The wind whispered secrets across the river, its breath a lingering reminder of Chauntea’s grace. The adventurers, now weary from days of travel, found themselves in the quaint, superstitious village of Darrow’s Mouth. Here, whispers of doom clung to the air, as if the very earth beneath them was cursed. The villagers spoke of an avatar of bad fortune, a harbinger that had cast a shadow over their journey. Several among the group felt the weight of this ill omen, a string of misfortunes tainting their days.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and purple, the adventurers stumbled upon a party boat tethered to the Order of the Jade Diadem. The vessel, with its air of festivity, seemed out of place amid the foreboding atmosphere of Darrow’s Mouth. Yet, it was aboard this very boat that steel knives vanished from their belongings, a sinister reminder of their vulnerability.
Their numbers thinned as the Silent Fang, erstwhile companions, abandoned them for the promise of a more pleasant journey. This departure left a void, both in manpower and camaraderie, as the adventurers pressed on, guided by the constant wind known as Chauntea’s breath. The boat captain regaled them with tales of this mystical breeze, attributing its origins to the nearby mountains and likening it to the goddess’s very breath—a sailor’s lore that brought a flicker of hope to their venture upriver.
The adventurers now found themselves laboring more intensely, with fewer hands to man the paddles. Yet, there was time for conversation and reflection. Waer’dara, the Drow Warlock, took it upon herself to converse with Dabshabah, the dragon who had become more than a mere source of strength for their journey. Waer’dara’s experience as a caretaker, coupled with her affinity for authority, allowed her to relate to Dabshabah on a profound level, drawing parallels between their lives.
As Waer’dara endeavored to build rapport with Dabshabah, she discovered a deeper understanding of the dragon’s mindset, one shaped by her mother’s teachings about leadership and benevolence. Through her insights, Waer’dara persuaded Dabshabah to assist with pulling the boat, easing the burden on the crew and allowing for a moment of respite.
The river’s bend revealed a new trial. Figures lurked in the shadows, poised to ambush the unsuspecting party. The adventurers sprang into action, each drawing upon their unique skills to confront the threat. Bhakris Edge, with the courage befitting a Paladin, leapt from the boat, determined to meet the attackers head-on. Pebblesong, the young Druid, summoned a Fog Cloud, shrouding the battlefield in an obscuring mist to disorient their foes.
The chaos of battle unfolded, with Waer’dara positioned strategically at the prow, Dabshabah by her side. Amidst the fray, Waer’dara’s crossbow sang its deadly tune, though her bolt merely grazed an opponent. Bartholemeow, ever observant, noted the attackers’ disarray, offering strategic insights even as he lounged in the shade with his lute.
Yet the conflict was not without its dangers. Stealthy assailants emerged, one managing to wound Waer’dara grievously. As darkness threatened to claim her, Dabshabah’s fury ignited, her breath weapon enveloping the thief in slumber. The Iron Vanguard, steadfast allies, fought with precision and unity, a testament to their training and resolve.
Pebblesong’s magic dispelled the fog, revealing the aftermath of the skirmish. The captain, Captain Bramblewick, expressed his disdain for the attackers’ folly—they had sought to seize a shipment of grain they had already paid for. Thalmiir Brukur, the seasoned Barbarian, wiped his axe clean, his presence a reassuring balm in the wake of battle.
As the adventurers tended to their wounds and regrouped, the captain outlined the terms of the grain deal, hinting at the promise of gold should they negotiate a favorable outcome. The evening drew to a close with light-hearted banter, the camaraderie among the party rekindled by shared triumphs and trials.
Yet, the mysteries of the river still beckoned. As the adventurers settled in for the night, their thoughts turned to the challenges that lay ahead. The Urn of Chauntea, their elusive quarry, remained hidden somewhere amidst the shifting sands of fate. With newfound resolve, they prepared to face whatever trials the morrow would bring, united in purpose and strengthened by the bonds forged in adversity.
