Session 26 - 16 July 2025

Location: Belendar - Palace Throne Room, Palace Feast Hall, Palace Guest Chambers
Date In-Game: Day 2 of Grand Tournament (evening into Day 5)

Key Events

Throne Room Battle - Round 3

Combat continued from Session 25:

ToooAh:

• Flew to soldier position, punched him in side of head
• "Gong noise" - killed instantly with single blow
• Moved forward, attacked next soldier (12 - missed, parried)
• Used bonus action off-hand strike (exact damage unclear) - killed second soldier

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Stayed in position maintaining abilities
• No significant actions recorded

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• Surrounded by multiple enemies
• Considered using Darkness spell (15ft radius, 60ft range)
• Cast Darkness centred to avoid catching Ser Tessell Highfrost
• Enveloped most enemies but avoided allies
• Moved out of darkness area using Misty Step
• Three enemies attempted opportunity attacks: two missed, one hit for 8 slashing damage
• Final position closer to group

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Fired arrows into darkness at remembered enemy positions (disadvantage)
• First shot: 23 hit, 7 damage + 3 radiant = 10 total
• Arrow made soldier glow from radiant damage (visible in darkness)
• Second shot: 27 hit, 10 damage total - killed glowing soldier
• Moved back one square for better position

Elvva Beltavar:

• Cast Cure Wounds on Elik'r Stormswallow
• 14 HP restored (rolled 4, plus modifiers)
• No other actions taken

Enemies:

• Soldier attacked Lady Odonia of Galantri - 18 hit for 6 damage
• Soldier on floor stood up, attacked Lady Odonia of Galantri - pushed blade up into thigh for 5 piercing damage
• Mysterious soldier spoke in skeletal voice: "Commander, I'm done here"
• Eerie green light (deeper than party's lime green) - soldier disappeared via magical teleportation
• "Commander" (different soldier) shouted in unknown language containing word "Thalas"
• Golden light appeared around Commander after speaking
• Multiple soldiers moved to attack Lady Odonia of Galantri and Ser Tessell Highfrost

Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade:

• Continued desperate duel with Thalas
• Swung sword multiple times
• All attacks parried and riposted by Thalas

Thalas:

• Remained engaged with Princess
• Three-strike combination on Princess:
  • First: Slashed across arm
  • Second: Slashed across chest
  • Third: Stabbed through gap in armour into flesh
• Princess now looking bloodied but still standing

Outside Throne Room

Heavy fighting audible in corridor:

• Sound of hammer strikes hitting people
• Fighting intensifying near throne room
• Implication of Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian approaching

Throne Room Battle - Round 4

ToooAh:

• Flew forward, stabilised Elvva Beltavar (fallen, doing death saves)
• Still had movement remaining but chose to stay

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Moved toward soldiers
• First attack: 19 to hit, 8 damage - soldier now bloodied
• Second attack: 9 to hit - missed completely

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• Cast Cure Wounds on Elvva Beltavar
• Rolled 14 HP healing (brought Elvva Beltavar back to consciousness with 14 HP)

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Used Serpent's Chain ability on prone soldier
• Pulled soldier down (Strength save required - soldier failed)
• Bonus action: Stabbed prone soldier with shortsword (advantage for prone target)
• Rolled 23 to hit, 4 damage total
• Soldier took attack of opportunity on Lady Odonia of Galantri - 19 hit for 1 damage

Elvva Beltavar:

• Regained consciousness (14 HP from Elik'r Stormswallow's Cure Wounds)
• Cast Firebolt at distant soldier
• 23 to hit, 18 fire damage
• Soldier now "spicy" (on fire) but not bloodied yet

Enemies:

• Burning soldier took 3 fire damage (halved due to resistance = still 3)
• Soldier attacked Ser Tessell Highfrost - 18 hit for 8 slashing damage
• Burning soldier attacked Elvva Beltavar - 13 with disadvantage missed
• Three soldiers surrounded Ser Tessell Highfrost:
  • First blocked with shield
  • Second blocked
  • Third hit for 2 slashing damage

Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade:

• Thalas used Flame Strike ability
• Cone of flame 15ft from sword
• Ser Tessell Highfrost went prone (successful Dexterity save)
• Elik'r Stormswallow succeeded save, took 7 fire damage (halved due to resistance)
• Princess took 14 fire damage, succeeded save (still standing but returned to bloodied status)

Thalas:

• Continued duelling Princess after Flame Strike

Door Breach Sequence

Multiple hammer strikes against throne room doors:

• ToooAh positioned at door after barricading it (earlier action from session start)
• First strike: Wood splintered, created hole
• ToooAh attempted to grab hammer through hole - failed
• Second strike: More splintering
• Third strike: Hammer broke completely through
• ToooAh grabbed hammer - Black Knight on other side pulled ToooAh close
• Black Knight attempted punch with gauntleted hand
• Punch stopped mid-air mysteriously
• Black Knight retracted, hammer pulled back
• Black Knight turned away, walked toward staircase
• Brownish light enveloped Black Knight as he departed

