Today, the locals' warnings about the night were proven true, as a stray werewolf smelled us talking outside the temple and attacked us. A sorceress dispatched it, since I had no combat magic prepared, and we went off to see if there were more lurking about.
We tracked them to a lair near the ranger's cottage where I've been experimenting with potion-making. Our group consisted of myself, a human swordsman fittingly named Dirk, miss Kimura, whose talents I am not sure about, as she just hung back with her crossbow like me, the elf Isandel, who fought with spear, and the sorceress Natalie, whose claim of having Evocation in her blood was well justified.
We both used our magic to strengthen the warriors, and we raided the wolf-caves; between some closer calls and some very fine loot, it was a night well spent. Being in a combat situation, and using my magic in a fight, is starting to come more naturally - it is still not as comfortable as living in Sharn, but the practise has improved my understanding of the practical applications of magical energy tremendously - especially in the application of necromantic energy. I had already learned to use negative energy to simulate a ghoul's paralyzing touch, but today I was finally able to channel it into the transfer of life force from a werewolf to myself. It was exhilarating, feeling its fading health flow like warm blood into my veins - I understand now how vampires become addicted, even those of a good nature descending into cruelty to satisfy their urges. Fortunately, as the magic is temporary, I expect I shall not succumb, since I am not constantly driven by a hunger I can't satisfy.
When we got back to Petre to split the loot and sell what we didn't want, an argument occured: both me and the spearman wanted the same magical ring. I suggested we roll dice for it, as the fairest way of deciding who should get it. The other members of the hunting party agreed it was a fair suggestion, but the elf wouldn't have it: he became more and more agitated and rude, eventually insulting even the powerful sorceress. She gave me the ring, since he was being unreasonable, and after he kept insulting her, they both left on unfriendly terms, and I went to sell the weapons and trinkets we didn't want; Petre bought a good haul, and I split the coin with the others present.
After that, I went to seek out Isandel - rude or not, he had earned his share of gold in blood spilled - and found him laying on the ground, the marks of lightning on his body, unconscious. Since I was under cloaking magic, I considered finishing the job - he had threatened me, and I could have ended it right there - but I spied a man in the green garb of Ezra in the distance, and didn't want to take the chance of being caught in a murder. I briefly considered summoning a creature to do it, but it could still be traced back to me too easily.
As such, I decided to pacify the threat in another way, and left his share of gold with a note next to him. If this doesn't calm him, I shall have to take more drastic measures, but on my own terms, with no witnesses.
