Compendium
Constable Barnaby Plum is the petty, out-of-shape law officer of Splinter's Bend, shielded from consequence by his uncle the town magistrate and enriched by regular payments from his cousin Silas to suppress competing supply caravans. After being publicly humiliated by the party in Splinter's Bend, he dispatched tracking hounds after them and set a magical amulet to follow their trail. His financial ties to Silas have since been documented in a physical ledger now in Kingsguard hands, and his name has been formally entered into Harold's sworn investigation.
Ledger is the giant badger who pulls the Greasy Spoon and, while he does not speak in-universe, understands Wickett and carries the party's recipe ledger in his harness. He has a strong sense of direction, a combat mechanic for sheltering under his yoke, and a sardonic inner voice that regards the party with fond contempt. He has twice provided cold-open narration and serves as the party's most reliable early-warning system, having woken first when Plum's hounds approached camp.
Gorg is one of two heads of an Ettin who blocked the King's Forest road. He craves meat-heavy, bloody food and was satisfied — along with his other head, Borg — by Gorlog's improvised dish 'Two Heads, One Belly.' The encounter ended peacefully, with the Ettin departing while the two heads bickered over each other's bowl.
Borg is the second head of the Ettin who blocked the King's Forest road. Unlike Gorg, he is sick of meat and craves sweet or carb-heavy food, but was satisfied alongside his counterpart by 'Two Heads, One Belly.' He also notably appreciates when travelers rebuild his barricade after passing through.
Meatball is one of three large mastiff-type tracking hounds dispatched by Constable Barnaby Plum to locate the party. After being grappled and then calmed with a leg of lamb by Gorlog, he was named on the spot, and the parting was emotionally affecting for Skrit. The three dogs departed by a different route than they arrived, suggesting familiarity with the King's Forest.
Thud is a six-foot-six logger found crying over a dirty potato in Waymoot's town square, the first logger Sanji approached. He suffered gastric distress from the party's rushed breakfast service but later found satisfaction dispatching a second unconscious ankheg with a single club swing, hoisting the dead creature onto the wagon's roof by its chains.
Kaelin runs the Waymoot logging operation and, by extension, the town itself. He hired the party to clear an ankheg infestation that had already cost him 14 men and 2 horses, paid them with a Writ of Provisioning, and quietly cautioned them against making public accusations against Silas. His name's absence from Silas's payment ledger drew Skrit's suspicion, and Captain Stout later recalled his frequent complaints about interrupted market routes — a detail that may tie him to the plesiosaur blockade.
Silas Vance is the proprietor of the Cupped Axe and the son of Elder Vance of Splinter's Bend, extending his family's corrupt network into Waymoot by eliminating competitor taverns, bribing Constable Barnaby Plum to suppress supply caravans, and reportedly dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to sabotage Foreman Kaelin. He staged a false culinary audit using disguised thugs to destroy the Greasy Spoon on the logging road, then made one cowardly attack from the treeline before fleeing into the King's Forest. His payment ledger, recovered by the party and handed to Harold, has now made him the central target of a formal Kingsguard investigation.
Leroy is a regular patron of the Cupped Axe who sleeps there frequently and is vouched for by Silas as 'the fairest guy in town.' He was summoned at 8:30 in the morning to provide neutral dice for the game between Skrit and Silas, which Skrit won.
Elder Vance is the ruling authority of Splinter's Bend and the father of Silas Vance, with his family's reach extending through Silas in Waymoot and Constable Barnaby Plum in Splinter's Bend itself. He has not yet been encountered in person, but his name appears in Silas's recovered payment ledger and has been recognized by Harold, who has sworn to include him in the formal Kingsguard investigation.
Harold is one of four Kingsguard stationed in Waymoot as a punishment posting after being suspected of illegal gambling in Waterdeep, and he has a wife and three children he hopes to return to. Initially reluctant to involve himself in local affairs, he was receptive when approached with evidence, and after the road ambush he reviewed Silas's ledger, recognized multiple names including Silas Vance, Constable Barnaby Plum, and Elder Vance, and swore on his oath of service to investigate and punish all guilty parties. He upgraded the party's Writ of Provisioning to grant free passage on the King's Road and provided them a letter of introduction to the head of the Kingsguard at Thornwall Fords before departing toward Waymoot with Pendergast and the loggers.
Julian Pendergast introduced himself as Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle and conducted a legitimate field audit of the Greasy Spoon on the logging road, awarding it his seal of compliance — only for the 'assistants' he arrived with to reveal themselves as Silas's thugs. Whether Pendergast was complicit or deceived remained unresolved until he fought alongside the party, then turned hostile when his robes were soiled, and finally de-escalated when surrounded by loggers and submitted to Harold. He confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands, vouched that the tuna had been pilfered from the wagon, and departed toward Waymoot with Harold — pausing to check his robes after Skrit patted him on the back.
Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray is a refined, monocle-wearing bounty hunter who tracked the crew to their campfire but offered them a way out through a culinary trivia challenge — and honored the deal when they won, burning the bounty poster on the spot. He departed with a warning that the Vance family's reach is long and that a Vance rafting party had been spotted upriver, cryptically muttering that the crew were likely going to get themselves killed.
Captain Cynthia Stout commands the Kingsguard detail at Thornwall Fords, where she was already stretched thin across three locations when the plesiosaur blockade halted thirty merchant wagons and killed two of her guards. She engaged the party as contracted problem-solvers and has since become the primary collector of evidence — whistle, bolts, brand sketches, threatening note, and order slip — steadily building a formal report for her superiors while quietly treating Wickett as the crew's de facto spokesperson.