Throne Room Battle - Round 5

ToooAh:

• Moved 5 feet, flew to engage
• First attack: 23 hit, 8 damage
• Enemy now bloodied
• Second attack with offhand: Miss

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Moved forward
• Cast Cure Wounds on Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade for 16 HP (Princess no longer bloodied)
• Used Spiritual Weapon on soldier: 16 hit, 7 damage

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• Cast Firebolt on distant soldier
• 22 hit, 12 fire damage (soldier now bloodied)
• Cast second Firebolt on same target
• 22 hit (exact damage not recorded) - killed soldier

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Cast Ensnaring Strike on soldier
• Vines appeared, soldier made Strength save
• Soldier passed save - vines shrivelled away (no restraint, no damage)

Elvva Beltavar:

• Cast Acid Splash targeting two soldiers
• Both targets failed Dexterity saves
• 6 acid damage each - both soldiers melted and died

Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade:

• Fully healed by Ser Tessell Highfrost
• Reinvigorated, attacked Thalas
• Multiple strikes attempted
• All attacks deflected by Thalas

Enemies:

• Two soldiers attacked Lady Odonia of Galantri:
  • First: Parried
  • Second (from prone): 19 hit, 5 piercing damage to thigh

Mysterious Soldier Escape & Thalas Revelation

Critical moment:

• Mysterious soldier (skeletal voice from earlier) spoke to ally: "Commander, I'm done here"
• Eerie hueish-green light (deeper than party's lime green) appeared
• Soldier vanished via teleportation (not portal)
• "Commander" shouted in unknown language (none of party understood)
• Word "Thalas" audible within foreign speech
• Commander flushed cape dramatically
• Golden light surrounded Commander
• Thalas revealed - removed helmet revealing identity

Thalas True Identity Revealed: Lady Alysanne (Elincia Flowers)

• Voice changed from deep booming to feminine scream
• Helmet melted away by Elvva Beltavar's earlier Chromatic Orb (acid)
• Face exposed: Known to four party members
• Woman party met previously as Lady Alysanne
• Same person who "conveniently" was away during siege attacks
• Screamed as face revealed

Thalas/Lady Alysanne's Final Actions

Death Sequence:

• Helmet fell away revealing face
• Party recognised Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers
• Scrambled with melting helmet, threw it aside
• Screamed: "This isn't over, the war has only just begun!"
• Pulled out dark dagger with mist around it
• Threw dagger toward Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade

Ser Tessell Highfrost's Reaction:

• Attempted athletics check to catch dagger (reaction)
• ToooAh asked if she could also react (too far away)
• Ser Tessell Highfrost rolled 8 total - failed
• Dagger pierced through Ser Tessell Highfrost's hand (didn't catch, went INTO hand)
• Still stopped dagger from reaching Princess
• Took 1 piercing damage + 5 necrotic = 6 total damage

Lady Alysanne/Thalas Death:

• Final words: "The kingdom will be ours"
• Turned with cloak flourish
• Fire enveloped her (recognised from previous encounter)
• Magically disappeared via fire teleportation
• Out of initiative - combat ended

Post-Combat - Throne Room Assessment

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian Arrival:

• Third hammer strike broke through door
• Door dropped inward
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian forced way through hole in door
• Entered room asking: "Right, where's the baddies?"
• Lady Odonia of Galantri replied sarcastically about timing
• Room littered with dead bodies

Survivors Present:

• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade - healed, slumped against throne (half weeping, half exhausted, mixture of emotions)
• Eldrin Oakenhart - heavily injured but alive (no longer critical)
• Party members (various injuries)
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian - walked back out to secure Castle

High King's Body:

• Still on throne
• Sword through neck
• Blood everywhere
• Dead for considerable time (from Session 23)
• Not decapitated - just sword thrust through neck

Dead Throughout Room:

• Multiple Royal Guards
• Multiple enemy soldiers (party kills)
• Bodies everywhere

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian's Orders:

• Knocked door barrier aside
• Started yelling orders to secure Castle
• Left throne room to coordinate forces

Private Conversation - Eldrin, Princess, and Odonia

Meta-Gaming Note: This conversation happened between Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade, Eldrin Oakenhart, and Lady Odonia of Galantri while other party members were unaware.

Princess asked Lady Odonia of Galantri: "Come with me. Can you come with me?"

