Session Overview
The party arrived at the city of Ximes, marked by its distinctive yellowish buildings. After passing through the open gates, they arranged rooms at a local inn and spent time shopping, dining, and gathering information. Hawthorne had her cursed rapier removed by a local wizard, Grok purchased components and a boomerang, and Thal acquired brass knuckles. The group enjoyed a lavish French-inspired meal at the tavern while Hawthorne performed music for the patrons. Throughout the evening, Thal overheard rumors about the local bishop being involved in some kind of controlling conspiracy in the town. The session focused on character interactions, town exploration, and preparing for their mission to confront the bishop.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing Hawthorne playing to a tavern crowd while coins land at her feet, Selnove enthusiastically eating shells and all, and Grok creating an elaborate sandwich from various French delicacies
Finally reached this yellow-walled town of Ximes, which seems civilized enough if a bit peculiar. Watching my companions navigate civilization provides its own entertainment - Selnove throwing gold around like it’s worthless, Hawthorne finally getting that cursed blade taken care of, and Grok collecting shell fragments like they’re valuable treasure.
Found a blacksmith willing to sell me some brass knuckles to enhance my unarmed strikes. They’ve served me well in my pirating days - nothing ends a dock brawl faster than metal across the knuckles. Just a bit of insurance for whatever comes next with this bishop character.
Hawthorne actually managed to impress a crowd with her singing tonight - first time I’ve seen her performance met with anything but awkward silence. Must be the change of scenery, or perhaps getting that curse removed improved more than just her combat tendencies. Either way, it’s nice to see her get some recognition.
Most interesting development came from keeping my ears open at the tavern. Seems this bishop we’re after has quite the reputation - controlling things from the shadows, pulling strings throughout the town. Conspiracy talk would normally make me skeptical, but considering everything else we’ve encountered, I’m inclined to believe there’s truth behind the rumors.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Untested in town, though Grok’s new boomerang acquisition seems questionable given her aim
- Reliability Factor: Improving with Hawthorne’s curse removal, though Selnove’s spending habits remain concerning
- Spiritual State: Relaxed after decent meals and comfortable beds
- Sea-Worthiness: Would need serious lessons in basic economics - throwing gold at simple bread isn’t how you maintain a budget
- Notable Moments: Selnove eating mussel shells like they’re part of the meal, Hawthorne’s unexpectedly successful performance
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
- City of Ximes with distinctive yellowish buildings
- Fortified city with open gates during daytime
- Various shops including bakery, blacksmith, and wizard’s shop
- Tavern/inn with French-inspired cuisine
- Late afternoon transitioning to evening
Key Events
- Arrived at the city of Ximes
- Selnove purchased bread at a bakery near the entrance
- Grok bought a boomerang and silver powder components
- Thal acquired brass knuckles from the blacksmith
- Hawthorne had her cursed rapier removed by a local wizard
- Group secured rooms at the local inn
- Hawthorne performed successfully at the tavern
- Thal overheard rumors about the bishop’s controlling influence
Character Moments
- Hawthorne expressing relief after having her cursed rapier removed
- Selnove enthusiastically eating French cuisine (shells and all)
- Grok collecting mussel shells for later use
- Thal discreetly gathering information about the bishop
Important NPC Interactions
- Local wizard who removed Hawthorne’s curse
- Blacksmith who sold weapons and provided information
- Innkeeper who served the party food and accommodations
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
N/A
Magical Items
N/A
Personal Acquisitions
- Thal: Brass knuckles (2 gold, adds +1 to unarmed damage)
- Grok: Boomerang (standard price) and silver powder (100 gold)
- Selnove: Multiple bread rations (1 gold)
- Hawthorne: Hand crossbow (75 gold)
Notable Item Details
- Brass knuckles: Add +1 to unarmed strike damage
- Boomerang: Returns when thrown, compensating for poor aim
- Hand crossbow: Standard weapon (accidentally purchased a duplicate)
Relationship Web
N/A - No significant relationship developments in this session
Emotional Highlights
- Satisfaction when Hawthorne’s curse was removed
- Camaraderie during their shared meal at the tavern
- Pride when Hawthorne’s performance succeeded
- Curiosity and concern about the bishop rumors
Narrative Consequences
- Discovered information about the bishop’s influence in town
- Removed Hawthorne’s cursed weapon, changing her combat approach
- Established a base of operations in Ximes
- Acquired new equipment for upcoming challenges
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Obtained brass knuckles to enhance unarmed combat
- Gathered intelligence about the bishop
- Maintained observant approach to town exploration
Hawthorne
- Finally freed from cursed rapier’s influence
- Successfully performed for tavern patrons
- Acquired a second hand crossbow
Selnove
- Enthusiastically embraced local cuisine
- Demonstrated generous (perhaps excessive) spending habits
Grok
- Acquired a boomerang suited to her combat style
- Purchased components for holy water creation
- Showed interest in collecting discarded shells
Decisions Made
- Secured individual rooms at the inn
- Decided to gather information about the bishop
- Chose to enjoy an evening of food and drink before proceeding with mission
- Spent significant gold on shopping and food
Notable Quotes
Selnove: “How much for that baguette? It smells delicious.” (When enthusiastically overpaying for bread at the bakery)
Hawthorne: “I didn’t even have to take a pill that made me sick. That was great.” (Comparing the curse removal to past experiences with “STDs”)
Grok: “I need about a hundred gold worth.” (Requesting silver powder from the wizard, showing her commitment to preparation)
Thal: “Listen, a chunk of amber is quite a lot here. But you got this.” (Cautioning Selnove about his spending habits in town)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- Nature of the bishop’s control over the town
- How to approach confronting the bishop
- Location of the potion of time travel they seek
- Identity and motives of the sorceress Moriani who mentioned stealing a formula
Next Time
- Investigation of the bishop’s activities
- Potential visit to the local temple
- Further exploration of Ximes
- Planning approach to obtain the time travel potion