Grimm appeared at the Starwater River crossing in Session 07, using a brass whistle to command a plesiosaur and blockade the party's passage. After Sanji rammed him and knocked the whistle loose, he disengaged under crossbow cover and fled into the woods. His employer remains unknown, though his role in the deliberate blockade strongly suggests he answers to a larger organization.
A massive plesiosaur had been forcibly stationed in the Starwater River gravel beds via a brass control whistle wielded by Grimm, killing Kingsguard and smashing rafts. Evidence of rope scars, lash marks, and a brand matching the Vance operation's mark indicated prolonged captivity under duress rather than natural aggression — a reading confirmed when it calmed immediately after Sanji recovered the whistle. The party coaxed it 100 yards downstream to a deep pool with pickles rather than killing it; it has not departed the area.
The Mirethanes are a pair of red-haired elven scholars traveling upriver on a book-laden raft, reportedly asking about old ruins and not having slept in a fortnight. They are also Vaela's parents, and have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to locate her and return her unharmed. Vaela intends to eventually disprove their scholarly work.
Maurice is a bookish crown functionary six years into the role of royal procurer — the longest any procurer has served — who has spent that entire tenure assembling mundane hunting supplies without once meeting his employer. He was deceived into enlisting Sanji as a substitute shopper and, when she delivered on time, rewarded the party with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit granting them approved-vendor status on the provisioning circuit.
Callum is the male half of a professional bounty hunter pair contracted by the Mirethane family to locate their daughter Vaela and confirm she is unharmed. He conducted himself with measured professionalism throughout negotiations, accepted peripheral evidence for the Mirethanes' report, and departed after concluding that their core objective — confirming Vaela's safety — appeared complete.
Petra is the female half of the bounty hunter pair and the one who drove negotiations with Wickett, proving to be the more forthcoming of the two with operational intelligence. She confirmed that her task was to locate and report on Vaela — not to forcibly return her — and she bristled at any suggestion that the Mirethanes might be connected to the Redwater Shallows operation.
One of the guards who originally drove the party out of Splinter's Bend reappeared at the Greasy Spoon window in Thornwall Fords, ordering food with no intention of eating it and leaving a bloodied note reading 'We know what you did in Waymoot. Your road ends at the Ford.' He slipped back into the crowd immediately after. His appearance confirms the Vance organization has tracked the party to Thornwall Fords.
An unidentified kobold slipped Skrit a note written in Draconic at Thornwall Fords without a word, then vanished into the crowd. The note contained directions to a kobold warren near the next town east with the message 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' Identity and affiliation remain entirely unknown.
Benjamin is the tall front-desk clerk at the Thornwall Inn, whose formal welcome cooled noticeably as the full party filed in. He managed the practical logistics of lodging — rooms, fumigation fees, bathroom locations — and accommodated the group for three gold.
Thaddeus tends the small bar at the Thornwall Inn and takes visible pride in his craft, preparing bespoke drinks for each party member from memory. He records every order in a private notebook and pocketed a direct tip from Vaela without logging it — and he noticed Wickett casing the bar, confronting him about it directly.
Splinter's Bend is a medieval trading town in Cormyr's King's Forest, effectively ruled by the magistrate who is Constable Barnaby Plum's uncle. The crew fled after publicly humiliating Barnaby, leaving green flames burning on a cobblestone side street. It was later confirmed as the home of Elder Vance and a node in the corruption network now under Kingsguard investigation.
The King's Forest is the ancient woodland surrounding Splinter's Bend and Waymoot through which the logging road runs. It has been the backdrop to several key encounters — the Ettin barricade, the tracking hound pursuit, Silas's escape into the treeline — and was revealed by royal clerk Maurice to host the king's unannounced annual autumn hunting circuit, the king never using the same lodge twice.
Waymoot is a timber-built logging town whose sawmills had been shut down for weeks by an ankheg infestation before the crew cleared the threat. The party received the Writ of Provisioning and were declared 'Waymoot blood' upon their triumphant return, though Silas Vance publicly heckled them and was observed passing a wooden box to a rider slipping out a side gate. Harold and the Kingsguard have since returned to town to begin investigating Silas and his associates, and the crew has departed east.
The Greasy Spoon is a large, multi-windowed food wagon pulled by Ledger, serving as both the crew's home base and their primary commercial operation. It sustained wheel damage during the ankheg encounter — temporarily patched using a dead ankheg as a counterweight — and earned a Gilded Ladle seal of compliance from auditor Julian Pendergast before being threatened at spear-point by Silas's disguised men on the logging road. It later took further wheel damage during the Session 05 ambush.
This overnight camp off the King's Forest logging road was the site of the pre-dawn tracking hound encounter in Session 02. The Greasy Spoon was parked here, a low campfire lit the immediate area, and it was at this location that the magical tracking amulet was destroyed.
The Cupped Axe is the sole tavern in Waymoot, operated by Silas and catering to guards and merchants at extortionate prices. It served as the site of the party's first confrontation with Silas, and later as the target of a covert break-in that yielded a payment ledger tying Silas to Constable Barnaby Plum, the missing aged tuna, and bottles of Splinter's Bend Reserve before Skrit and Sanji slipped away with the evidence.
The Logging Trench is the main wagon path between Waymoot and the cut forest, roughly twenty feet wide with five-foot earthen walls on either side. It was the site of the party's ankheg combat and subsequent investigation, where Skrit discovered turnip mash mixed into the tunnel mud — evidence suggesting someone had deliberately baited the ankhegs into the area.
The logging road east of Waymoot was first the site of an impromptu Gilded Ladle field audit, where Julian Pendergast blocked the Greasy Spoon's path and the crew narrowly passed inspection. It later became the site of open combat when Silas's disguised men dropped their aprons and leveled spears, a fight that concluded only when Harold and a dozen loggers arrived and the wagon wheel was repaired on-site.
