The Vengeful Notes 2026-11-08

Descent to the Hidden Pools

• Luana tried to cover herself with a cloak, only for it to disappear; using her hair instead was suggested.
• Tiphanie asked where the group should go next. Marlion directed them downward toward a nearby pool, although nobody knew whether the king or his enemies remained there.
• A female companion lent Kelthyr Dimensional ShacklesDimensional ShacklesRareYou can use an action to place these shackles on an incapacitated creature. The shackles adjust to fit a creature of Small to Large size. In addition to serving as mundane manacles, the shackles prevent a creature bound by them from using any method of extradimensional movement, including teleportation or travel to a different plane of existence. They don't prevent the creature from passing-through an interdimensional portal. You and any creature you designate when you use the shackles can use an action to remove them. Once every 30 days, the bound creature can make a 30 Strength (Athletics) check. On a success, the creature breaks free and destroys the shackles. to prevent the king—or another dangerous opponent—from teleporting.
  • The group understood the shackles to block teleportation generally, not only planar travel.
  • Their ally claimed the remaining enemies below, and perhaps their souls or body parts, for herself.
• The party discussed Narmaya’s supposed sons.
  • Marquez was said to count as her son because she turned him.
  • Dante Le Fanu, Narmaya’s adopted child, was recalled as having died.
  • The shackles had reportedly been used on Marquez when he could not control his feeding on guards; the speaker said this was no longer a problem.
• The lightly defended route made the party suspicious that its occupants had underestimated infiltration or trusted a powerful guardian.
• Old Kalassarian architecture gave way to a natural cavern of bare rock, lichen, mushrooms, and audible running water.
• Tiphanie recognized an arch of tangled branches and vines as a portal. Beyond it lay a cavern filled with clear, refreshing spring water.
• Under water falling from the ceiling stood King Alitar I Dragonheart, emaciated, dressed in ruined royal clothing, and muttering to himself.
  • Kelthyr and Marlion hurried toward him; Alitar is Marlion’s father and Kelthyr’s stepfather.
  • Tiphanie carried Luana on her broom and watched their approach.
• A bubble-like magical barrier repelled Marlion’s hand while allowing the waterfall through.
  • The man repeatedly defied an unseen presence, insisting it would never possess his land or mind.
  • The party hesitated to break the barrier because doing so might expose his infected mind or cause him to lose the struggle.
• Marlion addressed him as Father, but he suspected an enemy was using Steinar’s face—Steinar being Marlion’s true name.
  • Marlion drew the Topaz Sword of Summer from its sheath as proof, but even its correctly placed topaz failed to convince the king.
  • He said the barrier had resisted three triads and would protect him until his frail body failed.
• During a partly unclear Draconic exchange, someone threatened to call through an orb of dragonkind and break his mind. The king asked whether that would kill him before he became an undead abomination or enemy servant.
• The king confirmed that a parasite crawled inside his mind, while his questioner said he had begun protecting himself too late.
• Kelthyr asked after his mother, Queen Murwes Dragonheart, but received no clear answer.
  • In a separate exchange about a daughter, the king insisted that she would never be found; the woman’s identity remained unclear.
• A woman invoked dragon eggs hidden near Maiden’s Field. The king’s startled response appeared to confirm that the eggs, or a related secret, were real.
• The woman offered to extract the parasite without killing him. He accused her side of implanting it and warned that hags exploit loopholes between their powers and promises.
• Tiphanie declared that she wanted neither his land nor his world, only justice for her own kind after his people hunted and mistreated them.
• Tiphanie condemned the transformation of Auraxx into a mortal body, challenged the king over horrors inflicted on dragons, and transformed into a silver dragon.
  • The pools radiated intense raw magic. Kelthyr suppressed a wild-magic surge, while another companion resisted magical sleep through her patron’s protection.
  • Much of the confrontation occurred in Draconic, which Kelthyr barely understood.
  • Companions expressed surprise and questioned whether the dragon was truly Tiphanie. She had already taken that form in the preceding landing battle, but their dialogue still reflected unfamiliarity with her draconic nature.
  • Marlion noted that Dragonhearts are taught Draconic and accused others of withholding important secrets.
• Tiphanie named several dragons connected with her Feywild history. Their names were not transcribed reliably, and which of them might be in Senera remained unconfirmed.
  • Some reportedly assumed their draconic forms only as a final act and died trying to preserve peace.
  • She said they had attempted what she was now doing, but she would not die for the mortals’ realm.
• Tiphanie declared her intention to go to the rumored eggs and roared; the exchange with the king continued.

The King’s Test and the Assault on the Keep

• Within the barrier, the visitors discussed two draconic bloodlines whose ancestral names remained unclear.
  • The king doubted the four visitors’ identities, while likely Marlion insisted they were genuine.
  • The king said surviving records had barely been examined and many others were missing.
• Luana Victorique Dubreuil offered to remove the king’s parasite safely, citing successful extractions from several victims, including the Duke and Duchess of Malthrek.
  • The king remained wary because companions who had helped him below had died and enemies had recently attacked his barrier.
• The party reported killing nine enemies and offered to clear the castle while he maintained the barrier.
  • He accepted their success as a possible proof of identity but refused to lower his protection while an enemy could exploit the opening.
  • The party said they were protecting him under Tiphanie’s instruction and the prince’s employment.
• Touching the barrier revealed an imprint-like requirement. It continued rejecting the visitor because some unidentified element was missing; blood or lineage was only a theory.
• Questions in Draconic covered Garward Eastonton and a woman calling herself Baba Yaga.
  • The king had only heard the supposed Baba Yaga speaking from a monstrous house on chicken legs.
  • The party had not encountered such a house.
  • A separate unclear exchange included a woman returning to a child form and unexplained claims that one target was hers while Garward belonged to Minfilia.
• A woman manifested draconic traits and followed a scent with exceptional accuracy, but the trail ended at the portal.
  • The group inferred that their quarry remained beneath the castle, perhaps studying the deep archives, and hurried to prevent an escape.
• The king proposed testing both the Summersword and the man claiming to be his son with dragonfire.
  • Silver-dragon fire would not suffice, so the group discussed gold dragons.
  • Tiphanie found the local draconic lore unusually straightforward.
• Luana remained with the king and gave her dragon mask to Kelthyr.
  • The mask enabled speech and comprehension in Draconic.
  • The group did not know whether it needed attunement, could transform Kelthyr, or could produce the fire required for the king’s test.
• Minfilia was told that the king had been found and remained safe. The group also warned that Garward and the supposed Baba Yaga might still be in the castle.
• At the castle front, the attackers raised fallen soldiers as undead.
  • A HallowHallowLevel 5 · Evocation24 hour · Touch · Until dispelledV, S, MYou touch a point and infuse an area around it with holy (or unholy) power. The area can have a radius up to 60 feet, and the spell fails if the radius includes an area already under the effect a hallow spell. The affected area is subject to the following effects. First, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead can't enter the area, nor can such creatures charm, frighten, or possess creatures within it. Any creature charmed, frightened, or possessed by such a creature is no longer charmed, frightened, or possessed upon entering the area. You can exclude one or more of those types of creatures from this effect. Second, you can bind an extra effect to the area. Choose the effect from the following list, or choose an effect offered by the DM. Some of these effects apply to creatures in the area; you can designate whether the effect applies to all creatures, creatures that follow a specific deity or leader, or creatures of a specific sort, such as orcs or trolls. When a creature that would be affected enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it can make a Charisma saving throw. On a success, the creature ignores the extra effect until it le… around the high keep repelled them while defenders fired from within.
  • Likely Erik Malmann struck down a protected soldier with his shining sword and collapsed the ward.
  • After Garward ignored a one-minute surrender demand, the attackers stormed the keep.
• The group recalled Agnes, the Torters hag associated with the older Crown bargains.
• Two undead cambions were sent to exhaust the paladins’ power.
  • They broke through the enormous oaken doors, defeated both entrance guards, and led the assault into a great hall where soldiers and undead fought defenders sheltering spellcasters behind tables.
• The keep retained the structure of an old Kalassarian stronghold beneath Dragonheart colors and later Seneran repairs.
  • A fallen paladin was raised as undead and reported that Garward was below.
  • Oscar, Eskabeth, Erik Malmann, and a smaller force followed him downward while cambions screened them from balcony archers.
• In a barred basement dungeon, the searchers heard whips, crashes, screams, and a woman calling for Garward.
  • They suspected she might be Madeline, Garward’s later former wife, but could not yet confirm it.
• The party broke through a door and found two cloaked Reformists with an unclothed, severely whipped, and emaciated woman.
  • The Reformists were overwhelmed without initiative.
• One captive tried to bite a poison-filled false tooth. A blow apparently interrupted him, but the tooth’s final state remained unclear.
  • A woman beat him for Garward’s location and cast Feign DeathFeign DeathLevel 3 · Necromancy1 action · Touch · 1 hourV, S, M (a pinch of graveyard dirt)You touch a willing creature and put it into a cataleptic state that is indistinguishable from death. For the spell's duration, or until you use an action to touch the target and dismiss the spell, the target appears dead to all outward inspection and to spells used to determine the target's status. The target is blinded and incapacitated, and its speed drops to 0. The target has resistance to all damage except psychic damage. If the target is diseased or poisoned when you cast the spell, or becomes diseased or poisoned while under the spell's effect, the disease and poison have no effect until the spell ends., leaving him alive but corpse-like.
  • He claimed that he wanted to become a cambion, rejected offered leniency, and spat at an interrogator.
  • The party threatened transfer to Crispin Mallow or grotesque alteration, but did not carry out those proposals.
• An undead scout found another trapdoor, proving that the dungeon had at least one deeper level.

