Session 3: Gaining New Skills

General Summary

Session 3 – Wednesday July the 20th 2022 – Gaining new skills.

4.5 Hour session 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Party of 6 (The Stone Bearers):

It is the 21st day of the month of Elient (The Fading) in the 50th year of the Age of Enialis (Mid-September just before the fall equinox.)

• Abrash – Wood (Dessert) Elf L1 Druid – Jacob Munson
• Ajani– High Elf L1 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda (Absent)
• Gazlowe – Goblin L1 Artificer – Josh Pozsonyi
• Thomas – Human L1 Blood hunter – Ryan Armstrong (Remote)
• Gurthen – Dwarf L1 Paladin – Spencer Armstrong
• Isabella – Forest Gnome L1 Barbarian – Jackie Armstrong

Goals:

• Safely return Lord Blackmoor's son Willet to his father for 200gp.

Returning to the Blackmoor Mansion

The party gathered themselves after the battle and Willet was in shock. The party looted the bodies of the bandits and didn’t find anything incriminating but they did find 10gp. As a backup plan, the party had Gazlowe forge an incriminating document. They discussed various holidays and Gurthen took the chain mail from the skeleton and gave Gazlowe the golden circlet. They party then headed back to the Blackmoor mansion and arrived around dusk.

Lord Blackmoor greeted the party and Mr. Homn took Willet. Lord Blackmoor saw Zoreene and questioned the party as to what happened. Abrash very convincingly explained that Zoreene ambushed the party and tried to kill Willet. Lord Blackmoor was shocked by the development but believed the Stone Bearers. He asked Mr. Homn to show the party where the irons are in the dungeon so they can imprison Zoreene. Lord Blackmoor paid the party the promised 200gp and offered the party food and wine. Lord Blackmoor pulled out an Alchemy Jug and poured wine into his goblet. He passed the jug so the others could fill their goblets with wine. He offered the party free use of his home and asked that they stay for a few days and help him find replacements. Lord Black Blackmoor explained that the house was in his family for 5 generations and has a library, observatory, fully equipped training room and a lab. He also offered to pay the party each 2 gp a day if they provide advice and protection until he finds replacements. The party agreed and then set off to explore the mansion and claim their bedrooms. Gurthen claimed Zoreene’s room.

Why did she do it?

Thomas went to the dungeon and waited for Zoreene to wake up. Zoreene woke up and Thomas told her that everyone deserves a 2nd chance. Zoreene, with a tear in her eye asked “What deity do you follow?” Thomas replied, “The good lord Illmayter.” Zoreene asked to learn more of this god. Thomas went on to read from his good book and explained that it’s the actions that people should be judged by. Thomas found that Zoreene was sincere in her interest in what he was saying.

Zoreene confessed to Thomas that - her brother is a fool, a glutton, a sluggard, and a heathen who will soon impoverish them all. She expects him to die soon due to his gluttonous habits. Her plan was to eliminates his only heir and so that she could restore the family name to its former glory. Later in the evening Thomas went to get Zoreene food. He met Lord Blackmoor and explained to him and the rest of the party what he had learned. Lord Blackmoor became very reflective of his past actions but was reluctant to forgive his sister.

Training

The party started wandering around the house and found some rooms to call their own for the time being. Gazlowe was fascinated by the Alchemy jug and took it down to the lab to examine it in more detail. Gazlowe found the lab in a very unkept state.

Gurthen found the training room and it was very well equipped. As he took out his great sword and started practicing with it, another man walked into the room and started observing. He introduced himself as Syrio and started to give Gurthen pointers. This led into a more intensive training program with great weapons. Isabella walked into the training room and Syrio also worked with her. He helped her to learn how to attack recklessly and how to sense danger around her.

Mr. Homn entered the training room when Syrio was deftly beating Gurthen in training. Mr. Homn approached Gurthen with glowing hands and healed Gurthen. Gurthen recognized that from something he himself had done. Gurthen asked him how he did it. Mr. Homn mimed that he was a former paladin. Mr. Homn was able to teach Gurthen how to breath properly and pull his Paladin powers from within himself. Mr. Homn was able to demonstrate the proper somatic moves and material components on how to cast several spells and to use his Smite abilities. Mr. Homn was able to write phonetic notes on how to speak the verbal components of the paladin spells and eventually Gurthen was able to learn them. Learning that he needs a focus for casting his spells, Gurthen crafted a small stone Bear Claw attached to a string. He gave one to each of party members as a symbol for the party.

The Observatory and Library

Abrash spent time in the Observatory and Ajani spent time in the Observatory and the Library. They helped each other study and learn more magical abilities. Ajani learned several new spells and Abrash learned how to channel his powers with the stars. Abrash learned that some of his freckles matched some constellations and when he focused, he could make them glow and channel certain effects through them.

Lab work

Thomas and Gazlowe spent much of their time in the lab. Gazlowe purchased a gem from Lord Blackmoor and learned several new Alchemical traits (Spells.) He was also able to duplicate the Alchemy jug. Gazlowe was able to take one of the undead rats and animate it as a hideous Homunculus Servant.

