Chapter 7: Leylines

The heavy wooden doors creak open with an ominous groan, revealing the meeting room within the Lord Mayor's residence. Dim torchlight flickers across the chamber, casting shadows that dance along the stone walls. The room is familiar to some, yet there is an unmistakable tension in the air—something different, something new. As you step inside, the soft clink of armor and weapons fills the silence. Seated around the large table at the center of the room are faces you recognize. Sir Sylvador Silver, the older blue dragonborn mage, sits quietly in his usual composed manner, his shimmering scales faintly catching the light. To his right are three other members of the Thamaturge, figures you’ve encountered before, but whose names you have not learned. Their expressions are stoic, their eyes glinting with quiet anticipation. The Shadow Hunters began their day waking up in a cave deep within the Underdark, setting their sights on the looming threat of Oberath’s fortress. With a solid plan in place, they ventured forth, sneaking through the fortress’s defenses until they reached the heart of it—the throne room of the Mindflayer Oberath. The ensuing battle was fierce, with the party fighting valiantly alongside the dark elves who had accompanied them. Unfortunately, some of their allies fell during the skirmish, but in the end, the Shadow Hunters emerged victorious, striking down Oberath and ending his reign of terror. As the party celebrated with the Derro, who had finally been freed from Oberath’s mind control, the mood was one of relief and triumph. However, the celebration was cut short when Garrick received an urgent message from Zena—they were needed in Westruun. Wasting no time, the group gathered what they could, quickly teleporting back to Kraghammer, where they safely dropped off the people they had rescued from the Underdark. With their business there concluded, they immediately teleported to Westruun, where they were summoned to meet with the League of Miracles. In the meeting, the Shadow Hunters learned troubling news—the ley lines had begun twisting, creating zones of no magic that were spreading and disrupting the natural balance of the world. The stakes were rising, and the party was left with new challenges ahead. After the meeting, some members of the group took the opportunity to rest and recover from their intense journey. Horren and Light Shadow made their way to the Skybreaker Sanctuary to tend to Horren’s wounds, still healing from the damage caused by the lava during their battle in the Underdark. Others, however, celebrated their hard-won victory. The group gathered at a tavern, enjoying a moment of respite as they shared drinks and stories of their successful mission. Later, as the night drew to a close, they each made their way to bed, but not before Calandra used her ring one last time before resting. Now, a new day dawns, with the Shadow Hunters once again ready to face the mission ahead, their determination unwavering.
the Shadow Hunters were met with whispers and farewells, as though the world itself was shifting beneath their feet. In the stillness after a hard-fought battle, they regrouped, minds heavy with newfound purpose—and recent losses. A letter from Daebanise awaited them, her words penned in the graceful flourish of a bard, a voice as fleeting as a breeze. Unfinished business called her away from the fold, a specter of her past needing to be laid to rest before she could rejoin her companions. Promises lingered in her words—vows that she would return when her shadows were finally cast aside. The weight of separation did not rest solely on Daebanise, however. Garrick, heart caught in the tangled web of duty and love, bade farewell to Circie, his golden-haired love, as she prepared to return to Syngorn. The twisting ley lines had cast long shadows, threatening the land and its people, and Circie’s father had called her home—to safety behind the elven city's guarded walls. Her departure was a wound, a parting under the cloak of necessity. She left him with a kiss and a promise, and he watched her fade into the crowd, carried away by duty and blood. With their goodbyes echoing like distant thunder, the Shadow Hunters summoned their resolve and ventured forth. Godwin, ever their steadfast ally, invoked the arcane arts and whisked them back to the iron-blooded city of Kraghammer. The air thrummed with the heat of forges and the distant roar of mountain winds as they returned to the dwarven stronghold. There, they sought out Thoren Stonefist, their unlikely blood hunter friend, to retrieve the long-awaited werewolf potion—a promise made, a promise kept. Supplies were gathered, items claimed, and in the spirit of camaraderie, Horren and Garrick bid their final farewells to Calvary, words heavy with meaning and unspoken oaths of reunion. Once their business in Kraghammer was concluded, the arcane threads of teleportation carried them once more to Westruun, a city they had come to know as well as their own shadows. It was there that Zena awaited them, urgency written upon her face. She brought word that Sir Silver stood ready to teleport them to Castle Whitestone, where new trials no doubt awaited. Yet, just as destiny sought to guide their steps forward, a rift opened in their ranks—a divergence of intent, as Horren and Light Shadow revealed thoughts of making a dark pact with the lich imprisoned within Horren's cursed diamond necklace. An oath of blood with a being steeped in malice—a choice fraught with peril and betrayal. Garrick, ever the anchor of reason and fierce protector, would not allow such shadows to claim his friends. He directed