The Deep Levels and the Conduit-Fed Blight

• The party followed a strange green, forest-like impression deeper underground. It intensified into overwhelming nature magic mixed with raw wild energy, with an undead cambion guiding the descent.
• The party healed and cleaned the rescued woman’s facial injuries.
  • Probably Minfilia introduced herself, Oscar as her soul mate, Erik Malmann, and Eskabeth.
  • The woman identified herself as Madeline and was distinguished from Maude, Garward’s earlier wife who had died.
• Someone sensed another entity inside Madeline, raising the possibility of a parasite; Madeline denied being pregnant.
  • The party told her that Garward had abused and abandoned her, invited her to accompany them as a witness, and announced their intention to kill him.
  • Lesser RestorationLesser RestorationLevel 2 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · InstantaneousV, SYou touch a creature and can end either one disease or one condition afflicting it. The condition can be blinded, deafened, paralyzed, or poisoned. eased some of her distress, but she still needed physical support.
  • Probably Eskabeth noticed something unusual about her, and the group tentatively proposed that Madeline might be a hexblood.
• The basement had been constructed over an older concealed passage whose protections no longer functioned.
  • Someone below activated magical conduits, launching bolts from the walls.
  • Oscar and a nearby companion narrowly avoided them while Eskabeth and Madeline remained farther back.
• Minfilia anchored HallowHallowLevel 5 · Evocation24 hour · Touch · Until dispelledV, S, MYou touch a point and infuse an area around it with holy (or unholy) power. The area can have a radius up to 60 feet, and the spell fails if the radius includes an area already under the effect a hallow spell. The affected area is subject to the following effects. First, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead can't enter the area, nor can such creatures charm, frighten, or possess creatures within it. Any creature charmed, frightened, or possessed by such a creature is no longer charmed, frightened, or possessed upon entering the area. You can exclude one or more of those types of creatures from this effect. Second, you can bind an extra effect to the area. Choose the effect from the following list, or choose an effect offered by the DM. Some of these effects apply to creatures in the area; you can designate whether the effect applies to all creatures, creatures that follow a specific deity or leader, or creatures of a specific sort, such as orcs or trolls. When a creature that would be affected enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it can make a Charisma saving throw. On a success, the creature ignores the extra effect until it le… to each of three gems, intending to prevent Garward from teleporting.
  • The gems then served as power sources to maintain the effects, rather than storing spells for later release.
• The party entered a deep cylindrical chamber resembling the complex beneath Eastonton and saw an enormous unidentified object glowing black and purple below.
• Ten animated armors ambushed them from both sides of the balcony.
  • Some threw expanding spheres capable of enclosing and paralyzing victims.
  • One sphere was deflected, Erik Malmann was trapped, and Eskabeth resisted another.
  • Other armors struck Oscar for at least 8 damage and later landed a critical hit whose damage was reported inconsistently; attacks against Eskabeth missed.
• The party expected its undead forces to handle the armors.
  • After Eskabeth floated clear, two armors tried to push the sphere holding Malmann over the balcony.
  • The undead disrupted them, a caster blew the enclosure away from the edge, and a woman dispelled it to free Malmann.
• Once Malmann recovered, a companion harshly taunted someone about moving on before marrying Sister Pira.
• Leaving the armor battle behind, the party found a familiar mechanism with two sets of buttons.
  • It was a magical lift marked with Kalassarian numerals, offering nine levels and initially displaying 1.
  • The group selected 9 and descended rapidly.
• Level 9 opened onto rotting, lesion-covered plant growth.
  • Oscar compared it to plants he had produced when first made a revenant.
  • Roots clung to copper conduits and drew magic from them.
  • Thick, throbbing branches blocked a partly open doorway.
  • Speak with PlantsSpeak with PlantsLevel 3 · Transmutation1 action · 30 ft. · 10 minuteV, SYou imbue plants within 30 feet of you with limited sentience and animation, giving them the ability to communicate with you and follow your simple commands. You can question plants about events in the spell's area within the past day, gaining information about creatures that have passed, weather, and other circumstances. You can also turn difficult terrain caused by plant growth (such as thickets and undergrowth) into ordinary terrain that lasts for the duration. Or you can turn ordinary terrain where plants are present into difficult terrain that lasts for the duration, causing vines and branches to hinder pursuers, for example. Plants might be able to perform other tasks on your behalf, at the DM's discretion. The spell doesn't enable plants to uproot themselves and move about, but they can freely move branches, tendrils, and stalks. If a plant creature is in the area, you can communicate with it as if you shared a common language, but you gain no magical ability to influence it. This spell can cause the plants created by the entangle spell to release a restrained creature. produced only scrambled, incoherent answers.
  • An observer detected hag magic but rejected the idea that the growth itself resulted from another hag bargain.
• Madeline clung to a companion and breathed heavily despite showing no obvious immediate injury.
• Oscar cast BlightBlightLevel 4 · Necromancy1 action · 30 ft. · InstantaneousV, SNecromantic energy washes over a creature of your choice that you can see within range, draining moisture and vitality from it. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. The target takes 8d8 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. If you target a plant creature or a magical plant, it makes the saving throw with disadvantage, and the spell deals maximum damage to it. If you target a nonmagical plant that isn't a creature, such as a tree or shrub, it doesn't make a saving throw, it simply withers and dies. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 8d8 for each slot level above 4th. on the growth.
  • Conduit-fed resilience kept it from drying completely, but he cleared most of the obstruction and began hacking through the rest.
• The party considered planting a seed from Dorothy Marie Campbell, known as Miya, to counter the blight, but had not yet chosen its location.