Thornwall Fords is a legitimate river town and Starwater River crossing commanded by Captain Stout's Kingsguard post. The party arrived to find thirty merchant wagons blockaded by the plesiosaur threat and negotiated a contract to clear it; with the creature coaxed downstream, the crossing reopened and the party took up their promised prime market stall. The town has since become a hub of mounting pressure — the Vance operation's threatening note was delivered here.
Suzail is the capital city of Cormyr, situated on the Lake of Dragons and the seat of King Azoun IV. Harold noted the king travels frequently and is rarely in residence; Sanji has expressed a personal interest in finding the king and his castle.
The crew's roadside campsite west of Thornwall Fords was where Vaela was introduced and where Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray emerged from the treeline to challenge the crew. After the crew passed his culinary trivia challenge, Cray burned the bounty poster and departed; the party completed a full long rest without further incident.
The Starwater River at Thornwall Fords — including its shallow gravel beds — was the site of the plesiosaur encounter and the recovery of the sabotaged control whistle. The creature has since been coaxed to a deep pool downstream, but the closing narration of Session 09 noted the river had gone quiet again in language that echoed the warnings before the plesiosaur first appeared.
Thornwall Fords' central market square has been the hub of the party's activity in town, hosting the Greasy Spoon dinner service, the bounty hunter negotiation, crown clerk Maurice's supply run, and multiple unsolicited messages — including an anonymous kobold delivery and a threatening note from the Splinter's Bend guard. At dusk the market shut down, the Greasy Spoon wagon was locked in the party's prime stall, and Ledger remained to guard it overnight.
The Old Redwater Mill began as a rumor — overheard market gossip identifying it as a Vance supply waypoint where everything moving on the Starwater River spent a night. By Session 09 it was confirmed as Redwater Shallows, the raft camp Petra tracked the river fugitives to: roughly twenty men, toll chains, and tally-mark branding throughout, a half day upriver from Thornwall Fords.
Directions to this kobold warren were delivered to Skrit by an anonymous kobold messenger at Thornwall Fords market square, written in Draconic. The note indicated it is a place tall folk do not go and that the kobolds there remember their own.
The East and West Gates of Thornwall Fords marked the boundaries of Sanji and Skrit's supply run for crown clerk Maurice, with the West Gate serving as the delivery point where Maurice waited, nearly out of time, as the pair arrived by handcart at sundown.
The Thornwall Inn is the best accommodation Thornwall Fords has to offer — recently painted, with a small lobby, a tiny three-stool bar, clawfoot tubs described as old but once fine, and several room types. The party secured a two-large-bed room for three gold and settled in for the night, tended by desk clerk Benjamin and bartender Thaddeus.
Eveningstar is the stated delivery point for the crown provisioning items Maurice assembled, but Maurice himself doubted the king would camp there — the king camped at Eveningstar roughly three seasons ago and never repeats a location. It stands as an official waypoint on the provisioning circuit whose actual significance to the king's whereabouts remains unclear.
Active
After publicly humiliating Constable Barnaby Plum and fleeing Splinter's Bend, the party acquired a 500-gold bounty backed by Vance family money. Despite destroying Plum's tracking amulet, obtaining legal cover through a Writ of Provisioning, and seeing Plum named under Kingsguard investigation, the Vance organization has made direct threats and three unlit rafts were spotted heading toward Thornwall Fords at session's end.
Skrit, a kobold paladin with no given name, was swept up in the chaos at Splinter's Bend and has steadily grown from a tentative tagalong into one of the crew's most proactive members. He has taken on an investigative and protective role — crawling into ankheg burrows for evidence, breaking into Silas's office, and repeatedly putting himself between danger and Sanji.
Sanji, a satyr monk only a few months out of her mountain monastery, joined the crew out of curiosity and a sense of justice and has since proven both fearless and occasionally oblivious to danger. She has landed a natural-20 sales pitch, delivered killing blows on ankhegs, deflected Pendergast's attacks back into his face, and articulated finding the king and his castle as a personal goal.
Silas Vance held a food monopoly in Waymoot, paid Constable Barnaby Plum to block rival supply caravans, and allegedly dumped slaughterhouse waste to sabotage Foreman Kaelin's logging operation. His payment ledger was surrendered to Kingsguard Harold, who recognized the names Silas Vance, Barnaby Plum, Elder Vance, and possibly Pendergast and departed to investigate — but the Vance network's river operations, centered on the Old Redwater Mill and a camp at Redwater Shallows, appear to be mobilizing.
Julian Pendergast appeared as a Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle, conducted a field audit the Greasy Spoon passed, and then fought alongside the party against Silas's thugs — until Skrit soiled his robes and Sanji redirected one of his attacks, turning him openly hostile. Harold de-escalated the confrontation and confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands; Pendergast departed toward Waymoot, suspicious about his ledger but without proof of wrongdoing.
Sanji has made finding King Azoun IV a personal campaign goal. After Desmond Cray deflected her questions, a market patron directed her to crown clerk Maurice at Thornwall Fords, where a successful deception check yielded the intelligence that the king hunts the King's Forest on an unannounced autumn circuit. Sanji now holds a crown-sealed shopping list and five gold, tasked with supplying a hunting camp — a potential foothold with the king's travelling party.
Vaela joined the crew after stumbling onto their campfire and was fully integrated by the Starwater River encounter. Her parents, the Mirethanes, have since hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to return her unharmed; Vaela disguised herself as a dwarven woman named 'Lydia' to avoid detection while serving food to Callum. Wicket opened negotiations with the bounty hunters, but Callum and Petra promised to find the party on their own, leaving the situation unresolved.
