Today I joined the expedition organized by Phineas to reach the library in the Foothills where the first advanced pathfinder training book is hidden. The turnout was very impressive, as this sketch showing part of the group illustrates. The combined force of very strong exiles made quick work of the opposition and reached the Pitch Caves, where Yor took over tactical control from Phineas and led us the rest of the way to the book.

At no time was the group in serious danger, and the worst casualties we suffered were in a cave filled with web-throwing arachnids where about half of the exiles fell. Those still standing had no trouble finishing off the remaining arachnids, and we continued on to the book. Many years after completing my training with the Marsh Hermit, I am finally able to continue my training!

On the way back to the portal we stopped by another hidden library where the third pathfinder book was located so that Sengir could study it. Apparently it was well defended by arachnids, but the exile force killed most of them before I could get close enough to see them.

Overall the expedition was a total success, taking only three hours from the time we left Puddleby until our return. My only previous attempt to reach the library had ended in a massacre just short of the library after fighting for several times as long to get that far.