Horren back to the hallowed halls of the Sky Breaker Sanctuary, the temple of Kord, the Storm Lord, to seek cleansing from the diamond's foul curse. With resolve tempered like steel, Horren entered the temple, led by the familiar gaze of Tyra Stormveil, a priestess who had once mended his wounds after a harrowing battle. As she guided him within, drums beat in the distance—a relentless pulse, like the beating heart of thunder itself. But Garrick lingered outside, beneath the watchful eyes of the towering statue of Kord that loomed above the temple's entrance, a monolith of strength against the morning sky. His gaze traced the Storm Lord’s chiseled visage, and beneath the glow of the morning sun, he wrestled with questions that gnawed at his very soul. Raising his eyes, he spoke to the stone, to the divine essence that Kord embodied, his voice low but laced with the anguish of a son seeking answers. “What did you do to my mother?” he whispered to the heavens, words cast like thunder into the silence. There, under the storm’s silent gaze, Garrick stood. There, through the combined efforts of the temple priests—and perhaps the intervention of Kord, the Stormlord himself—the curse of the diamonds was finally broken, freeing Horren from its dark influence. With Horren now liberated from his burdensome necklace, the two made their way to the Lord Mayor’s residence, where Thaumaturge Silver awaited to teleport them to Castle Whitestone. Upon their arrival at the mystical stronghold, the Shadow Hunters were greeted by Cassandra de Rolo, Guardian of Woven Stone, Kynan Leore, Captain of the Riflemen of Whitestone. Introductions were exchanged as they departed the ominous Ziggurat beneath the castle and headed to the throne room. Meanwhile, Light Shadow discreetly memorized the sigils on the teleportation circle, likely with future travels in mind. While gathered by the hearth, Cassandra spoke with the group, sharing tales of Vox Machina's legendary deeds and the political intricacies of Tal'Dorei. Colondra, overjoyed at Horren’s newfound freedom, rushed to embrace him, he accepted it though Horren, ever the stoic, merely shrugged and reminded her that he had it under control. During their discussion, Light Shadow opened up to Cassandra about her past, revealing that she was Princess Lionheart, an elven noble who had been murdered by her own father years ago. Unsure of how to return to her home, she asked Cassandra for guidance. Cassandra promised to search Whitestone’s library for any information that might aid her. Before long, they were joined by Lord Percival de Rolo, Lady Vex’ahlia, their eldest daughter Vesper, and Allura Vysoren, the Master of Arcana. Light Shadow, tapping into her royal etiquette, knelt before Whitestone’s ruling family and formally introduced herself, which piqued their curiosity. After greetings were exchanged, the de Rolos and Allura shared what intelligence they had gathered about the cult and the ley lines, informed by Brick's report on the Shadow Hunters' successes. They explained that their allies were on a scouting mission, hoping to uncover more about the cult’s activities and the center of the ley line disturbances. The scouting party soon returned, including the formidable Grog Strongjaw, Dawn Marshal Pike Trickfoot, Voice of the Tempest Keyleth, Zahra Hydris, and Kashaw Vesh. Grog carried an unconscious cultist draped over his shoulder, an icy-skinned figure clad in crimson robes. The scouts confirmed that the cult had stationed numerous members around a central temple emitting a mysterious beam of light—likely the source of the ley line corruption. Grog, with his usual boisterous spirit, challenged Hygar to an arm-wrestling contest. Hygar nearly emerged victorious, but in the end, Grog’s raw strength won out. Not one to miss a challenge, Horren expressed his desire to face Grog in a match but quickly received a taste of the Titanstone gauntlet to the face, only for The Voice of the Tempest aka Keyleth to step in and split up the confrontation before it escalated further. Afterward, Allura revealed the plan: she would teleport the Shadow Hunters to the edge of the ley line's twisted radius, where she, along with other members of the Arcana Pansophical, would maintain a protective barrier to keep the corruption from spreading. She cautioned the party that while magic might still work in the outer edges of the radius, there could be unpredictable side effects. Garrick, mindful of the upcoming mission, requested some time to rest and a workshop to prepare non-magical tools for their upcoming battle. Percy granted his request, ensuring that Garrick would be prepared for what lay ahead. Horren, still bearing the scars of his encounter with lava, approached Pike, the Dawn Marshal, to ask if she could help restore what he had lost. With a kind heart, Pike agreed to assist him, promising healing in due time. Before the group departed to rest, Light Shadow took a moment to request access to Whitestone’s teleportation circle for future emergency use. Cassandra and Percival agreed to consider it, provided the Shadow Hunters proved themselves trustworthy. With that, the party dispersed for the night. Colondra and Hygar, not quite ready for sleep, chose to explore the castle, while the others settled in for a well-earned rest. Light Shadow entrusted Colondra with the enchanted suitcase and climbed into it herself, drifting into slumber with her newfound companions nearby. Now, with the morning ahead, the Shadow Hunters stand ready to face their next challenge, armed with knowledge, allies, and a new resolve to confront the twisted forces lurking at the heart of the leylines.


