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Session 1- Crow Devito-ed

April 4th, 2026
1 Lamashan 4070

Intro

Setting the Scene

Session Summary:

Main Events Summary — Session 1

1 Lamashan 4070

Arrival at the King’s Masquerade Ball

The Ball and Rising Suspicion

Formation of the Party

Assassination Attempt on the King

Conflict Between Eris and Alessia

The Party Stays Together

Audience with the King

Alessia’s Family Mission

Revelations and Journey Begins

Ambush on the Road

Player Notes

Missions:

-Explore the abandoned house in High Rock to investigate assassins

-Find the Assassins of the Viper League from the Masquerade (Halfling and Elf, possibly Phinala) (must bring them back alive for questioning to Roctor Vanholding, Alessia’s father and Hand of the King)  -Find the Mystery Half-Ling with the Snake Venom Bottle

-Find Philana

-Find Alessia’s Mother (Jona Vanholding), go through or around the Quiet Grove; Jona has been missing for 1 month

-Find out more about Silvyn’s broach, its symbol, and her past before the age of 12

Allies:

-Roctor Vanholding

-Clarise Vanholding

-The Black Lotus

-Lizu

-The Glass Dune

Antagonists:

-The Viper League

-Phinala

-Mystery Half-Ling

Neutral/Unknown Allegiance:

-Henry Vanholding

-Jona Vanholding

Battle Advantages/Abilities+ New Items:

Alessia:

New Items:

+Shield

+Horse Plate for Hera

+2 Health Potions

+King’s Invitation

Silvyn:

New Items:

+“Danny” Mask-a cursed Mask that is stuck on one’s face until dawn, and disguises you as a half-ling

Danny Davito

+Snake Venom

+2 Health Potions

+King’s Invitation with Invisible Ink

+Necklace with a pendant in the shape of a heart; letter J engraved; common young lovers item

Eris:

New Items:

+Cloak of Many Fashions

+2 Health Potions

+King’s Invitation

+Red Velvet Pouch w/4 gemstones: purple, blue, clear, green (seem pricy)

Characters:

Lizu: second in command of the Black Lotus; dark skin toned woman, with black tight curled hair in a bun, plain clothes

Captain Gray: second hand to Roctor Vanholding; short grey hair, gray beard and appears to be a human; really cool guy; old guy who’s been around; not a great fighter, but unstoppable; he’s fair

Clarise Vanholding: little sister of Alessia; Junior Cleric in training at the Temple of Tyr; in tan and lace temple gowns; as a Junior Cleric, she can complete daily minor healing spells, and help soldiers with non severe injuries; flirtatious; seems to have a good relationship with Alessia

Henry Vanholding: little brother of Alessia; in the military ward; does not get along with Alessia, seems to be somewhat of a rivalry between them; wearing a chain mail armor, 1 little star star on it (Junior Knight)

Roctor Vanholding: father of Alessia; orc; Hand of the King; stoic and fierce

Viper League: a criminal organization that has groups within each country; enemies of the resistance groups; plot, stealing, murder, corruption; prime suspects in the previous King of Hesparia’s (Alessia’s grandfather) assassination; symbol is a “y”

Phinala: an elf associated with the Viper League; Eris’ target from Lizu; may have been the shinarkai elf assassins from the King’s Ball; one of the captains of the Massasauga Group, which is a subgroup of the Viper League

Lord Zayden Norwood: Lord of Laencaster; hired and fired Alessia; cruel and manipulative personality

Zhazi: Lord Zayden Norwood’s right hand; cruel, bitchy, haughty; hisses and has flashing lizard eyes

Lord Gadrick: deceased; known to be a nice guy; manages a small town far north; died of poison at the King’s Ball

King Domnall Alexander: the king of Hesperia; gruff, delivers harsh punishments; follows law, believes in justice and righteousness

Stacy: barkeep at Folly’s Play Inn; has curly red hair, and lots of sass

Glass Dune: resistance group in Tawny

Black Lotus: resistance group in Pogona; code phrase: “Water surrounds the Lotus Flower”; “But does not wet its petals”; unnamed leader codename: Perennial; captains are Yizen and Lizu

Locations:

Obrivar: Campaign continent, made up of several countries

Hesperia: royal government; lumber and food exports; King Damnall Alexander rules; powerful and rich country; people generally happy; several lords run towns and villages across the country

Hesperia Capitol: very large city; royal castle, surrounded by military ward; Bright Street homes middle upper class citizens and merchant stores; Cutters Town contains homes of court workers who manage imports and exports; Port District has export shops, food, supplies, etc; Bone Crest is a shabbier part of town, taverns, less expensive, has interesting characters walking around

The Red Lace: a formal wear shop in the Hesperia Capitol; sells dresses, suits, shoes, masks, etc

