9th of Uktar - Visitors Arrive

In the early hours of the 9th of Uktar, the townsfolk awoke to a deep chill in the morning air. The winds overnight shifted and brought the cool mountain air down from the mountains in the north. A thin layer of frost coated everything in town and left many walkways slick with ice.

The sun was trying desperately to burn through a heavily overcast sky but to no avail. The grey clouds reduced visibility in the valley as the peaks of nearby hilltops were beginning to be obscured from view. What little could be seen showed that the nearby hilltops were beginning to take on their pre-winter snow as caps of white could be seen circling the town.

Throughout the day, people made their usual preparations for this time of year. Shelters were built up for animals, food stocks were inventoried and set aside in cellars for later use. Even the fishermen were busy starting to pull their boats in from the chilly waters of the lake for the season.

In all this activity, many people didn't notice a group of heavily armed strangers enter town in the early afternoon from the main road. The motley group of six individuals went to the Olden Inn to rest from their travels on the cold road.

Later in the day, another group of individuals also entered town. Unlike the previous six, these visitors drew much attention, mostly due to their strange appearance. The group consisted of 4 individuals all garbed in long purple robes with cowls over their heads. This group also wandered over to the Olden Inn to spend the rest of the day.

What brings all these strangers to town?

8th of Uktar - Abbot Toler laid to rest

What a difference a day can make.

The viewing went well in the early morning hours. The townsfolk each walked by the preserved body of Abbott Toler and expressed their gratitude for everything he did for the town. Once everyone had a chance to say good, Saril stepped forward to address the crowd.

"Mayor Baugh has asked me to tell you that there will be a town meeting at the town hall immediately after this service for some important news. All residents are strongly encouraged to attend. Thank you and may Lathander bless you this fine morning!"

It didn't take long for a large crowd to gather just outside the Town Hall. Standing atop the steps near a makeshift podium were several figures, Chaver Aleoc, Mayor Baugh, Council Members Cassandra Boliard, Olgrim Iskara, Horace Leighton and Chrys Zueg, the Regulators and Sheriff Thomas Enomen

First among these to speak was Chaver Aleoc.

"Good morning everyone. As many of you may know, I will be leaving this valley after today's service. Shandukul has told me that my time here is spent and I need to find new horizons to follow. In my stead, Acolyte Vorinn will be taking over the duties of caring for the shrine. Look to him to guide you on each of your paths. And remember, as long as you continue to pay homage to Shandukul, this town will remain safe."

Chaver then steps down from the podium, throws a backpack over his back and proceeds to walk out into the crowd and down the road out of town. Many people pat him on the back as he walks past, but most just stare in confusion after him.

Mayor Baugh, seems a bit taken aback by the comments from Chaver and steps to the podium.

"Ahem.... good morning everyone. Well, there is more news to report this morning. The town guard with the assistance of the Regulators discovered that Abbott Toler's death was not a natural one. Apparently Councilman Renald poisoned the Abbott in an attempt to alter town politics more into his favor. Unfortunately for him, he was killed attempting to sneak out of town late last night."

The Mayor pauses and gives a knowing nod to the Regulators at that last remark. Apparently he and the Council decided that all the facts don't need to be made public at this moment.

"After a through search of his home, a plethora of evidence was recovered. A hidden alchemical shop was found in his basement. A stolen book detailing how to make the poison was found and a journal were found. Based upon this evidence the Council and myself have convicted Councilman Renald in abstentia. Over the next several days, his assets will be sold off and the money will be redistributed to the town fund. Some of this will go to the Regulators in recognition for their assistance in this matter."

The Mayor pauses for a moment to allow what he has spoken to sink in.

"With this turn of events, the Council and I will be planning on holding a special election to select a new member. Those townsfolk interested, please see one of us after the meeting. The election will be held within the next Tenday or two. At this point I'll open the forum up to general questions."

The gathered flock of people erupts into a malestrom of arms and voices. Many questions fly through the air.

Some question why the Regulators were part of the investigation, others want to know what other damage Renald could have done.

Still, one voice carries through the crowd clearly, "So what does this mean? We just lost both of our Priests and one of our elected leaders. Is this all Kritchnor's doing?"

7th of Uktar - Dark Morning Skies

In the early morning hours many townsfolk on their way to church were startled to hear the bells ringing before the dawn service.

As townsfolk arrived at the church, they were greeted at the Church doors by Saril and the other acolytes. They were informed that Abbott Toler had passed away last night.

The news caught many people off-guard and tears were flowing from every corner of the town. Saril took the pulpit and presented a warm sermon to the parishioners.

"My fellow Lathanderites, our beloved leader, Abbott Toler, has passed from this world and gone to meet Lathander. It appears that we passed peacefully during the night. Last night, father Chaver and Seraph worked with Abbott Toler to seal the dreaded portal that was unearthed in the recent earthquake. Through great effort and sacrifice, they were able to finally seal the gateway. We no longer need to fear creatures coming forth from that place ever again. "

He paused a moment to let the words he had just spoken sink in. There was lots of quiet murmuring coming from the crowd as they quickly whispered amongst themselves.

"The fountain that now graces the center of town is an after effect from their efforts last night. The flowing waters now help nourish the tree planted to Pyril. Clearly a positive sign of things to come."

Saril takes another short pause to quickly take a sip of water from under the altar.

"You know, it is moments like this that remind us that our time on this plane is limited. I encourage you all to take a moment out of your busy day today and reflect on what you feel is most important to you. Abbott Toler felt that the safety and well being of this community was the most important thing to him, and I think he passed peacefully knowing that a grave threat was finally removed from our midst."

He nodded to a pair of acolytes who carried forward a floral arrangement and placed it in front of the altar.

"We are currently preparing him for a public viewing for tomorrow morning's services. Until preparations are completed, we have placed these morning lilies in his memory. "

All of a sudden, a bright beam of light appeared through the stained glass behind the altar and illuminated the altar and floral arrangement. A feeling of warmth and calm permeated the room.

With that Saril bowed deeply to the crowd and ended the service by placing a holy symbol of Lathander by the flowers before moving off to the side.

6th of Uktar - The Portal is Sealed

Late on the evening of the 6th of Uktar, the Regulators arrived back to Grey's Deep astride the back of Sisivrul the Silver Dragon. They carried with them a Golden Orb, purportedly capable of sealing the portal to the Abyss recently found in the nearby mountains.

Those able to channel divine energy worked tirelessly through the night and were able to finally seal the gateway. The effort placed a great strain on all involved, but the town was safe once more.

30th of Marenpoth - A snowy morning in the Valley

The early risers in the quiet town of Grey's Deep awoke to a fresh blanket of snow covering the valley this morning.

A quiet snowstorm apparently blew in late last evening and deposited several inches of fresh snow. The already wet ground is now a cold icy slurry. Looking to the surrounding mountains the cloud cover has dropped dramatically and the peaks can no longer be seen.

Travel today will be difficult at best.

The Regulators gathered at the Church of Lathander this morning and received blessings from Acolyte Saril before beginning their trek into the hills searching for demons.