Session 092 Breaking, entering, and nearly dying

Session Details

Session Date:	03 February 2023
Game Date:	17 Morning Flocktime 31, CY 621

Session Overview

Synopsis

The closing portal leaves the party searching an abandoned coach house before an unnatural storm forces them into a desperate stand against demons inside the guard tower.

Narrative

The party stares in disbelief as the portal closes, a wry look upon Margarete's face as she looks down at a child in her arms being the last thing Lanalor sees. They quickly split up to search the area—Mourn and Lorme check the wagon, while Galinndan, Horin, and Ragnum inspect the coach house. Inspecting the warm, bloody bodies near the wagon, Mourn and Lorme find ripped armor and wounds resembling a large animal attack, reminiscent of the bodies encountered on the demi-plane.

Besides a local resting under the window, the coach house is empty. The pot of porridge smells burnt and Galinndan notices it has been emptied. To the back of the kitchen along the east wall, a rickety ladder leads to a loft. Lanalor heads inside to assist the search while Mourn and Horin take watch outside as skies to the west darken.

Upstairs in Adious and Margarete's bedroom, Lanalor rummages through their belongings. A footlocker sits locked at the base of the four-poster bed. Unable to pop the padlock with his sword, Ragnum comes up the ladder and breaks the lock in one fluid hammer strike. The faint tinking of glass causes both to pause. Downstairs, Galinndan notices old Flan and Infernal runes scratched into the doorway portal—resembling marks on the blue standing stones at Sorgen Abbey.

Mourn watches the western sky move against prevailing winds, catching a glimpse of green flashing across the clouds. Fearing it may be the dragon near Wanborne, he alerts Horin before the clouds darken with lightning.

Upstairs, Lanalor uses his sword to pry the chest open from arm's length, triggering an explosive burst of noxious green gas. The poison nearly overcomes them; Lanalor rushes to the window while Ragnum attempts to drag him to fresh air. Galinndan, seeing green gas drifting through the floorboards, casts lightning bolt at the floor, blowing a 5' hole near Ragnum. While injured by the blast debris, the hole allows the gas to drain, giving them room to breathe.

Mourn notices the circular storm forming a point directed at the town, identical to the storm at Sorgen Abbey when Lord Vellor attacked. Alerting the party, they make a run for the guard tower to take cover. Ragnum grabs vials of green and white liquid, scroll cases, and a leather jerkin from the chest, while Lanalor snatches a few remaining potions before descending.

Securing themselves in the tower basement, Gallinndan, Lanalor, and Mourn sprint upstairs while Ragnum and Horin guard the entrance. A large demonic figure crashes through the roof and trapdoor in a cloud of dust, firing scintillating rays of color. Mourn retreats downstairs to Lanalor. The demon engages them before disappearing into an orange portal, reappearing moments later among the terrified guards below.

The demon's sudden appearance catches Horin, Gallinndan, and Ragnum off guard, but a volley of spells and strikes forces it back. Realizing it is outmatched, the demon gates in two additional demons before escaping. One demon attacks the guards with its tail while the second engages the party in melee. With spells exhausted, the party forms a shield wall at the base of the stairway. Suddenly, a shockwave blows the main doorway inward, revealing a shadowy figure through the swirling smoke...

Session Results

Experience

Milestone 1700 - Making it to Bexley, learning more about the Baron's buildup and threats to the realm.

NPCs of Note

Oleme, Gilren (Member of the Red Company), Margarete, Horin, Gallinndan, Ragnum, Lanalor, Mourn, Lord Vellor