Session Overview
The party continued exploring Château Amber, proceeding through another laboratory filled with strange vials and equipment. The group encountered and defeated four humanoid flesh constructs that dissolved into smoke after defeat. After the battle, they discovered a hidden safe containing valuable treasures, which led to tensions when questions arose about Thal’s previous handling of group finances. The session ended with Grok casting Zone of Truth to investigate the matter, revealing some of Thal’s deceptions about previously acquired wealth.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing humanoid flesh constructs dissolving into smoke while coins rain down in the background and a frying pan flies through the scene
Another delightful day in this cursed mansion. Found ourselves in yet another laboratory - because apparently one wasn’t enough. This time we got to dance with four naked flesh puppets that felt like punching water balloons. At least they had the decency to dissolve into smoke after we put them down. Saves on cleanup.
Hawthorne had a rough go with Grok’s frying pan. Can’t fault her though - cooking implements aren’t exactly standard bardic instruments. Though watching her try to catch and swing that thing was almost worth the bruises these constructs left behind. Speaking of bruises to my ego, got a bit too cocky showing off my footwork. Nothing like missing two swings in a row to keep that monk humility in check.
Then there was the matter of the safe. Should’ve known my sticky fingers would catch up to me eventually. Hard to talk your way around a Zone of Truth when you’ve been pinching extra coin. Though in my defense, you never know when you’ll need that emergency gold - even if mine got snatched by some cursed cards.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Improving with creative weapon-sharing, though aim needs work
- Reliability Factor: Declining with revealed deceptions
- Spiritual State: Mixed between combat confidence and moral questioning
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need serious lessons in sharing plunder
- Notable Moments: Grok’s flying frying pan diplomacy, Hawthorne’s failed culinary combat
Attendees & Status
Present:
- Jinks (Thal) - Half-elf Rogue/Monk, Level 4
- Sidney (Hawthorne) - Changeling Bard, Level 4
- Justin (Grok) - Half-orc Cleric, Level 4
- Erik as Dungeon Master
Setting & Atmosphere
- Large laboratory room (150’ x 40’)
- Tables and shelves filled with vials, flasks, and powders
- Various alchemical equipment
- Strange magical symbols on vats and cauldrons
Key Events
- Entered laboratory and encountered four flesh constructs
- Engaged in combat with coordinated weapon-sharing tactics
- Defeated constructs which dissolved into smoke
- Discovered and opened hidden safe containing treasures
- Confrontation about Thal’s previous financial deceptions
Character Moments
- Hawthorne struggling with borrowed frying pan combat
- Thal displaying overconfidence leading to missed attacks
- Grok sharing cooking implements as weapons
- Party tensions rising over discovered deceptions
Important NPC Interactions
N/A - Combat only session with construct enemies
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
- 500 gold pieces worth of powdered gold and platinum
- 200 gold pieces worth of semi-precious stones (20 stones at 10gp each)
- Gold and onyx figurine worth 100 gold pieces
Relationship Web
- Growing tension between party members over trust and resource sharing
- Uncertainty about Thal’s reliability with group resources
- Grok taking on mediator role through truth magic
Emotional Highlights
- Humor during awkward weapon-sharing moments
- Tension during financial confrontation
- Trust issues emerging within party
- Pride and overconfidence leading to combat mishaps
Narrative Consequences
- Party trust damaged by revealed deceptions
- Questions raised about resource sharing
- New dynamics around group property established
- Combat coordination improving despite tensions
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Revealed history of withholding resources
- Showed combat overconfidence
- Attempted evasion under truth magic
Hawthorne
- Struggled with unfamiliar weapons
- Initiated questioning about finances
- Successfully resisted Zone of Truth
Grok
- Demonstrated tactical weapon sharing
- Used magic to seek truth
- Showed concern for group unity
Notable Quotes
Hawthorne: “I never asked for a frying pan. You could have thrown a guitar or something.” (Expressing frustration with improvised weapon combat)
Thal: “Listen, to be honest with you guys, I was keeping that, and I figured if we were going to be in a pickle, I would be willing to contribute to the group.” (Under Zone of Truth, explaining previous deceptions)
Grok: “She does seem to need a little bit of supervision.” (Commenting on Hawthorne’s combat attempts)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Impact of revealed deceptions on party trust
- Resolution of financial disputes
- Further exploration of laboratory contents
- Way forward through mansion
Next Time
- Continue laboratory exploration
- Address trust issues within party
- Search for exit from mansion
- Potential laboratory hazard investigation