Session 1

Property	Value
Beginning XP	TBD
Beginning gold	TBD
Ending XP	TBD
Ending gold	TBD

25 Calistril 4710

The scene in the great hall is one of chaos and destruction, with tables turned into barricades and blood staining the floor. Guards stand vigilant, and the atmosphere is tense as the party recounts their encounter with assassins and frost giants. They explain their actions to a guard who immediately starts questioning them but eventually understands their predicament. After some persuasion, the guard introduces himself as Ivenzi. He is a tall man with grey eyes, short black hair, prominent eyebrows, and a short mustache.

Ivenzi informs the party of the situation: mercenaries and various types of giants have infiltrated the manor, forcing all guards to gather in the grand hall while Lady Jamandi Aldori leads the effort to clear the rest of the building. Some attackers have fled into the west wing, while others went in the east wing where the party came from. Smoke billows from underneath closed doors, indicating fires raging behind.

Djames fashions some primitive yet effective gas masks, to mitigate the effects of the smoke. The masks consisted of pieces of cloth soaked in water, which would then be tied around the faces of the wearers to act as a barrier against the smoke inhalation.

Lizzy uses a Slashing Gust to clear the rest of the smoke. When Lizzy uses her Slashing Gust spell, her appearance changes in a remarkable way. Her limbs elongate and multiply, resembling a myriad of branches and tendrils. These new appendages sway and twist with a bizarre grace, almost as if they possess a life of their own. With each wave and motion, the branches and limbs generate powerful gusts of wind, slicing through the air with a sharp and cutting force. Leaves and debris whirl around her as the wind intensifies, creating a whirlwind effect that helps to disperse the smoke and clear the air. Meanwhile, Djames would scan the hallway for flammable objects, but sensed they had already been removed from this hallway.

As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing a hall seemingly free of flames, our attention turned to the bedrooms adjacent to the corridor. Recognizing the potential danger for any survivors within, we resolved to investigate each room, closing off those engulfed in fire to contain the smoke.

Leonardo took charge of examining the first room, while Djames and Lizzy ventured into the second, leaving Kairos to explore a third chamber on her own. Most of the doors of the rooms had already burned away, and the room Kairos went into didn’t seem to be on fire at all, being an open room connected to the hallway.

Inside the open room, Kairos encountered a solemn scene - a polished floor marred by smoke stains and an armored statue depicting a half-elf woman. This statue represented Milani the Everbloom, a deity revered by those who championed the oppressed.

Meanwhile, Leonardo’s investigation led him to a chamber already ravaged by fire, offering little hope of finding survivors.

In the largest bedroom, Djames and Lizzy faced a sudden onslaught as they opened the door—a rush of flames surged into the hallway. Lizzy, undeterred, continued to manipulate her branches, attempting to stave off the advancing blaze. With quick thinking, Djames tossed a waterskin to Lizzy and assessed the situation—the beds ablaze, the door smoldering. Acting swiftly, Djames utilized the water from the skin to douse the flames, preventing further escalation of the inferno.

As Djames passed the waterskin to Leonardo, each member of the party sprang into action to combat the encroaching flames. Kairos, entering a fourth room, valiantly fought against the fire, but soon found herself inside a searing heat. Lizzy, wielding her branches like a makeshift extinguisher, joined the effort, managing to quell some of the flames within the room.

Meanwhile, Djames began channeling tales of heroism to bolster Kairos’ resolve. Amidst the recitation, Kairos couldn’t help but be puzzled by the embellished accounts of her past woven into Djames’s narrative, but was inspired by the grand epic that Djames appeared to be making up on the spot.

As Leonardo approached the group, he bestowed his guidance upon Kairos, empowering her efforts. Determined, Kairos seized her waterskin, pouring its contents onto the fire until it was depleted. Despite her valiant efforts, the flames continued to rage, and in her attempt to stamp them out, Kairos suffered burns of her own.

As Lizzy continued to fan the flames, Djames’s inspiring words spurred Kairos on, although she remained puzzled by the bard’s knowledge of her past. Leonardo, utilizing his prestidigitation, managed to cool down the fire, allowing Kairos to stomp out the remaining flames in her room.

