The tavern buzzed with celebration at Caden’s Keg, where townsfolk raised their drinks to the heroes who had defended Breachill. Among them stood Ethran Howell, an Eagle Knight officer marked by a scar and a missing arm, ready to discuss their next mission. Just as she began, the tavern bell rang, announcing a storytelling contest in honor of the heroes. Ethran suggested they handle business after the contest, leading several members of the group to participate.
Sira Antkeep enthralled the crowd with her tale of fire giants, earning loud applause for her dramatic flair. Vaggio followed with a fantastical recounting of his brother’s battles against ninjas, while Juk-Aen shared a heartfelt story of perseverance that resonated deeply with the audience. Rin chose to observe, sipping her drink. When the contest ended, Brynn, the barkeep, declared Juk-Aen the winner, who humorously declined her attempt to lift his hand in triumph, earning two Minor Healing Potions as a reward, one of which he gave to Vaggio. Ethran postponed their mission details until the next morning, offering lodging at Wizard’s Grace or the Military Camp. That night, Juk-Aen engaged in feats of strength with soldiers, while Rin sought solitude by the water. The following morning, news of a decree from Elidir targeting anti-Cheliax dissenters spread unease among the townsfolk, but a protest in Monument Circle showed their sympathy for the dissenters. When they reconvened with Ethran, she revealed their plans had changed; they would travel directly southwest to the Hellbreakers League headquarters, urging discretion and the concealment of their identities.
The group set out by wagon, with Ethran driving and Juk-Aen sprinting alongside. After a day of travel, they stopped at a roadside inn, where they found more copies of the decree. Ethran again paid for their rooms, and as they traveled over the next few days, they continued to see the decree posted along the road. On the fourth day, they arrived at the muddy village of Draymoor, where Ethran stopped to restock supplies, taking Juk-Aen with her while the others kept watch. Tensions flared when five angry men with Cheliax-loyalist patches confronted them, accusing the group of being enemies of Cheliax. The situation escalated into violence as two loyalists fired crossbows at Isaac, lightly wounding him. Sol shot one loyalist dead from cover, while Vaggio and Juk-Aen engaged the others. Sira Antkeep warned the attackers that they were alive only because the party allowed it, prompting Isaac to charge and crush one loyalist. Rin used her magic to strike down another, and Sol eliminated the last fleeing loyalist. After the skirmish, the group stripped the dead of weapons and armor before continuing their journey.
After another day and a half of travel, they reached a Riverside Inn just before dusk. As they prepared to cross the river, large flying creatures appeared against the setting sun. Undead Bats descended, prompting immediate action. Sira Antkeep empowered Isaac to flank a bat, while Juk-Aen attempted to protect Rin but was struck aside. The battle intensified as Vaggio and Rin fought valiantly, with Sol providing cover fire. Despite sustaining wounds infected with rot, the group managed to defeat the Undead Bats through teamwork and determination. After the fight, Ethran expressed concern about the nature of the attack, suspecting a connection to the lich Tar-Baphon. With the ferry arriving, the battered group prepared to heal and continue their journey across the river toward their destination.
Threads to Watch: Ethran’s mission details; the decree from Elidir; the connection to the lich Tar-Baphon.