ZEITGEIST Aartvb's Zeitgeist

[aartvb]

Session 42 (8-5-2024): Murder, Mystery, and Monsters on the Rails

501 A.O.V., Winter, Day 13
At 5:59 in the morning, Zuna/Claudia comes downstairs, ready for the breakfast buffet. By 6:30, Verzubak also comes down, experimenting with bits of chicken to see what luck they bring. At 6:45, Elenor and her slave make their appearance. The rest of the group gradually trickles in, with Olivert Boone being the last to arrive.

The waiter informs them of a murder discovered earlier that morning, news he heard from his father. A woman was reportedly killed not far from the inn, but unfortunately, the father, who operates the ferry, is unavailable to provide more details.

This marks the second (or possibly third, counting the man on the train) murder during their journey. The group decides to investigate further. They quickly locate the crime scene, a cordoned-off block. Ben sends his mechanical bird to scout the area. The bird spots a young woman’s body with her entrails outside of her body.

Damavik and Claudia head to the crime scene. Claudia disguises herself as a police officer to gather "evidence". Once near the body, she uses her abilities as a Spirit Medium to communicate with the victim.

The victim recalls little of the incident, only a sharp pain in her chest. Her last memory is of a conversation with a charming tiefling man, who wore a fine hat and a long coat. He carried a simple dagger but also had a pistol, which he claimed was sentient.

Claudia notices some of the blood has a purple hue, unusual compared to the rest, which reminds her of a ritual she once learned about. Strangely, this purple blood hasn’t coagulated like the rest. She overhears the police referring to the victim as Clara Rattleguest.

Claudia returns to the group and claims that her clairvoyant abilities point to Olivert Boone as the murderer. Olivert entered the tavern alone, came downstairs alone, but was later seen boarding the train with two women.

The group reboards the train, they will go from Orithea to Trekhom. They debate throwing Olivert Boone off the train or outright killing him but decide to wait for now.

Ravarel attempts to convince Torro (Damata Griento’s son) to steal the suitcase belonging to Cardiif Hengehill, but Torro fails—he’s not a very successful pickpocket.

As time passes, Malia announces it’s time for the hunt on the train roof. Ben casts an Alarm spell to signal him if the group returns from the roof. He opts not to join the hunt and instead searches Olivert Boone’s compartment. There, he finds:

• A booklet on seduction techniques.
• Clothing.
• Letters, one of which is of interest. It confirms that Olivert will be paid 3000 gp if he successfully completes his task. The letter hints at a connection to the train but lacks further details.

Suddenly, the train screeches to a halt, throwing three people off the roof. From the mist emerges a loud roar, and an enormous five-headed monster hovers just above the ground.

The train grinds to a stop 200 feet ahead, with its front in a desert and its rear in a swamp. As the train stops, the monster is midway down the train. Meanwhile, figures emerge from the bushes near the locomotive and rush toward it. The bandits enter the locomotive.

The group engages the monster in battle. When Ben attempts to teleport, the spell misfires due to the chaotic nature of the Malice Lands, and he is transported in the opposite direction, far away from the train.

Note: This was a really funny moment. They knew using spells could go wrong, but he casted a teleportation spell anyways. An yes, he rolled a one on the check. With some quick thinking I thought of this simple mishap: teleporting in the opposite direction. It's simple, not harmful, a completely logical mishap, but has a very non-desirable effect. And it was hilarious. The group loved it!

 

[aartvb]

Session 43 (22-5-2024): Clash on the Rails

The fight continues. The monster manages to kill quite a few people on the train, but in the end, it is defeated. Many of the bandits are also killed, although some manage to escape with the loot. One bandit is captured, but this is not the leader.

Bella, Ben/Red's mechanical bird, is sent into the air to scout but spots nothing unusual. Ben begins repairing his other robot (Levy, the mechanical dog) using the Mending spell.

The (now dead) leader of the bandits has a sketch (drawing) of the train and the barricade situation. On the sketch, a magical staff is drawn, pointing at the barricade, but no barricade is visible now. It was likely an illusion. In addition to the sketch, the man carries a staff, a dagger, and an acid ray pistol.

