Session Logs 2022-2025
Table of Contents

2025

12/27/2025 Episode 133

Recap:

  • Octo-Thistle continued to crush the underwater troll with long, suckered arms.
  • The troll blasted Elam backwards with a surge of water, also popping Thistle's giant octopus form.
  • Elam swam forward against the violent flow of water and stung the troll with a javelin of lightning.
  • Tristan found yet another hiding giant octopus with spirit guardians.
  • Aki doomed the troll to fall apart with yet another lightning bolt.
  • Elam tried to appease the spooked cephalopods with fishy morsels.
  • Tristan heard an unfriendly noise from inside the sterncastle of the inverted Silent Duchess, and cast mass cure wounds upon the party in preparation.
  • The door to the sterncastle burst open from the inside, and a hideous eel-tailed mockery of a mermaid emerged, surrounded by polluted water, vowing to turn the party's corpses into decorations upon a monument…

12/20/2025 Episode 132

"Let us see," Mother Celeste said to nobody in particular, "whether we can expand our monument to the foolishness of the drylanders."

Recap:

  • The party descended to the main deck of the inverted wreck of the Silent Duchess, to discover they were surrounded by merrow and an underwater variety of troll.
  • The troll screamed a blast of water at the clustered party, knocking Tristan back some.
  • Thistle used wild shape to assume the form of a giant octopus, and caused much trouble for the merrow with long, grapply arms.
  • Zorah created fear deep within a merrow and the troll; they fled her presence.
  • Elam spotted a giant octopus trying to remain hidden upon the sterncastle of the ship. It watched her skewer the troll but did not engage.
  • Tristan extracted more than one toll the dead from the harpoon-bearing merrow.
  • Aki jolted the troll with a lightning bolt, provoking a markedly different and painful reaction than mere melee combat….

12/13/2025 No game

12/6/2025 Episode 131

The ghost of Bras Fonte — a frozen apparition of a ship's officer caught in the middle of a horrified shriek — faded from view as the menacing buzz in Elam's head subsided. Lodra Zusket took some deep breaths, regarded the officer's saber, and cast the unwelcome reminder of her nautical past on to the cavern floor.

Recap:

  • Thendrinix Zulgan returned Troguur's Tenderizer to Elam, having found it a serviceable but distasteful weapon.
  • Elam and Tristan debated the best place to rest for a while, given the apparent designs that Mother Celeste had for the Cutlass Radiant.
  • The following morning (Welcome to level 13!) the party sent Lodra Zusket, Sherveen Kermani, and Zulgan back to the City of Parteca via teleportation circle, with some extra funds for services rendered and hazards faced.
  • The party descended to the inverted shipwreck of the Silent Duchess and started swimming through the decks.
  • Invisible bilge gremlins tried to ambush the party in the boatswain's locker at the fore of the ship, but they were dispatched easily despite biting Tristan several times.

Loot:

11/29/2025 No game

11/22/2025 Episode 130

"You were a forgettable bosun," said the ghost of Bras Fonte. "Even now I struggle to remember your name. Perhaps I'd remember it if you had done the honorable thing and looked me in the eye as you ran me through." He clenched an ethereal fist and prepared to drive it through Sherveen's ribs.

Recap:

  • The ghost of Bras Fonte retreated to the in-between space between planes; Thistle identified it for what it was and suggested the party prepare an assault for the ghost's return.
  • Several times, the ghost of Bras was knocked down, briefly. Several times did the ghost pull himself together and resume his attacks.
  • The voice of Bras' old saber spoke in Elam's head, offering its own opinions and some clues.
  • Elam took up the saber and struck the ghost with it; it seemed more effective, somehow. It also drew the ghost's focused anger.
  • Elam had the idea to hand the saber to Lodra, who eventually struck the blow upon the ghost that severed its spirit from the world.
  • Tristan quickly performed restorative magics upon Zorah, Lodra, and Sherveen, undoing the rapid aging experienced at the mere sight of the ghost.
  • Elam claimed the now-uncursed treasures from the wooden chest in the burial cave, and noticed something weird about the chest bottom.
  • Zorah discovered a false bottom in the chest, with another item…

The saber is the [Tongue of Zhaogh](https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/10596376-tongue-of-zhaogh), and anyone interested may read the second and third spoilers in its description. The first spoiler is off-limits until the DM says so.

11/15/2025 Episode 129

"Sister Urdia," complained the voice emerging from the scallop shell, "I shall be exceedingly disappointed in you if some random seafarers have snatched the collateral the pirates offered us. Someone shall face my wrath. Make sure it isn't you."

Recap:

  • The Cutlass Radiant docked at the hidden cove on the island of Alysidon.
  • Thistle considered if the voice coming from the sending scallop could be another hag.
  • Zorah wondered if the voice belonged to someone called "Mother Celeste."
  • Elam pondered what sort of relationship the pirates of the Black Serpent may have had with Mother Celeste, that she should want to claim the Cutlass Radiant for herself.
  • The party prepared for combat against the restless incorporeal dead, and left a sending stone with the captain of the Cutlass Radiant, just in case.
  • Tristan held the skull of Bras Fonte aloft as he said some unkind words to it. His ghost manifested quickly thereafter, frightening several people, some more deeply than others.
  • Bras focused his attention on Sherveen Kermani, accusing her of slaying him and attempting to exact revenge.
  • Elam tossed a magical weapon to Thendrinix Zulgan after seeing that his flurry of spear staps did absolutely nothing to the ghost.

11/8/2025 Episode 128

"Certainly you didn't think that this sort of unsavory stuff would never find you again?" Zulgan stabbed at a sea-cursed fish-man with his spear, and prepared to follow up with a thorough drubbing from his wooden shield.

Recap:

  • The party continued dispatching sea spawn, greater and lesser, by force of arms and magic.
  • A sea witch leaped on to the Cutlass Radiant and announced that she intended to claim the vessel, screaming "Mother Celeste will not give up so easily on her prize!"
  • The sea witch transformed from grizzled, athletic, amphibious humanoid woman to a supernaturally hideous one, severely frightening many of the people aboard…but not enough of them.
  • The sea witch quickly realized she was outmatched and tried to leap over the railing to escape, but Zorah's casting of Bigby's hand prevented it in a most gruesome and lethal fashion.
  • The slain sea spawn were returned to the sea unceremoniously by the party and the sailors.
  • The party rifled the sea witch's pockets to find some coins and a large sea scallop shell, with a design of mother-of-pearl inside, radiating magic.
  • As the ship docked at the hidden cove on the island of Alysidon, the scallop shell received a sending from someone on the other end, who asked about the ship in an angry and menacing tone…

11/1/2025 Episode 127

"You spend too much time and effort on others," said the voice that resembled Bras Fonte, but also sounded nothing like him. "The less you enjoy your riches in this life, the more you will regret not doing so in the next."

  • Elam stashed the saber in a bag of holding, hoping to impede its influence upon others.
  • Tristan considered establishing a location within the City of Parteca for distributing resources charitably to the needy.
  • Zorah and Tristan both tried to decipher more spells in Liraz' spellbooks but made no progress.
  • Elam and Tristan donated some time and healing energy to local organizations and the populations they service.
  • The following morning at dawn, Lodra Zusket and Sherveen Kermani boarded the Cutlass Radiant for another journey across the channel to the island of Alysidon.
  • Partway through the journey, a horde of horrible humanoid-sea creature hybrids boarded the ship, intent on slaying the crew and taking the ship for themselves…

10/25/2025 Episode 126

Lodra pulled a pile of clothes off of the top of an old trunk shoved into a corner of her room. After setting the clothes upon her bed, she fumbled through her keyring for a bit, put key to lock, and opened the trunk. What in the name of the Lady of the Waves have I agreed to, she mumbled to herself, eyeing the rapier and main-gauche resting atop her old leathers.

Recap:

  • Tristan asked Elam about what could be done with recent proceeds acquired from adventuring; she mentioned she put some back into her bastion, and donated some to the Sanctuary of Danmis.
  • Tristan, Elam, and Thistle visited some of the shelters and soup kitchens in the City of Parteca.
  • Zorah went shopping, finding a necklace for Lodra Zusket and a fashionable dress for Sherveen Kermani.
  • At the Assembly of Stevedores, focused on the well-being of dock workers, the manager said that it was a significant struggle to keep things going, and they were always just squeaking by, doing the best they could under occasionally dire circumstances.
  • At Misty Harbor, close to and operated by the Hearth of the Palms, shelter manager Amunnebkettoti "Ami" Kalb said that keeping up with demand for services was only a minor struggle, and she was grateful for all the work of her volunteers.
  • Twice did a voice similar to that of Bras Fonte speak in Tristan's head, questioning his altruistic intent; twice did Tristan brush it off.
  • That voice spoke in Elam's head as she carried Bras' saber for a while; she rebuked it.
  • Tristan and Elam considered ways of mitigating the anti-altruistic influence that the saber seemed to have upon those who carried it.
  • Tristan continued to decipher the "separation" spell.
  • Zorah tried to start on the "unraveling" spell but found herself too distracted.

10/18/2025 Episode 125

Lodra closed the door to her office, locked it, and began to pace nervously. The wretch is dead, she thought, surely he cannot reach me from beyond the grave…can he?

Recap:

  • The next morning started with Elam using locate object to learn the whereabouts of the clandestinely-placed defaced coins.
  • One coin went to the east, one to the northeast, one to the southeast, one stayed in the warehouse.
  • One coin was located on the person of a servant named Jacques, who worked for the Cardona family of the Duke's Gate neighborhood of the City of Parteca.
  • Coins placed:

| 01:00 | Peregrine Prize |
| 02:00 | Audax |
| 03:00 | Audax |
| 04:00 | Black Scream |
| 05:00 | Black Scream |
| 06:00 | Sarpedon |
| 07:00 | Hector |
| 08:00 | Hector |
| 09:00 | Peregrine Prize |
| 10:00 | Golden Goose II |
| 11:00 | Golden Goose II |
| 12:00 | Golden Goose II |

  • Zorah offered Jacques and his employer adventurer-operated item-location services, or her own entertainment services. She said to leave a message at Antelope and Elderberry in the Suq tal-Bajja district if she was not there herself.
  • The party met Lodra Zusket and Sherveen Kermani at the Bureau of Light in the afternoon.
  • Lodra and Sherveen ultimately agreed to go to Alysidon to attempt to finish "that bastard" Bras Fonte's unfinished business, two days hence.
  • Zorah offered to do some shopping for Lodra and Sherveen, as a form of compensation for the imposition.

10/11/2025 Episode 124

"You want to go to the Bureau of Light," stated the harbor master Carla Gambin, quickly folding up the slip of paper and handing it back to Tristan. "They only get busier as evening draws nearer. Make haste!"

Recap:

  • The party visited the Bureau of Light and were admitted by the guards. (194 days accident-free!)
  • After getting by the receptionist, they met Sherveen Kermani, general manager of the bureau, who thought the saber that Tristan presented looked familiar.
  • The saber appeared to wiggle slightly in Sherveen's presence.
  • Sherveen excused herself from the room and returned with Lodra Zusket, director of the bureau, who also recognized the saber.
  • After demanding more straightforward answers to her questions, Lodra arranged a meeting for the following afternoon, when she was less busy.
  • Tristan advised tying up the "loose end" represented by the saber sooner rather than later.
  • Elam and Tristan attended to the injured, ill, and infirm at the Sanctuary of Danmis.
  • Zorah deciphered a "concealment" spell from Liraz' larger spellbook, which turned out to be invisibility.
  • Tristan started to decipher a "separation" spell from Liraz' smaller spellbook, and suspected it might be circle of power.

9/27/2025 No game

10/4/2025 No game

9/20/2025 Episode 123

Twice Tristan thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Twice he quickly turned his gaze to look at the saber of the ghostly ship's officer. Twice the saber glimmered a bit under the lantern-light of the room, but otherwise remained still and silent.

Recap:

  • Alberic Zaragamba said that the Cutlass Radiant was in fine shape now, but should get two or three more days of work to get every last corner checked and repaired.
  • While looking for potential crewmen at local watering holes, Tristan encountered a burly dragonborn named Zulgan who recognized the strange saber, had served as helmsman aboard the Ultimatum, and was very familiar with the circumstances around the death of Bras Fonte. Zulgan scribbled two names on a piece of paper.
  • Zorah thought that at least one of the names could have been a woman's, and one of them could also be a leopardfolk such as herself.
  • Tristan asked various personnel on the docks about leopardfolk sailors, while Zorah tried to find the food cart serving the tastiest skewered meat.
  • Most of the people on the dock referred Tristan to the harbor master.
  • Tristan and Zorah met with harbor master Carla Gambin at her office. She recognized the two names on the paper, Sherveen and Lodra, and suggested visiting the Bureau of Light next.

9/13/2025 Episode 122

The last slivers of the setting sun had dipped below the horizon. "At least we had fair winds for this short voyage," Alberic said. He looked at the brightly-lit docks of Queensport in the distance, and whispered a word of praise for the Bureau of Light.

Recap:

  • Elam tithed some of her share of the spoils to the local Sanctuary of Danmis, for the benefit of local poorer children.
  • Alberic Zaragamba reported via sending stone that the Cutlass Radiant moored safely at Parteca a few hours after sunset.
  • Tristan performed greater restoration upon Shelby "Flint" Flintbridge, driving away the premature aging that had been inflicted by ghostly fright.
  • Zorah and Elam negotiated with Heknir Clommest at antiques shop Long Time No See in the Duke's Gate district of Parteca, eventually selling two obsidian statuettes with gold inlay and a ceremonal sword for 100 pp, 700 gp, and an emerald worth 1000 gp.
  • Tristan established enough good will with Brother Fridolin Button at the Church of the Strand so that he could arrive via word of recall.
  • Zorah and Elam struck a deal with Andre de Sain at Another's Treasures, also in Duke's Gate, to sell the pair of moonstone-studded silver chalices for 50 pp, 800 gp, and a peridot worth 500 gp.
  • Tristan encouraged Flint to seriously consider employment aboard the Cutlass Radiant — a vessel in need of a crew in the near future — as an alternative to piracy.
  • Elam spent some time attending to the ill, injured, infirm, and indigent of Parteca near the Sanctuary of Danmis.

9/6/2025 Episode 121

Bras Fonte's old saber wasn't really any use to him now that he was a ghost. Perhaps it could be of use to others in locating the agent of Bras' demise. Maybe the blade retained some echo of the malevolence that the wielder felt as they ran him through, back to front.

Recap:

  • Tristan tried to identify the saber of First Officer Bras Fonte and found it was better-made than most, and might have other interesting properties for someone who attunes to it. It also seemed to have a drawback that would eventually manifest if used enough in combat.
  • The party noted that the considerable trove of coins, gems, and art objects in the treasure chest were no longer magical, and claimed them.
  • The belt and boots in the treasure chest were magical, and possibly still cursed. Aki claimed the belt but did not don it.
  • Alberic Zaragamba and his workers wanted another half-day to really get the Cutlass Radiant truly ready, but said that it would be fine for the crossing to the City of Parteca.
  • Tristan claimed the saber and hoped that it would eventually lead to the hand that brought about Bras' sticky end.
  • The Cutlass Radiant began to sail back to Parteca; Zorah brought herself, the party, and Flint back to the city via teleportation circle.
  • Tristan brought Flint to a local working-class inn for the night, while others returned to Elam's bastion.

Review of treasure trove:

  • coins: 5000 gp, 500 pp,
  • art objects, approximately 750 gp each:
    • gold dragon comb with red garnet eyes;
    • obsidian statuette of octopus with gold inlay around arms;
    • larger silver chalice set with more moonstones;
    • smaller silver chalice set with fewer moonstones;
    • silver and gold brooch depicting roses in bloom;
    • ceremonial silver-plated steel longsword with jet hilt,
  • gems, approximately 1000 gp each:
    • 1 star ruby,
    • 1 emerald,
    • 2 blue sapphires,
    • 2 brilliant diamonds,
    • 3 fire opals,
  • boots of elvenkind with a whisper of necromancy around them,
  • belt of dwarvenkind with a whisper of necromancy about it; claimed by Aki,
  • magical saber (scimitar) that used to belong to Bras Fonte; claimed by Tristan

8/30/2025 Episode 120

The ghost of Captain Vrik Yambagorn lowered his hand. He would not strike the insubordinate sailor, nor the crew that supported him, nor the crocodile working with them. There is a time to fight, and there is a time to run. This was neither of those times. This was a time to listen and understand before making another move.

Recap:

  • Tristan offered to help the ghost of Captain Vrik Yambagorn finish his unfinished business, if it was just.
  • Zorah reinforced that having allies was important for pursuing one's goals.
  • Flint was spotted peeking around the corner again, and they berated Vrik for not leaving the living alone.
  • Vrik approached Flint and demanded to know who buried him; Flint refused to answer.
  • The ghost of First Officer Bras Fonte said "It was a lovely funeral."
  • Zorah was temporarily frightened by Bras; Flint was terrified to the core and scurried away, looking significantly older.
  • Bras acknowledged that he was dead, stabbed in the back by his own saber; he wanted to know who did it.
  • Tristan convinced Bras to grant permission to use the saber, caked with blood, to find the killer.
  • Tristan intervened between Vrik and Flint, eventually getting Vrik to back off, and Flint to share the tale of the sticky end of Vrik and Bras' command of the Ultimatum.
  • Elam convinced Flint that not only should Vrik hear the story, but that Flint should be the one to tell it.
  • At the conclusion of Flint's tale, Vrik kneeled down to say "thank you" and faded away.

8/23/2025 Episode 119

"He wasn't my favorite person either," said Flint. "What's your angle on disturbing these remains, anyway? Yeah, I've stirred up trouble in the past, but at least I kept it among the living."

Recap:

  • Flint confirmed that they performed some of the labor for the burial of Captain Vrik Yambagorn on land, and that the gesture was a minimal kindness but mostly an insult to a lifelong sailor.
  • Elam asked Flint about others who were present at Vrik's burial.
  • Zorah tried to convince Flint that serving aboard the Cutlass Radiant would not be boring, as interesting events tend to gravitate towards player characters adventurers.
  • Aki considered the dead captain's words, and found something significant about "gratitude."
  • Zorah suspected that Flint might be the type to cause trouble proactively prevent boredom.
  • Flint plodded back to their former quarters to see if there was enough of a bed there for some rest.
  • While preparing Vrik's remains for a more respectful burial, Tristan found himself face-to-face with Vrik's ghost.
  • Thistle found the ghost particularly terrifying for a moment, but found resolve as they assumed the wild shape of a crocodile.
  • Vrik ordered Tristan and the party to help him find and retake his ship. Tristan refused to take orders from a dead captain he disliked.
  • Vrik tried to strike Tristan for insubordination, but various magical and rhetorical interventions by the party stayed his ghostly hand.
  • The saber stuck into the grave of First Mate Bras Fonte clattered to the cavern floor as Croco-Thistle maneuvered by…

8/16/2025 Episode 118

"So I guess I'm nothing but my wits, my boots, and the shirt on my back now," sighed Flint. "Not surprising they took what little coin I had. Didn't know they were so interested in a journal they couldn't even read."

Recap:

  • Elam checked in on the laborers aboard Cutlass Radiant. They thought it could be seaworthy by the end of the day, but another day of labor would be substantially better.
  • Flint pointed out that there were lizardfolk villages on the west side of the island, and that extracting vengeance while reclaiming their possessions would make them feel better, at least for a little while.
  • Flint said that they considered the absent wizard Liraz a "terrifying ally, worse enemy."
  • Elam and Tristan worked to uncover the remains of Captain Vrik Yambagorn without disturbing them.
  • Tristan used speak with dead to ask questions of the deceased captain.
  • Flint said that they had worked under Captain Vrik, though likely not at the same time as Tristan. They said that the stone cairn was a formal marker of the end of their relationship.
  • Aki and Zorah pondered the words of the deceased captain, perhaps a bit more deeply than they expected…

8/9/2025 Episode 117

Flint briefly struggled against the crude ropes that bound them. Having regained their feet and being out of reach of the head lizardfolk, they considered that elsewhere might be an excellent place to be while arrows and spells were flying about.