Garward in the Ruined Library

• The party concluded that the conduit-fed plants wanted magic but were receiving the wrong kind.
  • With Eskabeth Kilsward’s cautious approval, likely Oscar planted a seed from the Green Lord’s shrine.
  • He watered it with water identified as coming from the pools of Thralmals and germinated it with DruidcraftDruidcraftCantrip · Transmutation1 action · 30 ft. · InstantaneousV, SWhispering to the spirits of nature, you create one of the following effects within range: You create a tiny, harmless sensory effect that predicts what the weather will be at your location for the next 24 hours. The effect might manifest as a golden orb for clear skies, a cloud for rain, falling snowflakes for snow, and so on. This effect persists for 1 round. You instantly make a flower blossom, a seed pod open, or a leaf bud bloom. You create an instantaneous, harmless sensory effect, such as falling leaves, a puff of wind, the sound of a small animal, or the faint odor of skunk. The effect must fit in a 5-foot cube. You instantly light or snuff out a candle, a torch, or a small campfire..
  • The seed rooted successfully but was expected to grow slowly.
• Beyond the doorway lay an extensive former library whose shelves and books were being torn apart by invasive roots.
  • The destruction prompted concern about Hedwig Rosenkrantz’s likely reaction.
  • Living entities watched the party and hid when noticed. They appeared frightened, although contradictory narration left their disposition uncertain.
• The party found Garward Eastonton alone and reading.
  • He recognized Minfilia Diaz and Madeline, whom he called his wife.
  • He claimed he had invited the parasite willingly rather than losing to it.
  • He said his soul was too fractured to permit undeath, although another visitor sensed that it remained intact.
  • He claimed to have an escape option and one of the boons associated with the Dragon Hearts and Maidenfeld.
  • Discussion suggested a seasonal artifact or brooch linked to winter, but Garward said he did not have it on his person. A visitor proposed that an unfinished bargain prevented it from becoming his; that was not a confirmed account of its ownership.
• Threats escalated into combat while Minfilia grinned at Garward.
  • Erik Malmann received Freedom of MovementFreedom of MovementLevel 4 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · 1 hourV, S, M (a leather strap, bound around the arm or a similar appendage)You touch a willing creature. For the duration, the target's movement is unaffected by difficult terrain, and spells and other magical effects can neither reduce the target's speed nor cause the target to be paralyzed or restrained. The target can also spend 5 feet of movement to automatically escape from nonmagical restraints, such as manacles or a creature that has it grappled. Finally, being underwater imposes no penalties on the target's movement or attacks. before his turn.
  • The table later ruled that it granted him advantage against a frightened effect.
• A combatant summoned a reaper-shaped Spiritual WeaponSpiritual WeaponLevel 2 · Evocation1 bonus · 60 ft. · 1 minuteV, SYou create a floating, spectral weapon within range that lasts for the duration or until you cast this spell again. When you cast the spell, you can make a melee spell attack against a creature within 5 feet of the weapon. On a hit, the target takes force damage equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. As a bonus action on your turn, you can move the weapon up to 20 feet and repeat the attack against a creature within 5 feet of it. The weapon can take whatever form you choose. Clerics of deities who are associated with a particular weapon (as St. Cuthbert is known for his mace and Thor for his hammer) make this spell's effect resemble that weapon. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for every two slot levels above 2nd. and hit Garward for 26 force damage with an attack total of 27.
• A separate reaction forced an unidentified character to make a Wisdom save. Despite a reported 27, the character took 6 damage, reduced to 3 by an unidentified resistance.
• Likely Garward cast BanishmentBanishmentLevel 4 · Abjuration1 action · 60 ft. · 1 minuteV, S, M (an item distasteful to the target)You attempt to send one creature that you can see within range to another plane of existence. The target must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or be banished. If the target is native to the plane of existence you're on, you banish the target to a harmless demiplane. While there, the target is incapacitated. The target remains there until the spell ends, at which point the target reappears in the space it left or in the nearest unoccupied space if that space is occupied. If the target is native to a different plane of existence than the one you're on, the target is banished with a faint popping noise, returning to its home plane. If the spell ends before 1 minute has passed, the target reappears in the space it left or in the nearest unoccupied space if that space is occupied. Otherwise, the target doesn't return. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 4th. on Oscar, making him disappear.
  • Garward then used Ringing Decree to command Malmann to flee.
  • Malmann failed despite his granted advantage and became frightened.
• Malmann attacked Garward reluctantly, held back by the loyalty and respect he had once owed him.
  • He still hoped that, once Garward’s parasite was removed, Garward would prove to be the decent man he remembered.
  • An object clanked to the floor.
  • Garward threatened to break Malmann’s neck unless he stood down; another speaker protested that Malmann was only a rookie.
• Garward succeeded on a DC 18 Constitution save against BlightBlightLevel 4 · Necromancy1 action · 30 ft. · InstantaneousV, SNecromantic energy washes over a creature of your choice that you can see within range, draining moisture and vitality from it. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. The target takes 8d8 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. If you target a plant creature or a magical plant, it makes the saving throw with disadvantage, and the spell deals maximum damage to it. If you target a nonmagical plant that isn't a creature, such as a tree or shrub, it doesn't make a saving throw, it simply withers and dies. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 8d8 for each slot level above 4th. and took 23 damage from the halved 47-point roll.
  • A Spiritual WeaponSpiritual WeaponLevel 2 · Evocation1 bonus · 60 ft. · 1 minuteV, SYou create a floating, spectral weapon within range that lasts for the duration or until you cast this spell again. When you cast the spell, you can make a melee spell attack against a creature within 5 feet of the weapon. On a hit, the target takes force damage equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. As a bonus action on your turn, you can move the weapon up to 20 feet and repeat the attack against a creature within 5 feet of it. The weapon can take whatever form you choose. Clerics of deities who are associated with a particular weapon (as St. Cuthbert is known for his mace and Thor for his hammer) make this spell's effect resemble that weapon. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for every two slot levels above 2nd. attacked again with a resolved total of 22.
  • Garward used Misty StepMisty StepLevel 2 · Conjuration1 bonus · Self · InstantaneousVBriefly surrounded by silvery mist, you teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see., drank a green liquid, and raised fears that he might ascend or escape accountability.
    • Minfilia’s Hallow gems had not yet been deployed around him when he teleported.
  • A woman attempted Hold PersonHold PersonLevel 2 · Enchantment1 action · 60 ft. · 1 minuteV, S, M (a small, straight piece of iron)Choose a humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make another Wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends on the target. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can target one additional humanoid for each slot level above 2nd. The humanoids must be within 30 feet of each other when you target them., but Garward spent his final legendary resistance after rolling a 3.
• Garward used Lay on Hands, charged Minfilia, missed once with his longsword, and hit with a 25 on the second attack; its final damage was not preserved reliably.
• Minfilia goaded Garward about drinking the green liquid.
• Malmann used Inspiring Smite and landed a critical Divine Smite for 33 damage.
  • Inspiring Smite granted 13 temporary hit points to an unidentified ally.
• Eskabeth launched a projectile-like attack formed from her lengthened fingernails, striking and knocking Garward down.
  • He succeeded on the Constitution save and avoided its apparent poison-related vomiting effect.
  • Oscar remained banished and was expected to return after seven more rounds.
• The party attempted to use Protection from Evil and GoodProtection from Evil and GoodLevel 1 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · 10 minuteV, S, MUntil the spell ends, one willing creature you touch is protected against certain types of creatures: aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead. The protection grants several benefits. Creatures of those types have disadvantage on attack rolls against the target. The target also can't be charmed, frightened, or possessed by them. If the target is already charmed, frightened, or possessed by such a creature, the target has advantage on any new saving throw against the relevant effect. against Garward’s condition.
  • A table ruling required a DC 10 check despite the spell normally requiring no roll, and Garward resisted it.
• An unidentified character restrained Garward with a Strength total of 19 against his 14, allowing the group to administer Sapphire’s vial of celestial blood.
• Garward shook as though fighting something internally.
  • Green fluid foamed from his mouth and evaporated.
  • A parasite forced its way out through his ear, badly injuring him and causing bleeding.
  • It appeared partly transformed because Garward had consumed a related substance.
  • A vial was too small to contain it, but the party had time to obtain a jar or larger flask.

