Session 05: The Mystic of the Deepwood
General Summary
Within the Kobold cave after recovering from their previous battle Sigryn failed to resist the influence of the red coin she had come into contact with—its voice whispered chilling words into her mind: “Feed the earth. Paint it red.”
Pressing on, the Ratcatchers explored deeper into the cave and discovered a ruined library. There, a group of kobolds was in the midst of a foul ritual—attempting to resurrect a fallen Dragon known as Embercrown, the Emerald Sovereign of the Deepwood and last of the Verdant Fire. The Ratcatchers interrupted the ceremony, leading to a brutal battle. During the clash, Sakuya was knocked unconscious by a blast of acid, but the Ratcatchers ultimately prevailed.
In the aftermath, the group found Atost-Red’s treatise, a rambling document detailing the necromantic properties of the red coin. It claimed the coin had been found on a merchant and was payment from someone referred to only as The Master. Alex found a red coin in the library and, without sharing with the others, quietly pocketed it.
Gathering all the loot they could carry, the Ratcatchers returned to Valhale and sold their haul. That evening, they gathered once again at the Inn of the Welcome Wench. Alex, now under the coin's subtle influence, felt an irresistible compulsion to touch it, and heard whispers clawing at the edge of his mind. Disturbed, he placed the coin on the table and the Ratcatchers discussed what should be done about the red coins they were finding.
They decided to confront David Hugue, the merchant who had originally hired them. That night, Sakuya held onto the coin for safekeeping. Both she and Glop suffered vivid nightmares, and come morning, the coin Glop had previously swallowed was found lying on the pillow beside her head.
Confronting David Hugue, the Ratcatchers learned that he had been paid in red coins, part of a shady deal to move food cargo bound for Lexica. The cargo had come from Dundalis, and David had agreed to deliver it to unknown buyers who would identify themselves once the caravan leader arrived outside the gates as long as he carried a red coin. He expressed regret over his choices and gave up his coin, wanting no part in whatever evil he had helped facilitate. He also paid the Ratcatchers for their work.
Still looking for answers, the Ratcatchers visited Nira Melubb, the local money changer. Nira had seen the red coins before—oddities that began appearing a few years ago. They had no known value and originated from no recognized nation or empire. He advised the Ratcatchers to speak with Mayor Jayson Desbris.
The Mayor admitted he had little to offer on the subject but directed them to Reina Vintel, a local scholar with knowledge of magical artifacts. Reina was hesitant at first, but eventually revealed that she, too, had a red coin—one she had received during her time working the Registry in Lexica. At first she believed it a bribe, but no matter how many times she discarded or destroyed it, it returned to her possession with the dawn. She handed the coin to the Ratcatchers, relieved to be rid of it.
Reina also mentioned a stranger who had arrived in town last fall—perhaps Ostler Gundigoot, the innkeeper, might know more. Additionally, she suggested seeking out Old Fars Hennick, a reclusive ranger with deep knowledge of the region.
Ostler recalled the man’s name: Merrin. A pale, quiet type with no eyebrows who looked like he hadn’t seen sunlight in months. He vanished in the middle of the night without settling his tab. Ostler eventually searched the abandoned satchel he left behind and found a red coin—he left it alone, but burned the man’s journal and notes after reading disturbing passages. He directed the Ratcatchers to the room where Merrin stayed.
There, the Ratcatchers uncovered a torn journal page mentioning the Deepwood Cloister—a place Merrin felt drawn to, believing something important lay buried there.
Seeking final clarity, the Ratcatchers visited Old Fars Hennick, who greeted them with eccentric rambling, claiming he was undead and had survived a bear attack that “should have ended him.” Despite his oddities, Old Fars claimed the red coins were the eyes of the Master, and pointed out the location of the Deepwood Cloister on their map.
While the cloister promised answers, the Ratcatchers resolved to handle unfinished business first. A haunted mill and a nearby bandit camp needed their attention, and so, the mystery of the red coins and the cloister would have to wait—if only for a few more days.
Report Date
01 May 2025
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