Note: When they arrived at the sketch, they didn't really understand what was on the sketch when I described it. So I picked up a pen and a piece of paper, and drew a little stick figure version of the situation, with some text which they found illegible (yeah, I'm no artist, and yes, someone else in my group is). So, needless to say, this bandit captain was dubbed a stupid low intelligence person who can't even draw a sketch without it looking like a 3 year old made it.

 

[aartvb]

Session 44 (19-6-2024): Secrets Unveiled in Trekhom

The group boards the train. Malia requests the prisoner be handed over to her for interrogation.
Ben walks through the train to see if anything requires immediate attention, but finds nothing. On his way back, he notices Olivert Boone sitting in his own compartment.

It turns out that during the attack, 24 people were killed, all passengers—no staff among them. Panic grips the train due to the casualties. The crew works hard to make the remaining passengers as comfortable as possible.

At 6:30 PM, Malia makes an announcement: in 15 minutes, they will arrive in Trekhom. She asks everyone once again to stay close to their belongings to prevent theft.
At 6:45 PM, the train arrives. Heavy snow falls, and the silhouettes of the buildings are just barely visible.

The station is crowded, with many guards present. The 21-minute delay has not gone unnoticed. Everyone is offered compensation for the cost of their journey, and the guards begin questioning everyone.

At Trekhom, BenDER/Red sits in sentry mode by the train.
The 24 corpses are removed from the train and taken to the basement of a nearby theater. The damaged wagons are replaced (shunted away).

Cardiff Hengehill disembarks with all his luggage—this is likely his final destination.

Claudia and Damavik tail Elanor and the slave. It turns out Elanor had an appointment with Vankloff Jeanov. They interrogate him, and after a hefty bribe, he reveals his activities. He specializes in long-distance communication (via magic). He explains that Elanor mentioned she would deliver the "goods" "undamaged" and also claimed to have something interesting for the arena. She communicated with three men.

The pair are then followed by a man in a long coat. Claudia and Damavik approach him, and he introduces himself as Mister Mapple, though his real name is Andrei von Recklinghausen. Upon hearing this name, Claudia immediately thinks of Wolfgang von Recklinghausen but does not mention it aloud. Andrei expresses his distrust of Elanor and states he wants to free the slave.

Meanwhile, Morthos/Morgoth goes to the theater, where a performance by Vlendam Heid is taking place. Damata Griento is also there. Eventually, the two strike up a conversation.
Damata reveals that he once made an investment on the advice of a friend, Joachim. To fund the investment, he borrowed money from "The Family" (mobsters from Cryssilir who are now spreading across the world). However, the friend disappeared, leaving Damata with the debt. He has a meeting in Nalaam to pay off the debt using family heirlooms. He asks Morthos if he and his friends might help with the confrontation. Morthos agrees to consider it.

Aurelius searches for Boone using magic. Eventually, he informs the group that Boone is at a nearby bar. The group heads there and sees Bree watching the bar as well.

Boone and another man leave the bar together. BenDER attempts to follow Boone quietly but rolls a natural 1 on Stealth, making his presence very obvious. Both Boone and Bree look at Ben in confusion. Ben sends Bella, the bird, after Boone. Boone finds this annoying and shoots Bella out of the air.

The group continues to follow Boone. Eventually, Boone, now slightly irritated, returns to his hotel. The group follows.

Ottavia and Luc arrive at the hotel last. Ottavia looks straight ahead and does not use sign language, prompting Luc to say, "I always find it creepy when you talk to me like that. But I hope it works."

Note: a few days after this session, my beautiful son was born! ❤️ That explains the two month gap between this session and the next. I feared they would have completely forgotten what they were doing on the train, but they remembered everything perfectly!

 

[Tormyr]

Congratulations!

 

[aartvb]

Congratulations!

Thank you!

 

[aartvb]

Session 45 (21-8-2024): The Cursed Pistol and the Signed Lanterns

501 A.O.V., Winter, Day 14
BenDER stays overnight on the train. Around 2:00 AM, he notices Luc carving something into one of the train's lanterns with a small knife. BenDER doesn't think it is part of a ritual.

