Chapter 4 Jorren Village

Once at the Outpost Shadow Hunters, Light Shadow guides the Lord Mayor into the enigmatic realm within her suitcase, a space that exists separate from the world you know. Astrid (@diamond), is familiar with this peculiar pocket of existence, but not too familiar while Light Shadow continues leading the way as they explore its unique dimensions. Outside, in a private conversation, Garrick confronts Kyro, the captain of the Shields of the Plain. The clash of authority and defiance is palpable, a tension that mirrors the intricacies of power and loyalty. As the two voices exchange, their words reverberate with unspoken truths and unyielding convictions. Upon reemerging from the suitcase, the group prepares to rest for the night, each seeking solace in the embrace of sleep. However, the night doesn't pass without its share of unexpected events. Horren's communion with the ghostly mage within his blade, Godwin, reveals the depths of the sword's magical potential and hints at a bargain that could shape Horren Vol's destiny. Dark Shadow, seized by a playful impulse, attempts a prank on Dark Shadow but inadvertently triggers an unplanned burst of magic after misunderstanding Horren’s intentions with Garrick. Horren's swift response, however, wielding his newly conjured fey blade, a symbol of his developing abilities, redirects the chaotic flames with precision. The following morning brings new surprises. A letter overlooked by Hygar unveils the mystery behind a seemingly ordinary object in his possession, transforming it into a fledgling ice drake that he names Frevnir. The connection between Hygar and the drake forms swiftly, setting a course for a unique companionship.
Amid this gathering of allies, Dark Shadow, hesitating yet resolute, discloses her hidden agenda – a contract to capture Horren for Jorenn Village. The revelation casts a shadow over the unity, reminding the group of the complexities that lie beneath the surface of their camaraderie.
The group then made their way towards the mysterious Joreen Village, and a sudden and startling encounter shook the tranquility of their travels. High above, a fiery figure descended from the sky, threatening to land atop your carriage with an ominous intent. The Diamond Curse, never one to back down from a challenge, took swift action, brandishing the katana gifted to her by her enigmatic friend, Dark Shadow. With a deft swing, she aimed to cleave the fiery intruder from the heavens. But, in a display of uncanny agility, the figure vanished in a blaze of fire, leaving The Diamond Curse's blade to cleave nothing but air. However, keen-eyed Horren, gifted with Fey magic and his newfound spectral sword, saw through the fiery illusion. In an instant, he teleported behind the enigmatic figure, his ghostly blade poised at their neck. Yet, this fiery being proved to be as swift as they were elusive. A deft sidestep allowed them to evade the razor-sharp arc of Horren's blade, leaving the Fey-touched warrior grasping at empty air. Before you could fully comprehend the nature of this possible foe, the carriage's back doors swung open with a surprising burst of strength, revealing a muscular and unexpected wizard. With remarkable agility, he performed a powerful maneuver, grappling and subduing the fiery figure. The fiery figure, now subdued, seemed unshaken by the situation. As Garrick, with a quizzical expression, approached him, ready to pose questions that filled the group's minds, the figure instead challenged them with a subtle air of confidence. He seemed to carry an aura of self-assuredness that caught the groups attention. Garrick, his eyebrows raised, directed his inquiry toward the source of this enigmatic figure's flight — the staff he had used to descend from the heavens. With a nonchalant demeanor, the figure known as Jerry casually mentioned that he had stumbled upon the staff beneath a tree during his travels.Hygar, choosing to release the fiery figure from his grasp, found that Jerry made no attempt to resist. In a display of unusual cooperation, the fiery being introduced himself simply as "Jerry." Some members of the party reciprocated by sharing their names in kind. A cautious dialogue unfolded, as Garrick decided to unveil a fragment of the group's mission — the quest to liberate Horren's captive people from the clutches of Jorenn Village. Jerry, perhaps sensing the challenge and adventure within the group's mission, agreed to accompany the party. The decision to form this unexpected alliance brought forth a spectrum of emotions among the members. Some harbored reservations and mistrust, harkening back to the unorthodox encounter that had brought Jerry into their fold. However, the collective realization that they might require every available hand in the trying days ahead swayed their agreement, albeit with a lingering air of uncertainty. The group gathered back inside the carriage, determined to continue their journey through the thick forest. Hygar took the reins and guided the horses, keeping a vigilant eye on the path ahead. However, as he glanced into the magical suitcase that belonged to Dark Shadow, an unexpected force surged through him, and suddenly, he found himself in an entirely different realm. In this fantastical and surreal place, Hygar spotted an imposing arena perched atop a distant hill. But before he could make his way there, an intriguing sight caught his attention. Down below, seated at a quaint patio diner, were the Lord Mayor and Kyro, accompanied by an elven noble. The Lord Mayor tried to persuade him that this noble figure was, in fact, Light Shadow in her true form. However, Hygar's keen instincts told him otherwise. The noble bore no resemblance to the magical kitty he affectionately referred to as "Magic Kitty," and he decided to test this assumption by playfully flirting with the noble. As the interaction continued, Dark Shadow herself appeared on the scene, reinforcing Hygar's belief that this noble was an impostor. Before any further conclusions could be drawn, a mysterious force compelled Hygar and the rest of the group to return to the real world, leaving behind the illusion that had briefly ensnared them.