A controlled plesiosaur was used to blockade the Thornwall Fords crossing, orchestrated by a handler named Grimm with two crossbowmen. The party broke Grimm's control, recovered the brass whistle, and pacified the creature; Grimm and one crossbowman escaped. Evidence since recovered — tally-mark branding matching the whistle and offal barrels, and an order slip with a broken 'V' wax seal — points to the Vance organization as the architects of the blockade.
The Mirethanes — red-haired elven scholars and Vaela's parents — were spotted traveling upriver on a book-laden raft, reportedly sleepless and asking about old ruins. They have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela, and are confirmed to be several days further upriver than the Redwater Shallows camp, with the nature of their research target still unknown.
Vaela set out to prove that creatures listed as myths in her mother's scholarly book are real, and the plesiosaur encounter at the Starwater River became her first confirmed evidence. When her hand brushed her mother's marginal notes in the book, her hair flickered and she heard a voice say 'I'm home,' hinting at a deeper connection to the text.
Bounty hunters Callum and Petra were hired by the Mirethanes to return their daughter Vaela unharmed, and made contact with the party at Thornwall Fords. After Wickett confirmed Vaela's presence and provided her plesiosaur sketch for the Mirethanes' report, the hunters departed, stating their task appeared complete — but before leaving, Callum warned that three unlit rafts were spotted heading downriver.
An anonymous kobold messenger slipped Skrit a note in Draconic at the Thornwall Fords market square, containing directions to a kobold warren near the next town east and the cryptic message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' The sender's identity and purpose remain entirely unknown.
Gorlog processed a rare truffle into oil form, extending it from one meal's worth to four. Gorlog knows the truffle confers poison resistance for 24 hours to those who share it but has not disclosed this to the rest of the crew.
Resolved
The party set out for the logging town of Waymoot in Session 01, but an Ettin blockade delayed them past dawn and forced an overnight camp in the King's Forest with Barnaby Plum's hounds closing in. The thread resolved in Session 02 when the party completed the journey and arrived at Waymoot's gates around 8:30 AM, having destroyed the tracking amulet before entering town.
Foreman Kaelin hired the party to clear the Logging Trench of ankhegs in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning, offering the crew contractor status and nominal legal protection from Splinter's Bend law. The infestation was ultimately cleared across two sessions — one ankheg killed in the trench, a second dispatched by Thud in town, and a third fled — after which Kaelin formally presented the writ and declared the party 'Waymoot blood.'
The second half of Skrit's aged tuna vanished from the Greasy Spoon wagon during breakfast service, with Ledger reacting noticeably when theft by a logger was suggested. The tuna was later found wrapped carefully in Silas's locked desk at the Cupped Axe and reclaimed by Skrit.
Harold's letter of introduction to Captain Cynthia Stout at Thornwall Fords was presented and honored, earning the party a prime market stall, 100 gold, and river passage in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur blockade. The task is complete.
Royal clerk Maurice tasked Sanji with acquiring mundane hunting camp supplies by sundown, and she and Skrit delivered them just in time. In return, Maurice presented Sanji with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit naming the party as approved vendors to the crown's provisioning circuit, though he warned that the king is actively difficult to locate and advised against mentioning his own name.
Constable Barnaby Plum
Constable Barnaby Plum is the petty, out-of-shape law officer of Splinter's Bend, shielded from consequence by his uncle the town magistrate and enriched by regular payments from his cousin Silas to suppress competing supply caravans. After being publicly humiliated by the party in Splinter's Bend, he dispatched tracking hounds after them and set a magical amulet to follow their trail. His financial ties to Silas have since been documented in a physical ledger now in Kingsguard hands, and his name has been formally entered into Harold's sworn investigation.
Highlights
- Sent three mastiff tracking hounds after the party; magical tracking amulet destroyed by party
- Initials CBP engraved on all three hound collars, confirming his ownership
- Payment ledger from Silas's desk confirms regular bribes to keep competing caravans out of Waymoot
- Named in Silas's ledger; Harold recognized his name and included him in the formal investigation
- Wickett attached an unsigned note to one of the departing hounds; contents unknown
Session History
Petty, out-of-shape town constable whose uncle is the town magistrate of Splinter's Bend, giving him nepotistic protection within the town walls. Emboldened by this protection but rarely ventures outside the gates. Was harassing Skrit unprovoked. Was publicly humiliated by the fish-birth incident and has sent tracking hounds after the party.
Session 02: Did not appear in person. His initials CBP were engraved on the metalwork of all three tracking hound collars, confirming he owns the dogs and that the tracking operation originated with him. Hound baying was audible from camp in the early night before fading, then the dogs returned at pre-dawn directly on track. The magical tracking amulet bearing his engraving was destroyed by the party, eliminating that method of locating them — though the dogs' return to him will confirm the party's last known general area. Wickett attached an unsigned handwritten note to the last departing dog; contents unknown.
Session 04: Did not appear in person. A payment ledger found in Silas's locked desk at the Cupped Axe confirms Silas has been making regular payments to Plum specifically to keep competing supply caravans away from Waymoot, cementing the financial and conspiratorial connection between the two.
Session 05: Not present. The payment ledger taken from Silas's office confirms ongoing payments from Silas to Plum, providing physical evidence of their connection.
Session 06: Named in Silas's ledger as a recipient of payments. Harold recognized the name when reviewing the ledger and has sworn to investigate. His involvement in the Vance corruption network is now formally on record with the Kingsguard.
Ledger
Ledger is the giant badger who pulls the Greasy Spoon and, while he does not speak in-universe, understands Wickett and carries the party's recipe ledger in his harness. He has a strong sense of direction, a combat mechanic for sheltering under his yoke, and a sardonic inner voice that regards the party with fond contempt. He has twice provided cold-open narration and serves as the party's most reliable early-warning system, having woken first when Plum's hounds approached camp.