Beside Sylvador is the Lord Mayor Lassandra Kallos, her dark greying hair tied back in a neat braid, her robes flowing as she stands, relieved by your arrival. Her green eyes flick over each of you, gratitude and tension warring on her face. You notice the lines of weariness under her eyes—it's clear the city's troubles have weighed heavily on her. At the far end of the table, opposite from where you stand, is a figure you haven’t seen before. A deep purple cloak shrouds their form, and there is a strange, magical vibration surrounding them. It ripples through the air like a barely perceptible hum, making it difficult to focus on the figure’s exact shape or form. Their face is completely masked, and though they glance over their shoulder as you enter, they remain turned away, their form still mostly concealed. The presence of this enigmatic figure adds an undeniable unease to the room. The large doors behind you shut with a solid thud, sealing you all within the chamber. Godwin, supporting Horren, carefully helps the injured eladrin barbarian over to one of the chairs near the entrance. Horren, as you are still recovering from your battle wounds, you can’t help but wince but you’re able to remain upright. Godwin then takes a seat along the right-hand wall, nodding at Zena as she follows suit. Zena quietly settles into a seat beside Godwin, her ever-loyal fey beagle, Wisher, hopping up onto the floor next to her. The small creature nuzzles her leg and sits obediently, his bright eyes darting around the room in curiosity. You now stand together near the entrance, surveying the room and taking in the tension that lingers. The seats around the table are available, and there’s a palpable invitation in the silence—a moment for you to choose your place at this pivotal meeting. Lassandra is the first to speak, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency. "I’m relieved you’ve made it. There's much to discuss... but first, please, sit." Her eyes flick toward the purple-cloaked figure for a moment before returning to you all. “There are... new developments.”

As you all take your seats, an eerie quiet falls over the chamber. The flickering light from the torches casts shadows that seem to stretch and writhe across the stone walls, amplifying the strange tension in the air. For a moment, the only sound is the creak of chairs as you settle in. Then, almost imperceptibly, you hear a voice. It is sourceless at first, as if carried by the very air itself, reverberating from no fixed point. Your attention is immediately drawn to the figure in the purple cloak at the end of the table. The other members of the Thamaturge, including Sir Sylvador Silver, subtly shift their gaze toward this mysterious individual, a quiet acknowledgment of the power they wield. The figure raises a hand in a fluid, almost dismissive motion, causing the soft hum of magic around them to grow stronger for a fleeting moment before it dissipates. “Let’s not waste any time,” the voice says, soft yet commanding, as the cloaked figure gestures slightly. Their tone is calm, deliberate, but carries a weight of knowledge and urgency. As the figure begins to speak again, there is a sense of ancient wisdom in their words—like someone speaking not just from knowledge, but from witnessing the forces they describe. "The ley lines," the figure begins, "are the very lifeblood of magic across Exandria. Arcane energy flows invisibly through these lines, winding across the land like rivers of power, enabling the use of magic in its many forms. These currents shape the environment, influencing the realms, particularly at the nexuses—places where multiple ley lines converge. At these points, the barriers between the planes grow thin, the influence of magic far stronger." They pause briefly, their masked face still turned ever so slightly away, before continuing. “The ley lines are not fixed; they ebb and flow, shifting with the seasons and celestial movements. For example, during Winter’s Crest each year, the ley lines swell and cross, causing the barriers between the planes to weaken. But more significant still are the celestial solstices.” There’s a slight murmur from the Thamaturge, but the figure presses on, their voice unwavering. “Roughly every century, the ley lines align during what is known as an apogee solstice—an event where astral bodies converge, allowing incredible magical feats to be performed. These events have historically marked times of great turmoil and upheaval. Even a ‘half-solstice,’ when fewer celestial bodies align, creates a surge in magical energy that allows for potent rituals. But the apogee solstice, when it occurs, can shift the ley lines themselves.” Their hand drifts upward, as though tracing invisible lines in the air. "The next apogee solstice is predicted to occur in 843 PD, over the continent of Marquet. We had been preparing for that... until something else shifted." The voice lowers slightly, the weight of what comes next clear in its gravity. “A few weeks ago, the ley lines over the Rootgarden Marsh twisted unnaturally. What began as a small anomaly has now grown into a phenomenon we do not fully understand. Magic—arcane, divine, and otherwise—has been completely cut off within a hundred-mile radius of Rootgarden. The effect is expanding... slowly, but relentlessly." There is a collective intake of breath from around