Session Overview
The party witnessed a blazing red comet appear in the sky while camping, which Thal determined was positioned directly over their destination of Perigon. Upon arriving at the eerily quiet town, they learned from innkeeper Brad Bradson about a mysterious beast terrorizing the area. Directed to the abbey to find Luc le Chaudronnier, they discovered the aftermath of an attack with multiple casualties. Luc revealed that the beast had stolen the Ring of Eibon - one of the four artifacts they need. Entering the abbey, they encountered what appeared to be the abbot, who transformed into a serpentine beast when exposed to the comet’s light. The session culminated in an intense battle against the transformed creature, summoned snakes, and shadow creatures, ultimately defeating all enemies and recovering the ring.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written during their rest after the abbey battle, with margin doodles showing a red comet with an ominous tail stretching across the page, stick figures cowering behind shuttered windows, and a detailed sketch of the abbot’s transformation sequence from man to serpentine beast surrounded by swirling mist
Another night, another cosmic omen that has Grok muttering about sky rocks and impending doom. Can’t fault her instincts - that blazing red comet hanging directly over our destination like some celestial target marker doesn’t bode well. My navigator’s tools confirmed what my gut already suspected: we’re sailing straight into whatever storm that thing’s marking.
Found Perigon transformed into a ghost town, shutters closed and streets empty save for the occasional whispered conversation behind locked doors. Even the innkeeper - one Brad Bradson, son of Brad Bradson, grandson of presumably another Brad Bradson - wouldn’t let us stay the night despite his obvious need for coin. Fear does strange things to people’s business sense.
The abbey proved to be our destination’s bloody heart. Poor Luc and his guards learned the hard way that whatever this beast is, it’s not interested in fair fights. Eighteen to twenty-four seconds, he said - that’s how long trained soldiers lasted against it. I’ve seen dock brawls last longer than that.
Then came the real revelation: the “abbot” we thought we were rescuing was the beast itself. Watched a frail old man in robes walk into that comet’s light and transform into something that belongs in a sailor’s worst nightmare - serpentine, wreathed in red mist, and decidedly unholy. Between the summoned snakes and shadow creatures, this thing had quite the repertoire. At least we know why the townspeople were hiding.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Excellent coordination under pressure, though Hawthorne’s aim with that crossbow needs work
- Reliability Factor: Strong when facing obvious threats, though Selnove’s enthusiasm for tenderizing already-dead enemies remains concerning
- Spiritual State: Grok’s warnings about celestial omens proving accurate, everyone adapting well to supernatural threats
- Sea-Worthiness: Would make decent marines in a pinch, especially with Cabbage providing tactical support
- Notable Moments: Hawthorne shooting her own shadow, Selnove turning a constrictor snake into jerky
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 camping area under a blazing red comet
- Town of Perigon/Paragon with shuttered buildings and fearful inhabitants
- Locked inn with suspicious but helpful innkeeper
- Abbey with stone architecture, multiple towers, and aftermath of recent battle
- Combat took place in main altar area with elevated platform and side prayer areas
Key Events
- Red comet appeared in the sky as party camped, casting scarlet light over the land
- Thal used navigator’s tools to determine comet was positioned over Perigon
- Arrived at eerily quiet town with residents hiding behind closed doors
- Met innkeeper Brad Bradson who explained about “the beast” but wouldn’t provide lodging
- Directed to abbey to find Luc and learn about the Ring of Eibon
- Found abbey aftermath with dead guards and wounded Luc
- Learned the beast had stolen the Ring of Eibon during the attack
- Entered abbey and encountered apparent abbot
- Witnessed abbot’s transformation into serpentine beast when exposed to comet’s light
- Engaged in combat with beast, summoned snakes, and shadow creatures
- Successfully defeated all enemies and recovered the Ring of Eibon
Character Moments
- Grok showed prescient fear about the comet and provided medical aid to wounded guards
- Hawthorne attempted stealth reconnaissance by flying to scout the abbey
- Selnove demonstrated protective instincts toward the abbot before the transformation
- Thal used tactical positioning and broke free from a constrictor snake’s grapple
- Cabbage proved effective in combat, providing defensive support for the party
Important NPC Interactions
Brad Bradson (Innkeeper)
- Suspicious but ultimately helpful innkeeper who explained the beast situation
- Refused lodging due to fear but provided food and information
- Directed party to Luc at the abbey
Luc le Chaudronnier
- Guard captain wounded in abbey attack
- Revealed the beast had stolen the Ring of Eibon
- Timed the previous battle (18-24 seconds) and witnessed the beast’s capabilities
The Abbot/Beast
- Appeared as elderly monk in dark robes initially
- Transformed into serpentine creature when exposed to comet’s light
- Possessed lair actions to summon snakes and shadows
- Wore the Ring of Eibon during combat
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
- The Ring of Eibon (recovered from defeated beast/abbot)
Personal Acquisitions
N/A
Notable Item Details
- Ring of Eibon: One of the four magical artifacts needed to break Castle Amber’s curse
- Previously owned by Luc, stolen by the beast during the abbey attack
Emotional Highlights
- Tension during the ominous comet’s appearance
- Fear and suspicion in the abandoned town
- Horror at discovering the wounded guards and destroyed abbey defenses
- Shock at witnessing the abbot’s transformation
- Satisfaction at successfully recovering one of the needed artifacts
- Dark humor during Hawthorne’s accidental self-targeting with crossbow
Narrative Consequences
- Acquired the Ring of Eibon, bringing them closer to breaking the Amber curse
- Discovered connection between celestial events and supernatural threats
- Learned about shapeshifting enemies that can pose as innocent civilians
- Established that the comet’s light triggers transformations in certain creatures
- Proved party’s effectiveness against complex supernatural threats
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Successfully used navigator’s tools for celestial navigation
- Demonstrated monk training by breaking free from grapple
- Maintained tactical awareness throughout combat
Hawthorne
- Provided aerial reconnaissance of the abbey
- Experienced strength drain from shadow attacks
- Accidentally shot her own shadow with a natural 1
Selnove
- Showed protective instincts toward perceived innocent (the abbot)
- Entered rage effectively during combat
- Continued attacking defeated enemies (tenderizing snake)
Grok
- Predicted danger from comet’s appearance
- Provided medical aid to wounded guards
- Used spiritual weapon and cleaver effectively in combat
Decisions Made
- Investigated the town despite its ominous emptiness
- Chose to help Luc and pursue the beast rather than avoid danger
- Entered the abbey to confront the threat directly
- Focused combat efforts on recovering the Ring of Eibon
Notable Quotes
Grok: “No, not rocks on this, not sky rocks. Rockner rocks.” (Panicking about the comet’s appearance)
Hawthorne: “Where is everybody? Why is it ironic? Do I have shit on my face or something where everyone else immediately thinks it’s because I smell bad.” (Commenting on the town’s emptiness)
Selnove: “No. We’re too late. The beast got the abbot.” (Shouting when witnessing the transformation)
Thal: *gasp in undercommon* “Nice, we’re learning their culture guys, I think we’re fitting in.” (Dry commentary during the revelation about the stolen ring)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- What is the true nature of the connection between the comet and the beast transformations?
- Are there other creatures in the region affected by the comet’s light?
- How will the townspeople react to the beast’s defeat?
- What are the Ring of Eibon’s specific magical properties?
Next Time
- Recovery and rest after the intense abbey battle
- Possible investigation of the ring’s powers
- Decision on next destination to seek remaining artifacts
- Potential interaction with grateful townspeople
- Planning approach to find the Viper Circled Mirror and time travel potion