Recap:

  • Thistle conjured storm clouds in the cave and jolted several lizardfolk with lightning.
  • Tristan's spiritual might was too much for several other lizardfolk.
  • Elam's martial prowess felled the lead lizardfolk enforcer and the supplicant who had turned into a giant crocodile for a while.
  • Zorah stubbornly refused to become crocodile chow.
  • Flint somehow wriggled free of their bonds during the altercation.
  • Elam offered Flint some food and water after the battle, which they graciously but wordlessly accepted and voraciously consumed for a while.
  • Flint described the lizardfolk village on the other side of the island, where they almost became "[a] sacrifice to [the] Scale Father in [the] presence of [the] Scale Mother."
  • Tristan asked Flint if they had any family to go back to; they said it might be easier to associate with a found family than a family of blood relations.

8/2/2025 Episode 116

Elam strode forth, directing her will and clenching her fist to freeze the armed lizardfolk invader in his tracks. For a split-second the lizardfolk appeared to freeze in place. But paralyzed folk don't flick their tongues through the air, or beat their heavy clubs against their spiked shields.

Recap:

  • Elam spotted the halfling pirate "Flint" bound in restarints, looking injured and maybe a bit ill, and being carried bodily by a muscular lizardfolk enforcer wielding a trident.
  • The lizardfolk enforcer issued an ultimatum in crude common: "Pay gold, we leave. Pay more, we give back friend. Pay lots more, we give back friend alive!"
  • Lizardfolk supplicants dressed in shamanistic clothes tried to cast a few spells; some were thwarted by Zorah's counterspell.
  • Zorah performed some vicious mockery against the enforcer, added a suggestion that he drop Flint (which he did), and tried to crush the enforcer with Bigby's hand.
  • Flint eventually crawled away from the enforcer and managed stand up, with difficulty.
  • Tristan shortened the lives of several lizardfolk via spirit guardians.
  • Elam relished her role as dispenser of many wounds and contusions, shrugging off the minor nuisance of a nearby grasping vine, her steed Sundrop adding a few tramples and hoof smashes for good measure.
  • Lizardfolk sentries fired many volleys of arrows, occasionally hitting for minor damage.
  • A badly wounded supplicant transformed into a giant crocodile, knocked Zorah prone with its tail, and scooped her up in its mouth to chew on her…

7/26/2025 Episode 115

"I'm assuming yer ship's not related to the flotsam 'n wreckage near where we dropped anchor," Alberic said. "'ow much of an 'ike did we sign up for? If it's o'er them mountains, well, I'd tell ya I left me climbin' gear back 'ome but I ain't got any to me name."

Recap:

  • In the afternoon, the party and the sailors hiked to the hideout entrance. Zorah saw some recent lizardfolk footprints around the entrance.
  • Elam noticed some boots in the mud room that Tristan thought were magical. Later they were discovered to be boots of false tracks.
  • Inside the hideout, Tristan discovered that a shrine to Zmeyana had been violently disassembled. Zorah used magic to mend a broken ivory statuette of an undulating sea serpent found among the debris.
  • By early evening, Alberic and the sailors were dispatched to the Cutlass Radiant with enough food and water for a couple of days while they worked.
  • Tristan blocked the passage between the hideout and the cove with Leomund's tiny hut and studied the statuette, which was faintly magical.
  • In the morning Aki thought they heard footfalls elsewhere in the hideout. Elam took some defensive precautions.
  • Zorah stealthily observed an armed lizardfolk looking around the hideout for valuables, and thought she heard more creatures nearby.
  • Elam strode forth to attempt hold person upon the invader, but he shrugged it off…

7/19/2025 Episode 114

"They haven't let me down yet," Alberic Zaragamba said of the dozen or so sailors behind him. "You deal fairly with them, and with me, and they'll give you an honest effort with a minimum of fuss 'n bother."

Recap:

  • Tristan and Elam met with an experienced halfling sailor named Alberic Zaragamba and arranged to find about 10 sailors to retrieve the Cutlass Radiant.
  • Tristan hired the Azadafroz again for the trip across the channel, and negotiated a discount on passage for the party and the additional sailors.
  • Elam's bastion produced sending stones, a shield +1, and goggles of night.
  • Elam considered giving Alberic one of the sending stones for the duration of the project.
  • At The Swift Whale, a middle-aged elf man kept staring at Zorah. After buying him a drink and engaging him in conversation, she found his name was Narbeth and he worked making handicrafts and selling them in Brass Valley. He requested a mellow tune and she played it for the establishment, earning enough to offset her own purchases for the night.
  • While Zorah sang, an old beggar tried to get some coin from bar patrons. Tristan offered to by the old beggar Domingo "Dom" a drink, and they chatted for a while about his injury-shortened career as a laborer around the docks and ships of Parteca.
  • Tristan walked Dom home at a leisurely pace, to a shelter run by the Assembly of Stevedores in Old Mizara, just outside the wall near the shore.
  • The first crescent of the largest moon Ashourina shone in the sky overnight, marking the beginning of the month of Nanefru, the last month of autumn.
  • Tristan helped Captain Goomwade Bloonsnel and Officer Phenabbli Sniret prepare the Azadafroz for a dawn departure. Alberic and his men arrived at dawn, the rest of the party about an hour later.
  • By early afternoon Alysidon was close. By late afternoon, all had disembarked on to the eastern shore of the island…

7/12/2025 No game

7/5/2025 Episode 113

A dark-furred vodshi wearing a slightly frilly blouse and a modest skirt entered the warehouse and calmly climbed the steps to the foreman's lookout. Smiling pleasantly, she made some small talk with the red-nosed man, then looked out towards the broad warehouse floor. Her pink-splotched nose flared and twitched.

Recap:

  • Thistle noticed a shift change at the warehouse, and warned Zorah, who hid herself away while the newly on-duty guards patrolled the floor for a bit.
  • Zorah noticed some recently used manacles and restraints among Black Scream's stuff, and some worn containers with gaps or missing knots among Peregrine Prize's stuff.
  • Zorah distributed the defaced copper pieces among the various crews' containers, hoping that they might eventually lead somewhere.
  • The party reassembled at a nearby café named Solar Guineas, where Elam had purchased and shared some date pastries.
  • Tristan and Elam recruited a crew of local sailors to go rehabilitate and retrieve the Cutlass Radiant.

6/28/2025 No game

6/21/2025 Episode 112

Captain Varist Scolaro gripped the wyrmling tooth between his fingers and studied it. It's much better as a warning than as a trophy, he thought, and indeed do I feel warned. He pocketed the tooth, took a deep breath, and headed towards the mayor's office. I hope The Magnate finds us convincing.

Recap:

  • Elam left a sending stone with the Parteca City Watch [actually with the housekeeper at the Bastion], in case they needed to contact the party about the alleged dragon.
  • Tristan pondered the risks and rewards of possessing the Cutlass Radiant, now no longer in service of the Black Serpent.
  • Tristan also pondered whether to do anything about the most-likely-cursed treasure resting near the remains of captain Vrik Yambagorn and first officer Bras Fonte.
  • Zorah and Thistle poked around the Mazar Benerese & Co. warehouse in Parteca, trying to find indications of trade in contraband.
  • Golden Goose II did not seem to have any obviously drow or duergar goods in their current warehouse holdings; Zorah slipped a marked copper piece into a crate containing some elven wine.
  • Zorah slipped another marked copper piece into the cargo carried by Peregrine Prize, possibly headed to the Dominion of Sthukesh to the west.

6/14/2025 No game

6/7/2025 Episode 111

"It's hatched? It's hatched, glory be, it's ha-" Barely a minute old, the wyrmling was already consuming solid food.

Recap:

  • The party took their information to the Hall of the City Watch of Parteca and eventually met with Captain Varist Scolaro.
  • Captain Scolaro seemed skeptical but gave the party a brass token and instructions to return tomorrow with the token and compelling evidence.
  • Zorah worked on devising a story to present to the captain based upon their experiences nearby.
  • Tristan spent some time studying the sailor medicine book.
  • The next day, Zorah weaved Rary's telepathic bond upon the party before they met with the captain again.
  • Captain Scolaro found the evidence very convincing, given that it contained actual dragon parts; he requested to keep a tooth.
  • The captain mentioned that he had heard unreliable third-hand accounts about special defensive surprises that The Magnate had prepared for the city; he prayed that if they did exist, they would never be necessary.

5/31/2025 Episode 110

In the absence of the Scale Father himself, the priest directed the flock's attention towards the shrine built of bones and decorated with claws, teeth, and scales. They were about to offer words of awe and dread when the king stood up. All fell quiet. The king raised a claw to draw the flock's attention, and slowly lowered it to point at the more humble shrine off to the side, built of wood and decorated with empty egg shells and the bones of his kind. Words of praise and gratitude for the Scale Mother formed in the king's heart. He opened his mouth to proclaim them.

Recap:

  • There was much thinking about luring alleged dragon Chunderbreath out of its lair and to the caves of the now-empty pirate hideout…
  • …and what to do if the encounter went sideways, or if it brought friends, or it sent its agents instead of itself, or nobody showed up at all.
  • Elam related the events and discoveries from the pirate hideout to Choreographer Yasmeen Drago, high priestess of Danmis in Parteca, and asked for advice on who to contact next. She recommended the mayor's office.
  • Tristan started investigating a spell in one of the spellbooks, but as the sun set, headed to The Swift Whale to drink and eat and drink and schmooze and drink.
  • Zorah deciphered mage armor in the other spell book.
  • Also at The Swift Whale, Zorah encountered a sailor half-telling and half-singing a story of a dragon, possibly bronze or green, possibly shifting into other shapes, acquiring treasure from passing ships through bargaining or maybe extortion. She thanked the storyteller with a round of drinks for the table, and he thanked her for supporting and appreciating the arts.
  • Elam also enjoyed some time with the locals at The Swift Whale.
  • The following morning Tristan resumed his deciphering efforts and completed nondetection.
  • After convincing a mid-level city official of the importance of their information, the party was brought to Mayor Fawstina Talavera, who said she would refer the information to The Magnate, sovereign of the Barony of Cascun.

Recovered non-spell books:

5/24/2025 Episode 109

As promised, she returned to the sailors' caves to assess the progress that they had made in capturing another vessel. A report of failure, she could deal with. She could punish someone for that. But there was nobody here at all. A few dead people, a stinking latrine, a shrine to some drylander deity, and another one to that damned undulating trollop. Nobody's face to smash, nobody's flesh to rend, nobody's psyche to scar. She screamed in rage, toppled the shrine to Zmeyana, and stomped on its offerings until she felt infinitesimally less angry.

Recap:

  • Among the various papers of Kranmous Ashfinger Elam found reference to a being known as Melter of Bones (crossed out and replaced with) Chunderbreath and its minions — mostly lizardfolk.
  • The party visited the headquarters of the Duke's Gate Society for Horticulture. Butler Visinch greeted them and brought out Mrs. Pompeia Stieni who received the token of appreciation for Beatrice Amberwillow with much gratitude. She promised invitations to a social function where some kind words would be spoken about them. She dispensed a reward in diamonds.
  • Thistle received a sending from Muriellis Rouzet, cellarer and sommelier to the Baroness of Ellisia, describing recent developments in the world of contraband goods, and how other higher-ranking nobles were becoming aware.
  • The party thought of ways to draw the alleged dragon out and away from its minions. Thistle recalled that black dragons were strong swimmers.
  • Tristan deciphered a spell for making watercraft move quickly.
  • Zorah deciphered a familiar wall of force spell.

5/17/2025 Episode 108

"It's not much, but it's a start," said Katarina. She set a tray of drinks on one of the tables in the workshop. "I know the cups and glasses are all different shapes and sizes, but I've tried to keep them all approximately the same size, so I don't want anyone complaining they got stiffed." Kyran inverted his half-finished mechanical gewgaw upon the workbench, exposing its flat base, and set his cup of rum punch upon it. "Don't mind if I do!" he declared. "I mind," bellowed Lemmikki. "Ha' ye nae deference fer yer elders?" She winked as she repossessed Kyran's lovely beverage.

Recap:

  • Welcome to level 11! (Not eleven factorial, just eleven. Settle down, Beavis.)
  • Zorah deciphered Liraz' version of lightning bolt from one of the recovered spell books.
  • Elam donated some time and healing to some of the poor and needy around the city.
  • Mrs. Pompea Stieni, councilor at-large of the Duke's Gate Society for Horticulture, visited Elam's Respite and introduced herself and the Society.
  • Mrs. Stieni inquired about the fate of the Silent Duchess and two of its passengers, Gejtan Parnis and Lea Oletta, who were to be honored as this year's Palm King and Palm Queen of Parteca (respectively).
  • Mrs. Stieni also inquired about the whereabouts of a jeweled sickle meant as a token of appreciation for Her Grace Beatrice Amberwillow, and her 50 years of service to the Society.
  • Tristan spent some long hours with Liraz' other spellbook, eventually finding a spell used to obscure and conceal the presence of a vehicle.
  • Elam purchased a matching set of cups and glasses to appease head housekeeper Katarina.
  • Elam took her new winged boots out for a test flight, alongside Thistle in giant eagle form, and Aki polymorphed into a magpie. Zorah encouraged them to communicate between each other with Rary's telepathic bond.
  • Zorah started to dig into another of Liraz' spells.

The most notable thing that happened at Elam's Respite during the previous week:
Housekeeper Katarina discovered an exceptionally ugly (by her standards) spider in the kitchen. Guard and handywoman Amber vehemently denied (with an obvious, knowing wink) that Katarina screamed like a young girl at the arachnid. Storehouse manager Fawstina tried to convince Katarina that the spider was harmless and maybe even a bit beneficial. Tinker Kyran removed the spider quietly and efficiently without killing it, and went back to his latest mechanical curiosity.

5/10/2025 Episode 107

The southern lobe of the cave was, to put it mildly, a royal pain to navigate. Between the broken earth and the jagged carapaces of immense crabs looked like an extremely hazardous place to be. The northern lobe was less perturbed, and the newly-defeated crab was deprived of its prize: the headless body of a fisherman that looked like it had been at least partially eaten. People and crabs, however, have different perspectives on what is valuable, and the heavy chest that used to be obscured by the dead fisherman now invited curiosity.

Recap:

  • Elam found an interesting [walking cane](https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/10091743-dagabs-last-vigil) under one of the defeated crabs.
  • Elam prepared a feast of crab cakes from abundant and readily available fresh ingredients.
  • Tristan reunited the dead fisherman's head and body in a grave at the tide line, next to the recently-buried sailor, and marked both graves with cairns made of local stones and adorned with the symbol of Zmeyana.
  • The beach weird acknowledged the party's efforts in cleaning up pollution and wreckage, and said it expected the natural action of the tides to handle the rest.
  • Elam and Tristan dug a channel through which the trapped pescavitus swam back out into open ocean. It thanked them with some minor healing and restoration.
  • After leaving the cove, the party discussed whether or not they should take on the alleged dragon, and if so, how they might prepare for it.
  • Tristan wondered if the defeat of the pirates would change the alleged dragon's behavior towards settlements on the continent.
  • Tristan pondered if anyone could achieve an audience with the alleged dragon through promises of sufficiently shiny treasure.
  • The party returned to Parteca via teleportation circle, arriving in the square adjacent to the Sanctuary of Danmis.
  • Zorah spent some time in local taverns, trying to assess how merchants might react to goods of questionable provenance.
  • The party sold herbalism kits, jugs of dye, incense, cloth, all the barrels of rum save one, and all the bars of gold save one.
  • Elam donated some of the proceeds to the Sanctuary of Danmis, with direction that they be used to benefit the poorer children of the city.
  • The party spent some time in the arcane study at Elam's Respite, digging into whatever lore Liraz' spellbooks might yield…

5/3/2025 No game

4/26/2025 Episode 106

Three immense crabs with jagged carapaces relaxed and lowered their pincers. One considered the visitors to its cave, and whether they would interrupt its meal. One approached angrily, snapping claws.

Recap:

  • Zorah convinced one immense crab that enemies abound and it briefly turned on its neighbors; her cutting words saved Elam from a vicious crab claw.
  • Aki used erupting earth to aggravate several crabs out of their animal friendship, and lightning bolt to jolt them severely.
  • Elam dished out plenty of weapon-based punishment, took many scrapes from jagged crab carapaces, and was saved more than once from severe wounds by her armor.
  • Tristan caused general havoc with spiritual weapon and extracted a few payments via toll the dead.
  • Thistle's animal friendship persisted upon the crabs outside the cave, while her thorn whip took purchase on the crabs inside.
  • Elam dragged the dead fisherman towards the cave entrance, and noted that the chest under him seemed to have significant mass…

4/19/2025 Episode 105

Elam started to gather the beach debris into a single location. Tristan stood over the dead sailor, ready to resume the interrupted rites for the poor soul. The surly elemental of sea water and sand observed from a distance. Immense crabs clacked their pincers nearby.

Recap:

  • The party entered the shipwreck to find the two dino-birds looking hungrily at a caged bird with clipped wings resembling a finch, scaled up to eagle size, with a circle of white feathers on its chest.
  • Tristan and Thistle combined knowledge to deduce that the caged bird was a moonweaver, and Zorah found that she could understand its song through the magic of her headgear.
  • Elam distracted the dino-birds with a lot of jerky while the party absconded away from the beach with the birdcage and many other items found among the wreckage, flotsam, and jetsam.
  • The moonweaver was released from its cage overnight, and it thanked Zorah with an inspiring song before it hid itself in the trees, flying and hopping awkwardly but eventually ascending above the forest floor.
  • While resting the party examined the various goods. (Summary will be posted separately.),
  • The next morning the party returned to the cove, discovering a few barrels of decent rum at the north end.
  • Inside the cave towards the south end of the cove, Elam suggested to Thistle that the dead fisherman could be rescued from the crabs in the cave through some animal friendship.
  • Thistle charmed three of the five crabs in the cave. The fourth crab weighed territorial defense versus the tasty dead fisherman it had been eating. The last crab, however, chose violence…

Interesting items found at the cove:

  • 5 mini-barrels of decent rum; 8 lb. each
  • A non-ornamental bird cage with an easily picked lock (DC 12), big enough to hold a Small creature; 15 lb.
  • A polished wooden case lined with red velvet on the inside, containing a jeweled miniature sickle and a scroll of illuminated vellum with calligraphy; it reads "Presented to Her Grace Beatrice Amberwillow, Countess of Swan Creek, by the Duke's Gate Society for Horticulture, in recognition of 50 years of service, 853 E.P." Duke's Gate is a neighborhood in the nearby city of Parteca, and Amberwillow is a known halfling noble family; this token of appreciation probably has not made it to its intended recipient. Box and contents weigh 1 lb.
  • Enough tools and herbs to assemble 10 herbalism kits; 30 lb. total
  • 3 wax-sealed jugs smudged with dye on the side, suggesting their contents; 5 lb. each
  • A box containing a potion of superior healing (8d4+8), a potion of heroism, and a potion of vitality
  • 10 lb. of incense
  • a 5-yard bolt of gold and silver brocade; 5 lb.
  • an 8-yard bolt of white muslin; 8 lb.
  • a 10-yard bolt of wool dyed midnight blue; 10 lb.
  • a bundle of assorted furs; 5 lb.
  • 50 ingots of gold, with dwarven runes in duergar style cast into the top, spelling "Thorhuun," the name of a duergar clan; stamped inconsistently on the sides of some are dwarven runes in more conventional style reading "Mazar Benerese & Co."; 1 lb. each

4/12/2025 Episode 104

Tristan pondered what he could do for the deceased victim of a shipwreck that lay on the beach before him. Elam pondered what sort of distant relative of a bird was looking at her. The bird-like creature pondered the morsel of food that Elam had just tossed to it. The two immense crabs with dangerous-looking carapaces pondered whether or not they were angry, and if so, at whom.

Recap:

  • Elam offered various bits of food to the dino-bird, discovering that it preferred meat.
  • Thistle explained the origin of the dino-bird while charming immense crabs with animal friendship.
  • Tristan tried to perform burial rites for a dead sailor, but was interrupted by a a mass of sand, rubble, and scree moving with hostile intent from the cliffside.
  • Zorah's thunderwave nearly blew the talus creature to bits; Elam's spear got the last word on it.
  • The party gathered various bits of loot from the shipwreck and debris strewn across the cove, finding some gold ingots.
  • At an isolated pool some distance out from the cliff face, a celestial-looking fish with a human face telepathically warned Elam and Zorah about the angry tide pools.
  • A beach weird arose from the cove, demanding that the wreckage and pollution be removed from the area.
  • Tristan dropped the name of Arbastutanif, Emir of the Gulf and negotiated a plan to clean the pollution and burn the wreckage.
  • The beach weird promised to hold the party accountable if they were not quick or thorough enough in their tasks.
  • The party resumed gathering useful items from the wreckage, including herbs, incense, jugs of dye, and a box with something magical inside.
  • Elam gathered wreckage and debris into one place for eventual disposal by combustion.

