Sessions
Session 8 — The Road to Whitethorn
Arc: Whitethorn Investigation · Present: Kessia Brightpage, Marva Ironfist, Ellowen Moonthorn, Lysander Cross, Taliesin Briarmane, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper · Locations: Davin, Whitethorn, Witches Market · NPCs: Perrin Slatevein, Tryvenis Slatevein, Mirabelle Slatevein, Amber Ters, Caspian Cross, Lady LeCroix, Willow, Mama Sugah, Juniper Hollowtail, Iris Mothpot
Quick Summary
The party returns Perrin to his family, where a master healer confirms he is inexplicably alive but stripped of all magic. After a recovery night, a grand breakfast, and goodbyes (Perrin retires from adventuring; Lady LeCroix learns of her husband's death; the Earl takes the evidence), the Duke of Whitethorn summons Lysander by name. Three weeks south, the party arrives in Lyre's home city to find its vineyards failing to an unexplained blight and its beloved witches being blamed.
Recap
Perrin came home alive - but the healer confirmed his magic is gone and the family's Cloak of the Archmage is dust. Lord Slatevein pressed 300g on the party after Lyre refused payment. Lyre briefed the Earl, who secured the mine and took the evidence, then passed along a letter: their father, the Duke of Whitethorn, wants Lysander's investigative touch at home. Three weeks south (dark things in the woods, an abandoned farmhouse), the party reached Whitethorn's Witches Market: vineyards blighted, witches blamed, propaganda spreading, a stall burned. The party shopped, gathered rumors, and adopted an alarming number of animals. Next session opens with Lysander's scene, then the party meets at Mama Sugah's sweet shop.
Key Events
- Party returns Perrin to the Slatevein estate; the Cloak of the Archmage relic has turned to dust
- Lyre tries to return the coin purse to Tryvenis, who redirects the payment (300g) to Marva - she absolutely takes it
- Master healer Amber Ters examines Perrin: body 'should not be alive' but is; soul present; no magical presence; recovery unknown; recommends rest
- Party overnights in the Slatevein guest wing (magical hot baths); Lyre stays at the earl's keep (2am-6am sleep, level of exhaustion)
- Kessia delivers letters to Marva and Ellowen and a heavy wooden lockbox (50g and invoices) to Thistle; Marva also receives a locked box with 98g and a business ledger
- Kessia leaves her new owl familiar to stake out Lyre; Varyn redundantly pays a guard 1g to send word when Lyre leaves (the guard snitches)
- Earl scene: guards sent to the cave; evidence handed over; mining permit officially revoked; letter from Loriel relays the Duke's request for Lyre's help in Whitethorn; Lyre borrows a covered wagon and horses
- Lady Slatevein announces Perrin has recovered - but has lost his magical abilities
- Perrin's account: his mark lit up, smoke, waking in the cave, multiple voices chanting, pain 'ripped from every core of his body'; Renvar coached him and told him to bring his favorite cloak; he declines Lyre's sword and retires from adventuring
- Lyre returns Perigrine's wedding band to Lady LeCroix and tells her of her husband's death
- Milo's letter: the Ox statue was moved, cracking the pipe - it's now a fountain in Market Square; he turned down a job for 'strong people who don't ask questions'; a note from Lena asks the group to look at the fountain
- Marva drinks Ellowen's clarity potion, reasons through logistics, sends the cart home with a letter to Lena and 50g; Lady Slatevein agrees to pass the fountain issue to her husband
- The 300g reward is split 60g each among Marva, Thistle, Ellowen, Raeve, and Varyn (Lysander excluded by his own refusal; Raeve deliberately included)
- Family reveals on the road: Lysander is the 7th of 8 children of the Duke of Whitethorn (Corin, Caspian, Brennan, Rhys d., Valyn, Elias, Lysander, Loriel); Raeve is estranged noble elven blood (House Vael'Aras of Talavas) and her sister is engaged to Valyn
- Three weeks' travel; Ellowen brews constantly and questions animals - dark desiccated-hand creatures more active at night; an abandoned farmhouse found empty with food left behind