Mermaid Tavern: a tavern in the Hesperia Capitol

Temple of Tyr: a temple in the Hesperia Capitol with clerics who worship Tyr

Folly’s Play Inn: a higher end inn in the Hesperian Capitol; middle high class residents; nice rooms; military leaders will stay there

Magic Milk: a store containing travel supplies such as Healing Potions

Oddities and Revelries: store in the Hesparia Capitol; stuffed packed full of the most random stuff; dragon skull, plants that seem to be watching, potions, etc; storekeeper is a hunched over human woman, with rats nets of hair, black strands, wide circle rimmed glasses

Tawny: far west country, mostly barren desert land, run by a royal hierarchy, specializes in slavery; made up of different species

Keeda Valley: east edge of Tawny; treacherous, hot and dangerous place; specialized roads built in Tawny to avoid certain death

Cascadia: desolate wasteland of a country; no government; tribes, clans, orcs and species are sparse; groups are at war with each other, some have treaties; not many visit; export fish and ocean goods into other countries; specialty merchants from Cascadia bring exports/imports to Hesperia

Tweesprong: smallest country; -sovereign nation; democratically lead state; leaders are elected and make up a round table council; leaders work together to keep the peace; farming, wheat, cows, etc; open plains area

Pogona: furthest eastern country; capitol: Dokojo; turns from plains to volcanic ash; most land is hard to travel through; poisonous gas plagues the air; there is plant life that is specially grown due to the environment; fertile soil; sometimes too toxic for natural plants; has an Empire lead government; there are shogun that own outside areas that contain towns and villages; southeast, there is a large volcano that rumbles but has not yet erupted

Otaria:  small western island that keeps to themselves; large port town; rest is untraveled jungle; tribes and cannibals; people live in a native way; there are mysterious mystic ruins with magical possibilities; some jungle fruit; most people don't visit

Inguinid Mountain Pass: northern mountain pass; Alessia’s mother was sent on a mission there

Quiet Grove: a forest with mysterious creatures; Alessia’s mother may have gone through the grove on her mission

High Rock: north of the Hesperia Capitol; near an old “abandoned” house

Dusk Ridge: on the outskirts of the Hesperia Capitol

Detailed Events:

On the 1st of Lamashan of the year 4070, on a brisk fall day, Eris Ashfall, a dark haired half-elf with striking gold eyes, walks out of the Red Lace, hands full with a new dress and mask for the upcoming King’s 10th Year of Reign Masquerade Ball. Knowing she must attain an invitation to attend the ball, she wanders about the Hesperian Capitol, searching for a familiar face to provide her with what she needs. Eventually, she makes her way to a park and sits under a large oak tree, deciding to wait patiently. After about a half hour, Eris hears someone walk behind the other side of the tree. The person states “Water surrounds the Lotus Flower”. Eris responds “But does not wet its petals”. Lizu, member of the Black Lotus resistance group, reveals herself, and Eris lights up seeing a familiar face.  Lizu hands her an invitation to the King’s Ball, and states that Eris must find a person named “Phinala”. She then swiftly departs. Eris reads the invitation, and noting the time, decides to change into her orange and black dress. Now, while most residents of Hesperia would search for privacy within the confines of, for instance an inn, Eris sees nature as sufficient for such an act. Therefore, seeing no reason why a large oak tree would not suffice for sufficient cover, she starts changing right then and there. She hides well enough to avoid attention, though admittedly does have to shoo off a little boy playing in the branches. After, like a good druid, she digs a hole under the tree, and buries her leather armor in it for safekeeping. Eris proceeds to the castle, and hands her invitation to a gray bearded human. On her way inside, she notices a halfling gnome trip on himself, but thinks nothing of it.