4/5/2025 No game

3/29/2025 Episode 103

Panic started to rise in the black dragon wyrmling, but it tried not to show it. It had been fleeing, and it was surprised to suddenly discover an uncomfortable proximity to a capable enemy.

Recap:

  • With two strokes of her glaive, Elam skewered the black dragon wyrmling that was commanded to approach Tristan.
  • Zorah used Bigby's Hand Paw to restrain one of the fleeing wyrmlings; Elam's chill touch sent it quickly to its demise.
  • With a burst of speed, Zorah hastened towards the last remaining fleeing wyrmling and once again restrained it with Bigby's Hand Paw, ultimately crushing it to death.
  • The party gathered the corpses of the slain wyrmlings and Tristan harvested their hides.
  • The party crossed the river and marched along the western shore of the island, bypassing a village to visit a shipwreck.
  • Elam intimidated some giant crabs away from the corpse of a sailor; Tristan considered how to give it proper burial rites.
  • Thistle identified the flying creature resembling a bird as more of a reptile descended from those bred by ancient druids — and bearing unusual intelligence for a beast.
  • The creature seemed to pay attention to Elam's words as it considered the offered morsel of food…

3/22/2025 Episode 102

Something splattered violently against the outside of the magical hut. As it started to drip down, Tristan saw the shape of a very young dragon perched in a nearby tree, its wings extended. It was probably not a coincidence.

Recap:

  • The black dragon wyrmling perched in a tree sent a message to Tristan, demanding tribute from trespassers to the Melter of Bones.
  • Elam emerged from the magical dome to begin discussions, and learned that the wyrmling wanted gold and jewels.
  • Zorah spotted the chicanery (dancing lights) enhancing the wyrmling's menacing appearance.
  • An impatient and previously-hidden wyrmling revealed itself by casting chill touch upon Elam, surprising her and beginning combat!
  • Elam easily slew the first wyrmling; Tristan used command to force the second to grovel on the ground.
  • Three more wyrmlings appeared from other nearby trees and started fleeing to the north.
  • Zorah created a minor illusion of a pile of gold, and magically amplified her voice to try to attract the fleeing wyrmlings to it.
  • Aki exploded some earthen debris up towards one of the wyrmlings, injuring it.
  • Thistle used the recently-found wand to polymorph one of the fleeing wyrmlings briefly into a trout; it plummeted awkwardly and reverted, where Zorah conjured Bigby's hand to pummel it further.
  • Tristan successfully used command to bring one wyrmling to the ground, and another adjacent to him…

3/15/2025 Episode 101

Here it was. The orange twig that appeared to cause lots of trouble for the goblins, and maybe even a little bit for the party. No longer could the silvery tendrils of magic that surrounded the tree reach it; no longer were people arbitrarily transformed into beasts. A shifting glob of purple energy wobbled and fizzed inside the crystal sphere atop the wand.

Recap:

  • Elam questioned whether the goblin sous-chef deserved a fire bolt from Aki.
  • The recovered wand was entrusted to Thistle.
  • Tristan and Elam noted strong transmutation magic and generally chaotic magic around the tree as they hacked their way through burned brambles towards the trunk.
  • Sprites came out of the thicket and warned the party to tread carefully in the lands of the King of Thickets and Thunder.
  • Thistle magically nurtured the land around the tree to regrow some of the thickets and brambles.
  • Tristan's watch in the early morning hours became interesting when a (relatively) tiny dragon spewed its breath weapon upon the tiny hut…

3/8/2025 Episode 100

The goblin who was a rat but a moment ago squirmed madly as he found his way through the thorny brambles by sheer force of panic, somehow avoiding any serious injuries or entanglements. He hoped that the group of armed strangers who just arrived in the glade wouldn't be an unnecessary impediment.

Recap:

  • Thistle-Rat and Eagle-Zorah thought they recognized the goblin who used to be a rat as the sous-chef from the pirate hideout.
  • Aki tried applying a fireball to the tree to see if the polymorph shenanigans would subside; they didn't.
  • Tristan applied dispel magic to the situation a couple of times, and believed it had some sort of effect.
  • Eagle-Zorah retrieved a wand from the branches of the tree and brought it back to ground level.
  • The goblin sous-chef looked quite distraught over the death of the goblin who unpolymorphed mid-air and plummeted to his doom…until Aki cut the mourning short with a fatal fire bolt.
  • Elam encouraged the elephant to leave the area with mind sliver, and wondered aloud if the wisps of magic in the area, centered on the tree and clustering upon the wand, indicated that the tree had some sort of enmity for the wand.
  • Through sheer force of will, Thistle-Rat ended the polymorph effect and asserted dominance over bodily shape, returning to halfling form.
  • Aki found a couple of trinkets and a handful of copper coins upon the dead goblins.
  • Tristan threw the wand away from the tree and Elam carried it further, eventually far enough that the wispy tendrils of magic no longer reached it.
  • As the distance between wand and tree grew, Zorah found herself back in her familiar leopardfolk form again.
  • Elam ultimately identified the wand as a wand of polymorph, surprising very few people.

Loot found on goblins:

3/1/2025 Episode 99

The hydra that lowered itself into the swamp was not a problem to be solved today, or even this evening. Perhaps not a problem to be solved by this band of adventurers at all. The dragon may be bigger, but at least it only had one head that didn't replace itself. As far as anyone knew.

Recap:

  • The night passed uneventfully inside Leomund's tiny hut.
  • The next morning the party discovered a vegetable farm attended by lizardfolk; Elam convinced them to let the party leave without conflict.
  • Elsewhere in the forest Elam discovered a crude tripwire; poking at it brought a bunch of heavy tree limbs down upon her.
  • The party noticed an unhealthy tree sticking above the forest canopy, with a very out-of-place looking elephant munching on vegetation.
  • As the party approached, Zorah was polymorphed into an eagle, and a local eagle became a goblin who plummeted out of the sky to his death, hitting a few tree branches on the way down.
  • Thistle found themselves polymorphed into a rat, as a local rat among the brambles found themselves turned back into a goblin!,
  • Thistle-Rat climbed on to Elam's shoulder while former-rat goblin panicked and somehow escaped the brambles without a scratch, intending to flee.
  • Aki did not scorch the fleeing goblin with a fire bolt.
  • Eagle-Zorah noticed shimmering ribbons of magic in the air, spiraling around the tree, and wondered what sort of weirdness was afoot…

2/22/2025 Episode 98

Recap:

  • Three of the troll-like creatures were slain, and the other two retreated into the swamp.
  • A geyser of mud erupted and covered Tristan in gloopy gunk.
  • Zorah noticed some carcasses of dead animals up in the branches of the large pale willow tree.
  • Thistle noticed shimmering nature spirits around that same tree, and thought they looked…angry?,
  • Thistle's later divination uncovered that the tree found its adornments repugnant.
  • After noticing a large, hydra-like shape lurking under that tree, the party elected to stay away from it, for now.
  • Elsewhere on the island the party discovered a tree with a face carved into it, and an old shack with an abandoned fire pit and cast-iron pot.
  • The party set up camp near the western river on the island, with the help of a tiny hut…

2/15/2025 Episode 97

"sometimes lizards tasty," thought Sophia, "these lizards too big for eat, walk on two. they try hide, but i see them." Tristan recognized her smug expression.

Recap:

  • Thistle recalled that landshark liver could be quite delicious, if prepared correctly.
  • Tristan healed some of Zorah's wounds from the landshark attack.
  • Near a river crossing, a group of apes approached the party; Elam's offering of some fruits and nuts seemed to be appreciated.
  • The party returned to the owlbear-guarded structure on an island in the river. After some inspection and owl-assisted investigation, they decided to visit some other time.
  • At a boggy spot with pale willow trees, Elam spotted something glittery in the muddy water…guarded by several scaly troll-like creatures!

2/8/2025 Episode 96

"I really hope I get somewhere that lets me use this." They opened the lockbox, quickly inspected the contents to ensure everything was still there, and closed it again. "If I lose these punks I bet I could hide away from Chunderbreath and Soggy Tart almost indefinitely."

Recap:

  • The party thought about how to make the Cutlass Radiant harder to steal, but Tristan noted it would take more than a handful of knowledgeable people to steal an entire ship.
  • Some items were removed from the larder, the officers' bunk, and the mud room while the party were away.
  • In the late afternoon, the party found a meeting place with a stone table some distance southwest of the hideout.
  • Zorah and Tristan thought that they were being watched as they looked around the meeting place; Tristan's owl Sophia confirmed it.
  • The party returned to the hideout, tidied up some things, and rested for the night.
  • The following morning, the party explored southward and found a tended patch of land that grew vegetables…and a land shark!
  • Elam's quick weapons and Zorah's conjured magical fist pummelled the rapacious predator into oblivion, and interesting monster parts were harvested.

2/1/2025 Episode 95

Recap:

  • Muriellis Rouzet, sommelier and cellarer to Her Ladyship Chiara Abrami, Baroness of Ellisia, used sending to request progress on disrupting the trade in drow goods. Thistle responded vaguely but positively.
  • Tristan found the crew of the Golden Goose II and arranged passage for the party back to the island of Alysidon in exchange for some labor.
  • Captain Rissa Zengres reported that business was more difficult since swearing off unpaid undead laborers, but she believes it is a better way in the long run.
  • At (insert fancy name for Elam's bastion here) Elam introduced the party to senior smith Lemmiki Lavamountain and junior smith Saver Zarb.
  • Tristan and Elam helped move some cargo while Zorah assisted Hargrom "Bookie" Silverjaw at the local Mazar Benerese & Co. office. Looking over his shoulder, she saw a directory of locations where exotic goods could be found.
  • What Zorah remembers from shoulder-surfing. Many of the names are unfamiliar.
    • Mercata Scassa in Syrabia
    • Agora Trinikon in Messene
    • Kollund in Hojborg
    • Hezha-Vondrath in Olgrex
    • Hezha-Szungrec in Buzgun
    • Thagh-Kherdan under the northern Nardisfangs
    • Pumfen Cogh under the southern Nardisfangs
  • Overnight, Thistle had a dream/nightmare/vision of a familiar person.
  • Shoving off for Alysidon, Tristan assured Captain Rissa that there would be no pirate troubles.
  • Captain Rissa dropped the party at the no-longer-hidden cove housing the Cutlass Radiant before sailing away to the east.

After some dealing with city officials, some outlay of money, and some words of support from the Sisters of Danmis and any party members who wished to help, Elam has indeed established a bastion within the City of Parteca, near where the old-money neighborhood of Duke's Gate, the docks and warehouses of Queensport, and the market district of Suq tal-Bajja intermingle. Will it generate income? Complications? ¿Por qué no los dos?

1/25/2025 No game

1/18/2025 Episode 94

Tristan stood in the burial cave containing the remains of two people for whom he had not lost any love over the years. He eyed the wooden chest, nearly overflowing with material riches, but likely tainted by foul magic. "Even in death, you are two of the greediest bastards I ever met. Who did you the misguided honor of giving you any sort of burial?"

Recap:

  • The party decided to leave the cursed treasure and the Cutlass Radiant where they were for the time being.
  • The following morning, Thistle in wild shape as a raptor scouted the island of Alysidon from the air, noting the general land forms and a few signs of settlement.
  • The party took hold of maps and charts, interesting books, and Liraz' spellbooks before Zorah cast teleportation circle to bring everyone, including Bret, Othris, and the wounded sailor, back to the city of Parteca.
  • Elam scouted out locations for a possible permanent stronghold within the city walls.
  • In the Duke's Gate neighborhood, shopkeeper Valeska Stiedry at Scaleweaver estimated she could fashion the acid-resistant dragon-lizardfolk hide into a cloak, or add it to a suit of armor or a shield, for 700 gp and a week of work. The party weighed that against more consumable options.
  • The people at the Sanctuary of Danmis recommended a local scholar who might be able to help decipher spell books. The party wondered if the secrets contained within should be exposed to others unnecessarily, and opted to instead be discreet and use their own (less wizardly) approach.

1/11/2025 Episode 93

Zorah browsed through the journal of Meburah Oraskelit, first officer of the Cutlass Radiant, flagship (and only ship) of the Black Serpent. Seldom did the author miss any entries, and occasionally she offered opinions of her crewmates. Zorah read one of the passages where Kelit wrote about the risks of associating with the ambitious and volatile Liraz. "Huh, I never thought of myself as a risk before." She hoped that nobody was around to see the smug grin developing on her face. Her tail swished to and fro.

Recap:

  • In the library, the party found books about bilge gremlins, hags (sea and undersea), and messengers of the cods gods.
  • In the crew bunks, the party found some loose change between the cushions (18 cp, 9 sp, 3 gp), a scrap of an old banner, and a [cloak of many fashions](https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/xgte/common-magic-items#CloakofManyFashions).
  • After comparing Kranmous' ledger and Kelit's journal, Zorah determined that the next rent day was about 20 11 (see below — ed.) days hence, at the new moon.
  • Tristan's owl familiar Sophia confirmed the existence of an illusion covering the cove where the Cutlass Radiant docked. Thistle believed it was most likely hallucinatory terrain.
  • Tristan arranged respectful rites for the dead.
  • Elam and Thistle discussed the dragon landlord with Othris over a lovely pot of tea that Elam brewed. Othris said that the meeting place was out the mud room and to the southwest, that people met agents of the dragon at the meeting place, and typically returned unharmed. She guessed that the agents of the dragon inhabited the western portions of the island.
  • Tristan offered the copper chalice from the treasury to Zmeyana in a divination, seeking to learn how one might deal with the magical badness around the treasure found near the remains of Captain Vrik Yambagorn and First Mate Bras Fonte. He interpreted his vision to mean that someone would need to obtain permission from them in order to truly claim the treasure.

1/4/2025 No game

2024

12/28/2024 Episode 92

Overly brief recap of past few sessions:
Travel to exotic islands
Beat up inhabitants of questionable moral and ethical character
Profit!

Found on Kranmous' body:

  • a ring of keys; one is known to fit the upper left lock on the treasury door

Found in the common room:

  • a book containing practical advice about first aid and treating wounds/injuries/afflictions commonly suffered by sailors

Loot from shared officer bunk:

  • Tapestry depicting weapons of fine elven craftsmanship (250)
  • Carved ivory statuette of athletic elf (200)
  • Coin from Voron's lockbox: 15 pp, 130 gp, 550 sp, 80 cp
  • Gems from Zag's lockbox (all 50 gp class):
    • chrysoprase (45),
    • 3 citrine (60/45/35),
    • quartz (60),
    • sardonyx (40)
  • Coin from Zag's lockbox: 75 pp, 220 gp, 280 sp, 30 cp
  • a yellowish potion with a ghostly eyeball floating in it
  • several feathers tied to a wooden handcraft depicting leaves and acorns
  • an insulting note found in Flint's lockbox: "Cowardly and dull, what else is there to loathe about you?"

Loot from Kelit's quarters:

  • A leather-bound personal journal starting in the year 851 detailing her service aboard the Cutlass Radiant; includes recent entries
  • Coin from the formerly-trapped lockbox: 70 pp, 150 gp, 770 sp, 70 cp
  • Gems from lockbox (all 100 gp class):
    • amethyst (90),
    • jade (100),
    • pearl (100)

Interesting items in Kranmous' private quarters:

  • List of settlements along the southern coast of the Gulf of Bazón: Demaratos, Peloniki, Stavroukipoi (underlined), Elefthesteri, Skyleia, Berenike, Amethustis, Parteca
  • Ledger of sums of money/gems/art objects, with dates in the past crossed off, and a date in the near future corresponding to 170 gp and 5 gems or art objects. The dates appear to align with the phases of the moon Ashourina (used to count months) and the sums appear to increase over time.
  • Piece of paper with Mother Celeste written atop it, with columns labeled Cost ("???") Benefit ("undersea ally, maybe?") Effort ("high") and Risk ("high")

Magic items from the treasury:

Loot discovered:

  • From the rubbish cave: [bag of beans](https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/dmg-2014/magic-items-a-z#BagofBeans) with 5 beans
  • Coin from the treasury: 230 pp, 4300 gp, 13000 sp, 1900 cp
  • Gems from the treasury (all 100 gp class):
    • 2 coral (130/90),
    • garnet (130),
    • jet (70),
    • pearl (100),
    • spinel (120),
    • tourmaline (80)
  • Art objects from the treasury (all 25 gp class):
    • black silk vestments, flail and cat-o-nine-tails crossed over the left breast (30),
    • well-made but plain copper chalice (35),
    • bone dice engraved with balanced scales on the 2-pip faces (30),
    • gold locket with portrait of handsome human man inside (35),
    • small mirror in rounded and polished wooden frame (20)

12/21/2024 Episode 91

"You can go back," said the goblin in the soiled chef's hat, "but I don't think you'll like what you see when you get there!" The goblin without the chef's hat shook his head to reinforce the warning.

Recap:

  • One of Elam's pinchpenny chalk alarms triggered, on the southeastern entrance to the hideout.
  • Halfling pirate Shelby "Flint" returned with some sailors and the goblin cooks to find slain comrades and a looting in progress.
  • Tristan explained to Flint what had happened; Elam convinced them to gather what they could carry from the larder/pantry and depart.
  • Zorah used mage hand to open the door to Liraz' sanctum with the smaller brass key from a distance. She believes she also disarmed a trap on the door.
  • Tristan spotted an interesting book in the sanctum that likely contained even more spells.
  • Elam found correspondence between Liraz and someone in the Kingdom of Nashab encouraging Liraz to cause trouble in the Duchy of Raskot.
  • Tristan suggested that Othris "Poultice" and the wounded sailor return to the mainland, given that there was not much left for them in the hideout.
  • Elam discovered a shrine to Serene and Terrible Zmeyana, Lady of the Waves but Tristan advised against messing with the objects left there.
  • Thistle noticed the hide of a half-dragon half-lizardfolk in the workshop; Tristan theorized it could be crafted into a protective item.
  • Elam found an exit from the hideout to a cove where a familiar-looking ship was docked.
  • Elam discovered stone cairns serving as final resting places for Captain Vrik Yambagorn and First Mate Bras Fonte of the Golden Goose.
  • Tristan had a bad feeling about the riches in the iron-banded wooden chest near the cairns that had various levels of protection upon it…
  • 🎉 WELCOME TO LEVEL 10! 🎉

12/14/2024 Episode 90

The Messenger of Serene and Terrible Zmeyana listened to the dwarven captain's tale of an inequitable arrangement with a local dragon. "We care not for your struggles with the local lord," it said, pointing its trident at him.

Recap:

  • The Messenger of Zmeyana interrogated the mortals present.
  • The dragonborn medic Kobedkhrax Othris "Poultice" gave opinionated but sufficiently truthful answers. (The nickname is tolerated.)
  • The half-orc mage Boktum "Zag" Zagami did not complete the interview, instead earning a covering in dried-out barnacles, sand dollars, urchins, and sea stars.
  • Bret Kai Glen acted nervously in the presence of the Messenger, but ultimately spoke truthfully.
  • Arbastutanif, Emir of the Gulf gave flowery answers that the Messenger found to be acceptable.
  • The athletic elf Voron Quiralei lasted longer in the interview than his colleague Zag but suffered the same punishment.
  • The lithe veiz Meburah Oraskelit "Kelit" gave truthful but unflattering answers. She and her sailor minions were fitted with manacles.
  • The Messenger suggested that Aki work out their relationships with mortal authorities.
  • The belligerent dwarf Captain Kranmous Ashfinger spoke truthfully about his efforts to pervert the natural order, and sought to derail the Messenger's punishment.
  • The Messenger interdicted the defeated Kranmous' soul against being restored to its body, much like it had done for Liraz.
  • As the messenger departed, the creature-encrusted forms of Zag and Voron vanished.
  • The party deprived the disadvantaged Kelit of her magical armor and sword.
  • Arbastutanif offered to take the manacled sailors to the mortal authorities, and allowed the party to do whatever they wished to the hideout.

Magic items discovered and identified:

12/7/2024 Episode 89

Hoping to ride out the storm (quite literally), Liraz shouted from inside their wall of force "If you keep trying the hit-and-run, I will hit back!" Somewhat more quietly, the lithe veiz sailor woman asked the assembled crowd staring at her, "Maybe we have a common enemy?" She pointed subtly towards Liraz' laboratory.