Princess, Eldrin Oakenhart, and Lady Odonia of Galantri went to Royal study:

• Reviewed assassination plan from earlier sessions
• Princess thanked Lady Odonia of Galantri for performing assassination of king
• Eldrin Oakenhart questioned leaving king "undignified" on throne
• Lady Odonia of Galantri responded: "I didn't have room in my bag"
• Discussion confirmed Patriarch Siegfried Wildner also played his part
• Regaled events of battle and conspiracy
• Discussion of finding Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers's identity and background

Other Party Members:

• Escorted by General General Thailander Oakwood to guest chambers in Castle
• Given rooms to rest
• Unaware of Lady Odonia of Galantri's secret meeting

Two-Day Reconstruction Period

Timeline: Morning after battle through two full days

Princess's Request: Party asked to assist with Castle/city restoration over next two days.

Individual Activities:

ToooAh:

• Acrobatics check: 18
• Acted as flying courier throughout city
• Delivered messages, supplies, orders between locations
• Used aerial mobility for rapid response

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• Arcana check: 17
• Helped rebuild structures using magic
• Lifted heavy objects (gates, rocks, building materials)
• Magical construction assistance

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Check result: 19 (ability unclear)
• Mixed manual labour and overseer role
• Coordinated reconstruction efforts

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Intimidation check: 20
• Served as advisor at Princess's side
• "Put foot down" leadership approach
• Confident, intimidating presence to restore order

Elvva Beltavar:

• Medicine check: 3
• Attempted to help at makeshift hospital in town square
• Wearing black mask and "big feet" (magical foot necklace from earlier)
• Approached patients selectively ("touching everyone... just women surprisingly")
• Not very effective (low roll)

General Efforts:

• Castle secured, remaining enemy cells eradicated
• Fires throughout city being tended
• Medical checkpoints established across city
• Casualties treated
• Bodies cleared
• Basic order restored

Morning Meeting - Day Three After Battle

Location: Palace Throne Room (6:00 AM)

Attendees:

• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade (seated on father's throne)
• Eldrin Oakenhart (right side, chief advisor position)
• Empty chair to left of throne
• Party members
• Various knights, captains, generals
• Approximately half the nobles from tournament present (many Lords/knights departed)
• General Thailander Oakwood (highest ranking military)

Strategic Report - General Thailander Oakwood

Castle/City Security:

• Castle fully secured
• All remaining enemy cells in Belendar eradicated
• City guards and soldiers coordinating
• Medical and fire response ongoing

Kingdom Status - Civil War:

• Open rebellion throughout Odessia
• Two factions: Eagle (Princess) vs Falcon (Ser Alvar Flowers)
• Approximately 50/50 split in kingdom support
• Large army in south led by Ser Alvar Flowers

Northern Territory - Chaotic:

• Strange creatures attacking settlements
• Reports unclear and contradictory
• Eastern Citadel (massive keep in eastern mountains) has fallen silent
• Keep guards border with dead lands (orc, troll, minotaur territory)

Eastern Threat Assessment:

Ser Tessell Highfrost and Lady Odonia of Galantri History checks (21 and 18+3):

• Eastern lands = wild territories (orcs, trolls, minotaurs)
• Primarily small tribes and clans (usually fight each other)
• Very uncommon to unify into great horde
• Very rare to cross mountains into Odessia
• Old clans occasionally raid but extremely rare
• Eastern Citadel = first major keep that's fallen silent

Faction Declarations:

• List of nobles declaring for Eagle or Falcon
• Notable: Anfarlan (from Sylobelle) declared for Ser Alvar Flowers (as expected - party knew they were allies)
• Many northern nobles haven't declared either way yet

Rewards Ceremony

Odonia's Elevation

First Ceremony:

• Eldrin Oakenhart called Lady Odonia of Galantri forward
• Lady Odonia of Galantri knelt before throne
• Princess stood, handed scroll by Eldrin Oakenhart
• Eldrin Oakenhart announced: Lady Odonia of Galantri raised to Lady of Sylobelle
• Given ownership of Sylobelle and lands (previously held by Anfarlan who was stripped)
• Raised to nobility officially
• Eldrin Oakenhart gestured to empty chair left of throne
• Lady Odonia of Galantri sat in advisor position (left side of dais)

Note: Party members showed visible surprise at Lady Odonia of Galantri's elevation

Riders of the Storm Honours

Princess called forward: Commander ToooAh, Commander Elik'r Stormswallow, Commander Ser Tessell Highfrost

Ser Tessell Highfrost Knighted:

• Princess drew sword
• Referenced Ser Tessell Highfrost's squire service in previous tournament
• Cited saving Princess's life multiple times
• Formally knighted: "Ser Ser Tessell Highfrost"
• Given title: Knight of the Storm Riders
  NOT Knight of the Riders of the Storm. (Confirmed with Ant as it "would roll of the tongue easier for "common talk".)