Highlights
- Only understands Wickett among the party
- Woke first at pre-dawn hound approach, alerting the camp
- Visibly displeased when tracking hounds received artisan aged tuna while he got his standard ration
- Performed 'yo-kunker' behavior at the start of the road ambush combat
- Holds the party's recipe ledger book in his harness
Session History
Giant badger who pulls the Greasy Spoon. Does not speak in-universe but understands Wickett specifically. Has his own mechanics for combat (can flatten under yoke for protection). Holds the party's recipe ledger book in his harness. Has a strong sense of direction and is used to hasty exits. Sardonic inner voice; considers the party idiots but is deeply loyal.
Session 02: Provided session cold-open and closing voiceover narration (player-facing only). Woke first when tracking hounds approached camp at pre-dawn, alerting Wickett. Visibly unimpressed by the morning's events and notably unhappy about the prospect of the hounds remaining near him. Received his standard morning ration while the dogs received artisan aged tuna — expressed visible displeasure at the discrepancy. Narration described him as still exhausted from the night.
Session 05: Voiced the cold-open narration again. Remained hitched to the Greasy Spoon throughout the encounter and performed his 'yo-kunker' behavior at combat start. Did not receive a back kick from the thug who scooted under the wagon.
Gorg
Gorg is one of two heads of an Ettin who blocked the King's Forest road. He craves meat-heavy, bloody food and was satisfied — along with his other head, Borg — by Gorlog's improvised dish 'Two Heads, One Belly.' The encounter ended peacefully, with the Ettin departing while the two heads bickered over each other's bowl.
Highlights
- One of two heads of a road-blocking Ettin; see also Borg
- Craves meat-heavy, bloody food
- Satisfied by Gorlog's improvised dish 'Two Heads, One Belly' and left peacefully
Session History
One of the two heads of an Ettin blocking the King's Forest road. Craves meat-heavy, bloody food. Was satisfied by Gorlog's improvised dish 'Two Heads, One Belly.' Left peacefully, bickering with Borg over the other's bowl. See also: Borg (same creature, second head).
Borg
Borg is the second head of the Ettin who blocked the King's Forest road. Unlike Gorg, he is sick of meat and craves sweet or carb-heavy food, but was satisfied alongside his counterpart by 'Two Heads, One Belly.' He also notably appreciates when travelers rebuild his barricade after passing through.
Highlights
- Second head of a road-blocking Ettin; see also Gorg
- Craves sweet or carb-heavy food, in contrast to Gorg
- Satisfied by 'Two Heads, One Belly' and left peacefully
- Appreciates travelers who rebuild the barricade after passing
Session History
The second head of the Ettin blocking the King's Forest road. Sick of meat; craves sweet or carb-heavy food. Was satisfied alongside Gorg by 'Two Heads, One Belly.' Appreciates when travelers rebuild their barricade after passing through. See also: Gorg (same creature, first head).
Meatball
Meatball is one of three large mastiff-type tracking hounds dispatched by Constable Barnaby Plum to locate the party. After being grappled and then calmed with a leg of lamb by Gorlog, he was named on the spot, and the parting was emotionally affecting for Skrit. The three dogs departed by a different route than they arrived, suggesting familiarity with the King's Forest.
Highlights
- One of three hounds sent by Constable Barnaby Plum
- Grappled by Gorlog during approach, then calmed with a leg of lamb
- Named 'Meatball' by Gorlog; parting was emotionally affecting for Skrit
- Dogs departed via a different route, suggesting local knowledge of the King's Forest
Session History
One of three large mastiff-type tracking hounds sent by Constable Barnaby Plum to locate the party. Grappled by Gorlog (who was attempting to hug it) and calmed after being fed a leg of lamb. Named 'Meatball' by Gorlog. The parting moment was emotionally affecting for Skrit. The three dogs departed via a different route than they arrived, suggesting they were native to the King's Forest and had local knowledge of the woods.
Thud
Thud is a six-foot-six logger found crying over a dirty potato in Waymoot's town square, the first logger Sanji approached. He suffered gastric distress from the party's rushed breakfast service but later found satisfaction dispatching a second unconscious ankheg with a single club swing, hoisting the dead creature onto the wagon's roof by its chains.
Highlights
- Six foot six; found crying over a dirty potato in Waymoot's town square
- Suffered gastric distress from the rushed breakfast service
- Personally finished the second unconscious ankheg with an automatic critical hit
- Swung the dead ankheg onto the wagon roof by its chains
Session History
An enormous logger (six foot six) with very low blood sugar. Found crying over a dirty potato in Waymoot's town square. Was the first logger Sanji approached. Later suffered gastric distress from the rushed breakfast service.
Session 03: An enormous logger, six foot six, found crying over a dirty potato in Waymoot's town square — the first logger Sanji approached. Suffered gastric distress from the rushed breakfast service. Confirmed role: neutral.
Session 04: Personally dispatched the second unconscious ankheg with one mighty club swing — an automatic critical hit. Swung the dead ankheg up onto the roof of the wagon by its chains. Seemed emotionally satisfied to take revenge on the creature type responsible for the town losing 14 men and 2 draft horses.
Session 05: Not present during the road ambush. Was not among the loggers who followed Harold to the scene.
Foreman Kaelin
Kaelin runs the Waymoot logging operation and, by extension, the town itself. He hired the party to clear an ankheg infestation that had already cost him 14 men and 2 horses, paid them with a Writ of Provisioning, and quietly cautioned them against making public accusations against Silas. His name's absence from Silas's payment ledger drew Skrit's suspicion, and Captain Stout later recalled his frequent complaints about interrupted market routes — a detail that may tie him to the plesiosaur blockade.
