Session #4

Tavern:

Everyone wakes up from their rest after the chaotic fight against the ghouls outside the tavern. The group prepares themselves for their further travels. They speak to Yokai for some sets of supplies that they may need. Aldrick approaches everyone and it amazed with their battle style and grew curious to know more about everyone and ask each of them about themselves. Zaryk, somberly speak stating “I come from a small village and I lost people that I loved but with all due respect Aldrick I will leave it at that because I am not the type to reveal my past so bluntly”. Alrick then turns to Roktar and his prideful self says “I’m from around the world with my trusty lute and that’s all you need to know”.

Vistra chimes in and says “Well I come from a small village where my family was killed and was taken in by my fellow Kaladin tribes where they have taught me the way of combat”. Then he turns to Velen in which he “I found from a young age that my parents went missing from the guards during the current Great War. I was then raised by my uncle Ben who gifted me with my special lute that was passed down from my father so no looking or touching of my prize possession”. Seildar proudly states “Flame and fire are not the only things I crave. I desire knowledge and find curiousity in everything I come across”. This intrigued Aldrick; since he too lust for the knowledges of the world. Once everyone finished with their heartfelt conversation, they begin to continue their journey.

The group arrives back to the bridge; Vistra notices timbers and nails laying on the ground across the log. Both Velen and Roktar head over to get a closer look at that area. They don’t seem to detect any use of these materials they find so, Roktar decides to try to throw the timber over the river but before he gets the chance Zaryk intervenes; believing that these items may be of use, but Roktar seemed to care less and threw it over the river. Once they crossed the bridge, they notice a woman lying against a rock. Heading over to find a decapitated woman. They first assumptions lead them to believe her slaughter until they look closely and find signs of breathing? How is she alive? Where did she come from? Who or what did this to her? All these questions whistle through their minds. They considered healing her but hesitated because they know nothing yet. Zaryk is especially curious to know more so he tries to speak to her but she doesn’t seem to respond back. Surprise, the headless woman is blind and deaf. Zaryk draws upon her arm the letters “H-I”. She quickly waves her hand toward his direction. He then writes “who did this to you?” and “how?”. Vistra’s concerns grow. The woman gets up and touches Vistra’s face and its clear they might find out more from the nearing town called Fallowvayne.

A gloomy ambiance surrounds our adventurers as they near the Fallovayne gates. A balding man approaches the headless woman dressed in silvered armor with serious intent. Suddenly, the expression on his face livens and his shouts “Oh, Donny there you are!” with arms wide open. He calls upon his subordinates to take Donny away to her husband. As she is escorted away, the guard turns to the groups with a question “who are you? What is your purpose here?” Zaryk approaches the guard stating “Hello Sir, we were sent by Mayor Beck to investigate the chaos happening in Frimi. On our way we found who you call Donny. The guard responds vaguely stating “Thank you for your help”. The guard continues to explain “this town has been the target of an unknown evil for some time now. I see you have business with our Mayor. I will leave the rest of your questions to him”.

The group stands before the Mayor of Fallovayne. “Welcome I am Mayor Adam and you may refer to my fellow guard Captain as Captain Mellow. Who might you all be”. Roktar boasts about “My name is Roktar your trusted bard. Catch me everywhere for I am a Rockstar legend”. Velen comes up and bows before him “My name is Velen I too am a bard with my awesome lute”. Vistra approaches them gets on one knee and says “Hello all my name is Vistra, a paladin of a mighty oath”. Seildar pridefully waltzes over “I am Seidler fire and knowledge are my interests”. Finally Zaryk cautiously approaches before everyone “Sir Familiar, I am Zaryk. Allow me to voice my reason for being here today. We were sent by Mayor Beck to gather supplies in hopes that we could quell the apparent infestation in Frimi. We happened to find Donny on the way and ended up with more questions than we had before. How could decapitation without death even be possible?” As Zaryk is speaking, Vistra uses her divine senses to detect any evil in this room; to which finds none. Mayor Familiar informs the group that “Donny has been special ever since the attack. We were well-aware of her absence. We are very grateful for your kindness for returning her back to us. Beck is a dear friend of mine who has asked help before. I want nothing more than the threat in Frimi to be quelled and so im looking to assist you”. Zaryk inquires “Is there anything that you can tell us about the monster in Frimi?” Mayor Familiar states “Sadly no, I know little to nothing about the fiends in Frimi. To be frank with you, were dealing with our own threat at the moment. You see, there is a monster that appears every full moon which come every three nights. People describe it as a man mounted on horseback missing his head. Fortunately, the killing has only happened outside the city walls. We’ve surmised that each of his victims is brutally decapitated.

As you can see, were aren’t your average town but even so this is abnormal to us”. As the group look around, they gain suspicion of necromancy. Mayor Adam finishes “Clearly it’s been a long day for you all so, in exchange of my kindness of allowing you all to stay here and obtaining full access to our tavern, place to rest, supplies along with services from our expert blacksmith. I’d like to make you all an offer before we part however. We’ve been having issues with this daft creature of our town would you be willing to help us stop this monster in exchange for our help in Frimi?”. The group looks at each other and agrees with his offer. Aldrick interrupts worried asking “By any chance have any new ships arrived here at your docks?” the Mayor notifies him that “Sadly, every ship that leaves our town never returns. This includes ships scheduled to arrive”. Seildar questions “Is there anything wrong with the docks?” and the mayor states “No, not the docks specifically. It seems that none of the ships that we send out ever come back”. Aldrick grows somber. The Mayor continues “Thank you all for agreeing to help us”. Before the group departs Zaryk asks about potential witnesses to the horror. “Donny’s husband Justin; a well-known tailor of this town, maybe he would be able to help you”. On their way to the Fallovayne tavern, the gang witnesses Alrick performing a small ritual. Aldrick takes out a small black case, mumbles several words and releases a fiery phoenix that shoots into the sky heading north.