Back in their physical realm, Horren's sharp eyes spotted a creature lurking in the nearby woods, trailing their carriage. With a swift gesture, he drew the group's attention to the mysterious presence. Upon closer inspection, they identified the creature as a claw-footed raptor, ridden by an elven figure named Hemlock. Hemlock explained that he was on a quest to find someone known as the Mist, a name that struck a chord with Garrick, who had been pursuing a similar quest. Amidst their discussion, a growing sense of urgency pressed upon them. The Mist, much like Horren's people, might have met an unfortunate fate—captured or gone missing. Realizing the gravity of their shared missions, Garrick and Hemlock contemplated the possibility of joining forces to uncover the truth. Despite their collective frustration at the delay in their journey, Garrick, Horren, and Hemlock agreed to take a brief respite, allowing their weary companions to recover their strength before forging ahead. The mysterious forest held many secrets, and the group was determined to unearth them, united in their pursuit of answers hidden amidst the shadows.
As they continued down the road, several members of the party took breaks, with some dozing off in the wagon. Astrid ventured into the suitcase realm, exploring its wonders and even engaging in a battle against herself, emerging victorious. Garrick, ever the inventor, worked on new contraptions, while Horren and Hemlock engaged in discussions as they drew nearer to their destination, Jorren village. Upon their arrival at the village's outskirts, the group began preparations for what lay ahead. The Diamond Curse and Horren embarked on a scouting mission, Astrid gained a vantage point to surveil the city, and Horren activated his ghostly blade, allowing him to slip into the ghost realm and stealthily traverse the city's walls, unnoticed by anyone within.
After doing their scouting mission both The Diamond Curse and Horren return to the group and let them know what they noticed. TDC lets the group know that the clasp do have a presence in the town and seem to be working with the Shadewatch. The group then have a meeting around the wagon where Garrick translates Horren and Hemlocks sylvan to common and common to sylvan. The group then came up with a solid plan. Garrick wildeshaped into a flea and got on Dark Shadow while Hemlock wildshaped into a ant and got on Horren. TDC traveled seperately along the wall and climbed over and approached the Clasp tent near Shade Hall. Dark Shadow put hand cuffs on Horren and started to march him towards town while Hygar and Jerry got in her suitcase.
Dark Shadow was able to convince the shadewatch guards in front of Shade Hall that she was brining Horren in in order to retrieve the reward money. She was paid the promised 5,000gp as she handed over Horren. Both Garrick and Hemlock both safely on Horren as well were lead into Shadehall.

Horren, now escorted into the large town hall, the concerned eyes of the villagers follow his every step. Their faces are etched with a mix of confusion and apprehension. In his restraints, he was prodded forward through the crowd, passing by other Shadewatch members who maintain a watchful eye on the proceedings. The tension in the air was palpable, and the weight of the unknown was pressed upon him. As he advanced deeper into the hall, he eventually arrived at a curious contraption—an elevator of sorts. It's operated by a crank rope, controlled by another Shadewatch member. He, along with the three guards, steped onto the platform. With a creak and a shudder, the elevator began its slow descent into the depths below.
While this was happening Dark Shadow took a different path. She decided to visit a nearby tavern, the Ass Sailor, where she ordered a glass of milk to collect her thoughts. Contemplating her next moves, she felt a surge of determination and made her way to the alley behind the tavern, where she accessed the mystical realm within her suitcase to confer with Hygar, Light Shadow, and Jerry. In this secluded realm, Dark Shadow presented her plan, even though her companions were still a bit perplexed. Nevertheless, they expressed their trust in her instincts and supported her course of action. While this transpired, The Diamond Curse observed the unfolding events from the dense treeline just outside the village. Once she witnessed Dark Shadow's successful infiltration, she decided to follow suit.