Highlights
- Hired party to clear ankhegs; paid with a Writ of Provisioning declaring them 'Waymoot blood'
- Lost 14 men and 2 draft horses to the ankheg infestation
- Silently warned party not to make public accusations against Silas; directed them to Harold instead
- Name absent from Silas's payment ledger — Skrit expressed distrust
- Captain Stout noted his complaints about interrupted market routes as a potential Vance connection
Session History
Foreman of the Waymoot logging crew; effectively the authority of the town by virtue of it being a logging operation. Approached the Greasy Spoon window after the breakfast rush. Hired the party to clear ankhegs from the logging trench in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning. Provided combat intel: do not let ankhegs spray acid; acid sac can be removed as a one-time grenade; meat is best retrieved within six seconds of death or while the creature is still alive. Has lost 14 men and 2 draft horses to the ankhegs. Noted that Splinter's Bend law does not extend to Waymoot and that a Writ of Provisioning would give the party a degree of legal cover.
Session 03: Approached the Greasy Spoon window after the breakfast rush. Confirmed as the foreman of the Waymoot logging crew and effectively the town's authority. Hired the party to clear ankhegs from the logging trench in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning. Provided tactical lore: do not let ankhegs spray acid; acid sac can be removed as a one-time grenade; meat quality requires retrieval within six seconds of death or from a still-living creature. Has lost 14 men and 2 draft horses to the infestation. Noted that Splinter's Bend law does not extend to Waymoot, and that a Writ of Provisioning from Waymoot would afford the party legal cover.
Session 04: Formally presented the Writ of Provisioning to the party, declaring them 'Waymoot blood.' Visibly uncomfortable when the party made public accusations against Silas — gave them a look signaling they should not say that out loud. Directed the party to speak with Harold if they wanted to build a formal case. Passed his hat to collect payment for the ankheg po' boys; only gathered one gold piece total, partly due to Sanji's vegetarian tirade undermining Gorlog's sales.
Session 05: Not present during the road ambush or arrival of loggers. Skrit expressed distrust of Kaelin, noting his name did not appear in Silas's payment ledger but remaining unsure whether he is 'on the take.'
Session 06: Returned from further down the logging road with the rest of the loggers during wheel repair. Harold briefed him on the events. Wickett observed that Kaelin did not appear surprised to see the ledger, though nothing in the ledger directly names him. Skrit expressed some distrust of Kaelin and threw him under the bus slightly for not believing the party's earlier evidence. Returned to Waymoot with Harold.
Session 08: Recalled by Captain Stout as having complained frequently about market routes being interrupted — potentially connecting him to the plesiosaur blockade plot and the broader Vance operation on the river.
Silas
Silas Vance is the proprietor of the Cupped Axe and the son of Elder Vance of Splinter's Bend, extending his family's corrupt network into Waymoot by eliminating competitor taverns, bribing Constable Barnaby Plum to suppress supply caravans, and reportedly dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to sabotage Foreman Kaelin. He staged a false culinary audit using disguised thugs to destroy the Greasy Spoon on the logging road, then made one cowardly attack from the treeline before fleeing into the King's Forest. His payment ledger, recovered by the party and handed to Harold, has now made him the central target of a formal Kingsguard investigation.
Highlights
- Son of Elder Vance of Splinter's Bend; cousin of Constable Barnaby Plum
- Drove three competitor taverns out of Waymoot by cutting their supply lines
- Payment ledger confirms regular bribes to Plum and documents broader corruption network
- Staged fake culinary audit with disguised thugs to ambush the Greasy Spoon
- Made one melee attack from the treeline (missed), then fled into the King's Forest
Session History
Proprietor of the Cupped Axe, the only remaining tavern in Waymoot. Recognized the party as fugitives from Splinter's Bend on sight and offered to turn them in for 500 gold. Cousin of Constable Barnaby Plum; son of Vance, who runs Splinter's Bend. Rumored to be dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to sabotage Foreman Kaelin so he can buy the logging rights cheaply. Has previously driven three other taverns out of Waymoot by cutting off their supply lines. Has thugs on his payroll. Lost a dice game to Skrit. Sells turnip mash at 1 gold per bowl (market rate ~5 copper).
Session 03: Proprietor of the Cupped Axe, the only remaining tavern in Waymoot after he drove out three competitors by cutting their supply lines. Recognized the party as fugitives from Splinter's Bend and quoted a 500-gold bounty to Sanji's face. Revealed to be Constable Barnaby Plum's cousin and the son of Vance, who rules Splinter's Bend — extending the family network into Waymoot. Sells turnip mash at grossly inflated prices (1 gp per bowl vs. ~5 cp market rate). Lost a dice game to Skrit; Sanji and Skrit were subsequently ejected from the tavern. Rumored among loggers to be deliberately dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to sabotage Foreman Kaelin and buy the logging rights cheaply. Has thugs on payroll. Role updated to enemy.
Session 04: Publicly heckled the party during their service, calling Skrit 'scale skin' and claiming the ankheg meat was a health hazard. Warned the party he had 'people coming.' Observed by Sanji passing a small wooden box to a rider who slipped out a side gate. A ledger found in his locked desk at the Cupped Axe confirmed he has been making regular payments to Constable Barnaby Plum to keep competing supply caravans out of Waymoot. Three bottles labeled 'Splinter's Bend Reserve' were also found in his desk. At session end, revealed he had planted fake culinary auditors (his men in disguise) on the logging road — they dropped their disguises and leveled spears at the Greasy Spoon.
