Party history

For Sessions 15 and on, see here.

On the 6 / 1 / 20,124 Drenn, Idril, Hargrim, Valdis and Arwyn opened their letters.

On 20/ 2 / 20,124 The Festival of a thousand wines was held, and Lord Arron Greyfield died.

# Events by Session

## Sessions 0-9

### **Session 0**

Hargrim, Idril and Arwyen arrived on transporter ships. Drenn had made his way cross country and Valdis had already been working as a blacksmith for a few weeks at Evesfol. On the morning of the 6th, they opened their mysterious notes.

After a while making their way around town, the party came together at the Inn of the Blue Arrow. There they met Ethel who, in exchange for some mushrooms growing in the local woods, decrypted the Party's letters. As a thank you, they left Ethel with a copy of the letters in their original Old Eladrin text. They had a direction to head now; The High Cloak Inn. They were also advised to chase down Old Xal at the Docks.

They made they way to the docks where Old Xal gave them a job looking for smugglers. Idril investigated The Sabrina, while Valdis went off to The Sand Slicer, and Hargrim and Drenn went off to the Fish Hook markets (they quickly realised was a front for the town's illegal black markets). While this proved difficult, after being given a lead from a dwarf named Bornear they headed off to see a trader named Tristain to try and buy mirrors.

On the two ships, Idril met with piratey pirate Bess Ashglade, captain of the Sabrina, and Valdis met the powerful Captain Rennor.

### **Session 1**

After investigating the ships and the Fishhook Markets, Hargrim and Valdis found a cave to the south of town that they speculated held the stolen goods from the ships. After reviewing with Idril and Drenn, the four went down into the hidden Seagulls nest. For now, Arwyen had been creeping in the shadows and watching. In the Seagull's Nest they see Young Xal, the grandson of Old Xal, talking with a cloaked figure. Drenn challenged one of the larger Sand-orcs from Rennor's crew to a fight, beating him easily.

After a dinner with Andrew Flynn in the Bluebell Tavern, the party put the pieces into place; naming the Sand Slicer as the culprit. After a cunning ambush and a fearless battle, The Party captured Rennor, Captain of the Sand Slicer as well as a mysterious Kenkue who was also present. They also found a number of crooked Grey Cloaks who escaped through the back of the cave via a hidden passageway..

### **Session 2**

After collecting three colorful bandannas, a Cloak of Lesser Shadows, and the Blade of Fiery Depths as well as the appropriate coin for their work from Old Xal, the party returned to town. Handing over Rannor and the Kenkue, identified by the mayor as one of the Makra Twins, and a representative of the Smugglers Guild.

The Party then traveled on Billbot Baggage's cart to The High Cloak inn. On the way they passed through a checkpoint full of Grey Soldiers, led by a werewolf named Canis. With the help of Billbot the party was able to sneak their letters through undetected.

Arriving at the High Cloak Inn the party met Decon, a green dragonborn who is a part of the group who sent the letters, only known as X. He gave the party a job to go to the town of Brannion and find out what was happening, as rumors had been heard.

The party had a night of games in the bar wing of the Inn, meeting a few friends. Hargrim met a fellow dwarf Gillre, the leader of a company of Golden Barrels - a large dwarven adventuring league.

### **Session 3**

Heading off from the High Cloak Inn, on the morning of the 9th, the Party goes south to the town of Pepkey, the town with a new lake.

Upon arrival they look to buying some horses, A Halfing horse-breeder Andrew Polt offers 30GP for a pony, 50GP for a standard riding horse and 75GP for a Clydesdale (for Drenn).

The party met Arwyen. A Wood-Elf Rogue. She seems to have decided to join the party's escapades. The morning was spent in the production of apple juice for Valdis, who was becoming dehydrated due to the under-provision of non alcoholic beverages. Using Drenn as an industrial juicer and a bandana sieve several hip flasks of honeyed apple juice were manufactured and proved easier to transport than the large sack of apples.

After heading to the town square the party decided to look for some work on the local notice board. Getting a job to map the lower tunnels of the local temple of Dagon. They managed to play three sides, doing the job for not just the local gnomish map maker Nannah H. but also Friar Payton at the Church of Light missionary and Brother Findal who wanted not a map but artifacts of Dagon.

At the offerings of Dagon, Arwyen found a note that Idril was able to decode, finding out it was a message concerning the mayor, the steward and some third party.

Within the tomb the Party found a number of undead, as well as a shield that appears to be heavily resistant to damage. The party discovered that Valdis has a potent breath weapon when he electrocuted them in a flooded cave. There were also scrolls that Idril later deciphered as being of less than scrupulous in nature; likely to start another cult of Dagon. They were cast into the fire. While down in the crypts, Hargrim knocked a huge hole in the floor of the temple. When returning to the surface the party violated Dagon's statue with a trident they found, starting a flood of water from the statue (earning them 160 gold from Friar Payton).

For a while there it seemed like Hargrim was going to convert to follow Dagon. But he would never follow a god who makes such weak steel.

While this great temple escapade was going on, the party was also introduced to William Trent, a sad man who's property has sunk under the lake. He wants to get into see the mayor, whom no one seems to have seen in quite some time in order to get money for his lost farm. Idril wrote a letter to the mayor of Arith Natel (the city to the west), Elizabeth Lunrune.

### **Session 4**

Starting on the morning of the 10th The Party collected the dues owed to them and set away to the docks for further work. There they met Alora the one armed Triton who had a job for them. She gave them primitive potions of water breathing and guided them through a cave system underwater. After a fight with a giant octopus and some crabs the party pulled heavy treasure chests out of the caves and towards the surface.