Captives, Missing Allies, and the Return to Eastonton

• Oscar had returned from Banishment by the post-combat discussion.
• The extracted parasite was secured in a larger container.
  • It was stronger and less docile than earlier specimens, visibly struggling but not yet able to escape.
• Minfilia repeatedly kicked Garward before he was moved.
  • Garward received Greater RestorationGreater RestorationLevel 5 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · InstantaneousV, S, MYou imbue a creature you touch with positive energy to undo a debilitating effect. You can reduce the target's exhaustion level by one, or end one of the following effects on the target: One effect that charmed or petrified the target One curse, including the target's attunement to a cursed magic item Any reduction to one of the target's ability scores One effect reducing the target's hit point maximum, remained unconscious through part of the aftermath, and was restrained and stripped of his possessions.
• The party considered using Encode Thoughts to preserve Garward’s memories before killing him.
  • They did not know whether the parasite had erased memories or merely shared them.
• Madeline also received Greater RestorationGreater RestorationLevel 5 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · InstantaneousV, S, MYou imbue a creature you touch with positive energy to undo a debilitating effect. You can reduce the target's exhaustion level by one, or end one of the following effects on the target: One effect that charmed or petrified the target One curse, including the target's attunement to a cursed magic item Any reduction to one of the target's ability scores One effect reducing the target's hit point maximum in case her memory had been altered.
  • Her shaking nearly stopped, and she reported feeling much better.
  • She said Garward had raged at her and blamed her for events including Maude’s death, despite her not knowing him at that time.
• The group contacted Kelthyr Kulok and then a prince to report Garward’s capture in the underground library.
  • Because they did not know the library’s exact position beneath the castle, a contact suggested leaving the concealed portal as a teleportation target.
  • The party arranged pickup near the central stairs, where their undead remained, and headed for the portal.
• Eskabeth Kilsward, Erik Malmann, Oscar Savoy, and captive Garward entered an audience while their cambions waited outside.
  • Two attendees separately produced Ministry of the Occult cards.
  • Erik presented Garward to Lord Commander Eastonton and the elderly king.
• Madeline, Garward’s wife, failed to follow through the portal.
  • A later check found both her and the cambions missing.
  • The cambions’ controller promised to recall them, but no successful recall was established.
• Minfilia introduced herself as a disciple of the Great Erected One.
  • The captors said their work with Garward was unfinished.
  • One wanted him killed only after he answered for his many sins, although a damaged reference to paladins or other adversaries obscured the precise obligation.
• The gathering corrected an earlier reference to a ring: the desired object was the Brooch of Winter, believed to be held by the Children of the Crone.
  • Some of the crew had recently returned from the Feywild, where Tiphanie originated.
• Elsewhere, a man dropped a barrier, fell into the water, and floated.
• Tiphanie received cloth associated with the missing woman’s belongings and was told to take Eskabeth with her.
  • The exchange compared their adversary with Markle, the established adversary in the Great Erected One’s doctrine, while distinguishing the two. The speakers suspected a hag.
• Someone experienced a soothing maternal presence that inspired childlike trust and a desire to share every triumph.
  • A woman recited her mother’s poem involving eight cats, the dead, lizards, toads, snakes, bats, eyes, a cauldron, and something beneath a hut.
  • She explained that eight was magically significant to her kind and resembled infinity turned sideways.
• The woman wanted to finish one task, rest, and return to cat form somewhere warm, but the water and her fear of it prevented the transformation.
  • Before resting, a woman instructed a man to care for the prince and king, and he agreed.
• The king dove beneath the water and emerged physically restored, no longer as thin.
• A parasite bearer asked to have the parasite in their head removed.
  • The healer said an earlier attempt lacked sufficient potency and proposed a Constitution-based treatment.
  • A protective effect in the area prevented madness.
  • The bearer believed the pools strengthened their soul after they lowered their barriers but expected the struggle to resume outside.
  • A man suggested that Eastonton possessed something useful directly under the bearer’s nose.
• Teleportation was unavailable until the group left the place called the portal.
  • The pools restored Tiphanie, Luana, and the others to full health, although restoration of spell capacity was unclear.
  • The group suspected their success had been too easy and wondered whether their enemies already had what they needed; one person insisted that was impossible without the party.
• Someone apparently placed Death WardDeath WardLevel 4 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · 8 hourV, SYou touch a creature and grant it a measure of protection from death. The first time the target would drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking damage, the target instead drops to 1 hit point, and the spell ends. If the spell is still in effect when the target is subjected to an effect that would kill it instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is instead negated against the target, and the spell ends. on the king, and Minfilia lent him a Ring of Mind Shielding.
• Minfilia led the group through the portal and teleported them to Eastonton.
  • Undead archons guarded the passage, and a woman embraced and praised them for their protection.
• The king began speaking incomprehensibly in a manner resembling Rebecca.
  • Companions said he cycled through personalities.
  • While still physically elderly but behaving like a young boy, he lifted a companion’s skirt without consent and ran away laughing.
  • The others pursued him, worried about injury, and tried to lure him back with candy.
• In the Eastonton Palatinate’s upstairs quarters, Sensodyne welcomed the travelers with fresh bread.
  • Sensodyne said only a week had passed and mentioned the reported time loop.
  • Minfilia said the group had escaped it.
• The prince identified the delirious king as his father, and the party prioritized taking him for healing.
  • Erik carried in the living Garward.
  • Although several lethal punishments were proposed, the declared plan was to let the healed king determine Garward’s fate.
• Sensodyne was temporarily teaching paladins of the Great Erected One.
  • Another person said Sister Pira had already removed their parasite.
  • Miya introduced Luana with wording possibly connected to Luana’s concealed Cinna Moan identity.
  • Maerwen Lunartear was reportedly present with Angel, though the speaker had not met her.
• Tiphanie had reportedly gone to kill a hag.
  • A woman wanted to follow but was reminded that she was guarding Eastonton.
  • Garward’s mother was expected soon and was informed or shown that he had been captured.

The Orb of Absorption and the Haven

• Marcus Parnassus, the intelligent Kalassarian skeleton raised by Minfilia, was introduced to the prince as a scholar and accepted castle employment by writing, “Yes, please.”
• Tiphanie had stopped working with the group and begun working for the prince.
  • Her pregnancy was first treated as rumor. King Alitar later referred to her carrying his grandchild, and the group said she would lay an egg.
• The prince entered the Orb of Absorption chamber after removing his magical equipment.
  • Minfilia acclimated herself to the orb and pulled the king beside her.
  • When the king tried to flee, Steinar restrained his father despite suffering the orb’s effects.
• The king convulsed in pain as the orb drew magic away.
  • A thin parasite emerged from his ear and died almost immediately.
  • The prince carried both his father and the specimen beyond the orb’s influence.
• After Greater RestorationGreater RestorationLevel 5 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · InstantaneousV, S, MYou imbue a creature you touch with positive energy to undo a debilitating effect. You can reduce the target's exhaustion level by one, or end one of the following effects on the target: One effect that charmed or petrified the target One curse, including the target's attunement to a cursed magic item Any reduction to one of the target's ability scores One effect reducing the target's hit point maximum, the king said he no longer felt anything attempting to enter his mind.
  • His exceptionally small parasite was taken as evidence of his unusually strong will.
• Miya and an unresolved companion reportedly found yellow-eyed children near the orb, including children already dead from exposure while Garward controlled it.
• Mark’s small parasite was attributed to an unknowingly carried shard. Mallow was also said to possess such a shard unknowingly.
• The group discussed an archival defense against telepathic influence that suppresses thought or the sense of self.
  • A corrected account held that the Bishop of Rannek had not been parasitized but had used this defense, become weak and plagued by nightmares, and later been freed by Angel Rannek.
• Minfilia introduced herself and was identified as one of La Camaraderie’s regional leaders.
• A woman explained that she was older than she looked because the young body she occupied came from Senera.
• A speaker had urged the queen to flee before the castle attack and believed she was safe.
  • In the living quarters, those assembled bowed to the king and prince.
• Garward’s capture was confirmed.
  • Other court wizards reportedly died securing the pools. Matheson, a Royal Court Wizard trusted by the king, survived and was associated with Queen Murwes’s safety.
• A centuries-old agreement granted nearby elven, hag, pixie, and other communities autonomous settlements protected from outside interference without requiring permanent isolation.
• Only the Maidenfelds were said to have visited the Haven, while local authorities lacked the power to enter.
  • Haven access was described as an undisclosed concession following the War of Time and Fire.
• Unverified allegations accused the Maidenfelds of smuggling pixie wings from a place rendered as Sinera.
  • The Reformist Church allegedly manipulated an uprising in Maiden’s Field that exposed Maidenfeld wrongdoing.
  • Rannek was reportedly investigating the matter.
• The Marquis was reportedly captured and buried beneath explosives before his children—Angel, Lance, and Gwyniviere Rannek—rescued him and dealt with the perpetrator.
  • A damaged accusation also alleged that the Maidenfelds had escaped responsibility.
• The Haven reportedly holds twelve red dragon eggs.
  • Kelthyr carries Garlax’s Red Dragon Mask, which the group believes can produce the dragon breath needed to hatch them.
• Garlax’s mask was reportedly lost during the war and later purchased from a small magic-item seller in Port Surrey.
  • Tiphanie supplied its correct name, enabling Legend LoreLegend LoreLevel 5 · Divination10 minute · Self · InstantaneousV, S, MName or describe a person, place, or object. The spell brings to your mind a brief summary of the significant lore about the thing you named. The lore might consist of current tales, forgotten stories, or even secret lore that has never been widely known. If the thing you named isn't of legendary importance, you gain no information. The more information you already have about the thing, the more precise and detailed the information you receive is. The information you learn is accurate but might be couched in figurative language. For example, if you have a mysterious magic axe on hand, the spell might yield this information: "Woe to the evildoer whose hand touches the axe, for even the haft slices the hand of the evil ones. Only a true Child of Stone, lover and beloved of Moradin, may awaken the true powers of the axe, and only with the sacred word Rudnogg on the lips." to reveal information absent from written records.
• Tiphanie was described as a hag from Flyukishilla in the Feywild’s Spring Court, one of Baba Yaga’s three daughters, and also a silver dragon.
  • Luana had personally witnessed her become a massive silver dragon.
  • Tiphanie reportedly joined the crew to help her sisters return to the Feywild.
  • Her childlike form resulted from exchanging age for greater power after she was already a formidable hag.
• Hedwig remained leader of a crew containing Andy and other kobolds, Face-Stealers, changelings, and doppelgangers.
  • One crew member described herself as Tanar’ri, though that remained her own characterization.
• Old accounts place kobolds in Senera, including one that arrived through the Realm Bridge.
  • Kobolds were hunted alongside dragons, but clever survivors might remain hidden in elven enclaves.
• Angel Rannek was confirmed as a celestial.
  • Three celestials reportedly work for the Seneran Crown: Angel was native-born, while two others came from the Feywild.
• Knowledge of Tiphanie’s pregnancy was restricted to face-to-face, need-to-know communication.
  • Hedwig had nevertheless visited already and helped capture Crispin Mallow.
• Hedwig used a fey crossing in Apgar to move much of her crew into the Feydark.
  • Sensodyne explained that crossings may depend unpredictably on timing, weather, clothing colors, and other conditions.
• A Seneran map was reportedly used to teleport to the Feywild.
  • Now associated with Ines, it was inherited from her adoptive mother, the former spymaster Teresa Cicero, and reportedly binds a pixie named Plum both to itself and to Ines.
  • Ines believes Plum is a ghost haunting her manor and has moved into inexpensive lodging in town.
• Research behind the map sought the location where the Realm Bridge had been cast, but the Veil prevented a usable crossing.
  • Surrey’s Ear was immediately rejected as the confirmed bridge site.
  • Stories instead place it at one of several sites of power: Surrey’s Ear, the Thralmals pools, an unresolved site, or somewhere in the south.
• Oren Bell—deliberately called Oran during the discussion—was proposed as an exceptionally old elf who might know the bridge’s location because he had lived in Senera since an early war.
  • This did not establish that he was an avatar of the Green Lord.