The gang arrives to the tavern and everyone heads to the bar where a middle age man is attending, as Zaryk is about to order a thirst quenching ale he sees a moving hand on the table which frightens Zaryk and Roktar. “Oh, hello welcome my name is Greer and don’t be worried about my extra hands he is quite helpful and friendly!”. Seildar notices by the corner Donny and a young man next to her. He approaches both of them “Hello, are you Justin?” he responds with “Yes I am, who might you be?” Seildar continues “My name is Seildar. Me and fellow companions were the ones who found your wife earlier by the bridge.” then Justin responds “My goodness thank you all so much for helping my wife. It’s shocked me what happened to her and what is happening in our town” then Seildar ask “Yes about that, the Mayor said you might be the only one that can tell us more about this monster that presents every full moon”. Justin explains “The day we first heard about this monster was the day I found my wife. She left the town on a full moon one night to forage with some of our people and the next day I found her headless and lost. To my surprise she was still herself minus her head of course. The rest of those we found slaughtered in similar ways. Unfortunately, my wife is unable to see or hear anything and on top of that we’ve gotten creative on how to feed her. Unfortunately, that is all the information I can provide for you if there is anything that you all need please feel free to ask. I am also the tailor of this city; So, I would be happy to work my magic into creating something for you all if you want”. Roktar overhears this intrigued and asks Justin to make him a red cloak.

Back at the bar Zaryk and Vistra question Greer aswell. Greer responds “Sadly I know nothing about this vicious monster. I hope this nightmare ends but what keeps us calm is our daily hand races” the whole group listens in some in disgust and some curious. Zaryk repeats “h-h-hand races? Could you tell us more?” Grear responds “Its a whole bunch of fun! Every few days we all gather and put money down to see which hand races across first. You newcomers should give it a try!”. As they are continuing to learn about the hand race, Aldrick enters the scene displeased. “Well well well where have you been?” Roktar blurts to Aldrick and he responds “I went to the docks to check to see if what the mayor said was true and sadly it is. What are you all up to now?” and the group lets him know they will be placing bets in a hand race which changes his mood and decide to join in the race. The following hand contestants in the race are: Grave Digger, Crawling in my skin, Maniclaw, Unarmed and redhanded. In the first round: Vistra, Zaryk and Seildar won with Red-handed. For the second round, Zaryk decided to sit this one out and the rest of the group placed their bets. Sadly, everyone lost the second round as everyone placed their bets on Grave Digger. Roktar lost a good deal of money on this race. Zaryk walks over to him “Roktar you gambling fool don’t bet more. Here is some consolation” as he hands him some gold.

Everyone arrives outside Fallovayne’s wall on the night of the full moon. Justin and Donny wish them good luck. They all agree that it would be best to camp here and set up a plan to capture the monster. Zaryk suggest that they set up a rope across from the road. Vistra suggests that Velen sets up an illusion in front of the rope in order to catch the creature’s attention. In addition, Roktar suggest that everyone should take turns on night watch. Roktar decides to take on the first watch by himself, Zaryk and Seildar agree to take second watch together and Vistra and Velen take on the third watch. They set up camp and wait for the battle to begin. An evil laugh echoes throughout the night and everyone is in full combat mode. They begin to prepare themselves to capture the monster with the rope. Arrives before them is a skeletal headless horseman which terrifies Seildar. As Velen was about to set up his illusion they already see the headless horseman approaching and uses his scythe to slice the rope. Combat ensues. Roktar gets closer and tries to attack the horseman but before he could even get the chance, his head is lopped off by the horseman “ROKTAR NOOOOOO!!!!” Zaryk yells out. Vistra dashes closer to the horseman and sees an open opportunity to get a good attack of the horseman so, she throws her trident at him. Upon where was once headless Roktar’s head appears. Roktar is shocked and frightened by this but somehow still has the capability to control his actual body; in which, he throws his thunder wave and horseman finally gets knocked off the horse. The Horseman uses this new head to spray dragon breath on Zaryk with no success. After some struggle and the defeat of the Headless horseman its hoped that upon the return of Roktars head Donnys was aswell. The only thing that stands is the skeletal horse. Vistra was the only one that wanted to keep the horse while everyone was ready to kill it. Velen wanted to see what he could do; he decides to try to get on the horse using an illusion. He does so and then throws the horse off into the ravine killing it.

Everyone returns to the Fallovayne’s taven after a night battle against the headless horseman. They were all given a special reward for their heroic ways which was the ring of peering; which has an eye that moves constantly. Zaryk was hesitant about this particular ring but Roktar didn’t seem to care too much and decided that it was best for him to keep it. Roktar wanted to grab a drink at the bar but was too scared because of the hand that is always hanging around there. Zaryk notices his fear and make him a deal “I will bring drinks for you IF you sing a song for me” Roktar was pleased with this and so he pull out his mighty lute and sing him a little song “Hey there lil Zaryk don’t you worry about the distance I'm right there if you get scared give this song another listen close your eyes listen to my voice, it’s my disguise I'm by your side” All exhausted decide to rest for the adventure that lies ahead.