While under the surface of the lake, Drenn and Valdis swum over to William Trent's old house. There they found an expensive urn, Old Woman Joe's ring, and a false drawer of stolen jewellery. Arwyen and Idril also found a potion bottle - later identified to be a superior potion of water breathing.

After collecting their payment from Alora, the party headed to confront William Trent. It was revealed that he had been stealing things from the townsfolk for some time, and after seeing the valuable urn left on the mayors window sill, had taken that too. Worried about the possibility of the mayor's powerful family coming after him he realized he had to hide the evidence. Using knowledge from his youth, he tunnelled into the aquatic cave systems in the hills near town. While he had hoped only to destroy his house, in the dead of night he accidentally created the lake, also opening a path for the fish and sea-life that the town would come to harvest.

Using this information as leverage, the party sent William Trent to get them a discount with the local horse merchant. The party went further on to see the mayor, finding only the steward.

After a mixture of interrogation, cunning deduction and insight the party found the full story. It turns out that the night before the lake was created, but after the Dagon Devotees had arrived in town, the mayor and steward Maith had an argument. She had pushed the mayor and the Urn fell upon his head - killing him. In an attempt to cover-up her crime, Maith placed the urn on the mayor's window sill, knowing that someone would steal the accidental weapon. She then kept the mayor's body in his room, running the town by herself with the help of Brother Findal, although whether he knew about the mayor is unconfirmed.

After uncovering all this information the party did a number of things. Firstly, Valdis and Arwyen decided to clean out the entire town treasury (500GP). While this was going down, Idril was busy righteously scorning Maith for following the evil Dagon cult by burning her feet with a sacred flame. Drenn then set her loose out of town, to hobble away and consider her actions.

After some debate the party decided to name William Trent as an Interim mayor until an election could be held, with a view to turning him into the authorities as the town thief. They named Nannah H. as the interim Steward and also sent Friar Payton to help them all and arrange both a fitting funeral for the mayor and a dedication of the square to Hargrim.

They party collected their discounted horses, pony and Clydesdale and rode out to the city of Arrith Natel, arriving late on in the evening, taking with them the Urn to return to the Mayor's sibling.

### **Session 5**

After Securing accommodation in Arrith Natel, Arwyen headed off to do some rouge business.

The rest of the party headed through the Temple of Two Faiths, meeting a unique Tiefling, Mavarkus Plate, and Bishop Writingham.

They then headed off to do some shopping, meeting Kada, a dwaven woman who owns and operates a forge, Gideon of Gideon's Miricals; a thaumaturgist and magic worker, and the Baker Madam Julleta.

They returned to the Stone Keep to return the Urn De'Bolbec. Meeting Sargent Gith De'Bolbec. While at the keep the party also met with Captain of the Guard Helouis Drake, and Mayor Elizabeth Lunrune. After a brief discussion about the Green Hag problem the Party continued off to find some other work.

They eventually came to a Divinator, named Filina who asked them to investigate the Ottersman Farm. There they found Mary, and her daughter Avery. Hargrim found the farm had strange crystals in a section of disturbed earth, as well as an odd number of birds and reports of strange lights. Drenn and Idril found the presence of some Fey and/or Undead Entity possessing Avery through a shard of black metal. While talking to Mary, Valdis heard about Yesse, her wife who had left around 7 years ago.

When Avery's doctor, a wingless Aarakocra named Butcher, tried to remove the shard a number of objects in the room animated. Butcher was killed. However thanks to some quick thinking from Drenn, the shard was removed from Avery's head and thrown out the window - where it exploded leaving a symbol burned into the ground.

### **Session 6**

After being interviewed by Sargent De'Bolbec the party was cleared to leave the site of the explosion. They went on to have their fortunes read by Fellina, and collect a special reward from Gideon, two enchanted elemental bracelets for the price of just 60gp.

After some discussion, the Party went down to the Ratlawn; to Belinda's orphanage. They heard about the Green Hag Problem and decided to stake out the orphanage to try and spot the hags. Drenn checked the basement, Arwyen took the children's quarters Hargrim, Drenn and Idril taking shifts on patrol, and Valdis in the spare bed.

After some time on patrol Drenn met a woman in adventurer's garb. She claimed to be also on the hunt for hags, however she and two of her friends made to run away. After a scuffle in an alley, and a skilled shot form Arywen, Drenn was able to interrogate one of the women. She reveled that she and her friends where using enchanted rings to hide as green hags and take the children from the orphanage. She falsely claimed that Matron Belinda was abusing the children. After some coordinated investigation from the party, and an incredible child impression from Hargrim, the party realized this wasn't true.

One of the women - while getting a great look at his great axe- gave Drenn an enchanted Green Ring, which turns one's skin green when it is worn. This was what the Women were using to pretend to be Green Hags. After determining it was enchanted with something close to Druidic Magic, the Party took this ring to Gideon. He was able to give the party a compass that pointed to the ring's origin. This took them to the woodland home of Aunty Greenleaf, who told them where to find the kidnappers. She also gifted Valdis a self replenishing apple.

Once at the druid camp a peace agreement was made, and it was agreed that the orphanage would be moved out of Arrith Natel, and to their camp. After Arwyen and Idril had a Chat with Belinda and Mayor Lunrune this happened. Drenn, Hargrim, and Valdis meanwhile headed over to the Falk family, who they found from the Druids, had mistreated their child.