Garward’s Missing Soul

• The group presented a dazed and bruised Garward Eastonton to the monarch, explaining that they had kept him alive to demonstrate and question him about his crimes.
  • One participant admitted punching him in the stomach but attributed his other injuries to enemies.
• Kelthyr confirmed he could use Encode Thoughts and was asked to preserve memories while the party assembled its account. He later agreed to accompany them.
• Garward’s parasite initially appeared frozen but reacted suddenly when approached.
  • The group warned that it must be restrained and kept away from people’s ears.
  • Garward suggested questioning it because it might cooperate more readily than he would.
• The group regretted sending Tiphanie into danger without knowing she apparently carried a dragon egg.
  • They considered her exceptionally formidable as both hag and dragon.
  • They repeated Angel’s account that Tiphanie had defeated Pallia Travertine alone inside a portal.
• The party speculated that both sides of Tiphanie’s nature might qualify her for Planar BindingPlanar BindingLevel 5 · Abjuration1 hour · 60 ft. · 24 hourV, S, MWith this spell, you attempt to bind a celestial, an elemental, a fey, or a fiend to your service. The creature must be within range for the entire casting of the spell. (Typically, the creature is first summoned into the center of an inverted magic circle in order to keep it trapped while this spell is cast.) At the completion of the casting, the target must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, it is bound to serve you for the duration. If the creature was summoned or created by another spell, that spell's duration is extended to match the duration of this spell. A bound creature must follow your instructions to the best of its ability. You might command the creature to accompany you on an adventure, to guard a location, or to deliver a message. The creature obeys the letter of your instructions, but if the creature is hostile to you, it strives to twist your words to achieve its own objectives. If the creature carries out your instructions completely before the spell ends, it travels to you to report this fact if you are on the same plane of existence. If you are on a different plane of existence, it returns to the place where you bound it and remains there until the … and that the spell might aid her against the hag she was fighting.
• Ma Eastonton held her soul bag while the group discussed the fragment missing from Garward’s soul.
  • The group speculated that Madeline might hold the fragment or that it had been traded away.
• Ma Eastonton used Garward’s fragmented soul as a lesson for Miya.
  • She instructed Miya to hold an item of power and concentrate on the edges of Garward’s heart.
  • Miya rolled 19 on Arcana.
• Ma Eastonton told someone they could never become a true hag but could join her followers. The person replied that they already followed the Great Erected One.
• A speaker requested royal recognition for the Great Erected One, describing the faith as arising from Lord Boyle Eastonton’s suffering.
  • The monarch showed little interest in restricting religion and blamed past limits on the Archbishop, whose survival remained unknown.
• Someone leaving for the freehold was advised to consult the ambassadors or ministry representatives first because they might have something for the travelers.
• The group confirmed that the account of cannibalism involving thespians was not a hallucination; at least two witnesses had seen the resulting bite wound.
• Minfilia said she needed to gather Oscar and Cletus, calling the three of them a coven.
  • The group called Cletus its maiden and said his cursed belt alters the wearer’s sex characteristics.
  • Broader mental effects remained speculation.
• Garward received treatment described as Lesser RestorationLesser RestorationLevel 2 · Abjuration1 action · Touch · InstantaneousV, SYou touch a creature and can end either one disease or one condition afflicting it. The condition can be blinded, deafened, paralyzed, or poisoned., and Erik Malmann nudged him awake.
  • Garward recognized the king, his mother, and his surroundings.
  • He observed that he remained alive and assumed the gathering sought revenge.
• Garward realized the presence in his mind was gone.
  • He claimed to remember everything and regret nothing.
  • He said he had completed his part in an approaching, indelible change and that his death would carry meaning.
• Garward described the loss of part of his soul as a gift, not a sale.
  • He said the soul remained elsewhere, preserving one agreement despite the breaking of other deals and the loss of his former strength.
• Garward refused to disclose protected information even under threats or the prospect of Zone of TruthZone of TruthLevel 2 · Enchantment1 action · 60 ft. · 10 minuteV, SYou create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15-foot-radius sphere centered on a point of your choice within range. Until the spell ends, a creature that enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, a creature can't speak a deliberate lie while in the radius. You know whether each creature succeeds or fails on its saving throw. An affected creature is aware of the spell and can thus avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such creatures can be evasive in its answers as long as it remains within the boundaries of the truth..
  • He did reveal that Madeline had not always been the Crone.
• Garward admitted experimenting on Eastonton’s people to discover the true effects of the green liquid and learn to control it.
  • He expressed no remorse and called the victims useful.
• Probably Minfilia proposed that Garward had given away the part of his soul capable of guilt and fear.
  • The group treated this as plausible but unconfirmed.
  • They tentatively placed the fragment in a soul bag following a transaction after the war or roughly fifteen years earlier.
• The group proposed recovering the fragment and restoring Garward’s guilt and fear so he would confront the harm he caused.
  • The king agreed with Minfilia that killing him would provide neither justice nor adequate punishment.
  • Garward warned that leaving him alive would give him another chance to act.
• An unidentified participant punched Garward twice and later struck a wall in frustration at his defiance.
• Asked about his son Aigral, Garward said the boy had grown strong and would survive what was coming.
• The party decided to return Garward to the castle restrained but not gagged so questioning could continue.
• A report clarified that Skelwick was not entirely frozen; only a small part of its castle had been affected.
  • The group ended the exchange and headed toward the castle with an unidentified skeleton.
• Elsewhere, Tiphanie’s search party concluded that Madeline was no longer in the castle but could not confirm whether she had teleported.
• Oscar remained outside managing the undead with a green gem.
  • Probably Tiphanie asked him to tell Minfilia and the prince that she and a companion were flying out to search for Madeline.
• Tiphanie apparently became a large dragon, placed Eskabeth on her back, called her sister and first rider, and departed.