The following morning, no murders are reported.
When the group arrives at the train, they notice it’s far less crowded than before. Some passengers have died, and many others have postponed their journey due to the previous incidents. Cardiff Hengehill is no longer on board, as they had suspected.

The train departs from Trekhom, heading to Nalaam.
BenDER examines the lantern and discovers that Luc has carved a symbol into it. Morthos uses Detect Magic but finds no traces of magic. Zuna recognizes the symbol—it is in the same style as the ones they encountered earlier in the ziggurat. BenDER decides to place the lantern in his internal Bag of Holding.
While walking through the train, Zuna notices that all the other lanterns bear the same carved symbol. She proceeds to throw every lantern she finds out of the train.

Luc and Ottavia are enjoying wine and cheese. When BenDER and Aurelius question Luc about the symbols, he explains that they are meant to protect the train after the previous day’s events. Luc offers the group wine and cheese. During the conversation, it becomes clear that Luc struggles with social interactions but has a strong background in arcano-science, which he found deeply fulfilling.

After a few glasses of wine and some cheese, BenDER and Aurelius leave to check a nearby bookshelf, hoping to find useful information. Disappointed by its lack of valuable books (he only sees heretic books), Aurelius casts Firebolt on the shelf. Thankfully, the train is equipped with sprinklers, which quickly extinguish the fire. However, the books are now ruined.

When Ravarel later hears about Luc's studies, he becomes intrigued and eager to learn more.

Ravarel and Zuna investigate the food Eleanor gives to her servant and discover that it is laced with a peculiar herb. Zuna recognizes it as something she once consumed in the past. The experience was unpleasant, leaving her unable to recall several hours afterward.

Bree confronts Aurelius and BenDER, asking why water is dripping from the ceiling and why the books are charred. Aurelius casually responds, claiming he’s relieved to be rid of the heresy. Bree, unfazed, offers a bottle of wine and suggests they drink together. During their conversation, Bree reveals that she was supposed to travel with Caius Bergaron on this journey, but he never showed up. While Aurelius and BenDER act unaware, they both know Caius is dead. But they do mention that they know Caius.

Bree also shares that her arm was severed during the Yearosol War but was later reattached and can now be detached again. She recounts amusing stories of clever tricks she’s pulled with her detachable arm. At one point, she even swaps arms with BenDER, with varying results.

Meanwhile, Zuna, Ravarel, and Morthos approach Boone. They have stolen some of Eleanor’s food and given it to Boone, which reduces him to a zombie-like state. They bring him back to their compartment, where Boone, under the influence of the food, confesses to the murders. He claims he was compelled to act by his pistol, which he says is possessed. Boone reveals that he has had the gun for years. He also reveals that his current task is to protect Luc during this journey in exchange for money.

When group members (Zuna and BenDER) touch the pistol, they feel as though their hands are drenched in blood and are drawn to it with an irresistible attraction. To prevent further harm, the group restrains Boone. When the effects of the drug begin to wear off, he starts resisting, desperate to retrieve his pistol, which BenDER has stored in his Bag of Holding.

A train staff member passes through the compartment, handing out flyers for a show in Nalaam’s arena at 10:00 PM. The invitation is from Eleanor. The staff member is shocked to see Boone tied up in the compartment and tries to inform Malia. The group intervenes, with Ravarel calming the situation and accompanying the staff member to explain Boone’s predicament to Malia.

Note: I loved how they solved this one. Feed Boone the food that keeps Isobel in check. Amazing!

 

[aartvb]

Session 46 (4-9-2024): Bets and Bloodshed in Nalaam

As they near Nalaam, Damata Griento asks Morthos if he and his teammates can help him with his meeting with The Family tonight at 8:00 PM. He had asked Morthos about this back in Trekhom, but Morthos forgot to inform the team, so he quickly asks them now.

Damata explains his situation to the group. His appointment is at 8:00 PM at a tavern called Holes. The group isn’t eager to help him, especially Damavik, who has little interest. However, when Damata promises them a selection of magical items, they are convinced.