Recap:

  • The freed Messenger of Serene and Terrible Zmeyana urged the party to commit to the destruction of Liraz, and provided encouragement in the form of healing Tristan.
  • Liraz vowed to inflict serious damage to those who attacked them.
  • The lithe veiz sailor woman (later discovered to be named Kelit) tried to move around to pincer Liraz, possibly gathering minion allies on the way.
  • The Messenger used its divine powers to accelerate Aki's return to the action.
  • Despite sanctuary, Liraz attacked Tristan as he approached, but missed.
  • Elam's toll the dead brought Liraz within a hair's breadth of death.
  • The combined forces of Bret's and Tristan's spirit guardians ignored the wall of force and inflicted wounds too great for Liraz to endure.
  • Kelit was discovered trying to pick the lock on one of the doors, having arrived too late for an effective pincer.
  • The dwarven captain arrived, looking ready for battle, and demanded to know what was going on.
  • The Messenger, the arrival of Arbastutanif, Emir of the Gulf, and the display of Liraz' severed head convinced the captain to stay his maul…for now.
  • Under threat of severe harm from the assembled, the captain revealed his organization's unfair rent deal with a black dragon on the island.
  • Zorah noticed the symbol of three iron chain links in a triangle and the name "Iron Conclave" among Liraz' journals and notes…

11/30/2024 Episode 88

Liraz heard a dolorous bell ring in their head, and nearly buckled under the weight of the reminder of their own unwanted mortality. Their face twisted in agony but through sheer force of will the wall of force around them held firm. The Messenger of Serene and Terrible Zmeyana intoned a warning as it deftly twirled its trident: "I may be wrathful, but I am also patient." It pointed the trident at Liraz' heart.

Recap:

  • Elam played hit-and-run toll the dead with Liraz, hoping to chip away at their defenses.
  • The Messenger demonstrated some healing powers upon Bret.
  • Aki's duel against the athletic elf sailor was significantly shortened by a critical hit from the Messenger's trident.
  • The lithe veiz sailor who seemed to be in charge of a few people took a few hits and backed off, adopting a non-aggressive stance.
  • The Messenger demanded to know if the lithe veiz sailor was responsible for "that abomination" Liraz; she equivocated and the Messenger admonished her against lying to it.
  • Arbastutanif said he would be there as soon as he could.

11/23/2024 No game

11/16/2024 Episode 87

A cube briefly shimmered around Liraz, leaving only a visual distortion hanging in the air to suggest the presence of magic. The Messenger of Serene and Terrible Zmeyana looked unimpressed. It flipped its grip on its trident, preparing a downward thrust at the arrogant mortal who had imprisoned it and used its power for selfish ends.

Recap:

  • Aki looked for an escape route, and found a nearby workshop with tools and an interesting bit of scaly hide.
  • The Messenger conjured a storm sphere as a display of wrath, and demanded to know why it should show mercy to any mortals.
  • Liraz continued to throw around burst of arcane energy while maintaining a wall of force around themselves. The wall stood up to lightning, storms, and even dispel magic.
  • Elam shared an approximate location with Arbastutanif and he said he was headed in the party's direction.
  • Another squad of sailors, including a previously-encountered athletic elf man and a lithe-looking veiz (wolf-folk) woman discovered Aki in the workshop. "Seize the intruders!" was the command.
  • The Messenger waited for the wall of force to crumble, menacing Liraz with its trident.
  • Zorah found Aki fleeing from the new squad, and created an illusion of a phoenix to distract them.
  • Liraz downed Tristan briefly, but Thistle propped him back up again.
  • Bret cast aside her scimitar and approached the Messenger, saying "We came to save you!" Elam added "She speaks the truth, we are on a mission to liberate you!" The messenger seemed to acknowledge the truth of those statements.
  • The dragonborn medic continued to complain.
  • The athletic elf swirled his red cape and (bamf!) reappeared next to Aki. "I hope you will be an interesting opponent," he said.

11/9/2024 Episode 86

The watery form of an athletic humanoid continued to wrestle itself out of the remarkable-for-its-unremarkability body of Liraz. Neither of them looked happy about it.

Recap:

  • Liraz and the Messenger teleported away from Tristan's grapple; Aki responded with a fireball.
  • Liraz declared "Fine, no mercy then!" and unleashed more chain lightning (despite Zorah's attempt to counterspell), flattening Tristan and Zorah and damaging Elam and Aki.
  • Thistle continued to call lightning down upon Liraz.
  • Elam steeled herself for more injuries and pressed the assault.
  • The dragonborn medic, against her better judgment, slapped Tristan awake with cure wounds and admonished him not to waste the opportunity to tackle the bigger threat.
  • Aki's lightning bolt strained the bond between Liraz and the Messenger just enough for the two to separate explosively. "Arrogant mortals!" it proclaimed.
  • Liraz unleashed a blast of magical force that pushed the messenger away but knocked Elam out.
  • Tristan wasted no time to preserve life for himself and Elam, adding some spiritual weapon to Liraz' plate.
  • The spell-slinging half-orc and a band of sailor minions burst into the infirmary. "Subdue them!" was the mage's order of the day.
  • Thistle wasted little time with more call lightning upon the squad of sailors.
  • A panicked Bret ran in to cure wounds upon Zorah, who obliterated the sailor minions with thunderwave and shoved the mage into a wall.
  • Elam declared her non-hostile intent to the Messenger, and used a seashell to inform Arbastutanif, Emir of the Gulf that the Messenger had been found and were working to free it.
  • Aki fled to the officer's mess while the Messenger nearly destroyed Liraz with two swift strokes of its trident.
  • Bret approached the messenger, prostrated herself and cried "Mercy!",
  • Tristan delayed the mage's plans a little with hold person, just enough for Elam to drop him with a stroke of the spear.
  • Elam urged Bret to retreat, while the medic complained about fighting in the infirmary.
  • Arbastutanif answered and asked what the party had gotten into…

11/2/2024 Episode 85

As Bret took a second to recover from the considerable electrical jolt, she wondered if this strange human was really the embodiment of the aspects of Zmeyana that she had been ignoring for so long. The riptide that traps and drowns. The wave that pounds and breaks. The storm that batters and floods.

Recap (of all of two rounds of combat, not necessarily in order):

  • Aki flung a lightning-infused chaos bolt as well as a proper lightning bolt at Liraz.
  • Liraz shoved Elam away with a blast of magical force, severely wounding her. "Let me show you the exit!" they said.
  • Tristan moved silence to cover most of the laboratory, and removed the clapper from the infirmary bell.
  • Thistle continued to call lightning down upon Liraz' head, and suggested that the party flee.
  • Bret tried to save her own skin, scurrying through the galley and finding a corner good for hiding and whimpering.
  • Zorah bolstered the party with aura of vitality and once again tried to inflict Tasha's hideous laughter; there was barely a muffled chuckle or two.
  • Elam bolstered her health and laid into Liraz with many strokes of the glaive and several smites.
  • The dragonborn medic cursed and swore at the party in draconic ("Disgusting, murderous spawn of fiends!") while attempting to protect herself and the wounded sailor from the surrounding chaos.
  • A glimmering form of an athletic humanoid made of shifting blue/green/gray water strained to pull itself out of Liraz, looking none too pleased that it could not move very far under its own power.
  • Tristan summoned his reserves of audacity to grapple Liraz while the watery form wrestled itself towards freedom.
  • Elam demanded that Liraz set the watery form free. (Few people heard it, but she looked really impressive while doing so!),
  • The dragonborn medic remarked in harsh tones about both the surfeit of audacity and the dearth of sanity that the party possessed…

10/26/2024 Episode 84

"Whaddaya reckon that is?" asked the one without the hat. "I don't know, but I ain't touchin' it!" answered the one with the hat. Both of them shrunk away from the ghostly and menacing forms encroaching upon their work area.

Recap:

  • Elam demanded that the goblin chef and sous-chef in the galley kitchen surrender; they cowered in fear instead.
  • Zorah offered the alternative of fetching potatoes instead of facing a paladin; the goblins fled the caves.
  • Thistle nearly got ill from sampling the goblins' cuisine. Elam magically blunted the worst of the effects. (The food was still nasty.),
  • The party found the pantry/larder but did not disturb its contents.
  • In the infirmary, Elam demanded information about the "mystical creature" from the injured dragonborn woman working as the medic there.
  • The medic eventually described someone known as Liraz who had indulged in magic and had a lot of latitude from the captain to pursue whatever.
  • After triggering a lightning trap upon the laboratory door, the party discovered Liraz inside, who wordlessly confirmed they were quite good with magic.
  • Liraz asked to return to their research and magically closed and locked the door.
  • Tristan created an area of silence around the infirmary's alarm bell; the medic appeared to have some harsh but inaudible words about it.
  • Elam busted the laboratory door open again, and Liraz was none too pleased.
  • Both Elam and Tristan noted that there was something otherworldly about Liraz.
  • Aki pummeled Liraz with an ice storm.
  • Zorah tried to counterspell Liraz' chain lightning but failed. A massive stroke of electricity forked from Elam to Tristan, Zorah, and Bret.
  • Liraz screamed "Leave, now!" at the party.
  • Tristan called upon Zmeyana to preserve life, bolstering Elam significantly, himself and Zorah to a lesser extent.
  • Tristan summoned his spiritual weapon Mister Slicey to harass Liraz.
  • Thistle created a storm cloud in Liraz' laboratory to call lightning upon them.
  • Zorah thought that Tasha's hideous laughter would incapacitate Liraz, but something wiped it away after a brief moment.
  • Elam brought some spear attacks; Liraz threw a punch that could have hurt if it had landed.

10/19/2024 Episode 83

Thistle noticed recent footprints in the dirt, both entering and exiting the cave in the eastern foothills of a mountain range on the island of Alysidon. It looked a lot less wet than the capsized and wrecked Silent Duchess. And more like a potential hideout for a pirate crew.

Recap:

  • Tristan noticed sounds coming from the cave entrance and encouraged people to hide. Thistle quickly cast pass without trace to improve the odds.
  • A halfling named Flint and 5 human underlings emerged from the cave. They suspected something was odd and one of the underlings found Elam.
  • Flint threatened to capture Elam, but Zorah intervened and used a suggestion that Flint refrain from violence. It appears to have stuck.
  • Through further conversation (found very confusing by the underlings), Zorah discovered that Flint was indeed a sailor working for the Black Serpent.
  • Zorah convinced Flint to let the party visit the cave and look for a magical creature. Flint took the underlings to gather food.
  • Elam strode boldly into the mess hall, clapped a sailor heartily on the shoulder, and declared that Flint had sent her.
  • The four sailors reacted poorly to this, and tried to gang up on Elam and Zorah. They were quickly defeated.
  • A voice from the galley beyond the mess hall asked "Hey, what's goin' on out there?!" and "Whoa, what the heck is that?!"

10/5/2024 No game

10/12/2024 No game

9/28/2024 Episode 82

Mischief and mayhem were well within the bilge gremlins' remit, but with the largest of them dispatched, there would likely be less of it. One thing didn't add up to Bret, though: why were they plaguing a sunken ship?

Recap:

  • Elam opened the leather pouch and found some small bones; Thistle indicated that they were likely human finger bones.
  • Tristan took the damaged sextant and the sealed glass bottle.
  • Elam opened the door to the aft with the brass key, and found two staterooms with two bloated corpses in formerly fancy dress…and some undead horrors resembling piles of marine debris.
  • Tristan turned most of the undead horrors; Elam speared and smited one of them until it was neither undead nor horrible.
  • The party returned to the surface (the undead horrors not following) and discussed whether to continue investigating the shipwreck. (The decision was "maybe later, maybe."),
  • Tristan guessed that the sealed glass bottle contained that most valuable of non-magical potions, distilled spirits.
  • After a short rest, the party proceeded west into the hills, eventually spying a cave opening that had seen fairly recent foot traffic.
  • Thistle investigated the cave in (some appropriate wild shape) and saw obvious signs of intelligence in it, including clothing, boots, and a wooden partition containing a door to a lit area beyond…

9/21/2024 Episode 81

Bret looked at Tristan as if to ask a silent question. Tristan narrowed his eyes, and nodded once. Bret tightened her jaw and started to look around for signs of the bilge gremlins. She took some infinitesimal comfort in the fact that she had still not yet encountered them on a vessel which she crewed.

Recap:

  • Thistle's detect magic proved quite useful in locating bilge gremlins.
  • Tristan's spirit guardians proved quite useful in shredding bilge gremlins.
  • Elam's spear proved quite useful in eviscerating bilge gremlins, once Thistle told her where to point it.
  • Aki contributed some light, fire, and frost to the cause of locating and exterminating bilge gremlins.
  • Zorah patched up a few wounds with aura of vitality.
  • Bret breathed a little easier with every bilge gremlin slain.
  • Tristan recalled that bilge gremlins are often a sign of a sloppy crew…which may be a sign of sloppy officers…which may have contributed to a shipwreck in his past.
  • The party discovered the main bell of the sunken ship, cast of bronze with the name Silent Duchess upon it.
  • The largest of the bilge gremlins — presumably their leader — was carrying a brass key.

About the ship's bell:

  • Cast bronze, a cubit (approx. half-meter or half-yard) tall, and at least that much in diameter at the opening.
  • Engraved with the ship's name Silent Duchess, the year 827 E.P. (it is currently 853), a home port of Khosrow Piers (i.e. City of Raskot), a company name Great Tazieu & Eastern Co., and a design of a serene-looking woman in stately dress upon a throne.
  • Weighs as much as an adult human who works as a bar bouncer and looms over just about everyone they meet. Then add a full suit of metal armor.
  • Would take significant effort and/or equipment and/or magic to move.
  • Resting inside the bell:
    • A sealed glass bottle containing liquid
    • A leather pouch
    • A damaged sextant that probably needs specialized artisanal attention to be useful again

9/14/2024 Episode 80

The scratches from the venomous spines of the dire lionfish started to sting. Being surrounded by salt water didn't help. Though getting knocked around by a powerful jet of water looked like an equally unattractive option. Elam gripped the magical glaive she had taken from a fallen enemy in the forest who had made the mistake of underestimating her.

Recap:

  • Elam was relentless against the pair of dire lionfish, despite frequent poisonous scratches from their venomous spines.
  • Aki's lightning bolt gave one dire lionfish a nasty jolt, but came uncomfortably close to allies…and may have attracted mischievous and slippery bilge gremlins!
  • Several of the party took a tumble from the high-power jets of pressurized water spit out by the dire lionfish.
  • Thistle's thorn whip proved effective at a variety of ranges — most importantly, not up close to a spiny venomous enemy that was probably not good for eatin' after defeatin'.
  • Zorah's crossbow bolts struck true more than once, and an aura of vitality provided some opportune healing.
  • Tristan's toll the dead may have under-delivered but his spirit guardians could shred those nasty bilge gremlins…or anything else that happened to be in the wrong spot on the next deck…

9/7/2024 No game

8/31/2024 Episode 79

Bret looked around nervously. She knew there was a barrier of magical force keeping the wilderness out. But she didn't know what was out there, if it was hungry, or how it would react to a magical anomaly that clashed with the scenery.

Recap:

  • Overnight inside the hut, Bret Kai Glen discussed her reservations about adventuring with Aki.
  • After breaking camp, the party ventured on generally northward.
  • An island in the middle of a river with a vine-covered glass-domed building and some patrolling owlbears outside was interesting but not inviting.
  • Atop a hill near the eastern coast of the island, the party spotted a shipwreck on the coast, and went to investigate.
  • With some water breathing from Tristan, and a driftglobe providing some light, the party went to investigate the breach in the hull of the overturned ship on the sea bed.
  • In the unlit second deck of the ship, among some thoroughly waterlogged cargo, the party found a pair of dire lionfish that staked a territorial claim.
  • Zorah used fear to scare one of them off, at least temporarily. The other one spat a jet of pressurized water that hurt both Zorah and Bret.
  • Elam battled with the fish, inflicting some spear wounds but taking a venomous scratch from its spines in return.
  • Thistle's thorn whip, Aki's frostbite, Bret's guiding bolt, and Tristan's toll the dead whittled away at the dire lionfish's health…

8/24/2024 Episode 78

"So your heavily-armored friend who just threw herself overboard is half-elf and half-harpoon? Can't say I've met one of those before!" Captain Goo quipped. "Hey Captain," called Officer Phen, pointing at the largest of the hostile boarders, "I think we need to disarm this one!" "You didn't just do that, did you?" "Oh, I very much did."

Recap:

  • Before departing on the Azadafroz Elam had left a sending stone with the Sisters of Danmis back in Parteca.
  • Elam slew the giant shark, Aki electrocuted a hunter shark, and Zorah shot a severely wounded sahuagin priestess — who became a meal for other nearby sharks.
  • The badly-outnumbered four-armed sahuagin baron took down another sailor before fleeing, but not without taking a few wounds from Captain Goomwade "Goo" Bloonsnel.
  • The slain boarders were looted, and the funds set aside for the families of the two slain sailors.
  • Tristan and Elam recalled that Zmeyana claims dominion over the sahuagin, but the sahuagin reject it, instead choosing to worship a shark-like deity.
  • Upon reaching the island of Alysidon, Captain Goo and Officer Phenabbli "Phen" Sniret chose to take the bodies of the slain sailors back to the mainland to perform the requisite solemn duties. Tristan offered some blessings, and Elam added some kind words.
  • The party traveled east along the sandy and lightly forested coast of the island before moving inland bit at an opportune stream to camp under some trees.
  • Tristan performed the ritual of the tiny hut for shelter. Elam enhanced the provisions with some spices and condiments purchased in Parteca.
  • The party set a watch schedule for the longer nights of mid-autumn…

8/17/2024 Episode 77

"You will have to pay in full in advance, of course," said Captain Goo, "but that doesn't look like it will be a problem for you. It's not a particularly popular destination. I suppose that if you have to take arms and armor, you're not looking for rest and relaxation while you're there. I charge extra if you're a jerk to my crew."

Recap:

  • The party gathered provisions and supplies for a journey to an island that was definitely uncivilized, and probably unsettled wilderness, maybe?,
  • Bret Kai Glen asked to join the party on their voyage, having voluntarily broken her association with the Golden Goose II and her crew. She said she was reexamining a few things, including her faith in Zmeyana, Lady of the Waves.
  • Elam was initially suspicious of Bret's motivations. After some discussion, the party allowed her to join them on their voyage to Alysidon.
  • The sailing ship Azadafroz, under command of gnomes Captain Goomwade "Goo" Bloonsnel and Officer Phenabbli "Phen" Sniret, was attacked by a raiding band of sahuagin and sharks.
  • Most of the sahuagin were slain, but one fled. Some hunter sharks battered the side of the ship, but two of them were charmed into inaction by Thistle.
  • Sahuagin priestesses tried to wreak some havoc with spells, cutting down one of the ship's sailors.
  • A giant shark took a bite out of the hull. Elam dived overboard after it and gave it a thorough smite-assisted spearing.
  • The four-armed sahuagin baron who appeared on deck was utterly fascinated by Zorah's hypnotic pattern…

8/10/2024 Episode 76

"You're headed to Brass Valley?" asked sailor Zed, curiously devoid of undead subordinates for many days now. "I spent a lotta time there in my younger days. One thing that doesn't change is how quickly the place can change."

Recap:

  • Zorah followed the goliath's instructions to Agenzija tad-Delikat where goblin shopkeeper Stobzuzz measured her up before deciding it was okay to sell her some high-quality thieves' tools.
  • Choreographer Yasmeen Drago, high priestess of Danmis, and Commander Nazanin Balaporia of the Wings over the Sands demonstrated that the dancers' stage in the public square in front of the Sanctuary of Danmis could be used as a destination for a teleportation circle.
  • Cmdr. Balaporia offered a scroll of teleportation circle to the party after hearing through various channels that the party had done great things for the newly-minted Barony of Ellisia, and that the party were headed toward the island of Alysidon to address the menace of elemental destruction to coastal settlements.
  • Elam purchased a magical spear from kadakh (tuskenfolk, loxodon) shopkeeper Gebroloz Rom, and Zorah bought some components for her spellcasting studies. Aki browsed a bit but did not find anything particularly attractive to buy.
  • At the docks, Thistle and Tristan approached gnome Captain Goomwade "Goo" Bloonsnel of the ship Azadafroz. After admiring her impressive hat, they booked passage aboard her ship to the nearby island of Alysidon the following morning…

8/3/2024 No game

7/27/2024 Episode 75

"All of Queensport is still standing," said Captain Rissa, spotting the docks of Parteca in the distance. "I don't know how they manage to keep the place lit at night without burning it all down. Even if they have magic on their side."