Rebuilding the Castle and Calling the Allies

• Soldiers and citizens panicked when Tiphanie transformed into a massive dragon, then relaxed when she departed with Eskabeth to search for Madeline.
  • The returning party reported the transformation, although someone at the castle already knew.
• The castle remained badly damaged.
  • A surviving tower’s roof collapsed, the condition of rooms such as the war room was unknown, and proposed reconstruction stone had previously been transformed into wind.
  • Minfilia raised her staff as a necromantic beacon, announced her return, ordered restoration, and caused people to gather material.
  • A man later said his undead would perform the work.
• Miya greeted Uncle Oscar and asked to be carried. Their close contact became inappropriate and drew an objection and warning, although the exact participants remain unclear.
• The group rejected replacing Markle as their faith’s established adversary with Madeline because she appeared beatable.
  • Cletus was away spreading the Lord’s word and recruiting followers.
• The king’s other court wizards had reportedly been reduced to ash.
  • The person questioned denied being able to take souls; suggestions about his wife having that power remained speculative.
• Someone planned to contact Matheson using SendingSendingLevel 3 · Evocation1 action · Unlimited · 1 roundV, S, M (a short piece of fine copper wire)You send a short message of twenty-five words or less to a creature with which you are familiar. The creature hears the message in its mind, recognizes you as the sender if it knows you, and can answer in a like manner immediately. The spell enables creatures with Intelligence scores of at least 1 to understand the meaning of your message. You can send the message across any distance and even to other planes of existence, but if the target is on a different plane than you, there is a 5 chance that the message doesn't arrive. through stone, while Kelthyr was consulted about a teleportation circle.
  • The existing circle had never been powered, but activation elsewhere suggested it might now function.
  • The circle’s test was not confirmed complete. Later, Marlion reported contact with Matheson and said his stepmother, Queen Murwes, was safe.
• Minfilia informed the Marquis that the king had been rescued and his unusually small parasite removed.
  • With the other court wizards and servants dead, she asked him to assemble trusted people and prepare to teleport when sent the proper signal or sigil.
  • The Marquis had no news of Andrew.
• The group disclosed that Tiphanie was their dragon companion.
  • She was described as both a hag and a rare, generally benevolent silver dragon.
  • Whether Tiphanie knew or used her true name remained deliberately concealed.
• The prince planned to inspect the royal quarters with someone possessing truesight, allowing them to detect hidden survivors or intruders before attacking by mistake.
• Hellion reported that he was at Castle Malthrek and would leave around sunset for Maiden’s Field.
  • Lime was already traveling toward the fields to restore damaged crops with druidic magic.
• Dragon eggs were confirmed in Maiden’s Field, with the king said to know their number.
• Hellion reported that Lance was marrying an elf.
  • Laudine and Oren had apparently been teleported in to support the nervous groom.
  • Oren was to be told that the king had been saved and warned about drow sightings.
  • The messenger informed the crown prince that the expected party was coming, though Kelthyr’s seal was still needed.
• Rannekford was reportedly suffering after an explosion, with an official report pending.
• Lance’s marriage was intended to form a union and draw elves into contact with the wider world.
  • The king warned that human-elf marriages historically caused the elf’s expulsion from their refuge.
• Emily Hazeldine, a high elf from the Feywild crew, was also reportedly marrying Mark, the Malthrek family’s second son.
  • High elves and eladrin favored by the archfey were expected to arrive.
• A woman enslaved by the Parvèse family had been rescued.
  • After visiting the Feywild and receiving an archfey’s favor, she physically became an eladrin while retaining her cheerful personality.
• Kelthyr’s young companion was clarified to be his partner Luana, not his niece.
• Someone displayed a box with a central hole that grants serenity and empties the mind.
  • Its holder credited it for their resistance and said an attuned user need not carry it.
  • It did not feel like the shards.
  • Emily Hazeldine reportedly owns a similar box, although the relationship between them is unknown.
• Emily reportedly promised an ancient elf called the exile that she would find a way to help him.
  • The promise was distinguished, though unclearly, from another agreement involving a prince or princess.
  • Hearsay described the exile as a former destroyer of settlements and killer of soldiers who later pursued redemption during the Crispin Mallow case.
• A crew reported being trapped for a week in the Thrantorbury University time loop and losing that week outside it.
  • Angel Rannek belonged to the wider crew discussed, but the full roster was unclear.
• Rebecca, a human child rescued from the Feywild and believed by Duchess Malthrek to come from Northern Senera, communicates in Common using runes and otherwise speaks an unidentified Hicklander language.
  • John Malthrek cares for her.
  • The group proposed meeting Rebecca, John, and Emily, who was described through hearsay as a future duchess.
• Eastonton’s large teleportation circle requires three casters able to cast Teleportation CircleTeleportation CircleLevel 5 · Conjuration1 minute · 10 ft. · 1 roundV, MAs you cast the spell, you draw a 10-foot-diameter circle on the ground inscribed with sigils that link your location to a permanent teleportation circle of your choice whose sigil sequence you know and that is on the same plane of existence as you. A shimmering portal opens within the circle you drew and remains open until the end of your next turn. Any creature that enters the portal instantly appears within 5 feet of the destination circle or in the nearest unoccupied space if that space is occupied. Many major temples, guilds, and other important places have permanent teleportation circles inscribed somewhere within their confines. Each such circle includes a unique sigil sequence—a string of magical runes arranged in a particular pattern. When you first gain the ability to cast this spell, you learn the sigil sequences for two destinations on the Material Plane, determined by the DM. You can learn additional sigil sequences during your adventures. You can commit a new sigil sequence to memory after studying it for 1 minute. You can create a permanent teleportation circle by casting this spell in the same location every day for one year. You need not use the circle to teleport….
  • The Reformist Church has reportedly used powerful orbs, with the northern Maltreks described as a natural source of one.
  • The group identified the Reformist leader as the arch-lich Souveran Rothchild and said an ancient celestial supplied that intelligence: Deathengel, as identified in their earlier account.
• A meeting was arranged with Emily, John, Rebecca, and Mark, also allowing visitors to see an unidentified younger brother.
  • Luke remained in Travertine while Kelthyr returned with Luana.
  • The teleportation sigil’s triangle was defended as deliberately unexpected.
  • Minfilia silently ordered undead servants to prepare the room and refreshments.
• Minfilia’s staff was extremely powerful and heavy and would not serve as another person’s spellcasting focus.
  • Probably Minfilia said she took it from her master Leonidas’s cold hands.
  • Leonidas was described as a cleric, healer, battlefield-medic trainer, and necromancer who wanted lichdom but feared death.
  • He planted the staff at a high point to project its effects over an area rather than wielding it as Minfilia does.
• During a debate about liches and mortality, Minfilia denied fearing death and declared her intention to become a lich.

The War Council

• The war had many fronts, but discussion repeatedly returned to Bastion and the eventual need to confront the arch-lich Souveran Rothchild.
  • Angel Rannek remained determined to go.
  • Father de la Fouet, Jean-Paul’s brother, had disappeared there.
  • A Face-Stealer banished from the Feywild to Bastion had returned terrified by what it encountered.
• Messages summoned Hellion, Emily, and other allies to the war room.
  • The group considered inviting the Maidenfelds but doubted they would attend.
  • The king clarified that the decision not to make their representative a baron predated his reign.
• The group maintained that Tiphanie’s undisclosed secrets remained hers to reveal, even though she had transformed before their friends.
  • The crown prince’s truesight came from Tiphanie, not from his title.
• The allies assembled.
  • Emily arrived formally dressed.
  • Hellion came with the Marquis and Duchess.
  • Rebecca, Luana, Miya, and other members of Legally Bare attended.
• John reunited with his mother, father, Matthew, and Mark while Rebecca stayed close beside him.
• The king dismissed formalities and explained that he had only recently escaped parasite-related influence, though his exact description was unclear.
• An attendee asked after Gwyniviere and learned that she had burned a letter requesting a conversation.
• The group confirmed that General Strandiz was alive and away on vacation, matching royal reports of his survival.
• Emily Hazeldine’s Feywild origin was affirmed during introductions.
  • A companion said that after their parents formally abdicated, Emily would become Duchess and the companion would become Duke.
• Rebecca was introduced as the red-haired child the group had rescued.
  • She had no known surname, and adoption was under consideration.
  • She repeated a Hick phrase glossed as “I’m pregnant,” apparently echoing something she had heard rather than announcing anyone’s pregnancy.
• Hellion introduced himself as Hellion Blanchimontt of the Spring Court and welcomed the king’s recovery.
  • Blanchimontt had reportedly been a noble house in Apgar before a peasant revolt killed its members roughly a century earlier.
• Hellion called the king’s safety a hopeful sign while recognizing that much work remained.
  • The king agreed, citing the difficulty of his rescue and Senera’s condition.
  • Duke Ellington said former political opponents were now somewhat better aligned.
• The Maltreks remained heavily populated by Reformists.
  • Hicklanders were being paid to attack certain Reformist settlements.
  • The cleanup force was considering retaining them as a standing army until control of the academy could be secured.
• The council reported that Garward remained remorseless after parasite extraction, including over children Dorothy Marie Campbell had rescued from the Orb of Absorption.
  • They described Garward and the parasite as willing collaborators.
  • His condition was attributed to gifting part of his soul to a hag, correcting an earlier claim that he had traded it.
• A woman reported that Crispin Mallow and a duke had captured many elven children.
  • Minfilia assigned Lance and Angel Rannek to return them to their settlements.
  • Repeated attempts to suppress the slave trade had been defeated politically.
• The group welcomed stronger allies because the peerage would soon undergo a changing of the guard.
• The rescued children reportedly spoke only Elvish and knew little of human society.
  • The ancient genocide explained much elven distrust, although some elves were attempting cautious new contact.
  • Emily said humans broadly resembled elves apart from their much shorter lives.
• Coexistence with humans was described as necessary in Senera despite contrary Feywild teachings.
  • Some elves still isolated themselves in protected settlements.
  • Their hostility was tied both to the ancient genocide and to being trapped after the Realm Bridge closed.
• Elves normally expect their souls to return to the Tree of Life.
  • Souls trapped in Senera might instead be enslaved, stored in soul bags, devoured, traded, placed into new bodies, or transformed into monsters, banshees, or ghosts.
  • One participant compared this confinement to being unable to return to the Scarlet or their crew, while Emily could reportedly teleport away.
• The group discussed the burden on long-lived elves who repeatedly watch human friends and descendants die.
• Queen Murwes Dragonheart, Kelthyr’s mother, was described as elf-kin and raised in one of the few settlements allowing regulated human contact.
  • The settlement prohibited intermarriage. Kelthyr had previously explained that she was expelled for having him with his human biological father; the current retelling was interrupted.
• An unresolved exchange concerned a woman expected to marry the king without becoming Queen and whether she would receive royal allowances.
  • One participant argued that accepting money and passing it to rebels would provoke the peerage, while refusal allowed the peerage to ignore them.
• A report that Hicklanders had discovered black powder led into an unfinished account of work with Luana concerning Faltir Castle.
• Allied forces had isolated Castle Malthrek by cutting reinforcement and supply routes, moving north through the western Maltreks toward Faltir.
• In Faltir, the count’s right-hand official was reportedly a Reformist who helped control the town.
  • Salt miners were overworked, underfed, paid in salt, and dying underground.
• The group found a changeling being tortured and forced to copy other people’s appearances.
  • The captors threatened the changeling’s family, as they had done to other innocent changelings coerced into Reformist service.
• A prototype combining an IdentifyIdentifyLevel 1 · Divination1 minute · Touch · InstantaneousV, S, MYou choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it. If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it. rune with a Magic MouthMagic MouthLevel 2 · Illusion1 minute · 30 ft. · Until dispelledV, S, MYou implant a message within an object in range, a message that is uttered when a trigger condition is met. Choose an object that you can see and that isn't being worn or carried by another creature. Then speak the message, which must be 25 words or less, though it can be delivered over as long as 10 minutes. Finally, determine the circumstance that will trigger the spell to deliver your message. When that circumstance occurs, a magical mouth appears on the object and recites the message in your voice and at the same volume you spoke. If the object you chose has a mouth or something that looks like a mouth (for example, the mouth of a statue), the magical mouth appears there so that the words appear to come from the object's mouth. When you cast this spell, you can have the spell end after it delivers its message, or it can remain and repeat its message whenever the trigger occurs. The triggering circumstance can be as general or as detailed as you like, though it must be based on visual or audible conditions that occur within 30 feet of the object. For example, you could instruct the mouth to speak when any creature moves within 30 feet of the object or when a silver bell rings w… rune announced that recovered black gloves were the Gauntlet of Elemental Transmutation.
  • A second demonstration identified a confiscated adult novelty item presented as Reformist evidence.
  • The creator said the Magic Mouth effect could trigger without spell slots, surprising another participant who described it as a third-level spell.
• The council proposed adapting the technology into a language rune through which Hick could be understood.
  • A woman offered support and investment.
• Rebecca clung to John and appeared tired of Emily’s efforts to elicit more language from her.