As Alessia Vanholding, a tall half-orc clad in armor, walks down the streets of the Hesperian Capitol, tentative heads glance her way, along with subtle whispers. Alessia pays no mind on the outside, but is all too aware of her current status in the kingdom. Alessia heads into the Red Lace, and as she does so, she sees the golden eyed druid pass by awkwardly. In the shop, the shop keeper greets her, and recommends a form fitting, shoulderless gown, along with a stunning red mask. When Alessia sees the  heeled shoes, she gulps. Nonetheless, she takes the set. Upon mentioning her last name, the shop keeper provides her with a discount. Alessia proceeds out of the shop, and heads to the Temple of Tyr. On her way there, she sees the druid speaking with someone behind a tree, but continues forward. When Alessia enters the temple, her sister Clarise, a Junior Cleric in training, waves to her. Clarise is in tan and lace temple gowns, and is slightly surprised to see her big sister. Alessia seems to feel comfortable around Clarise, and states that she is looking for an invitation to the King’s Ball, as she wants to “see dad again”. Her sister states that she is in luck, as she has an invite she is not using. Clarise makes her way to her desk, whispers a magic word, and the bottom drawer opens. As she hands Alessia her invitation, Alessia asks why she doesn’t wish to go. Clarise blushes, and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. Alessia knowingly nods, stating that Clarise should stay safe. Clarise, flirtingly states that she always does. On a more serious level, Clarise does mention that she has not seen their mother in a little while, and that their mother went off on a mission somewhere in Northern Hesperia. Alessia takes note of the statement, and hugs her sister goodbye lovingly. The two agree to meet up again sometime tomorrow to recap Clarise’s date and Alessia’s time at the Ball. As Alessia heads to an inn to change into her dress, she sees the druid from earlier strangely digging a hole under an oak tree in a dress. Alessia stares in disdain, thinking “freaking hippies”. She rolls her eyes, then heads to the Folly’s Play Inn. There, she goes to check on her majestic steed, Hera, a stunningly beautiful and mighty white mare. Old Man Jenkins praises Alessia on her horse, and she gently pets her. In Alessia’s room, she stares and grimaces at her dress, as she is most comfortable in her armor. Regardless, she reluctantly gets dressed. On her way up the stairs of the castle, Alessia struggles balancing on her heels. On the last step up, she catches her dress with one of her heels, and falls forward awkwardly. She hears a familiar grating laughter, looking up to see her brother, Henry Vonholding. He makes a condescending comment about her coordination, and Alessia, eyeing his measly one star on his chain mail, mocks his position in the military. She states that she received a Junior Knight Badge at the age of 8. Henry’s face reddens, and he just walks past stating “big words for a commoner”. The friendly hand of Captain Gray, second hand to Alessia’s father, helps her gain balance. The captain and Alessia seem to have had an amicable relationship. Alessia asks if her father had said anything about her. Captain Gray, eyes empathetic, states that “He missed ya, and he’s disappointed in how it turned out. Sometimes the path just makes its way for you”. With that, Alessia heads into the ballroom.

Silvyn Craequa, an anthropomorphic raven, moves like a shadow in the alleys of the Hesperia Capitol. Fully cloaked and hiding in the darkness, a cat runs across her feet, and she sees a very shady character. Silvyn immediately recognizes the “y” symbol of the Viper League on the figure’s bracer. She stalks the figure, staying cloaked in the shadows. Silvyn sees a small half-ling in a green jacket walk up to the figure. The two exchange words, and the figure runs away. However, Silvyn glimpses an invitation with a gold seal inside of the half-ling’s back pocket. She acts subtly, and effortlessly steals the invitation from the half-ling. Silvyn continues following the half-ling, but as she weaves in and out of the military district, the half-ling disappears behind the gates of the castle. Silvyn retreats back to the shadows and opens the invitation. Looking closely, the raven catches the faintest whiff of invisible ink. Holding a lit match underneath the paper, the words “the Lion falls tonight” appear, along with the Viper League symbol and the initials “HM”. Silvyn decides that she will need to infiltrate the King’s Ball in order to find the half-ling and get answers. As she reads through the whole invitation however, she realizes she will need a mask to enter. Unwilling to expend a spell slot to cast Disguise Self, she heads to Oddities and Revelries in the Hesparia Capitol to shop. When Silvyn approaches the shop, the door is locked. She knocks loudly, and is immediately pulled in by a strange magical force. In front of her, she sees cluttered items everywhere, along with an old woman with a rat's nest for hair. The shopkeeper offers Silvyn black tea, but Silvyn turns it down. Silvyn gets straight to the point, she needs a mask or some kind of magical item that can disguise her so she may go to the King’s Ball. The shopkeeper laughs, and asks how much gold Silvyn has. Silvyn does not want to show her hand, and honestly gets a little confused by the question. The woman then brings out a feathered mask, and asks if that will do. Silvyn is unimpressed and asks how much the mask is. The woman states that the mask would be 1 piece of gold. Silvyn immediately states that it is way overpriced. She then asks if she has a potion or something that is better. The shopkeeper takes out a potion, and states that it can transform her, but that it is 200 gold pieces. The shopkeeper then exclaims that outside of the mask, she will not be providing any items under 200 gold pieces with the power she is looking for. Silvyn reluctantly takes the mask into her hand, examining its beautiful feathers. She sighs and tosses the shopkeeper a gold piece. The woman then states ominously “you get what you pay for”. Silvyn makes her way to the castle, and before approaching the line of guests, she puts the mask on. Suddenly, Silvyn begins to shrink, and her feathers turn to skin. She exclaims, angrily cursing the shopkeeper, as she realizes she has turned into a stout, half bald half-ling man. When she sees her reflection, she admittedly sees that the mask has remained on her face, and so is able to get into the King’s Ball. Silvyn looks like an angry little old man as she shuffles quickly into the ballroom.