The session begins with the DM, Ben, summarizing the party’s recent experiences in the backwater village of Darrow’s Mouth, also referred to as Limber’s Mouth. The adventurers encounter an avatar of bad fortune, resulting in some party members being affected by the goddess of ill luck. There is an encounter with a party boat linked to the Order of the Jade Diadem, during which steel knives are stolen, underscoring the party’s vulnerability. The Silent Fang, a group that had been traveling with the adventurers, departs, lured away by the promise of a more pleasant journey. Ben describes the consistent wind, known as Chauntea’s breath, which helps the party travel upriver despite the challenges of moving against the current. The captain explains Chauntea’s breath, attributing it to the nearby mountains, humorously linking the wind to Chauntea’s “breath” in a sailor’s tale. The party is now traveling with fewer crew members, which requires additional effort on the paddles, though there is still time for conversation. The captain approaches the party, requesting Dabshabah’s assistance in pulling the boat due to the reduced crew. He acknowledges that the dragon is more than just a source of strength, and asks Waer’dara if she would speak with Dabshabah. Waer’dara, who has experience in caretaking, agrees to talk to Dabshabah. She reflects on her role as an interim guardian and her previous insights into Dabshabah’s upbringing. Ben and Merideth discuss the complexities of Drow society, which mirrors some aspects of Dabshabah’s worldview, emphasizing authority and leadership. Waer’dara aims to relate Dabshabah’s worldview to her own experiences of being far from home and adapting to new environments, emphasizing learning and cooperation. Waer’dara builds rapport with Dabshabah through ongoing conversations, focusing on understanding her background and worldview. Ben proposes a skill check for Waer’dara to determine the success of her interactions with Dabshabah. Merideth opts for an Insight check, reflecting active listening and understanding patterns in Dabshabah’s home life. The Insight check is successful, providing Waer’dara with a deeper understanding of Dabshabah’s mindset, revealing her mother’s teachings about dragons’ roles as beneficent leaders. Ben describes Dabshabah’s shaken state due to her mother’s defeat but notes her interactions with the party have helped her realign with her mother’s teachings. Waer’dara uses her insight to foster a positive relationship with Dabshabah, acknowledging her strengths and encouraging her cooperation in pulling the boat. Waer’dara successfully persuades Dabshabah to assist with pulling the boat, using her insight and rapport to gain Dabshabah’s trust and willingness. Dabshabah’s contribution significantly eases the burden on the crew, reducing the need for rowing and allowing the party to rest more effectively. Waer’dara provides positive reinforcement to Dabshabah, thanking her for her contribution and emphasizing the benefits of exercise and teamwork. Dabshabah appreciates the opportunity to lead from the front of the boat, aligning with her sense of leadership and authority. Thalmiir, played by Luke, acknowledges Dabshabah’s hard work and contribution, valuing her efforts. Luke (Thalmiir Brukur): Thalmiir expresses admiration and encouragement for Dabshabah, ensuring his praise is audible to any slacking crew members to boost morale. Joe (Bartholemeow): Bartholemeow, relaxing in the shade and playing his lute, believes he is contributing as much as Dabshabah and feels the praise is partially directed at him. Merideth (Waer’dara Dryaalo’ara): Waer’dara discusses a conversation with Dabshabah about the tactics and timing of using her breath weapon, emphasizing its dual nature. Ben (DM): The party is making good time, with the captain indicating they will reach port in a few days, with one more stop strictly for business at a small settlement. Joe (Bartholemeow): Inquires whether the Silent Fangs took all their belongings when they departed. The DM confirms they did, though they left their space on the ship. Ben (DM): There is a conversation with the Iron Vanguard about space allocation, which is resolved amicably, exciting the soldiers. Mark (Bhakris Edge): Bhakris shows interest in Dabshabah’s mother’s perspective, hinting at religious codification, offering his support if Dabshabah wishes to explore that path. Ben (DM): Requests Mark to make a religion or persuasion check. Despite this being a low-stakes scenario, they agree to roll for humor. Mark (Bhakris Edge): Successfully connects Dabshabah’s views to his religion, implying potential future persuasion, though acknowledging the gap between dragon and divine philosophies. Ben (DM): The captain is secretive about the next stop, and Azar