The Hellbreakers approached a farm, where they met Runa Bloodhammer, a red-haired dwarven woman. She demanded to know their purpose, but Caravaggio held Juk-Aen back from charging ahead. Sira Antkeep stepped forward, explaining their mission to assist anyone in need, especially after recent fighting near the port. Runa questioned their strength and intentions, and Sira Antkeep introduced herself as the healer, indicating her companions were there for protection. When Runa expressed concern about psychological attacks rather than physical injuries, Sira Antkeep assured her of her medical expertise, despite lacking magic for such issues.
Satisfied with their intentions, Runa proposed a bargain: if the party helped with nightmares that had driven her group from Wolfpoint, she would establish friendly relations and provide additional fighters in the future. The party accepted the task and set out for Wolfpoint. Upon arrival, they found the area eerily devoid of life, with no signs of animals or insects, despite evidence of recent activity. They deduced that the nightmares were likely caused by a Nightmare-Wolf, a fey creature, and decided to remain overnight to confront the threat.
As night fell, the party prepared for an ambush. Sira Antkeep volunteered to sleep while Isaac kept watch, Sol’andrus Van Diel took a lookout position on a rooftop, Caravaggio hid nearby, and Rin stood ready with a torch. The tranquility was shattered when small gremlins attacked, with one stabbing Rin and another shooting at her. Isaac retaliated, injuring one Gremlin, while Sol’andrus Van Diel eliminated another with a precise shot. Rin, cursed by a Gremlin’s aura, fought back with her water magic, and Caravaggio swiftly dispatched the Gremlin threatening her. The remaining Gremlin fled, but ominous shadows hinted at a greater danger approaching.
The true source of the nightmares revealed itself as a shadow dog-wolf Nightmare-Wolf. The Nightmare-Wolf unleashed terrifying illusions on Isaac, who endured the attack but was shaken. Rin countered with a blast of winter-cold, severely injuring the Nightmare-Wolf and affecting the nearby mitflits. Caravaggio charged into the fray, striking down one Mitflit, while Sol’andrus Van Diel shot another before it could reach Rin. Sira Antkeep treated her wounds as Isaac pressed the attack, and Sol’andrus Van Diel ultimately killed the Nightmare-Wolf, ending the threat. The party recovered a bomb and a thorn-shaped talisman from the fallen enemies and spent the remainder of the night without further incident.
The next day, the party returned to Runa’s camp, where Sira Antkeep reported their success in dealing with the Nightmare-Wolf and the nightmares. Runa introduced herself formally and confirmed that her group would now treat the Hellbreakers as allies. After discussing their next destination, the party chose to travel to Umok before visiting more Cheliax-friendly settlements. Along the way, Sol’andrus Van Diel and Caravaggio spoke with travelers about the oppressive rule of Cheliax, garnering some support for their cause.
Upon reaching Umok, they discovered a gnome town illuminated by magic instead of fire. They presented the strange items from Wolfpoint to local gnomes, who identified the bomb and talisman. Their visit took a dramatic turn when a burned goblin girl named Grizzo staggered into town, collapsing at their feet. The townsfolk blamed her kind for the fires plaguing the area, but Sira Antkeep examined Grizzo and determined her burns were caused by magical flames. After some persuasion, the gnome authorities allowed Grizzo to stay while the party investigated the source of the fires.
Before leaving, Sol’andrus Van Diel upgraded his rifle with a Potency Rune. As they ventured into the Chitterwood, they encountered a spreading forest fire threatening Umok. The party worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, employing various tactics, including digging trenches and using Rin’s winter magic. Despite setbacks, they succeeded in putting out the fire, earning gratitude from the gnomes who promised rewards for their efforts.
Following the fire, the party tracked the source of the flames to a patch of woods where they confronted two hellhounds. The battle was swift; Caravaggio and Rin combined their efforts to take down the creatures before they could retaliate. Afterward, they returned to Umok with proof of their victory, presenting the Hellhound remains to the gnome authorities and clearing Grizzo of blame. The gnomes rewarded the party with gold and magical items, and the town expressed a willingness to support them in future fire-fighting efforts.
As they prepared to leave Umok, they were approached by a stern young woman from an orphanage in Vordia. She warned them of a man named Viro Ahala, who was falsely claiming to be a Hellknight and was pursuing a dangerous ritual. Despite her order’s potential opposition to the Hellbreakers, she urged them to intervene, fearing for the safety of the children. The party agreed to confront this new threat, setting their sights on the Lucent Monastery in the foothills.
Threads to Watch: Runa’s promise of additional fighters; the identity and intentions of Viro Ahala; the source of the magical flames affecting Grizzo.