Inside the ballroom, the halls are all sconslet, and Lords and Ladies are shuffling. There are dancers, food as far as the eye can see, and the party is ongoing. Eris is dancing solo on the dancefloor, moving like the winds of nature, twirling in her flowing dress. Alessia is standing against a wall, observing around her. A young person with black hair and a tiger mask bumps into her, and asks drunkenly  “Guess who I am!?”. The man’s exclamation pulls Eris’ attention to where Alessia is, and she heads over curious. As Eris approaches, she also recognizes foreign ambassadors, such as shogun from Pagona, as well as guards and others shuffling around. She notes their positioning cautiously, but continues heading towards the orc. Meanwhile, Silvyn sees the half-ling again. It seems that the half-ling is picking up glasses and wine bottles, as if they are a part of the staff. The half-ling shuffles in and out of the doors, and Silvyn is frustrated knowing that the guards would not let her pass through. Alessia sees Eris come to her, and before she can even, Eris introduces herself, and asks if the tiger mask guy was giving her trouble. Alessia rolls her eyes, stating she can handle herself. Eris then jumps to a different subject, and states enthusiastically if she has seen or met a person named Phinala. Alessia’s eyebrows furrow, as she states “You aren’t from around here, are you?”. Eris delightfully states that she grew up in nature, and revels at the beauty of the ballroom and its connection to the earth. Alessia just thinks “damn hippies”. Behind Alessia, an aggravating voice states “I thought I fired you”. Lord Zayden Norwood, lord of Laencaster, sneers at Alessia. Next to him is Zhazi, his right hand and a known cruel woman. Alessia responds with vicious and effective comments about the Lord’s own failing kingdom, then she proceeds to shoulder check Zhazi. Zhazi hisses in retaliation, and her eyes flash in slits like a lizard.

Alessia grabs Eris’ arm, and they move away from the Lord and his right hand. As they leave, Eris notes that Zhazi seems like a dreadful person, and that she could use a punch in the face. Alessia begins warming up to the druid, smirking slightly at that thought. She agrees, and the two bond a bit over their shared dislike of the two. Alessia then introduces herself officially, stating that she is a Vanholding. Eris thinks back, remembering that the former king’s name was also Vanholding. Alessia states that was her grandfather. Eris pries further, remembering that he was assassinated, and she asks how Alessia feels about it. Alessia just deadpans, perhaps slightly regretting talking with the druid in the first place. Eris gets the hint, and starts to talk about nature again, and Alessia goes to get another drink. Eris then hears a crash across the hall. Lord Gadrick has fallen over in his chair, and starts to cough. It appears that he has had too much to drink. Healers quickly pick up the Lord and take him from the ballroom. As Eris looks through the ballroom, she also spots a short, balding, male half-ling, who seems to be looking for someone. Eris approaches the half-ling, getting on “his level”, she cheerfully asks “Hey little guy, what are you looking for?”. Silvyn looks up at Eris awkwardly, stating that it’s kind of offensive that she is crouching like that. Eris, unfazed, states that she is a druid, and that when she speaks with animals, they find it respectful to make eye contact at their level. One of Silvyn’s eyebrows raise in judgement, and she crosses her little arms. Eris moves on, stating it looked like he was looking for someone. She asks if he may know someone named Phinala. Silvyn relaxes a bit, stating she does not know of a Phinala, but that she has been looking for a suspicious half-ling. Eris asks Silvyn’s name, and she states it is “Edward”, in a gruff male voice. Eris sticks out her fingers to shake Silvyn’s hand, and says nice to meet you. Eris then proposes that they help each other, she can keep an eye out for the other half-ling, while Edward keeps an eye out for the name Phinala. Eris also states that she has another friend she just met who can help too. She then points directly at Alessia and states loudly “She’s over there, her name is Alessia Vanholding!”. Alessia glares intensely at Eris as others start to look and whisper around her. She then downs her current drink, and heads aggressively towards Eris, who is just waving and smiling happily. When Alessia reaches the druid, she puts her hand on her shoulder threateningly, stating “You need to speak quieter around here, do not draw so much attention”. Eris gets the hint, but merely states that in nature, you can be as loud as you want. Alessia just states that she needs another drink. Eris introduces Alessia to Edward, and explains the plan about the half-ling. She then asks if Alessia could help get them into the guarded areas, with the Vanholding name. Alessia sighs reluctantly, but agrees to help.