Recap:

  • Around sunset the Golden Goose II docked on the west end of Queensport, the harbor district of the City of Parteca.
  • Captain Rissa Zengres summarized a few options for local lodging; the party selected the middle-class Bells & Stars at the east end of Queensport.
  • At The Bronze Unicorn, a shop for magical pursuits in the Duke's Gate district, Tristan asked elven shopkeeper Shalaevar Omarona about ritual spells for sale. She quickly dispensed scrolls of comprehend languages and Tenser's floating disk, but suggested that he come back later for his other transportation-oriented request. He left a deposit to secure his interest.
  • Choreographer Yasmeen Drago, high priestess of Golden Danmis, directed Elam towards the Wings over the Sands east of the city to discuss matters of destroyed villages and rampaging elementals.
  • Zorah found a friendly goliath at The Swift Whale, a large working-class inn and tavern at the west end of Queensport. He directed her towards some establishments in the Brass Valley district outside the western city wall, to find tools of specialized application that were not necessarily welcome on every job site.
  • Elam learned from Lieutenant Clovia Grumio that the commander had gone to meet with the mayor over the matter of destroyed villages. A dissatisfied Commander Nazanin Balaporia returned during their meeting, frustrated that she couldn't get a message to the mayor or the magnate about the necessity of defense.
  • Despite being thoroughly buzzed by a cocktail called a fancy dog, Zorah earned a respectable amount of coin from her musical efforts at The Swift Whale.
  • Elam compared notes with Lt. Grumio and Cmdr. Balaporia, and recommended to prepare dispel magic and banishment.
  • Shalaevar sold Tristan a scroll of phantom steed, though distinctly camel-like in appearance and temperament.
  • Elam pondered how to get to the nearby island of Alysidon.

7/20/2024 No game

7/13/2024 Episode 74

"I am impressed," said the tall, broad, grouper-headed person, torso clad in fine and colorful clothing of a far-off land, as he alighted upon the deck of the Golden Goose II. Well, alighting as much as any being that has waterspouts and storm clouds instead of legs could possibly alight.

Recap:

  • Fish-headed Arbastutanif, Emir of the Gulf introduced himself to the party and the crew of Golden Goose II, stating that he was impressed with how they handled the pirates of the Black Serpent.
  • Arbastutanif stated that he believed that the Black Serpent had enslaved a Messenger of Zmeyana, a being considerably more powerful than even his superiors, through the use of "foul sorcery.",
  • Elam requested a way to contact Arbastutanif. He provided a conch shell, warned that it would not work if too far from the gulf, and asked that it not be used lightly.
  • Zorah speculated that the Black Serpent were trying out the powers of the Messenger upon smaller settlements before scaling up.
  • While sailing past the village of Stavroukipoi just before sunset, Elam noticed that it was about half destroyed but there were people dealing with the wreckage.
  • Thistle interviewed some locals in Stavroukipoi, and they described a waterspout moving with malevolent intelligence, choosing to destroy some buildings but not others. Most got away safely, a few suffered injuries, and one of the village guard died.
  • Thistle deduced that someone directing a very large and hostile creature to cause mayhem and destruction could easily move about and avoid notice.
  • Sailing past the village of Elefthesteri the following morning, the party noticed much the same thing, though about two-thirds of that village was destroyed, and more people seemed to be moving about there.
  • Elam wondered if local rulers could do anything to counter these attacks; Thistle asked what an army could reasonably do against weaponized weather.
  • Captain Rissa Zengres estimated that the Golden Goose II would pull into Parteca by nightfall

7/6/2024 Episode 73

"We'd like to hurry up and get on to the part where we thank you for your patronage," said the athletic elf holding a knife to Captain Rissa's neck, "and then we will be on our way with some gold."

Recap:

  • Through a combination of hold person and physical restraints, the two pirate muggers were neutralized, though not completely bloodlessly.
  • Several of the party noted an illusion-cloaked ship in the distance, and it almost collided with the Golden Goose II, but for some clutch sailing by Captain Rissa Zengres and her crew, with considerable assistance from seasoned sailor Tristan.
  • Elam fired some arrows at the illusion-cloaked ship, and may have hit one of the crew, maybe?,
  • With the assistance of some thaumaturgy from Bret Kai Glen "Doc" demands were shouted at the other vessel: take your crew and no additional money and leave; this vessel is protected.
  • The other vessel sent over a rowed dinghy to retrieve their crewmates.
  • Shortly after the dinghy returned to the other ship, the illusion cloaking it collapsed, revealing a vessel a little bit bigger than then Golden Goose II, decorated in threatening motifs of black and red featuring spikes and spines, crewed by a dozen or so.
  • A bald, fair-skinned humanoid aboard the other ship seemed to cast a spell to propel it away at remarkable speed towards the west-by-northwest.
  • A large being with the head of a fish, body of a noble clad in colorful fine clothing, and weather phenomena instead of legs ceremoniously alighted upon the Golden Goose II and said "I am impressed…"

6/29/2024 Episode 72

"They're still looking at us, aren't they," Captain Rissa muttered under her breath. "Heh, mebbe they're admirin' yer —" "Shut it, Hargrom."

Recap:

  • Elam intimidated some burly surly workers out of "assisting" the Golden Goose II crew. And again admonished Captain Rissa Zengres about labor practices.
  • Elam pondered the doctrine of Danmis in relation to using someone's dead body as an undead laborer.
  • Tristan visited the Chapel of the Tides in Saladri, encountering the attending priest Sister Yasha Zephon.
  • Tristan performed a divination to ask how to rid the crew of the bone implement. One vision showed it being smashed against seaside rocks by violent waves, while a ship sailed by over smooth seas. Another vision showed a mother figure ordering their child to be rid of something.
  • Captain Rissa described the city of Parteca as a great place for trade to move through, and considerably less stuffy than the capital city of Raskot.
  • While sailing westward from Saladri towards Parteca, ship's surgeon Bret Kai Glen "Doc" pointed out that the village of Peloniki looked a lot more destroyed than she remembered. Thistle flew over and investigated, seeing destruction but not by fire, and no sign of current habitation.
  • Later on the journey, no longer hungover Zanfarin "Zed" Bensoussan pointed out that the clifftop village of Demaratos looked to have been destroyed also. Again Thistle investigated, noting a destructive force pushing out from the middle of the village.
  • An elf suddenly appeared on deck with a knife to Captain Rissa's throat, while his unfamiliar half-orc companion threatened to cast a destructive spell…
  • Welcome to Level 9!

6/15/2024 No game

6/22/2024 No game

6/8/2024 Episode 71

"We'll be here in Saladri for a day, and we'll shove off again for a port off to the west," Captain Rissa instructed. "Don't get me wrong, Saladri makes a wonderful home port, but you can't sail the southern gulf and not go to Parteca. Lucky we have a cargo-based excuse to do just that!"

Recap:

  • In the absence of abundant skeletal assistance, Tristan and Zorah offered to assist Zanfarin "Zed" Bensoussan in shuffling some cargo around.
  • Tristan asked some pointed questions about some of the unusually square kegs and barrels, and unusually heavy crates labeled NOT FRAGILE in extremely blocky dwarvish script, and surmised that they may have been duergar in origin.
  • Thistle thought that the elvish script on some of the jugs in the hold looked and sounded very harsh and menacing. Drow perhaps?
  • Tristan and Zorah accompanied Zed to Admiral Octopus on the waterfront.
  • Zorah applied her musical talents to a tense situation and saved the bouncer from having to punch a patron.
  • Tristan furthered his apologies to Zed by ordering a large layered cocktail named Ultimate Seven from the gnome barkeep. And then another one. And a big ol' tankard o' beer.
  • By the end of the night, not-too-drunk-to-stand Tristan and thoroughly sober Zorah assisted the thoroughly plastered Zed to a room at Admiral Octopus where he could sleep it off.
  • Elam visited the Sanctuary of Danmis and consulted with Conductor Agnes Duval about Zed's bone implement and the malevolent incorporeal corpse-animator…and was referred to one of the researching acolytes.
  • The researching acolyte reported back that the malevolent corpse-animator could be defeated more easily if you could restrict its movement, and that it seemed to be more interested in causing general terror and mayhem than murder and annihilation.
  • The researching acolyte also reported that there are intelligent sea creatures capable of creating thralls, but no records of them operating (let alone succeeding) on the huge scale that the mutterings of the bone implement suggested.
  • The following day, Captain Rissa Zengres judged Zed to be too hung over to work effectively, and rallied the remainder of her crew to shuffle cargo about, with the party's assistance.
  • On the way into the warehouse, some burly and surly local laborers offered their assistance. Captain Rissa turned them down twice, with a note of intimidation.
  • On the way out of the warehouse, the local laborers were still there, observing the Golden Goose II crew as they left…

6/1/2024 Episode 70

Zed sunk down and sat with his back to a bulkhead in the hold of the Golden Goose II. The ship creaked a bit as it rolled gently along the waves of the gulf. The two remaining skeletal laborers creaked when they sat down next to him, adopting his despondent posture.

Recap:

  • Captain Rissa Zengres estimated that the journey from Raskot to Saladri would be 2 days of sailing.
  • Crew of the Golden Goose II:
    • Captain Rissa Zengres (oxenfolk)
    • Navigator Hargrom "Bookie" Silverjaw (dwarf)
    • Surgeon Bret Kai Glen "Doc" (ratfolk)
    • Engineer Ektun "Mallet" Ymnathor (lionfolk)
    • Overseer Zanfarin "Zed" Bensoussan (half-elf)
  • Tristan tried to mend fences with overseer of laborers Zanfarin "Zed" Bensoussan who let the party examine the bone implement.
  • The bone implement radiated obvious necromantic magic; not surprising given what was already known. It also hinted at some transmutation magic.
  • Thistle thought that the bone implement might be crafted from a large bone of a sea creature, perhaps a jaw bone given the presence of teeth.
  • Tristan and Zorah heard whisperings and mutterings from the bone implement. With magical assistance, Zorah understood them to be bluster and propaganda from hostile sea dwellers intent on conquering and enslaving dry-land folk.
  • Elam warned the captain that if the skeletal laborers had any rebellious intent, they wouldn't show it until it was too late to effectively counter.
  • Tristan spent some time with nervous Ektun "Mallet" Ymnathor who explained how they managed their shipboard duties without getting paralyzed by their frequently amok-running thoughts.
  • Elam asked navigator Hargrom "Bookie" Silverjaw" about the labor practices aboard ship. He said he was sympathetic to using actual live people if the money numbers could work out, and the captain approved.
  • Tristan visited ship's surgeon Bret Kai Glen "Doc" up in the crow's nest, and asked how she came to her faith in Zmeyana.
  • Captain Rissa and Tristan compared their journeys after the wreck of the original Golden Goose; both agreed that the former captain Vrik was significantly at fault for the event.
  • Late in the afternoon on the second day of sailing, the Golden Goose II docked at the town of Saladri.

5/25/2024 Episode 69

Whatever was animating the deceased vagrant flailed its arms in gleeful victory after pushing one of the skeleton laborers off the boarding ramp into the harbor waters. Mallet looked away and cowered a little; Doc narrowed her eyes and gripped her holy symbol.

Recap:

  • After taking various forms of abuse, the animated corpse fell inert again. Some claim they saw a ghostly form hovering over it briefly.
  • Zed was extremely disappointed after Tristan's turning of undead demolished most of the skeletal workforce. "Hey man, what the hell?!"
  • Tristan led efforts to grant the mangled body of the dead drunk a proper burial.
  • Zed explained how and why he was using the strange bone artifact, and tried to justify the business cases.
  • Captain Rissa explained how they came to acquire it from hostiles who boarded and were repelled…though not without losing a couple of good crew.
  • Tristan performed a divination ritual to ask Zmeyana about permanently driving off the malevolent thing that animated corpses.
  • Elam surmised some sort of connection between the malevolent thing and the bone artifact.
  • At the break of dawn, the Golden Goose II departed for the town of Saladri, southward along the coast…

5/18/2024 Episode 68

The deputy harbor master observed the awkwardly-moving forms unloading cargo from a recently-arrived ship. "Don't know as I've ever seen one of those as a longshoreman before."

Recap:

  • A group of figures approached the warehouse under cover of darkness. Upon noticing the party hiding nearby, one of them asked "Are you okay over there?",
  • Elam approached the group and revealed one of them to be a skeleton. The half-elf Zanfarin "Zed" Bensoussan quickly replaced the skeleton's hood and advised against further interference with their livelihood.
  • The dwarf Hargrom "Bookie" Silverjaw opened the warehouse and led the assembled to the cargo marked for Golden Goose II.
  • Elam scribbled a harmless but sufficiently distinctive note and slipped it into the cargo somewhere.
  • Tristan offered the party's assistance; Zed said he'd have to run it by the captain. Bookie asked if the party would have problems with a rakab (oxenfolk) captain; Tristan said no.
  • Down at Khosrow Piers, Tristan recognized the captain of the Golden Goose II, Rissa Zengres, as someone he had served with on a previous vessel that had wrecked. Eventually she recognized him as well, and with his assurances that he would vouch for the party, all were invited aboard.
  • Captain Rissa introduced the rest of the crew, nervous irash (lionfolk) engineer/boatswain Ektun "Mallet" Ymnathor, and level-headed shorvka (ratfolk) surgeon Bret Kai Glen "Doc" who wore a holy symbol of Zmeyana. She identified Bookie as the navigator/purser/clerk and Zed as the one who coordinated the skeleton laborers.
  • A dead drunk on the dock appeared to be far less dead and far less drunk than initially suspected, twisting and contorting in hideous ways as it ascended the ramp and knocked a skeleton into the water. "Not again!" Doc said, throwing in a sailorly curse or two…

5/11/2024 Episode 67

"You don't name a ship that way by accident," Tristan contended. He mumbled a curse under his breath. "Could you repeat that last part a bit louder?" asked Zorah. "It sounded rather spicy, and maybe a bit salty. Pun intended."

Recap:

  • Warehouse supervisor Yobolda Leadthane said she had not seen any of the workers or crew associated with Golden Goose II in at least 5 days.
  • In the evening, Zorah made a melodramatic fuss at the locked warehouse door. Whoever was on the other side was not impressed. "You're drunk, go home!"
  • Tristan advised against brute force for gaining entry to the warehouse, and suggested that the party put their heads together.

5/4/2024 No game

4/27/2024 Episode 66

Mr. Anskeg pulled aside the curtains to observe the motley characters standing outside his workplace. What are they discussing, why don't they just come in already? he thought.

Recap:

  • Zorah and Tristan entered the headquarters of Mazar Benerese & Co. posing as laborers looking for work moving and/or protecting goods. Receptionist Mr. Anskeg directed them to a local company warehouse a few blocks away, to the river docks in town, or to the ocean docks on the gulf.
  • Thistle, Aki, and Elam entered some time later, asking about securing transport for their noble persons and bodyguard, and a few accompanying goods, to some far-off place. Mr. Anskeg said that they could ask the crews at the warehouses or the docks.
  • Thistle, Aki, and Elam journeyed the approximately one league to Khosrow Piers, the city's docks on the Gulf of Bazón.
  • Thistle approached Ardavan Yard at the north end of Khosrow Piers, where the Raskotian Navy keeps and repairs a few vessels. The guards gave them a few talking points but discouraged entry.
  • At one of the civilian docks on the piers, the first mate of the ship Jahangir, an eladrin named Eroan Herkas, explained that he would be willing to take on passengers who either helped or stayed out of the way, for a fee based on distance. His vessel mostly sailed between the City of Raskot and the counties on the northern gulf, and once in a long while to places outside the duchy.
  • At the southernmost pier Elam noticed a person leaving an offering at a piling carved into the likeness of a coiled serpent, strongly suggesting a connection to the sea goddess Zmeyana. The person quietly explained that the Driftwood Society occasionally meets on a beach nearby.
  • At the MB&Co. warehouse, Tristan and Zorah talked to dwarven forewoman Yobolda Leadthane about potential employment; she directed them to the crews who kept their goods at the warehouse.
  • Tristan noticed one of the areas was not attended during the day. He found a few traces of magic among the goods, and a ledger with a familiar and dreaded name: Golden Goose II.

4/20/2024 Episode 65

A short distance off the Dromos Varaam in the Anchorside neighborhood sat a building that looked like it very much fit in. Like many buildings nearby, it had some sort of sign on it that gave an expectation of what was to be found there. The sign over the door of this building said MB&Co. in large, clear, and plain letters. Mazar Benerese & Co. was written on the front door. Tristan spat on the doormat. "We have unpleasant business here. Let's get it over with."

Recap:

  • At the Temple of Danmis, high priestess Sculptor Marjan Zarolia listened to Elam's tale of fiendish skullduggery in a border barony, and advised that the baroness and count would be the best avenue to apply pressure to the duke and duchess. She said she would get the word out in what ways she could.,
  • Aki found the peaceful Foxtail Garden in a middle-class neighborhood within the city walls.,
  • At the working-class Clumsy Lion Tavern near the upstream river docks, Zorah earned a few silver sultans by entertaining the patrons. Tristan struck up a conversation with dragonborn office worker Mr. Anskeg and learned the location of MB&Co. headquarters.,
  • Elam also visited the barracks at Wings over Afthonia to alert her former comrade-in-arms Commander Almira Constantine about potential infernal rot among Raskotian nobility.,
  • Tristan recalled what he knew of MB&Co. corporate culture, and how it might be used to build excuses to get a foot in the door…

4/13/2024 Episode 64

My plan was cone of cold. My plan did not survive first contact with the leopard-woman's counterspell. Perhaps I should look elsewhere for breakfast.

Recap:

  • The party let the hungry magical giant-ish adversary flee, and claimed its magical glaive as a prize.
  • At the docks in Lutava Tristan once again met up with Emanuel "Manny" Valdovinos who seemed to be significantly happier about working with his current employer Great Tazieu & Eastern (GT&E) than his former boss Smedley Cloven.
  • Kadakh (tuskenfolk, loxodon) supervisor Mr. Boov supervised the loading of a large disassembled work of art onto a barge called the Thunder Nymph.
  • Nervous customer Her Ladyship Thane Saffron Evenroot explained how the work of art would be reassembled at a gallery in the City of Raskot with a magical ritual to be performed by the archbishop, and much public fanfare.
  • The Thunder Nymph's journey downriver was uneventful, passing by the town of Beylaran where the River Tazieu flows into the River Ormur, and eventually docking in the Dalazar neighborhood of Raskot, on the north bank, outside the city walls.
  • The party took some time to go shopping, and considered their tactics for finding the headquarters of Mazar Benerese & Company (MB&Co.) and how they would approach the people there.

The magical glaive: https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/8316162-zlenwars-glaive (my mind gives it a vaguely Slavic accent, if not outright Polish)

4/6/2024 Episode 63

"Well, I can confirm that it is…bigger. And it's definitely a city. City living is for some people. I'm not one of them," said a traveler moving south.

Recap:

  • The party decided on a route that was at least mostly overland from the Undervaults' estate at Marshborough northward towards the town of Lutava and eventually the City of Raskot.
  • A dryad approached the party's campsite in the wee hours; Tristan and Thistle informed her that they planned to be respectful of the forest.
  • A magic-wielding blue-skinned ogre-sized adversary in chain mail interrupted the party's breakfast, implying that he would like nothing more than to eat members of the party. After learning that the party would not be a pushover, he tried to flee invisibly…

3/30/2024 No game

3/23/2024 Episode 62

A surly voice called out from behind one of the cell doors. "I hope your owl isn't disappointed about the distinct lack of mice around here. That's the only good thing I can say about this place."

Recap:

  • After a bit of paperwork runaround, the party secured the release of Her Ladyship Excellency Burgravine Borlin Undervault.
  • Before they left the town hall, an older human woman complained about Borlin's premature release.
  • Borlin reluctantly offered gratitude, and His Excellency Burgrave Saarn Undervault offered hospitality and a reward if the party should ever visit his family's estate at Marshborough.
  • Borlin related the story leading to her imprisonment, and how her advisor Reverie figured into it.
  • Saarn questioned the wisdom of Borlin's continued association with Reverie and her network of problem-solvers, the Nightshade Circle.
  • Zorah warned Saarn about occasional interference from agents of the Kingdom of Nashab in Raskotian affairs.
  • Elam subjected Reverie to some divine scrutiny and found no trace of fiendish or undead influence.
  • Thistle contrasted the Undervaults' preference of authoritarian rule versus the Thistletops' methods of governing via soft power.
  • Reverie shared her side of the story of how stubborn and mercurial Borlin landed in jail.
  • The party began their journey towards the capital city of Raskot to find the headquarters of Mazar Benerese & Company.
  • As a reward for the safe return of Borlin to the quite cozy estate at Marshborough, Saarn offers 500 gp. He also says that he is quite willing to part with that skull-crowned magical mace over there. He says he does not believe it to be cursed, but he keeps his distance from it anyway.
  • Saarn described his family's lands as northwest of Yuplad, near the border between the Baronies of Vouniki Ellisia and Jurado, perhaps half a day's walk from Yuplad.
  • I doubt they will become significant NPCs but just in case: Tramo and Eglantine (née Bunce) are Saarn and Borlin's parents; Kestrona is their married-living-elsewhere older sister.

