the dust settled I was able to interrigate the still tied up arcane user. He feigned negligence but if that's the case then he might be the biggest fool of all. He left no safeguards to prevent such a thing while he was messing with magic deep in the woods with NO OVERSIGHT. Fool. He might have the rest of the party fooled but I will keep a close eye on him. All this from a cracked gem and a complete lack of forethought. It seems these humans produce goods faster than they learn wisdom. A dangerous mix for how short their lives are. Var convinced me to let him go but he will stand trial back in town, mark my words.
 
Also it seems the rabbit lover has learned the value of gold. Someone must have educated him. I had to actually share gold evenly despite how love revived a panther with my dagger still inside it. He owes me a new throwing knife.