What Happened Last Session
Blood in the Water
Nine Sahuagin emerged from the southern waters of Brugatha’s lair, their scaled bodies glistening in the torchlight. Diplomacy failed quickly, and violence erupted. Zahlie delivered the fight’s most spectacular moment—a perfectly placed arrow that struck clean through a Sahuagin’s heart with such precision that even its companions seemed momentarily awed. The party claimed victory, looting spider silk cloaks and ivory game pieces before departing the flooded chambers.
The Black Tree’s Terrible Price
Hagen’s addiction to the Gorgoth Fruit reached its crisis. His hands trembled, his eyes fixed on the twisted black tree’s remaining fruits. When the moment came, he failed catastrophically—a natural 1 on his wisdom save. He consumed a second fruit, and the cost was immediate: one permanent hit point drained from his vitality, leaving him forever at 11 HP instead of 12.
But Crixbin stepped forward with patient counsel. Through the priest’s wisdom and compassion, Hagen passed a second check, his will finally reasserting itself. The addiction broke—not through further consumption, but through hard-won spiritual victory and a friend’s steady support.
Salvation Through Decisive Action
Zahlie understood what others might miss: Hagen had broken free, but three fruits still hung from that tree. Three opportunities for relapse. Three moments of weakness waiting to happen. Without debate or hesitation, she stole the remaining Gorgoth Fruits and hurled them into the ocean. The cursed things sank beneath the waves, their addictive power neutralized by salt water and distance.
It was friendship delivered through ruthless practicality—protection wrapped in theft. Hagen bore a permanent scar from his encounter with the black tree, but he was free.
Return of the Bureaucrat
Carmin rejoined the party in Gandrunne, his frustration with Seawolves administrative work palpable. He was eager to “kill somebody” and get back to real adventuring. The party was whole again, and they celebrated accordingly.
Legendary Carousing
The party pooled nearly 1,500 gold and spent it spectacularly. Crixbin humiliated a corrupt merchant with an elaborate prank, then later reflected a wizard’s spell back at its caster using nothing but a cup. These legendary exploits earned him enough experience to advance to Level 5, gaining the Mass Cure spell and boosting his spellcasting to +6. Astrid somehow acquired a Potion of Invisibility under diplomatically vague circumstances. Dolitan led insulting songs through the taverns.
The party also discovered Astrid possessed the Catherian Cog, granting a luck token every session. Between carousing and equipment purchases, they spent over 1,400 gold—and emerged significantly more powerful for it.
Looking Ahead
Adagar waits aboard the sailboat, eager to return to Dvergheim. The dwarven kingdom battles deep trolls in the mountains, and King Snorgin Thrain will surely reward those who deliver his lost citizen home safely. Yet the path promises danger—troll activity has increased, and mountain approaches hold unknown threats.
Meanwhile, mysteries linger. The Pearl of Power came from somewhere. The black tree grows without light. Ancient murals depict unknown gods, perhaps connected to the divine severance that’s cut the party off from their deities while doubling their experience. The party is wealthier and more powerful than ever, but Agaron remains at 1 HP, Hagen bears his permanent wound, and the gods stay ominously silent.
Sometimes the most profound act of friendship is not helping someone resist temptation, but ensuring the temptation can never reach them again.