Session Overview
The party continued their journey after meeting Moriani, the sorceress, engaging in an unexpected combat encounter with 19 pagan cultists who attacked them along the road. Through coordinated combat and strategic spellcasting, they successfully defeated all attackers, though Grok expressed some remorse about not attempting diplomacy first.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing cultists scattered about in various states of defeat, with one particularly detailed sketch of Hawthorne-as-Antonio-Banderas performing an elaborate sword flourish while Grok offers cigars to the fallen
Met that sorceress Moriani again. Watching Hawthorne sweep her off her feet was something else - never seen someone walk into a tree while swooning before. Though running into her twice on the same road makes my sailor’s instincts itch. That kind of coincidence usually ends with someone’s purse lighter.
Then a group of cultists decided to test their luck. Poor bastards. Between Grok’s thunderous spells, Hawthorne’s magical display, and Selnove’s war hammer work, it was less of a fight and more of a demonstration in why you don’t ambush well-armed travelers. Though I have to admit, that one goofy-looking fellow got in a surprisingly solid hit before Hawthorne introduced him to her cursed blade. Speaking of which - watched her carve an ‘H’ into his shirt before he fell. That weapon’s influence on her bears watching.
Interesting to see Grok say a prayer over the fallen afterward. Quite the change from someone who usually solves problems with cookware to the face. Though she still keeps trying to share those cigars, even post-battle. Some habits die hard.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Solid coordination, though maybe too reliant on magic given local attitudes
- Reliability Factor: Strong in fights, questionable with secrets
- Spiritual State: Ranging from battle-fever to post-fight remorse
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need lessons in spotting suspicious coincidences
- Notable Moments: Grok’s growing conscience, Hawthorne’s cursed flourishes
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/Druid, Level 5
- Erik as Dungeon Master
Setting & Atmosphere
- Main road through foggy terrain
- Late morning/early afternoon
- Thick fog rolling in
- Small clearing near a river
Key Events
- Second encounter with Moriani
- Hawthorne’s successful romantic interaction
- Combat with 19 pagan cultists
- Complete victory over attackers
- Post-battle moral consideration from Grok
Character Moments
- Hawthorne performing as Antonio Banderas-style nobleman
- Grok showing compassion for fallen enemies
- Selnove’s battle cry “For the snails!”
- Thal’s tactical combat approach
Important NPC Interactions
Moriani:
- Flirtatious interaction with Hawthorne
- Warned party about keeping magic use discrete
- Confirmed certain locations party needs to visit
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
- Small amounts of gold and silver from cultists (approximately 1-2 gold pieces each)
- Cheap knives (not worth keeping)
Emotional Highlights
- Comedy during Moriani’s swooning exit
- Tension during surprise cultist attack
- Post-combat moral questioning from Grok
- Hawthorne’s struggle with cursed weapon’s influence
Narrative Consequences
- Reinforced need for caution while traveling
- Revealed Grok’s compassionate nature
- Demonstrated party’s combat capabilities
- Further explored cursed weapon’s effects on Hawthorne
Player-Specific Notes
Hawthorne
- Maintained male nobleman persona
- Struggled with cursed weapon’s influence
- Successfully charmed Moriani
Grok
- Showed remorse for violence
- Effective use of area spells
- Attempted post-battle blessing of fallen
Thal
- Maintained tactical positioning
- Effective ranged combat
- Strategic use of dodge action
Selnove
- Direct combat approach
- Shared food with party members
- Effective melee fighting
Notable Quotes
Hawthorne: “I’m lost, if that’s what you want me to be, baby.” (Flirting with Moriani)
Selnove: “For the snails!” (Battle cry before attacking)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Purpose of cultists’ attack
- Moriani’s true intentions
- Safety of continued travel
- Impact of fog on navigation
Next Time
- Continue journey to destination
- Potential further encounters in fog
- Processing moral implications of combat
- Navigation through foggy terrain