Story/Session 2

# Session 2 — «No cogdogs allowed»

## About

*\* To see all the campaign sessions and events check the list of sessions in the "Story" page's segment "Sessions".*

**Session 2** took place on 2023/09/30 in Guangzhou, Panyu in COMMUNE Bar. A total of three characters participated in the events of the session: Greg "Grog" Butkus (Sam), Dalerion Korr (Rebecca), Tobias Slater (Sean).

### Connected sessions

This session is a part of series of events that are tied together due to the nature of their events.

## Journal

### Investigating the workshop

Bronze cog given to the party by Master Thistle CoppercoilIn the aftermath of the goblin assault on Fayers Cove, a collective effort by Lumina Arcanum mages, the Grey Cloaks, and courageous citizens, including artisans, was undertaken to extinguish the fires that had erupted across the Artisans Row. With the main group of goblin assailants defeated and smaller pockets of resistance quelled by the town guards, the focus shifted toward investigation and rebuilding. Following the goblin attack, Fiddler and Rush Moar parted ways with the group, tending to their individual matters, while Greg Butkus, Dalerion Korr, and Tobias Slater chose to delve into the mystery surrounding the missing cogdogs. Their path led them to the Crystal Forge, the esteemed guildhall of Aetherforge, a collective of inventors and engineers responsible for crafting the cogdogs.

Upon their arrival at the Crystal Forge, the trio encountered an atmosphere of palpable suspicion. The workshop gates were securely barricaded by halfling residents who perceived the situation as a potential siege. However, through the persuasive talents of Greg and Tobias, the group was granted initial access to the forge's yard, followed by entry into the workshop itself, as they embarked on their quest to investigate. Amidst the situation, Greg took a lighthearted approach, jesting about forming a playful cult for halflings, enticing them with the promise of increased height through prayers and contributions, supplemented by Tobias' seemingly magical spices, which, in truth, were nothing more than ordinary cooking spices. While Greg's persuasion efforts had mixed results, Tobias succeeded in capturing the halflings' attention through offers to purchase these spices. Greg's engaging speeches also managed to pique the curiosity of many halflings, prompting some guild members to contemplate joining this whimsical "new church."

At the Crystal Workshop, the party encountered Zenwan Stonecrest and Zalras Fastsong, two accomplished engineers, and Master Thistle Coppercoil, the current leader of Aetherforge. In conversation with these experts, the group pieced together the events of the past three days and gained deeper insights into the intricacies of cogdogs, including their construction and operational details. The assembly of a cogdog, it was revealed, was a year-long endeavor, with three distinct generations of these mechanical marvels, each boasting improvements over its predecessor. Master Coppercoil elucidated that cogdogs primarily served the purpose of transporting hefty cargo across the island. Cogdogs six and seven, however, were instrumental in forming "cogtrains," - trains of up to nine interconnected carts that facilitated the efficient transport of unrefined ore and other mining materials from the mines to the surface. Conversely, they would return laden with tools, materials, food, and water, eliminating the need for arduous manual labor and expediting the extraction process. Unfortunately, these two vital cogdogs mysteriously vanished two days prior. To manipulate these cogdogs, "houndmasters" relied on specific leather harnesses. Without these harnesses, cogdogs could only move forward and backward, rendering them useless for navigating complex routes. The cogdogs were typically safeguarded by groups of five to six armed guards, often members of the Golden Swords, a contingent of elite protectors.

Master Coppercoil also disclosed that three days ago, a considerable Akkalati delegation arrived, just one day before the cogdogs' disappearance. Their primary objective was to acquire detailed information regarding the cogdogs' designs, routes, and applications for potential acquisition by The Holy State of Akkalat. The leader of this delegation, suspected to be Isabella Thalmore, the High Inquisitor of the Faith Keepers, had fiery red hair and donned a distinctive golden mask, leaving an quite an impression on Master Coppercoil and his associates. He then extended a gesture of trust to the group by presenting them with three bronze cogs bearing the prominent symbol of the Aetherforge guild imprinted on every facet. These tokens served as a mark of authorization to explore the inner workings of the guild, a testament to their faith in the party's genuine intentions and commitment to unraveling the mystery of the missing cogdogs.