The Diamond Curse approached the village gate, where a group of clasp members lingered. Drawing upon her past experiences with the clasp, she skillfully convinced them to provide her with a pass, granting her access to the premises. With this pass in hand, she confidently entered the heart of Shadehall, each member of the group embarking on their distinct paths within the mysterious and perilous compound.
The Diamond Curse, now within Shadehall, encountered an old colleague, a bugbear who seemed initially upset about her departure from their ranks. However, she swiftly mended their relationship by offering what appeared to be a sincere apology and explaining her current mission: to uncover those responsible for the potential assassination of the Lord Mayor of Westruun. Her heartfelt words and convincing demeanor won over not only her former colleague but also the other clasp members stationed there, who came to believe in her intentions. This newfound trust granted her unrestricted access to the compound. Her journey led her to Horren's cell, where an elaborate charade ensued. Pretending to interrogate him, The Diamond Curse and Horren put on a convincing performance, cleverly fooling the guards into thinking they were at odds. Meanwhile, a formidable 10-foot demon loomed in the background, guarding a set of imposing double doors. Dark Shadow maintained a vigilant watch from the chamber's ceiling, her keen eyes never missing a beat. With an unspoken signal, The Diamond Curse used her shining eyes to silently communicate with Dark Shadow, requesting a diversion. Dark Shadow swiftly drew her blowgun and fired a poisoned dart into a nearby guard, causing his instant demise. The commotion drew the attention of the remaining guards, who rushed to the scene, oblivious to the true intentions at play. Seizing this opportune moment, The Diamond Curse skillfully unlocked Horren's handcuffs, setting him free. Simultaneously, Dark Shadow opened her suitcase, and from within, Jerry and Hygar sprang into action. Hygar leaped forth, striking the towering demon with his silvered axe during his descent, while Jerry unleashed radiant fire upon the formidable adversary. As the battle erupted, Horren summoned his fey powers to step out of his cell, while both Garrick and Hemlock underwent astonishing transformations. Garrick morphed into a Horned Fey Gorilla, while Hemlock took on the guise of a Riftenmist Panther. The ensuing clash promised to be intense and filled with peril. As the chaotic battle raged on, an imposing figure emerged from the adjoining room, revealing himself as the captain of the Shadewatch. At his side stood a deep gnome wizard, adding to the formidable opposition faced by the group. Tensions escalated as Horren recognized the captain as the very leader of the group that had attempted to apprehend him in the treacherous Bramblewoods outside of Westruun.
The confrontation was fierce, with Horen and his uncle joining forces to take on the Shadewatch captain. Horen's eyes flared with determination, fueled by memories of their previous encounter. Their duel was a spectacle of lightning-quick strikes and nimble parries, as they clashed in a dance of combat. Meanwhile, Hygar displayed his formidable might, managing to overcome the towering demon that had posed a significant threat. With precise strikes of his silvered axe, he severed each limb and head of the monstrous entity before delivering a powerful kick, sending it crashing across the room, where it disintegrated into dust. In the midst of the turmoil, Horren, driven by a surge of raw energy, lunged toward the Shadewatch captain. His storm aura seemed to morph into a shark-like form, surrounding him with an aura of electricity and intensity. With a swift thrust of his ghostly sword, he impaled the captain through the chest, drawing him closer with an unwavering grip. In a final act of ruthless determination, Horren ripped out the captain's jugular with his teeth, silencing his foe in a gruesome yet effective manner.
As the Shadow Hunters focused on the deep gnome wizard the doors that the group entered in sprang open with the ShadeMaster Arhanna holding a mysterious orb and her guards ready to fight. The orb began to glow as one of the Feyeater demons eyes did the same but Garrick quickly shot acid out of his hands causing the Shademaster to drop the orb as it rolled over Garricks Hooves. Just then Dark Shadow jumped down from the ceiling plunging both of her daggers into the Shademasters back and with the others help she and her guards were quickly overpowered. One such guard locked themselves in one of the cells but Garrick now in possession of the orb controlled the last demon to break open the cell and kill the guard. Jerry was visably unpleased with this action but Garrick hardly noticed as he was focused on finding his old friend.
