Session 09 - Control
General Summary
The group leaves the Picklebarrel Goblins and begins the journey back to River's Edge, where they are met with mixed tidings. The Kobolds, while maintaining their alliance, decide to retreat to their cavern homes, wary of the ongoing bloom crisis in the region. Pikk assures Fimbul of their continued loyalty but emphasizes the fear gripping his people.
As the group adjusts to this news, Rattles the scarecrow arrives in town with a grim message from the swamp witch, Isadora. She demands the kingdom retract its claim over her lands. Recognizing the need to avoid conflict, the group agrees to her terms and withdraws their claims, maintaining an uneasy truce.
Despite the challenges, the town comes together for a joyous celebration of River’s Edge’s second anniversary. During the festivities, Alais lets his guard down, even managing to best Duskwhisper in a game of chance. The night brings another surprise as Skylark is elected to fill the council seat left vacant by Gerbald’s departure.
Alais takes a moment to dispel the curse on Siona Gallows’ scabbard, earning her fealty in return. However, the night turns grim when Fimbul’s house is engulfed in flames. Investigations reveal the fire was deliberately set, leaving the group uneasy about hidden enemies within their midst.
The next morning, Hugo finally convinces the council to send an expedition to the mysterious island ruins south of River’s Edge. The group ventures forth and discovers two treasure hunters, Selene and Thrain, struggling to rescue their companion, Reynard, who is trapped in a stasis spell. The ruins are rife with mechanical and magical traps, making progress treacherous. Ultimately, the group is forced to retreat but not before Hugo uncovers a startling truth: the vault once belonged to his mother’s family.
Upon returning to River’s Edge, they are met by a scout from the White Roses with news of a cave to the east, believed to be the origin of the blooms. Determined to root out the source of the chaos, the group sets out once more. Along the way, Hugo encounters and tames a Leucrotta, adding the unusual creature to their ranks.
In the cave, they uncover Ichimoku Cultist tending to bizarre Fey vines. During the battle, they manage to free Kragar and Drax, who were entangled and controlled by the vines. However, the battle takes a shocking turn when Hugo’s vine headband activates, compelling him to attack Fimbul. In a moment of horrifying clarity, Hugo admits to being the one who burned down Fimbul’s house. Summoning his strength, Hugo breaks free of the vine’s control, and the group defeats the source of the blooms: a monstrous Chimera.
Returning to River’s Edge victorious, they find Vash has returned, bringing news that his new town has allied itself with their kingdom. As the dust settles, Alais’ wolf, Skinny, and a vulture named Corpse arrive with grim tidings from the nearby town of Cragspire. The entire population has vanished without a trace, leaving behind only an eerie unkindness of ravens to mark the deserted settlement.
Report Date
16 Nov 2024
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