In reward for dealing with the Green Hag Problem, Mayor Lunrune rewarded the party 550 gold pieces. She then awarded them the title of Esquire of Degrin County for their help throughout the City, and in Pepkey. The party advanced to level 3.

### **Session 7**

After some discussion, the party decided to help out Mavarkus Plate before leaving Arrith Natel.

Under the cover of removing some 'outdated' church statues, the party descended into the literal underbelly of the city. They met an Aasimar named Igni and clashed with a few wererats. The Party made short work of the monstrous rats, and found their way out of the tunnels, about an hour north of the city.

From their they took Mavarkus to Aunty Greenleaf. She informed them he had signed a "blood-oath" at a young age, probably to obey Bishop Writingham. After a short discussion the Party decided that the right course of action was to kill the Bishop as the only way to release Marvarkus from his bonds.

They made their way into town and, after a warm dinner, enacted their plan. Valdis gave Arwyen the sample of Nightshade he had acquired at Evesfol and some magical sunflower seeds from Aunty Greenleaf. He then cast invisibility upon her. Hargrim deceived the local butcher, and expertly infiltrated the Cathedral's kitchens. From there he was able to ensure he was the one taking the Bishop's late night snack up to him. While this was happening; Idril, Drenn and Valdis headed to confront the Bishop. During their tense conversation, Arywen snuck into the bishop's office, and when Hargrim bought the food, poisoned it.

The Party then hurried off.

   While they were checking on the recovering Avery in the infirmary, there was a great crash form the fifth floor window. As they turned, the Party saw the large round body of Bishop Writingham plummeting to the floor.

While many gathered around to save him, because they did not know of the poison they were unable to heal him. The assassination was a success. As he died sunflowers began to bloom from his mouth causing a great deal of disquiet among the clergy.

Arywen crept back into the bishop's office, and emptied his safe.

From inside the Party acquired two letters, a list of information on 31 children, a Holy Silver Dagger, and a scrying mirror.

One letter was from The lady Shesacava a high ranking operative of the church of light, though what she actually does is not known to anyone. The letter was thanking the Bishop for his work. Another was also to Writingham, signed with '**§'** and attached to list of children with locations around Bacland.

These papers were all tied together in a folder with a symbol on it. It was a symbol all too familiar to Valdis.

### **Session 8**

After leaving Arrith Natel the party headed back to meet with a newly liberated Mavarkus. He told his story of growing up in an underground facility with other children; including Idril's sister Aerith. While he didn't know much he did say that Bishop Writingham was in contact with a halfling with a triangle scar over his eye, who Mavarkus sometimes delivered letters to. He also mentioned that Lady Shesacava had visited a few times over the years.

He explained that the place he grew up in was underground, but that he didn't known where it was. Some of the people there also had the abyssal symbol tattooed into their necks, just below the ear.

Mavarkus, after thanking the party and giving them his messaging ring, headed off - aiming to see the world.

The party then spent the day traveling through the Degrin woodlands to Brannion. When approaching the small village, they found an old building on the mountainside. After climbing to the top they found it was part of the old aqueduct system that fed water down to Brannion. It appeared to have a switch which would be set to either a carving of a spider, or a badger. On the way back down there was a skirmish with a pack of wolves.

When they arrived they noticed a very old aqueduct system running from somewhere up in the mountains down to Brannion, a small but well fortified town. After being granted entrance that party met a few of the locals. The town itself was eerily quiet and over time it became increasingly obvious that there were no children present, nor people younger than 20.

The Mayor, an old and thin man named Grinkvil was initially hospitable when he thought they were seeking to buy the church, but grew colder quickly. He did however, offer for the party to stay in the Slaughtered Goat. The Owner of this establishment was an enormous Goliath by the name of Goldmaker, a warm enough man who also worked as a broker. He was, in fact, the one selling Nannah H's temple crypts map. No one said they knew where Artur was, or if they had even seen them.

Arywen tried to sleuth around the town at night, but found it even quieter than it was in the day. The following morning Idril went to the Temple, meeting Dencier a healer and non-denominational religious half elf. The party also met briefly with Celenia, a Drow who works the (very quiet) general store.

Trouble arose when Hargrim and Arywen decided to try and get into the derelict church. The same man who had blocked the party at the town gate, Doran, came by and attempted to remove them from the town. He called the mayor with a horn he had been carrying. Before he arrived Valdis craftily cast invisibility on Arywen. While Grinkvil was distracted, Idril cast detect good and evil.

Every single person in the town had been desecrated; particularly Grinkvil.

The party managed to leave town with little more than a few scornful looks from the townsfolk.

Once out of sight, Drenn spoke with a local raven who warned him that animals stay clear of the place, and that the water is poison.

Armed with this new knowledge the party went back up the mountain. Attempting to cut off their water supply, it was discovered that the switch station no longer served that purpose. However, they were able to collect a sample of water. They then collected up their horses and headed to Mistdark.

It was here that they were greeted with a welcome site. Birds flew over, children laughed and folks seemed welcoming. Mayor Hannish was one such person, a warm older gentleman. He spoke of the tensions between the two towns and took them to the local Inn, Rosebed, to meet Henry Brown the ranger, and Young Ivan.

### **Session 9**

In the Rosebed, the party discussed Brannion with Ivan, Henry Brown and Mayor Hannish. Ivan was a young and deeply troubled boy of 16, with white hair and gaunt eyes. The three Mistdark residents told the story of the mysterious well-house that Ivan had once stumbled upon, leaving his mind damaged. Local Ranger, Henry Brown, had looked for this well-house a number of times, but was unable to find it. With a little coaxing from the party, they determined that is was only accessible on the night of a new moon.

