Day 4, Ashleigh's War Journal

Dear Diary, WAR JOURNAL,

I guess these lizardfolk mean business. Somehow we survived the battle in their lair, but it was disastrous. I heard from the others that they tried a frontal assault and that something they called a "vine whore" slew most of the halflings (such strange creatures abound outside of Valon! Flying dolphins, translucent pianomen, and now prostitutes made of plants. Good thing Sadush didn't see her--HAHA!) Of course, things might have gone better had *I* been leading them and not Illander and Laird--whom I of course managed to save from being eaten by a crocodile--one of my goals, BTW, is to save her from HERSELF--We have a makeover planned and she will no doubt be partial to ANYTHING I suggest--but I plan to be kind, not cruel--cruelty is really not a part of my nature.

Anyway, we're now heading back to the dreary halfling settlement in this dreary bathysphere. Everyone is in low spirits, myself included. I do not know why the lizardman shaman we've seen in our dreams decided to spare us, but I know one thing--I'LL MAKE HIM REGRET IT.

So why have I started calling you a war journal, dearest diary? Well, I'm going to make some plans. It is what all the great commanders do--Granddad did it--and because I'm already a great commander I feel a little late to the party, you know? So here goes:

STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE
1. Frontal Assault? No. Tried that with a bathysphere and failed. The lizardmen will be prepared next time, and I fear we saw only a portion of their forces and only a small bit of their wretched dungeon.
2. Rear Assault? I do not think they have a rear--and if they did, Illander would probably have investigated it already because he is a homosexual.
3. Floor plan? This is where the halflings can help us. They live in a big stone dragon statue too, so maybe their network of caves is similar or identical to the lizardmen's. And MAYBE just MAYBE there's a secret entrance somewhere. A small party--say four CHOSEN ONES--could investigate, proceeding carefully and running if things looked too grim.
4. Return to Valon? No--we're here and any time we lose could help the enemies. I do not think they understand who they are dealing with--yet.
5. What about the rest of the island? If the lizardmen decide to make war on *us*, we need to know the lay of the land. Ask halflings.
6. Draconic runes: ask the halflings.
7. Consult Dungeon Master for any research problems, but do not bother trying to talk to Daddy because he is SO busy, probably with STEPMANTICORE. Daddy, Daddy, I'm through! For instance, ask about the possibility of EVIL CHOSEN ONES. The lizardman shaman looked to be about OUR age.