Session Overview
The party continued their journey by cart, encountering multiple waves of spectral enemies during their travel. Through coordinated combat and tactical positioning, they successfully defeated two separate groups of specters while protecting their horse and cart. The session focused heavily on combat encounters and party dynamics during travel.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing the cart battle scenes - one sketch features Grok falling gracefully from the cart while brandishing cooking implements, another shows Hawthorne hiding her face “raccoon style” from the specters, and a third depicts the horse looking thoroughly unimpressed by the whole situation
Another delightful day of spectral harassment on the road. Twice we found ourselves beset by angry spirits - because apparently one encounter wasn’t enough entertainment for whatever forces govern this cursed land. At least our cooking implement wielding friend has mastered the art of falling gracefully from carts. Must be all those bows in her hair channeling ladylike energy.
Hawthorne’s attempt to hide her face from the specters like a startled raccoon was… certainly a tactical choice. Though watching her try to intimidate them with aggressive lute playing did provide some entertainment during our second round with these persistent pests.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Improving despite questionable tactical choices
- Reliability Factor: Strong when focused, though prone to unusual combat strategies
- Spiritual State: Ranging from determined to dramatically resigned
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need serious lessons in staying in moving vehicles
- Notable Moments: Grok’s graceful cart dismount, Hawthorne’s face-hiding defense strategy
Attendees & Status
Present:
- Jinks (Thal) - Half-elf Rogue/Monk, Level 5
- Sidney (Hawthorne) - Changeling Bard, Level 5
- Justin (Grok) - Half-orc Cleric, Level 5
- Erik as Dungeon Master
Absent:
- Ryan (Selnove) - Deep Gnome Barbarian, Level 5
Setting & Atmosphere
- Travel by cart along a road
- Weather shifting from thunderstorm to high winds
- Mid-afternoon timing
- Limited visibility due to weather conditions
Key Events
- First encounter with three specters attacking the cart
- Successfully defended horse and cart during combat
- Weather transition from thunderstorm to windstorm
- Second encounter with additional specters
- Coordinated combat from cart positions
Character Moments
- Grok’s graceful fall from the cart during combat
- Hawthorne hiding her face as a combat tactic
- Thal’s tactical positioning and combat support
- Party’s protective stance toward their horse
Important NPC Interactions
Horse:
- Communicated with Grok through Speak with Animals
- Expressed desire for sugar cubes
- Maintained calm during combat encounters
Loot Acquired
N/A - No loot obtained during travel encounters
Emotional Highlights
- Tension during multiple combat encounters
- Humor in Grok’s cart dismount
- Relief at horse’s safety
- Camaraderie in battle coordination
Narrative Consequences
- Successful defense of transport
- Maintained group cohesion during travel
- Demonstrated improved combat coordination
- Established presence of supernatural threats in region
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Maintained tactical combat approach
- Coordinated attacks with party members
Hawthorne
- Attempted creative combat solutions
- Provided bardic inspiration to allies
Grok
- Demonstrated protective instincts toward horse
- Used divine abilities against undead threats
Notable Quotes
Grok: “I feel like we’ve been staring at its back. I feel like we could figure it out, but I’d be like that. I don’t know, you doing horsey?” (Attempting to communicate with their mount)
Hawthorne: “Between the shadows and the werewolf, I don’t know if we were better off just being stuck in that mansion forever.” (Reflecting on their journey)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Nature of recurring spectral encounters
- Safety of continued travel
- Distance to destination
- Purpose of supernatural attacks
Next Time
- Continue journey toward destination
- Potential shopping in next town
- Investigation of Hawthorne’s cursed rapier
- Possible armor upgrades for party members