They agreed to head out the following night, staying that night in the Rosebed. Before they went to bed the party met with a Wood Elf by the name of Folk Woodleaf, a bard seeking stories to tell and adventures to have. He agreed to come with the party up to find this well-house.

In the early hours of the morning, Hargrim awoke after hearing someone enter through the window. After a harsh struggle, and with a little help from the rest of the party, it was discovered the intruder was Celina, the owner of Brannion's general store, a bald Drow woman. She had the Abyssal Symbol tattooed into her neck.

The party attempted to get her to talk but she was deeply devoted to keeping her secrets. The party took her to the Mayor, and had him polymorph her into a tortoise. She eventually cracked and spilt her secrets. She revealed that the symbol tattoo she had represented a group far bigger than just Brannion or Grinkvil, but that he was who she was taking orders from. Grinkvil had ordered Celina to kill the party after they had been asking too many questions in town. She also confessed that they were keeping three children somewhere in the mountain, and that Dencier had Atur asleep in the temple somewhere.

After resting through the next day, the party met with Henry and Folk at around 3pm before heading up the mountains. Just after dusk, the Party found the well-house. They observed seven figures walking from Brannion with a cart of food and supplies; Grinkvil, three cultists, two halfling thugs and Dencier.

This group arrived at the old building and headed inside.

Grinkvil and the cultists used some runic stone structure in the well-house to cast a powerful ritual. They cast a message spell, contacting a being they called "The wraith who has never died, The encroaching whisper, The Shade without colour; Hastur."

This entity communicated with Grinkvil, telling him that he knew of the Party because of their work against Bishop Writingham. Hastur ordered Grinkvil to "Finish the last three children and send them on to Eastern Downs, to be placed only in the hands of Arron Greyfield." Hastur also mentioned that "The Grey Alliance must be forged"

After the connection with Hastur had been severed, Idril ran recklessly into the fray, quickly followed by the rest of the Party. After an epic battle they managed to kill Grinkvil and his acolytes, however Dencier escaped using some form of teleportation spell.

In the lower sections of the well-house, there was a large cage containing four satyrs and three children: Ervica Bairnell, a 7 year old girl Halfling who had short red hair, gray eyes, pointed ears; Tolphamf, a 4 year old Halfling boy with copper hair and dark hazel eyes; Sige a 2 year old Human boy who was square face, silver hared, brown eyes. All were from Oaktown.

These were three of the children identified on the list found in Bishop Writinghams safe. However, they had been healed of muteness, a curse and a lame arm (respectively). The Satyrs present explained they had been caged for most of their lives, healing children who would come through. The Satyrs did not know what happened to the children after they were healed, but knew many had come through over the years.

There was a great deal of loot in the well-house.

Arywen got a silencing ring from Celine, 5 throwing daggers and a golden Goblet (enchanted, properties not yet identified) Idril grabbed three healing potions, Valdis a mysterious key and page from a lost tome, Hargrim a set of magical polished Dice from Grinkvil (yet to identify their use). Drenn got a Watchers Ring (+5 Initiative, advantage on perception checks), and three spell scrolls (Later identified as scrolls of suggestion)

Among these artifacts there was also a large box of salt, and an ornate mirror. When looking in this mirror, it was not your reflection that looked back, but a fiend by the name of Agerth. Around the edge of the mirror trapping him was an infernal carving. Agerth claimed that he was imprisoned for taking mercy on a mortal he had a contract with, and that the runes around the outside was his true name, and needed to free him. The party decided to hold on to Agerth's mirror.

The party headed back to Brannion, to pursue Dencier sending Henry Brown back to the safety of Mistdark with the satyrs and the kids. When the party arrived back in Brannion they found that town seemed deserted, with a deal of damage to some of the buildings, and the finely crafted spider fountain missing. The abandoned church however, was filled with light and the sounds of voices, including Dencier.

The Party decided to try and first secure Atur from the temple. When inside the temple the giant stone spider jumped from the roof, attacking the party. After a tense fight, and a well timed acid splash from Arwyen, the stone monstrosity was put to rest. At this moment Dencier opened his office door, immediately regretting that decision he ran away. Even with the traps Dencier had set, he was no match for Drenn's speed who caught him and dragged him back, for the party to question.

Dencier, finally, shed some light on what had been going on with the town.

He, Grinkvil and a few others had found the well-house around 4000 years ago. They built the waystone, not knowing exactly who it would connect to. On finding Hastur, he told them that if they agreed to serve him he would grant them prolonged life through the water in the well. Dencier was the only elf there, which allowed him to live even longer. Grinkvil however, outlived even the other humans who had originally settled Brannion. Grinkvil spent hours in the well-house using the waystone to commune with Hastur, learning all sorts of necromancy that no doubt extended his life even further. Dencier didn't know for certain, but figured that the gnomes built the aqueduct system here because the healing water was a one of a kind place.

Over the recent few hundred years, 537 children had been delivered by a halfling with a triangle scar over his eye. All the children were sick, and healed by various satyrs kidnapped from the local woods. The waystone, and Grinkvil's necromancy were used to cast a spell, trapping the soul and energy of the children in vessels. These looked like small pearls with swirling colours. They were then taken to Eastern Downs.

When asked where Atur was, Dancier told the party that Goldmaker had taken him. He also told them a good deal about Goldmaker's past. Goldmaker had been a slaver who found Brannion about 400 years ago by accident and become a key part of the operation; trading in goods and treasures. Sending most of them on to Eastern Downs.