Session 05: Directed his four thugs to disable the Greasy Spoon's wheels rather than destroy the wagon outright. Made one cowardly melee attack on Wicket from the treeline (missed, AC 14 vs 8), then used a bonus action to disengage and retreated into the King's Forest. Did not respond when his surviving thug called out to him. His payment ledger was taken from his Cupped Axe office by Skrit and Sanji, providing physical evidence of his operations. Wicket publicly named him as 'Silas Vance' to Harold at the scene. Note: the incoming data uses 'Silas Vance' as a full name — see also existing NPC 'Vance'; human should verify whether Vance and Silas are the same person or distinct entities.
Session 06: Full name confirmed as Silas Vance. Listed in his own ledger as a recipient of transactions. Harold has taken possession of the ledger and sworn on his oath of service to investigate. The party considers their evidence-gathering obligation fulfilled. Also confirmed this session that Silas is the son of Elder Vance of Splinter's Bend.
Leroy
Leroy is a regular patron of the Cupped Axe who sleeps there frequently and is vouched for by Silas as 'the fairest guy in town.' He was summoned at 8:30 in the morning to provide neutral dice for the game between Skrit and Silas, which Skrit won.
Highlights
- Regular patron and frequent overnight sleeper at the Cupped Axe
- Described by Silas as 'the fairest guy in town'
- Summoned to provide neutral dice for the Skrit–Silas dice game
Session History
Regular patron at the Cupped Axe who sleeps there frequently. Described by Silas as 'the fairest guy in town.' Called over at 8:30 in the morning to provide neutral dice for the game between Skrit and Silas.
Session 03: Regular patron and frequent overnight sleeper at the Cupped Axe. Described by Silas as 'the fairest guy in town.' Summoned at 8:30 AM to provide neutral dice for the game between Skrit and Silas.
Session 04: Not directly encountered. The Cupped Axe was found empty when Skrit and Sanji entered — consistent with the loggers being out working.
Vance
Elder Vance is the ruling authority of Splinter's Bend and the father of Silas Vance, with his family's reach extending through Silas in Waymoot and Constable Barnaby Plum in Splinter's Bend itself. He has not yet been encountered in person, but his name appears in Silas's recovered payment ledger and has been recognized by Harold, who has sworn to include him in the formal Kingsguard investigation.
Highlights
- Father of Silas Vance; ruling authority of Splinter's Bend
- Constable Barnaby Plum is his nephew and enforcer in Splinter's Bend
- Name appears in Silas's ledger; now formally part of Harold's investigation
- Three bottles labeled 'Splinter's Bend Reserve' found alongside Silas's ledger reinforce the connection
- Has not yet been encountered in person
Session History
Father of Silas; the ruling authority of Splinter's Bend. Not yet encountered in person. Mentioned by Foreman Kaelin. His son Silas is his presence in Waymoot, and his nephew Constable Barnaby Plum is his enforcer in Splinter's Bend.
Session 03: Identified as father of Silas and the ruling authority of Splinter's Bend. Not yet encountered in person. His family network now has confirmed presence in Waymoot via Silas.
Session 04: Not encountered in person. The payment ledger found in Silas's desk and three bottles labeled 'Splinter's Bend Reserve' found alongside it reinforce the connection between Silas's Waymoot operation and the Splinter's Bend power structure under Vance.
Session 06: Referred to as Elder Vance. Confirmed as Silas's father and identified as the leader of Splinter's Bend. Named in Silas's ledger; Harold recognized the name and has included him in his sworn investigation.
Harold
Harold is one of four Kingsguard stationed in Waymoot as a punishment posting after being suspected of illegal gambling in Waterdeep, and he has a wife and three children he hopes to return to. Initially reluctant to involve himself in local affairs, he was receptive when approached with evidence, and after the road ambush he reviewed Silas's ledger, recognized multiple names including Silas Vance, Constable Barnaby Plum, and Elder Vance, and swore on his oath of service to investigate and punish all guilty parties. He upgraded the party's Writ of Provisioning to grant free passage on the King's Road and provided them a letter of introduction to the head of the Kingsguard at Thornwall Fords before departing toward Waymoot with Pendergast and the loggers.
Highlights
- Kingsguard stationed in Waymoot as punishment; never convicted of the gambling charge
- Reviewed Silas's ledger and recognized Silas Vance, Plum, Elder Vance, and possibly Pendergast
- Swore on his oath of service to investigate and punish all guilty parties
- Upgraded the party's Writ of Provisioning to grant free passage on the King's Road
- Provided a letter of introduction to the Kingsguard head at Thornwall Fords
Session History
One of four Kingsguard stationed in Waymoot to protect the Royal Logging Guild's harvest and ensure accurate reporting to the Crown. Assigned to Waymoot as punishment for illegal gambling (fixing games). Has a wife and three kids in Waterdeep and wants to go home. Dislikes Silas but prefers not to get involved in local drama. Expressed openness to pursuing a formal case against Silas if sufficient evidence were brought to him, noting it might be enough to get him reassigned back to Waterdeep. Was receptive to Gorlog and Wickett's approach on the logging road. Note: players uncertain whether Harold has any prior connection to Splinter's Bend.
Session 05: Arrived at the road ambush site with approximately a dozen loggers after hearing the commotion. Shouted 'What the shit?' and advanced toward the group. Did not intervene in combat. His reaction to the full situation — Silas's men dead, the party fighting a government auditor — remains unresolved. Wicket named Silas Vance to Harold directly at the scene, implicating Silas.