Thomas worked in the lab and was able to uncover some of his blood magic. Gazlowe found that his “Grease” spell can be ignited. Working with Gazlowe Thomas discovered the ability to light his weapons on fire and convey fire damage to his enemies.

Eight days later.

The constable from Zelbross had taken Zoreene to the town jail to stand trial in a couple weeks. Thomas visited her for daily devotions. Lord Blackmoor paid his promised 2gp / person / day to the party. The party completed their training and interviewed several people to replace Zoreene and her former crew as security for Lord Blackmoor. Lord Blackmoor gradually began changing his diet from delicious fatty dishes to more lean and healthy meals. He also stopped his drinking and spent more time with Willet.

With the advice of the Stone Bearers, Lord Blackmoor had hired Bringinton and Fletcherstein as guards. Gazlowe wanted Lord Blackmoor to higher the muscle man Hugo as the Capt. of the guard but Abrash suggested Fragilla. Lord Blackmoor went with Fragilla.

Fragilla came into the Mansion carrying Fletcherstein and announced, “Another snake!” Fletcherstein had been bitten by a snake. Gurthen used his paladin’s ability to remove the poison. Fragilla looked at Lord Blackmoor and said, “The snakes are getting worse, there are more of them, they must be coming from the Temple!”

About the Temple of Thythys.

Fragilla was a half elf. She explained that not too deep into the high forest, about 30 miles NNW from Zelbross, on the border of Winterbole Forest and the Centaur Runs regions there is a temple of snakes. She explained that it sits on a small mountain and is an ancient temple dedicated to Thythys, the Lord of Snakes. She has heard of a group of cultists dwelling there, but the temple is old and in disrepair. Fragilla was convinced, given the rapid growth of the number of snakes in this vicinity, it must be coming from the temple. Lord Blackmoor recognizing the danger to Zelbross, offered to pay the party 100gp if they could stop this issue and prove it. He’d love to repopulate the trophy room if they brough back head of the creature responsible.

Abrash asked, “Who owns the Firestone Keep” as he would be interested in procuring that plot of land. Lord Blackmoor said he would do the research into the property deeds, title search etc. and see if he can have contracts drawn up, but that would be considerable work. He lowered the payment for the snake issue to 75gp to help defray the expenses for the research into Firestone Keep.

Fragilla provided directions to the Temple of Thythys and explained exactly where the small mountain was and how to get there. She explained that once they climb the small mountain, they’ll find the temple at the top. She warned them to be warry of snakes, and cultists. Abrash, familiar with Yuan-ti from the desert warned the others of the dangers they party might face.

To the High Forest.

Fragilla warned the party to beware of tribes of Barbarians and wild elves in that particular region of the forest. She also warned that if they’re captured by Centaurs to not mention slavery and that they’ll most likely kick them out unless they can prove a valid reason to be in the forest. The Centaurs are very protective. The party spent the rest of the day gathering supplies and equipment. They spent a little time shopping and selling some items they had. They headed out to the High Forest at first light.

The party knew the journey to the temple would be longer than a day. They made it into the forest and began to look for a good camping spot before sunset. As they were looking for a good spot, they heard the sounds of battle from the north. The party briefly debated the pros and cons of heading towards the sound but the sounds of a woman screaming encouraged even Gazlowe to go. The party left Ajani behind to start setting up the camp and headed towards battle sounds. The party approached stealthily to see what was up ahead.

Wolves!

As they carefully approached, they spotted a clearing up ahead. Just before the clearing was the body of a mauled young male Elf. A boy that looked perhaps 13. They saw in the clearing, Elves fighting several wolves and a massive Dire Wolf ripping at a tent. The party rushed in. Abrash instinctively turned into a wolf as he ran and pounced on another wolf and ripped out its neck killing it. Thomas raised his crossbow and the tip ignited. The bolt sunk into one of the wolves. Another wolf attacked the wolf form of Abrash and badly wounded him.

Gurthen charged into the scene and saw the Dire wolf. He yelled out, “Clearly that’s the leader” as he raised his greatsword and brought it down on its neck. The blow was a critical hit and he severed the head clean off. He shouted, “For Glory!” Isabella ran to another wolf raging and attacked recklessly, and she too killed it in a single blow. Another of the wolves continued to attack one of the elves. The rat (Bitey) leaped off Gazlowe’s shoulder and shot a lose cog from its face at a wolf, striking it. The Wolf ran towards Gazlowe, Abrash took an opportunity attack (as a wolf) and killed it. Abrash then killed another wolf. Thomas shot at the lone wolf remaining but didn’t kill it. Gurthen ran around shouting Glory. He grabbed his broken javelin threw it at the wolf killing it.

A terrified tribe of Wild Elves.

Ajani arrived at the end of the battle. Thomas and Abrash went around stabilizing and healing the Elves. One of the Elves spotted the stone bear claw hanging from Gurthen’s neck and his eyes grew wide. Gurthen saw an actual bear claw hanging from the Elf’s neck. The Elf said, “My name is ‘Ehlark leader of the Tribe of the Bear.” ‘Ehlark explained that the wolves never enter their camp, and they were very surprised that something made them so aggressive to attack. Thomas examined the wolves and found them to be normal wolves native to the woods. Abrash examined the Wolf and wanted to extract the hide. Several of the female Elves came over and expertly skinned the wolves. Abrash asked if it could be made into hide Armor. The woman said it could, but it would take some time. The male Elves were on high alert and started walking the perimeter of the camp.

