Session 20, Arc III

Decisions

Played 11 July 2025 Watch the session

The party fled from the burning Broken Mug Tavern on their flying mounts, having caused massive destruction that resulted in approximately 150 casualties when the building collapsed. They split between Yomidrogo's magic carpet and his flying broom as they escaped through the rain and fog toward their safe house. Upon landing at their rural shack, they discussed the catastrophic events with Kailyn, who had not been present during the underground fighting pit incident that spiraled out of control when magic was used.

Late that night, a suspicious gnomish woman visited their door, claiming to be the same person they had helped when she was found screaming under Captain Max's body. She thanked them and invited them to her house for pastries, but the party found her timing suspicious given they had just committed major crimes. During their rest, Bones investigated the woman's house and discovered it was under a powerful illusion spell, with empty rooms and unused furniture despite appearing inhabited.

Meanwhile, in another part of Easthills, an assassin named Cyrran woke up at the Old Tusk Inn and discovered wanted posters matching the description of the party he had been hired to track. He learned about the tavern fire and overheard plans for a mob of hundreds to hunt the wanted individuals. The next morning, the party collected their commissioned equipment from the blacksmith and leather worker while Bones maintained his disguise as Captain Max, but they realized they were being followed and that detailed wanted posters had been distributed.

When they returned to investigate the mysterious woman's house, they found it appeared empty or non-existent, hearing only the sounds of a rocking chair and birds calling "Louise" and "Alert." Their talking stone went silent, suggesting interference or danger. As evening approached, Cyrran arrived at their door claiming to want to help them escape an approaching mob, but the party was suspicious and restrained him with manacles while accepting his guidance.

The party prepared to flee Easthills as a massive mob of 500-600 people approached, flanked by guards who were containing rather than stopping them. They split up for the escape - some flying on the magic carpet and broom while others managed the large roc birds Brad and Campbell on foot. Bones, still disguised as Captain Max, infiltrated the guard barracks and discovered that Captain Max's office was under the same illusion spell as the mysterious house, suggesting a connection between the incidents.

During their escape, the party encountered a hostile local who challenged them about their beliefs regarding the sacred nature of the land before attacking Kailyn with a dagger. Cyrran quickly killed the attacker and found a note with the phrase "Dal Eshker Kamtu" written on it. The party successfully reunited outside the city after Cyrran helped Bones escape through underground tunnels, though they had to abandon their horses in the rush.

Yomidrogo's attempt to retrieve their horses triggered a wild magic surge that gave him the ability to read minds for an hour. He probed several party members' thoughts, learning about Nillituh's deep hatred of magic stemming from personal loss and betrayal, and seeing visions related to Arraphesu's connection to someone named Ravikiel. When he tried to read Bones' mind, he encountered a strange blockage, and the party became suspicious of his mental intrusion.

That night, Yomidrogo experienced a vivid nightmare featuring two mysterious figures - one with cracked red skin and lava, another wrapped in green clouds. They demanded the return of the orb and systematically killed his companions and family in the vision, leaving only Bones standing. The next morning, the party began their four-day journey to Arakcadia, traveling through increasingly severe weather conditions.

They encountered an elderly gnomish stranger sitting alone by the roadside who warned them about dangerous conditions ahead, speaking of "She le'bravan" (wild storm) and suggesting they go around rather than continue forward. Despite his warnings, the party pressed on into what became a supernatural storm with hurricane-force winds and visibility reduced to mere meters.

During the storm, they met what appeared to be a lost halfling traveler claiming to be from Shadowfell, but the figure began asking probing philosophical questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and faith. The entity tested Nillituh's convictions by showing him a vision where he had to choose between his faith and his parents' lives, ultimately choosing his faith due to their betrayal involving magic.

The mysterious figure revealed itself as a powerful air elemental and attacked the party. The battle was intense and prolonged, with the elemental dealing both slashing and necrotic damage while regenerating health. During the combat, another wild magic surge transformed Yomidrogo into a potato for three rounds, during which he could emit magical frequencies that confused most of the party members, forcing them to either do nothing or attack randomly.

The confused state led to chaotic combat where party members struggled to coordinate their attacks. Arri was magically compelled to attack the potato-Yomidrogo, while others skipped turns due to confusion effects. Nillituh was knocked unconscious and had to make death saving throws, but Bones activated the orb's prayer of healing ability to restore the party's health.

The elemental proved to be a formidable opponent, casting spells like Dust Devil to restrain party members and Gaseous Form to become incorporeal. However, the party's persistence and tactical coordination eventually wore it down. Cyrran delivered the final blow with his rapier, causing the elemental to dissipate into a whirlwind as it died, ending the supernatural threat and allowing the party to continue their journey toward Arakcadia.