While departing from the workshop, Greg, Dalerion, and Tobias ventured into the Scrapyard, a place where collected materials were diligently prepared for the forge. There, they encountered Horzor Riverbelly, a dedicated apprentice of the Aetherforge who was deeply engrossed in his work. Upon presenting the bronze cogs, Horzor readily shared his account of the recent visit by the Akkalati delegation, which closely paralleled Master Coppercoil's description. Additionally, he disclosed that Zenwan Stonecrest, the guild's master engineer, held responsibility for the intricate planning of cogdog routes, shedding further light on the matter.

Returning to the main road, the group made their way to the Crystal Ponds. Situated at the terminus of the Artisans Row, Dalerion and Greg opted to inquire among the locals to gather any information on the whereabouts of the missing cogdogs. Their questioning led them to Iraton Cherryfinger and Alan Butterfoot, close associates in the realm of craftsmanship, with the former being an armorsmith and the latter, a skilled daggersmith, both of halfling heritage. In response to their queries, the two artisans disclosed that they had been absent from their respective shops for the past three days, supposedly engaged in fishing. Dalerion's discerning eye, however, harbored suspicions that their relationship extended beyond mere friendship, prompting him to ponder the intricacies of their life choices.

### Descending into the mines

Heading towards the entrance of the mines to retrace the cogdogs' route, Greg, Dalerion, and Tobias encountered a blockade formed by the Golden Swords, who sternly denied access in either direction. Upon closer examination, they spotted an elderly half-orc attired in formal wear and bearing the insignia of Unyd's Forge, embroiled in a heated debate with the Golden Swords. This half-orc introduced himself as Kofrok Brod, serving as Unyd's Forge's representative. Collaboratively, they approached Captain Harris Hall, who remained adamant in his decision until receiving further orders from the Fort. Dalerion employed his persuasive abilities to convince Captain Hall to unseal the entrance to the mines, vowing to speak only the truth. He offered proof of his position as a priest of Ioun - Goddess of Knowledge and Truth. Yielding to Dalerion's entreaties, Captain Hall withdrew his forces, allowing miners to exit and granting entry to those tardy for their shifts.

Kofrock Brod proceeded to provide a detailed explanation of the "cogtrains" operations, shedding light on their inner workings. The party agreed to accompany him into the mines to gain a better understanding. After a twenty-minute walk, they arrived at a set of stone doors with a smaller entrance alongside, suitable only for shorter races like halflings, dwarves, gnomes, and goblins, or taller individuals willing to crawl on all fours. The group also noticed a significant transition to power lanterns, which were equipped with smaller fractions of powerstones emitting a gentle, pulsating blue-white light, gradually replacing conventional oil lanterns.

As they approached the doors, Kofrok continued his explanation, and the group encountered a procession of halflings donning greyish hoods, heading towards their shifts. Tobias's sharp eyes detected something amiss among the halflings, possibly an impostor. The impostor was revealed to be a goblin in disguise, attempting to flee towards the smaller tunnel leading to the next mine level. Greg made an unsuccessful grab for the goblin, who managed to evade his grasp. The group alerted the halflings to the presence of the impostor in the smaller tunnel, leading to a swift capture and removal by the halflings. A stout and courageous halfling named Finbin Applerod handed over the captured impostor to the group and agreed to accompany them further into the depths of the mines for a fee of eight gold coins. With the goblin imposter firmly bound, the group conducted an interrogation. Once the charade was dropped, the goblin introduced himself as Goblorr Gob, a demolition expert affiliated with a group tasked with destroying the captured cogdogs. He divulged that their team had successfully infiltrated the mine's workforce, capturing the cogdogs while they traversed the deeper mine levels. Goblorr also revealed that seven more goblins were en-route to the captured cogdogs. In exchange for his freedom and assistance in leading the group to the cogdogs, he agreed not to interfere with their endeavors any further.

