Session 32 - 15 November 2025

Location: Sylobelle → Road to Thalas'Miriel → Crossroads Inn → Moth Queen Cavern
Date In-Game: Day 12 after Grand Tournament

Key Events

Departure from Sylobelle

Evening Celebrations:

Lady Odonia of Galantri, Elik'r Stormswallow, and Elvva Beltavar spent the night drinking at Sylobelle tavern celebrating their victory

Journey Begins:

Party set off toward Thalas'Miriel (Tears of the Forest Cathedral town) the next morning
Lady Odonia of Galantri passed out drunk in back of cart at journey's start (player arrived late to session)
By the time party reached Crossroads Inn, she had sobered up enough to participate

Encounter with Iron Finch Company

Meeting on the Road:

Party caught up to a slower-moving covered cart with riders
Guards waved in greeting - all human, wearing leather armour and weapons
Driver: Bald-headed, heavily moustached individual in heavier armour than the guards
Identified as Captain Mara Veylan of the Iron Finch Company
Approximately 8 mercenaries in the back of the cart

Conversation:

Captain Mara Veylan asked ToooAh what kind of bird she is - mentioned birds are considered lucky
This broke the ice and they agreed to travel together as far as Crossroads Inn
Iron Finch Company hired by the Dukedom of Neverwinter as mercenaries
Showed party a scroll from Duke Alaric Thorne of Neverwinter calling mercenaries to arms
No information on scroll regarding payment or terms

Strategic Information Gathered:

About Neverwinter:

Largest duchy in the north
Critical ally for future battles in the civil war
Human noble family rules as a dukedom

About Duke Alaric Thorne:

Old nobleman who entered the tournament at Belendar (his planned last tournament)
Crippled right leg
Has ruled for eight decades
Wife passed away long ago
Three sons:
- Edran Thorne (35 years old) - Born and raised to inherit the duchy, knighted, always at father's side
- Marek Thorne (24 years old) - Knight of the realm, spent years abroad as a mercenary
- Calen Thorne (16 years old) - Bastard son (no other information known)

Arrival at Crossroads Inn

The Burrow and Barrel Inn:

Proper name of what locals call "Crossroads Inn"
Three-storey tavern in a large clearing
Cart park with signposts to different areas of the kingdom
Many carts, carriages, and horses present
Massive building - much larger than typical city taverns
Large roof designed to look like a mushroom
Famous for food, drink, and entertainment

Arrival (Around Noon):

Party decided to stop for food and comfort break
Greeted by Tansy Porridgepot (known as "Tanny") of the Halfling Porridgepot family
Pippa Porridgepot (Tansy's great-grandmother and landlady) could be heard laughing from the kitchen
Weapons left in closet upon entry
Juniper Porridgepot working as barman

Notable Figures at the Inn

The Red-Haired Mercenary:

Woman sitting alone in corner
Tall, lean, well-muscled
Hardened leather orange tunic
Fiery red hair with steel grey eyes
Diagonal scar across nose (sword slash)

Monks of Ilmater:

Group of monks in another corner
Ser Tessell Highfrost recognized their religious symbols
Fellow worshippers of Ilmater, God of Endurance

Iron Finch Company:

Also present in tavern, eating and drinking

Tessell's Encounter with Red Viper

Initial Approach:

Ser Tessell Highfrost introduced himself as "Ser Tessell Highfrost, leader of the Riders of the Storm"
The woman ignored his conversational attempt
Instead offered her arm out for an arm wrestle

The Contest:

Thanks to lucky rolls, Ser Tessell Highfrost eventually won
Woman introduced herself as Captain Rhyla Garron, known as "Red Viper"
Commands the Crimson Pike mercenary company
Also traveling to Neverwinter - received same scroll as Captain Mara Veylan
Has no allegiance - only fights for whoever pays best

Bareknuckle Boxing Tournament

The Ring:

Lower section of tavern contains bareknuckle boxing ring
Run by Marmaduke Porridgepot
Wagers allowed but mainly for bragging rights
Rules similar to jousting - no unfair advantages (no breath weapons, no class abilities)
Three attack options: Jab, Hook, Uppercut

Participants:

Elik'r Stormswallow, Elvva Beltavar, and Lady Odonia of Galantri entered

First Match: Elik'r vs Lyria Swiftstep

Opponent:

Lyria Swiftstep - 16-year-old Wood Elf girl
Elik'r Stormswallow immediately aware this could only end badly: either ridiculed for losing to a 16-year-old girl OR known as a bully for beating her

The Fight:

Lyria Swiftstep attacked: Jab, Jab, Uppercut
Elik'r Stormswallow responded: Hook to her ear, Jab, Jab to face
Final Uppercut to chin sent Lyria Swiftstep crashing through the ring onto a table
Crowd shocked at treatment of sixteen-year-old elf girl by massive dragonborn
(They don't know there's only a 1-year age gap - Elik'r Stormswallow is 17, weighs 3000lbs, and stands 6'8")

Second Match: Elik'r vs Elvva

Winner Stays On:

Elvva Beltavar challenged Elik'r Stormswallow

The Fight:

Elik'r Stormswallow hit Elvva Beltavar three times: Jab, Hook, Uppercut
CURSE TRIGGERED: In Elik'r Stormswallow's head, he heard "It's all my fault!"
Took 20 points of psychic damage
Entered Frightened state
(As Paladin of Vengeance, he's supposed to be protecting Elvva Beltavar, not harming her)

Elvva's Response:

Ignored the three allowed boxing moves and elbowed him in the head!
Series of misses and counters
Rolled Natural 20 for double hit
More miss/counter exchanges
Rolled another Natural 20!
Final Uppercut sent Elik'r Stormswallow following Lyria Swiftstep out of the ring!

Third Match: Odonia vs Elvva

The Fight:

Elvva Beltavar took no chances: Jab, Hook, Hook
Lady Odonia of Galantri responded: Left Hook, but Elvva Beltavar countered second attack
Lady Odonia of Galantri countered Elvva Beltavar's next attack
Elvva Beltavar Uppercut with ANOTHER Natural 20
Final Jab to face finished Lady Odonia of Galantri

Result: Elvva Beltavar stepped out of the ring victorious over all opponents!

ToooAh's Card Game Disaster

Attempting to Learn:

ToooAh tried to work out how to play the card game
Rolled Natural 1 on Perception

The Game:

Sat down at table to play despite not knowing the rules or how to play
Lost very quickly
Returned to party table

Bramble's Magical Pastries

The Announcement:

Bramble Porridgepot emerged from kitchen with tray of pastries
Went table to table leaving a plate at each
Announced she made them as a trial and some may explode!

Pastries on Party's Plate:

The Bard's Honeyglaze Crescendo
The Rogue's Shadowpuff
The Cleric's Sprinkled Ring Doughnut (smells of cinnamon)
The Arcane Swirl Pretzel
The Co'narr's Majestic Hammer

Effects:

ToooAh - Honeyglaze Crescendo:

For one hour: MUST uncontrollably sing everything she wants to say

Elik'r Stormswallow - Shadowpuff:

For one hour: Becomes slightly translucent and squeaks like a rubber toy when walking

Ser Tessell Highfrost - Sprinkled Doughnut:

Until next long rest: Emits a tiny choir "ahhh" sound every time casting a spell

Elvva Beltavar - Arcane Pretzel:

For next hour: Mage Hand appears that she can control
However, it is sassy and will try to defy her

Lady Odonia of Galantri - Majestic Hammer:

Pastry erupts, covering her head to toe in jam and cream
Can't be wiped off for next hour
Disadvantage on all Charisma checks and rolls

Around Tavern:

Other diners also heard and seen receiving various pastry effects

The Potato Quest

Notice Board:

Party checked local quest/notice board after leaving tavern
Collected weapons from closet
Selected the "Spud Quest"

