The Mouth of Doom: Session 3

General Summary

Welcome to Zelkor’s Ferry

In a damp cave above a creek just off the Canyon River, a group of adventurers continued their battle with a nest of Stirges. They had staged themselves blocking a thin entrance to where they assembled ready for battle. Zetwuzadi had taken point protecting the others as she has done many times before. Near the back of the group, the newest companion was starting to discorporate. The smell of burning earth and rock accompanied Ansible’s bleeding of dark grey smoke. The group’s guide, Arddan stayed in the back trying to help their fellow Crown while the others continued their onslaught against the Stirges. The battle was eventful with many of the adventures missing. Some get bold and travel up to the frontline joining Uzadi and Ferric only to be gravely wounded. As the bard gets her wounds tended to, Jalen makes sure the Stirges are dead and the cave is investigated.

Arddan informs the others that their companion, Ansible has reverted back to their resting space and would be awaiting them near the cave’s entrance. Among the equipment that the previous cave’s occupants had left as they succumbed to the Stirges, they found plenty of coin and a couple pieces of Hematite and four explorer packs. Against the back, they discovered three bundles of Stirge eggs which Uzadi helped Jalen to burn. The party splits the treasure evenly and sets forth back up the rope. It had been discussed to possibly collapse the cave but many spoke out against this idea. Not only did no one have the ability, yet, but animals might use this as shelter.
The group heads back to the river and Rain takes a look over the boat for any possible damage and finds none. Back upon the river they discuss Ansible and if they were alright. “Sure, nothing we can do about it other than keep it safe” Arddan refers to the obsidian rod that looked much like a naturally formed weapon. “And hope for the best.” It seemed that the magic that had been holding them for so long was still trying to work itself out of her. Uzadi, who has taken an early leadership role, checks in with the party members. Ambrose states “Those merchants’ downfall were to our benefit, may the gods rest their souls”. Croaker confesses that they don’t understand the world outside the city. They don’t understand the cycle of death and how it pertains to life. Arddan responds simply with “that is fair enough” and that many don’t figure out those sorts of mysteries before they die. However, Croaker still seems conflicted with their want to protect the unnatural creatures and not understanding that they were unnatural until someone told them. “Keep in mind why are you doing it” Arddan reminds her.
The rest of the day on the Canyon river is chilly and windy after the rain finally let up. Not much mist but the occasional fog bank with some looking more natural than others linger off the river bank. They give the rather unnatural fogbanks a far birth as they traverse the river. Traveling for several more hours, well into the afternoon, and several miles down the river, some could see a junction of a river and a large stream from the south. Way down at the distance some of the more perceptive could spot the settlement in which they were traveling to. Zelkor’s Ferry was finally in sight and was located where the two bodies of water meet up.
Just south of the boat, about a half mile away on the far bank of the stream there is a very large statue. It is hard to see what the statue depicts, between the fading light and the distance. The statue is looking and gesturing to the southwest and is some sort of humanoid creature with massive wings. “That is weird, I feel like I should have noticed that before, it must be new '' the Crown Wrenjer states as they decide to take a closer look. Arddan had last been in the area just a few months ago in fall. They had all been tasked to investigate anything peculiar happening in this general area and so they traveled down the small stream.
The large winged statue was standing and pointing to the southwest and looked rather weathered and old. Arddan is sure it wasn’t here last time and would have not missed a fiendish statue. Croaker gets nervous as they were able to identify that the statue depicted a Balor. A demon prince who could conjure powerful magic. Some of the party members wanted to head to Zelkor’s Ferry after hearing the news, wanting to seek more information from the town than risk upsetting anything powerful. Overall the area around the statue did not show any signs of it radiating evil, divine, or supernatural. Even the wildlife seemed to care little for the statue. Croaker seemed still shaken by the depiction of a Balor. The statue only gave off a hint of transmutation magic with some writing in abyssal at the base. Both Rain and Ferric helped translate the writing, making sure not to state the words in their natural language. The writing stated “Mouth of Doom” and with the statue pointing to the southwest, they thought it could be some marker and determined they needed more information. Before they left, they did discover that the statue was created to look old.
Piling back into the boat, they make their way to Zelkor’s Ferry. A ten foot tall moss covered wall with natural fortifications from the cliffs that town was built on, greet the adventures as they row around the town to the docks on the southern side. Only a handful of people seemed to be moving about the town, quickly moving from one building to another. A group of people wielding heavy crossbows take notice of the boat . They are walking the shoreline. At the dock, there is what could be assumed, Zelkor’s Ferry and another larger keelboat with people loading and strapping down some lumber, named The Yellow Dagger. As they approach the dock the bard decides to serenade the guard by playing her Hurdy-Gurdy while Uzadi takes the lead by chatting with the guard.
All the group had to say to get passed that guard was a simple “We are here on Wrenjer business” and they were allowed to enter Zelkor’s Ferry. Borkas, one of the guards, points out the Inn for them to take rest and a hot meal. Bristleback’s is a rather basic inn but it serves its purpose and the food is delicious and filling. Far in the corner, a dark elf with red eyes watches the party with their bone white fur lynx. Rain is able to place them as a possible sailor or swashbuckler. Ambrose pays for the four rooms for the party while they eat. For some particular reason, Odo Bristleback wanted to know in which room each adventurer would be staying. After eating their meal and drinking their preferred beverages, the group leaves the inn for some late night shopping.

Report Date

24 Oct 2020