More distressingly, Goldmaker masterminded the attack and massacre of the Vetra. After Valdis took out some of his anger on Dencier the party left Hargrim to watch over the wounded 'Friar'. Rushing to a secret cellar in Goldmaker's Inn, hoping to catch him, Valdis and Drenn found nothing. Idril took 5 volumes of Ciphered notebooks, all marked with Goldmaker's wax seal, which Valdis also recognized.

As Drenn planned to commune with local raven Sarfe, to see if he had seen Goldmaker leave, Arwyen attended to robbing the general store.

Hargrim however, was magically put to sleep by Dencier, who then escaped.

In the last minutes before sunrise, Henry Brown arrived and (as well as the raven Drenn spoke with) told the party that Goldmaker had arrived in Mistdark.

The party saddled up, riding for Mistdark as fast as possible.

## Sessions 10-19

### **Session 10**

Riding to Mistdark, town ranger Henry yelled through the wind, informing the party that Goldmaker Had taken the mayor and Atur hostage and was demanding 200gp and horses for him and his men in the next 30 minutes.

Arriving in town, Henry Brown was held against by a Bowman form MIstdark. Goldmaker was held up in Mayors Hannish's manor with Dencier and four thugs from Mistdark. Goldmaker held a beaten and bloodied James Hannish over the balcony, threatening to kill him should trouble arise. Dencier held Atur with a similar threat.

After pretending to meet Goldmaker's demands , the party ambushed him and his men. Drenn threw a Tan Bag of Tricks, summoning a tiger that attacked Goldmaker. Hargrim Convinced a more skittish member of Goldmaker's crew to run while he had the chance.

After a harsh fight, and a "spare the dying" from Idril at Mayor Hannish, The party was looking to turn the tides of battle. Dencier began to make a run for it, Hargrim followed in pursuit. At this same time Goldmaker, scorched, beaten, mauled and bloodied ran from the fight seeming to run out the upstairs window.

Valdis and Drenn followed, but suffered a surprise attack that ended with both downed by Drenn's Taurus Axe, that Goldmaker Ripped from the Shifters hands. Despite a well shot arrow from Idril, Goldmaker was seen shooting a final glace back towards the group - before disappearing into the Degrin woodlands.

Hargrim on the other hand, managed to catch Dencier, whom he convinced to surrender. Dencier and Hargrim came back to town. Dencier answered the Party's questions as best he could, guessing that Goldmaker would head to Eastern Downs and seek refuge with Lord Greyfield. Greyfield's involvement with the cult of Hastur was also confirmed and expanded upon. Dencier then willingly went to jail with Celenia the Drow.

The Party woke Atur, who was grateful but cautious and ultimately unhelpful. He was however, able to hand over an Aremnent pearl that he had stolen from Goldmaker's store. He said they would speak when they returned to the Inn.

After a well deserved rest, the party began heading back to the The High Cloak Inn. On the way through the mountains they stopped in at Aunty Greenleaf's, Hargrim collecting some more of her signature brand Greenleaf. She was also able to give some insight to the Aremnent pearl, saying that whatever did that kind of magic was much more powerful than a Primordial.

The Party also checked in on the Orphanage they started, which seemed to be going very well, Belinda was able to read the Infernal writing on Agerth's mirror which, surprisingly, confirmed his story that he was encased in the mirror for 'mercy'.

The Party headed off north through Arrith Natel, stopping in at Gideon's Miracels. He Was able to help identify a few of the items they have as well as the Aremnent pearl. He theorised that it would be a powerful magical energy. Though he couldn't say how they were made or by what exactly. He also had an update to the Mysterious symbol, saying that there should be an explanation of it in a Book titled "The Hidden History of the Feywild; Waxing moon's and Rising Suns" The only person he knew who had a copy of the Book was Ethel, in the Blue Arrow at Evesfol. He told them that they should speak with her if they wish to investigate the matter further.

As the party continued on their way to The High Cloak Inn via Pepkey they decided to stop in a mysterious building, called "Mr Celadon's Traveling Tavern".

### **Session 11**

After a night in Mr. Celadon's Traveling Tavern the party was awoken with a terrible crash as they found the Yulefather's red sleigh, named 'subtlety' had crashed. An injured Yuletime elf came crawling out warning the party that Lady Shesacarva was out to kill the Yulefather.

After crawling through a number of pipes and skillfully navigating some puzzle rooms; Drenn, Idril, Hargrim, Valdis and Arywen entered the workshop where the Yulefather was hiding from Lady Shesacarva.

Shesacarva appeared to be a tall thin woman in a white porcelain mask, a red dress and black gloves. She proved herself to be a powerful Necromancer, downing Idril and blasting all but Drenn with a powerful necrotic spell. However, when the fighting turned to the Party's favour, she left with her two remaining attendants. Allowing the party to help save the Yulefather.

He awarded the party with Yuletime gifts (see link for details).

The party finished the season by meeting with a few of the other members of X, including Xunnol, who asked the party to help honour the centuries old Starlight Peace Agreement. He also offered the party to simply help him take down Arron Greyfield.

= It is at this point that we took a break over the 2020 Festive period, set to start up again in 2021=

##### **Two week break.**

The Party took two weeks downtime at the UnderInn, getting acquainted with the folks from X.

**Drenn**; After some pondering of his familiar history Drenn become in touch with his Druidic powers, gaining many new abilities that he honed. He also spent a degree of time doing martial training with Ex-Ranger Gillian Redsand, Huntress and Damphire (half vampire by blood) Zada Crimsbane, as well as the green dragonborn Decon, who also taught Drenn proficiency with wood-carvers tools.