Orbs, Drow, and the Elven Boons

• Encode Thoughts can extract a memory into one of Kelthyr’s dolls, after which Major ImageMajor ImageLevel 3 · Illusion1 action · 120 ft. · 10 minuteV, S, M (a bit of fleece)You create the image of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 20-foot cube. The image appears at a spot that you can see within range and lasts for the duration. It seems completely real, including sounds, smells, and temperature appropriate to the thing depicted. You can't create sufficient heat or cold to cause damage, a sound loud enough to deal thunder damage or deafen a creature, or a smell that might sicken a creature (like a troglodyte stench). As long as you are within range of the illusion, you can use your action to cause the image to move to any other spot within range. As the image changes location, you can alter its appearance so that its movements appear natural for the image. For example, if you create an image of a creature and move it, you can alter the image so that it appears to be walking. Similarly, you can cause the illusion to make different sounds at different times, even making it carry on a conversation, for example. Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, because things can pass through it. A creature that uses its action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a … can project the memory through the doll’s eyes.
  • The group had previously used the technique at the Thralmals with a Reformist paladin-in-training’s memory.
• Researchers were testing runes and orbs to measure ambient magic and perhaps estimate another person’s remaining spell capacity without requiring disclosure.
  • Known types included Repulsion, Absorption, Enhancer, and Bestower orbs.
  • Because the teleportation circle uses an Absorption orb, the group speculated about channeling its energy and repeatedly interrupting the flow with a moving Repulsion orb.
• A historical account said Kalassarians killed satyrs who openly worshipped the Green Lord during a purge of pagans linked to Divine Masochism.
  • When open worship by elven children raised fears of renewed persecution, the monarch firmly affirmed religious tolerance.
• Planning returned to the elven rescue.
  • A witness reported that drow raided human settlements and killed their inhabitants.
  • A projected image depicted male and female drow as comparatively short, very dark-skinned elves with high-elven features.
  • Their realm was placed beneath the Feydark in the Underdark.
  • A rumored Feydark connection to the Abyss remained unverified.
• An unresolved account described drow society as cruel and matriarchal.
  • Lolth, the Spider Queen, was described as an archfey allied with the Unseelie Court.
  • The drow reportedly follow two religions, but only one was identified.
• The discussion distinguished seasonal courts from the Seelie and Unseelie Courts.
  • Oberon and Titania formed and rule the Seelie Court while retaining Summer.
  • Mab became Queen of the Unseelie after betraying the Archfey by corrupting one of their sons.
  • The Prince of Frost rules Winter.
  • Spring has lacked a monarch since Queen Valdas, Queen of Mirrors, although another archfey was placed there.
  • Queen Arcadia rules Autumn.
  • The forgotten Archfey associated with Time has reportedly returned despite being largely absent from Seneran elven memory.
• Legend says the Archfey gave the Elven Boons to elves crossing the Realm Bridge for protection, but the creators, sacrifice, and transfer into human custody are unknown.
  • Kelthyr proposed that the Archfey created them immediately before migration and entrusted them to prominent people because avatars could not cross.
  • Others argued that dragons or giants had caged and weakened the Archfey during the Draco-Giant War, preventing such creation.
  • The group considered whether independent avatars created the Boons in the mortal world at the cost of their lives, transported them through the bridge, or even created or used the bridge without their patrons’ knowledge.
• The Topaz Sword of Summer resists magical examination so completely that even IdentifyIdentifyLevel 1 · Divination1 minute · Touch · InstantaneousV, S, MYou choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it. If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it. fails; its properties are known through use.
  • Anton’s history-revealing speaking glasses might provide another approach.
  • The group compared it with a Vorpal sword but noted that Vorpal swords reportedly choose champions and later reappear elsewhere in the Feywild.
  • The Summersword passes through the royal family and may be unable to reappear in Senera.
  • Its separate sheath, its crafter, or collective creation by seasonal avatars might explain the difference, but these remained theories.
• The Sapphire Brooch of Winter is distinct from the Ring of Winter despite similar effects.
  • The Ring was reportedly lost in the Feywild long ago, but its current custody remained disputed.
• The Ruby Amulet of Fall belongs with a robe and an Urdefolcin mask.
  • The mask grants a Tongues-like ability to understand language, perhaps because the first arriving elves did not know Common.
• Urdefolcins were described as legendary forest guardians also found in the mortal world.
  • The group did not know whether they were native there or arrived through Fey crossings such as those in Raibon.
• Dragons were described as magical beings whose elder and ancient forms exceed dracoliches, with ancient dragons the strongest.
  • The greatest dragons could remove curses and return from resurrection in their true forms, making them nearly immortal.
  • Such dragons once enslaved Archfey.
• Archfey were characterized as magical nobles ruling fiefdoms rather than gods, although they may ascend to godhood.
  • Separation from the Feywild and its time was described as imprisonment for fey.
  • Another account said ancient Kalassarian power once extended into Cerebria.
  • Hellion called godhood lonely while apparently contemplating Malygos, whom he treats as his god.
• Tiphanie’s concealment of her draconic nature served only as an analogy for avatars hiding their identities, not proof that she was an avatar.
• Oran is widely known in the Feywild as an avatar of the Green Lord and recently helped oppose the blight.
  • The Green Lord may have several empowered elven avatars, perhaps with more than one using the name Oran.
  • This renewed speculation about Oren Bell, but established no genuine connection.

