Journal of Baern Battlehammer

The sun always sets in the evening, a bear always sleeps in the winter, and my cousins always find trouble. Not only does Gundren refuse to tell me what is so blasted important, he wants me to escort supplies for him, no questions asked. Still, he is blood. I'll be joined by a few others, I'll meet them on the road.

My companions are certainly good in a fight. Porter, for all his grumbling about the flaws of his equipment, is deadly with his bow. We've found Sildar, but Gundren is nowhere to be found. The only thing I have confirming he was even in the area is this curious frog. I know it is Gundren's, but I can't recall when I've seen it before. Ayres assures me it isn't magical, so I'm left with a fancy looking rock that seemed to mean something to my missing cousin. With Sildar in tow, we are headed back along the Triboar Trail. Marthammer Duin guide our steps.

We arrived in Phandalin without further issue. After delivering Gundren's goods, we met James, he claims to be an investor in this scheme of my cousin's. Porter was right about the goods from the Coster, we made a fair bit of coin returning them. The group agreed that taking the fight to these Redbrands was the best way to proceed. I have been hoping to strike a blow against these villains for some time, but I'm surprised the opportunity has come so quickly. I'm troubled by how Porter and Sildar dealt with the survivors of our battle at the bar. Those were men, unarmed, and no further threat. I spoke with Porter about it, but he seems driven by something that carries more weight than my words. We attack again tonight; Porter knows a secret entrance. Marthammer Duin guide our steps.

Our attack on the Redbrands was a success. We've captured the apparent leader, Glasstaff, and delivered him to Sildar and the mayor. Hopefully the introduction of a town guard will prevent such fiends from being able to gain a foothold in the future. Something unexpected was the discovery of a goblin, Droop. For a goblin, he seems remarkably docile and simple minded, like a child. He says he can lead us to where Gundren is being held, but my companions seem dubious. Marthammer Duin guide our steps.

There is more to Droop than meets the eye. He has the mind of a child, but he fights like a beast. He seems to have grown attached to me. He is no ordinary goblin.

Ayres has lost his mind. Or perhaps he never had it, and I never noticed. He tried to slay Droop while I wasn't watching. Even after confronting the fool, he won't see reason, and he won't back down. I am torn. When our work here is done, Droop will have no home, no friends to return to. Perhaps letting him die would have been a mercy, but I cannot live with the death of another innocent on my conscience.

Found Gundren. Lost Droop. I've failed him.

Met back up with the paladin on our way to Thundertree. He seemed like a worthwhile companion, at least until we arrived. Damn fool nearly got us all killed trying to fight that dragon. Porter and I were barely able to escape, there was nothing we could do for the paladin.

Doop's death haunts me. How could I not see his betrayal? I know he made his choice, but the fault lies with me. Had I never brought him along, he would still be alive today.