**Idril**; Idril spent all but a few spare hours in her room poring over Goldmaker's coded books. A Long but rewarding task, as she now has a wealth of information on a group called the Blackstar, made up of Goldmaker, The Lady Shesacarva, Canis Jerako and two as of yet unknown individuals named as Sir Valerie and Finnian Underbough. It also revealed the location of a number of stashes that Goldmaker had made in his travels. Nannah H. is currently creating a map of their locations.

**Valdis**; Valdis spent his time designing an arm mounted shield, which with the help of Hargrim he began to build. He also took the time to paint and colour his armour and blade.

**Hargrim**; Spent his days honing his skill as a smith, as well as chatting in the High Cloak Tavern, hearing a number of interesting rumours.

**Arywen**; Sold some of her stolen goods, as well as picking up rumours from the more shady contacts.

The Rumours that they heard (that are of interest)

* The King of the Giants is dying, he has a final quest for a group of adventurers. Any who wish to do it should come to the gates of Zephyr (in the stretch) with a gift of tribute.
* A New group of Bandits have been wondering the countryside, Robbing the rich and giving to the poor. They call themselves the Hoods and seem to be based out of either Nottingham city, or Sherwood forest. (in the Heartland)
* King William the Elder has been noted to have a lot more assassins coming after him these days. Some believe that he has a high bounty on his head from somewhere, others think he'll be needing better guards.
* There's a general sense that something bad is coming. Lot of rich and well connected people are leaving the eastern valley, generally a sign that something bad is coming.

##### **The Meeting and the Planning.**

The Party sat down with several of the members of X and pooled their information. X provided a large number of documents and confirmed that there seems to be something bad coming, divinatory mages, oracles and the like have been warning those in the know.

Four main locations of interest came up over the meeting, Krellion mine, a mine bought by the Greyfields for a shockingly low price, and then had the locals kicked out and used for some purpose as yet unknown.

The Athenaeum Acania held a number of very specific books that Greyfield was trying to get his hands on. The Athenaeum Arcania is a relatively new magical university, in the Katos city of Hegwin. While the Athenaeum it is defiantly the easiest place to get the books, they could be found elsewhere.

It appears that Greyfield's accountant is a crook going by the name of 'Magpie' In the thieves city of Burnport. Arwen used her criminal contact to get any information, They responded saying that they knew of the Magpie, however they were flighty and thought to be leaving soon.

Finally, Eastern Downs. The Capital of the Eastern Valley and the seat of the Greyfields. There is a great festival happening on the 20th, which many many important people will be at. Probably the easiest place to meet Greyfield and gain access to Eastern Downs. It is invitation only, however there are many extra seats people are allowed.

The Party decided to head off first to the Isle of Krellion to see the mine via Evesfol, then down to Hegwin to visit the Athenaeum Arcania University and finally cross the ditch to Estern Downs for the Festival of A Thousand Wines.

##### Heading off, on the road again.

After saying their goodbyes, and Drenn gifting Zada a wooden Bat pendant, The party set off on the road with BillBot Baggage, going back to Evesfol.

On the way the party was stopped at the Gretchen Woods outpost and told to stand in a circle of truth, being cast by a cleric of the Brotherhood of light. After a few questions all the trouble they faced was loosing Valdis' nightshade, and Hargrim's quality Greenleaf.

They continued on to Visit Ethel. After swinging by some woodlands and getting a few 'special' mushrooms Ethel was able to tell them about the Shard of metal that they found back in Arrith Natel.

She was able to identify it as a fragment of the Crown of the Raven Queen. Which if reassembled could possibly be used to resurrect her. The book Ethel had also told of the Raven Queen's lost daughter, who the Party believes to be The Lady Shesacarva.

Ethel was also able to provide limited insight to the list of books that Greyfield was looking for. She recommended that they go to the university to find more.

Finally the party went down to the docks and talked again with Old Xal. He decided that he would set him plan for retirement in monition, and offered the party to heir out him and his boat for their travels. After getting a cook, they were good.

At 6pm on the final day of the first month of 20,124 the part set off out of Port Evesfol. Heading to Krellion port.

### **Session 13**

After arriving at the port of Krellion, and replenishing their ""illegal Tabaco"" supplies, the party equated themselves with the local governor and decided to take up a bit of side work. The following day they ventured into the woodlands to find a delapidated tower. Inside they found a plague doctor, who had been stealing dwarves to use in his experiments, attempting to cure something he referred to as "The Pestilence." The party was able to defeat him and destroyed his tower.

One of the many projects the doctor was working on was attempting to cure a group of werewolves referred to as the 'Jerako children' however, it seemed he was mostly just killing them. He mentioned that he was being financed to do this by an anonymous and wealthy client.

From the doctor they recovered; A plague mask of Necromancy (Advantage on all necromancy checks, however incurs disadvantage on death saving throws and your body disintegrates, preventing many kinds of resurrection. Cursed), A bag of useful things (able to pull out an object from the bag, making a wisdom or intelligence throw for accuracy to what you want), Three scrolls of Animate dead, 5 random healing potions (roll (1d8)d4 for health), and three doses of Grimm's Whistle (poisonous herb).

The Party returned to the gratitude of the mayor and the townsfolk. After resting the night in the Wold and Warlock they headed out to Krellion Mine.