Quest Details:

Flyer posted by Tansy Porridgepot
Adventurers needed to investigate failing potato crops
Payment offered for solving the problem

Meeting the Farmer:

Walked to rear of tavern where potato field located
Met Dodo Porridgepot (the farmer)
Led party to potato patch
All plants had shrivelled up

Investigation:

Found tiny, insect-sized bite marks on potatoes
Lady Odonia of Galantri used Speak with Animals spell
Questioned a crow and squirrel
Animals not particularly helpful BUT mentioned a "beige cloud" appears every early morning

The Trail:

Further investigation revealed trail of tiny potato bits/pieces
Trail led to nearby cavern entrance
Message etched/scratched into wall above cavern mouth:

"GLORY TO THE MOTH QUEEN"

NPCs Encountered

New NPCs:

Captain Mara Veylan - Leader of Iron Finch Company, bald with heavy moustache, traveling to Neverwinter
Captain Rhyla Garron ("Red Viper") - Leader of Crimson Pike, fiery red hair, scar across nose, no allegiances
Lyria Swiftstep - 16-year-old Wood Elf, bareknuckle boxing participant, knocked out of ring by Elik'r Stormswallow
Dodo Porridgepot - Farmer at Crossroads Inn, owns failing potato field

Recurring NPCs:

Tansy Porridgepot ("Tanny") - Server at Crossroads Inn
Pippa Porridgepot - Great-grandmother, landlady
Juniper Porridgepot - Barman
Marmaduke Porridgepot - Runs bareknuckle boxing ring
Bramble Porridgepot - Baker, creator of magical pastries

Name-Dropped:

Duke Alaric Thorne - Duke of Neverwinter, 8 decades of rule, crippled leg
Edran Thorne - Eldest son (35), heir to duchy
Marek Thorne - Second son (24), mercenary knight
Calen Thorne - Bastard son (16)

Factions & Organizations

Iron Finch Company:

Mercenary company led by Captain Mara Veylan
~8+ mercenaries
Hired by Neverwinter
Professional and reliable

Crimson Pike:

Mercenary company led by Captain Rhyla Garron ("Red Viper")
Also hired by Neverwinter
No allegiances - fights for highest bidder
More mercenary in nature (willing to switch sides)

Monks of Ilmater:

Present at Crossroads Inn
Fellow worshippers with Ser Tessell Highfrost

Moth Queen Cult:

Message at cavern: "Glory to the Moth Queen"
Responsible for potato crop failures
"Beige cloud" appears early morning (possibly moths or cultists)
Cavern entrance discovered

Locations Visited

Sylobelle:

Starting point, tavern celebrations
Lady Odonia of Galantri drank heavily

Road to Thalas'Miriel:

Encountered Iron Finch Company en route
Traveling together toward cathedral town

Crossroads Inn (Burrow and Barrel Inn):

Three-storey tavern with mushroom-shaped roof
Cart park clearing with signposts
Bareknuckle boxing ring (lower section)
Run by Porridgepot family (Halflings)
Famous for food, drink, entertainment
Quest board available

Potato Field:

Behind Crossroads Inn
Crops failing due to insect-sized bites
Trail of potato pieces

Moth Queen Cavern:

Entrance discovered following potato trail
"Glory to the Moth Queen" etched above entrance
Not yet explored (session ended at entrance)

Loot & Rewards

Magical Pastry Effects (Temporary):

ToooAh: Must sing everything (1 hour)
Elik'r Stormswallow: Translucent, squeaks like rubber toy (1 hour)
Ser Tessell Highfrost: Choir sound when casting (until long rest)
Elvva Beltavar: Sassy Mage Hand (1 hour)
Lady Odonia of Galantri: Covered in jam/cream, disadvantage on Charisma (1 hour)

Quest Accepted:

Spud Quest from Tansy Porridgepot
Payment to be determined upon completion

Combat Encounters

Bareknuckle Boxing (Non-lethal):