Argue over who gets to take it; if someone does, then this may help: https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/8219730-kokabiels-regret

3/16/2024 Episode 61

Non-shopping recap:

  • Tristan introduced owl familiar Sophia to the party; Elam made sure that her faithful steed Sundrop wouldn't ruffle too many feathers.
  • Zorah guessed that Borlin Undervault could have been cast into the prison under Nashon Villa.
  • At The Flowering Earth inn and tavern, Elam and Saarn Undervault asked innkeeper Hildegund "Hildy" Silverstring if they had seen any sign of Borlin recently; Hildy pointed them towards the town hall.
  • At the town hall, Elam and Saarn made their case for a short-notice meeting with Mayor Lambert Sharpe, who wibbled and wobbled a bit before suggesting that Captain Adalet Yazar kept better records of comings-and-goings.
  • Captain Yazar said there was someone matching Borlin's description in the south wing of the jail.
  • Tristan asked Sophia to do a little bit of reconnaissance in the jail, and corroborated what was in Captain Yazar's records…

Shopping recap:

  • Elam visited Shu-Turul Forge, where shopkeeper Zynjil was happy to accept gold for a glaive and lance made by weaponsmith Gors. Armorsmith Rhodinna admired Elam's current kit but couldn't offer anything to improve it.
  • Zorah visited Feathermore Depot and out-bargained experienced shopkeeper Fernan for a unique lyre. He recommended she go to Hvarp's Pelts for raw materials for drums and mallets.
  • At Upon Vellum, Tristan found some scrolls containing magical rituals. Despite some particularly appalling slips of the tongue that not even Zorah could smooth over, shopkeeper Naya gave a slight discount.

3/9/2024 Episode 60

"When a Ruler Has Sinned" arc ends

The discovery of the undead soldier was chilling. Neutralizing it did not seem to affect the chilly temperature in this corner of the prison.

Recap:

  • The party recommended that the grumpy and melodramatic tenant farmer who couldn't make his rent be freed.
  • An ogre zombie trapped in a cell was feared into a corner and then put down.
  • A patch of brown mold in another cell was subjected to frost-based mold abatement.
  • Lady Chiara Abrami was crowned the new Baroness of Vouniki Ellisia, residing at Kalevouniki Castello Bresaro.
  • Cellarer/sommelier Muriellis Rouzet kept her job, but was tasked with ensuring that nobody conducting business within the barony deals in toxic goods of treacherous drow — and that Mazar Benerese & Co. are to become an example of what happens when you go against the crown's orders.
  • At Feathermore Depot in Yuplad, the party sold mammoth tusks to shopkeeper Fernan Banegas, who also founded the Trapper's Guild and built the Trapper's Hall.
  • At Apothecary Parthenea, the party sold queen's bonnet fungus to shopkeeper Byington Starflower for a tidy sum.
  • More shopping, supposedly!

Directions for the party to consider:

  • Scare Mazar Benerese & Co. into compliance, threatening them with calamity if they don't abide by the crown's prohibition against dealing in drow goods.
  • Retrieve Her Ladyship Burgravine Borlin Undervault, assumed to be causing trouble in Yuplad with her sharp tongue, and return her to her lands and family.
  • Thwart the hobgoblin military machine that used to employ Vamsis Bolgreng but may be turning into a menace fueled and fouled by undead.
  • Unearth the secrets of "Oily Cretin Club" (probably not their real name).
  • Go in some direction the dungeon master doesn't know he's prepared for yet 😅
  • Did somebody say 🛒 🛍️ SHOPPING because I distinctly recall someone saying SHOPPING 🛍️ 🛒 Oh yeah, other downtime activities are cool too.

3/2/2024 Episode 59

"I admire your enthusiasm for exterminating rats," Count Xavier Montemayor said, "but I hope that not every creature we find in a cell down here earns such a greeting!"

Recap:

  • The party freed His Excellency Burgrave Saarn Undervault from one of the prison cells under the castle. He said he had grievances against ex-baron Gabriel Spyridon, and assumes that his sister Burgravine Borlin Undervault is possibly detained in Yuplad. He wishes a safe return for both himself and his sister.
  • Elam: "Who are you?" Flesh golem: "Uuuhhahhggnnllllhhuuuurrrr" Elam: (closes and locks door) "I think this is the bishop's problem. Next!",
  • The desperate dragonborn mercenary's plan backfired spectacularly and he did nothing to advance his own cause.
  • The party encouraged Count Xavier Montemayor to consider facts and circumstances before deciding the fate of a woman imprisoned for poaching.
  • Some of the prison guards assisted Daniel Sacristán with improving the prison records, marginally.
  • A former soldier and conscientious objector was sent to newly-promoted Captain Luis Parmenides to see if he would get along with the New Management.
  • A swarm of insects momentarily inconvenienced Elam.
  • A couple of cells were noted as potentially unsafe.
  • Vamsis Bolgreng, former captain in the hobgoblin military machine, vowed to lead a life a peace if she could get the opportunity to steer her former commanders away from threatening the Duchy of Raskot with hordes of summoned creatures and raised undead.
  • An enraged undead soldier wearing rotten armor of some long-forgotten ancient kingdom was beaten to (conventional) death.

2/24/2024 No game

2/17/2024 Episode 58

Elam woke with a start. Her nose smelled something foul. And her ears heard someone in the next room cursing and swearing at furniture that they weren't expecting to be there.

Recap:

  • Demas Anaxo tried to sneak back into his quarters in the castle magically, but inconveniently encountered the party there, responding to an alarm placed by Elam earlier.,
  • The party beat Demas to within an inch of his life before he escaped once again through a hole in the multiverse.,
  • Tristan and Elam thoroughly defaced the magical circle in the back of Demas' closet, Tristan * adding some extra dispel magic for insurance.,
  • The party re-read Demas' infernal contract and found that it had not updated due to change in circumstances, suggesting that it was still technically possible to fulfill. (Though probably far less likely.),
  • The party reviewed prisoners in the castle's prison, discovering a gibbering mouther in one cell that addled them only slightly before it was slain.,
  • Aki's fireball exterminated a nest of rats in another cell, but also caught Thistle in the blast. Aki tried to make it sting less by claiming fire was good at countering communicable diseases

A new party member (sort of) has appeared in roll20. For lack of a better name, "David Hisselhoff."

2/10/2024 Episode 57

"What is an Oily Cretin Club anyway?" asked Aki. "We used to have one aboard ship," Tristan recalled not-so-fondly. "Captain would use it to discipline and shame sailors who got on his bad side. Dipped it in whale oil to make it extra stinky before dishin' out the clobberin',"

Recap:

  • Behind a bookcase in seneschal Demas Anaxo's office the party discovered a locked door, and opened it with the assistance of the castle locksmith.
  • Behind the door they found Anaxo's bedroom and his shrine to Luhrahsu, a deity of envy, hatred, lies, loss, and pain.
  • In a lockbox in a desk they found a contract promising to reward Anaxo for the corruption of recently-deposed ex-baron Gabriel Spyridon. Most of its conditions were fulfilled, and some were close to being fulfilled.
  • Thistle idly suspected that the beloved of Anaxo mentioned in the contract was Atanah.
  • Zorah wondered if the Kingdom of Nashab would stand to gain if the Duchy of Raskot and Vrothian Republic were set against each other.
  • Tristan wondered if the magic circle in the back of Anaxo's closet even should be used.
  • The party set an alarm around the magic circle, and sure enough, someone set it off…

Loot:

  • magical broom of ??
  • black pearls (650 gp, 550 gp)
  • bottle stopper decorated with gold leaf and amethysts (650 gp)
  • gold comb in shape of dragon with red garnet eyes (800 gp)
  • 1000 cp, 1000 sp, 1000 gp, 100 pp

2/3/2024 Episode 56

Which would be the greater failure: failing to prevent the death of his sovereign, or being a living, breathing example of a promise broken? Daniel hoped neither would come to pass as Aki and Elam closed in on the fiend sowing carnage and chaos in the parlor.

Recap:

  • Badly wounded Seneschal Demas Anaxo blasted one last hellish rebuke at Tristan before escaping sideways through a hole in the universe.
  • Ambassador Atanah traded verbal barbs with Thistle, who actually managed to nick her with a scimitar. She faded out of view melodramatically.
  • Major Sabinian Drusillus found Zorah's jokes debilitatingly funny, until he realized he was surrounded by armed and able-bodied enemies. He escaped sideways through a different hole in the universe.
  • Count Xavier Montemayor assumed the position of acting Baron of Vouniki. He asked the party's advice on a more permanent successor; they recommended Lady Chiara Abrami.
  • Some were wounded, but nobody died due to the combat in the parlor.
  • Gabriel Spyridon, stripped of authority, was sent to a cell in the castle's prison.
  • Bishop Vel Dardanus thinks that Sister Columba Bardane will find the power of Naënta extremely compelling, if not outright excommunicating.
  • The party informed Montemayor about the possible misuse of the avowed castle prison, and the presence of the off-the-books caverns and "menagerie."
  • Luis Parmenides was promoted to Major and commander of the armies of Vouniki.
  • Long rest, level up to 8, treasure! 🎉
  • The party investigated Anaxo's office and found some magically-obscured texts; after some dispelling, one appeared to be a coded-language record about the relationship between Vouniki and an organization called Oily Cretin Club, which sounds like a pseudonym.
  • The DM forgot to mention that detect magic also revealed something magical in or behind one of the bookshelves in Anaxo's office.

Aki: wand of the war mage +1, lantern of revealing, potion of greater healing,
Thistle: staff of the python, robe of useful items, scroll containing Druid spell,
Elam: adamantine plate armor, cloak of the manta ray, potion of growth,
Zorah: wand of the war mage +1, helm of comprehending languages, potion of greater healing,
Intended to be shared but I don't get to choose how you handle them: bag of holding, driftglobe, sending stones

1/27/2024 No game

1/20/2024 Episode 55

Baron Gabriel Spyridon's expression soured even more as he listened to Count Xavier Montemayor pronounce his decision. Zorah idly wondered if the baron's jaw might dislocate from all the jaw-clenching. Tristan had a gut feeling that he might have to summon Mister Slicey soon, which could be very useful if Miss Smitey Elam and Mister Scorchey Aki were to work alongside him. Thistle had just started to notice the absence of certain thoughts and feelings experienced not so long ago…

Recap:

  • Count Xavier Montemayor offered Baron Gabriel Spyridon the chance to step aside and name a successor. The offer was refused, violently.
  • Seneschal Demas Anaxo and Major Sabinian Drusillus appeared at the parlor door to keep the baron in power. OMG COMBATZ!!!!1!!one!
  • A burst of Anaxo's greenish hellfire catastrophically collapsed the temporary consecration that was in the parlor, damaging many (including some civilians) and temporarily blinding a few.
  • Drusillus took on a much more fiendish and heavily-armored appearance as he waded into the parlor to bust a few heads.
  • Elam quickly struck down the baron, who may or may not survive until tomorrow. She demanded that the forces of Vouniki stand down.
  • Ambassador Atanah came by the events in the parlor by the sheer coincidental power of her own curiosity, and gave Thistle a blessing…in the form of a kiss that started as very exciting and turned very painful. Thistle now finds Atanah to be very much the opposite of charming.
  • The party have kept the count and his secretary Daniel Sacristán in the fight, despite some heavy wounds.

1/13/2024 No game

1/6/2024 Episode 54

"Thank you! I was hoping to wear this gown for the gala this evening," said the foreign ambassador, with a slight accent. "A shame that only the rich and pretty might enjoy how it looks on me." Elam, in disguise as a scullery maid, maintained professional demeanor despite the klaxons screaming in her brain about the otherworldly and untrustworthy nature of the person before her.

Recap:

  • After helping set tables in the banquet hall, disguised Zorah slipped into the ballroom to try to conveniently overhear any interesting conversations between VIPs attending the gala.
  • At the gala, Zorah noticed Count Xavier Montemayor, Baron Gabriel Spyridon, and seneschal Demas Anaxo "talking shop" about noble geopolitical whatever, Daniel Sacristán having a pleasant conversation with the foreign ambassador, and nobody talking to a halfling noble who didn't look very pleased to be there.
  • Elam noted that the only apparent fiendish creature among banquet attendees was the foreign ambassador to whom she had earlier delivered a gown.
  • Thistle used their fine clothing, letter of pedigree, and silver tongue to convince the guards that they actually belonged at the banquet.
  • Thistle engaged in conversation with Ambassador Atanah-ili Kalumtum of the Kingdom of Nashab, and they found themselves thoroughly charmed by her. The two spent some time among the plants in the courtyard.
  • Still-disguised Zorah engineered a scene as dessert was being presented, whereby only Baron Gabriel Spyridon's soufflé fell. After enduring various dirty looks and disapproving language, she revised her disguise and made herself scarce.
  • Tristan scoped out entrances and exits of the castle, and the patterns of how people moved about. He tried to study Demas Anaxo's appearance more closely, noting the odd eyes and faint unpleasant odor. (Maybe the deodorant/perfume wore off?)
  • Thistle had unusually memorable pleasant nightmares as they slept.
  • Count Xavier Montemayor called to order the Very Important Meeting about Matters of State.
  • Everyone among the party's guest list appeared in the parlor, including Lady Chiara Abrami, the former baroness.
  • Despite warnings that it would be cast, and instructions not to resist it, Thistle and Zorah both shrugged off the zone of truth in the parlor where the meeting was taking place.
  • Montemayor started reviewing the allegations of misconduct and impropriety against Baron Gabriel Spyridon, who vociferously objected to some of them, and quietly seethed in reaction to others.
  • Zorah made an eloquent case for removing Spyridon from power, and Daniel Sacristán vocally supported the party's conduct and findings.
  • Montemayor announced that he had come to a verdict…

2023

12/30/2023 No game

12/23/2023 Episode 53

"I don't know that they had the leopardfolk physique in mind when they decided upon the servants' uniform," said the butler Sarantallis. "I have a suspicion, however, that you are more creative than our tailors expect when it comes to wearing clothes…"

Recap:

  • Zorah asked butler Leonidas Sarantallis if there would be musical entertainment; he confirmed for the gala in the ballroom. He described the general layout of the portions of the castle that he visited most often.
  • Elam offered to assist laundress Avrabelyn Bristleheart with some duties around the castle, as long as she didn't have to clean anything.
  • Daniel Sacristán asked the party whom they would like to invite to the Very Important Meeting, allowing for many locals and one person from afar. They chose huntsman Kasir Bousk, leatherworker Sibyl Jimenez, blacksmith Del Heathertoes, stonemason Myron VIllacorta, and Captain Luis Parmenides from nearby, and Lady Chiara Abrami from afar. (I hope I remembered that correctly!)
  • Zorah rearranged some furniture in the banquet hall and ballroom, then disguised herself and walked by the parlor to note that there was something going on inside that she was not permitted to observe. In the library and art gallery she observed more works that aligned with the baron's artistic sensibilities.
  • In disguise as a housecat, Thistle saw some guards change places between the outside and the inside of the heavily-guarded door downstairs.
  • Thistle also noted some muffled conversation in the parlor and a perfumed odor wafting under its door.
  • Zorah isn't very good at polishing silver.
  • Zorah, Elam, and Thistle learned much of the layout of the castle through various means.
  • Disguised Elam delivered clean outfits to the attendants of several VIPs. She did not flinch when she noticed that the foreign ambassador appeared to be a fiend…

12/16/2023 Episode 52

"I never liked turnips," said Zourd, pondering how to best sculpt the hedge in front of him. "Too bad, dear," shouted Narsi from a nearby flower bed, "that's most of what's left in the root cellar."

Recap:

  • Enterprising gnome subterranean farmer Mevinkeer Flampess had a pest problem, which turned out to be ankhegs.
  • The party squished the pests and took enough moon turnips as compensation, plus some scattered coin that they also found in the disturbed soil.
  • Bishop Dardanus was pleased to get all the raw materials, and sent them off to the artisan's village for refinement.
  • Elam pleaded with the Reverend to perform the consecration ritual sooner rather than later, but the timing conflicted with the Very Important Meeting about Matters of State.
  • Zorah thought Sister Columba looked pleased at the news of the impending reconsecration of the Cathedral of Kinship. Thistle thought that if Sister Columba was acting, she was doing an extremely good job of it.
  • Zorah reached agreement with head butler Sarantallis to get some servant's attire, and considered how she might make it look more convincing if she were to wear it.

12/9/2023 Episode 51

"Uh, I can tell you're not with the Baron," muttered the adolescent Theodosio, "but, uh, who are you and why do you want me outta jail?"

Recap:

  • Silver-stealing juvenile scofflaw Theodosio was reunited with mother Olympia, who gently scolded him but was far more happy and relieved to see him.
  • Laundress Avrabelyn Bristleheart's prickly exterior softened a little. (The party now has her favor!)
  • Thistle recalled that imprisoning juveniles is rare within the Duchy of Raskot, pre-teens rarer still; when done it's usually for a day or two to scare them back to their wits, not for an entire week such as Theo experienced.
  • The party was able to talk to Bishop Dardanus without having Sister Columba obviously nearby. He agreed with Elam's assessment of the lack of consecration within the cathedral, mentioned the seneschal's lack of assistance in resolving the matter, and the myriad distractions he has endured.
  • The Reverend asked for queen's bonnet (already on hand), red harlequin laurel, and moon turnips as raw materials which could be refined into the necessary material components for consecrating the cathedral.
  • The Reverend mentioned that the gardeners who used to tend the cathedral's gardens moved to a homestead to the northeast.
  • The stonemason Myron Villacorta said he saw some moon turnips here and there, but there might be an underground farm to the south.
  • The huntsman Kasir Bousk said he occasionally encountered red harlequin laurel on his hunts, and would gather a little bit here and there.
  • Half-orc gardeners Zourd and Narsi complained about swarms of nasty insects in their topiary. Zorah provoked a fight with them as well as a couple of awakened trees serving as shelter for them.
  • Though one of Aki's fireballs nearly ruined the trees, the menace was put down and the gardeners let the party take as much red harlequin laurel as they liked.

12/2/2023 Episode 50

Elam suddenly flinched. "Is there something wrong?" asked Sister Columba Bardane. Golden Danmis' armor-clad champion grabbed Tristan's wrist in one gauntlet, Zorah's in the other, and made haste towards the exit of the Cathedral of Kinship.

Recap:

  • Marshal Thalia Barrientos laments the poor treatment of the horses by Major Sabinian Drusillus and the rest of the troops, and wonders what can be done. She has considered setting the horses free as an extreme measure.
  • Captain Luis Parmenides says that the major wants enemy casualties at any cost, without any regard to morale and unit cohesion; it is not a sustainable way to run an army. The captain thinks that there are many within the rank-and-file who agree with him, but are afraid to speak up.
  • Major Sabinian Drusillus (apparently a fiend) abuses and insults the soldiers to get results…except for one dwarven woman soldier (also apparently a fiend) who looked to be performing poorly during drills.
  • With the help of some stealth-enhancing spells, the party busted out Theodosio from the prison under the castle, leaving a (damaged? missing?) cell door behind.
  • Elam noted two distinct undead presences within the prison near the cold northwest corner. No fiendish presences, down from one earlier. And no celestial presences. And some guards on patrol.

11/25/2023 No game

11/18/2023 Episode 49

"Somethin' smells a wee bit off wi' tha'," surmised the scullery headmatron. "No tha' I dinnae appreciate the help, but the timin' o' the couple bein' sent here 'bout the same time 's their bairn vanished…odd, no?"