Paths Toward the Realm Bridge

• Avatars may be linked to Archfey without knowing it, with the connection emerging through crafts, helpful abilities, or similar pursuits.
  • Such avatars are rare, may serve evil Archfey, and may hide what they are.
• The Green Lord conducts Wild Hunts in which followers hunt selected quarry and burn the kills rather than eat them.
• The group proposed consulting extremely old elves or an old registry to find anyone who had met an avatar, while acknowledging that the records might no longer exist.
• Minfilia suggested investigating Surrey’s Ear because of its ancient settlements.
  • The group recalled Sister Philippa’s account of an elven powder that evokes memories but could not clearly identify who controls access to it.
• Because Lilia remembered elves fleeing a war or migrating, the group inferred that Surrey’s Ear might preserve evidence about the Elven Boons, which legend says arrived with those elves.
  • They recognized that the link was unproven.
• Hellion suggested that learning the Boons’ origin might reveal how to reopen the Realm Bridge.
  • The group still expected to recover the Sapphire Brooch of Winter and the remaining shards of the Emerald Shield of Spring.
  • The artifacts’ exact function remained unknown.
• The group speculated that drow might possess an Elven Boon or useful knowledge, although the king reportedly had not known drow existed until recently.
• Drow were described as blinded by bright light generally, not only sunlight.
  • Their subterranean adaptation reportedly lets them sense vibrations somewhat like tremorsense rather than echolocation.
  • The discussion did not establish any broader inability to walk.
• The king was told that the group had promised to help Oren Bell reach the Feywild and help any fey wishing to return home.
  • They acknowledged a second promise but refused to disclose it.
• Oren was reportedly traveling toward the elven settlement of Marim despite being banned there.
  • Marim confines human visitors to an external trading area.
• The king was told that Crispin Mallow was a serial killer capable of twisting and grafting bodies.
  • He spoke Draconic, hated the Maidenfeld family, and had captured the soul of the legendary gold dragon Auraxx, whose soul Angel had since freed during the September 12 confrontation.
  • His history was connected to his mother’s dress, an insignia-bearing journal, and a dragon-related symbol whose institutional name remained unclear.
• Angel reportedly transformed Crispin into a ten-year-old boy.
  • The child retained memories associated with his mother’s dress but none of his adult crimes.
• The group considered Crispin’s child form a possible source of clues about his parents.
  • His childhood home was described as a temporary refuge where children were sheltered before being given away.
  • His knowledge of Draconic might indicate a persistent blood connection rather than simple abduction.
• The group revisited access to Crispin’s journal and discussed a lullaby whose personal nuances mattered to imprinting; the correct words and melody alone were said to be insufficient.
  • Earlier encounters distinguished the box opened by Crispin’s rendition of Flight of Dragons from the journal, whose writing appeared when he touched it.
  • One party member recalled that they and the Marquis had gained access and glimpsed the contents. The current discussion did not clearly distinguish every reference to the box and journal.
• King Alitar compared the imprinting with his own barrier: Queen Murwes’s particular rendition could release it. He was describing the barrier, not saying she could open Crispin’s journal.
• An unnatural blight may threaten the king’s archives even though the location lacks plants expected to support it.
  • Kelthyr said the site had been investigated, part of the effect had been slowed, and the planted seed appeared to influence it.

Open Hooks

The Royals and the Damaged Castle

• Follow King Alitar’s recovery after his rescue, parasite extraction, and restoration.
• Locate Queen Murwes and establish her condition and route to safety. Marlion reported successful contact with her companion and said she was safe; her location and an on-screen reunion remain unestablished.
• Assess the surviving defenders and remaining enemies, search the royal rooms, and rebuild the damaged castle. The allied council has assembled, but that does not establish a fully secured or restored stronghold.
• Follow up on the captured Reformist, the Archbishop’s unknown fate, and Andrew’s whereabouts.
• Recover missing draconic records and understand the royal bloodlines and imprint protections.

Garward, Madeline, and the Crone

• Preserve evidence of Garward’s crimes, including memories if possible, and determine secure custody and a sentence. His capture and parasite extraction are complete; he remains alive and remorseless.
• Find the missing soul fragment and understand Garward’s surviving agreement, the “gift” of his soul, his promised approaching change, and his green-liquid experiments. Restoring guilt and fear is a proposed response, not a demonstrated cure or guarantee of remorse.
• Study or question the contained parasite without allowing it access to another host. Its unusual strength and partial transformation remain relevant despite successful containment.
• Find Madeline and the missing cambions. Clarify her condition, agency, connection to the Crone, and the maternal presence; her rescue and restoration did not establish the full explanation.
• Await Tiphanie and Eskabeth’s search and assess whether Planar Binding could help. Their flight is established, not their success or return.
• Follow the implications of Tiphanie’s pregnancy while respecting the agreed face-to-face, need-to-know disclosure boundary.

The Library, Blight, and Haven

• Protect and monitor the seed planted in the library approach, and stop the conduit-fed blight from destroying the royal archives. Its cause and the seed’s long-term effect remain unresolved.
• Identify the library’s hidden creatures, the enormous black-purple object, and the concealed complex’s history. Other lift levels and the remaining animated armors have not been accounted for.
• Investigate the Haven’s access terms, the old Maidenfeld arrangement, and the attributed allegations about pixie wings and Reformist manipulation of the uprising.
• Determine the fate of the reported twelve red dragon eggs and the limits of Garlax’s Red Dragon Mask, including the proposed use of its breath to hatch them.
• Follow possible connections to the dragons from Tiphanie’s Feywild history and the consequences of the violence done to Auraxx. Angel already freed his soul; his dismantled body’s condition and the surviving objects’ properties remain distinct.

Allies, Elven Communities, and the Wider War

• Decide the coalition’s next fronts, including Bastion and Souveran Rothchild, and determine whether the Maidenfelds and Gwyniviere will engage.
• Follow through on returning the rescued elven children and protecting coerced changelings and their families. Determine whether to retain the Hicklander force and secure the academy.
• Assess Rannekford’s condition and coordinate aid and crop restoration around Maiden’s Field.
• Follow Lance’s proposed marriage and its consequences for human-elven relations, the Malthrek succession and abdication, and Rebecca’s possible adoption.
• Investigate Rebecca’s origin and language, Emily’s promise to the exile, and the separate undisclosed agreement without assuming their mechanisms or terms are identical.
• Investigate the drow raids and their beliefs, accounting for the reported light sensitivity and subterranean senses. The Feydark-Abyss connection remains a rumor.

The Realm Bridge, Boons, and Other Magical Leads

• Seek the Realm Bridge’s location and a means of reopening it, using old elves, records, Surrey’s Ear, and the reported memory powder as possible leads. Determine the consequences for stranded fey and elven souls rather than assuming reopening alone solves every form of captivity.
• Follow Oren Bell’s journey toward Marim and the promise to help him reach the Feywild. His resemblance to the avatar-name Oran is not proof that he is an avatar.
• Recover the Sapphire Brooch of Winter and remaining Emerald Shield of Spring fragments. Clarify the Ruby Amulet of Fall’s custody and its associated robe and Urdefolcin mask; Spring’s and Autumn’s artifact identities are already established.
• Establish the Boons’ creators, sacrifice, route, and transfer into human custody. Possible avatar involvement remains a theory, including speculation prompted by Tiphanie’s hidden nature.
• Consider Anton’s speaking glasses as a way to examine the Summersword, and distinguish the Ring of Winter’s custody and behavior from the Sapphire Brooch’s.
• Investigate Teresa Cicero’s map, Plum’s bindings, and the alleged Maidenfeld exploitation.
• Investigate the serenity boxes, protective shards, and archival thought-suppression technique, keeping their demonstrated effects separate from uncertain origins and relationships.
• Continue the proposed spell-capacity measurement, orb-engine experiment, and Hick-understanding rune. The prototype demonstrations do not establish every proposed application or privacy safeguard.
• Establish Crispin’s parentage and Draconic connection, and distinguish opening his journal from fully examining its contents. Prior successful access does not settle every imprint condition.

Confirmations Needed

• The dragon names at 00:46:25–00:47:38 await cross-campaign review, including which dragons might be in Senera. The two ancestral bloodline names at 00:50:35–00:50:56 also remain unrecovered.

Boundaries

• Speaker attributions described as probable, likely, unidentified, or unresolved remain uncertain and are not promoted to confirmed character actions.
• Rumors, allegations, table speculation, and competing lore theories remain labeled as such rather than being canonized.
• Reported safety, successful treatment, and capture do not independently establish reunion, complete recovery, or final justice. Garward’s soul is missing a fragment; the party’s proposed allocation of guilt and fear to that fragment remains a theory.
• Rending a soul requires unconscionable acts, even when a hag deal is involved. The missing fragment does not explain away the earlier deeds Garward would have needed to commit to rend it.
• Current custody remains distinct from an artifact’s known identity or reported history. Auraxx’s soul was freed earlier, and neither that release nor the persistence of dragon-derived objects establishes his bodily restoration.