The sun dipped low in the sky as the group crossed the river via ferry, their spirits lifted by a night’s rest at an inn. The next morning, they journeyed to Saringallow, arriving at the northeastern gates by mid-afternoon. Guided by their Eagle Knight ally, they approached an unassuming two-story house on the eastern side of town. At the front door, their guide used the code phrase indicating they were friends of the Rose, and Maire Phelan, a dark-haired human woman, welcomed them with the countersign, “Any friends of Rose can find refuge here.”
Inside, Maire led them through a cozy main room and down into the Hellbreakers headquarters, where they encountered maps, ledgers, and a sparring room filled with young soldiers. Xerra, a white-haired halfling, announced their arrival, and Rhokrag, a stern hobgoblin, greeted each member of the group. Rhokrag approved of Juk-Aen’s strong handshake and accepted introductions from the others, though he found Caravaggio’s fist bump puzzling. After sharing a meal of sticky buns, Rhokrag explained that the Hellbreakers’s leaders were in Elidir, while the local cell needed practical help and war materiel. He tasked the group with investigating the disappearance of Gertraud Mildenhall, a junior Hellbreaker who had not returned from Everbloom Imports warehouse.
Sira Antkeep offered a cache of spare weapons, but Caravaggio insisted they could not give supplies away for free. Ethran, their one-armed Eagle Knight ally, contributed her magical greatsword, which the group accepted, along with a crossbow from Sira Antkeep. Rhokrag warned them to remain incognito due to potential bounty hunters and provided directions to the warehouse. Juk-Aen attempted to make himself less conspicuous, and the group set out, with Rin observing from a distance.
At Gallows Docks, they found Everbloom Imports isolated and devoid of activity. While scouting the area, they noticed a suspicious dark-haired youth lingering nearby. Sol’andrus Van Diel approached her, demanding information about the warehouse, which she reluctantly provided. After paying her for her help, Sira Antkeep asked her to remain as a lookout. Juk-Aen then moved to the side entrance, and upon receiving Sol’andrus Van Diel’s approval, he charged inside, spotting a tripwire that could have caused a collapse. The group decided to step over it, and Juk-Aen soon discovered Gertraud tied up among crates, prompting a confrontation with hostile figures inside.
As the fight erupted, Sol’andrus Van Diel fired first, killing the apparent leader. Rin unleashed elemental magic, staggering several foes, while Sira Antkeep sent Isaac into the fray. Caravaggio joined the battle, swiftly dispatching an enemy. Juk-Aen captured one intruder, but the captive mockingly thanked him for the “hug.” Sol’andrus Van Diel shot down another enemy, and after a series of attacks, Caravaggio delivered a decisive blow, killing the last foe. They freed Gertraud, who thanked them for their timely rescue and provided a Masquerade Scarf for Juk-Aen.
Returning to headquarters, they reported to Rhokrag, who praised their efforts and advised them to rest. The next morning, he briefed them on a new assignment: ambushing a trade vessel on the North Corneca River. He emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary killing to maintain the Hellbreakers’ reputation. The group pooled their resources to buy a Wagon for transporting stolen cargo and prepared for the ambush.
Days later, they arrived at the ambush site at sunset, planning how to board the vessel. Juk-Aen scouted the target, a riverboat flying a Chelixian flag, and reported back. As the boat approached, Rin and Sira Antkeep pretended to be stranded survivors, prompting the crew to slow down. Juk-Aen leapt aboard, followed by Sol’andrus Van Diel and Caravaggio, but the crew quickly realized they were intruders.
Below deck, Juk-Aen confronted the captain, but his initial attacks failed. Sol’andrus Van Diel shot a sailor dead on the upper deck as the battle escalated. Juk-Aen was knocked unconscious by a sailor, but Caravaggio revived him with a healing potion. The captain, defiant, insisted they would die for boarding his ship. Caravaggio managed to drop the captain, causing the Animated Armor defending him to falter.
As the fight continued, Rin joined the fray, using her powers to push back the Animated Armor. Juk-Aen attempted to grapple it, but the construct proved resilient. After a fierce struggle, the Animated Armor was finally destroyed, but explosions erupted below deck, igniting a fire that began to consume the ship.
With the vessel sinking, the group split their efforts between rescuing crew members and salvaging cargo. Juk-Aen and Sol’andrus Van Diel worked efficiently to haul supplies, while Caravaggio focused on helping the crew escape. Rin identified valuable goods, and Sira Antkeep sent Isaac to drag the unconscious captain to safety. As the ship sank, Rin used her water powers to suppress the flames, allowing for safer passage to shore.
In a final effort, Juk-Aen helped his companions escape, but he remained aboard to salvage more cargo. The riverboat ultimately sank, forcing anyone still aboard into the water, including Isaac, who would later be re-manifested. The group emerged from the ordeal, having faced significant challenges and secured valuable resources for the Hellbreakers.
Threads to Watch: Gertraud Mildenhall’s fate; the implications of the ambush on the Hellbreakers’ reputation; the whereabouts of the remaining crew members from the riverboat.