Another day in this land. I wonder even if clear skies exist here and wish I had taken more of an interest in Uncle Rayne's stories of trading in Barovia. Paying attention would have surely taught me a few things about this weather. While I enjoy a good storm, it seems to rain here more often then not. Turnip farming is quite popular here, but to be honest these lands are nowhere near as fertile as my home.
I explored underneath the cathedral in the outskirts. A rescue party to save someone that had fallen right near the entrance turned out delve to the deepest depths of that place. We combated many different types of unliving creatures, including those clad in thick armor and boasting impressive martial skill. My companions by chance seemed capable. I marveled of course at the architecture and construction of the place. In spots it seemed as though we were in a fortress and not a catacombs. Quite a few statues and old script were of interest, and I jotted down what notes I could in a timely manner to keep pace with the others. They gave off the impression of revulsion at all the sights down there, failing to see the beauty in what lies beyond. The undead of course needed to be purged, but I doubt it was their choice to be there bound by fell magics. Strangely enough, the group looted separately, and there was no central leadership or strategy to split the spoils. Madness. I did however finish some studies and gained proficiency with some minor arcane magics. I feel they compliment my existing skills rather well, and look forward to continuing those studies.
I journeyed with another group later still, clearing various caves around the outskirts of the city. They seemed to have a rather chipper demeanor, considering all of them were from different planes. Quite industrious and adaptive, if a bit cavalier. Treasure was being divvied up and we rolled a die for chance for an item. I received this treasure, as if my ancestors guided chance itself. It is a traveling spellbook from a wizard escaping persecution. Studying the tome will take some time, and I hope it will reveal its secrets to me.
Spring time I was told was the time to find herbs, plants, and other oddities used in herbal skills to make potions. Seeing many that were purchasing herbs, I set out and collected several boxes to sell. This seemed much easier than the mining equipment catastrophe that befell me before. With the 'fangs' I had collected I was able to purchase a few pieces of equipment. I will have to see if there is some sort of merchant consortium that can source specifics for me since buying all these things piecemeal and on chance will likely be impossible.
I had gone on a foray into the earth into some manner of beetle pit exploring and met another adventurer that was headed below. We tackled most of it with ease, but my mortal coil was severed in some sort of nesting room beneath into the hot earth. I have no recollection of what happened after, but was told my spirit was roaming around in agony. Curious as I don't remember any of this. When I had been brought back into my physical form standing above me was Ophelia, my beetle pit companion, and a dwarf. The dwarf along with a comrade had brought me to the priest to revive my soul. After I had fully come to my senses I rested and had a good meal to sober the experience. I wonder how many times my own spirit will wander the land, and how man people that spirit will scare away or cause a lack of sleep. Interesting still I don't remember any of it. I will have to try and find texts on the matter, and perhaps my own training will discover more answers on the matter.
Spoke with Ophelia again briefly about assisting with gravetending duties. Hopefully I will be able to be of use for I would enjoy to hear more of these stories of the departed and their deeds. A funeral is planned a week from today so perhaps my skills will be needed in the near future.