The group will receive the following magical items if they help Damata:

• Three sets of bracers of defense (+2 AC when no armor/no shield): These go to Morthos, Damata, and BenDER.
• Two +1 throwing axes that reappear in the wielder’s hand at the end of the turn they are thrown: These go to BenDER.
• Four +4 daggers that deal an extra 1d6 lightning damage: Two go to Morthos, and the other two are split between Ravarel and Damata.
• A set of gloves of missile snaring (reduce damage by 1d10 + Dex): These go to Zuna.
• One brooch of shielding (resistance to force damage + immunity to magic missile): This goes to Aurelius.

The train arrives in Nalaam. The group sees The Grande Casino towering above the cityscape.

At the station, Zuna searches for a currency exchange office. Here, she exchanges the bills she found during the smuggling operation in Flint. In total, they are worth 50,000 gp (note: originally it was 150,000 gp, but part of it was handed over to the RHC).

After this, the group heads to the casino to try their luck gambling. Some win, while others lose.

The only one who doesn’t join the group at the casino is Damavik/Ravarel, who, together with BenDER’s construct (Bella and Levy), scouts the location of Damata’s meeting. They find the tavern on the outskirts of the city. Nearby, there is a cave. They notice two shady individuals entering the cave. After scouting, Ravarel also heads to the casino.

Later, Damata and the group go to the location for the handover. Ravarel positions himself in a nearby empty warehouse as a sniper to keep watch.

The group is invited inside by Sylvester Fomazelli. Inside are ten armed thugs and an older man.

After an unconvincing discussion, Damata orders the group to kill the mafia members.

A fight breaks out, and Ravarel comes to assist. During the chaos, the older man disappears by walking through a stone wall.

 

[aartvb]

Session 47 (18-9-2024): Betrayal in the Arena: The Auction of Isobel Travers

The fight against the mafiosi comes to an end, but unfortunately, one of them escapes.
The group investigates the wall through which the old man disappeared but finds nothing unusual about it.
They decide to head to the Arena, as they were invited there. The show begins at 10:00 PM.

The group arrives at the Arena and is escorted to the VIP section. They are seated in the right skybox. Elanor sits in the center with the slave and three men, while Luc and Ottavia occupy the left skybox.
Lord Kulp, the master of the games, enters the arena and introduces himself.
In the arena, there are various stations where people can donate money to influence which beast or warrior will appear in the arena.

Elanor is put under a spotlight. She removes the veil from the slave, revealing a female Eladrin. The crowd goes wild. Elanor announces that the woman is named Isobel Travers. She then says to the three men (mages) in her skybox:
“Gentlemen, this is the famous and renowned woman Isobel Travers, trained from birth to fulfill your every desire. As you can see, her value is immense and will grant you great power. Priceless! The bidding will start in half an hour at 500,000 gold pieces.”

Two gladiators enter the arena to fight. Other animals entertering the arena include bulls, criminals, wolves, and a Dire Bear, all engaging in combat.

Next, six men are sent into the field, shackled with magical manacles. Once the manacles are removed, the Dire Bear charges at them. One of the men attempts to escape but is stopped by a Gust of Wind cast by mages in the arena.
Eventually, one man with an axe manages to kill the Dire Bear. Aurelius recognizes this man as the man with the long coat, whom Zuna and Ravarel now know as Mister Mapple, or Andrei von Recklinghausen.

After the fight, Elanor declares that this man has been following them for days and that today will mark his final hour. Mister Mapple announces his name, Andrei von Recklinghausen, and swears to free the woman.
Elanor asks the audience to vote on which monster should fight Andrei. Ultimately, the choice is the Pyrecat.

BenDER is moved by Andrei’s story and his desire to protect Isobel. He uses Vortex Warp to teleport Isobel into the arena, next to Andrei. The enslaved Isobel, still dazed, now stands in the arena.

Elanor shouts, “No, Isobel! Do everything you can to kill that beast!”
The three mages prepare to assist Isobel. Nikolai, the necromancer, uses Misty Step to enter the arena.

Andrei places himself between Isobel and the Pyrecat.
Aurelius casts Eldritch Blast at the Pyrecat and leaves the skybox.

A chaotic and complicated battle unfolds in the arena.

