> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPsaZsBKZ-w) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 32 | > Play Date | 2025-04-12 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 7 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/02 - Water, 2nd.png\|15th Water, 2nd - 2507]]<br>to<br>[[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/02 - Water, 2nd.png\|25th Water, 2nd - 2507]] | > Location | Travelling from [[Lighthaven]] to [[Point Blackrock]] > Characters | [[Dhorik]] | ## Summary Following the volatile confrontation at the forge, the party fled [[Lighthaven]] in a fractured state. [[Ryo]], overcome with frustration regarding the moral complexities of their rebellion, vanished ahead of the group, forcing the party to chase him down. They eventually regrouped in the woodlands outside the city, but not before leaving a grim message behind: the severed head of [[Captain Lucius Draegor]] left with the unconscious blacksmith, [[Dhorik]], a brutal symbol of the Empire’s failure to protect its own. As a fierce winter storm descended, [[Kai]] summoned a magical shelter, providing a reprieve from the cold. Within the safety of the dome, [[Vaeleran]] and Ryo clashed verbally, challenging the Ranger's "lone wolf" mentality and reinforcing the necessity of trust within the group. The journey to [[Val Noren]] demanded resources the party did not have, specifically speed. When they intercepted a squad of Imperial soldiers - the rudderless remnants of the Lighthaven garrison - the party laid an ambush. They dispatched the soldiers and seized their horses, along with uniforms to craft disguises. During the looting, they recalled taking a black cloak previously worn by the assassin who targeted [[The Finegolds]]; it was identified as a magical *Cloak of Protection* containing a cryptic, magically sealed note that refused to yield its secrets without a specific trigger. The tension peaked at a heavily fortified Imperial barricade blocking the road north. Disguised as Imperial soldiers, the party attempted to bluff their way through, but were intercepted by a high-ranking [[Hand of the Empire]]. The Hand recognised Vaeleran, not as a mercenary, but as the missing [[General Korvas]]. In a nerve-wracking standoff, Vaeleran leaned into the persona of his past self, fielding poignant questions about his absence. Though suspicious, the Hand ultimately deferred to Vaeleran's assumed authority, allowing them to pass. The session concluded days later as the weary group arrived at the outskirts of [[Point Blackrock]], finding the frozen settlement consumed by a sprawling, menacing Imperial war camp. ## Details ### Departure from Lighthaven * **The Aftermath:** Following the non-lethal takedown of [[Dhorik]], the party decided to leave a brutal message. They left the severed head of [[Captain Lucius Draegor]] in the blacksmith's shop alongside the unconscious dwarf, framing the narrative before fleeing the town. * **The Split:** [[Ryo]], emotionally compromised by the confrontation and the moral ambiguity of their actions, ran off alone. The party was forced to track him for an hour before he finally rejoined them in the woods. ### The Road North * **Shelter:** A heavy storm struck the region. [[Kai]] cast *Leomund’s Tiny Hut* (flavored as a comfortable, warm shelter) to protect the group from the elements. * **Heart-to-Heart:** Inside the hut, [[Vaeleran]] confronted [[Ryo]] about his tendency to isolate himself. They debated the dangers of being a "lone wolf" versus the strength of a unit, attempting to mend the cracks formed in [[Lighthaven]]. * **Mental Intrusion:** Throughout the journey, Kai expressed feelings of deep unease, describing a sensation like something was "itching" in his mind, though the source remained unknown. ### The Ambush * **The Encounter:** The party heard horses approaching from the direction of [[Lighthaven]]. Identifying them as the remaining leaderless soldiers from the town, the party set up an ambush to secure mounts. * **The Skirmish:** The party successfully attacked and defeated the patrol. * **Loot & Logistics:** * They secured Imperial horses to speed up their travel. * They took uniforms to fashion disguises for the road ahead. * **Item Found:** Examining the black gear from the assassin who previously captured [[The Finegolds]], they identified a *Cloak of Protection*. * **The Note:** Inside the cloak, they found a magical note. It is currently unreadable, requiring a specific trigger or keyword to reveal its contents. ### The Imperial Barricade * **The Checkpoint:** The group encountered a massive blockade controlled by [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]]. Relying on their new disguises, they attempted to pass through. * **The Hand:** They were stopped by a [[Hand of the Empire]]. The commander recognised [[Vaeleran]]'s face, identifying him as the former [[General Korvas]]. * **The Bluff:** The Hand questioned Vaeleran intensely regarding his long disappearance and sudden return. Vaeleran successfully maintained the ruse of being a superior officer returning to the fold. * **Resolution:** Though clearly harbouring doubts, the Hand did not dare detain a General. The barricade was lifted, and the party was allowed to continue north. ### Arrival at Point Blackrock * **The Destination:** After a few more days of travel, the party reached the frozen coast. * **The Sight:** They looked down upon [[Point Blackrock]] to see it completely swallowed by a massive Imperial encampment, setting the stage for their infiltration. ## Art ### Road to Point Blackrock - Ambush ![[Road to Point Blackrock - Ambush.png]] ### Road to Point Blackrock - Barricade ![[Road to Point Blackrock - Barricade.png]]