Company Charter Ratified:

• Princess addressed all three
• Bestowed official deed to Castle (previously occupied without official ownership)
• Riders of the Storm company formally recognised
• All three given ornate golden sashes (fashionable symbolic items)

Patriarch Siegfried Wildner and Elvva Beltavar:

• Called forward together
• Given equal rewards (golden sashes)
• Elvva Beltavar still technically part of mages guild at this point

Military Organisation

Army Status:

• Bulk of veteran lords and commanders died in siege
• Notable death: Ser Alarin Silverleaf (didn't make it through battle)
• Significant command structure losses

Riders of the Storm Commission:

• Hired as Marshals of the North
• Mission: Rally northern territories for Princess
• Secondary: Secure eastern border
• Orders: Kill/destroy anyone in open rebellion

Troop Reinforcements Given:

Party rolled for reinforcements (D20 × D4):

• D20 = number of troops gained x10
• D4 = Type of troop gained
  1 = Knights (heavily trained and armoured) + squires
  2 = Mages - None
  3 = Footmen (can be further trained to specialise, e.g. pikemen)
  4 = Elven Archers (specialised in longbows)

Elvva Beltavar and Ser Tessell Highfrost: Natural 20 + D4 roll of 3

• 400 Footmen
• Generic infantry (can be trained/specialised later)
• Can become pikemen, swordsmen, etc with time

Lady Odonia of Galantri: 2 + 3

• 20 Footmen
• Generic infantry (can be trained/specialised later)
• Can become pikemen, swordsmen, etc with time

Elik'r Stormswallow: 16 + 1

• 16 Knights (full knights, heavily armed/trained)
• Each knight brings own squire (technically 32 troops total)
• Elite heavy cavalry
• Compared to Ser Silva (training party's troops)

ToooAh: Natural 20 + 2

• 200 Archers (specialised in longbows)
• Trained professional archers

Total New Forces: 712+ troops (plus squires)

War Chest Granted:

• Not physical gold chest
• Authority to request funds from treasury
• Must send requests for approval
• Can pay for bribes, supplies, reconstruction
• Discretionary spending with oversight
• All masonry/reconstruction costs covered

Military Titles Bestowed

Lady Odonia of Galantri: General of the North (overall command)

Ser Tessell Highfrost: General of the Left

Elik'r Stormswallow: General of the Right

ToooAh: Chariot General

Note: Titles are ceremonial/traditional war titles, don't indicate actual battle positions

Subordinate Promotions:

• Party's knights back home promoted to Commanders
• Captains promoted as appropriate
• Party given authority to promote within ranks

Other Ceremonies

Multiple other people given titles and lands throughout southern Odessia (lengthy list).

Meeting began filtering out into smaller groups.

Private Conversations - Post-Ceremony

Eldrin Oakenhart

Elik'r Stormswallow's Approach:

• Gave Eldrin Oakenhart small pouch of 50 gold
• Requested money taken to Guy's family (squire killed Session 22)
• Money to cover funeral costs and family needs
• Eldrin Oakenhart accepted, gave subtle hints about strategy

Strategic Suggestion:

• Eldrin Oakenhart recommended starting with Neverwinter
• Neverwinter = major city on northern coast, centre of region
• Biggest settlement in north
• Owned by Duke Vallandor Firebloom
• Highest-ranking noble in northern territories
• Key to uniting north

Avicia's Education

ToooAh's Question to Patriarch Siegfried Wildner:

• Asked if Avicia wants to continue studying with mages
• Or return with Storm Riders to Castle

Patriarch Siegfried Wildner's Response:

• Avicia hasn't learned much recently (siege, battle, chaos)
• Natural affinity for magic - "in her blood"
• Haven't seen student like her since Princess herself
• Recommendation unclear but implies strong potential

Party Knowledge: Avicia is legitimate heir to throne (secret known only to party)

Co'narr's Bane Warning

Setting: Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian in corner with mug (not swill this time, actual drink)

Co'narr's Demeanour:

• Unusually quiet (normally loud character)
• Looking disgusted

Bane Test:

• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian passed tankard to each party member
• Each member drank from same tankard

Results (D4 rolls):

• ToooAh: 1 - Tasted nothing, no effect
• Elik'r Stormswallow: 3 - Tasted nothing, no effect
• Ser Tessell Highfrost: 2 - Tasted nothing, no effect
• Elvva Beltavar: 4 - Whiskey burn sensation

Elvva Beltavar's Effect:

• Drink burned like whiskey
• Green sprite appeared, zoomed around head
• Dissipated quickly
• Similar to fairy/Tinkerbell appearance

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian's Drink:

• Drank from same tankard after party
• Green sprite appeared
• This sprite shaky/drunk-looking
• Mini Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian sprite with tankard on shoulder

Bane Watcher Explanation

Warning to Elvva Beltavar: "You're further along than I thought"

Nature of Bane Watchers:

• Sad existence
• Can shorten lifespan
• More attuned to Bane = worse corruption
• Can overflow and take over host
• Sprites are normal manifestation