As the dust settled, the group's paths diverged. The Diamond Curse remained in the chamber, determined to free the remaining fey creatures who had been held captive. Her unwavering resolve led her to the plight of these beings, and she embarked on the task of granting them their long-awaited freedom. Horren, his uncle Kalla, and Light Shadow retraced their steps, passing back through the doors they had initially entered. Their mission remained clear—to locate and liberate the imprisoned members of Horren's kin, who had been unjustly detained in these wretched cells. Meanwhile, Garrick, Hygar, Frevnur, Jerry, and Hemlock ventured further into the chamber from which the formidable demon had emerged. Inside, they were met with a haunting sight—an array of demons barely conscious on tables, their bodies frail and feeble. Amidst the these creatures, a familiar face emerged—the Mist, Garrick's druid mentor. Although unconscious and bearing the marks of his ordeal, he was alive. Garrick's resourcefulness shone through as he devised a plan to save the Mist. Garrick used the Orb to summon the demon to them and use it to give the rest of it’s life force back to who it taken from, The Mist slowly stirred, his life force slightly renewed, though still gravely weakened.
With the Mist's safety in mind, Garrick had another idea. He decided to employ his magical talents to disguise himself as the Mist, creating a convincing facsimile. Hemlock was assigned as the guardian of this illusion, while Hygar was entrusted with the real Mist's protection. Their next objective was to locate Light Shadow and make use of the magical suitcase—a realm within which the Mist could be safeguarded from further harm.
The rest of the group fought off a couple more Shadewatch guards and freed many more prisoners mostly being Horrens Kin but also a Legomoore bard named Daebanise who Dark Shadow freed and instantly fell for and in that moment it seemed as the feeling was mutual. That's when the rest of the group caught up and made a plan. Hygar, Dark/Light shadow, The Mist, Hemlock, and Horrens Kin would all go into the suitcase while
Garrick, Horren, The Diamond Curse, and Jerry, devised a cunning plan. They disguised themselves as Shadewatch guards, with the exception of The Diamond Curse, who had already convincingly assumed the guise of a clasp member. Garrick with The Diamond Curses help created a bomb that they would use atleast as far as Jerry knew as a distraction to escape. However, a Shadewatch member confronted them, and their confrontation was swiftly resolved by Jerry, who incapacitated the intruder. The situation took an unexpected turn when The Diamond Curse confronted the unconscious guard, torn between maintaining her clasp member cover and eliminating a potential witness. Jerry, driven by anger, removed his helmet and sternly forbade her from delivering the final blow. Reluctantly, she agreed to spare the guard's life. Nevertheless, when an arrow sped past from Horren's bow, The Diamond Curse chose a side and decisively ended the guard's life, holding up the severed head for Horren's judgment. This shocking act deeply affected Jerry and left the others astounded. Jerry, his rage unrelenting, seized the bomb from Garrick and made his escape. As he exited the room, the remaining trio engaged in a profound discussion, grappling with moral questions that had long simmered within the group. Horren, with an unyielding determination to free his kin from their captors, rationalized the killings. The Diamond Curse, on the other hand, came to the stark realization that they had allowed Jerry to slip away with the explosive device, and she promptly broke out of the room to pursue him.
Chasing Jerry, The Diamond Curse witnessed him and a Shadewatch guard departing on a raised platform. She launched a fiery bolt, unintentionally setting the platform ablaze. Garrick, acting with urgency, tried to reach the platform before it rose out of reach, hoping to jump on. However, it was already too high. Just as he reached for it, the platform plummeted into a chaotic heap of burning debris. Jerry managed to escape, but he wasn't finished. He hurled the bomb back toward Garrick. In a swift and decisive move, Garrick employed his catapult spell, redirecting the explosive back at Jerry. The aim was true, and although Jerry's fate remains uncertain, a shout from him rang out as the entire upper floor was consumed by the explosion. The resulting chaos had the party evading falling rubble.
As the group outside of the suitcase struggled to escape the collapsing Shade Hall the group inside were relaxing as they watched the clones of the group fight each other. Horren's clone arose victorious.
On the outside as the group tried to find the best route to escape the cursed diamonds around The Diamond Curses neck had taken over her in the stress of the moment. Her eyes began to glow red and her cloak turned white. Horren was now aware that he had indeed seen this before back in Drynna right before they left town. Horren had noted to Garrick the similarity between The Diamond Curses red eyes and the figures red glow from that day and Garrick had theorized that they could have been the same person and he couldn't help but shout "I knew it" when he saw her like this. Horren told Garrick to get out of there while he took on TDC. She had possesion of the magic suitcase and looked like she was going to absorb it but Horren slowed her down by convincing her to trade the suitcase for his ghostly blade that housed a ghost of a long dead ghost named Godwin. The cursed Diamond Curse agreed to this but as she got close Horren attempted to strike her down but was parried by her rapier. Horren ghostly blade could not touch the target as TDC skills with the rapier remained even in this state as the sword fight continued the ceiling began to fall around them as a piece of rubble fell in between the two TDC made her escape parkouring her way of the elevator shaft. Horren was able to climb his way out and although The Diamond Curse was nowhere to be found he did find Garrick in one piece.
