Session Summary
The party explored a mysterious indoor forest within Château Amber, encountering and battling three animated elm trees. After Hawthorne was knocked unconscious during the fight, Grok’s clever use of fire threats and Thal’s martial prowess led to their victory. The session concluded with the party taking a much-needed long rest and receiving a level up.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, featuring margin doodles of stick figures attempting a kick-line before being scattered by an angry tree. One tiny sketch shows a branch flying past a figure holding a quill, labeled “How I spent my afternoon”
Found ourselves in an indoor forest today - because of course this mansion would have one of those. Three elm trees took offense to our presence, their branches swinging down at us like rigging in a storm. The timing was perfect too - right as Hawthorne was trying to get us to skip down the path like performers in some dockside show.
Grok proved you don’t always need to punch your way out of trouble - though I certainly did my share. That torch of hers sent one tree running faster than a sailor spotting his ex at port. Shame about Hawthorne getting knocked out before seeing her choreography plan literally go up in flames. At least Grok’s healing hands are quicker than her dance steps.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Solid mix of brute force and creative thinking
- Reliability Factor: Improving, though dance coordination needs work
- Spiritual State: Ranging from “punch everything” to “negotiate with foliage”
- Sea-Worthiness: Better balance than expected, despite the dancing
- Notable Moments: Grok threatening trees with fire while taking a cigar break
Attendees & Status
Present:
- Jinks (Thal) - Half-elf Rogue/Monk, Level 3
- Sidney (Hawthorne) - Changeling Bard, Level 3
- Justin (Grok) - Half-orc Cleric, Level 3 Absent:
- Ryan (Selnove) - Deep Gnome Barbarian, Level 3
Setting & Atmosphere
- Large octagonal indoor forest with seven glass domes
- 100ft high glass ceiling
- Trees reaching 80ft tall
- Various flora with identifying plaques
- 10ft wide path winding through dense vegetation
Key Events
- Discovery of the indoor forest room
- Hawthorne’s attempted choreographed walk
- Encounter with three animated elm trees
- Hawthorne knocked unconscious during combat
- Grok’s successful intimidation of one tree using fire
- Thal’s decisive victory over remaining trees
- Party granted level up after combat
Character Moments
- Hawthorne attempting to organize a choreographed walk
- Thal’s skepticism about talking to trees
- Grok’s creative use of fire threat
- Party working together to overcome animated trees
Important NPC Interactions
N/A - Combat was against animated trees with no meaningful dialogue
Loot Acquired
None found despite Grok’s thorough search of the defeated trees
Emotional Highlights
- Tension during the surprise tree attack
- Comedy from Hawthorne’s dance attempts
- Relief at Grok’s successful intimidation tactic
- Satisfaction in Thal’s victory over the trees
Narrative Consequences
- Party gained better understanding of the château’s magical nature
- Discovered potential danger in seemingly peaceful areas
- Earned experience and leveled up
- Need for rest became apparent
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Demonstrated effective combat abilities
- Skeptical of diplomatic approach with trees
Hawthorne
- Attempted to lighten mood with choreography
- Knocked unconscious during combat
Grok
- Successfully intimidated tree with fire
- Provided emergency medical care to Hawthorne
Decisions Made
- Explored the indoor forest
- Chose combat over retreat
- Decided to take a long rest after battle
Notable Quotes
- Hawthorne: “If we’re going to be a team, I’m gonna need us all to commit more to our choreography.”
- Grok: “Water or fire?”
- Thal: [Looking skeptically at Grok talking to trees] “Trying to talk to these trees, but okay.”
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Purpose of the indoor forest
- Nature of the animated trees
- Connection to the missing caravan
Next Time
- Party to continue exploration after rest
- Characters to level up
- Further investigation of the château’s mysteries