Session 2

The group was awoken by the screams of Edra, who was enwrapped in a tentacle that now grew out of Roderick’s arm. “Oh god, Ludwig! He turned!” she screamed as the tentacles constricted around her body.

Roderick, with a sickening chorus of snapping bones and tearing flesh, split into two copies, and began to battle the group, but not before bringing Edra to the brink of death. As Ludwig and Eren fled the area, the group dealt with the two monstrosities, Oktai taking a heavy blow in the process.

Afterward, everyone tended to Edra’s wounds and Tyrius managed to bring her back from death’s door with the light of the sacred flame which burns within him. Everyone dealt with the bodies, and went back to sleep. (Milestone–Level2)

During the night Eren gave Edra one of the few healing potions she had stashed away for emergencies and her condition improved enough for travel. The group tried to convince Ludwig and Edra to at least accompany them to Emberwood, but the two were emphatic that they’ve had “enough of that nightmare place.”

The caravan set out again for a number of days, before, when prompted, pointed at a hill and notified everyone that Emberwood is just over the hill. A few members noticed that on a dead Tree, tossing a stuffed lamb up and catching it over and over, was a young Child. Noticing the group, she skipped over to them and introduced herself as Aliscent Crowe, the blacksmith’s daughter. She offered to give them a tour of the town for a Gold, which Belmir was happy to pay.

Everyone escorted to Caravan Court, which was basically the town square, a busy intersection surrounding a boarded up/contaminated well. Aliscent then skipped her way across town showing the group all the locations of note in Emberwood, as well as MANY of the gruesome fates that similar adventurers had met.

• Bark and Buzzard: A one level public house/tavern is a popular spot among locals. There is “something cool” in the backyard. The tavern keeper can set people up in some abandoned homes as a place to stay.
• Gilded Lilly: A lavish two story building that has a veranda covered with painted lily motif in purple. It is famous for “open Mike night,” whatever that is.
• Skull and Sword Taphouse: A dingy saloon that was once a farmstead. A jawless skull impaled upon a rusty broadsword stands next to the entryway. This is a more rowdy establishment.
• Red Lion Hotel: Three storey red brick mansion that now serves as a hotel for numerous individuals. Most notably several of the Amethyst Academy room and board here.
• Crowe and Son’s Smithy: Aliscent’s father runs the smith, and he’s the only smith in town.
• Chapel of Saint Ardenna: Run by High Flamekeeper Ophelia Reed, this is the main place of worship and healing services in the city. No doubt the faith has its own designs on Drakkenheim as well.
• Watchtower: This old rickety watchtower serves as the main base of operations for the Hooded Lanterns, who seem more concerned with Drakkenheim than they are policing the town of Emberwood.
• Hendrix Farm: This farmstead to the south of town is absolutely covered up with what appear to be refugees, pilgrims, or fanatics. This is the main base of operations for the Followers of the Falling Fire, a newly founded religion.
• Eventide Manor: A burned down house that supposedly was once the residence of an Elf woman who had a child out of wedlock with a local. Sadly, many years ago the house burned down, and they died in the fire. Aliscent mentioned her friend Oliver said that some nights you can hear their screams coming from the basement.
• Shrine of the Old Gods: Old Zoya, a witch, lives there and provides services to those who pay, like medical help or other things.
• Marlowe’s Provisions: One of the merchant’s in Caravan’s Court, she sells mostly sundries and items that will not be very useful for adventuring.
• Gainsbury Expeditionary Supply Company: A Caravan/repurposed old warehouse is stacked with all manner of Adventuring and mining gear.
• Fairweather Trades and Exports: Two flat bedded carts with a Black Iron stage coach flanked by armed guards. Numerous chests are laid on the carts. Known to deal in delerium crystal. One of many.
• Aldor the Immense: A rather Large human being sitting near his finely ornate caravan, known to deal for Delerium, and seems to have a rather “nicer” selection of items.

Aliscent takes her tip (another gold) and leaves. The group now has the town and their fates before them. When will they decide to first delve into the ruins of Drakkenheim?