- Arrival in Whitethorn: vineyard blight (empty grape clusters), witches blamed, anti-witch propaganda and a burned stall at the Witches Market, missing-person posters, the Duke's edict protecting licensed witches
- Witches Market: Willow (Root and Raven), Mama Sugah (Sweet Cart), Iris Mothpot (Enchanted Everyday), Bubbles and Brews alchemist, Juniper Hollowtail (Familiars Walk)
- Raeve adopts Pickles the pygmy pig (12g); Ellowen adopts Soot, Potato, and Hazel; Shimmer the crow on hold
- Ellowen trades recipes with Willow (sunburst chamomile) and the Bubbles and Brews alchemist (Witches Week formula, ready in 3 days)
- Marva learns at the Merchant Guild Hall that Whitethorn's vineyard underproduction is disrupting trade routes
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Session 7 — Blackroot Hollow
Arc: Davin Investigation · Present: Lysander Cross, Taliesin Briarmane, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Ellowen Moonthorn, Varyn Starwhisper · Locations: Blackroot Hollow · NPCs: Renvar Ilthis, Perrin Slatevein
Quick Summary
The party travels to Blackroot Hollow, fighting through a corrupted forest and into a cave that reeks of rotting fruit and hot iron. Inside they find Renvar's parasite laboratory and Perrin being tortured as Subject 25. After a brutal fight, Renvar casts Time Stop and escapes. The party recovers Perrin (alive but magically incapacitated), seizes the research notes and parasite specimens, finds the drained Cloak of the Archmage, and learns Subject 14 was likely Perigrine LeCroix.
Recap
Using the Earl's maps, the party reached Blackroot Hollow, battling desiccated creatures through a changing forest and into a cave shaped like a gaping mouth. They uncovered Renvar's parasite laboratory and found Perrin tortured as 'Subject 25.' In a hard fight (Thistle and Marva both downed), Renvar cast Time Stop and vanished. The party recovered Perrin alive but magically out of it, crated the research notes and parasites, found the drained Cloak of the Archmage, and learned Subject 14 was likely Perigrine LeCroix. Lyre left a note: 'Mining permit has hereby been revoked.'
Key Events
- Party heads to Blackroot Hollow using maps from the Earl (via Lyre's brother)
- The forest changes the closer they get to Blackroot Hollow
- Combat in the forest with a 'desiccated foot' creature; Lyre downed and revived by Thistle's Lay on Hands
- Party retreats to normal forest for a short rest; Ellowen gives Marva and Thistle potions of wild shape
- The cave (Blackroot) smells of rotting fruit and hot iron and looks like a gaping mouth
- Thistle has a vision; the magic users (Lyre, Raeve, Ellowen) rush him until it dissipates
- Canisters hold augmented parasites (the desiccated hand creatures)
- Combat: Thistle goes down, Marva goes down; Lyre heals Thistle
- Perrin found being tortured by Renvar; Renvar casts Time Stop and disappears
- Perrin recovered alive but magically incapacitated
- Varyn finds research notes: Subject 14 may be Peregrine (no body); living parasite used as buffer to keep host from tearing apart; Perrin (Subject 25) was to be first test of latest iteration; complaints work was taking too long
- A drained, gray Cloak of the Archmage is found
- Varyn crates the notes and parasite specimens; Thistle destroys a pit of slugs; stream exits elsewhere
- Lyre leaves a note at the entrance: 'Mining permit has hereby been revoked'
- Renvar recognized Thistle as The Hunter (added retroactively from Session 8 notes)
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Session 6 — The Manor and the Road to Blackroot
Arc: Davin Investigation · Present: Lysander Cross, Kessia Brightpage, Ellowen Moonthorn, Marva Ironfist, Taliesin Briarmane, Varyn Starwhisper · Locations: Davin, Goblin's Fire, Second Flame · NPCs: Captain Edrick Havin, Mirabelle Slatevein, Big John, Gregor
Quick Summary
Kessia rejoins the party (revealed to work for the Vykris Ledger). Lyre escorts everyone to the Earl's Manor, where they meet Captain Edrick Havin and are housed in the chapel. Continued questioning of Big John and Gregg yields little before a confrontation lands the party in jail. They learn Renvar secured Blackroot Hollow via mining permits from the Earl, receive a coin purse from Perrin's mother Mirabelle, and set out for Blackroot Hollow.