Match 1: Elik'r Stormswallow vs Lyria Swiftstep

Winner: Elik'r Stormswallow
Lyria Swiftstep knocked out of ring onto table

Match 2: Elik'r Stormswallow vs Elvva Beltavar

Winner: Elvva Beltavar
Elik'r Stormswallow's curse triggered (20 psychic damage, Frightened)
Elvva Beltavar scored two Natural 20s
Elik'r Stormswallow knocked out of ring

Match 3: Lady Odonia of Galantri vs Elvva Beltavar

Winner: Elvva Beltavar
Elvva Beltavar scored another Natural 20
Elvva Beltavar won entire tournament

Arm Wrestling:

Ser Tessell Highfrost vs Captain Rhyla Garron
Winner: Ser Tessell Highfrost (lucky rolls)

Character Development

Elik'r Stormswallow:

Curse triggered again in boxing match (harming Elvva Beltavar)
20 psychic damage taken
Entered Frightened state
Recognizes he cannot safely spar with Elvva Beltavar
Public embarrassment: beaten by woman he's supposed to protect, after beating 16-year-old girl

Elvva Beltavar:

Dominated bareknuckle boxing tournament
Won three matches back-to-back
Rolled three Natural 20s during fights
Gained respect and bragging rights

Ser Tessell Highfrost:

Successfully introduced Riders of the Storm to Captain Rhyla Garron
Defeated her in arm wrestling
Established potential mercenary contact
Choir effect when casting spells (humorous)

ToooAh:

Broke ice with Captain Mara Veylan (birds are lucky)
Failed spectacularly at card game (Natural 1 Perception)
Lost game quickly despite not knowing rules
Must sing everything for 1 hour (pastry effect)

Lady Odonia of Galantri:

Started journey passed out drunk in cart (player arrived late)
Sobered up by arrival at Crossroads Inn
Participated in boxing match
Lost to Elvva Beltavar
Covered in jam/cream (pastry mishap)

Quest Updates

Active:

Spud Quest - Investigate failing potato crops (ACCEPTED, in progress)
Rally the North - Neverwinter critical target, both major mercenary companies heading there
Visit Bane Watcher Citadel - Still urgent (Elvva Beltavar's corruption, Elik'r Stormswallow's curse)

New Information:

Neverwinter hiring mercenaries (civil war escalating)
Two major mercenary companies en route: Iron Finch Company (reliable), Crimson Pike (no allegiances)
Duke Alaric Thorne aging, succession unclear among three sons
Moth Queen cult active near Crossroads Inn

Mysteries & Hooks

The Neverwinter Succession:

Duke Alaric Thorne ruled 8 decades, aging
Three sons: Edran Thorne (heir), Marek Thorne (mercenary), Calen Thorne (bastard)
Which side will Neverwinter support in civil war?
Can party secure their allegiance?

Mercenary Allegiances:

Iron Finch Company: Professional, reliable (good potential allies)
Crimson Pike: No allegiance, fights for highest bidder (could be bought by enemy)
Who's paying them? How much?
Can party outbid or secure their loyalty?

Moth Queen Cult:

"Glory to the Moth Queen" message
Attacking potato crops with insect-sized bites
Beige cloud appears early morning
What is the Moth Queen?
What do they want?
Connection to larger threats?

Elik'r Stormswallow's Curse:

Triggered again when harming Elvva Beltavar (even non-lethally)
20 psychic damage is significant
Frightened state in combat is debilitating
Cannot safely train or spar with Elvva Beltavar
Citadel visit increasingly urgent