Bane Origin:

• Living entity
• The earth itself
• Origin unknown

Citadel Location:

• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian urged finding Bane Watcher Citadel quickly
• Centre of kingdom, large lake
• Island in centre of lake with mountain range
• Citadel on island
• Home of Bane Watcher organisation
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian is wanderer/scout

Purpose: Master abilities, receive training Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian cannot provide, meet Bane Watcher leader

Timing: Entirely up to party (can go before or after northern mission)

Elik'r's Investigation

Divine Sense Cast:

• Detects good/evil within 60ft (not behind total cover)
• Senses celestial, fiend, undead affected by hallow

Results:

• Party members: Mixed good/evil (very mixed feelings from all 5)
• Princess: Neither good nor evil (neutral aura)
• Eldrin Oakenhart: Good feeling (reliable, trustworthy)
• Soldiers in room: Range of good/bad (natural variance)
• General Thailander Oakwood: Very good sense (genuinely what he appears)
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian: Drunk
• High King: Dead

Identify Attempt on Elvva Beltavar:

• Elik'r Stormswallow touched Elvva Beltavar during identify casting
• Spell detects ongoing spells affecting creature
• Result: "Not a spell" - couldn't learn anything
• Bane corruption not detectable via Identify

Evening Feast

Timing: Final night before people depart for their missions

Setting: Castle feast hall

Magical Cherry Cake Effects

Party ate magical desserts - rolled D100 for effects:

Elik'r Stormswallow (97):

• Compelled to sing everything for one hour
• Produces one perfect note so high/clear that all nearby glass shatters
• Started singing all actions

ToooAh (66):

• After one minute, let out deafening burp
• So loud it stuns all people within 5 metres

Elvva Beltavar (78):

• Food tasted extremely spicy
• Skin caught fire (no damage or pain)
• Lost all non-magical clothing
• Wearing magical armour (leather) so remained covered
• All normal underclothes burned away
• Effectively half-naked

Ser Tessell Highfrost (34):

• Gained ability of master seducer for one hour
• Effect so strong no one able to deny advances
• Perfect timing with Elvva Beltavar's state

Lady Odonia of Galantri (28):

• Acts as aphrodisiac, enhances lustful attraction for one hour
• First person eyes look upon becomes target
• Rolled D20: Even = Eldrin Oakenhart, Odd = Princess
• Rolled even - Eldrin Oakenhart becomes target

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (55):

• During night, someone shoved tiny kitten into arms
• Kitten clings to Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian
• Hisses at everyone else
• Won't leave Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian's side

Second Piece of Cake Effects

Party rolled percentile for drunken antics (morning-after discoveries):

ToooAh (50):

• Someone slipped sprouting bean into bag during night
• Magical bean
• ToooAh unaware it's there

Elik'r Stormswallow (94):

• Pick a companion: Chose Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian
• Together hunted wild boar during night (while singing)
• Only memory: Raw meat on table next morning

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (55):

• Kitten still clinging from cake effect

Lady Odonia of Galantri (68):

• Woke surrounded by bird feathers
• Origin unknown
• Feathers everywhere around sleeping area

Ser Tessell Highfrost (40):

• Declared honoured guest at local chapel
• Pledged large donation during drunken ramblings
• Discovered 40 gold missing from pouch
• Donation already made

Elvva Beltavar (Result not specified but mentioned):

• Medal hanging around neck
• Declares her "funniest drunk in city"
• Awarded by anonymous bystanders
• Memory of flashing people

Entertainment Result: Elik'r Stormswallow and Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian singing together during feast while others dealt with various effects.

NPCs Encountered

Active This Session

• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade - Fought Thalas, heavily injured but healed by Ser Tessell Highfrost, sat on father's throne during ceremony, elevated Lady Odonia of Galantri to nobility
• Thalas/Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers - True identity revealed when helmet melted, threw dagger at Princess (intercepted by Ser Tessell Highfrost), escaped via fire teleportation saying "the kingdom will be ours"
• Eldrin Oakenhart - Royal Advisor, heavily injured in battle, sat right of throne during ceremony, gave strategic advice about Neverwinter
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian - Broke through door, secured Castle, warned about Bane corruption progression, urged visiting Citadel, gained kitten companion
• General General Thailander Oakwood - Commanded Castle forces, gave strategic report on kingdom civil war, reported Eastern Citadel silence
• Patriarch Siegfried Wildner - Received honours with Elvva Beltavar, discussed Avicia's magical education and potential
• Avicia - Present somewhere in Castle, magical education discussed, identity as rightful heir still secret
• Black Knight (Warhammer) - Broke through throne room door, attempted to punch ToooAh, stopped mysteriously, departed in brownish light
• Mysterious Soldier - Skeletal voice, said "Commander I'm done here," disappeared in eerie green light (deeper than party's lime green)