Storm defers inquiries to him. The captain’s reluctance raises suspicion. Ben (DM): Describes the arrival at a river bend with a small island, asking for perception checks from the party. Luke (Thalmiir Brukur): Rolls a low perception check, humorously celebrating a roll of two. Ben (DM): Those with perception over 14, including Waer’dara and Bartholemeow, notice figures in the bushes, indicating an ambush. Ben (DM): The Iron Vanguard responds with impressive unity to the attack, leaping into action to protect the ship. Ben (DM): Asks players to place themselves on the boat for the encounter setup. Luke (Thalmiir Brukur): Suggests Bartholemeow would be on top of crates, and they discuss the strategic positioning of characters. Ben (DM): Describes the Iron Vanguard’s coordinated fighting, akin to a well-oiled machine, emphasizing their efficiency and skill. Ben (DM): Asks players to roll for initiative. Luke (Thalmiir Brukur): Queries about equipping his shield, which the DM allows. Ben (DM): Describes the chaotic scene of combat, with the captain’s words lost in the noise. Mark (Bhakris Edge): Describes Bhakris’ action of leaping off the boat towards the shore, navigating through difficult terrain waist-deep in water. Joe (Bartholemeow): Investigates the assailants, rolling high on an insight check, discovering they are a mix of humanoids familiar with each other but surprised by the resistance. Ben (DM): Clarifies the attackers are a typical mix of humanoids from a settlement and acknowledges Bartholemeow’s insight roll. Ben (DM): Sets up tokens and encounters, describing hidden figures and the ongoing battle, with the Iron Vanguard’s prowess contrasted against the ambush. Luke (Thalmiir Brukur): Thalmiir, motivated by Bhakris’ actions, charges into battle, planning to throw a hand axe at an opponent from the water. Thalmiir’s Discomfort with Social Situations: Joe comments that his character, Thalmiir, is not adept at social interactions, indicating a preference for combat or tactical situations. Bhakris’ Battlefield Experience: Luke describes Bhakris as having past battlefield experience, noticing a weak flank in the vanguard and taking action by vocalizing and gesturing to bolster it. Bhakris’ Tactical Move: He charges towards the weak flank, though his attack doesn’t down the enemy, it does inflict damage. Battle Ambiance: Ben describes the captain’s voice being drowned out by the noise of battle, indicating the chaotic environment. Waer’dara’s Protective Instinct: Merideth discusses Waer’dara’s intent to protect Dabshabah, ensuring her safety and considering the use of her breath weapon strategically. Drow Society Insight: Waer’dara reflects on her upbringing in a female-dominated, martial society, which, despite not being her strength, provides her with some combat savvy. Protective Positioning: Waer’dara decides to stay on the ship with Dabshabah at the prow, where Dabshabah has a makeshift nest, offering cover and allowing Waer’dara to use her crossbow. Crossbow Attack: Waer’dara makes an attack roll with her crossbow, successfully hitting an assailant in the leg, causing injury but not a fatal wound. Captain’s Yelling: The group hears the captain yelling to “stop this madness,” prompting Brian’s character, Pebblesong, to cast Fog Cloud over the melee, aiming to create confusion among the attackers. Fog Cloud Mechanics: The fog heavily obscures the area, affecting visibility and causing disadvantage for those fighting within it. Impact of Fog Cloud: The fog disrupts coordination among the enemies, slowing down the pace of their attack and causing disorganization. Thalmiir’s Reaction: Thalmiir, hearing the commotion and seeing the fog, grunts about wizardry, showing his pragmatic nature. Flanking Concerns: Mark discusses the positioning of enemy flankers and their relation to the fog, confirming their potential threat. Bartholemeow’s Encounter: Ben narrates a surprise attack on Bartholemeow by a stealthy assailant aboard the ship, resulting in a stab wound. Assailant’s Intentions: The attacker claims to be after “the goods,” indicating a possible motive for the assault. Hat’s Firebolt: Hat, played by Brian, retaliates with a Firebolt, hitting the assailant and causing her to stagger. Bhakris’ Response: Hearing the commotion, Bhakris acknowledges the situation on the ship but continues his charge, asking to be informed if he needs to return. Bartholemeow’s Command: Bartholemeow uses the Command spell to try to make the attacker trip, but she resists. Thalmiir’s Charge: Thalmiir, demonstrating his combat prowess, charges into the fray, urging Bhakris to fall back due to being outnumbered. Thalmiir’s Reckless Attack: Thalmiir enters a rage and makes a reckless attack, critically hitting an opponent and inflicting significant