Session Overview
The party prepared for their upcoming meeting with Bishop Azedarac while discussing strategies to obtain the potion of time travel. Grok surprised Selnove with a mastiff companion named Cabbage, leading to an unexpected combat encounter when they spotted bandits accosting a woman in an alley. Through coordinated magical attacks and teamwork, they successfully defeated all six attackers.
Thal’s Journal Entry
Written in precise handwriting, with margin doodles showing stick figures attempting heroic poses before charging into battle, a mastiff with “CABBAGE” written underneath carrying a tiny gnome, and bandits tangled in vines while getting hit by various kitchen implements
Another morning in this oppressive town, and Grok decides to brighten everyone’s spirits by presenting Selnove with a war dog. Watching him try to process that he now owns a mastiff larger than himself was worth the price of admission. Named it Cabbage, of all things - because apparently “Doggie” was too generic but “Horsey” for our horse was perfectly unique. The logic of my companions continues to astound.
Was ready to let some local thugs handle their business when I spotted them menacing a woman in an alley. Would’ve kept walking, but then everyone started making heroic speeches. Hawthorne went on about consent being sexy, Selnove invoked Lady Grok’s authority, and even Grok managed “I’d rather be fishing.” When your crew starts posturing like that, you know you’re committed. At least the coordination was impressive - entangle spells, spiritual weapons, and Hawthorne’s curse all working in tandem. First time in a while we’ve fought like an actual team instead of talented chaos.
Crew Assessment:
- Combat Capability: Surprisingly coordinated with spell combinations and tactical positioning
- Reliability Factor: Strong when working together, though hero speeches need work
- Spiritual State: Grok’s “rather be fishing” perfectly captures our enthusiasm
- Sea-Worthiness: Would make decent marines with this level of teamwork
- Notable Moments: Cabbage’s combat debut, Selnove’s spine-removal fantasies
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 in early morning
- Streets with alleyways and barrel-filled passages
- Fog rolling through the town
- Oppressive atmosphere due to Bishop’s control
- Combat encounter in narrow alley with wooden doors
Key Events
- Party discussed strategy for Bishop meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 11am
- Grok presented Selnove with a mastiff sidekick named Cabbage
- Spotted bandits threatening a woman in an alley
- Engaged in combat with six bandits
- Used coordinated magical attacks (entangle, bane, spiritual weapon)
- Successfully defeated all attackers without casualties
- Rescued the frightened woman
Character Moments
- Selnove’s joy at receiving Cabbage and immediately wanting to ride into battle
- Hawthorne attempting to comfort the rescued woman while in half-orc form
- Grok’s remorse about not attempting diplomacy first
- Thal’s tactical positioning and crossbow support
- Party’s synchronized “hero speeches” before combat
Important NPC Interactions
- Bandit Leader: Warned party “This is none of your business, leave”
- Rescued Woman: Terrified civilian who witnessed the party’s violent capabilities
Loot Acquired
Party Treasure
- Small amounts of gold and silver from bandits (1-2 gold pieces per bandit)
- Various cheap knives (not worth keeping)
Magical Items
N/A
Personal Acquisitions
N/A
Notable Item Details
Cabbage (Mastiff Sidekick)
- Warrior class sidekick
- 31 hit points
- AC 12
- Defender ability: Can impose disadvantage on attacks against allies
- Skills: Athletics and Intimidation
- Critical hits on 19 or 20
- Bite attack: +5 to hit, 1d6+1 damage
Relationship Web
N/A - Combat focused session
Emotional Highlights
- Excitement over Cabbage’s arrival
- Comedy during pre-combat hero speeches
- Satisfaction in successful teamwork
- Post-combat concern about frightening the rescued woman
Narrative Consequences
- Demonstrated improved party coordination
- Established Cabbage as combat companion
- Revealed party’s willingness to intervene in local crimes
- Created witness to magical combat in anti-magic town
Player-Specific Notes
Thal
- Maintained ranged support position
- Coordinated attacks with party
- Initially reluctant to intervene
Hawthorne
- Cast Bane and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter effectively
- Struggled to comfort woman while in half-orc form
- Delivered killing blow with hand crossbow
Selnove
- Immediately bonded with Cabbage
- Fantasized about spine-removal fatalities
- Entered frenzy rage during combat
Grok
- Gifted Cabbage to Selnove
- Used Entangle and Bless effectively
- Expressed regret about violence afterward
Decisions Made
- Intervened to save the woman from bandits
- Chose lethal force over diplomacy
- Named the mastiff “Cabbage”
- Selected Defender ability for Cabbage over Attacker
Notable Quotes
Selnove: “By the authority of Lady Grok. Onha, her such dastardly doings are unsightly before the Lady Grok.” (Attempting to invoke authority before combat)
Hawthorne: “You know, they always say that consent is sexy, and this doesn’t look very sexy to me.” (Pre-combat quip about the bandits’ actions)
Thal: “Alright, fuck it, let’s go Avengers.” (Recognizing the party’s heroic posturing meant combat was inevitable)
Grok: “I’d rather be fishing right now.” (Her unenthusiastic contribution to the pre-combat hero speeches)
Hawthorne: “Bet he never saw that coming.” (After shooting a bandit in the eye with her crossbow)
Grok: “The best part’s at the bottom.” (Delivering the final cleaver blow)
Cliffhanger/Unresolved Questions
- How will the rescued woman react to her violent saviors?
- Will word of magical combat reach the Bishop before tomorrow’s meeting?
- What impact will Cabbage have on future encounters?
- How will the party explain the deaths if questioned?
Next Time
- Comfort or deal with the traumatized rescued woman
- Prepare for Bishop meeting at 11am tomorrow
- Continue planning infiltration strategies
- Navigate consequences of public magical combat