the room. The implications are clear, and chilling. “Drynna has already fallen under its reach. Magical connections to the town are impossible now, and if this continues, we estimate that within two weeks, the expansion will reach Westruun. What or who is responsible for this anomaly is unknown. We fear that if the ley lines continue to be disturbed in this way, the repercussions could spread far beyond Tal'Dorei.” The silence in the room is thick as the cloaked figure pauses, letting the gravity of the situation settle in. “We are in contact with the Chamber of Whitestone, who has also been monitoring these developments. They too may be at risk. However, Lord Percival de Rolo is… wary. He has been reluctant to share what his agents have uncovered, citing his concerns and suspicions. Despite this, one of his agents—someone who claims to know your group well—has convinced him to meet with you. He wishes to see if you are worthy of his trust… to potentially aid in resolving this growing crisis.” The room remains heavy with silence as the cloaked figure shifts slightly. Their masked face remains obscured, yet you feel their gaze sweep across each of you. The others present—Lord Mayor Lassandra Kallos, Sir Sylvador Silver, and the members of the Thamaturge—all turn toward you expectantly. It's clear that much now rests on your next move. The figure leans forward ever so slightly, the shimmering arcane energy around them flaring momentarily before settling once more. Their voice, though still soft, cuts through the thick tension in the air with the precision of a blade. "The League of Miracles has taken note of your reputation, Shadow Hunters. We trust in your abilities—both with magic and without. You have proven yourselves formidable. Capable." Their words hang for a moment as though they are weighing what comes next. "If you prove to us that you are capable of stopping this threat—the unraveling of the ley lines, the calamity looming over Tal’Dorei—then we will reward you with something you have already asked of us." The figure pauses for a heartbeat, then gestures with a hand, invoking a soft shimmer in the air before them. An image appears, fleeting but vivid: a skyship, gliding through stormy skies. A grand vessel, Marqueisian make, with its sails glowing faintly under the strain of magical energy. "When the ley lines first began unraveling, this skyship was caught in the midst of the disturbance," the figure explains. "It was en route to Whitestone. According to the sparse information we received from the Chamber of Whitestone, the crew was either killed when the ship crashed or fell victim to the dangerous creatures that lurk within the Rootgarden Marsh. Though the skyship was severely damaged, it is not beyond repair." The shimmering image of the skyship dissolves, leaving only the hooded figure’s voice to fill the space once more. "If you succeed—if you stop the expansion of the ley lines—we will task our adranachs with remaking the ship in your name. It will be yours." The figure's tone darkens slightly, as though warning of the weight behind the offer. "But understand this: the Rootgarden Marsh is not a place for the faint of heart. It was dangerous long before the ley lines began to unravel, and now it is far worse. Most avoid it entirely, as I’m sure you’ve realized. The twisted magic there makes it a breeding ground for horrors not seen elsewhere." The figure’s hood tilts ever so slightly, perhaps a nod of acknowledgement to those of you who fought in Drynna. "I believe some of you have already experienced a taste of that danger. A hag, I believe. The Rootgarden Marsh is home to creatures far worse. Be prepared, for this journey will test more than just your strength—it will test your resolve, your very sanity." The tension mounts as the figure allows the gravity of their words to settle. Then they continue, "Fortunately, Whitestone remains unaffected. The ley lines there still flow normally, and they have a permanent teleportation circle within Castle Whitestone. If you do not have the means to reach Whitestone yourselves, we will ensure you get there safely. Once in Whitestone, you will find the necessary provisions and further aid from those who, like us, understand what is at stake." There’s a small murmur from the other members of the Thamaturge, and Sir Sylvador Silver gives you all a nod of respect, as if to affirm that they too trust your abilities. The cloaked figure straightens once more. "Be warned. Many are fleeing westward as the ley lines falter—toward Syngorn, the elven city hidden deep in the Verdant Expanse. Those with much to lose should magic fail know that if the ley lines continue to collapse, the consequences will be catastrophic for all of Exandria. This is not a threat confined to Tal'Dorei. The very planes themselves may begin to unravel. But this does not stop them from attempting to flee this plane for the safety of the feyrealm as it has aided them in the past" Another pause. The arcane hum surrounding the figure intensifies briefly, as if they are mustering all of their focus for the next question. "We ask you now, Shadow Hunters: Will you aid us in this task, as you have before? Will you stand against the unraveling of the ley lines and stop this threat from spreading any further?" The weight of their question lingers, hanging heavy in the room as all eyes turn to you.
