A smaller band than was expected joined with me departing Dawnstar. Apparently the local word is that this island is unfit for any sort of habitation, owing to spirits and ill-favored weather. No matter, more space for the loyal few, though the building of the citadel may prove to be time consuming. This first winter was difficult, with the abandonment of many men and women to return to their families on the mainland. A culling of the herd -- let us lose the faithless, the weak, and those who lack the fortitude to persevere. OH GODS HELP ME