Session Overview
The party continued their journey by cart, experiencing two notable encounters. First, they met a traveling potion merchant named Giles who sold them various magical concoctions, including love potions with questionable effectiveness. Later, they were ambushed by four dire wolves, one of which revealed itself to be a werewolf when it transformed back into human form after death. The session showcased the party’s combat capabilities and group dynamics while traveling through the wilderness.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing a snake oil salesman juggling potion bottles while wolves circle nearby, and a small sketch of Selnove crawling on the underside of a cart labeled “transportation innovation”
Another delightful day on the road. Met a potion seller who couldn’t even keep his own name straight - Giles or Grenier, depending on which minute you asked him. Hawthorne tried haggling out of habit despite already getting half-price, while I tried to maintain some professional courtesy. The man had the audacity to charge us more for using amber as payment. Some “franchise opportunity” he was offering.
Selnove decided to immediately test his climbing potion, because of course he would. Ended up crawling along the bottom of our cart like some bizarre upside-down lizard after the damn thing backfired. Always a delight watching someone taste-test questionable magic right after purchase. Between that and Hawthorne’s sudden obsession with making us a team sign, I’m surrounded by wonderful decision-makers.
Then came the wolves - massive dire beasts with one turning out to be a werewolf. Grok’s tactical rolling pin and skull-crushing headbutt proved surprisingly effective. Quite the display watching our cleric bash a creature’s brains in with cookware while Hawthorne attempted to thunderously obliterate the others. Two escaped, though not before Hawthorne managed to wing one with a parting shot. At least we know what we’re potentially up against in these woods now.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Improving coordination, particularly Grok’s unorthodox but effective tactics
- Reliability Factor: Mixed – tactically sound in combat, questionable with magical purchases
- Spiritual State: Ranging from protective to murder-happy
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need serious lessons in testing magical items before use
- Notable Moments: Selnove experiencing reverse-climbing effects, Grok’s deadly headbutt
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
- Forest road during early to mid-afternoon
- Travel by cart with horse named “Horsey”
- Foggy wooded environment with bends in the road
- Occasional clearings and roadside vegetation
Key Events
- Encountered potion seller Giles/Grenier
- Purchased various potions including love potions and climbing potions
- Selnove tested climbing potion with unexpected reverse effects
- Hawthorne began collecting materials for a team sign
- Ambushed by four dire wolves (one a werewolf)
- Successfully defeated three wolves in combat while two escaped
- Discovered werewolf’s true nature after death
Character Moments
- Hawthorne haggling over potion prices despite already getting a discount
- Selnove immediately testing his potion of climbing
- Hawthorne gathering materials to create a team sign as a surprise
- Grok delivering a powerful headbutt kill against a wolf
- Thal attempting to reason with the final wolf before it fled
Important NPC Interactions
Giles/Grenier (Potion Seller):
- Offered various potions at “half price”
- Revealed his potions had a 50/50 chance of working correctly
- Struggled to remember his own name
- Attempted to sell a “franchise opportunity”
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
- N/A - Only purchases were made
Magical Items
- Love potions (Hawthorne purchased 2 for 45 gold)
- Various other potions purchased by Thal:
- Animal Friendship potions (2)
- Climbing potions (2)
- Growth potion (1)
- Healing potions (5)
- Water Breathing potions (2)
Personal Acquisitions
- Hawthorne: Two love potions (45 gold)
- Thal: Various potions (paid with amber)
- Selnove: Climbing potion (consumed with reverse effect)
- Grok: None
Notable Item Details
- All potions marked “Giles” require 50/50 check when consumed
- Climbing potion had reverse effect on Selnove (walking speed halved, disadvantage on climbing)
- Love potions require both participants to drink for effect
Emotional Highlights
- Comedy during Selnove’s failed potion experiment
- Tension during the surprise wolf attack
- Excitement during Grok’s critical hit headbutt
- Party concern over the werewolf revelation
Narrative Consequences
- Acquired potions that may aid future challenges
- Discovered presence of werewolves in the region
- Learned about potential unreliability of purchased magical items
- Hawthorne working toward creating team identity through signage
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Maintained diplomatic approach with merchant
- Attempted communication with final wolf
- Used unarmed strikes in combat
Hawthorne
- Began collecting materials for a team sign
- Expressed “kill to kill” mentality during combat
- Used powerful thunder magic against attackers
Selnove
- Experienced negative effects from climbing potion
- Fought effectively using warhammer and shield
- Delivered killing blow to werewolf
Grok
- Used creative combat techniques with rolling pin and headbutt
- Successfully executed a critical hit on dire wolf
- Used magic stones as ranged weapons
Decisions Made
- Purchased various potions from merchant
- Tested climbing potion immediately
- Chose to engage wolves in combat rather than flee
- Decided to continue journey after battle
Notable Quotes
Grok: “That’s two.” (After defeating a second wolf with her headbutt/rolling pin combo)
Hawthorne: “I don’t like leaving things unfinished.” (When attempting to shoot at the fleeing wolf)
Selnove: “For the snails!” (Battle cry before attacking)
Thal: “Your mates are dead. It’s best that you piss off.” (Attempting to reason with the final wolf)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Nature and purpose of werewolf attack
- Potential for more werewolves in the region
- Effectiveness of newly purchased potions
- Hawthorne’s team sign surprise
Next Time
- Continue journey toward next town (possibly Zymes)
- Potential further encounters on the road
- Opportunity to use newly acquired potions
- Possible arrival at a settlement or town