The group head to the door the half-ling was entering in and out through, and Alessia states they need to find one of the staff members. The guard is immediately suspicious, and states that as far as he is aware, she has no authority to enter. Alessia states that her father, Roctor-Hand of the King, made the order, and if he disobeys, he would lose his position. The guard, effectively intimidated, states that they have a few minutes, but no more than that. Alessia thanks the guard, and the group go through the door. Eris casts Without a Trace so the group may move around without notice. Silvyn spots the half-ling running down a corridor, and the group start their pursuit. As they run through the halls, they catch up enough for Eris to cast Molding Earth. When casting the cantrip, in front of the fleeing half-ling, marble transforms into rough difficult terrain. Before he knows it, he trips and falls. Alessia immediately grabs the half-ling, and the group starts to question him. Silvyn brings out the invitation with the invisible ink, demanding that the half-ling confess as to the meaning behind “the lion falls tonight”. Silvyn states that she knows he is a part of the Viper League. Eris, hearing this, stiffens. In retaliation, the half-ling bites Alessia’s hand, and he attempts to escape once more. Eris shoots out her hand, and effectively grabs his cloak, yanking him backward, and pinning him to the floor. She looks directly at him, threatening the halfling, now knowing he is a part of the Viper League. The half-ling simply states “snakes are in the grass”, and blinding light flashes in the whole corridor. When the light dims, the half-ling is gone, but a vile of Snake Venom is on the ground.

With the vile in hand, the group heads back to the guard on duty. The guard states firmly that they are late, and gestures to where King Domnall Alexander now stands making announcements. Alessia whispers “shit” underneath her breath. As the King welcomes his guests, Silvyn hears a “thwang”. As she looks up, she sees a shinarkai elf woman shoot a crossbolt from the back corner of the room directly at the king. Roctor Vanholding reacts too late, as the king is shot in the shoulder. After hitting her target, the elf woman throws down several spherical shaped items. When the spheres make contact with the ground, they explode, leaving four Ambush Drakes in their place. The elf woman flees, and the party readies for battle. Silvyn acts first, shooting an arrow that hits a drake, shoving it backward. Alessia strikes next, hitting a drake fatally with a swing of her sword. Eris begins moving towards the downed king, then throws an Ice Knife at a drake near Alessia. The drake effectively dodges the knife, but Alessia is hit by some of the shards. She grunts “Who’s side are you on druid!?” Eris apologizes profusely, and heals Alessia with Healing Word immediately. Roctor now steps into battle, unsheathing his great adamantine sword. In one slice, he cuts the drake nearest the king into thirds. Silvyn then shoots another drake point blank through its skull. Eris gets close enough to the king to cast Spare the Dying, though the king does not wake. Alessia then slays another drake, decapitating it efficiently. Eris then summons a Fire Blade, and strikes a drake in the head. In retaliation, the drake bites her arm. Roctor retaliates, bringing his large black sword above his head, and stabs the drake straight through its skull. Eris exclaims “my hero!” Alessia responds by warning “that’s my father”. Eris simply blushes. Realizing the battle has concluded, Eris becomes serious, and makes her way to the king, readying a healing spell. However, Roctor intervenes, now suspicious of the party. He states no one will get near the king that he does not know. Eris exclaims that he needs healing, and that she fought alongside him, should that not be enough? Roctor stands firm, stating he doesn’t even know why they are there. Alessia comes forward, defending Eris, stating that she and the little bald half-ling are her allies. Roctor merely stares at Alessia, and asks why she is back in the Capitol. The two have a very brief but tense conversation, concluding that with the king fallen, this is not the time to talk. Captain Gray then walks in, directing some healers to attend to the king. The Captain takes the party to a private area to wait for further instructions. When left alone in the room, Eris bluntly states that Roctor was an asshole. Alessia immediately draws her sword, and states threateningly “Excuse me? Say that again druid…” Eris doesn’t back down, she states that he didn’t allow her to help, that hierarchy is ridiculous when it comes down to saving lives. Alessia states that he was doing his job, that an assassination attempt just happened, of course he wouldn’t trust someone like her, especially since she clearly isn’t from around here. Eris fumes, stating that where she came from, people helped without needing ulterior motives. She then shouts at Alessia stating that her family died because of bullshit like this, and that at least Alessia’s father is still breathing right now. The two continue going at it, while Silvyn simply sits, her beady eyes going back and forth between the two in her little half-ling form, legs swinging back and forth curiously. Eris eventually relents, apologizing for insulting Alessia’s father, but stays firm in her assessment that hierarchy should not take precedence to decency. At that, Captain Gray reenters the room. The captain speaks with Alessia, stating that as of right now, they need to take a rest, as the Capitol will soon be increasing the amount of guards due to the assassination attempt. Alessia asks if she will be able to speak with her father. Captain Gray says that she will be able to talk with him tomorrow. Alessia states sadly “It’s always tomorrow…” The party departs shortly after.