Mentioned

• Ser Alvar Flowers - Leading southern rebellion army, declared enemy, approximately 50% kingdom support
• Yavanna Lightwhisper - Twin sister of Ser Alvar Flowers, whereabouts unknown
• Duke Vallandor Firebloom - Rules Neverwinter (northern major city), key strategic target
• Ser Anfalen - Former Sylobelle lord, stripped of lands, declared for Ser Alvar Flowers
• Guy - Elik'r Stormswallow's squire, killed Session 22, Elik'r Stormswallow sent 50 gold to family

Deceased This Session

• Ser Alarin Silverleaf - Veteran noble/knight, died during siege (confirmed casualty)

Locations Visited

• Belendar - Palace Throne Room - Final battle concluded, ceremonies held three days later
• Belendar - Palace Guest Chambers - Party housed for two-day reconstruction period
• Belendar - Royal Study - Private meeting between Princess, Eldrin Oakenhart, and Odonia
• Belendar - Palace Feast Hall - Final feast with magical cherry cakes
• Belendar - City Streets - Party worked reconstruction efforts over two days
• Belendar - Town Square - Makeshift hospital set up, Elvva Beltavar attempted to help

Mentioned Locations

• Bane Watcher Citadel - Centre of kingdom, island in large lake, mountain range, home of Bane Watcher organisation
• Neverwinter - Major northern city, Duke Vallandor Firebloom's seat, strategic target for rallying north
• Eastern Citadel - Major keep in eastern mountains, fallen silent, guards border with dead lands
• Dead Lands - Eastern territories beyond mountains, orc/troll/minotaur tribes, usually disorganised
• Sylobelle - Now officially Lady Odonia of Galantri's lands as Lady of Sylobelle

Quest Updates

Completed Quests

• Defend Palace/Throne Room - Status: COMPLETED
  • Quest File: Quests - Completed#Defend Palace
  • Thalas revealed as Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers
  • Thalas escaped via fire teleportation
  • Princess saved, healed by Ser Tessell Highfrost
  • All enemy soldiers killed or routed
  • Castle secured by Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian
  • High King's death avenged (partially - Thalas escaped)

Active Quests Updated

• Civil War - Eagle vs Falcon - Status: Active (ESCALATED)

  • Quest File: Quests - Active#Eagle vs Falcon Civil War
  • Kingdom split approximately 50/50
  • Ser Alvar Flowers leading southern army
  • Many northern nobles haven't declared
  • Party commissioned to rally north for Princess
  • Anfarlan (former Sylobelle lord) declared for Falcon

• Rally the North - Status: Active (NEW MISSION)

  • Quest File: Quests - Active#Rally the North
  • Party appointed Marshals of the North
  • Mission: Unite northern territories for Princess
  • First target: Neverwinter (Duke Vallandor Firebloom)
  • Kill/destroy anyone in open rebellion
  • Party given 712+ troops as reinforcements

• Secure Eastern Border - Status: Active (NEW MISSION)

  • Quest File: Quests - Active#Secure Eastern Border
  • Eastern Citadel has fallen silent
  • Strange creatures attacking northern settlements
  • Possible threat from dead lands (orc/troll/minotaur territories)
  • Unusual for tribes to unify or cross mountains

• Visit Bane Watcher Citadel - Status: Active (NEW QUEST)

  • Quest File: Quests - Active#Visit Bane Watcher Citadel
  • Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian urged immediate visit
  • Purpose: Master Bane abilities, receive training
  • Meet Bane Watcher leader
  • Location: Island in centre of large lake, central kingdom
  • Timing flexible (can go before/after northern mission)

• The Bane Influence - Status: Active (ESCALATING)

  • Quest File: Quests - Active#The Bane
  • Elvva Beltavar showing advanced progression (green sprite manifestation)
  • Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian: "You're further along than I thought"
  • Bane corruption can overflow and take over host
  • Can shorten lifespan
  • Sprites are normal manifestation
  • Dormant commands still planted in ToooAh, Lady Odonia of Galantri, Patriarch Siegfried Wildner

• Avicia's Safety & Education - Status: Ongoing

  • Still at Castle (presumably safe)
  • Natural magical affinity noted
  • Compared to Princess's talent
  • Decision needed: Continue mage training or return with party
  • Identity as rightful heir still secret

New Information

• Thalas = Lady Alysanne = Elincia Flowers - Same person, helmet melted revealing face, escaped saying "kingdom will be ours"
• Eastern Citadel Silent - Major keep fallen quiet, unusual threat from dead lands
• Bane Progression - Elvva Beltavar advanced corruption, sprites manifest, can take over host
• Northern Strategy - Neverwinter key to uniting north, Duke Vallandor Firebloom
• Party Military Status - Official command of 712+ troops, war chest access, formal military titles
• Lady Odonia of Galantri's Secret - Assassination arrangement with Princess known only to Eldrin Oakenhart and Princess
• Avicia's Talent - Natural magic affinity rivalling Princess's abilities

