> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJkzSwxY6uM) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 36 | > Play Date | 2025-06-07 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 8 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/03 - Water, 3rd.png\|4th Water, 3rd - 2507]] | > Location | [[Val Noren]] > Characters | [[Dread General Blackmarsh]]<br>[[Marcelle the Broken]]<br>[[Barak Stormrider]] | ## Summary The session began with the party preparing for a high-stakes infiltration of the besieged city of [[Val Noren]]. After crafting new equipment from the spoils of [[The Frostway]], the group utilized magical means to sprint across the semi-frozen ocean, flanking the Imperial blockade and scaling the city walls. They dispatched a sentry with lethal efficiency and descended into the shadowed, rubble-strewn streets. However, the quiet infiltration was shattered when they were discovered by a formidable Imperial leader, the [[Dread General Blackmarsh]], who destroyed their cover with a single gesture. In a devastating plot twist, the Dread General recognised [[Vaeleran]] not as a rebel, but as a lost asset. Crushing a purple jewel, the General released a wave of magical energy that seemly restored [[Vaeleran]]'s lost memories and motives. The soldier was instantly consumed by his past identity: [[General Korvas]], a loyal servant of the Empire. The Dread General departed, ordering Korvas and an elven mage named [[Marcelle the Broken]] to execute the party. A brutal fight ensued, with the party forced to battle their former ally. Korvas proved nearly invincible in combat, dropping both [[Ryo]] and [[Kai]] while shrugging off the party’s desperate attacks. Just as Korvas prepared to deliver the killing blow to his former companions, the wall of the building exploded inward. A massive warrior in a blue cloak shoulder-charged Korvas, interrupting the execution. It was revealed to be [[Barak Stormrider]], a captain of [[The Mawbreakers]]. Seizing the moment, Marcelle the Broken grabbed Korvas and teleported them both to safety. The rebels, led by Barak, quickly stabilised the dying party members and ushered them through the chaotic streets to a secure stronghold behind a massive barricade, leaving the group to process the loss of their companion and the return of an old friend. ## Details ### Preparation and Infiltration * **Armor Crafting:** [[Kai]] commissioned [[Dondar]] to craft a new breastplate using materials harvested from the Frostway (scales, fangs, and hide). [[Dondar]] used *Fabricate*, enhanced by [[Kai]]'s magic, to create a frost-themed Armor set. * **The Approach:** The party decided against a direct assault on the main gate. Instead, they cast *Water Walk* to sprint across the choppy, semi-frozen ocean, flanking the city to reach the walls near the docks. * **Scaling the Wall:** Under the cover of *Pass Without Trace*, [[Ryo]] and [[Eryndor]] scaled the thirty-foot walls first. They coordinated a synchronised sniper attack on a passing Imperial sentry, killing him instantly before he could raise an alarm. * **Entering the City:** The rest of the party ascended via rope. They disposed of the body over the wall and descended into the alleyways of [[Val Noren]]. ### The Streets of Val Noren * **Navigating Hazards:** The city showed signs of a long siege, with rubble and abandoned homes. [[Ryo]] successfully identified a pit trap hidden under floorboards in an abandoned house but narrowly dodged a crossbow trap in a subsequent building. * **The Encounter:** While hiding in a building, the party observed a towering man in black armour, [[Dread General Blackmarsh]], and a runner discussing a breach in the barricades. * **Discovery:** The Dread General sensed the party's presence. He pointed at their hiding spot, causing the wall to explode and collapsing the floor, sending the party tumbling into the street. ### The Betrayal * **The Revelation:** The Dread General recognised [[Vaeleran]] and referred to him as "[[General Korvas|Korvas]]". He expressed disappointment in [[Vaeleran]]'s recent actions with the rebellion. * **Memory Restoration:** The General crushed a ring containing a purple jewel. The released energy struck [[Vaeleran]], turning his eyes purple and seemingly restored his memories and loyalty as an Imperial General. * **Orders Given:** The Dread General departed, commanding Korvas and his subordinate, [[Marcelle the Broken]], to "dispatch these lowlifes." * **PvP Combat:** * **The Enemy:** [[General Korvas|Korvas]] utilised high AC, pushing attacks, and *Hold Person* to dominate the battlefield. Marcelle the Broken, revealed to be a high-level elven mage, used *Arcane Burst* and teleportation to harass the party. * **The Struggle:** The party's attacks repeatedly missed Korvas's high defences. Marcelle the Broken's magic was occasionally countered by [[Dondar]], but her raw damage output was severe. * **Casualties:** [[Ryo]] was paralysed and cut down by Korvas. [[Kai]] was knocked unconscious by Marcelle's magic. [[Eryndor]] and Dondar were cornered. ### The Rescue * **The Intervention:** As [[General Korvas|Korvas]] stood over the defeated party, a large man in a blue cloak charged through the building, knocking Korvas back. * **The Escape:** [[Marcelle the Broken|Marcelle]], realising the tactical disadvantage, grabbed Korvas and teleported them both away via a spatial rift. * **The Saviour:** The rescuer revealed himself to be [[Barak Stormrider]] of [[The Mawbreakers]]. He ordered his rebel soldiers to stabilise [[Kai]] and [[Ryo]]. * **Retreat:** The group fled through the winding streets, fighting off small patrols, until they reached a secure rebel section of the city protected by heavy barricades. * **Debrief:** Barak asked what [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]] had done to revert [[Vaeleran]] to his old persona, [[General Korvas|Korvas]]. The session ended with the party safe but reeling from the betrayal. ## Art ### The Betrayal ![[The Betrayal.png]]