 

[aartvb]

Session 48 (16-10-2024): The Arena’s Chaos

The Pyrecat attacks Andrei. Andrei fights back, while Nikolai also attacks the Pyrecat.
Morthos sits in the skybox, calmly observing the scene. BenDER, too, watches the spectacle quietly for the time being. Ravarel checks on Luc and Ottavia. Aurelius, accustomed to the chaos of his home plane, steps into the hallway for reflection. Unfortunately, Zuna's player was absent, so Zuna spent the entire time watching with interest while eating chicken and caviar.

The Pyrecat is attacked from all sides and doesn’t last long before dying.
Aurelius, struck by an idea, descends from the skybox into the arena and rushes to the Pyrecat.
Meanwhile, Andrei continues to carry Isobel away. Elanor tries to stop him with Hold Person, which succeeds after several attempts. Meanwhile, the three mages join the fray. The necromancer attacks Andrei, and Jaime the Weevil, revealed to be a druid, enters the arena in spider form to help fight. Father Balthazar summons eight wolves to attack Andrei.

Notably, Andrei's wounds keep healing after each attack.
Ravarel discovers that Luc and Ottavia are watching the fight but seem to have no stakes in it. He heads toward Elanor’s and the mages’ skybox.

BenDER, meanwhile, launches an attack on Nikolai, using both himself and his constructs. His dog also tries to attack but immediately falls apart from the drop from the skybox.
Ravarel decides it’s wiser to attack Andrei rather than Elanor and follows through.

Aurelius reaches the Pyrecat, pulls a crystal from his pocket, places it in the Pyrecat’s mouth, and begins a ritual. The Pyrecat starts trembling, and its eyes reignite with fire. The crowd believes Aurelius is reviving the Pyrecat. In reality, he is stealing its soul to deliver it to his master. Once successful, Aurelius begins a sermon praising the Dawnbringer.

Morthos continues eating chips, observing.
Ravarel lowers a rope so people can climb in and out of the arena.

A one-on-one conflict ensues between BenDER and Ravarel. BenDER sides with Andrei, while Ravarel believes the rightful owner of Isobel is Elanor. Eventually, Ravarel even points his gun at BenDER.

The mages manage to kill Andrei von Recklinghausen. Interestingly, the arena mages immediately collect his body, something they don’t do with the others. Morthos finds this suspicious and goes down to investigate what they’re doing with the corpse.

Meanwhile, things go poorly for Elanor and her allies. Nikolai is killed by Andrei, and Elanor is tied up. The other mages cease fighting and retreat in defeat.

BenDER amplifies his voice and asks the arena audience what they want him to do with the slaver Elanor. The majority shouts, “Kill her!” This prompts Ravarel to change sides, deciding to oppose Elanor rather than support her.

After the fight, BenDER explains that, as a robot, he is staunchly against slavery and was determined to prevent it at all costs. He admits he had no plan for what to do once the fight ended. Ravarel, on the other hand, finds Andrei a peculiar character. Andrei had beaten a necromancer with his bare hands, had struggled to explain his intentions for Isobel days ago, and had caused problems on the train. Ravarel also notes that his mission requires subtlety and remaining inconspicuous—something BenDER clearly ignored.

They confiscate Elanor’s spell focus, spell components, and jewelry, as well as Father Balthazar’s wallet and magical sickle.

After some interrogation, Elanor admits she intended to sell Isobel for the money. BenDER has heard enough and takes her to Lord Kulp to have her imprisoned.

Morthos speaks with the arena mages, who reveal their interest in Andrei stemmed from his regeneration ability. Andrei explains that his father created him, granting him the power to heal his wounds. Morthos mentions he has met Andrei’s father. Andrei shows mild interest, but Morthos brushes it off.

Isobel also appears, and Andrei is overjoyed to see her. He promises to protect her and take her far away from Elanor.

Aurelius climbs back up the rope. Ravarel and Aurelius interrogate Father Balthazar, the last mage in the skybox. When asked how much he was willing to pay for Isobel, Balthazar replies, “1 million, maybe even 1.5!” Ravarel then asks how much his own life is worth. After some negotiation, they settle on half a million gold pieces. A deal is struck. As they escort Balthazar out of the arena, they place a tracking bead on him in case he tries to escape.