The group wandered the halls of Castle Whitestone, learned about the parch woods, climbed a clock tower, invented a shoulder cannon, got a makeshift wheel chair for Garrick and teleported and ended up somewhere they did not intend to go. The Shadow Hunters’ journey through Exandria grows more perilous as their reliance on magic leads to unforeseen chaos. After Allura Vysoren’s teleportation spell goes awry, the group finds themselves far from their intended destination, marooned in the treacherous Shattered Teeth—an archipelago shrouded in mystery beyond the Fool's Curtain. Scanning their unfamiliar surroundings, the party is soon surrounded by a pack of ferocious winged gorillas, intent on attacking. Just as tension peaks, a mysterious wood elf monk emerges from the jungle, pledging his aid. The elf demonstrates incredible agility and nature-infused combat prowess, scaling a rock formation and delivering devastating strikes to one of the creatures. Meanwhile, Dark Shadow blends into the rocky terrain, striking with precision from the shadows. But Garrick, ever the diplomat, takes a different approach, speaking to the gorillas in their own language. Through clever words and heartfelt sincerity, he convinces the leader of the winged beasts that the group means no harm and was stranded there due to magical mishap. The party, joined by the elf monk and his companions, agrees to leave the gorillas’ skies immediately, avoiding further bloodshed. As the tension eases, the monk reveals a cryptic connection to Garrick, speaking to him in Druidic about a future favor and mentioning a figure known as "Wolf-Eye." But before the group can learn more, Allura finishes preparing her next teleportation spell, desperate to guide the party toward their intended destination near the Rootgarden Marsh. Just as the spell activates, disaster strikes again. A black raptor with glowing yellow stripes bursts from the underbrush, tackling Colondra. The teleportation spell takes hold mid-attack, hurling the party through another wave of agonizing, reality-warping pain. When they reemerge, they find themselves in a snow-covered city with towering walls and a massive mountain at its heart. While most are disoriented, Hygar immediately recognizes the place—Vasselheim, his home. To his shock, they’ve landed just down the street from his old house, but his moment of nostalgia is short-lived. Guards stationed at his home spot him, their eyes widening in recognition before they shout accusations of treason. “Stop, criminal!” they yell, forcing Hygar to flee alongside the party. Elsewhere in the city, Colondra and the raptor tumble through the snow, landing on a nearby roof. Quick thinking and a whip save her from falling, but the raptor, clearly starving, threatens to attack. Colondra, ever resourceful, distracts it with some pocket jerky, buying time for her companions to arrive. Horren, Amun, and Dark Shadow converge on her position. With teamwork and a bit of coin spent on a pig to appease the creature, Horren uses his haven stone to summon his dire wolf, Bloodshed, and capture the raptor in a temporary haven. Meanwhile, Hygar and Garrick evade capture, creating distractions with spells like Fog Cloud and Pass Without Trace as Allura helps them regroup. The entire party finally reunites in Vasselheim, but their time in the city is cut short as the guards close in. Trusting in Allura’s power once more, they prepare for another teleportation attempt. This time, the spell succeeds. The familiar pain of magical travel is absent as the group reappears in a sunlit cornfield, precisely where Allura intended. As they take a moment to catch their breath and collect themselves, Light Shadow channels divine energy, healing the party after their harrowing journey. Together again, but wary of what lies ahead, the Shadow Hunters press on, ready to face whatever challenges their journey will bring. he party materializing in the middle of a cornfield, miles outside the Rootgarden Marsh. The oppressive hum of the twisting leylines surrounded them, setting an eerie tone for what was to come. Tensions immediately flared as Allura confronted Hygar about the guards pursuing him, accusing him of being a traitor. Cornered, Hygar revealed his shameful past—his time as a captain in Vasselheim’s navy, his hubris in braving a deadly storm, and the catastrophic loss of his crew. He admitted that he had never returned to Vasselheim out of guilt. Allura, though sympathetic, insisted he address his past, warning that her own reputation was now entangled in his escape. Hygar vowed to face justice, once the leyline crisis was resolved. Pressing onward, the party spotted a farmhouse in the distance and realized they were within the corrupted radius of the leylines. While magic still functioned, its use now carried unpredictable consequences. Allura remained behind to assist the other members of the Arcana Pansophical in containing the leylines' spread, leaving the group to forge ahead. Amun tested the waters with a fog cloud spell—only to accidentally charm Garrick, much to everyone’s confusion. Hygar took the lead, knocking on the farmhouse door, where the party met Jeremiah, a halfling farmer. Quick on his feet, Hygar introduced himself as a “Wellman” there to fix the farmer's well, with Garrick cast as his clumsy assistant. To Hygar’s surprise, an old friend, Shademaster Jerry, was already sitting at Jeremiah’s table. The two