> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76qhwzcsIoc) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 9 | > Play Date | 2023-11-11 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 3 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/01 - Water, 1st.png\|7th Water, 1st - 2507]]<br>to<br>[[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/01 - Water, 1st.png\|8th Water, 1st - 2507]] | > Location | [[Camaar]] > Characters | [[Gemma Finegold]]<br>[[Ellesar]] | ## Summary The session erupted immediately into violence in the shadowy alleyways of [[Camaar]], where the party found themselves ambushed by a group of thugs. Despite a chaotic start involving friendly fire and improvised tactics, the group displayed their growing synergy. [[Dondar]] unleashed arcane barrages, while [[Kai]] utilised celestial magic to put enemies to sleep and blast the ringleader with radiant light. [[Vaeleran]], utilising a sleeping enemy as a human shield, and [[Eryndor]], striking from the shadows, helped dismantle the attackers. The skirmish ended with a ruthless display of efficiency as Dondar sniped the final fleeing thug around a corner with *Magic Missile*. Battered but victorious, the party retreated to [[The Lion]] inn to recover. While the group licked their wounds and secured their lodgings with [[Gemma Finegold]], [[Neros]] was plagued by a restless vision of shifting animal eyes - dog, cat, snake, and snowy owl - watching him from the dark. The following morning was spent preparing for the next move; visiting the local smith, Doran, to resize armour and investigate the mysterious engraved greatsword found previously. Deciding to take the initiative, the party executed a sting operation to draw out the thieves who had stolen their gold. [[Ryo]] disguised himself as a wealthy, clueless merchant, while the rest of the party lay in wait using magical disguises - including [[Neros]] as a tarantula and [[Kai]] as a horse. The trap was sprung when a group of street urchins attempted a pickpocket run. A frantic chase across the city rooftops ensued, resulting in Ryo and [[Eryndor]] capturing a young boy. Under the pressure of a *Hunter's Mark*, the boy led them to "[[The Veiled Den]]." Expecting a hovel, the party was shocked to enter a dilapidated building only to find a well-furnished, opulent sanctuary within, presided over by an ancient, wheelchair-bound man who welcomed them with a knowing smile. ## Details ### The Alleyway Ambush * The session began mid-combat in a dark alleyway against a group of thugs led by a ringleader. * [[Dondar]] initiated hostilities with *Magic Missile* but was unable to finish them off immediately. * [[Ryo]] utilised *Hunter's Mark* and his bow to pick off targets while retreating to higher ground on the alley stairs. * [[Kai]] turned the tide of battle by casting *Sleep*, neutralising two thugs instantly, and nearly obliterating the ringleader with a high-damage *Guiding Bolt*. * [[Vaeleran]] used a sleeping thug as a human shield/improvised weapon to knock the female ringleader prone. * [[Eryndor]] utilised the chaos to land critical sneak attacks with his bow. * The fight concluded when the final thug attempted to flee around a corner, only to be killed by Donor's homing *Magic Missile*. * **Loot:** The party recovered approximately 65 gold, along with silver and copper, and some poor-quality weapons. ### Rest and Recovery * The party returned to [[The Lion]] inn, where [[Gemma Finegold]] noted their injuries. * They rented rooms for three nights, costing 45 silver. * During the Long Rest, [[Neros]] experienced a vision of golden eyes shifting between animal forms (dog, cat, snake, snowy owl), leaving him with the distinct sensation of being watched. ### Morning Investigations * [[Ryo]] questioned the tavern keeper, [[Mistress Serin]], regarding the thieves. She directed them toward the main street and confirmed the presence of orphan gangs in the northern districts. * The party visited Doran, the Stonehearth Blacksmith. * [[Vaeleran]] paid 25 gold to have the goblin splint mail resized to fit him (ready in one day). * Vaeleran showed Doran the engraved Greatsword; Doran confirmed it was of masterwork quality and custom-made, though he did not recognise the maker. * The group split the recovered coin from the thugs, resulting in roughly 10 gold each plus change. ### The Sting Operation * The party set a trap on the main street to catch the thieves who robbed them previously. * [[Ryo]] used *Disguise Self* to appear as a wealthy, distracted merchant. * [[Neros]] wild-shaped into a tarantula on a nearby roof to act as a lookout. * [[Kai]] wild-shaped into a horse to provide pursuit speed. * Three children initiated the theft: a blonde girl begging, a black-haired girl attempting to pickpocket, and an older boy who kicked Ryo. * **The Chase:** * The pickpocket attempt failed, and the children scattered. * Kai (horse) and Vaeleran attempted to chase the black-haired girl but failed after Vaeleran crashed through a crate, taking damage. * Ryo and [[Eryndor]] pursued the older boy across the rooftops. After a series of successful acrobatics checks, they tackled and grappled him in a narrow alley. ### The Veiled Den * [[Ryo]] interrogated the captured boy using *Hunter's Mark* as a threat. The boy agreed to lead them to his group. * The party was led to the northern, run-down district of the city to a decrepit three-story building with boarded windows. * Upon entering, the interior was revealed to be magically or surprisingly well-maintained, featuring polished wood, good furniture, and a well-stocked kitchen. * The party was introduced to [[Ellesar]], an ancient man in a wheelchair who serves as the leader of the [[Veiled Cubs]]. He welcomed the party into their "den." ## Art ### Scuffle with The Shadow Serpents ![[Scuffle with The Shadow Serpents.png]]