Wardens of the Sorrowood C1E01

Game Scheduled: July 13, 2023
GM: Thom
== Chapter Synopsis: == 
The Aureate Horizons Trading Co., colloquially known as Horizons, urgently seeks mercenaries in A'lune to join as Wardens of Sorrowood for a long term commission. In addition to an incentivized mercenary pay rate of 5 gold per week (as opposed to 2 gold per week that is standard), Horizons says that mercenaries can keep whatever is recovered from bandits along the route.
Caravan losses have surged on the route from Mowen to Kregia, particularly through the treacherous Sorrowwoods. The Rekal Guard, formerly securing the route, have disbanded the escort factions following overwhelming losses. Horizons believes the solution lies in both increased security and proactive threat neutralization. Setting up an outpost halfway is necessary.
== Mercenaries: ==
*Bim Bim - Elven Barbarian
*John Weck - Human Rogue
*Shepard Swiftfoot - Halfling Druid
*Snarela Kegfury - Dwarven Artificer
== Adventure Debriefing: ==
=== Gathering the Party ===
In Rekal, a posting on the Whispering Cutlass job boards details a need to set up an outpost within the Sorrowoods. A few mercanaries inquire for more information around town. Having grown up in the Sorrowoods area, Bim Bim recalls a very large tree that had fallen and might provide a place of cover. Snarela speaks to fellas in red-tinted leathers of the Screaming Saber faction. They warn Snarela that they could do a better job if only they were paid more, and that she better watch out for hazards, including spiders and bandits. While checking with various shopkeeps John comes across K-9 Kookies, that sells dog treats, and gets information on a hill that could be a possible observation, or ambush, spot. Disguised as a black cat, Shepard listens to conversations at a tavern of something stealing sheep, thickets getting thicker, and a few fishermen whom think they could get interesting fish from a nearby pond in the woods. Various rumors are discussed, like owlbears becoming more aggresive and may need to be rehomed. Banditry is getting worse. And spiders, to be avoided if at all possible.
Soldiers Hal and Aeld offer to enlist as they hear being a mercenary can be good money. Gnomish merchant Ogri joins up to be escorted through the woods, offering his services in exchange. An expedition of about twenty rolls out from Rekal towards Sauvage.
=== Bat Beginnings ===
Travel was uneventful until the end of the first day, when a loud screeching is heard coming from the north. Thinking quickly, John tells the group to lift any blankets or bedrolls up and cover themselves. The bats echolocation bounces off redirecting them away. 
Behind the group, Shepard noticed where the pond the fishermen mentioned was, but two ogres are there with a water buffalo. Carefully, he snuck away before being spotted. 
At the evenings camp, discussion revolves around tales of the Sorrowoods, and scary fables. When the dragons burned the world they still avoided the Sorrowoods. A Lord of Rekal had tried to burn it, but no trees had caught fire, and a week later the soldiers that had participated were all found murdered. Snarela comments on Bim Bim's skill with the fire, but Bim Bim denies any magical ablility, "it just happens."
=== Second Breakfast ===
The following morning, Bim Bim found a map of the Sorrowoods detailing the expeditions travel so far, and that a location they had passed was marked as dangerous and to be avoided.
Ahead on the road a group of bandits caused the party to stop. Bim Bim approached and told them he did not want to pay. Combat ensued. Bim Bim used his nets to try and keep the enemy from casting spells, taking strategic postions, or even running away. John sniped at the bandits from their flank. Snarela's constructs Bubo and Pepito struck at the enemy with mechanical precision, along with her own fire bolts. Shepard shifted from his form of a black cat into a dread hound-like beast. The bandits were unable to withstand the attacks. After, the netted wounded mage is thrown on the cart. (edit: unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries en route to the next location.)
Bim Bim gets down and starts making animalistic gestures, growls, and stances, unaware that's how he casts speak with animals. he proceeded to speak with the large dread hound-like beast (Shepard), Daisy (John's dog), and Blue (Ogri's nasus).
=== Down with the Thickness ===
Another day of travel and the group arrived at the place Bim Bim knew of. An extremely large tree, dozens of feet wide, had fallen to create a clearing. Snarela remarked that Bim Bim's description of the size might've been a bit underepresentative. The area seemed clear of any dangers.
During her shift of the nightly watch, Snarela sees a light a short way from camp. There, Shepard is secretly updating the parties map. She promises not to reveal the secret, but, invites the druid to join the group as himself.
=== Go Green ===
On the fourth day, just off the road, the party spots a clearing with an outcropping. Moving in to inspect, branches creak and trees start moving. Bim Bim quips, "banditrys, wait.. BANDIT TREES!"
About a dozen trees open their eyes and turn towards the group while shouting, "Interlopers!"
== Conclusion ==
To reestablish a trade route through the Sorrowood, an expedition was launched. Three potential locations for an outpost scouted. A Watering Hole, a Fallen Tree, and an Outcropping. The last still occupied by friend or foe? 
== Rewards ==
* New Friends?
Wardens of the Sorrowood - 01