As the group heads out, they begin talking. Alessia admits that it seems they are stuck together for now, at least until they hear what the king has to say tomorrow. Eris and Silvyn agree, and they all decide it would be best if they stayed in the same area for the night. Alessia states that she could probably upgrade her room at the Folly’s Play Inn. Though, after hearing Eris state that she could sleep anywhere, especially with connection to nature, she begins rethinking her decisions. Silvyn reveals that she is actually not a short half-ling man, and that something happened when she put the mask on. Eris then brings her hands towards Silvyn’s mask, and senses that the mask has a temporary curse bestowed upon it. She assures Silvyn that the disguise effect should not last much longer. Silvyn appears relieved at the news. Eris then states that she must retrieve her armor. Alessia asks where it is. Eris proudly states that she buried it under a tree in the park. Alessia simply states she needs a drink. The party heads to the great oak tree in the park. Eris spots an adorable chipmunk and begins chatting it up as she uses her bare hands to dig under the tree. Alessia then spots Clarise and a young man entering the Temple of Tyr. Alessia heads to Clarise, relieved to have a distraction from the strange druid. Alessia asks how the date went, and Clarise states that he was a “really annoying guy”. Alessia laughs, stating “classic Clarise”. On a more serious note, Alessia recaps the events of the evening, stating that the king was shot, and that Clarise should be on alert, as security will be significantly increasing in the Capitol. Alessia then asks if Clarise may know of a place to stock up on supplies, as it sounds like the group may be heading out of the Capitol after tomorrow. Clarise heeds Alessia’s advice, and states that they could find supplies at Magic Milk. The two siblings then talk a bit about their obnoxious brother, Henry, and Clarise rolls her eyes at hearing about Alessia’s encounter with him before the Ball. The two then hug it out, and Alessia heads back to the oak tree. Eris is still engrossed in an intense conversation with her chipmunk friend, but now has on her leather armor, covered in dirt. Silvyn’s head is in her hands in judgment, and Alessia figures out quickly that Eris simply changed her clothes behind a tree. Damn hippies…

The party heads to Folly’s Play Inn, and Eris is extra excited to hear that Alessia has a horse. She asks if she can meet her the next day, and Alessia once again just wants a drink, more desperate and tired than ever. The party also notices that guards are now filling up the streets. Alessia approaches the barkeep, and asks if she could upgrade her room. Stacy, seeing Alessia’s eccentric allies, states that she could upgrade for free, or she could get another room, but discounted. Alessia, thanking Stacy for her mercy, states that they will pay for the discounted room. Silvyn pays 4 copper pieces for the room, and the party head to their respective beds. Before bed, Eris pesters Silvyn about her true form, as she is just dying to know. Silvyn, after too many questions, finally confesses that she is a raven. Unfortunately, this only excites Eris more, and she starts asking more questions. Eventually, even Eris tires herself out, and the two drift off into much needed rest. In the other room, Alessia removes her dress, and reunites with her blessed armor once more. However impractical, she decides to sleep in her armor, as she has missed the feeling of security and comfort within her fighter gear. After all the drinks from the day, exhaustion washes over her, and she sleeps like a rock.

In the morning, Eris wakes up first. As she looks over to where the half-ling was laying, instead she sees a stunning anthropomorphic raven. The dark feathers reflect gradients of blues in the sunlight, and the beak appears so sharp, it could pierce armor. Fascinated, Eris creeps closer. She notices a silver metal broach on her cloak that has a black symbol in the shape of a gate from the east. The feathered mask worn last night is also now laying on the ground. Shortly after, Silvyn awakens to Eris’ smiling face. Before Silvyn can even react, Eris asks her several invasive questions, asking if Silvyn can fly (no), what her feet look like (like bird feet), if she eats worms (no), and what kinds of things she can do with her beak (yikes). Silvyn demonstrates how she can mimic voices exactly, and Eris states “Can you mimic me? Say, ‘My name is Eris!’” Silvyn does this flawlessly, and Eris practically jumps out of bed with excitement. When she calms down a bit, she asks Silvyn about her broach, saying she does not recall ever seeing that symbol. Silvyn admits she doesn’t know either, but says that she has had the broach since before she lost her memories. Silvyn states that her memory was wiped from the young age of 12. Eris’ face softens, saying that maybe the group can help. Then, Eris realizes that Silvyn is not a man, and asks if she’s actually a different gender than last night. She also asks what Silvyn’s name really is. Silvyn states that yes, she is a female, that her name is not really “Edward”, and that her name is Silvyn. Eris fawns over the name, stating that it suits her perfectly.