Recap
Kessia (of the Vykris Ledger) rejoined as Lyre moved the party into the Earl's Manor under Captain Edrick Havin. Big John and Gregg gave up little; a confrontation with Gregg at the Second Flame got the party jailed. The crucial lead came clear: Renvar had bought mining permits from the Earl for Blackroot Hollow, beyond the lake. With a coin purse from Perrin's mother Mirabelle and Lyre's guidance, the party headed for Blackroot Hollow.
Key Events
- Session opens at the inn; Lyre arrives early, Varyn already up, Kessia sneaks in unnoticed
- Kessia revealed to work for the Vykris Ledger
- Perrin's cloak identified as the Cloak of the Archmage
- Ellowen shapeshifts into a goat to intercept Kessia; Lyre casts Sleep (Kessia resists, goat-form Ellowen affected)
- Lyre escorts the party to the Earl's Manor; meet Captain Edrick Havin; animals stabled; party housed in the Manor's multi-use chapel
- At the Goblin's Fire, Big John calls Perrin a 'decent kid, bad fighter'
- Gregg found at the Second Flame; Ellowen fails to lure him by impersonating his mother (real name Lizbeth); Gregg flees out the back
- Revealed: Renvar previously approached the Earl and secured Blackroot Hollow (beyond the lake) with purchased mining permits
- Confrontation with Gregg lands the party in jail; later freed
- Mirabelle (Perrin's mother) gives the party a coin purse; reference to Perrin's diary
- Party departs for Blackroot Hollow on Lyre's recommendation
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Session 5 — Arrival in Davin
Arc: Davin Investigation · Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Lysander Cross, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Taliesin Briarmane · Locations: Davin, The Griffon and Oak, Goblin's Fire · NPCs: Halden Feldron, Jublisque, Celthonis, Brokklind, Gregor, Big John
Quick Summary
Toil & Trouble arrives in wintry Davin, returns Kara Feldron to her family's farm, and settles in at the Griffon and Oak. At the seedy Goblin's Fire they press Gregor and learn that Renvar personally recruited Perrin into the Adventurer's Gambit; Marva is knocked out in a pit fight with Big John. Ellowen acquires and attunes to a goat named Snowball.
Recap
In Davin, the party brought Kara Feldron home (learning her family is disliked by Perrin's father and that Perrin is a known troublemaker), then lodged at the Griffon and Oak under Lyre's lead. Investigating at the Goblin's Fire, they pressed Gregor and learned a cloaked Renvar talked Perrin into the Gambit. Marva fought Big John in the pit and was knocked out, then healed by Thistle. Lyre brought his brother, the Earl Caspian Cross, up to speed.
