> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGRkJQIKiKw) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 22 | > Play Date | 2024-09-22 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 6 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/02 - Water, 2nd.png\|5th Water, 2nd - 2507]] | > Location | [[Val Miriel]] > Characters | [[Felix]]<br>[[Gaara]]<br>[[Lord Norak Vara]] | ## Summary The session began with the party regrouping at the [[River's Watch]] tavern, discussing the revelations regarding [[Eryndor]]'s lineage and the mysterious sending stones. The morning was dedicated to preparation and gathering resources across [[Val Miriel]]. The group visited [[The Bridge of Stars]], a magic shop run by the eccentric [[Felix]], where they acquired new arcane tools and learned of a legendary "Ring of Protection." A subsequent visit to [[The Fur and Fang]] trapper shop saw [[Kai]] prove his strength in an arm-wrestling match against [[Gaara]], earning the party a contract to hunt a massive, lizard-like beast rumoured to be the size of a house near [[Farhaven]]. The investigation into the [[The Green Gryphons]] contract led the party to the noble estate of [[Lord Norak Vara]]. The meeting was tense, punctuated by [[Dondar]] magically slamming doors to unnerve the staff. Norak Varra and his butler, revealed that not only have shipments ceased, but multiple squads - including elite Empire soldiers - have vanished at the mine without a trace. The party, sensing a deep conspiracy or a threat beyond simple banditry, decided to prepare their wagon for travel. The session concluded with an explosive climax at [[Serenity Plaza]]. Stumbling upon an anti-Empire rally, [[Dondar]] used magic to brand the wall with a bloody nail symbol, inciting the crowd. As Imperial soldiers moved to arrest the speaker, a massive explosion rocked the square, birthing two raging Fire Elementals. The party engaged in a chaotic battle amidst fleeing civilians and burning market stalls. Through a combination of [[Ryo]]'s archery, Kai's usage of a Decanter of Endless Water, and [[Vaeleran]]'s frontline steel, the entities were destroyed, leaving the chroniclers standing alone amidst the smouldering wreckage of the plaza. ## Details ### Morning at River's Watch * **Potion Crafting:** [[Kai]] successfully used his herbalism kit to crush Goodberries into a vial, creating a liquid healing potion that retains potency for 24 hours. * **Identification:** [[Dondar]] performed a ritual to identify the party's loot. * **Sending Stones:** The six stones allow the user to cast *Sending* to a paired stone held by resistance leaders. * **Charlatans Die:** A magical die found at [[Miriel's Rest]] that rolls whatever number the user thinks of. * **Roleplay:** [[Ryo]] alluded to a troubled past involving theft and a lack of trust, hinting at the reasons for his current skills. ### Shopping: The Bridge of Stars * The party visited a magic shop located on [[The Artisan Way]], run by a wizard named [[Felix]]. * **Purchases:** * [[Dondar]] purchased an **Enduring Spellbook** for 150g. * [[Vaeleran]] purchased an **Immovable Rod** for 250g (after an awkward moment where [[Kai]] attempted to cast *Command* for a discount). * [[Ryo]] purchased several decks of cards. * **Lore:** [[Felix]] showed them a **Ring of Protection** (priced at 6,000g) found in ruins north of [[Val Aran]]. He also directed [[Ryo]] to a contact named Aiden in [[Val Aerie]] who may possess a magical quiver. ### Shopping: Fur and Fang * The group noticed they were being tailed by a slender figure in a green hood while crossing the city. * They arrived at the trapper's shop, [[The Fur and Fang]], run by [[Gaara]] and his niece [[Kira]]. * **The Test:** [[Kai]] challenged Gaara to an arm-wrestling match. With magical assistance from the party, Kai won decisively, earning the trapper's respect. * **The Hunt:** Gaara shared rumors of a "lizard-like monster the size of a house" in the woods north of [[Farhaven]]. * **Contract:** The party negotiated a reward of 1,000g plus 100g per trophy for killing the beast. ### The Benefactor: Norak Varra * The party visited the home of [[Lord Norak Vara]] on [[The Royal Way]] to discuss the mine contract. * **The Butler:** They were met by Nihilus, a haughty servant. [[Dondar]] used *Prestidigitation* to repeatedly slam the doors, causing chaos and making Nihilus believe the windows were drafty. * **The Intel:** * The mine usually has 10-15 guards and ~30 miners. * Two separate Imperial squads were sent to investigate the silence; neither returned. * The [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]] has washed its hands of the manpower cost, forcing Norak Vara to hire mercenaries. * **Suspicion:** [[Vaeleran]] pressed Norak on the loyalty of Nihilus, but Norak dismissed the concerns. ### The Plaza Incident * While heading to retrieve their wagon, the party noticed a crowd gathering at [[Serenity Plaza]]. * **The Rally:** A speaker was inciting rebellion against the Empire. * **The Symbol:** [[Dondar]] used magic to manifest a large image of a bloody nail on the wall behind the speaker, triggering the crowd to chant "Nail by nail!" * **The Ambush:** Imperial soldiers arrived to arrest the speaker. [[Kai]] cast *Sleep*, neutralising several guards instantly. * **The Explosion:** Suddenly, a massive blast incinerated the remaining guards and the speaker, spawning two *Fire Elementals*. * **Combat:** * **Fire Immunity:** Dondar used *Elemental Adept* to bypass the elementals' fire immunity with a *Fireball*, incinerating the unconscious guards but damaging the elementals. * **Tactics:** [[Ryo]] utilized *Hunter's Mark* and rapid arrow fire. [[Vaeleran]] engaged in melee, taking significant fire damage. Kai climbed into the fountain and used the *Decanter of Endless Water* to deal massive damage to one elemental. * **Chaos:** [[Eryndor]] playfully attempted to telekinetically shove Dondar off a roof during the fight. * **Aftermath:** The elementals were defeated. The party was left alone in the burning plaza, surrounded by the charred remains of Imperial soldiers. ## Art ### Serenity Plaza ![[Serenity Plaza.png]]