In the other room, Alessia is fast asleep, until she hears a rapid knocking on her door. She then hears Eris’ voice, stating good morning, and it’s time to get up. Alessia groans, already craving another drink right at dawn. She slowly walks over to the door, and peaks out, seeing Eris’ smiling face. Tyr have mercy, the druid is a morning person. Eris jumps in before Alessia can even groan, and states that, before anything, she must let Alessia know that our little half-ling friend has changed into her true form. She then moves aside, and Alessia opens the door further to see a very tired looking raven. Silvyn shrugs, and says “ta-da” unenthusiastically. Eris then recaps everything Silvyn and she talked about. Alessia and Silvyn only respond with a “we need breakfast”.

After a thankfully quiet breakfast, thanks to mouths being full, the party head back to the castle. They venture in front of King Domnall Alexander himself. The party kneels. The king informs the party that Lord Gadrick died, and that he himself was almost poisoned last night even before the bolt pierced his skin. The king states that the wine he was about to drink spilled, and when it made contact with the floor, it started burning. In response, Silvyn takes out the Snake Venom they obtained from the half-ling, and also presents the king with the invitation that had the invisible ink message on it. The king is immediately suspicious of Silvyn, and asks her directly why she is here. Silvyn, taken aback at being suspected of the assassination, states that she is a part of the Glass Dune resistance from Tawny. The king seems familiar with the group, remembering that it is a “more anthropomorphic" group than the others. Knowing that the resistance groups are in opposition to the Viper League, he moves on and asks Eris why she was there. Eris, delightful as ever, states that she was looking for someone named Phinala, and that on the way, she met Alessia and Silvyn. She states that, while Alessia has made it clear she is not from around here, that she even tried helping to heal the king, as in her culture, if someone was hurt, they healed them. Alessia then speaks up, vouching for both of their stories. The king holds up his hand, silencing Alessia. Satisfied that the group before him is not the cause of the assassination attempt, he states that he has a mission for them. “Find where the snake’s tunnel leads and cut off the head. Complete this, and you will all have residence within the Capitol. Do not complete the mission, then do not bother to return.”

As the group is dismissed, the king retires to his quarters, and only Roctor Vanholding remains. Alessia approached her father, at last able to speak plainly. She notices that her father has fresh lashings on him. She knows that it was a punishment bestowed for last night’s events. Roctor and Alessia talked about her past, how she was employed in Laencaster, and how she had failed her mission. Alessia stated that “it was for the right reason.” Roctor simply sighs, stating that this next mission is her opportunity to return home. He also states that her mother has been missing from her mission in the Inguinid Mountain Pass. She was supposed to return a month ago, but has heard nothing since. While Roctor is a generally stoic man, Alessia could sense concern emitting from him. He states that she was supposed to be going there through the Quiet Grove, and asks that Alessia find her while out of Hesperia. Alessia agrees to take on the mission. Grateful for the assistance, Roctor states that if she does not find anything, for her to send a message to him. He then takes the group through the castle to get travel supplies. He gives each member 2 health potions, and Alessia upgrades her equipment with a new shield and a breast plate for Hera.

As the group convenes outside of the castle, they come up with a plan to find the Viper League assassins. Eris states that, like Silvyn, she is also a part of a resistance group, this one called the Black Lotus. She was at the King’s Ball on a mission to find Phinala, who is one of the captains of the Massasauga Group, which is a subgroup of the Viper League. She states that she wonders if the elf who shot the bolt was Phinala herself. Hearing that both her companions are a part of resistance groups, Alessia scoffs at them. From what Alessia has heard, resistance groups are simply like little robin hood groups, trying their best, but not very powerful. At that, Eris speaks up, asking if Alessia has ever even been outside of Hesperia. Alessia admits that she has not. Eris then goes on a rant about how in some places, their groups are all that stand in the way between total corruption and peace. Alessia shrugs, but seems to empathize more with her companions. She cannot say she knows much of what goes on outside of the Capitol. Silvyn nods, and explains a bit about her own resistance group, the Glass Dune, and how they are located in Tawny. At that, Alessia scoffs again, but Eris drops the argument for now. Eris states that she has a contact in Hesperia, and will wait by the oak tree to talk with her. Silvyn and Alessia head back to the Folly’s Play Inn to prepare supplies and get more drinks.

As Eris waits at the oak tree, she senses Lizu once more, and says the code phrase. Eris recaps the events of the night, and asks if Lizu or any of their contacts have seen the assassins. Lizu states that some of their members saw a figure run from the castle, but they could not see where they were going. She does say that there is a rumor of an old house outside of High Rock that they have seen people coming in and out of. Lastly, Eris asks if she is familiar with the symbol on Silvyn’s broach (she draws it out on the dirt). Lizu states that it is not familiar, but will keep an eye out if she finds out more. Eris thanks Lizu, and they part ways.