Memorable Moments

Lady Odonia of Galantri passed out drunk in back of cart at journey start (player arrived late to session)
Captain Mara Veylan's bird question to ToooAh breaking the ice ("What kind of bird are you? Birds are lucky!")
Ser Tessell Highfrost's rejected introduction - Captain Rhyla Garron ignoring his speech and demanding arm wrestle instead
Elik'r Stormswallow's impossible situation - knowing he'd either be ridiculed for losing to 16-year-old girl OR be seen as bully for winning
Lyria Swiftstep sent flying - 6'8" dragonborn uppercuts 16-year-old elf onto a table, crowd shocked
Elik'r Stormswallow's curse strike - "It's all my fault!" rings in head, 20 psychic damage, Frightened state during boxing match
Elvva Beltavar's elbow to the head - ignoring boxing rules entirely to attack Elik'r Stormswallow
Elvva Beltavar's triple Natural 20 streak - three Nat 20s across two boxing matches, dominating tournament
ToooAh's card game fail - Natural 1 Perception, sits down to play without knowing rules, loses immediately
Bramble Porridgepot's pastry warning - "I made these as trial and some may explode!"
The pastry effects chaos:
- ToooAh must sing everything
- Elik'r Stormswallow squeaking like rubber toy while translucent
- Ser Tessell Highfrost's magical choir "ahhh"
- Elvva Beltavar's sassy defiant Mage Hand
- Lady Odonia of Galantri exploding in jam and cream
"Glory to the Moth Queen" - ominous message at cavern entrance after following trail of potato pieces

DM Notes

Session Focus:

Social encounters and roleplay at Crossroads Inn
Introduction of two major mercenary factions
Worldbuilding for Neverwinter political situation
Homebrew magical effects (pastries)
Non-lethal combat (bareknuckle boxing)
Hook for Moth Queen cult investigation

Absent Player:

Annie (Lady Odonia of Galantri) arrived 10-15 minutes late
Character written as passed-out drunk in cart until arrival at inn
Participated normally once player arrived

Curse Mechanics:

Elik'r Stormswallow's curse now triggers even in non-lethal sparring
20 psychic damage significant at Level 6
Frightened condition adds combat penalty
Demonstrates curse is psychological/magical, not just about "killing"

Natural 20 Streak:

Elvva Beltavar rolled three Natural 20s in boxing matches
Statistically remarkable (0.125% chance)
Appropriate reward with dominating victory

Change Log

New NPCs Created:

Captain Mara Veylan - Iron Finch Company leader
Captain Rhyla Garron ("Red Viper") - Crimson Pike leader
Lyria Swiftstep - 16-year-old Wood Elf boxer
Dodo Porridgepot - Potato farmer
Edran Thorne - Eldest son of Duke Alaric Thorne (name-dropped)
Marek Thorne - Second son (name-dropped)
Calen Thorne - Bastard son (name-dropped)

NPCs Encountered:

Tansy Porridgepot, Pippa Porridgepot, Juniper Porridgepot, Marmaduke Porridgepot, Bramble Porridgepot

Locations Visited:

Crossroads Inn (Burrow and Barrel Inn) - detailed description
Potato field behind inn
Moth Queen cavern entrance

Factions Introduced:

Iron Finch Company - Mercenary company (professional, reliable)
Crimson Pike - Mercenary company (no allegiances, mercenary)
Moth Queen Cult - Attacking crops, cavern base

Quests:

Spud Quest accepted (investigate failing potato crops)
Moth Queen cavern discovered (not yet explored)

Character Status:

Elik'r Stormswallow: Curse triggered (20 psychic, Frightened), squeaking/translucent (1 hour)
Elvva Beltavar: Bareknuckle champion, sassy Mage Hand (1 hour)
Ser Tessell Highfrost: Arm wrestling victor, choir effect (until long rest)
ToooAh: Must sing (1 hour), lost card game
Lady Odonia of Galantri: Started journey passed out drunk, jam/cream covered (1 hour)

Political Intelligence:

Neverwinter hiring mercenaries (civil war escalating)
Duke Alaric Thorne: 8 decades rule, three sons, succession unclear
Party now aware Neverwinter is critical northern ally

Next Session: Explore Moth Queen cavern, investigate potato crop attacks, potentially continue to Thalas'Miriel cathedral town