Character Status

Injuries & Conditions

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Took 8 slashing + 2 slashing + 6 (1 piercing + 5 necrotic) = 16 total damage
• Dagger through hand (necrotic wound from Thalas's final attack)
• Permanent facial scar from Session 23
• Knighted formally: "Ser Tessell Highfrost"
• Title: Knight of the Storm Riders
• Rank: General of the Left
• Pledged 40 gold to chapel while drunk

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• Took 8 slashing + 7 fire = 15 total damage
• Psychological curse ongoing (own voice: "It's your fault")
• Sent 50 gold to Guy's family
• Rank: General of the Right
• Hunted wild boar with Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian while drunk/singing

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Took 6 + 5 piercing + 1 = 12 total damage
• Elevated to Lady of Sylobelle (nobility)
• Advisor position (left of throne)
• Rank: General of the North (overall command)
• Secret arrangement with Princess known only to Eldrin Oakenhart
• Woke surrounded by mysterious bird feathers

ToooAh:

• No additional damage this session
• Rank: Chariot General
• Magic bean in bag (unaware)
• Asked about Avicia's education

Elvva Beltavar:

• Knocked unconscious during battle
• Stabilised by ToooAh, healed by Elik'r Stormswallow
• Bane corruption advanced - green sprite manifestation
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian: "Further along than I thought"
• Must take Warlock level 2 next (DM specified)
• Lost all non-magical clothing (cake effect)
• Medal: "Funniest drunk in city"

Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade:

• Healed by Ser Tessell Highfrost (no longer injured)
• Seated on father's throne
• Elevated Lady Odonia of Galantri to nobility
• Lady Odonia of Galantri showing attraction (cake effect)

Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian:

• Acquired kitten companion (won't leave, hisses at others)
• Green sprite manifestation when drinking Bane test
• Warned party about Bane progression

Avicia:

• Safe at Castle
• Strong magical potential noted
• Identity as rightful heir still secret

Loot & Rewards

Military Resources

Troop Reinforcements (Total: 712+ troops):

• 200 Archers (specialised longbows) - given to Elvva Beltavar
• 32 Knights + Squires (16 knights each to Lady Odonia of Galantri and ToooAh)
• 420 Footmen (generic infantry) - given to Elik'r Stormswallow

War Chest:

• Access to royal treasury (discretionary spending)
• Must request approval for expenditures
• Can pay for bribes, supplies, reconstruction
• All masonry/reconstruction costs covered

Castle Deed:

• Official ownership of party's Castle
• Previously occupied without legal deed
• Now formally recognised

Titles & Ranks

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

• Lady of Sylobelle (nobility)
• Ownership of Sylobelle and surrounding lands
• General of the North (military)
• Advisor position (left of throne)

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

• Formally knighted: "Ser Tessell Highfrost"
• Knight of the Storm Riders
• General of the Left

Elik'r Stormswallow:

• General of the Right

ToooAh:

• Chariot General

All Party:

• Ornate golden sashes (symbolic items)
• Authority to promote subordinates
• Marshals of the North commission

Magic Items

Magical Bean (in ToooAh's bag):

• Sprouting bean
• Magical properties
• ToooAh unaware of possession

Currency Changes

Elik'r Stormswallow: -50 gold (sent to Guy's family)

Ser Tessell Highfrost: -40 gold (drunken chapel pledge)

Memorable Moments

Session 26 - ToooAh - Killed two soldiers with single punches creating "gong noise" sound effects. Later attempted to grab Black Knight's warhammer through splintered door hole, was pulled close for punch that mysteriously stopped mid-air.

Session 26 - Thalas Identity Reveal - Helmet melted away by earlier acid damage, revealed as Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers. Screamed "This isn't over, the war has only just begun!" before throwing necrotic dagger at Princess and escaping via fire teleportation.

Session 26 - Ser Tessell Highfrost - Attempted to catch Thalas's thrown dagger (failed athletics), dagger pierced through hand instead (1 piercing + 5 necrotic), still prevented dagger reaching Princess. Later gained "master seducer" ability from magical cake immediately after Elvva Beltavar lost all non-magical clothing.

Session 26 - Elvva Beltavar - Bane corruption advanced significantly. Green sprite manifested during Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian's test. Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian warned: "You're further along than I thought." Later lost all non-magical clothing when magical cake made skin catch fire.

Session 26 - Lady Odonia of Galantri (Major) - Elevated to Lady of Sylobelle, given advisor position left of throne, appointed General of the North. Party members visibly surprised. Later revealed secret assassination arrangement with Princess (meta-gaming - other party members unaware).

