> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Nwe6o9v7w) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 20 | > Play Date | 2024-07-21 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 6 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/02 - Water, 2nd.png\|4th Water, 2nd - 2507]] | > Location | [[Val Miriel]] > Characters | [[Gemma Finegold]]<br>[[Porta Hale]]<br>[[High Priest Oldir]] | ## Summary The party begins their day in [[Val Miriel]] at [[River's Watch]], where [[Kai]] offers comfort to a grieving [[Gemma Finegold]], whose resolve against [[The Valtorran Empire|The Crimson Empire]] is hardening following her father's murder. After gathering intelligence on the city's layout from the barmaid [[Lila Spring]], the group splits their focus between securing better equipment and investigating the mysterious note inviting them to a midnight meeting. Their journey takes them through the bustling markets, where they overhear whispers of a gathering at [[Serenity Plaza]], hinting at the city's bubbling political unrest. The quest for armaments proves a study in contrasts. At the ostentatious [[Silverforge]] on [[The Artisan Way]], the party clashes with a pretentious proprietor who values form over function. However, [[Vaeleran]] learns that his mysterious greatsword bears the markings of Northern steelcraft, likely from [[Val Aran]]. Finding more practical success at [[The Coal]] in the military district, they meet [[Ingrid]], a rugged smith who confirms the sword's Northern origins and supplies the group with sturdy weaponry. At the [[The Green Gryphons]], the party reunites with [[Ryo]] and speaks with [[Porta Hale]], securing potential contracts involving a silent gold mine and a ghostly merchant ship, while learning that the "beasts" they tracked in the woods were likely dangerous Displacer Beasts. The session culminates in two significant discoveries. A scouting mission to [[Miriel's Rest]], the royal cemetery, reveals it to be the meeting spot for the midnight summons. While investigating, [[Ryo]] uncovers a magical six-sided die radiating transmutation magic hidden on a grave. Meanwhile, [[Kai]] visits [[The High Sept]] to understand his growing powers. In a private audience with [[High Priest Oldir]], Kai reveals his starry form, prompting a terrified and earth-shattering revelation: the celebrated Seven Gods of the realm are merely ascended champions, false idols masking the existence of the "True Gods." [[High Priest Oldir|Oldir]] reveals that Kai has been touched by [[Selûne]], the true Goddess of the Moon, and warns that her dark sister, the Lady of Vengeance, has also taken an interest in him. ## Details ### Morning at River's Watch * [[Kai]] consoles [[Gemma Finegold]], who expresses a hardened resolve to fight the Empire after her father's death. * The party speaks to [[Lila Spring]], learning the locations of key shops and receiving a warning about political whispering in the city. * Kai attempts to ask for a "cattle whip" but is directed toward the military quarter. * The group decides to head out for supplies, leaving [[Ryo]] and [[Dondar]] to attend to personal errands. ### Shopping at the Silverforge * The group travels through the crowded market, using intimidation and stealth to navigate, and hears rumours of a gathering at Serenity Plaza. * They arrive at [[Silverforge]] on [[The Artisan Way]], a high-end, decorative armoury. * The proprietor, a half-elf with silver makeup, is dismissive of [[Eryndor]]'s request for functional, unadorned weapons. * [[Vaeleran]] shows the proprietor his greatsword; the smith identifies the craftsmanship as Northern steel, likely forged in or near [[Val Aran]]. * The party leaves without purchasing weapons; Eryndor spitefully scatters ball bearings on the floor as they exit. * Vaeleran purchases a hooded cloak and scarf from a nearby clothing merchant to maintain a low profile. ### The Coal & The Green Gryphon * The party locates [[The Coal]] on [[The Military Way]], a run-down but practical smithy run by [[Ingrid]], a massive, no-nonsense woman. * [[Eryndor]] purchases two balanced daggers, and [[Kai]] successfully buys a whip. * [[Ingrid]] examines [[Vaeleran]]'s greatsword, confirming it bears a Northern owner's mark, not a maker's mark. * The group proceeds to the [[The Green Gryphons]] mercenary guildhall and reunites with [[Ryo]]. * They speak with [[Porta Hale]], presenting their credentials and asking about work. * **New Contracts Available:** * **The Gold Mine:** Located in the foothills north of [[Val Miriel]]. Contact has been lost, and investigators have vanished. The client is [[Lord Norak Vara]]. * **The Ghost Ship:** A merchant ship struck the portal walls with no crew on board. The Keep wants it investigated. * [[Porta Hale]] identifies the tracks [[Ryo]] previously saw in the forest as likely belonging to a Displacer Beast. ### Scouting Miriel's Rest * The party scouts [[Miriel's Rest]] (the Royal Cemetery) in preparation for the midnight meeting mentioned in the mysterious note. * The location is surrounded by a 10-foot stone wall topped with spikes and guarded by elite soldiers; it is closed to the public at night. * [[Ryo]] casts *Detect Magic* and locates a small magical object on the grave of "Armand Aris." * [[Eryndor]] uses *Mage Hand* to retrieve the item: a six-sided die radiating Transmutation magic. * Ryo observes three robed figures praying; one radiates a faint aura of magic. ### Revelation at the High Sept * [[Kai]] visits [[The High Sept]] alone to investigate the source of his divine magic. * He inspects the statue of [[Elaris Moonsong]] and notices a display case inside containing a Moonstone identical to the one in his possession. * Kai is approached by [[High Priest Oldir]]. In a private chamber, Kai reveals the starry markings on his arms. * Oldir is terrified and reveals a heresy: The current "Seven Gods" (including Elaris) are not true gods, but ancient champions who were worshipped until the true gods were forgotten. * Oldir explains that Kai has been touched by [[Selûne]], the true Goddess of the Moon (Lady of Night). * He warns Kai that the black markings on his other arm indicate he has also drawn the gaze of Selûne's dark sister, the Lady of Vengeance.