damage, though not enough to down them completely. The scene begins with a bandit aboard the adventurers’ boat, creating a tense situation for Waer’dara Dryaalo’ara, played by Merideth, and her dragon companion, Dabshabah. Waer’dara assesses whether she and Dabshabah have a clear shot at the bandit, with the DM confirming they may need to shift slightly to avoid the mast, with a distance of 75 feet between them and the bandit. Waer’dara considers using Dabshabah’s breath weapon but is uncertain of its range as the DM notes this information isn’t readily available unless previously experimented with. Dabshabah describes her breath as potent but short-ranged, leading Waer’dara to consider alternative actions. Waer’dara decides to hold Dabshabah’s action in favor of using her crossbow, but after a suggestion from Pebblesong, played by Brian, she opts to use Eldritch Blast instead, albeit unsuccessfully with a roll of 10. Meanwhile, Waer’dara is unexpectedly attacked by a hidden thief, resulting in significant damage and her temporary unconsciousness. As Waer’dara’s consciousness fades, she internally encourages Dabshabah to retaliate, prompting the DM to add Dabshabah to the combat order. Dabshabah reacts with outrage to Waer’dara’s condition and uses her sleep breath weapon, causing the bandit thief to fall unconscious. Concurrently, the Iron Vanguard, allies of the adventurers, engage with thugs emerging from the fog, distracting them from the main party. Pebblesong observes the captain’s increasing agitation but notes his reluctance to engage directly in the conflict, leaving action to his first mate, Zara Storm. Pebblesong attempts to use Toll the Dead on the thief, but the spell has no effect. Another bandit, unnerved and seeing her partner fall, decides to flee by jumping off the boat, attempting to hide in nearby foliage. Bartholemeow, having received healing from Hat, uses Vicious Mockery on the fleeing thief, adding to the bandit’s demoralization. Bartholemeow then locates Waer’dara’s position and successfully uses Healing Word to restore her to consciousness. Thalmiir Brukur, in a berserk state, strikes a thug with a backhand shield bash followed by an axe attack, dealing a significant blow. Waer’dara, upon regaining consciousness, acknowledges Dabshabah’s assistance and takes stock of the situation, noting that her attacker is now unconscious. Waer’dara decides to tie up the unconscious assailant for questioning later, using her proficiency in survival checks to tie knots effectively. The session opens with Waer’dara (Merideth) attempting to tie up an assailant. She struggles with the survival roll to correctly tie the knots, feeling the pressure of the situation and not securing a solid tie. The assailant remains unresponsive to her attempts. Dabshabah is currently not participating in the combat, indicating a shift in the battle’s dynamics as she assesses the situation as under control. A thug, despite his injuries, decides to attack Bhakris (Mark) instead of fleeing. He attempts to utilize his pack tactics in melee combat but fails as Bhakris successfully parries the attack with his shield. The thug then tries to retreat into the fog, allowing Bhakris the opportunity to make an attack of opportunity. Bhakris deliberates over using Reckless Impact for advantage, but since it’s not his turn, he opts for a regular attack. The thug manages to escape into the fog, eluding Bhakris. Pebblesong (Brian) takes her turn by casting Thaumaturgy, dramatically announcing the end of the fight by calling “Halftime” and humorously suggesting orange slices for all. She drops the Fog Cloud, revealing the aftermath of the combat. The captain, Captain Bramblewick, thanks Pebblesong for her actions. He expresses disdain for his attackers, who had ordered a legitimate shipment of grain but attempted to seize it by force after making a down payment. Thalmiir (Luke) returns to the ship, wiping blood off his axe, and is praised by Captain Bramblewick for his swift action in defense of the ship. The captain expresses his disgust at the attackers’ foolishness, as they had legitimately ordered grain but chose to attack instead. The captain discusses the business transaction with Thalmiir and Bhakris, who are interested in completing the deal. Thalmiir offers to negotiate with the attackers, given his background in business, despite its dubious success. Captain Bramblewick lays out the terms of the grain deal: a 50 gold down payment has been made, with 450 gold due upon delivery. He suggests that any additional amount negotiated above this can be split with the crew. The session concludes with light-hearted banter among the players, reflecting on the classic D&D trope of sending a barbarian to negotiate and acknowledging the session’s highlights.Session Notes