Gurthen asked ‘Ehlark if he noticed a problem with snakes recently and ‘Ehlark confirmed there has been an unusually large snake population in this area. Gurthen then asked (as Gazlowe looked on approvingly) if there was any reward for helping them with the Wolves. ‘Ehlark, took the bear claw from around his neck and put it on Gurthen and said, “You are forever friends of the Tribe of the Bear.” The other Elves took the Bear claw necklaces off the dead elves and placed them on the other members of the Stone Bearers. ‘Ehlark offered the Stone Bearers to spend the night in their camp and as much wolf meat that they want. The party explained that they were on their way to the Snake temple on the nearby hilltop and ‘Ehlark thanked the party. He provided them 2 vials of anti-venom that will neutralize snake poison. The elves spent the next few hours in mourning while they burnt the bodies.

A young girl saw the young dead elf just outside the camp and she broke down crying. Her mother consoled her and brought her back to the women and children. Isabella joined the women and listened to their laments. Isabella noticed another young man approach the crying girl, but she slapped him in the face, and he cowered away. Isabella said, “I guess now’s not the time to ask for a date.”

Keeping watch.

The party helped clean up the blood stains in the camp as to not attract more wolves. The Elves said it’s too late to move camp this evening. The party offered to help maintain the night’s watch. As Isabella went to clean up the blood stains from where the young boy was, she discovered a couple chunks of deer meat in the bushes outside of the camp. She told the others what she found.

Abrash and Gurthen asked ‘Ehlark what the young boy was doing outside of camp. ‘Ehlark explained that it was his son, Kyn’ric, who was killed and last he knew, he and Zho’ron were playing together. They went to Zho’ron’s tent and Isabella said, that’s the boy that was smacked. The party tried to question Zho’ron, but his parents and he were in deep meditation and the father, Thala’nil, told them to come back in the morning.

Abrash took the first watch and noticed a large number of snakes outside of the camp, avoiding the light of the fires. Abrash cast speak with animals and tried talking to a snake, but the snake didn’t want to talk to an elf. Abrash turned himself into a large snake and the snake changed his mind. The snake said, “Oh, you are a snake! Hey, want to get it on?” The snake rubbed up against Abrash trying to mate before he realized that Abrash was a male. Abrash asked about the temple, but the snake didn’t know anything about that. Abrash found a female snake who was also very interested in mating, but she too knew nothing about the temple.

In the morning

The Elves were up in the twilight just before dawn and started to break down camp. Abrash explained what he learned from the snakes during the night. The party found Zho’ron and asked if he knew anything about the deer meat they found outside the camp. Abrash noticed that Zho’ron was very nervous. Zho’ron broke down in tears and ran away. The party explained the situation to the parents and Gazlowe said, “Your son may have murdered the village.” The boy’s mother, Lierin, ran after Zho’ron. The boy’s father, Thala’nil, dismissively asked, “Why would my son want to murder his tribe?” Gazlowe explained, “Your son’s not so hot in the romance department.” Thala’nil explained that his son has a crush on Syl’lia who was interested in Kyn’ric but killing the tribe is a brash accusation!

Lierin, came back leading Zho’ron by his ear and sat him down on a log. Thomas explained the Stone Bearer’s hypothesis as some other elves gathered around. Thomas explained, “The boy was in the middle of a lover’s quarrel, as he loves her, and she loved someone else. He decided that the best course of action was to threaten, scare or kill the other boy by enticing wolves. We suspect it just got out of hand. Worst of all it didn’t produce any fruit for his relationship.”

Zho’ron broke down crying. ‘Ehlark asked Thala’nil to confirm this with his son. Zho’ron nodded in affirmation. Thala’nil reached over to Zho’ron’s bear claw necklace and ripped it off his neck. He grabbed his own and his wife’s and broke them off their necks. He turned to ‘Ehlark and explained that they will leave the Tribe of the Bear and form their own tribe. Gazlowe murmured, “I wouldn’t want to be part of that tribe.” ‘Ehlark agreed to this, and the tribe ostracized the family. Thomas, feeling sorry for them, gave them a pouch of 30gp. Thala’nil said, “May the blessings of the bear be with you.” Thomas replied, “And also with you.”

The remnants of the Tribe of the Bear provided the Stone Bearers some provisions as they all packed up their belongings. The Tribe of the Bear planned to move on. ‘Ehlark asked Falel’ to lead the Stone Bearers to the hill where the temple of the snakes is. ‘Ehlark bid them to fare well and “May the Bear protect you.” The party headed off as the morning sun started to break through the trees.

Campaign

The Forest

Protagonists

Thomas Elliot

Abrash Asim

Chaotic Good Moon Wood Elf (Folk Hero)
Druid 1

9 / 9 HP

STR
7

DEX
10

CON
13

INT
8

WIS
19

CHA
14

Report Date

25 Jul 2022