With determination, Lizzy proceeded to the final room, using her branches to combat the fire, albeit with some minor burns. Leonardo swiftly extinguished the flames in the fourth room, rendering it safe. Kairos, undeterred by her previous injuries, attempted to extinguish the fires in the last room but struggled to make significant progress, sustaining further burns in the process. Fortunately, Djames’s protective magic shielded Kairos from harm as he continued his inspiring narrative.

Leonardo employs his Prestidigitation magic to snuff out the lingering flames in the final room. Together, Djames, Leonardo, and Kairos make their way into the shrine of Milani, taking a moment to recenter themselves and offer prayers to the gods. Kairos directs her prayers to Pharasma, while Leonardo and Djames pay homage to Milani, seeking guidance and protection in their endeavor.

As Lizzy ventures into the next hall, her eyes fall upon the unconscious figure of Tartuccio, sprawled on the ground as if attempting to flee one of the bedrooms. With a gentle touch of her branches, Lizzy manages to stabilize him, coaxing him back to consciousness. However, the gratitude quickly dissipates as Tartuccio’s abrasive nature resurfaces, demanding to be escorted back to the great hall.

Despite his sharp words, Lizzy offers her support, aiding him as they make their way through the corridors. Inadvertently, a misstep causes Lizzy’s branches to brush against Tartuccio, eliciting a sharp reaction from him. In his frustration, Tartuccio lashes out at Lizzy, further upsetting her. Overwhelmed by the confrontation, Lizzy finds herself succumbing to tears, the emotional strain of the situation taking its toll.

As the rest of the party concludes their moment of meditation, they emerge from the shrine to find Tartuccio storming through the halls, his demeanor still as confrontational as ever. Lizzy remains in the hallway, tears staining her cheeks, as Tartuccio’s presence only adds to the tension.

In a display of defiance, Tartuccio addresses the party, dubbing them his “little helpers” and demanding their assistance. Leonardo, unwilling to entertain his demands, sternly instructs him to be silent, while Djames launches into an impassioned tirade extolling the virtues of House Lebeda.

Unfazed by the threats, Tartuccio continues on his way, prompting Leonardo and Kairos to step forward. Leonardo attempts to impede his progress, while Kairos plays a mischievous prank on Tartuccio with magic by casting Telekinetic Hand to throw his robe over his eyes.

As the party moves forward, they come across Lizzy, still visibly upset and crying in one of the rooms. Leonardo, showing compassion, approaches her and attempts to offer comfort. He gently wipes away a single large bubble of green snot from Lizzy’s nostrils before helping her to her feet, offering his support in this trying moment.

From here, we find ourselves in a cross-roads between two rooms. Leonardo bursts into the first room, a lavishly decorated space featuring a pool table, only to find Jaethal tied to one of the plush chairs. Frustrated and alarmed, Leonardo demands an explanation, but a loud voice interrupts him, claiming to be busy. Gomi, floating above Leonardo’s head, adds to the chaos. Undeterred, Leonardo rallies the party to stand together for House Lebeda’s honor. Inside the room, three assailants await.

Meanwhile, Kairos steps into a second room cluttered with weapon and armor racks, most of them empty or in disarray. Hearing commotion from the neighboring room, Kairos swiftly returns to assist. She immediately engages one of the assailants with a spellstrike, dealing lethal blows that ultimately lead to the assailant’s demise. However, another attacker turns their attention to Leonardo, launching a swift assault that catches him off guard, leaving him temporarily vulnerable.

Djames continues to lament on the successes of House Lebeda to inspire Leonardo, as he casts Daze on one of the assailants to blast them with a mental shock. Meanwhile, Leonardo retaliates against the attacker who initially struck him, bolstered by Djames’ courageous words. With a powerful swing, Leonardo strikes at the assailant, but unfortunately misses his mark after crossing the room.

Gomi joins the fray, unleashing an Electric Arc attack that the assailant narrowly evades, still taking some damage from the residual shock. Kairos, employing Arcane Cascade and utilizing Time Sense to enhance her precision, delivers a precise strike with her Elven Fauchard. Djames contributes by attempting to demoralize the assailant further.

