The sun dipped low over Saringallow as the party escorted a bruised goblin, who warned them of a looming threat. He spoke of a captain’s mention of Hellknight Ahala, who would pay handsomely for information on the League, seeking revenge against the rebels blamed for the unrest in Breachill. The goblin urged caution, revealing that the party was being hunted.
Upon reaching Saringallow, the group took time to rest and prepare for their next mission. The goblin expressed gratitude for their rescue and encouraged them to shop or craft as needed. Juk-Aen dedicated himself to training, creating a makeshift running track that drew locals for workouts and wrestling matches. Sol’andrus Van Diel focused on selling excess gear and managing Hellbreaker supplies, while Sira Antkeep took on the role of the group’s healer, tending to injuries from Juk-Aen’s wrestling partners. Rin explored her connection to diabolic knowledge, and Caravaggio trained and meditated, sharing his skills with local children. During this week, Caravaggio voiced concerns to Juk-Aen about his reckless tendencies, leading to an agreement to temper his approach. After a week of preparation, the Hellbreakers summoned the party to a meeting where Rhokrag praised their efforts and outlined the next steps for the League, emphasizing the need to build trust within local communities and assigning them to the area south of the Conorica River, including Fernsby, Stumpfield, Vordia, and Wolfpoint.
As the party gathered information about the regions, they learned of tensions between Fernsby and Stumpfield, alongside the history of each settlement. Despite rumors of bandits near Wolfpoint, they chose to head to Fernsby first. On the way, Sira Antkeep offered her healing services to travelers, who warned her of increased bandit activity attributed to a group called the Steel Circle. Caravaggio discovered that the bandits were not in Wolfpoint but at an abandoned farm southeast of the garrison.
Arriving in Fernsby, the party found the village plagued by vandalism from Goblin-Headed Serpents, wrongly blamed on Stumpfield’s goblins. Tracking the strange impressions left by the creatures, they ventured into a ravine and were ambushed by the goblin-serpents. A fierce battle ensued, with Rin and Sol’andrus Van Diel leading the charge. Despite injuries, including Juk-Aen being knocked unconscious, the party triumphed, with Rin delivering the final blow by strangling the last serpent in a bubble of water.
Afterward, they returned to Fernsby to report their findings, clearing Stumpfield’s name and receiving a Magical +1 Weapon Rune as a reward. The villagers asked the party to convey their apologies to Stumpfield. As they traveled to Stumpfield, Juk-Aen and Sira Antkeep displayed the goblin-serpent head as proof of their victory, though the sight stirred unease among the travelers due to past conflicts.
In Stumpfield, the party was welcomed warmly and invited to contribute to a communal art project. Juk-Aen added the goblin-serpent head as a warning, while Sol’andrus Van Diel and Caravaggio participated in the creation. During a celebratory feast, the townsfolk confided in the party about the tensions with Fernsby, prompting Caravaggio to share the truth about the real culprits. Grateful for the news, Stumpfield rewarded the party with a healing potion.
The next morning, the party prepared to continue their mission, discussing their next destination. They decided to investigate the abandoned farm southeast of Wolfpoint, where they encountered armed bandits led by a Female Dwarf With Bright Red Hair.
Threads to Watch: The Steel Circle bandits; the connection to diabolic knowledge; the tensions between Fernsby and Stumpfield.