As the group discussed their next course of action regarding the goblins and their investigation, a deafening explosion echoed from the entrance tunnel. A sudden blaze erupted, plunging the area into chaos. The group eyed the tunnel and saw the charred remains of halflings that did not make it out of the tunnels. Kofrok Brod swiftly made the decision to race outside, intending to summon reinforcements and warn others of the goblin demolition team's plan to destroy the highly volatile power stones within the cogdogs' frames. The potential consequences of such an explosion were dire, as it was believed that the release of this energy could submerge half the island beneath the Narrow Sea for all eternity. In a panic, the remaining miners also scrambled to escape to the surface. With Goblorr Gob securely bound to Greg Butkus' back, the party crawled into the tunnel, determined to confront the goblins and prevent the impending catastrophe.

### Fighting fire with fire

Upon emerging from the tunnel, the group cautiously surveyed their surroundings, finding themselves in a smoke-filled hall following an earlier explosion. As the smoke settled and dissipated, Finbin and Greg, who were leading the group, informed the others that the hallway was partially collapsed, with several deceased goblins strewn about, possibly casualties of an accidental detonation during an internal dispute within the goblin demolition crew. It was unclear whether this was a premature or unplanned event involving the explosive vials.

The party quietly made their way out of the tunnel while the goblins were embroiled in a heated argument, totaling six goblins, three of whom were engaged in a quarrel. Tobias Slater noticed one of the goblins concealed a belt of vials beneath his cloak, which was revealed during the heated exchange. Tobias shared this discovery with the group, and they prepared for action. Tobias, with precision, triggered an explosion of the vials using Eldritch energies, annihilating the trio. Dalerion remained behind to support Greg Butkus, who advanced to confront the remaining goblins. Tobias continued to eliminate the goblins one by one, leaving only one apparent leader who incessantly chanted "KAZZ-LACK." Goblorr Gob, a captive goblin, recognized this leader as Kazzlack Gor, the head of the demolition crew, but he refrained from intervening in the conflict, honoring his word and promise.

Greg charged at Kazzlack, impaling him with a spear, while Tobias continued to unleash Eldritch energies. Dalerion illuminated the area to uncover any lurking threats in the shadows. However, Kazzlack proved to be a formidable opponent, swiftly overpowering Greg by seizing his spear and thrusting it into the fighter's abdomen. Despite being gravely wounded, Dalerion intervened, eventually beheading Kazzlack and saving his close comrade.

### Meanwhile

*\* This segment is reserved for characters and their actions during during the events of the current session, as they were not present with the group.*

While away from his group, Fiddler decided to venture back to the Old Quill Tavern and tell everyone about his "heroic actions" and "swift dismissal" of the goblin assault group in the Artisan's Row. As well as about how he bravely saved two - now orphaned - halfling children from a burning building.

## Notable non-player characters

A list of notable NPCs the group has either met for the first time or interacted with throughout the session.

## Statistics

*\* For campaign combat and roll statistics, see Characters' page segments "Combat statistics" and "Roll statistics".*

Tobias Slater (Sean) was voted MVP of the session and was awarded an Inspiration Coin.

### Roll statistics

Roll statistics include average dice roll result (natural only), the natural twenty, and natural one dice roll counts.

 Sean

### Combat statistics

Actions that drop the enemy's health points to zero - account to kills; actions that assist other party members in any sensible way, including healing party members that are fighting a certain enemy, - account to assists. Damage calculated includes friendly fire, and measurable environmental damage during a given combat event; healing calculated includes self-healing and the use of items like healing potions, etc.

## Related media

Battle map using customized lego menNo cogdogs allowed sign
## Images and media sources

List of images and other media contributions and sources:

* The image No cogdogs allowed sign is used under the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED license, by Michael Smith on Flickr.
* The image Bronze cog, by Stacey Kemp on Beads and Crystals.
* Other images on this page are AI-generated using mage.space and/or leonardo.ai web applications.