briefly caught up before Hygar sent Garrick to investigate the mysterious red water in the well. Meanwhile, Garrick’s curiosity led him to discover that the water contained healing properties, but casting identify stirred a strange compulsion within him to head north. Amun corralled the wandering druid back to the farmhouse with an amused “Sure, buddy,” while Jeremiah was entertained by the party’s chaotic attempts to hire him as a future bartender for their yet-to-be-built base of operations. The scene shifted to growing tension as the party noticed movement outside—scarecrows in the field were now closer, their positions unnervingly changed. Dark Shadow was the first to sound the alarm, and the team sprang into action. Amun, ever the showman, leapt through a bedroom window and cleaved a scarecrow in midair with his scythe. Garrick fired his pistol while following suit, launching himself through another window. Horren and Jerry handled the scarecrow in the front yard with brutal efficiency. Just when the party thought the danger was over, the massive tree on Jeremiah’s property came to life. Its roots lashed out like massive tentacles, slamming into the party. Horren fought valiantly, slicing into a root with his sun blade and almost forcing the creature to its knees. In a stunning show of teamwork, Garrick’s mechanical wolf stabbed its wrist blade into the creature’s head while Dark Shadow teleported atop it, embedding her boot knives into its bark. Jerry landed a devastating punch to its face using his skysail, and just as the beast roared in agony, Colondra fired a perfectly placed explosive arrow into its mouth, obliterating its head in a spectacular explosion. As the dust settled, Hygar jumped down Jeremiah’s well to investigate the root of the problem—literally. He discovered massive, goodberries, including one the size of a pumpkin, which he brought back to the surface. The group celebrated their victory with cautious sips of the well’s enchanted water before preparing to head further into the leyline's corrupted radius. Before leaving, Horren released the indoraptor from its magical necklace, and Colondra, ever resourceful, purchased a pig from Jeremiah to feed the beast. With the raptor satiated, Colondra mounted it. Meanwhile, Amun, feeling he may have overexerted himself, retreated into his magical suitcase to rest. Colondra considered speaking with him but instead turned to the group to discuss plans for the future. And so, the party, battered but resolute, pressed onward into the heart of the chaos, where even greater dangers and mysteries await. The Shadow Hunters’ journey took an unexpected turn as they traveled from Jeremiah’s homestead to the Marshlands, only to be struck by an eerie and unfamiliar sensation—the utter absence of magic. For the first time, the mystical threads that wove through their lives were severed, leaving the group disoriented and vulnerable. For Garrick and Colondra, the loss of magic brought more than just confusion. Long-buried memories, suppressed by enchantments, came rushing back with devastating clarity, overwhelming them with pain and sorrow. Whatever magic had held those memories at bay was gone, leaving them exposed to wounds they’d long forgotten. Pushing forward despite the discomfort, the party arrived at a familiar location, but their respite was short-lived. The distant clash of steel and the guttural cries of battle drew their attention. Rushing through the underbrush, they stumbled upon a desperate skirmish: Perron Brill, a familiar face, locked in combat with a group of vicious lizardfolk led by a towering and menacing figure—the largest lizardfolk they’d ever seen. With practiced efficiency, the Shadow Hunters leaped into action. Blades clashed and spells flared as the group dispatched most of the lizardfolk warriors in a matter of moments. Yet, they chose to spare the towering leader, Thraak, hoping to glean answers. Hygar, showing surprising ingenuity, kept Perron alive through the unorthodox use of excess goodberry juice, stabilizing the wounded fighter. Garrick’s natural charisma and clever diplomacy came to the fore once again. He struck a deal with Thraak, convincing the lizardfolk leader to take the party to his chieftain, promising that the Shadow Hunters might have a way to bring magic back to the Marshlands—a glimmer of hope in the face of the growing darkness. With the immediate danger passed, the group took a well-earned break, their minds heavy with the challenges ahead. But as they rested, one thing was clear: the path forward would not be easy. Magic was failing, old wounds were resurfacing, and the stakes were rising higher than ever. The Shadow Hunters faced yet another trial of alliances and conflict as their journey took them to the shores of Moreen Lake. After a tense conversation with Thraak, the lizardfolk warrior who struggles to grasp the power of mercy, Jerry tried to instill the concept in him, though Thraak seemed unmoved. Their next challenge came in the form of logistics—two boats weren’t enough to carry their entire group. Undeterred, they fashioned a makeshift raft for Horren and the animals, splitting their forces across the water. Hygar took charge of one boat with his usual calculated focus, while Colondra initially captained the second. However, after a few missteps, Amun confidently took over, guiding their vessel to regroup with the rest. Meanwhile, Horren’s raft drifted