Wardens of the Sorrowood C2E02

*Game Scheduled: October 19, 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.

An outpost has been established in the treacherous Sorrowwoods. With numerous bandit groups along the route, prepare to lay siege upon, oust, or recruit the various banditry groups towards protecting the road! Upgrade your fortress further as you progress, deciding upgrades that will determine the fate of future chapters!

## **Mercenaries**

### **Active Mercenaries**

* El Cangrejo - Crabfolk Rogue/Bard
* Jayzal - Tabaxi Rogue
* John Weck - Human Rogue
* Percevial - Dragonborn Sorcerer
* Teneboris - "Kobold" Warlock
* Ulfgar Fireforge - Dwarven Cleric

### **Inactive**

* Bim Bim - Elven Barbarian
* Shepard Swiftfoot - Halfling Druid
* Snarela Kegfury - Dwarven Artificer

## **Adventure Debriefing:**

A new week saw new mercenaries arrive at the Fortress, including Teneboris and Percevial. A quick discussion to bring the new hires up to speed regarding attempting to recruit or eliminate various bandit factions within the Sorrowoods was concluded with the decision to approach the Arboreal Avengers first. The disgruntled woodsmen and foresters were believed to be camped in a tree fort nearer Rekal.

While traveling, the mercenaries found a shrine to Aja. A tall stone sculpture depicted the lupine-headed goddess with branch arms wearing a strapless dress of leaves and vines. The group camped for the night and left an offering of food for the wilds. Awakening the next morning they felt more refreshed than ever.

Deeper they headed into the wood. A low rumbling preceded an eruption of dirt and rocks as a Gigapede burst forth looking for an easy breakfast. The monstrous insect found no such meal though as it's mandibles were only able to catch Jayzal briefly before the tabaxi escaped. El Cangrejo cleverly distracted the creature allowing the team to assault it with various attacks. Percevial shattered the carapace it with ice knives. Ulfgar hacked with his cold iron handaxe. John and Daisy slashed and barked. Jayzal flung daggers from a safer distance. Teneboris flew up and pelted it with eldritch blasts. The Gigapede fell and was harvested quickly.

Realizing the Arboreal Avengers fort would only be a few more hours of travel, the group pressed on. The tree fort apeared to be comprised of three main structures connected by wooden bridges. The mercenaries saw several sets of bows and eyes trained upon them, and it was safe to assume more arrows were aimed at them that could not be seen. One of the bandits called out, "are you from the city?" to which El Cangrejo responded, "well, yes, but also no." The intruiged bandit tiefling spoke with El C for a few moments to gauge whether he was a threat. Eventually, the tiefling revealed himself to be the Arboreal Avengers leader, Barrett, and invited the party to come up the winch elevator if they'd leave their weapons. El C carried a weapon of great value and was unwilling to disarm; and continued to negotiate from the ground instead. El C offered to the AAvengers that it would be more profitable to work with Horizons to protect the road rather than trying to steal scraps, and it would help improve their status perhaps to even being able to reclaim land they had lost. The Dushah of Inzet had taxed them too highly and they had lost their farms, but perhaps word of their good work in the Sorrowood could help them return. Though the mercenaries were unable to make any promises of being able to convince the Dushah to reinstate their businesses, nor knew why they had been shut down. Convinced that the group wasn't there to cause harm, Barrett gave them permission to come up with their weapons. More discussion was had regarding what might be expected of the AAvengers. For the time being all that was asked was to maintain their fort and not trouble caravans; and help keep the road free of other dangers whether from the Sorrowoods or other bandit factions when possible. Both parties left the meeting satisfied and no blood was shed between them.

AAvengers showed the mercenaries a map of the nearby areas they had scouted. To the northwest a span of three mountains with hippogryphs; farther north a solitary tower they did not feel safe approaching; and south the encampment of the Thornbriars bandit faction. The Thornbriars had been a thorn in the side of reputable businesses since before the recent surge in banditry and it was decided they were not to be recruited.

The mercenaries camped en route to the Thornbriars and were serenaded by thunderclaps and lightning that night. Jayzal and El C explored the area. Jayzal spotted what appeared to be blue fireflies or fairie lights. Will-o-wisps. A bunny had also been entranced by the lights and got swallowed by a patch of boggy mud. The party decided it was best to not risk the same fate.

The following day, the party quietly approached their destination. Ahead was the fallen remains of a castle with makeshift wooden barricades around it. It was time to prune some banditry.

## **Conclusion**

New allies the Arboreal Avengers will do what they can to keep the road clear nearer Rekal and report to the Fortress if they come across anything suspicious. They provide the location of the Thornbriars, a faction to be eliminated.

## **Rewards**

* Gigapede Poison Gland, John Weck
* 3 Colossal Carapace Plates, Ulfgar
* Excess Lumber to Fortress for Upgrades