Working together, the party subdues the Black Tears bandit, inflicting non-lethal damage and securing them with manacles and a gag to prevent further resistance.

After freeing Jaethal from her restraints, the party attempts to heal her using Lizzy’s natural abilities, but unfortunately, there is no response. Concerned, Lizzy notes the absence of a heartbeat from Jaethal, indicating something unusual about her condition.

Jaethal inquires about the fire situation, and upon learning that the halls are now safe, she agrees to return to the great hall. Lizzy makes another observation about Jaethal’s lack of heartbeat, prompting the party to urge Jaethal to accompany them back to the main hall, along with the captured prisoner.

In the next room, the party discovers polished white tiles adorning the floor, along with an array of trophy heads mounted on the walls. Among the trophies are heads of a stag, an owl, a wolf, and various reptilian monsters. While exploring, Kairos uncovers a Bloodseeker Beak Talisman, a valuable find amidst the trophies. Lizzy, intrigued by the collection of dead animals, thoroughly examines them but doesn’t find anything noteworthy.

As the party cautiously approaches the next room, they hear noises emanating from within. Lizzy decides to send in Gomi to scout the area, carefully opening the door just enough for the familiar to slip through. With bated breath, Lizzy observes through Gomi’s eyes as they spot two Frost Giants engaged in battle. Kairos and Leonardo prepare their Runic Weapon spells, as they get ready to join in on the fray.

Inside the dueling arena, Lady Jamandi Aldori is locked in combat with the towering Frost Giants, her skills tested against their immense strength. Without hesitation, Kairos and Leonardo rush in to join the fray, ready to lend their aid to their noble leader.

The arena is vast, its walls padded and adorned with various weapons and armors, providing ample cover for the intense battle unfolding within. Despite the formidable foes already present, the arrival of new assailants through an adjoining door signals that the danger is far from over, prompting the party to brace themselves for yet another round of combat.

As the chaos unfolds in the dueling arena, amidst the clash of swords and the roar of giants, Lady Jamandi Aldori’s commanding voice cuts through the tumult, directing the party’s attention to a formidable figure among the assailants. Clad in black chainmail and wielding a massive battle-axe with deadly precision, this woman stands out as the leader of the Black Tears, a group notorious for their nefarious deeds. We would later find out her name is Volodmyra, and she is the leader of the attackers, a group called the Black Tears.

As the battle unfolds in the dueling arena, Lizzy takes the initiative by unleashing a crackling Electric Arc, targeting two of the attackers with bolts of lightning. Meanwhile, Djames employs a Command spell, compelling one of the Frost Giants to relinquish its weapon, momentarily disrupting its offensive capabilities.

Responding swiftly to the chaos, Lady Jamandi Aldori demonstrates her formidable prowess by severing the arm of a Frost Giant with a decisive blow from her weapon. Leonardo charges into the fray with his greatsword, effortlessly dispatching an assailant in a single powerful strike.

Kairos joins the melee, erecting a protective Shield spell around herself before unleashing a cascade of arcane energy, surrounded herself by shimmering runes that glow with otherworldly power. Djames employs another Command spell to instil fear in an assailant, compelling it to flee from the battle, and continues to support his allies, Djames by unleashing another another inspiring anthem, rallying Leonardo with words of courage as the battle rages on in the dueling arena.

With steely determination, Leonardo unleashes a fearsome display of intimidation, causing one of the bandits to falter in fear before swiftly dispatching him with a lethal blow from his weapon. In a fluid motion, he pivots to engage another assailant, delivering a devastating strike that swiftly ends their threat.

Meanwhile, Kairos taps into the arcane energies swirling around her, teleporting through the runes adorning her body to unleash a Spellstrike of unparalleled power. As her strikes connect, it seems as though claws from different timelines converge, guided by the glowing runes, culminating in a devastating critical hit that leaves a significant impact on their foe. Lizzy finishes the assailant off.

Upon searching the body of Volodmyra, the party discovers several valuable items:

1. Trackers Goggles
2. +1 Greataxe
3. Chainmail
4. 4 lesser healing potions
5. 5 minor healing potions
6. A jade and pearl necklace (worth 20 gp)
7. A silver ring (worth 30 gp)

The party decides to divide the potions they found among themselves. This ensures that each member of the party has a basic supply of healing potions to use as needed during their adventures in the Stolen Lands.