steadily under his determined direction. But the waters of Moreen Lake weren’t as tranquil as they seemed. First, the party noticed the faint outlines of lizardfolk heads surfacing like shadows beneath the waves. Then, without warning, five massive serpent heads breached the surface—Gazanu, the hydra, loomed before them. Recognizing the creature immediately, Hygar steeled himself, but the Shadow Hunters chose negotiation over violence. Gazanu demanded their purpose for trespassing on his waters. Calm yet tense, the group explained their mission to untwist the corrupted leylines, weaving their sincerity into their words. Intrigued by their cause and their willingness to face danger, Gazanu eventually offered his aid. With a booming voice and serpentine grace, the hydra granted them a magical horn to summon him and his lizardfolk should the need arise. But his price for assistance was steep: Gazanu demanded vengeance on Thardraxus, the black dragon who had slaughtered his kin. While the group reluctantly agreed to this alliance, Colondra’s unease lingered, her skepticism casting a shadow over their decision. To prove their intent, the Shadow Hunters left their magic suitcase with Gazanu as collateral. Back on solid ground, the group pressed on, traversing the untamed wilderness. It wasn’t long before Colondra, ever watchful, spotted a gathering of robed cult members ahead. Jerry recognized the cloaks immediately—the same ominous garb worn by those who had attacked him in the Umbra Hills. Tensions escalated when Garrick, always the diplomat, stepped forward to negotiate. The cultists, however, were unmoved and gave a single ultimatum: turn back or face annihilation. Reluctantly, Garrick began to retreat, but Amun’s fiery resolve burned too brightly to let the confrontation end there. He challenged the cultists and revealed their intention to face the black dragon. It was then that the cult’s leader noticed something on Amun’s attire—something that sparked recognition and hostility. Without hesitation, he raised a crossbow to fire at Amun, but Colondra, unseen and ever watchful, acted faster. Her shot struck true, felling the leader before his bolt could leave the weapon. With their leader dead, chaos erupted as the cultists launched their attack. The Shadow Hunters fought with everything they had, cutting through the dark-robed foes in a desperate battle. Steel clashed, spells crackled, and arrows flew as the session ended, the group still locked in a harrowing fight for survival. the Shadow Hunters finished off a group of a large cult that Jerry had fought before in the Umbra Hills outside of Jorren Village but now in the Rootgarden Marsh. Unfortunately, during the fight several cultists had some type of sentient mushroom people send a message before killing the mushrooms before the Shadow Hunters could stop them. Jerry kept a couple of cultists alive which the group interrogated and the group learned some information about them. The symbol of a black triangle had something to do with their leadership, they mainly spoke in abyssal to each other, and the group would soon meet their savior. Horren and Colondra killed the cultists after the questioning was done. Amun ended up eating some of one of the fallen mushroom people and keeping other parts for later. He immediately started hearing voices in his head before they were silenced. Colondra had Amun lift her to see what was ahead and if enemies were approaching. She didn’t see enemies but she did see what was disrupting the leylines. A large red temple in the distance had a red beam shooting out of it, connecting with the leylines and twisting them. The group set out and after traveling for some time reached the crashed skyship where they noticed a group of 3 lizardfolk talking. The group sneaked up on them thanks to Amun making sounds on the upper level and they had themselves a standoff but the group soon realized that these lizardfolk had guns and fancy weapons. They were members of the group known as the Grey Hunt one of which the Shadow Hunters worked with before Brick. And with them and the reason they were lizardfolk Scanlan Shorthault the famous bard from Vox Machina. The group came together and shared the knowledge both groups had learned. Brick and Soglen explained that they learned that the group's name was the Shrouded Axiom and Dark Shadow showed the book she grabbed. Unfortunately, no one in that group could read it either. The group decided to rest, Colondra and Brick comforted Dark Shadow after seeing her saddened that she was away from her beloved Daebanise. Scanlan sang a song in the distance, Jerry removed all but his helmet to sleep, and Horren kept watch in the crow's nest of the skyship. The next morning the group made plans to head to the temple. Garrick once again had the group travel in separate groups. A front-mounted sneaking group, a middle group of heavy hitters, and another mounted sneaking group in the back. The group eventually saw the blood temple in the distance and hid behind a bunch of bushes to plan. hadow hunters planned before moving onto the blood temple. Once the plan was in motion the party ran to take cover behind the boulders. The winged ghouls clinging to the temple's side descended on the party. Amun started firing his rifle at them as they converged on him and Horren. Garrick rode Bloodshed for cover but the black dragon used his acid breath on that group. It burned