Session 005 - The Loss of a Friend
General Summary
Upon further examination, the group discovers what seems to be an illusion where Wirth vanishes, replaced by a blue bird taking flight. Their curiosity piqued; they choose to explore the adjacent cell. Inside, they encounter Morgort, Knight of Warts, who reveals herself to be an associate of Sir Talavar along with Wigglewog. She emphasizes that Bavlorna is Downfall's foe. When questioned by Morgot about a recent note, the party confirms its receipt, and Morgot advises them to heed the directions contained within. The group then exits the holding area and decides to return to Gullop XIX, King of the Soggy Court to rest, weary from the day's events. Gahr Reegh attempts to persuade the king to grant them shelter for the night, only to discover that King Gullop doesn't comprehend the common language. A misunderstanding leads the King to think that Gahr wants an introduction to his crocodile Snoodle, but the party eventually clarifies that this is not the case. Finally, King Gullop concedes, agreeing to offer the group sanctuary for the night, as long as Tarin fulfills a request on his behalf.
After awakening, Tarin Ganu-Magar is escorted to the proving ground, where the center of a mud-filled arena is marked by a mangrove tree. Surrounding the tree are rusty, decaying pieces of armor and weapons, and two chains with iron shackles are anchored to opposite sides of the trunk. The entire party is held at bay by numerous Bullywugs wielding spears, as Tarin is chained and informed that she must demonstrate her innocence by engaging in a fight to the death with Morgot.
The ensuing battle is fraught with tension, with all party members attempting to contribute, and Gahr even stepping away momentarily to tend to nature's call in the bushes. During the fierce confrontation, Tarin strikes Morgot, sending her body into the water. Nishara Mistwood's rescue attempt is thwarted by Merrows, but Tahlia's keen perception confirms Morgot's demise through a check on King Gullop.
The party then heads back to liberate Wirth. Myrtle's attempt to open the door fails, but Tarin manages to break it off the hinges, albeit without stealth. A Bullywug inquiries about the commotion, leading Tarin to swing the door at him and miss. Myrtle performs stunning acrobatics off Tarin, landing a triple-punch to the Bullywug's throat. However, the Bullywug's retaliation leaves her unconscious.
Gahr finds himself in an awkward situation with Jeffrey, the Bullwug after an unsatisfying sexual encounter. When Gahr attempts to pay for what he considered a subpar performance, Jeffrey mistakenly believes the payment is for the encounter itself. To defuse the tension, Gahr suggests drinks, to which the Bullywugs agree.
Meanwhile, Nishara, in her bear form, and Talia assess the situation and determine that the Bullywugs are not planning an attack. Nishara frees Wirth from his chains by biting them but finds that he seems unresponsive. When Talia reaches for Wirth, her hand passes right through him, revealing an illusion. The party notices a bird, and although Talia attempts to communicate with it, no one can understand the bird's language. Tarin extends her arm, hoping the bird might land, but it flies away, causing the illusion of Wirth to vanish as well.
The group later discovers Trinket and Bauble's shop, staffed by two rather sassy attendants. As Tahlia holds back Myrtle and Tarin, the party browses a unique selection of items. Garh eyes a unicorn horn but balks at the price—his eye color. Myrtle, however, is pleased to purchase a monocle at the cost of her eye color. Nish buys a mug, sacrificing her rhythm, but as a bear, she's too strong and accidentally breaks it after Garh has a sip. Frustrated, Nish unsuccessfully attempts to intimidate the shopkeepers. Tarin acquires a gem, paying with her eye color, and learns it contains two casts of faerie fire. Meanwhile, Myrtle, always thoughtful, steals some firewood and gives it to Tahlia.
Upon reaching the palace, the group confronts King Gullop, demanding a book from him. He graciously invites them to join the Soggy Court and provides clothing for each member. Myrtle's attire requires adjustment, being three inches too large. Talia is entrusted with the book for its return to Bavlorna’s cottage, and Nish spots what may be Wirth's bird. Meanwhile, Gahr and Jeffrey have a semi-satisfactory encounter, and the party heads to the talking heads to gather more information. Tarin forcefully silences one of the heads, causing it to tumble into the water.
As the party continues in their boats, they encounter a striking, majestic tree. Mischievous sprites attack them with arrows, and Myrtle seeks information about Bavlorna. Frustrated with the sprites, Tarin kicks the tree, eliciting a pun from Gahr about "Tree-son," only for the tree to retaliate.
In the ensuing battle, the tree suffers and inflicts damage in equal measure. Tarin and Gahr find themselves grappled, with Tarin falling unconscious. A series of critical fails leads to Myrtle breaking a finger, Nishara getting a bear claw stuck, and several other mishaps. Healing potions are consumed, transformations are lost, and even Jeffrey joins the fight.
As the battle rages on, attempts to persuade the tree to cease its attack prove futile. Myrtle's throat punches results in the killing blow, turning the tree to stone with precisely the damage required. Tahlia's healing magic stabilizes Tarin, and the party returns to the palace to rest and recover.
Upon waking, Myrtle discovers Nishara's lifeless body, her furious grief marking the battle's tragic end. Nish decomposes rapidly, leaving nothing but bones within a minute. The party holds a solemn burial for Nishara, Witchlight Monarch, beneath the tree, honoring her memory with the panther totem.
Report Date
07 Jul 2023
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