As the party takes a moment to catch their breath and survey their surroundings, they are drawn to a magnificent window that offers a breathtaking view of Northern Brevoy. The first light of dawn begins to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city of Restov. With the sun’s gentle ascent, the city gradually comes to life, its buildings and streets bathed in the soft morning light. It’s a serene and peaceful sight, a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos and turmoil they’ve faced.

After wrapping up her affairs, Lady Jamandi Aldori extends her gratitude to the party for their steadfast defense of the manor. In a reciprocal gesture, the party returns the safeguarded guard wages to Lady Aldori, reinforcing their commitment to aiding and protecting the interests of House Aldori and the stability of the region.

Lady Jamandi Aldori generously distributes rewards to each member of the party as a token of appreciation for their valorous efforts in safeguarding the manor. Each member receives two lesser healing potions to aid in their future endeavors, along with a sum of 50 gold coins, further recognizing their contributions and dedication to the cause.

Gathering in the great hall after several hours, we witness the impressive efficiency of the manor’s staff in restoring order and tidying up the aftermath of the attack. Lady Jamandi addresses the assembled survivors, her resolve unwavering despite the recent turmoil. She emphasizes that this attack will not deter her from her mission and the vision she holds for the future.

As a gesture of her unwavering resolve, Jamandi Aldori stresses that it’s time to send four different groups into the Stolen Lands.

• Iron Wraiths: Tasked with operating in the Glenebon Uplands, their mission involves defeating the Tiger Lords, a formidable adversary, and establishing diplomatic relations with Pitax, a crucial diplomatic endeavor.
• Baron Hannis Drelev: Given the responsibility of securing the Hooktongue Slough region, Baron Drelev’s mission focuses on establishing control over the eastern Sellen River, a strategic waterway vital for trade and defense.
• Maegar Varn: Stationed in the Nomen Heights, Maegar Varn oversees the development of a town fortified by a Varnling host. Additionally, his mission involves establishing an alliance with the centaurs and overseeing the operations of an Aldori dueling school, aiming to foster martial prowess and unity.
• Lebeda Expedition: Tasked with exploring and pacifying the Greenbelt and Narlmarches regions, the Lebeda Expedition aims to establish a presence in these untamed wilderness areas, paving the way for future settlement and expansion under the banner of House Lebeda.

Jamandi Aldori recommends that the party begin their endeavors at a trading post that has been severely affected by Stag Lord’s Bandits activity. This suggests that restoring order and security to this trading post would not only serve as a crucial first step in stabilizing the region but also demonstrate the party’s capability in dealing with threats to commerce and safety, laying the groundwork for further expansion and development.

Now that Aldori Manor is safe, we catch a few hours more sleep. In the morning, Kairos heads into Restov to sell different parts of bandit loot. Djames and Lizzy also head into Restov; Djames with the intention of purchasing new high-fashion clothing, while Lizzy places orders for a new dress and robes. Additionally, Djames sends a coded letter to Lander Lebeda, using secret phrases to hint at their clandestine connection.

Kairos also invests in a donkey pack mule to assist with transportation and carrying supplies on their upcoming ventures.

Summary

• Met Ivenzi
• Extinguished flames
• Rescued Tartuccio
• Rescued Jaethal
• Helped Jamandi Aldori defeat Frost Giants and the Black Tears
• Returned soldier wages and received a reward from Jamandi Aldori
• Kairos found a Bloodseeker Beak Talisman
• We found some treasure, with a 50gp value
• Sold loot, bought donkey
• Each party member found 1 lesser healing potion and 1 minor healing potion. We got another 2 lesser healing potions from Lady Jamandi Aldori.
• Found some chainmail
• Found a +1 Greataxe, which Kairos took
• Found Tracking Goggles

28 Calistril 4710

Armed with a detailed map of the region, the party notes key regions in the Stolen Lands, such as the Narlmarches, the Greenbelt, the Nomen Heights, the Tors of Levenies, and the Dunsward. We also mark the Rostland Hinterlands, of which Oleg’s Trading Post is a part. Our initial travels towards Oleg’s Trading Post will take us past Nivakta’s Crossing, and the Crooked Falls.