bloodshed so bad that he went unconscious and Garrick fell off of him. Garrick was able to use a healing potion to wake Bloodshed up and Horren yelled for Bloodshed to flee and he did. Hygar used Dark Shadow's horn to call for lizardfolk backup and Gazanu (the hydra). A large group of lizardfolk led by Thraak Bloodscale arrived to help. Unfortunately right after Hygar called for backup he got hit by a boulder fired from a catapult. The black dragon flew up and rained his acid breath down on a group of 4 lizardfolks melting them. Meanwhile, Dark Shadow and Colondra were sneaking disguised as cultists to make their way inside the temple. Thraak and Horren made their way onto the dragon. Thraak went toe to toe with the dragon rider but the rider was quite skilled quickly leaving cuts all over the enormous lizardfolk. Soglen sniped from the bushes taking out some of the flying ghouls. Brick was able to get a couple of shots on the weakened spot on the black dragon's belly. He did not like that. Colondra and Dark Shadow convinced the cultist guarding the front doors that they were taking Amoon as a captive into the prison. Hygar came running up and Colondra pretended to capture him as well and they all went into the prison. Garrick is now in his wheel chair by himself. Scanlan is using his vestige sword to attack the winged ghouls. Alpha (Garricks metallic wolf robot) weilds Garrick's emerald greatsword in the fight. Perron Brill is riding Colondra’s raptor as she rides as she shoots her crossbow at the cultists.
the party had successfully brought back magic and defeated the Shrouded Axiom and learned a lot about their plans that seemed to be connected to bringing Orcus the Prince of undeath to Exandria on the Night of Ascension. Light Shadow then had a vision from the Arch Heart that showed her a cavern filled with different colored glowing diamonds and a skeleton wearing a glowing white cloak. After mentioning it to the group Colondra recognized the location from legends told in taverns across Tal’dorei and believes it to be under the capital City of Emon. The group healed, harvested materials from Gazanu and Thardraxus, and had some items identified before teleporting to Whitestone. There Colondra delved into the mind of a cultist prisoner and learned some more specifics such as there being other blood temples and towers in other areas of Exandria such as Wildemount specifically the Dwendalion Empire. Colondra then talked to Brick privately about what he knew and if the party were to go to other regions if the Grey Hunt would be present and able to help the Shadow Hunters. The party then made their way to the throne room where they were met by many familiar faces and some new ones. Vox Machina and the Shadow Hunters shared what they learned about the cult including the fact that they once acquired a horn of Orcus from a beholder in the Underdark and found that they could not destroy it so they brought it to the Platinum Sanctuary in Vasselheim where is secured. The group also met Planshifter Ryn a tiefling wizard and member of the Arcana Pansophical like Allura and Drake. She was the one who noticed that the leylines were acting unnatural and alerted Vox Machina originally. She also has a lab in the Fire Plane. Amun had questions for her regarding plan shifting and how difficult it could be to use such spells. Cassandra also told Light Shadow and the party about her research on Princess Rebecc’a Lionheart's home and what happened to it. She marked it on the party's map and told them that Sylamore was attacked by individuals most likely connected to Orcus in some way exactly where the people went is unknown but the book Cassandra read mentioned that it is believed that some citizens escaped and may still be alive since elves have long lifespans even if this happened over 400 years ago. Light Shadow was given the book Cassandra used and as a reward for stopping the cult was given a crate full of residuim that many members of the party took some from. Keyleth then took Garrick and Hygar for a moment. Once the group was back together Allura teleported them all to Westruun in front of the Lord Mayor's residence. The guards now knowing the party well saluted them and Allura in respect.
where they spoke with the League of Miracles about their successful mission and what they learned. The league assured the hunters that they would start repairing the skyship right away and then begin on their fortress but first, they planned on throwing them a celebration tomorrow night. Although the Shadow Hunters were warry to delay leaving Westruun in search of a cure to Horrens demise the party decided that one more day wouldn’t hurt. The party then decided to sleep in rooms within the Lord Mayor's residence overnight. The party has a great celebration meeting new people from different cultures although members of the city of Vasselheim arrive and watch Hygar from afar, Colondra and Horren ask them to leave which they do. During the celbration The Lord Mayor Lassandra Kallos tosses the Shadow Hunters. As requested, the local orphanage was invited to attend the celebration as well and two of them were adopted both half-elves. Rian, 14 years old and Tessa 12 years old. Horren received a vision from Kord that Rian would be a great warrior under The Stormlords banner one day and he was to be trained by Horren. The celebration ended with the group learning much and Horren dancing with Calvary .