Recap:

  • At the start of the day, it is 3 days to the Very Important Meeting about Matters of State, and 2 days to the VIP Banquet.
  • Tristan removed curses from leatherworker Sibyl Jimenez' tools.
  • Clothier Gronoth Silverfall returned Sibyl's miniature pet pig Marble, and reported that his shepherd friend Nuala had delivered enough wool.
  • All the castle artisans are allied with the party now! 🎉
  • Leatherwork orders written on parchment, resembling expended protective scrolls, were signed by either the seneschal Demas Anaxo or Major Sabinian Drusillus, who probably commands some nearby soldiers.
  • Chandler and safety officer Franco Caladri said he last saw missing child Theodosio in the company of adults wearing the baron's livery.
  • Butler Leonidas Sarantallis complained about too much to do, and not enough time or people to get it done.
  • Baker and confectioner Octavia Jacobi hatched a scheme to make a specific soufflé fall at a specific time.
  • Cellarer and sommelier Muriellis Rouzet considered taking a risk by using her contacts at Mazar Benerese & Co., a trading firm with a sketchy reputation, to acquire Xinthakastel claret, a wine of drow origin. Some of the party smelled more risk than reward and advised her not to pursue it. She seems to have taken the advice to heart. (One ally among the castle's head servants!)
  • Other staff: Major Sabinian Drusillus, Seneschal: Demas Anaxo
  • At the Cathedral of Kinship, Elam noticed that Sister Columba Bardane was a fiend, and that the inside of the cathedral was not a consecrated space. The party made an awkward and exit in front of a puzzled Bishop Vel Dardanus. (You may address the bishop as "Reverend.")
  • At the front gate, the party revealed information about Theodosio and Sister Columba to Daniel Sacristán, who gave the party permission to pursue the matters, and agreed to inform Count Xavier Montemayor.

11/11/2023 Episode 48

"Wut?! Tree no do dat! Wut 🤬 you do?!" yelled a manticore. "I'll show you what 🤬 looks like," said Zorah as she started to weave a brilliant and confusing show of lights in the air around it.

Recap:

  • Through a full day of hunting and some mild heroics, you have a solid ally in Kasir Bousk. (Who is coming to terms with the significantly changed relationship between himself and Zorah.)
  • Stern dwarven laundress Avrabelyn Bristleheart wants to know if some sort of display of gratitude could ever be forthcoming from the baron.
  • Worried married couple Olympia and Leontis want to know what happened to their child Theodosio whom they have not seen since shortly after they were reassigned by the seneschal to the scullery.
  • Chandler and safety officer Franco Caladri, under whom the married couple served until they were reassigned, wants to make the upcoming festivities a little more festive, and not just another occasion to follow the protocols in his handbook.
  • After tonight's long rest, the party may wake up as 🎉 LEVEL 7 🎉 Please complete your level-up bookkeeping before the next session 🙏

11/04/2023 Episode 47

and earlier just taglines

"Maybe I should see if the troops know how to butcher something this big," Kasir said. "After we take the tusks for ourselves, of course."

Loot from troll:

  • 185 gp
  • Gems:
    • a turquoise (8 gp),
    • two pieces of blue quartz (13 gp, 10 gp),
    • an eye agate (7 gp),
    • a piece of hematite (12 gp),
    • a piece of malachite (8 gp),
    • a banded agate (13 gp)

10/28/2023 Episode 46

One of these prisoners had to be a plant or a mole or…well, just not in the nature-wilderness sense," Thistle said. "You know what I mean, right?"

10/21/2023 Episode 45

"His Excellency can't chastise you for investigating a place he does not know exists, now, can he?" Daniel asked.

putting a bit of flavor on that observation at the end of the session… Thistle noticed that every species represented down there had at most one female and one male. (Some had only one of either.) But the shakhan (serpentfolk) had two females, and that didn't fit. Through Zorah's conversation with the various freed captives, almost all of them told stories about how they were captured by guile or force and trafficked here. Apandumashulibhi's story was the only one where someone willingly traveled to meet the baron.

Loot:
Ghoul coins: 31 cp, 35 sp, 17 gp

10/14/2023 Episode 44

Tristan's holy power sent the specters scattering, for a moment at least. Their hatred for all things living ensured they would return.

10/7/2023 Episode 43

"Please keep me informed," asked the master stonemason Myron Villacorta. "If those really were my workers down there, I would like to think that you did them a kindness by beating the undeath out of them."

09/30/2023 Episode 42

Aki looked quite satisfied with the results of several fire spells. Elam looked at the corrosive effects that the black puddings had on her weapons. "Sorry, I don't know _cure smugness,_" Tristan said, feebly trying to console his heavily-armored comrade. Zorah offered, "Would it help if I hurled an insult?"

If we are facing enemies still (and I believe we are), Thistle would promise the new wave “Let that serve as a warning to you! You don’t want to mess with us!”

9/16/2023 No game

9/23/2023 No game

09/09/2023 Episode 41

Elam stomped up the passageway to go deeper into the underground quarry. Something reached out of the darkness and wrapped itself around her. She felt a tug that was very much not gentle.

Killed roper.

Loot:
14pp in roper.

09/2/2023 Episode 40

"Do you find lost pets too?" asked the master leatherworker Sibyl Jimenez. "It was round about the time that all these mishaps started occurring that Marble went missing. No, not the building material, my miniature domesticated pig! He's mostly pink but has black splotches like a moo-cow."

Names learned:
- Stonecutter and mason Myron Villacorta reports that he is behind on his repairs, due to miners not being able to get stone from the underground quarry on the southwest side of the plateau. Some miners have gone missing, pulled out of sight by…something.
- Provisioner Rhea Florentin complains that she has never needed to call in all of her contacts at once, and blames the count's visit for how empty her larder suddenly appears to be. She doesn't have enough staff to make all those visits simultaneously.
- Hunt leader Kasir Bousk said "Whoa" (Keanu Reeves voice optional) upon meeting Zorah again. He showed the party to a concealed entrance to an underground complex that he occasionally visits, and he suspects he might stay in if circumstances were different.

08/26/2023 Episode 39

"What the heck?! Vermin aren't supposed to be that big, that aggressive, or that close to fiery things!" Delaney Heathertoes exclaimed. "Swat 'em!"

Blacksmith shop head blacksmith older halfling woman Delaney Heathertoes (Del)(6 people talking outside blacksmith shop) Major's armor, Captain's armor, Seneschal delicate items in castle)
Fought with fiendish. Coincided with a big old amount of work that started all at work.
Having trouble keeping forges lit.
Issue: fiendish
Carpenter's shop - Head carpenter is Emilios Ordas - Wooden parts of armor or weaponry. Do answer to the baron and not the major or the seneschal. Slow walking the request for the tools of war now that the major is threatening. Major wants his head. Seneschal wants to kick him off the grounds.
Hasn't had problems getting the work done. Balancing his beliefs against those that bring him work.

Issue: Morality of supporting war machine bring to
Clothier/Tailor shop noble and not. The clothier prime. Gronoth Silverfall Dwarven.
Occasionally refreshing to not to do the fancy stuff and make ordinary clothing. Running short of raw materials, but lacks wool to feed into it. He had worked with a local shepherd south-east of here. Gives the name of the shepherd as Nula. She is an elf.
• To do: Check out Nula's farm
Leather worker - Sibyl Jimenez - one of their more senior staff and has taken a nasty wound that was vicious enough that it required the acolytes of the cathedral for healing. All the sharp tools, knives, awls, etc. vaguely magical from the seneschal and major. Tools necromancy scrolls abjuration(benevolent)
Stone mason

Chief Provisioner (large amounts of unprocessed food in and out)
Seneschal long curly dark hair small dark colored eyes, tall and fit, and pale skin something unsettling about him and his presences.

Names learned:
- Head carpenter Emilios Ordas struggles balancing his beliefs against the demands of his employers, who threaten either his life or his livelihood.
- Clothier prime Gronoth Silverfall is running short of wool for his spinning machine, and hasn't heard from his shepherd friend Nuala to the southeast in a little too long.
- Master leatherworker Sibyl Jimenez seems to have cursed tools that have inflicted grievous wounds on her most senior staff, and blessed work orders signed by the seneschal Demas Anaxo and Major Sabinian Drusillus.

8/19/2023 Episode 38

"His Excellency is quite likely to take your counsel on the fate of Spyridon," explained Mr. Sacristán, "so if there is a particular outcome you desire, you may wish to find ways to put your thumb on the proverbial scale over the next few days."

The younger, less senior servants are working from day to day. They get shelter and food every day in trade for their labor.
Some of the more senior servants are aware of the rough hierarchy of the species. No one talks about it openly, but it is the way it is.
Among the servant population some dwarf and halfling. No elven blood.
The servants aren't sure what to call the Baron's ex-consort. Lady Abromie quit the premises altogether to live in Yplad full time. It was around that time that the baron's seneschal started getting his nose in the day to day things. The seneschal replaced.
The dwarves and halflings are extra grumpy now that the seneschal is in charge.

The seneschal appeared within the last medium single digit number of years 3-7 years.
When asked if there were elven servants here, older staff said yes, but rarely. Last one left around 3-7 years ago?
The hunt leader is the only animal person here. He spends his time in the great outdoors.
Muscle, wilderness survival, wise in the ways of nature.
The Baron's opinion of himself has inflated in the last few years.

Important servants:
- Butler, human male, name unknown
- Cellarer/sommelier, human female, name unknown
- Chandler/health and safety officer, human male, name unknown
- Chef Holman Whitfoot, halfling male
The baron likes to project power and roast beast projects power. He is good at making produce appetizing, but it isn't appreciated here. He goes out with the hunt leader. There seems to be no shortage of venison or boar to go around. Kasir Bousk
- Confectioner/baker, human female, name unknown
- Laundress/custodian, dwarf female, name unknown

Important artisans:
- Blacksmith/metalsmith Delaney "Del" Heathertoes, halfling female
Blacksmith shop head blacksmith older halfling woman Delaney Heathertoes (Del)(6 people talking outside blacksmith shop) Major's armor, Captain's armor, Seneschall delicate items in castle) Having trouble keeping forges lit.
- Carpenter/woodworker, human male, name unknown
- Clothier/tailor, dwarf male, name unknown (for noble and not)
- Leatherworker/tanner, human female, name unknown
- Mason/stonecutter, human male, name unknown
- Provisioner/logistics, human female, name unknown
Chief Provisioner (large amounts of unprocessed food in and out)

Areas yet to be explored:
- Cathedral of Kinship, gardens, and cemetery
- Barracks, stables, and training ground
- Castle proper (off-limits for now)

Guidelines from Daniel that the Dungeon Master may not have explained so well:
- If there is an outcome you desire, look for people and evidence to support it
- The Count will invite the party to the Important Meeting about Matters of State, and ask for opinions
- The party may be able to invite others to the meeting, with permission, but there may not be an opportunity for their *direct* input
- Probably the best opportunity to snoop around the castle is on the day before the Important Meeting, when servants and staff will be preparing and hosting a banquet for all the VIPs; the party are not officially VIPs

08/12/2023 Episode 37

"How do you think they'll treat us if we knock on the front gate from the inside?" asked Count Montemayor's Knight of Sanhueza. "I'll try to be only proportionately rude in response," said the jennet, flexing her fingers.

08/5/2023 Episode 36

After an errant arrow skittered across the ground and came to rest harmlessly against Thistle's boot, Count Montemayor's Knight of Sanhueza asked, "So shall it be parlay or punishment?"

07/29/2023 Episode 35

"We've really stepped in it, haven't we, Rocky?" "Yeah, Stretch, but at least we still have our feet. Unlike poor Freak over there."

Loot:
Rocky's personal wealth: 17 cp, 8 sp, 4 gp, 2 pp.
Stretch's personal wealth: 14 cp, 12 sp, 10 gp, 4 pp.
Freak's weapons: greatsword
Rocky's weapons: shortbow, quiver containing 15 arrows, shortsword
Stretch's weapons: shortsword, hand crossbow, case containing 6 bolts

7/22/2023 Episode 34

"I can only imagine the drama that might take place at His Lordship's castle when all of his favorite antagonists come to visit at once," Mary said. "Though I fear being a fly on that wall could get me severely swatted!

Loot: Freak's personal wealth: 15 cp, 13 sp, 9 gp, 2 pp

7/15/2023 Episode 33

"You don't look like you belong here in the Stranger's Refuge," said an unfamiliar voice. "I mean, you don't look like you _don't_ belong here, but you don't look like you _do_ either."

Baron's "wish list" includes a rabbitfolk, leopardfolk, tortoisefolk, veiz. Ledger includes an entry describing a leopardfolk who was sent to the baron's castle to serve as a hunt leader.
Serpentfolk prisoner: Ustlathirataxer
Human female prisoner, "delusional": Pathaë
Shelter manager at the Stranger's Refuge: Cane
Noblewoman visiting the Stranger's Refuge: Lady Abrami
Name of the shelter for widows, orphans, and the destitute: Arch Burrow

7/08/2023 Episode 32

"I can assure you that you won't find a den of vice and debauchery behind this door," said the count's secretary, "but that doesn't really say much about what you _will_ find."

7/1/2023 Episode 31

"You're not hungry?" asked His Lordship the Baron. "It would be such a shame if we wasted these lovely morsels on feeding the cleaning staff." He wrinkled his face at the repugnant thought.

Interesting bits of paper in the baron's office:
A ledger describing members of certain species of humanoid, date acquired, what happened to them after acquisition and when.
- A male leopardfolk acquired not terribly recently, and assigned to the baron's castle to help with hunting. Partway down the ledger, entries with some columns filled in.
- A boarfolk, acquired within the last month
- A serpentfolk, acquired within the last week Towards the bottom of the ledger, entries with only the species column filled in.
- A rabbitfolk
- A male veiz
- A female leopardfolk
- A tortoisefolk

6/24/2023 No game

6/17/2023 Episode 30

"_You're_ glad you're out of that dark, filth-ridden place? What about _me?_ " asked Tiberius Quince. "_You_ got down there under your own power, they dragged _me_ by the ears!"

New NPCs this time:
- The emissary who delivered the invitation to supper with the baron is Giannoula Laskaroti, or "Jan" if that's a mouthful. Same woman who barged in and asked for a report about the activities of "concerned citizens."
- The majordomo of the villa, balding with grace and distinction, is Stavras (most likely his surname).
- The mop-haired concierge…hasn't told you his name yet. But he says he's there to help you have a pleasant supper.

Supper with the Baron, party answering questions about how we are enriching the Barony.

06/10/2023 Episode 29

"I don't know who they are, but I'm pretty sure they're not the caterers," Elam remarked as she replaced the unwieldy oaken door of the Trapper's Hall upon its iron hinge.

Thistle learned the interior layout of the Trapper's Hall: storeroom, office, and armory off of interior hallway upstairs.

Name of liberated benara (harengon, rabbitfolk) prisoner: Originally he said only Tiberius, but after some much-appreciated refreshment, he adds that he is from the Quince family of farmers near Abrén. And if "Tiberius" is too many syllables, "Ty" is fine too.

DM: did you replace the front door of the Trapper's Hall on its hinges as you left for the evening, or did you leave it in questionable repair? I think it was left utterly unspecified and I would prefer not to make assumptions. Elam: replaced it on the hinges, I think. Might as well confuse them some about how we got in.

6/3/2023 Episode 28

"Alas, it seems that you have both magic and numbers on your side," admits Arnulfus "Golden Boy" Bachelet as he realizes the tables may quickly turn against him. "And while Ms. Hulk here is the fiercest of competitors — your badly-bloodied elven compatriot has experienced this first-hand — I think it could be in our mutual best interest to negotiate a deal like the consummate professionals we are."

I will provide a correction to what any of the @weekend-prophets who were outside the Trapper's Hall at sunset observed.

Instead of three figures exiting and locking up, you noticed five:

  • One tall, slender human with a shaved head, wearing prosperous merchant clothes, who did the actual locking up. They were surrounded by the other four figures as all of them left together.
  • Three burly-looking rough characters, all human and almost as tall as the slender one, clearly looking like security guards, dressed in dark clothes with intentionally poorly concealed weapons.
  • One shorter, leaner human, dressed similarly to the burly ones, who appears to be better at concealing weapons.

5/27/2023 Episode 27

"Why you back here? You leave! Now!" The shopkeeper with messy blond hair and beard, wearing a…garment? of furs and pelts stitched together in haphazard ways waved a knife not very menacingly as he planted his feet on a bear-skin rug. (The bear didn't notice.)

5/20/2023 Episode 26

"Well, they never ordered me to never make copies of these documents," said Captain Adalet Yazar, head of the Yuplad town guard. "What's an extra piece of paper on top of the considerable reward you just earned?"

5/13/2023 Episode 25

Thistle drummed their fingers in a musical pattern across Elam's boots. "Now go be the extremely deadly wall sconce or chandelier you always wanted to be." (Climb spell)

Three-chain-link emblem is associated with The Iron Conclave

Reward from clearing out monsters in North Wing:

  • 100 gp per party member i.e. 500 gp
  • a star rose quartz (translucent and rosy with a white star in the center) worth 40 gp
  • a citrine (transparent pale yellow-brown) worth 40 gp
  • a bloodstone (opaque dark gray flecked with red) worth 70 gp
  • a moonstone (translucent white suggesting a blue glow) worth 55 gp
  • a zircon (transparent pale blue-green) worth 75 gp,
  • a scroll of shield of faith
  • a scroll of barkskin
  • a potion of greater healing
  • the original order, signed by the mayor and the baron, releasing "Golden Boy" a.k.a. "Arnulfus Bachelet" from prison (thanks to some well-spoken words from Zorah)

People:
Mayor of Yuplad: Lambert Sharpe
Captain of the Guard: Adalet Yazar

5/6/2023 No Game

4/29/2023 Episode 24

The last ~~canary~~ ~~prisoner~~ bloke we sent thru yon door over 'ere became a meal fer somethin' wi' claws 'n teeth. Screamin' somethin' fierce too…until 'e warn't."

4/22/2023 Episode 23

"YoU wOn'T sToP uS tHaT eAsY!" shouted Freak as the town guard hauled him off to the Fane of Law. Zorah idly wondered about how much swelling she could expect on her recently-punched cheek.

Cindy/Zorah:

The night was dark, the moon was dim,
And shadows flickered in the dimly lit glim.
Footsteps echoed on the silent street,
As a girl tried to evade the kidnapper's deceit.
She ran as fast as she could,
Through alleys and backstreets, she stood.

But her determination was strong, and her will was clear.
She dodged the hands that reached for her,
And her heart raced as she started to stir.
But her instincts were sharp, and her senses keen,
As she found a safe place to hide unseen.

The kidnapper searched high and low,
But she was nowhere to be found in his glow.
For she had evaded his treacherous plan,
And proved that even the most vulnerable can.
In the safety of her own home,
She knew she was no longer alone.

For she had fought with all her might,
And emerged victorious from the kidnapper's sight.

4/15/2023 Episode 22

"I can get you access to places that most subjects of the crown never see," said the count's secretary.

4/8/2023 Episode 21

The town guard arrested Golden Boy on suspicion of kidnapping. Said the accused, "Hey, take it easy on the hair!"

The protester's sandwich board: SAURAKIUS / XETIGOL PROPHY / JCL: GETICAL PROCLAMATIONS / NICALLIONS OF POPULATIONS MAZAR BENERESE / 12 GALAXIES / BRUPT FLAGRAPHY / QUELTSTRENIOL / ZEUGMANEUTIC

4/1/2023 No game

3/25/2023 Episode 20

"Stand aside, we have business with that furry thing over there," said the shifty, wiry one.

03/18/2023 Episode 19

Who is up in whose grill?

3/11/2023 Episode 18

"When a Ruler Has Sinned" Arc begins

Of course, with the party's official recognition at a ceremony attended by the the Baron and the Count, perhaps they will earn more attention.

Yuplad village in trouble with pamphlets

Boitnogs, jailed bugbear.

North by northeast up main road to and to hills, half day trip.

In Yuplad inn:
2 humans brute
1 half orc brute
half elf magic
human magic

People:

Gabriel Spyridon, Baron of Vouniki
Human male. Curly black hair, olive skin, very dark eyes. Tall and thin but not scrawny. Fine clothing conspicuously and tastelessly adorned with gold and jewels.

Xavier Montemayor, Count of Camagás and Baron of Sanhueza
Human male. Short, curly, salt-and-pepper hair, carefully styled. Lively deep brown eyes in a face that has aged with distinction. Short, broadly built, possibly some age-related paunch disguised by loose-fitting fine clothing.
Spyridon seems a little bit…resentful of Montemayor's presence?

3/4/2023 Episode 17

"Two Ministering Angels" Arc Ends

Mind the gap! Skeletons don't have much between the ribs, makes for poor stabbing.

Zorah found three iron chain links in a triangle.

