Session Overview
The party faced two separate encounters with phantoms while traveling by cart along the road. Through coordinated combat and Grok’s divine turning ability, they successfully defeated or drove off the spectral attackers while protecting their horse and cart. The session focused heavily on tactical combat and revealed Thal’s growing interest in establishing a caravan protection business.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing phantoms being scattered by divine light, a cart careening across a bridge with Grok struggling at the reins, and Selnove riding Cabbage in what appears to be a jousting position against ghostly figures
Another delightful day of spectral harassment on the road. These phantoms seem drawn to our little caravan like moths to flame - though watching Grok wave her rolling pin and send three of them fleeing in terror was worth the price of admission. “In the name of Manuk, fuck off!” indeed. Between her divine authority and Selnove’s reckless charges on that oversized dog, we’re becoming quite the efficient undead disposal service.
The real entertainment came when Grok tried to drive the cart across that bridge. For someone who claims to be good with animals, she certainly had Horsey dancing back and forth like a drunken sailor. Nearly rattled my teeth loose bouncing around in that cart. At least we all stayed on the bridge - barely.
Starting to think there might be real profit in this caravan protection racket. The shadows and phantoms seem to love this road, and that potion seller Giles seemed mighty impressed with our work. Though I’d prefer clients who don’t hide under tarps at the first sign of trouble.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Strong coordination, especially with Grok’s undead turning
- Reliability Factor: Solid in combat, questionable at cart driving
- Spiritual State: Grok’s divine authority growing stronger
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need serious lessons in vehicle operation
- Notable Moments: Grok’s multilingual divine banishment, Selnove’s mounted combat debut
Attendees & Status
Present:
- Jinks (Thal) - Half-elf Rogue/Monk, Level 5
- Sidney (Hawthorne) - Changeling Bard, Level 5
- Ryan (Selnove) - Deep Gnome Barbarian, Level 5
- Justin (Grok) - Half-orc Cleric, Level 5
- Erik as Dungeon Master
Setting & Atmosphere
- Forest road with stone bridge crossing
- Travel by cart with horse named “Horsey”
- Misty environment conducive to phantom appearances
- Rocky terrain with cliffs near bridge
Key Events
- First encounter with multiple phantoms on the road
- Combat near/on a stone bridge with tactical positioning challenges
- Grok successfully turned multiple undead, causing them to flee
- Difficult cart navigation across bridge due to poor animal handling
- Party discussed potential caravan protection business opportunities
- Scheduled future sessions and discussed campaign logistics
Character Moments
- Thal maintaining ranged attacks and proposing business ventures
- Grok’s dramatic undead turning in Orcish with her rolling pin holy symbol
- Selnove’s mounted combat on Cabbage with reckless attacks
- Hawthorne taking flight and providing aerial support
- Party coordination in protecting their cart and passenger
Important NPC Interactions
- Giles Grenier (Potion Seller): Hiding in cart, commenting on the frequent supernatural encounters
Loot Acquired
N/A - Combat encounters with incorporeal undead
Emotional Highlights
- Tension during bridge crossing with poor animal handling
- Satisfaction in successful undead turning
- Comedy from Grok’s colorful divine invocations
- Excitement over potential business opportunities
Narrative Consequences
- Established pattern of phantom encounters on this route
- Demonstrated party’s effectiveness against undead
- Potential for caravan protection service
- Two more days of travel remaining with encounters expected
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Proposed caravan protection business idea
- Maintained tactical ranged position
- Used Sword of Sylaire effectively
Hawthorne
- Utilized flight for tactical advantage
- Provided ranged support with crossbow
- Made jokes about being “three edibles in”
Selnove
- First major mounted combat on Cabbage
- Used reckless attacks effectively
- Lost 2 Strength temporarily from phantom attack
Grok
- Successfully turned multiple undead
- Struggled with cart driving (nat 1 on animal handling)
- Demonstrated growing divine power
Decisions Made
- Continue traveling despite encounters
- Take long rest after two days of travel
- Pursue idea of caravan protection service
- Plan for future Tucker’s Kobolds test session
Notable Quotes
Grok: “In the name of Manuk, fuck off!” (Casting Turn Undead in Orcish)
Thal: “Lads, we could… I actually have a business opportunity here if we end up getting stuck here.” (Proposing caravan protection service)
Giles Grenier: “I never encounter anything like this when I’m traveling alone… Maybe it’s something you guys are carrying with you.”
Selnove: “We got Beam, we got Arch, we got Suspension, Cable Stay, you know, Tuts…” (Excitedly discussing different types of bridges before combat)
Hawthorne: “I didn’t even have to take a pill that made me sick. That was great.” (Comparing the curse removal to past experiences - mentioned while flying in combat)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Why are phantoms attracted to this particular group?
- Success of proposed caravan protection business
- Nature of remaining encounters before destination
- Safety of continued travel on this route
Next Time
- More phantom encounters on final day of travel
- Arrival at destination (approximately 2 days away)
- Resolution of travel encounters
- Potential establishment of protection service