On the way back to Folly’s Play Inn, Alessia sees the boy who Clarise had been with the night before, walking sadly from the Temple of Tyr. Clarise follows shortly after, and Alessia approaches. She recaps what happened with Roctor and the king to her sister. Clarise wishes Alessia well, and they hug it out. At the inn, Alessia secures the breast plate onto Hera, who whinnies appreciatively. Up at the bar, Silvyn and Alessia sit and drink in silence. Silvyn asks why Alessia was let go of her position. Alessia, immediately on the defense, says it is none of her business. Silvyn only shrugs. Alessia then asks about Silvyn, who states that she has already had enough questions from the both of them. Alessia’s eyebrow raises, and she says she has never once asked her a question. Silvyn realizes with dread that all the questions had been from the druid. She then exclaims “Wow, how did the druid do that???.” The two talk a little about the weather, and how Silvyn doesn’t much like the cold, but Alessia likes the cold. They continue not looking at each other and drink in silence.

When Eris arrives, the group heads out to Dusk Ridge on the outskirts of the Hesperia Capitol. Eris recaps her conversation with Lizu, and the group conclude it would be best to start traveling towards High Rock, rest half way, then check out the old house the next day. Eris casts Speak with Animals and then Wild Shapes into a riding horse. She has a long black main, and a tan coat, a true buckskin. Silvyn reluctantly mounts her horse form, and the party heads out. While in horse form, Eris tries to talk with Hera. Eris compliments her on her mane, and Hera only responds with “Alessia” several times. Eris asks about Alessia’s family, and Hera states “Love Roctor”. Eris asks if Alessia has any siblings. Hera, eyes astray and not a care in the world, simply says “Alessia”. As Alessia watches the two communicate, she intentionally speeds up her horse, and Eris tries to keep up.

The party then comes across a fallen tree. They stop, and are ambushed by a group of Wereboars. The Wereboars demand all their gold, and in response, Alessia challenges them to try. Silvyn shoots an arrow through one of the boar’s shoulders. Alessia charges the boars with Hera, and slices through one of their shoulders with her sword. Eris then, harnessing the great power of her Woodland Staff, summons an enormous Wall of Thorns, entrapping and impaling many of the boars. However, the boars react quickly, and make their way slowly, but surely, out of the deadly brambles. One of the boars reaches Silvyn, bowling her over with its fierce fists. Several others surround Eris. A boar gashes her with one of its tusks. Eris suddenly starts to feel a curse of lycanthropy begin to take over, but she is able to shake it off. Alessia, seeing the boars surrounding her companions, rushes over, and wacks several boars with her sword. Eris then casts Aid, healing herself and her allies. Silvyn awakens, moves away from the boars, and starts shooting arrows. Eris then starts to convulse, as if she is about to throw up. However, a warm energy encompasses her chest, and as she opens her mouth, fire emerges. The fire snakes into a fire storm next to a couple of boars. One of the boars takes fire damage, while the other is able to dodge it. When the storm disperses, a fiery dragon appears in its place. Eris commands the wildfire spirit to transport and damage more of the boars in its next turn. Vali happily obliges, transporting here and there to disrupt the boars. The battle persists, Eris shoots the boars with Starry Whisps, while Alessia slashes with her sword, and Silvyn shoots arrows one after another. Silvyn eventually falls once again, and Eris heals her with Healing Word. Finally, after much slicing and dicing, Alessia makes the first kill, ripping out a boar’s jugular with a swift wave of her sword. Silvyn then takes out another, pointing her crossbow directly at the eye of a boar, and shoots a bolt straight through its skull. Vali even helps out, creating a distraction for the remaining boars by encircling the sky with his flame. While distracted, Alessia takes the opportunity to stab another boar straight through his throat, spraying blood everywhere. The final two boars begin to flee, knowing the battle is lost. However, Eris commands Vali to catch them. Vali disappears in a fire tornado, and transports himself right where the boars were running. The boars are engulfed in searing dragon flames, and are burned to a crisp. The remaining deceased boars shrink back to humanoids. They appeared to be bandits cursed with lycanthropy.

The group searches the boars for any valuables. Eris finds a velvet pouch with colorful and expensive gems, Alessia notices a patchwork cloak that seems to have not burned, and Silvyn finds a heart shaped necklace with a letter J engraved into it. The necklace seems to be one given to young lovers. Alessia gives the cloak to Eris. Eris senses transmutation magic in it, and thinks of the most beautiful cloak she can think of. The patchwork of the cloak starts to transform into a black velvet texture with a fiery gradient at its ends. The party moves the bodies off of the road, and travels a little further north by foot. They settle down for camp, Eris summons water for Hera to drink. Silvyn retires to a tree, and Alessia agrees to just take a short rest so she can keep watch for the group. Exhausted, Eris and Silvyn take their long rest, while Alessia sits against a tree petting her horse.

Video

![[Session 1.mp4]]

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