“Yet another difficult encounter for the Corp. Our environment surveillance personnel were out on an information gathering mission observing a most curious expedition. Based on what we could discern from overheard talk, they were a Vampire expedition. It was peculiar that such a majority so unquestioningly accepted the rule of just two highly decorated individuals. We were planning a foray into their camp when our scouts reported movement on the North ridge. We immediately decided to investigate this, and came upon a most peculiar expedition. It was led by 4 (we later discovered that there was one more of them, but he was injured and therefore not in sight) short, stocky individuals our databases identified as dwarves, although their helmets were of an unknown design. There was a huge, lumbering creature we deduced must be a Troll by of the proportions of the limbs and the body. There was also a most curious creature accompanying the team: a 4-legged creature much like a war horse (especially considering its equipment) with the torso of apparently a Dwarf. He, too, wore one of those curious helmets. There was also a group of skinny, green-skinned creatures resembling a strange blend between a goblin or orc and human who were clearly in a subservient position. They were carrying all the equipment and provisions of the team, despite the presence of an obviously strong-backed and hardy beast as the Centaur.

Our previous encounters have taught us to be wary, and therefore we decided to lay in waiting until the expedition came closer, and to parley with them with the whole Corp there. Sadly, these, too, proved to be of a violent disposition and determined to continue unswervingly on their designed route through our camp. We did our best to keep them at bay, but it became clear that they were very experienced in battle and well equipped. We were unable to significantly hinder their advance. Strangely enough, these battle-hardened warriors did not injure us in any significant way. The only casualty so far was the Catalogue Scribe, who was unable to fight beyond halfway into the first skirmish. Another surprise were the green-skinned goblinmen, who showed great skill in tasks requiring precision and agility. In fact, it could be said that were it not for them, the battle would have gone quite differently. The goblinmen kept sneaking past our defenses into assisting positions for the dwarves, greatly confusing our defense. We were practically helpless before their advance and were forced to retreat little by little as they entered our camp. Everyone was becoming tired so we agreed on a short truce to recompose ourselves.

When the battle was resumed, the Golden Halibut Clan (our Communications Expert had done some covert interrogation masked behind the guise of friendly conversation) started a strong offense, but this time the Corp was better prepared. We efficiently blocked their attempts to sneak past. Soon, however, we were again overcome by the dwarves and the centaur. Despite the gloomy outlook at that moment, we did manage a few tactical blocks that seemed to cause them a rewarding amount of consternation. This proved nothing but a short delay for the omnium gatherum we were faced with, however, and they eventually reached our main tent. The real shock of the battle was the amount of physical abuse directed at the High Procurer, who had to be carried off the field of battle at one point due to the blows he received. Such behaviour must not, will not, be tolerated. Finally, revenge was up to Interior Recon, who performed admirably, injuring a dwarf so badly he was out of the battle. The dwarves were not to be discouraged, however, and soon enough they completely pushed through our defenses. Luckily, they did not damage our research facilities nor did they severely injure anyone. The expedition can continue.

Progress will prevail!”