> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-31_R9pObRg) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 10 | > Play Date | 2023-11-25 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 3 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/03 - Water, 3rd.png\|7th Water, 3rd - 2507]] | > Location | [[Camaar]] > Characters | [[Ellesar]]<br>[[Lia]]<br>[[Veiled Cubs]] | ## Summary The session begins in the deceptive comfort of [[The Veiled Den]], where the party meets the mastermind behind the orphan thieves, a wheelchair-bound man named [[Ellesar]]. Far from a hostile confrontation, Ellesar is impressed by the party's skill in tracking down his "[[Veiled Cubs|Cubs]]." He returns their stolen gold with interest and offers a lucrative contract: to escort his most talented protege, [[Lia]], up the coast to the city of [[Val Miriel]]. While the party accepts the job in principle, they delay their departure to attend to local business, establishing a secret signal to contact the orphans when they are ready. With gold in their pockets, the group - now tentatively calling themselves "The Iron Nails" - spends the afternoon resupplying in [[Camaar]]. They visit the [[Gilded Grimoire]] to identify their spoils from previous adventures, revealing powerful magical assets including a *Dagger of Warning* and a *Rope of Climbing*, though a mysterious white gemstone defies magical identification. Seeking immediate work while they wait, they visit [[The Green Gryphons]] mercenary guild and accept a contract from the crew of a ship called The Kraken. The task is straightforward but ominous: clear a coastal smuggling cave where crew members recently vanished amidst screams and the smell of rot. The climax of the session takes place within the damp, echoing confines of the coastal cave. The party discovers a horrific *Sea Hag* stirring a cauldron next to a mound of corpses. The battle instantly turns chaotic as the Hag’s terrifying visage frightens the majority of the party, freezing them in place. Simultaneously, a massive *Water Elemental* rises from the pool, engulfing [[Dondar]] and [[Eryndor]] in a suffocating "Whelm." The fight becomes a desperate struggle for survival; Dondar falls unconscious inside the elemental, and [[Vaeleran]] is nearly crushed. However, through heroic maneuvers - including [[Neros]] transforming into a Dire Wolf inside the watery beast, [[Kai]] landing a critical *Guiding Bolt*, and [[Ryo]] firing a precise arrow through the wolf's jaws - the party slays the monsters, securing the cave and surviving by the skin of their teeth. ## Details ### The Veiled Den * The party enters the hideout to find it surprisingly well-furnished, inhabited by children and led by [[Ellesar]]. * Ellesar reveals he allowed Brom to be caught to test the party's skills. * **The Offer:** Ellesar returns the party's stolen gold (plus 20g interest each) and offers a job to escort [[Lia]] (the acrobat girl) to [[Val Miriel]]. * **Rewards:** Ellesar showcases potential rewards for the escort mission, including a *Cloak of Protection*, *Bracers of Archery*, and *Gloves of Missile Snaring*. * **Negotiation:** The party agrees to the mission but delays it for a few days to handle other business. They are told to use the code word "Cub" to a street urchin to signal when they are ready. * **Dondar** asks for something to make him taller and is gifted a wooden stool. ### Shopping in Camaar * **The Gilded Grimoire:** The party visits the magic shop run by [[Elara]]. * **Identified Items:** * Dagger -> *Dagger of Warning* (Advantages on initiative, prevents surprise). * Rope -> *Rope of Climbing*. * Black Pouch -> *Dust of Disappearance*. * Potions -> *Healing*, *Water Breathing*, *Invisibility*. * **The Mystery:** Elara fails to identify the White Gemstone found in the goblin cave, noting it feels "deep and ancient" and unlike standard magic. * **Transactions:** The party sells jewellery loot and buys spell transcription materials for [[Dondar]]. [[Kai]] inquires about a *Decanter of Endless Water* (quoted 500g/1 week to craft). * **Whispering Woods Bowyer:** [[Ryo]] and Kai purchase armour upgrades (Studded Leather and Hide) and restock arrows. ### The Green Gryphons & The Iron Nails * The party returns to the mercenary guild. When asked for a group name for the contract, they settle on *"The Iron Nails"*. * Two jobs are offered: a missing person case for the Alchemists or a security job for a ship. * The party selects the security job for The Kraken. ### The Kraken Contract * The party heads to the [[Drunken Quay]] and meets Captain [[Erin Nayla]] (Half-orc) and her runner, [[Olly]]. * **The Job:** Clear out a coastal cave used for smuggling. A previous crew went in and never returned; Olly reported screams and the smell of rot. * **Payment:** 150g per person (half paid upfront). * **The Mawbreakers:** The party briefly visits [[Ari]] to check travel times to [[Val Miriel]] (confirmed as 2–3 days by boat) and inform them of their temporary absence. ### The Coastal Cave * The party travels north and camps near the location. [[Dondar]] learns *Misty Step* and *Tasha's Hideous Laughter*. * **Entry:** Using the *Rope of Climbing*, the party descends into the sea cave. They detect the smell of rot and hear muttering. * **The Encounter:** They find a Sea Hag and a hidden Water Elemental. * **Combat Highlights:** * **Fear:** The Hag's *Horrific Appearance* frightens [[Vaeleran]], [[Kai]], [[Dondar]], and [[Eryndor]], severely limiting their movement and offense. * **The Whelm:** The Water Elemental engulfs and restrains Dondar and Eryndor. Dondar is knocked unconscious by the crushing pressure. * **The Hag's Demise:** [[Neros]] kills the Hag with a *Poison Spray* after [[Ryo]] deals massive damage with *Hunter's Mark* and *Dread Ambush*. * **The Rescue:** Vaeleran uses *Bait and Switch* to swap places with Eryndor, saving the rogue. Eryndor then pulls the unconscious Dondar from the elemental. * **The Finish:** Neros Wild Shapes into a Dire Wolf *inside* the Water Elemental. Kai hits a massive critical *Guiding Bolt*, and Ryo finishes the Elemental with an arrow shot that passes safely through the wolf. * **Status:** The party survives the encounter and achieves **Level 4**. ## Art ### The Coastal Cave ![[The Coastal Cave.png]]