Session 26 - Elik'r Stormswallow & Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian - Magical cake compelled Elik'r Stormswallow to sing everything for one hour. Both went wild boar hunting while singing, woke to raw meat on table. Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian also acquired kitten that won't leave his side.

Session 26 - Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian (Dramatic) - Broke through throne room door asking "Right, where's the baddies?" to room full of dead bodies. Lady Odonia of Galantri replied sarcastically about timing. Later manifested drunk mini-sprite of himself with tankard during Bane test.

Session 26 - Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade - Sat on father's throne for first time, elevated Lady Odonia of Galantri to nobility and advisor position, commissioned Riders of the Storm as Marshals of the North, gave party 712+ troops and war chest access.

Session 26 - Party (Tactical) - Successfully defended throne room, saved Princess, revealed Thalas's identity, prevented assassination, then spent two days helping rebuild Castle/city before receiving major honours and military commission.

Session 26 - Ser Tessell Highfrost (Investigation) - Cast Divine Sense detecting mixed good/evil in party members, pure good from Eldrin Oakenhart and General General Thailander Oakwood, neutral from Princess. Later cast Identify on Elvva Beltavar attempting to detect Bane corruption but learned "not a spell."

Next Session

Cliffhanger

• Thalas/Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers escaped promising "war has only just begun"
• Civil war: Kingdom split 50/50 between Eagle and Falcon factions
• Ser Alvar Flowers leading southern rebel army
• Eastern Citadel fallen silent - unusual threat from dead lands
• Strange creatures attacking northern settlements
• Elvva Beltavar's Bane corruption advanced - sprite manifestation
• Dormant commands still in ToooAh, Lady Odonia of Galantri, Patriarch Siegfried Wildner
• Party must rally north starting with Neverwinter (Duke Vallandor Firebloom)
• Avicia's education decision pending
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian urging Citadel visit for Bane training
• 712+ troops now under party command
• Lady Odonia of Galantri's secret arrangement with Princess unknown to party

To Investigate

• Thalas's escape - where did she go? "Kingdom will be ours" - whose kingdom?
• Eastern Citadel silence - what threat caused major keep to fall silent?
• Strange creatures - what's attacking northern settlements? Connected to dead lands?
• Dead lands threat - why are normally-disorganised tribes possibly unifying?
• Elvva Beltavar's Bane corruption - how far advanced? Can it be reversed?
• Green sprite manifestation - what does this mean for progression?
• Bane Watcher Citadel - what training available? Can they remove corruption?
• Mysterious soldier's escape - eerie green light (deeper than party's), skeletal voice, who was he?
• Black Knight's departure - brownish light, why did punch stop mid-air?
• Avicia's magical talent - why so strong? Connection to royal bloodline?
• Duke Vallandor Firebloom - will he support Princess? Negotiate or fight?
• Northern nobles - which haven't declared? Can they be swayed?
• Lady Odonia of Galantri's secret - when will party learn about assassination arrangement?
• Magical bean - what happens when ToooAh discovers it? What does it grow?

NPCs to Follow Up

• Thalas/Lady Alysanne/Elincia Flowers - Escaped, leading conspiracy, "war has only just begun"
• Ser Alvar Flowers - Leading southern army, whereabouts unknown
• Yavanna Lightwhisper - Ser Alvar Flowers's twin, location unknown
• Duke Vallandor Firebloom - Key to northern strategy, rules Neverwinter
• Avicia - Education decision, identity as heir still secret, magical talent
• Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian - Urging Citadel visit, has kitten companion
• Patriarch Siegfried Wildner - Dormant Bane command, Avicia's teacher
• Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade - Ruling from father's throne, civil war leadership
• Eldrin Oakenhart - Chief advisor, gave strategic guidance
• General General Thailander Oakwood - Military commander, gave situation report
• Anfarlan - Declared for Ser Alvar Flowers, former Sylobelle lord
• Guy's family - Received 50 gold from Elik'r Stormswallow
• Bane Watcher Leader - At Citadel, can provide advanced training

Immediate Concerns

• Choose mission order: Rally north first, or visit Bane Watcher Citadel?
• Neverwinter approach: Diplomatic or military? Duke Vallandor Firebloom's stance?
• Elvva Beltavar's corruption: How urgent is Citadel visit for training/treatment?
• Troop integration: 712+ new soldiers need organisation, training, leadership
• Eastern Citadel: Investigate silence or focus on northern rally?
• Avicia's decision: Continue mage training or accompany party?
• Dormant Bane commands: When/how will they activate? Can they be removed?
• Lady Odonia of Galantri's secret: Potential party conflict if assassination revealed
• Civil war strategy: How to effectively rally 50% undecided nobles?
• Strange creatures: What's the threat? Scouts needed?
• Party resources: Spell slots, abilities, HP management before next mission
• Thalas's revenge: Will she attack again? Where?