As the two came back together and Horren told Garrick what happened and that TDC still had the suitcase they noticed three Shadewatch guards arriving on horseback Horren used his bow and arrow that Garrick enhanced with lightning magic and shot the guard in the middle which instantly electricuted him and the two others killing them all. Then a large Shadewatch guard captain that had a similar beard as Hygar attacked taking on both Garrick and Horren. He held his own for a bit before Horren was victorious showing the villagers around his decapitated head. They both then made their way over the town walls to escape. Garrick took a moment to focus on the nature around him when all of a sudden the groud turned to mud and formed a body of sorts before hardening. The form looked like a teenage Garrick but with a white mask and wings. Horren was confused but before he could say anything Garrick whispered to the creature and it flew off. While it was gone and the two stayed hidden Garrick told Horren that he named the creature Jerrie and gave it the mask in remembrance of the two lost comrades.
Not too long later the creature returned holding the suitcase which Garrick could tell by seeing through its eyes was left on a tree limb. Making him believe that TDC was able to regain control and was able to sense that she was still close but out of sight.
Yet, the lingering question loomed – how long could she keep the Diamond Curse at bay? Amid these harrowing experiences, Garrick persuaded Dark Shadow to craft a prison within the ethereal confines of the suitcase realm, a place to confine future captives securely. With this new addition established, a meeting convened in Light Shadow's office, now serving as the prison's warden. Garrick then laid out his plans to the group: the strategic assault on Jorren village, seizing the opportunity while their military forces were in disarray and their former leader lay deceased. Amid the discussion, Hygar leaned toward a diplomatic approach, favoring a non-violent entry, avoiding the launch of arrows. Horren, however, held a contrasting viewpoint. He recognized that the town's populace had already painted the party as adversaries, making a peaceful occupation highly unlikely. Horren's dedication to the safety of his people took precedence, and he refused to put them in harm's way. In light of Horren's perspective, Garrick agreed to shift their strategy. The party would return to Westruun and endeavor to garner support before proceeding with their mission to claim Jorren village. With this decision, the group set their course for their journey back to Westruun, laying the groundwork for the challenges that lay ahead. Under Hygar's steady guidance, the wagon journeyed smoothly through the treacherous terrain of the Black Valley, ensuring the safety of the Shadow Hunters during the initial day of travel. As the next day dawned, the group remained vigilant, but it became apparent that their destination had not gone unnoticed. Someone had intercepted their path, effectively cutting them off from their route. Confronted by an enigmatic group of masked bandits donned in wooden armor, the party had no choice but to engage in a fierce battle. These adversaries proved formidable, unleashing arcane blasts that intensified the combat's ferocity. In response, Light Shadow ascended into the sky above the wagon, launching a searing fireball that obliterated two of the bandits in an explosive display of magic. Meanwhile, Garrick summoned ethereal snake spirits, which coiled around one of the bandits, restraining them. Hygar and Horren, harnessing their formidable warrior might, confronted the remaining foes with sheer physical strength. To the group's astonishment, it was soon revealed that these bandits were not what they seemed. They were, in fact, enchanted mannequins disguised in arcane-infused wooden armor. The party chose to appropriate the mystical armor for their own use, securing one of the mannequins for potential future study. With this odd encounter concluded, they continued their journey for a time before making camp to rest once more.
The party was en route to Westruun when an unexpected encounter occurred. They met @Zana Morthos, a skilled tiefling wizard affiliated with the League of Miracles. She shared troubling news that many believed the Lord Mayor was no longer among the living, and suspicion had fallen upon The Shadow Hunters. To set the record straight, they showed her the Mayor was alive and well. As their journey continued, they eventually reached a large tree, a point of departure to the Riftenmist Jungle. Heartfelt goodbyes were shared, with Horren parting ways with his kin, Garrick saying his farewells to The Mist, and Daebanise, who decided to remain with the group, cementing her bond with the party. During their travels, Zana took the opportunity to impart her wisdom, beginning to teach Garrick the rudiments of the invisibility spell. However, their return to Westruun was imminent, and they arrived safely, back within the city's familiar walls.