Upon arriving at Lord Kulp, BenDER requests a cell for Elanor. None are available, but Lord Kulp assures him that Elanor will be handed over to the authorities.

BenDER and Morthos leave the arena as well.

 

[aartvb]

Session 49 (13-11-2024): Shadows, Betrayal, and the Curse of Odiem

Father Balthazar proposes signing a magical contract. With this, Ravarel and Aurelius promise not to speak about Father Balthazar's involvement in slave trading, and in return, Father Balthazar promises to grant them the 500,000 gp. However, Ravarel does not want to sign a magical contract; he prefers a simple agreement instead. He proposes that this debt be settled in the future rather than now. Ravarel explains to Aurelius that half a million gold pieces wouldn’t be as useful to him now as having an influential mage owe him a favor.

Everyone heads to the hotel to sleep.

501 A.O.V., Winter, Day 15
The group quickly heads to the train.

They are approached by Malia, who remarks that Olivert Boone is desperate to get his pistol back. Ravarel gives her his own pistol (not Olivert Boone’s demonic one). Malia, unaware of this, is satisfied and hands it over to the local authorities, as Boone is still detained for now.

Zuna wants to have the real pistol, but BenDER pretends not to know what she’s talking about, claiming it’s with Malia.

On the train, traveling to Sid Minos, Malia, Luc, Ottavia, Brianne, and Verzubak travel with them. During the journey, Ravarel shares something with the group:

Dear companions,

I have something weighing on my mind, a so-called dilemma I wish to lay on the table. Following recent events, I’d like to clear the air. (He glances at BenDER.)

I was under the impression that this mission was a covert infiltration and scouting assignment—to gather information on the Obscurati and the person Mr. Bergeron was set to meet on this train en route to Vendrice. But from what I’ve seen so far, it feels as though Mr. Stover Delft’s instructions were more of a suggestion. A loose guideline, so to speak.

Instead of subtlety and secrecy, I’ve witnessed more chaos this past week than in all my years combined. Mostly attracted—or caused—by you. A small sampling:

• Train lamps destroyed.
• Someone drugged.
• Involvement in a family feud with a criminal organization.
• A crime scene disturbed.
• Attacks by floating head monsters.
• A suicidal robot dog.
• The train’s library burned down.
• Arena fights.
• Attempted to stop a slave trade.
• Loudly preaching religion.
• Nearly committing genocide on roasted chicken.
• Purchased a floating shield which shines lights.

And I could continue for a while:

• Confiscated a cursed pistol.
• Witnessed someone with severed and reattached arms.
• Picked up a group of fangirls.
• Spoke to the dead... and spoke to other dead.
• Chased a naked man.
• Crossed anti-magic zones.
• Crossed chaos-magic zones.
• Literally turned fire into water.

Nothing about this suggests “covert operation”. With that in mind, I’d like us all to align our efforts.

I hold no direct loyalty to Delft. I joined because I believed, or hoped, that he could help with my personal vendetta. But I also see that your unconventional methods yield results. Not what Delft envisioned, but results nonetheless. If I’d known beforehand that rules and missions weren’t the priority, I might have acted differently. That’s on me.

Beyond my vendetta, I don’t have much left in life. I like most of you and haven’t gotten to know some of you as well. But I believe that with your company, much can be accomplished—perhaps even for the better. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: the only person responsible for getting what you want is yourself.

Therefore, I’d like to officially join you for the foreseeable future, with the condition that my quest for John Merkanter continues and that I can count on your help if we find him. In return, I will dedicate everything I have to your... chaos.

Is this acceptable to you?

Note: This speech was so amazing, I just had to share the whole thing here!

The group is somewhat surprised, as they thought Ravarel was already part of the team, but he clarifies he was only along for this mission. Ravarel then shares more about his background and why he’s after John Merkanter. The group agrees to help him, with Morthos especially enthusiastic about some revenge.

