Session 8: A New Chapter
General Summary
Summary: After a night of rest in the wilderness of the Goblinwood, the party rises with the dawn sun to venture back into the warmth of civilization and assess the extent of the damage sustained by the small village. As the group approaches the town square, they notice a throng of commonfolk gathered around a figure wearing a set of well-used armor. The figure appears to be issuing orders and directing the flow of supplies and building materials stockpiled for the rebuilding effort. Covered head to toe in blood and demonic ichor by the events at the Garden, the group decides it would be in their best interest to have a bath and a stiff drink before investigating any further. Enrique sets to work immediately marshalling his goblin associates and slowly repairing Señor Salazar's, formerly Sigurt's Spellcraft, which was damaged in the Orcish attack the night prior. Tossing Finn Laurelark a few gold coins, the rest of the party enjoys a hot bath a few cold beverages before splitting up to resupply. With Brunk of Briarwood attended by the barkeep, Fal-Shavvah begins to identify Keerla's chainmail, recently revealed to possess a magical aura. After turning the magical mail over to the elf, the wizard departs to find a new set of shoes for the gentle giant inside the tavern. Upon arriving at the blacksmith, the party exchanges a few coins for the repair of their weapons and armor, as well as comissioning a set or two of studded leather. Upon speaking with Odeon Hammersmith, Manzana elects to remain at the forge and assist with providing nails needed for the rebuilding effort as well as charm the burly smith with her metalworking abilities. As they begin to work together, the smith makes a remark about the recent disappearance of Grunbad Kazarak, and his confusion regarding the affair. Keerla departs to check on Billiam Sea-Crester and ensure that The Hamilton has returned safely to port, as well as ensure that the pirate recieves a hot meal. Ian and Lilith continue on, asking around town for information regarding the dwarven smith's sudden disappearance before discovering a stray donkey rooting through the trash. Through force of will, a few apples, and no small amount of intimidation, Lilith is able to speak with the restrained animal and discern that the smith had departed toward Briarwood roughly a day ago. As the sun makes its way across the sky, the party replenishes their supplies, upgrades their equipment, and prepares for a journey down the river in search of leads regarding the dwarf. At the end of the day, the group is joined by Odeon Hammersmith in The Mannered Bear for a swift celebration of their victory at The Garden Of Stones. Manzana makes a connection with the smith, rather audibly, and learns a bit more about the nature of his partnership with the dwarven smith. As morning draws in, Odeon bids the group farewell and makes his way back to the forge to process what is left of the town's iron into usable tools-- he remarks, however, that missing miners have lead to a shortage of materials, and he would likely not have much work to do once the remaining ingots are hammered into shape. The party makes their way to The Hamilton to depart from the docks toward Briarwood down the River Rhynn. The first few hours pass relatively quietly, until the riverboat approaches an upturned carriage on the riverbank, surrounded by various debris. The group disembarks, leaving Brunk of Briarwood, Billiam Sea-Crester, and Lilith to secure the boat while the rest of them investigate the scene. Behind the broken remains of the wagon, they find a gravely injured traveller, covered in wounds and surrounded by dead associates. After curing his wounds, the group questions the traveller, and discovers that whatever attacked the wagon had no interest in gold; the only elements missing from the wreckage were food and the horses. Following a thick trail of blood and broken foliage, Ian begins to track whatever attacked the caravan into the nearby woods. Coming upon a small clearing in the forest, the ranger notices a small cave surrounded by bloodied bits of bone and various animal parts. At the mouth of the cave, the group discovers evidence of a Troll nest, and elect to explore the cave quietly. They enter the cavern, and immediately after lighting a torch, they are set upon by a pair of Basilisks, which appear to be guarding the entrance. Narrowly avoiding the petrifying gaze of the beasts, the group is able to cut them down, alerting the denizens of the cave to their presence. Shambling out of the shadows within the cave, a Green Hag begins to attack the group, lamenting the loss of her "pets" and carrying a strange iron rod. Manzana heats the rod with dwarven magic, and the party is able to finally dispatch the foul spellcaster. The dwarf, drawn to the rod, picks it up and places it in her backpack to be identified later. Standing in the first room of the cave, the group ruminates on the decision before them: Should they return to Scabberdale and gather their allies, or push deeper into the cave to discover what secrets lie within?
Rewards Granted
An unidentified iron rod, as well as several coins looted from the bodies of the fallen.
Character(s) interacted with
Odeon Hammersmith, Fal-Shavvah, Brunk of Briarwood, Billiam Sea-Crester, Finn Laurelark, and Uriel Gundy, a half elf apothecary tending to Scabberdale's wounded.
