From my professional journal during the Keep on the Shadowfell missions, entry one:

After receiving my instructions I set out to gather basic support. I called upon Zar'Za the Tiefling Cleric of the Silver Flame, and Krova'karthis the Dragonborn Paladin of the Sovereign Host. We geared up lightly for the mission and set out at daybreak. My companions know me only by Shade, as do all save those rare few I trust with my life, for surely it is a secret worth my life and more. The name has served me well thus far, as only one incompetent would so boldly name themselves a sneak to all, and I am anything but incompetent. True, I have much to learn still, but let them all think I am so filled with desire to show myself as important that I proclaim it with my very name.

Besides, those few who will believe me will make an effort to protect from me that which they wish me to find the least, and in so doing bring attention to it.

A few days before Winterhaven we came upon the scene of a previous battle marked by a ransacked and overturned wagon, and approached cautiously. My companions stayed on the road as is the wont of 'civilized' races, while I accepted natures embrace and scouted forward. The stink of Kobolds was unmistakable, and the wind brought me the vile sound of their mirth as they thought to ambush us. By 'us' I mean my companions, of course, as they approached the wagon in full view of our would-be assailants. Why must the other races be blind to the ways of the forest? Despite the obviously weak tactics of my companions we easily killed the kobolds, noting among them a skirmisher, a pikeman, and one that flung pots filled with various alchemical concoctions. They were relatively unorganized, with no obvious commander.

The remaining days to Winterhaven were uneventful.

Winterhaven was a tactical nightmare. The guards were slovenly and lax, with neglected equipment and no concern for their posts. At least one carried a flask to help pass his 'watch'. A child with a wooden sword could take that keep! The local lord seems to care even less, and I am told he sleeps late and that I should not bother to seek audience until noon! I will investigate this more thoroughly after the immediate tasks and threats are dealt with. Had the lord and his guards done their duty we may not ever have needed to come here.

I met my contact as expected, and received more detail on my mission. My contact told me that several others had been sent to investigate a Dragon Burial Site to the south, and that an artifact called The Third Sinister Rib has been rumored to be located there. None know the significance of it, but we fear it is worth our lives to retrieve it, as the others have seemingly given theirs in the attempt. This is our primary goal here, but there is another threat that is delaying us.

We chanced upon a Ranger going by the name of Ninaran, who seemed perfectly happy to provide that delay. Because of the laxness of the local lord and his armsmen, a gathering of Kobolds has been allowed to gather nearby to the south east. Ordinarily I would have let this pass in favor of our primary task, but Ninaran told me that the Kobolds are lead by a Hobgoblin by the name of Ironteeth. This is troublesome in that it isn't just a gathering of Kobolds, but an organized raiding party.

We also spoke with the local Sage, by the name of Valthrun, who confirmed some of the information we had already gathered. He indicated that he had more to share, but that we had not shown ourselves trustworthy yet. He told us that clearing the Kobold threat would show that we actually care for the wellbeing of Winterhaven, and that we are capable of selfless acts.

So with events conspiring to force us to deal with the Kobolds prior to attending our mission, we set out in the morning to deal with Ironteeth and his hoard. We first encountered them in a wooded area by a stream fed by a waterfall, which later we found concealed the cave of Ironteeth. When we silently approached the first group we discovered one in apparent command who was standing in an arcane circle of some sort. More I cannot say on the circle, as I was not able to get close enough to see for myself, nor have I been able to question my Paladin companion. I wonder what he determined about it from standing in it during the fight.

This group was much more organized and much better supported than the few we encountered at the wagon. I chose my companions well, and we accounted for ourselves with the bodies and blood of our enemies, but in truth we were only three against a hoard. We killed them as quickly as they issued forth from their cave, but did not have the support we needed to press forward. In the end we made the decision to come back to Winterhaven to enlist the needed help.

I am weary and must rest before scouting the keep tonight to determine if it is worthwhile to investigate the local lord. Perhaps I can find some way to encourage him to provide supplies, if not manpower. Somehow I don't think simply asking will provide anything useful.