### Session 14 - Krellion Mine.

Once arriving at the base of the mine the party travelled along a fortified gully. Besting two squads of soldiers, an archer and their captain- whom were armed with two cannons, a balister and a trebuchet. They left only one survivor.

After making their way through these preliminary defences, they reached the Mine. There they found more soldiers searching for something, this time lead by a female knight clad in Adamantine armour - Sir Valerie. The Copper Knight. Across the other side of the mine, over a long rope bridge, one could see Canis interrogating a number of the mine's workers.

As they entered the building at the mine's entrance Drenn took the charge against Sir Valerie, hitting her with a decisive opening blow. Hargrim followed with a ringing blow with his hammer. But both were only so effective against her gleaming Adamatine armour.

As the Other party squared up with the five Grey Soldiers, one of whom had set fire to the pile of documents, a small voice in the room spoke up behind them. A Halfling with horrid teeth, a triangular scar over their right eye and a large brown coat stood behind the Party, having closed the door. In his hand he held a skull of black crystal, which he threw against the ground, filling a large section of the room with dark ashen smoke. This paralysed all but Drenn, and also sent all but Idril into a fit of wild hallucinations.

In this halklucinogenic nightmare they faced their worst fears, Drenn battled with his own rage, Arywen her parents abandoning her and Valdis relived his horrible past. Idril was left unable to move, paralysed on the floor, watching her friends going through these visions.

With his friends down, Hargrim was left alone against Sir Valerie. As the two skilled fighters battled it out, blows flying and bouncing off their armour, matters were only made worse as Finnian Skulked back out of the shadows, throwing another potion, this time encircling Hargrim and Sir Valerie in a circle of terrible fire, and then slipping away into the darkness.

The rest of the Party managed to shake the effects of Finnian's powerful fear cloud. Drenn was the first to break out of it, dashing through the circle of fire, he latched onto Sir Valerie pulling her into the blaze that surrounded them, while the fire was hot and licked at her armour it didn't seem to faze her.

Valdis woke and was able to escape his fear fantasy. He went on to join the other two, pummelling the grappled knight through the fire with blow after blow, but still she stood. Helmed gaze fixed after Hargrim. With only the slightest rustle of noise, the halfling Finnian slunk down from the rafters of the building, Throwing a powerful potion on the ground, pulling Drenn towards it, through the fire and crushing him under his own weight; causing enough damage to the Barbarian shifter that he could not rise again. After this, Finnian walked off past the bodies of the Party members he had incapacitated, leaving the mine and disappearing.

Arywen and Idril were able to shake off the effects as well, Idril making short work of the paralysed Grey Soldiers, and helped Drenn back to his feet with a healing spell, and Arywen quickly grabbing what documents she could.

Now alone again with Sir Valerie Hargrim took up arms, fighting with every blow he could to down his foe. But as the ring of fire faded away, to the rest of the party's horror Hargrim took his last stand.

Sir Valerie took stand behind Hargrim, charging a devastating blow on her midnight sky sword. "Arron Greyfield sends his regards." She said, before plunging the blade into Hargrim's heart. Hargrim, the Dwarven fighter, Esquior of Degrin County, fell in battle.

After this act of evil, Sir Valerie turned tail to leave. Enraged at the loss his friend, Drenn lifted the Sword of the White Woods, and went to chase his foe. However, he was stopped by a volley of arrows, keeping him inside the building. However, as he exited he was able to see Canis, bolting over the long rope bridge calling out a challenge. As Sir Valerie left, and Canis arrived, shifting into a huge mutated werewolf, Drenn also raged. He ran forward to battle the beast.

After laying down the head of his fallen friend, and setting Skuveklis to watch him, Valdis sent off a torrent of eldritch blasts into the scrapping brawl of the two wolves. Arywen shot her first arrow, but the mundane weapon did not pierce Canis' hide. With a magically powered staff, Idril also took up arms against the beast.

After a great brawl, when both Canis and Drenn looked ready to fall, it was clear one way or another neither would back down from this fray.

Bow in hand, Arywen notched an exploding arrow, aiming at the feet of the great werewolf, Blasting him back into the mine below. He ran, tail between his legs, away form the fight, though not before Idril could warn him to watch his back, and Valdis could get in one more blast of Inky black eldritch energy.

As Sir Valerie reached the edge of the rope bridge, being chased by a still enraged Drenn, she took up an Aremnant pearl and destroyed it; using it to teleport herself away.

The Party was left, alone in the mine, with the ghost of Hargrim having gone away, over to the other side.

\_\_\_

After freeing a number of Deep Gnomes the Party found out that the Greyfields had been using the mine for years and years to smuggle *thousands* of the child souls back over to Eastern Downs. The paperwork grabbed by Arywen confirmed this.

A Tinkerer and Artificer also confirmed that Greyfield is building something, creating enough arms and armour to kit an army. As well as a great deal of arcane technology.

### Session 15 - The Festival of a Thousand Wines.

After arriving in Eastern Downs, the party made themselves comfortable in a small local Inn. Idril discussed how she had been talking with Agerth, a demon that the party had found trapped in a mirror back in Brannion (see session 9 above). The party agreed releasing him, was a worthy risk to take.

Later at the inn they met with Members of X; Decon, Atur and Caution. They gave them a few helpful items (folding boat, and a pare of homing crystals), and some valuable intel on the guests at the party.

They spent the final week before the festival gathering a few more items, gathering together and strategizing. Drenn Carved a Hargrim statue of Wood, Arywn connect more with her old gang the 45's, Idril underwent somewhat of a dramatic shift in appearance, dying her hair silver blond and Valdis learnt some valuable tinkering skills.