Key Events
- Party arrives in Davin; the season is winter and recently planted apple orchards surround the city
- Marva escorts Kara Feldron into her family's farm outside Davin (father: Halden Feldron)
- Learned Perrin's father dislikes the Feldron family; Kara's mother says Perrin causes a lot of trouble
- Marva buys a goat for 1g; Ellowen attunes to it and names it Snowball; renders 4 cups of goat's milk
- Lyre (title 'Sir') lodges the party at the Griffon and Oak (owner Jublisque, barkeep Celthonis, maid Brokklind); three rooms rented
- At the Goblin's Fire, Gregor reveals a cloaked Renvar recruited Perrin into the Adventurer's Gambit
- Thistle talks Marva into a pit fight with Big John; Big John knocks her out; Thistle uses Lay on Hands
- Lyre updates his brother, the Earl Caspian Cross
- Perigrine LeCroix's wife is searching town for him; a weird creature corpse has extra fingers and a mouth (may not be LeCroix's hand)
- Learned the Second Flame is Davin's brothel; the Earl keeps a large, well-defended manor
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Session 4 — Investigation and Travel
Arc: Disappearances and Mysteries · Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Taliesin Briarmane, Kessia Brightpage, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper, Lysander Cross · Locations: Aurora Vein, Viekryss, Road to Davin · NPCs: Kassian Dewlight, Lady Vassara, Kara Feldron, Milo, Emmeriss, Dara, Barrel Arms
Quick Summary
Toil & Trouble investigates the simultaneous disappearances of Perrin Slatevein and Renvar Ilthis, gathering information at the Aurora Vein. They discover Perrin's expensive Cloak of the Archmage, Emmeriss's marriage to Dara, and begin traveling to Davin with Kara Feldron. During travel, the party is attacked by mysterious tree-spider creatures and discovers a ring belonging to Perigrine LeCroix.
Recap
Following the disappearances of Perrin and Renvar, Toil & Trouble investigated the Aurora Vein and prepared for travel to Davin. At the casino, they learned about Perrin's artifact-level Cloak of the Archmage, his fascination with Lyre, and the immaculate state of Renvar's room. The party also discovered that Emmeriss is married to Dara (an elf baker) and doesn't owe money to the Bloodletters. Traveling with Kara Feldron on Marva's family wagon pulled by Allshanks, they were ambushed by two tree-like spider creatures with finger-like appendages. After defeating them, they found a ring inscribed with Perigrine LeCroix's initials, suggesting a dark fate for Lyre's target.
Key Events
- Kassian Dewlight in panic over broken Adventurer's Gambit; party told him to announce the playing field is too damaged to continue
- Renvar Ilthis's room found immaculate; Lady Vassara possibly last person to see him
- Perrin Slatevein was wearing a Cloak of the Archmage (artifact-level item worth more than the casino)
- Perrin's mother revealed to be a powerful magic user; his father serious but alright
- Perrin keeps a journal but didn't bring it to Viekryss; 'won't shut up about Lyre'
- Emmeriss kicked out of Aurora Vein; burned through the 5g from Thistle; married to Dara (elf baker); does NOT owe Bloodletters money
- Lyre and Varyn searched warehouse for antiquities/oddities; checking ledgers for Perigrine LeCroix
- Lyre's demeanor noticeably improved, seems 'more alive'; has pony keg of wine
- Lyre displayed subtle numbing effect on Ellowen's family emotions; made her more trusting (party didn't notice)
- Ellowen revealed four children: Aoife (192 yrs, eldest), Varick (sailor at sea), Emmeriss (troubled), Delick (youngest, in Whitethorn)
- Ellowen expressed feeling overwhelmed, doesn't remember her own goals anymore
- Cross is the royal family name in Davin; also surname of all bastards; Lyre is one of 8 children
- Milo appointed 'assistant to the assistant's assistant' at Stonebell Gym; given whistle and soup key
- Marva offered family wagon and horse (Allshanks) for travel
- Party ambushed by two tree-like spider creatures with finger-like appendages during travel
- Ring found on creature corpse inscribed with Perigrine LeCroix and wife's initials (not magical)
- Varyn performed post-combat flyover; found nothing further
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Session 3 — Disappearances and Revelations
Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Taliesin Briarmane, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper, Lysander Cross, Kessia Brightpage · Locations: Aurora Vein · NPCs: Emmeriss, Kassian Dewlight, Perrin Slatevein, Kara Feldron, Renvar Ilthis, Tryvenis Slatevein, Kessia Brightpage
Quick Summary
Kessia joins as reporter. Perrin Slatevein and Renvar Ilthis mysteriously disappear. Party investigates Renvar's room. Ellowen meets troubled son Emmeriss.