Details of treasure haul:

  • 330 gp
  • carved bone statuette of a duck (25 gp)
  • small gold bracelet resembling swimming eels (40 gp)
  • gold-embroidered vestments of Qhetia for a medium-size humanoid (20 gp)
  • black velvet mask stitched with silver threads (30 gp)
  • pair of engraved bone dice (25 gp)
  • potion of hill giant strength (transparent with a large fingernail floating in it)
  • potion of greater healing (glimmering red)
  • potion of fire breath (smoke floating atop flickering orange liquid)
  • 20% discount at all vendors in the village of Segobria

In a shocking case of the Dungeon Master showing blatant favoritism to their significant other, Zorah may have acquired https://github.com/tnalpgge/madapples-prophecies/wiki/Sarkis'-Sack-of-Snarky-Snacks when nobody was looking. Maybe it will get her in trouble some day

2/25/2023 Episode 16

Ink made out of eel bile, peach stones, mugwort, alder, and downy goose feathers? That's not all that's brewing in the village…

Party determined how to cure the disease.

Messaging stones: http://madapple.wikidot.com/magic-items#toc0

2/18/2023 Episode 15

The greatsword-wielding hobgoblin captain may have been turned aside by force of arms, but what can force of arms do against a menace that doesn't bleed?

Party to mercenary contract: Mitrik Jagulim
Appears to be connected to city of Milashur and Vrothian Republic

Zorah:

In battle, Klag the hobgoblin fell,
His armor rent, his spirit quelled,
His fierce resolve no match for fate,
His strength and skill now out of date.

He fought with fury, without fear,
His foes' attacks he did not hear,
His sword struck true, his arrows flew,
But in the end, his luck was through.

The enemy was too strong that day,
And Klag's courage began to fray,
His comrades fell, one by one,
And soon his hope was all but done.

But still he fought, with all his might,
To protect his friends and do what's right,
Though his wounds were deep, his heart was strong,
And he fought on, though the battle was long.

In the end, Klag was forced to yield,
His fate was sealed, his sword and shield
Cast aside, as he stumbled away,
Defeated, but with honor on display.

For though he lost, he did not run,
And faced his foes till the battle was done,
And though he fell, he did not fail,
And his legend lived on, in the hobgoblin's tale.

2/11/2023 Episode 14

A squad of hobgoblins and their bugbear brutes invade the village square! They _claim_ that those who flee won't come to harm. On Saturday, 11 February at 13:00 PST/16:00 EST the <@&1024483252901253211> may use their fancy new ‘l33t sk1ll5` to see who’s on the business end of whatever harm gets dished out.

Loot:

  • 201 cp, 124 sp, 73 gp

2/04/2023 Episode 13

What use is a captured bugbear after he spills the beans about where he came from and who sent him?

Loot:

  • oil of slipperness
  • potion of climbing
  • potion of healing
  • 20 percent discount martell
  • scroll of faerie fire
  • scroll of grease
  • 10 percent discount haley

1/28/2023 No game

1/21/2023 Episode 12

The village guards seem to have gotten into a hot mess outside the gates of Mahir Manor. Private security are having a staredown with a bugbear behind the manicured hedges. What will it take to turn the tide?

Loot from goblins and bugbear at Mahir Manor:

  • 67 cp, 46 sp, 8 gp

1/14/2023 Episode 11

What mess is left behind after the hobgoblins were thwarted at the docks? We shall see…

(I/Martell) ground some ingredients together, distilled the resulting powder, mixed the distillate with the remaining ingredients, and spread it upon a copper dish over smoldering coals of rum-soaked alder twigs to dry.
The primary ingredients that Martell used most recently were Tazieu river eel scales, ground Segobrian olive pits, dried mugwort leaves, and resin of the myrrh shrub. Some of these ingredients are also common in religious rituals intended to soothe or heal, but such preparations work far better when the ingredients are from nearby rather than far away.
an open glass jar of dried greenish-brown mushrooms, labeled horse merulius

1/7/2023 Episode 10

And on Saturday, 7 January, at 13:00 PST/16:00 EST, we will see how many of those hobgoblins do, in fact, perish.

Loot from hobgoblins:

  • 309 cp, 88 sp, 48 gp

Blue Eel staff get the leftover 4cp as a tip.

2022

12/24/2022 No game

12/17/2022 Episode 9

Did the 🧑‍🦱 wild-haired 🍍 fruit 💸 seller's mob of villagers 👥 and Elam's righteous harsh language 😠 🗯️ spur the burgomaster to action? Will the Keepers of the Hearth 📿 be crowded out of their own building 🕍 by the mounting ill? 🤒 Why is Bruenoor 🪃 so opinionated about ✨ glitter ✨ anyway?

12/10/2022 No game

12/3/2022 Episode 8

Magical illness / vexes the village / while surly savages / contemplate pillage / Burma-Shave?!

Highlights for myself as DM:
- Elam intimidating the burgomaster with righteous fury ("In the name of ~~the moon~~ love, I shall ~~punish you~~ demand you use both proper and improper channels to help the people of your village!")
- Bruenoor going on about controlling weather, questionable performance art, and ~~lizard people~~ other nonsense (right, lizardfolk actually exist in this world)
Just a random bit of flavor: the last session left off at mid-morning on Ilusha, the 27th of Dendara 853 E.P. (Era of Prophecy). It is mid-late summer with the autumn equinox being about 4ish weeks away. You are in the southern hemisphere of the world. https://github.com/tnalpgge/madapples-prophecies/wiki/Calendar

11/26/2022 Episode 7

Bad write up by the bard.
Enter Dwarven woman yelling Orcs at the Hammer. Elam intimidates the Orcs and they leave.
The blacksmiths aren't that familiar with Hallie.
We go to the town hall to meet Tharzandrog Krubo, the Berger Meister.
The magistrate is the gray haired woman upstairs.
Imrozia Alcantara is the magistrate. Her concern is with the application of law and history. Her concern is not the everyday occurrence. The Orcs and Goblin raids at this frequency are not recent or within her lifetime (about 50 years).
The captain of the guard is Jerrold Trevisani. This has been an eventful week completely out of the norm for village guards.
Fruit seller is touched by gods. She doesn't like Tahir. She was arrested for talking about him too loudly near him.
Fish seller talks about fruit seller is responsible for social troubles. She is good for bringing people down to this quarter of the village square.
I buy lettuce and carrots for the hearth from the ill-mannered shop keep.

People:
burgomaster: Tharzandrog Krubo
magistrate: Imrozia Alcantara
captain of the guard: Jerrold Trevisani

11/19/2022 Episode 6

006- Distracted much

Village Alchemist had small explosion
Spell went awry at Halley's
Berger Meister @ village hall (half orc)
Gabriel Spyridon, Baron of Vouniki

Baron - Zorah's impression is kinda negative. I don't trust him (negative, but possibly unfounded impression)

Dwarven woman hustled into the village from the NE and yells there are orcs at the hammer.

DM notes:
I might add for this session: Aki noticed that there were some things out of place (i.e. a few inches away from where they normally should be) at alchemist Martell's shop that Martell himself missed — uncharacteristic for such an organized man. Aki and Elam noticed a bottle of lavender smoke that was left open and was leaking into the shop, but enchanter Hailie didn't notice. The party took Hailie to the Blue Eel for a drink and some conversation, whereupon she agreed to assist in figuring out what to do about the weirdness in the village. The beer was interrupted by a shout of "Orcs at the Hammer!" from outside…
Though the mysteries of an "Amulet of Professional Detachment" to help Manny better deal with Captain Smedley might have to wait!

11/12/2022 Episode 5

How many more barnyard animals will the goblin horde inconvenience? How many more barnyard goblins with the party inconvenience?

Session 5 EIEIO?

With the help of the guards and Tana we defeat the goblins. This large attack is not a normal occurrence. The farmer thinks they may have been looking for something inside his house. We check the house for detect magic and don't find any magical items. In the cleanup we get 172 cp 80 sp. (16 silver 2 copper / person counting Tana) The farmer was kinda upset by the ideas that went with goblin removal. Tana takes her cut of the loot.

We pass a night at the inn and wake up refreshed. They are cooking something savory. The bartender assures us it is not goblin stew. At the Hearth of Ketia in the morning. We meet Brother Acorn. There are nine patients, six appear to be asleep and three who passed away in the night. The three who passed away in the night were the longest sick. Zorah cast identify on one of the newly ill and detected magic she didn't recognize.

Loot:
172 cp 80 sp. (16 silver 2 copper / person counting Tana)

11/5/2022 Episode 4

Sister Myrianthe says he does attend services more often than she would expect.
She does confirm that he owns the bookshop.
The ill all appear to be diseased when Tristan checks them out. Elam is able to cure disease where the acolytes of their God is not.

We go to the bar to talk over what we know. We need to identify next priorities. Tanya hadn't talked to Elias Feric yet. They might be willing to take the job if it pays well. Captain and Manney leave. Zorah warns the captain of the robbers. Other party members talk to Manny see if he knows of any translators of magical texts. Manny is in no hurry to leave. Bruinor tells Manny that we may try to

We talk to the barkeep and try to figure out how to get book from Heidi. He says the Captain Smedley is one of his best customers. Heidi does come in, but is terribly shy. She should be more confident. As Zorah prepares to go talk to Heidi and see if she can enchant an object to protect Manny from Captain Smeedly's advances, maybe shocking her when she gooses him.

There is a screaming in street. The farmer is yelling there are goblins at his farm. We run there, with the guard (Tanya didn't seem to care). Zorah is critically injured. Tristian heals me to full health.

Next week: Farm goblins continue.

10/29/2022 Episode 3

1/Welcome to game day three …We joined our adventurers in the evening at the Blue Eel.

There was a small group of folk in the Blue Eel chatting. I, Zorah, played a little music for the small crowd in the inn before the party has a long rest. Elam spent the night at the Hearth with her patients.

In the morning, villagers brought in another sleeping victim. Elam laid hands on the farmer's elven wife. She awoke shaken. The last thing she remembered was being outside planting after having plowed a field. She decided she is too tired to make the short walk home and spent more time resting at the Hearth.

We went to meet the farmer. He was harried and focused on his farm. We told him his wife was awake now, but too tired to come home. We asked him about when she fell ill.
She had been plowing and put up the animals. She planted in the fields when he noticed she had passed out.
Bruenour helps out to farm so he can visit his wife. The plow feels like a sturdy plow and didn't fall over asleep.
Tristan noted there is magic around the plow.

At the Sanctum of Sarcus: Tristan went to talk Halley and made her nervous when he said he was from the city to investigate the illness. Her grimoire is in dwarven with lots of images. Both Tristan and Aki looked at it. It makes no sense to either of them, of course neither read Dwarven. Bruenour can read Dwarven, but the wizardry isn't understandable.

2/While Tristan was at the Sanctum, Brother Acorn announced there would be a meeting at the Hearth.

Tristan went to the alchemist to see what he had to say. He learns the view of the alchemist is not organized and not that good.

Zorah went to Bound for Greatness and talked to Khariton Sarantouli. He mentioned that shipments were being robbed and if we wanted to help or knew someone who could Elias Freic is the head of security. We should tell him that Khariton sent us to him. Shipments have been stolen for the past couple of months. They have basic musical instruments and suggest the blacksmith for bolts.

Brother Acorn's (bear humanoid) service at the Hearth. Celidonio Martell files in, Tayna (merc), others from around the village 50-ish people. Sister Myrianthe begins the ritual. A well dressed man sneaks in and sits in the darker section of the hearth.

Sister Myrianthe discussed this puzzling illness. Brother Acorn and Sister M are feeling tired as well, perhaps falling ill too. Harken to the words of the 11th prophecy. The people are immersed in distressed… a curse of angels on those who do not aid their neighbors when they can. The sister and brother ask those who are capable, to help those that are ill. When the service ends, the well dressed man smirks and leaves.

The party fallows him out and stops him. Tarkan Mahir is the head of the largest trading concern in the village. His head of security are Elias Feric. He heads home to work.

People:
Proprietor of Bound for Greatness: Khariton Sarantouli
Head of security: Elias Theric
Alchemist: Celidonio Martell

GM notes:
Thanks to Zorah's singing, the party can take back 3 sp that would have been spent on lodging (woohoo). Also Bruenoor earned 1 sp for helping out around the farm.

Player plans:
Heidi: We want to talk to Trina, and talk to the sister about Tarkin

10/22/2022 Episode 2

Bruenoor tries to  boomerang the goblin  leader.  The goblin boss grabs a minion who was hit before and he takes a hit to gut and the goblin boss is left without a goblin  to grab.

The sorcerer hit  the  goblin with  eleven of thunder damage.  Goblin boss dies.

Zorah moves and attempts to hit the guys on the north shore and misses.  Elam readies a javelin in case more goblins appear on the south shore.

Tristan yells, turn the ship around.

Captain Smedley acknowledges what was asked.

The goblins on the north shore bolt away from the river.  Tristian turns down healing.

We land and check the bodies.
 
Continue on the way to Segobria.  Tristian takes a short rest.

We land in the village. Captain Smedley heads straight to the Blue Eel.
 
Elam, Tristan, and Zorah go to the Hearth of Qhetia to check on the illness.

<description of the hearth>
The broad round building on the north side of the main village square is made of stacked stones, has a prominent chimney on the center of its bamboo roof. Four arched wooden doorways around the structure feature carvings of feathers and fishes – mostly eels. A slightly raised hearth sits at the center of the building, and the a few low flames flicker within it. Rugs and mats of various sizes and compositions are spread around the wooden floor of the broad interior hall, suggesting places where people may sit during gatherings. A modest doorway stands closed in the center of the back wall.
</desc>

When we arrive no one is visible. Sister Myrianthe Bishara greats us and mentions Brother Acorn. There are three humanoid form resting under a blanket.  Brother Acorn and  Sister Myrianthe (Krithia is their god) have been looking through books for information and Krithia has not deemed to give them information.  The patients seem to sleep the day away being roused to take a little food or water.  They are not eating and drinking much, just wasting away. Tristian (rolls medicine check and gets nat 20).  This is not something he has seen before, but looks like a disease.  Elam attempts to lay on hands to the person who has been there the longest.  The person wakes up, but sees strangers and looks around confused and disoriented. We tell them they have been ill and Sister Myrianthe says they have been there a few days.  Elam helps them out into the air.  Elam sends Zorah to get food for the person. 

Tristan talks to the Sister asking about Krithia not answering the query.  Their order doesn't focus on medical issues, it focuses on building community.  Elam asks if he can perform a guidance ritual to see if he can check for magical or curses.  If there is something magical it is extremely faint.  It would be closest to transmutation, but you can't tell due to the divine aura of the religious establishment.

Zorah returns with food for a few people. The unnamed villager seems to be hungry, but is eating an drinking slowly. They are feeling very bad.

One of the sick is an elven woman who is the wife of a farmer. Sister Bishara says the elven woman is Yunaesa Presvalur. The person that Elam healed is human.  We give the sister 3 silver to watch this person for the next few days.
  
Bruenoor and Aki go about the village.

Bruenoor has been wandering around the village square.  There is a dwarven woman (Haile Sarkis) working  at the sanctum of Sarkis which is built as mystical building.  The woman running the store seems anxious.  She stutters about her store contains magical items which she enchants.  The farmer up the road (Presvalur) had an enchantment for his plow to be durable, always sharp, and never rusted.  He came back complaining that she  did something and the spell caused his wife to fall ill.
 
Aki went to the cemetery then the Blue Eel Inn.

<Description of the Inn>
This broad two-story structure has thick timber walls and a shingled roof, with a facade of decorative bamboo woven with reeds on the front. A well-worn footpath shows that many people have moved between this establishment and the upriver dock.
Above the open door is a sign declaring the place’s name in carved letters: ‘‘The Blue Eel.’’ The sign prominently features a painted version of just such a creature. Also carved into the sign are the year of its establishment and the surname of its proprietor: Lazenby.
Next to the open door is a message board of cork with a few scraps of paper tacked on. One of them is a poorly-spelled plea to find a lost dog, written in a child’s hand. Another used to be some sort of “help wanted” message, though most of it has been torn away.
</description>

 

< description Interior of the Inn>
The common room of the Blue Eel is nothing special, with a few wooden tables and chairs in various states of repair scattered about. A small fireplace in the back quietly glows as it radiates a gentle heat. The faint odors of various forms of drink in the common room are overpowered by the smell of herbed bread baking in an unseen oven.
An elf with a mop of curly crimson hair mostly obscuring his pointed ears putters about behind the bar, attending to customer needs. The less-than-glamorous life of a backwater village barkeep has not sullied his alabaster skin, sparking sapphire eyes, or perfectly-plucked eyebrows very much.
A very tall and obviously athletic human woman, chestnut hair streaked with gray and braided into a single queue, stands on the far side of the common room and narrows her green eyes at those who enter. She wears a short-sleeved off-white tunic tucked into her belted green breeches, covered by knee-high dark leather jackboots.
</description>

Also in the back of the Inn is a figure that looks not entirely unlike Zorah.  There is another leopard folk woman who pushed by Aki and came back in.  The elvish bar <Roven Maeral> tender is confused that Aki ordered water.

Tayna Kether is the other tiger folk. Reiman (tiger-folk) female. Tortoise-shell fur with patches of black, red, and cream contrasts with flat gray eyes. A column of three faint diagonal scars, evenly spaced, below her left eye.  She is looking for work as mercenary.
 
Loot from goblins:
19 silver 15 copper not very high quality stuff.

10/15/2022 Episode 1

"Two Ministering Angels" Arc Begins

It is a troubling time for the Keepers of the Hearths of Qhetia. We aim only to form strong bonds with our communities. We seek peace and stability for those who know that the greatest wealth cannot be measured in golden raja, and that the greatest power is not in a weapon of war. And yet we find ourselves asking the communities which we serve for assistance. Among several villages in the corners of the Duchy we have heard of our Sisters and Brothers encountering an illness beyond our comprehension. Qhetia herself has not offered guidance on how we are to endure this, but endure it we shall. While we are modest in wealth we are deep in gratitude. The village of Segobria needs assistance that may extend beyond the spiritual. To preserve the oldest Hearth of Qhetia, so that its flame does not die, we are prepared to offer dozens of golden raja to each compassionate individual who will go to extraordinary lengths for ordinary people. Seek out Brother Acorns or Sister Myrianthe when you arrive.

#writeup Day One - A trip on the barge

We leave on a barge to go to Segorbia to help with an illness. The barge goes up and down the river Tazieu with goods and supplies. We are the only passengers.

Barge pilots Captain Smedley Cloven (halfling female) and Emanuel Valdovinos (human male). She sexually harasses her crewman.

Goblins attacked the barge from behind the trees. Bruenoor hit a goblin with their boomerang and Aki took it down with crossbow bolt. Zorah and Elam’s attacks miss, though Zorah did question their parentage. Tristan blesses Bruenoor, Aki, and Elan. The goblins attack with arrows attempting to hit Captain Smedley and Manny. Manny took an arrow and screens in pain. Captain Smedley asks if she should keep going forward or do something else. Manny’s injured and muttered some curses.

Bruenoor suggest the captain turn the ship 90 degrees to the south. Their boomerang misses. Aki aims at the goblin boss, but he pulls a underling in front of him to take the shot. Zorah missed her shot, but taunts them by waving her butt in their direction. Elam hits the goblin boss with her javilin. Tristan goes to Manny and covers him with the shield. The goblins on the north bank with hit Captain Smedley with a short bow arrow across her arm and rips her shirt. They aimed at Zorah's tuchas, but missed. The goblins on the south bank. Aki was hit and took 3 pts damage. Elan's armor was hit, but it didn't hurt anything. Captain Smedley turns the ship toward the south.

Next round wasn't very effective for our side. The goblins on the south bank aim at Manny and Tristan takes the arrow and hurts Tristan. The rest of the goblin arrows miss. Captain Smedley continues to sail the boat and rotates it so it is facing south.

The injury to Tristan did not end the concentration on the bless.

Bruenoor attacked the boss goblin but he pulled a minion in front to take the damage.
The ship has drifted close enough and Aki hit a non-boss goblin with crossbow bolt and it was killed. Hit the boss goblin with a crossbow for light damage (4). Tristan is in crappy shape. He continues to cover Manny. The goblin boss orders the minions to keep shooting. The one on the south bank tries to shoot at the captain. The two goblins on the north bank lob arrows toward the ship without damaging anyone. Captain Smedley continues to sail the boat closer to the bank and says "I got to crank the tiller hard soon, otherwise I will run a ground."

<Game pauses>

10/8/2022 Session Zero

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