Finally the night of the festival came. After failing to bluff their way in through the front gate. The Party was taken off to the side where they met Pim, a human knight trained in the church of light - well trained is perhaps a strong word but they were a valuable addition to the party, helping the party to get in using their well placed connection with the head of security.

Drenn stayed outside of the Ball, Surveying the area as a bird.

Inside, the party met with Steward Wit, of Oaktown. He was rather open in telling the party that they had made waves on the political scene and that people had - weather they known it or not - began taking sides in the inevitable war that many sensed was coming. He pointed to the likes of Rishi Annan, Prime Minister of Genji and William the Elder, King of Bacland as some people who were solidly in their corner.

Also at the ball, the party met with Reeve, Edward and Morradin Greyfield, the wards of Arron Greyfield. A Talented caster, cunning thinker and martial fighter respectively.

There were many other Guests at the Festival of a Thousand Wines.

Eventually Arron Greyfield came up and gave a speech, thinly vailed offers of political alliances and finding 'where true friends stand'. After this he came up to the Party, accompanied by Goldmaker, Canis Jerako, The Lady Shesacarva, Finnian Underbough and Sir Valerie.

Filled with anger Idril attempted to read the transcription on Agerth's Mirror, attempting to free him. Arron Greyfield seemed to grab the mirror and destroy it. As he walked away - following a gnome claiming 'It's working' - It was revealed that it was only an illusion, and that the mirror was intact.

As the party went to leave they came across Cardinal Rinsha - who seemed ignorant of the Aremenant pearls despite wearing one. Remarking only that it was a gift to his family from Salaman Greyfield.

After meeting back up with Drenn and bringing Pim Along with them the Party headed down into the tunnels.

There they fought their way through a number of rooms. A Lycanthropy laboratory, that had helped to give Canis his increased abilities. There were also a number of workshops and tinkers creations, some parts of which seemed to already be exported off to their destination. But others the party picked up; an imovable rod, an Eversmoking bottle, Bracers of archery , Fragments of a shield of necrotic resistance (That Valdis used to create a folding shield of Necrotic resistance.), and +1 recalling Handaxe.

They observed a Portal guarded by six ballistae (giant crossbows), and three cannons. All staffed with seven animated armours, Who said they were instructed to attack anything that attempted to enter or exit the portal.

After taking swift care of the three academics guarding it they came through a great private library. At the end of which was a meeting room with a number of notes planning an expedition to The Northern Icecap. There were many books of old dwarven lore, speaking of the fall of Polaris, the First Dwarven Citadel, at the hands of the ancient white dragon Isvængür (He Who Flies on Frozen Winds). Arywen grabbed a number of notes, maps and documents relating to this, among witch was also a deal of information on the Six Dwarven Clan-families of the north, Skärgg, Molōn, Rovïre, Nünn, Frollöre, and Valyanĵart.

Finally the party came out to the room Greyfield had been waiting in. A Huge hidden port. He was flanked by two of his personal guard and accompanied by Sir Valerie.

Arron Greyfield offered the party a few words of wisdom, encouraging them to question whether 'X' and particularly Xunnol could be trusted. He also revealed he did in fact have a mole working for him. Drenn asked him what his plan was, to which Lord Greyfield replied that he believed that he would unite the world under one, naturally being himself, and that he intended to start one final war to end all that could come after it.

As he began to offer the party a job Idril said the words needed to release Agerth from his prison. As he flew forward in a burst of flame forming as a figure 20ft high and illuminated the night with a yellow glow of hellfire. Staring down Arron Greyfield he called "Freedom!" as he incinerated the Lord of Eastern Downs.

As the demon escaped Idril's headband, that had been her Holy Symbol, Cracked down the middle.

After reminding the Party he owed them each one favour, and to use them well, he flew off in the night over the water, circling back south fading out of sight.

The last of his fading light showed what the Greyfields had been building. An Army of Warforged, tens of thousands of them. Standing at the ready.

With a called order from Sir Valerie, a monstrously large Warforged smashed its way into the room, 6m tall with an axe for one hand and a flail in the other. A great battle began to rage out between the Party and the creation.

Validus and Drenn, along with a few well shot arrows of Arywen in the shadows managed to weaken Sir Valerie. As the fight continued she managed to down Valdis, who was pulled away from danger by Pim. As Idril and Pim took down the now damaged Warforged, Drenn faced off Valerie.

Ripping her midnight longsword from her hand Drenn gained the upper hand. Sir Valerie made a run for the boats, but was felled by Drenn throwing an axe into her back, and for good measure stabbed her own blade through her heart.

As the fight came to an end, The ashes of Greyfield stirred.

"How inconvenient. I Had quite enjoyed being Arron Greyfield." A chilling voice filled the air as the lights flickered low. A ghostly form, cloaked with four arms and a large hood rose above what little was left of Lord Greyfield. Strings of light still connected to his hand attacked to the corpse. Hastur had clearly been possessing Arron Greyfield.

Before Drenn - who was closest to the Spector - could react he was pulled in and glimpsed under the beings Hood. Instantly dropping down, passed out. Hastur, hands shaking slightly, flew up towards the party; seeking a new form. Who knows who may have been possessed.

As Arywen ran over to heal Drenn, he awoke, eyes burning like coals, and realised he was Blind. Eyes whitened out.

As the Party grabbed what they could and jumped on a boat. Riding off into the night, a final glance back on the dock, showing a number of Grey soldiers arriving on the scene. Cries of "Arron Greyfield is dead" filling the air.