After the conversation, the group disperses across the train. BenDER overhears Luc and Ottavia talking (Ottavia using sign language). Luc complains about Zuna throwing the lanterns off the train, saying he no longer knows how to stop “them”. Ottavia mentions a ritual at a lighthouse that could get “them” off the train, though it would leave her practically blind and deaf. Luc protests, but she insists on doing it.

BenDER goes to Verzubak, and together with Morgoth, they perform a ritual to bring luck to their side. Zuna chats with Bree about the events in Nalaam, the beautiful harbor of Vendrice, and the golden bells in Vendrice’s towers.

The group gathers briefly to make a plan, but the train arrives in Sid Minos before they can finalize anything.

Luc and Ottavia walk toward several carriages. Ottavia hands a note to someone, who points her to a carriage. They get in, and the carriage departs. They head toward the harbor, but not directly—they take a significant detour. BenDER follows them.

Aurelius and Morthos go to the hotel's restaurant together. Morthos eats there while Aurelius heads into the city to see if he can find criminals using a pouch.
After eating, Morthos explores the city to talk to its inhabitants. He asks them about the island of Odiem, as he knows there might be something interesting there related to Srassama, which intrigues him. He mainly hears that it is a cursed island and that he’d be better off avoiding it. There are various traps on the island that the Clergy has placed. He heads toward the harbor to find a tavern.

Ravarel and Zuna are shadowing Bree, who is heading toward the harbor.
Bree, Luc, and Ottavia arrive at the harbor around the same time. Together, they walk into a tavern. BenDER watches through the window and sees Luc looking around. After this, the three of them leave through a back door and head to a small boat in the harbor.

Morthos, Ravarel, Zuna, and BenDER find each other. Ravarel and Zuna follow BenDER’s bird, while BenDER and Morthos take a slight detour to their own ship. Onboard, they explain to the captain that they may need to head to the island of Odiem with the lighthouse.

Bree, Ottavia, and Luc hire a small sailboat and board it, accompanied only by a captain.
There are no other boats on the water. Ravarel and Zuna sprint to the party's larger boat, where BenDER and Morthos are already aboard. BenDER sends a letter to Aurelius, saying they might need his help. Onboard, Morthos mentions that the island has magical traps.
Aurelius tricks a pitiful man into giving him a boat and forces him to row as quickly as possible to the island.

Upon arriving at the island, BenDER and Zuna see the sailboat returning to the harbor with only the captain aboard.
BenDER’s bird sees the trio heading toward the lighthouse. Ravarel suddenly hears a voice in his head but blocks it out. However, Zuna, BenDER, and Morthos hear the voice as well but cannot block it:
“In the name of Triegenes, it was quite an effort to get you to this island! My name is Ottavia, oracle of the Clergy. My duty is to protect the man you’ve shown interest in. His actions are meant to improve society, and he believes you pose a threat to that.”

Note: Ravarel has a magic item which allow him to block any telepathic communication whenever he wishes.

After some back-and-forth questions, it becomes clear that she is referring to Luc. It is also revealed that he is planning to meet someone in Vendricce.

Meanwhile, the sky has turned cloudy, and the sun has set. Then, they notice zombies rising from the water and walking toward them.

BenDER moves to the base of the lighthouse, where Ottavia stands 90 feet above.
Ravarel approaches the lighthouse with his spider.
Morthos draws his weapon and prepares to fight the zombies emerging from the water.
Zuna activates her shield.

Then, they hear another female voice. This time Ravarel allows it. The voice is somewhat breathless:
“The priestess wants her enemies dead. Her rivals, visitors to this island, are welcome below, where it is safer.”

Note: I feel like I railroaded the players a bit during this session, because they were about to split up: some of them went to the island, and some other players didn't go there. I knew the amount of content on the island, so I thought that splitting them up would make for a few boring sessions for the players left behind. I could make up some content for the players who were staying behind, but they are already complaining that they want a level up, so I want to finish this adventure as soon as possible, a split party at this point wouldn't contribute to that. However, instead of discussing this with them, I let Morthos meet them quite randomly, which was a bit railroady, and I felt bad about it after the session. Anyways, I mentioned it to the players afterwards, so I guess it's okay for now. Lesson learnt!