Session Overview
The party engaged in combat with eleven shadow creatures while crossing a river in their newly acquired cart. Through coordinated spellcasting and combat tactics, they successfully defeated several shadows while others fled into the woods after being turned by Grok’s divine power.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing blind combat stances in darkness and shadowy figures being scattered by sacred light
Combat in magical darkness - turns out it’s exactly as awkward as you’d expect. At least managed some hits with the new sword before getting my strength sapped. Grok sent three of them running with her divine magic, while Hawthorne’s thunder literally shook the shadows apart. Between Selnove’s shield work and everyone’s coordination, we made short work of these things, though watching your own strength drain away is an unsettling experience.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Strong coordination despite visibility challenges
- Reliability Factor: Improved group tactics and positioning
- Spiritual State: Focused under pressure
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need lessons in navigating dark waters
- Notable Moments: Hawthorne’s thunder clearing the field, Grok’s divine authority
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
- River crossing point
- Dense tree coverage creating darkness
- Cart and horse in shallow water
- Shadowy, moss-filled environment
Key Events
- Encountered eleven shadow creatures while crossing river
- Grok turned three shadows using divine power
- Multiple successful coordinated attacks against shadows
- Party members experienced temporary strength drain
- Completed combat with some shadows fleeing
Character Moments
- Hawthorne using thunder magic to blast multiple shadows
- Grok turning undead and healing party members
- Selnove fighting with shield and warhammer
- Thal wielding the Sword of Sylaire effectively
Important NPC Interactions
N/A - Combat encounter only
Loot Acquired
N/A - No loot from shadow creatures
Relationship Web
N/A - Combat focused session
Emotional Highlights
- Tension during initial shadow appearance
- Relief after successful healing
- Satisfaction in coordinated combat success
- Concern over strength-draining effects
Narrative Consequences
- Proved party’s combat effectiveness
- Demonstrated danger of traveling through region
- Established need for vigilance during journey
- Validated cart purchase for safer travel
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Used Sword of Sylaire effectively
- Adapted to strength drain effect
Hawthorne
- Utilized thunder magic effectively
- Maintained tactical positioning
Selnove
- Combined shield and weapon tactics
- Coordinated attacks with others
Grok
- Turned multiple undead
- Provided crucial healing support
Notable Quotes
Grok: “Tell your friends!” (After turning several shadows)
Hawthorne: “I think I’ll stay where I am, defending the cart.” (Choosing tactical position)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Fate of fled shadows
- Safety of continued river crossing
- Recovery from strength drain effects
- Distance remaining to destination
Next Time
- Continue journey toward destination
- Monitor for additional shadow encounters
- Complete river crossing
- Plan travel strategy