Session 08 - Hunt and Bloom
General Summary
Alais calls a town council meeting to address the people of River's Edge. He announces that the Owlbear that ravaged the town has been dealt with, and the news is met with cheers and relief. During the meeting, Duskwhisper steps forward to raise concerns about rampant gambling in the town. He proposes that gambling be restricted to the Oak and Dagger tavern. Strongly hinting that he is calling in the favor owed to him by Alais and Fimbul, Duskwhisper pressures them to vote "yes." The motion passes, and gambling is officially limited to the tavern.
Later, a new resident named Slick approaches Alais and Roderick, asking for permission to build a home in town. Slick purchases a large plot of land and begins settling in. Meanwhile, Alais receives a letter from an old acquaintance, Earlindor, inviting him to participate in a hunt with representatives from nearby towns. Alais explains to the council that Earlindor leads an ancient order known as the White Roses. Alais, Hugo, and Fimbul agree to attend and travel to the abandoned hunting lodge where the event is being held.
At the lodge, they meet Finwick and Weston from Cragspire, a tiefling named Annalavara from the bandit kingdom of Theram, Earlindor himself, and The Ruby Warrior. The evening is spent in revelry, with everyone getting to know one another. Earlindor lays out the rules of the hunt and announces that it will begin at dawn.
The next day, the hunt begins. Alais, Hugo, and Fimbul track and kill a Forest Drake, followed by a Tendriculos. They encounter a herd of Megaloceros who, through strange behavior, lead them to the lair of a Hydra. Teaming up with Finwick and Weston, the group defeats the hydra and agrees to split credit for the kill.
As they explore further, they come across Annalavara, who is lounging comfortably instead of hunting. She has no real interest in participating and is more focused on relaxation. The group then encounters a talking raven that threatens Annalavara's life, accusing her of treachery. Alais intercedes, saving her from the raven’s wrath.
At the end of the hunt, the participants gather to determine the winner. Suddenly, Finwick collapses, his body erupting into a tangle of vines and thorns. From the twisted growth, a Basilisk emerges. The group puts down the creature, mourning the loss of Finwick, and agrees to assist the White Roses in investigating the strange plant blooms.
Back in River’s Edge, another villager succumbs to the bloom, sparking a wave of panic. Gerbald, a council member, resigns his position at his wife’s insistence, fearing for their safety. The couple leaves town, heading north to their old trading post.
As the group investigates, they hear rumors that a nearby goblin village might be connected to the blooms. Alais, Hugo, Astele, and Fimbul decide to investigate. Before leaving, Astele shares a tender moment with Roderick, kissing him goodbye.
Upon reaching the goblin village, the group discovers that most of the goblins are peaceful and have no involvement in the blooms. However, a goblin named Drax stirs up trouble, accusing the group of deceit. After befriending the other goblins, they confront Drax, but he flees, leaving little doubt of his involvement in the strange plant phenomena.
Report Date
02 Nov 2024
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