With advance notice from Jamandi Aldori, Oleg’s Trading Post was prepared for the party’s arrival. Accompanied by the traders, we journeyed downstream along the Shrike River. After three days of travel, we finally arrived at Oleg’s Trading Post, where Oleg Leveton, his wife Svetlana Leveton, and the other inhabitants were expecting our arrival.

Upon our arrival at Oleg’s Trading Post, we are warmly welcomed by Svetlana Leveton, who invites us inside, mentioning that stew and bread are already cooking on the stove. As we settle down outside near the fire, we hear the sound of hammering coming from the roof of the trading post. Oleg pauses his work and descends from the trading post to join us.

Oleg welcomes us with a brusque tone, inquiring if we’re here to assist with the Stag Lord’s Bandit situation. Kairos attempts a jest about being here to help against the Stag Lord’s Bandits, which Oleg doesn’t find amusing. Djames quickly offers an apology on behalf of the group. Both Djames and Kairos then proceed to explain our mission, clarifying that we’ve been dispatched by Jamandi Aldori.

Djames reiterates our intention to bring civilization to the Stolen Lands, a sentiment that OIeg appears to dismiss. Kairos chimes in, highlighting the potential increase in trade such civilization might bring to Oleg. However, Oleg remains unimpressed, emphasizing his immediate need for assistance against the Stag Lord’s Bandits demanding “taxes”. Despite Lizzy’s offer to aid in repairing the housing, Oleg doesn’t seem swayed by our goodwill gestures. Oleg emphasizes that he relocated to a remote and quiet area of Rostland precisely for the tranquility and solitude it offers.

Kairos inquires about Oleg’s bandit problem, prompting Oleg to explain that the Stag Lord’s Bandits typically arrive once a month, consistently on the first day of the month, precisely at the crack of dawn. When Leonardo probes for further details regarding the size and armament of the bandit groups, Oleg reveals that initially, they arrived with a few dozen individuals, but over time, their numbers have dwindled with each subsequent visit.

To fortify the trading post, the group decides on a strategic plan. They opt to dig Spike Traps around the perimeter, which will be triggered by Lizzy’s Timber cantrip. Djames and Oleg will collaborate to create distractions or obstacles to hinder the bandits before they launch their attack. Additionally, they plan to strategically position the carts to funnel the bandits towards the spike traps. Furthermore, they intend to prepare a kettle of hot sand above the entrance to the trading post as a secondary trap that can be deployed against any reinforcements. This strategy aimed to maximize the trading post’s defenses and repel the Stag Lord’s Bandit threat effectively.

We also asked Oleg and Svetlana to remain as far back into the safest room of Oleg’s Trading Post as they could, but both refused. Though Oleg agreed that his wife should be kept safe, he thought it’d be suspicious to the Stag Lord’s Bandits if he and Svetlana weren’t present.

Summary

• Took three days to travel to Olegs Trading Post
• Met Oleg Leveton and Svetlana Leveton

1 Pharast 4710

The group dedicates the entire day to constructing the traps, and when the Stag Lord’s Bandits finally arrive, the traps prove to be more effective than anticipated. In a swift turn of events, two of the Stag Lord’s Bandits are crushed by a falling tree, another falls victim to the spike trap, while a fourth, identified as Happs Bydon, is captured alive. They swiftly secure Happs Bydon, binding him with ropes, and commence interrogation to gather information about their adversaries. Happs Bydon reveals that they are aligned with a woman named Kressle, who he warns will soon retaliate against them.

As the interrogation intensifies, Happs becomes increasingly agitated, defying the group’s threats and demanding to know the strength of their army. Kairos responds by delivering a swift punch to his face, asserting dominance. Meanwhile, Lizzy, Leonardo, and Djames continue pressing him for information about his employer and the location of their stronghold. Despite their efforts, Happs remains obstinate, repeatedly insisting that Kressle will soon arrive. Unfazed by his defiance, the party reiterates their fearlessness and determination to confront Kressle.

Summary

• Defeated several of the Stag Lord’s Bandits and captured and interrogated Happs Bydon