Recap
Kessia reveals she's a reporter with magic detection glasses. While watching the Stonebell Slammers attempt the Gambit, Perrin Slatevein vanishes into smoky tendrils. Renvar Ilthis disappears simultaneously. Ellowen encounters her troubled son Emmeriss in the infirmary, possibly a Bloodletters recruit. Thistle quietly helps Emmeriss with gold and a biscuit.
Key Events
- Kessia Brightpage reveals she's a reporter with magic detection glasses
- Ellowen encounters troubled son Emmeriss in infirmary - possible Bloodletters recruit
- Perrin Slatevein vanishes into smoky tendrils during Stonebell Slammers' Gambit attempt
- Renvar Ilthis disappears simultaneously - Gambit cannot be reset without him
- Lyre identifies Perrin as a Person of Interest - rushes to find him
- Investigation of Renvar's room reveals it was never used
- Thistle gives Emmeriss 5g and a biscuit, invites him to Three Threads Tavern
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Session 2 — The Banquet of Victory
Arc: The Adventurer's Gambit · Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Taliesin Briarmane, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper, Lysander Cross · Locations: Aurora Vein · NPCs: Kassian Dewlight, Lady Vassara
Quick Summary
Party completes the Adventurer's Gambit, reaching the magical banquet room finale. Receives 90g reward and magic items.
Recap
Toil & Trouble becomes the first team to complete the Adventurer's Gambit. The quest ends in an opulent magical banquet room. Party receives 90g (15g each) and magic items. Raeve disappears after completion; Thistle holds her share.
Key Events
- Toil & Trouble completes the Adventurer's Gambit - first team to succeed
- Party receives 90g reward (15g per member) and magic items including Adamantine Dagger
- Magical banquet room heals party to full HP
- Raeve Nyaxia disappears after quest completion
- Thistle holds Raeve's 15g share
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Session 1 — The Gambit Begins
Arc: The Adventurer's Gambit · Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Taliesin Briarmane, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper, Lysander Cross · Locations: Aurora Vein, Viekryss · NPCs: Kassian Dewlight, Lady Vassara, Milo, Toren Veil, Pexlii, Brana
Quick Summary
Party enters the Adventurer's Gambit at Aurora Vein. Toil & Trouble becomes first team to complete the dungeon challenge.
Recap
Toil & Trouble receives official invitations to the Adventurer's Gambit. Five rival teams are introduced including the Stonebell Slammers. Varyn's Compass guild background is revealed. The party begins their Gambit attempt.
Key Events
- Official frost-blue velum invitations received for the Adventurer's Gambit
- Five competing teams introduced: Silvershard Syndicate, Frostbite Brigade, Stonebell Slammers, Deepstone Delvers, Bloodletters' Best
- Varyn's membership in The Compass cartographer guild revealed
- Dragon slayer rumors about Thistle circulate publicly
- Toil & Trouble begins the Adventurer's Gambit
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Session 0 — Session Zero
Arc: Introduction · Present: Ellowen Moonthorn, Taliesin Briarmane, Marva Ironfist, Raeve Nyaxia, Varyn Starwhisper, Lysander Cross · Locations: Viekryss, Three Threads Tavern, Stonebell Gym, Thistle and Pine
Quick Summary
World building and party formation session. Characters established businesses and relationships in Viekryss.
Recap
Toil & Trouble forms in Viekryss. Thistle, Marva, and Ellowen own local businesses. Kassian Dewlight announces the Adventurer's Gambit at Aurora Vein. The Bloodletters faction is introduced as dangerous.
Key Events
- Toil & Trouble forms as adventuring party in Viekryss
- Three party-owned businesses established: Three Threads Tavern, Stonebell Gym, Thistle and Pine
- Kassian Dewlight announces the Adventurer's Gambit at Aurora Vein
- Bloodletters faction and Bloodletters' Revelry murders mentioned
- Portal to the Sky (world's largest gemstone) introduced
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