Session 06: Role updated to ally. Revealed backstory: Kingsguard stationed in Waymoot after being suspected of illegal gambling in Waterdeep but never convicted; has a wife and three children in Waterdeep he hopes to return to. Ordered everyone to stand down upon arrival. Attempted to disarm Pendergast (failed). Stats noted: +7 insight, +3 to hit; persuasion of the loggers rolled only a 3. Reviewed Silas's ledger and recognized names including Silas Vance, Constable Barnaby Plum, Elder Vance, and possibly Pendergast. Swore on his oath of service to investigate and punish all guilty parties. Stamped the Greasy Spoon's writ of provisioning, upgrading it to grant free passage on the King's Road. Provided the party with a letter of introduction to the head of the Kingsguard at Thornwall Fords. Offered to show the party how to field-dress the ankheg carapace for wagon armor. Stated he does not fear for his safety and is not the only Kingsguard in Waymoot. Briefed Foreman Kaelin on the events. Departed toward Waymoot with Pendergast and the loggers to begin the investigation.
Julian Pendergast
Julian Pendergast introduced himself as Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle and conducted a legitimate field audit of the Greasy Spoon on the logging road, awarding it his seal of compliance — only for the 'assistants' he arrived with to reveal themselves as Silas's thugs. Whether Pendergast was complicit or deceived remained unresolved until he fought alongside the party, then turned hostile when his robes were soiled, and finally de-escalated when surrounded by loggers and submitted to Harold. He confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands, vouched that the tuna had been pilfered from the wagon, and departed toward Waymoot with Harold — pausing to check his robes after Skrit patted him on the back.
Highlights
- Senior Auditor, Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle; wields the silver greataxe 'Critic's Choice'
- Awarded the Greasy Spoon his Gilded Ladle seal of compliance before the ambush broke
- Fought alongside the party until Skrit soiled his robes; turned hostile, used Cease and Desist
- De-escalated when surrounded by loggers; submitted to Harold and vouched for the party's tuna claim
- Confirmed Greasy Spoon certification stands; possibly referenced in Silas's ledger — appeared unconcerned
Session History
Introduced himself as Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle. Appeared on the logging road, blocking the wagon with a white pavilion tent. Arrived with 'assistants' in oversized clean white aprons who moved with military precision — later revealed to be Silas's men in disguise. Conducted a field audit of the Greasy Spoon while the wagon traveled; awarded it his Gilded Ladle seal of compliance just before his 'assistants' dropped their disguises and leveled spears at the party. Whether Pendergast himself is complicit with Silas or was also deceived remains unresolved.
Session 05: Fought alongside the party against Silas's thugs once the Greasy Spoon passed its audit, killing two thugs with his silver greataxe the Critic's Choice. Turned hostile when Skrit soiled his robes and Sanji redirected one of his attacks into his own face. Has a special ability called Cease and Desist (DC 14 Wisdom save, restrains targets within 30 feet until end of their next turn, recharge on 5-6). Makes two attacks with the Critic's Choice. Uses a bonus action called Gourmet's Gaze that grants the next attacker against a target advantage. Keeps a meticulous inspection ledger, which Wicket successfully pickpocketed. Appears significantly more powerful in combat than he looks. Role updated to enemy. Session ended with Pendergast having used Cease and Desist to restrain three party members. Voiced: 'You should call your minions off, Silas.' and 'Are you quite done?'
Session 06: Returned as active hostile combatant at session start. De-escalated after being surrounded by loggers who believed he was trying to skin Sanji. Lowered his axe and submitted to Harold. Stated to Harold: 'Harold, you know three things about me. You know I'm a stickler for the rules. You know I do not attack unless attacked. And you know, I wouldn't be caught dead in fur like that.' Vouched that the tuna had been pilfered from the Greasy Spoon, inadvertently corroborating the party's evidence claim. Confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands regardless of the altercation. Role updated to neutral. Is suspicious about how his official ledger ended up in the dirt but has no proof it was planted. Possibly referenced in Silas's ledger as a transaction entry, though not definitively — Harold noted this while reviewing; Pendergast seemed unconcerned. Departed with Harold toward Waymoot. Was patted on the back by a freshly-washed Skrit on departure; checked his robes immediately.
Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray
Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray is a refined, monocle-wearing bounty hunter who tracked the crew to their campfire but offered them a way out through a culinary trivia challenge — and honored the deal when they won, burning the bounty poster on the spot. He departed with a warning that the Vance family's reach is long and that a Vance rafting party had been spotted upriver, cryptically muttering that the crew were likely going to get themselves killed.
Highlights
- Held a 500-gold crew bounty issued by Constable Barnaby Plum, backed by Vance money
- Burned the poster after the crew passed his culinary trivia test
- Warned of a Vance rafting party spotted upriver
- Departed with 'I should have just killed them. They're gonna get dead.'
- Current whereabouts unknown
Session History
A tall, refined bounty hunter in dark green leathers, wearing a monocle and carrying an enormous polished cleaver. Emerged from the treeline at the crew's evening campfire, having been listening for some time. Presented the crew's 500-gold bounty poster (issued by Constable Barnaby Plum, backed by Vance money) but offered to burn it if they passed his culinary trivia test. True to his word once they succeeded — burned the poster. Warned the crew that the Vance family's reach is extensive and that a Vance rafting party was spotted upriver. Departed saying 'I should have just killed them. They're gonna get dead.' Stated royalty is no concern of his when pressed about King Azoun IV's location. Departed; current whereabouts unknown.
Captain Cynthia Stout
Captain Cynthia Stout commands the Kingsguard detail at Thornwall Fords, where she was already stretched thin across three locations when the plesiosaur blockade halted thirty merchant wagons and killed two of her guards. She engaged the party as contracted problem-solvers and has since become the primary collector of evidence — whistle, bolts, brand sketches, threatening note, and order slip — steadily building a formal report for her superiors while quietly treating Wickett as the crew's de facto spokesperson.
Highlights
- Offered 100 gold, free passage, and a prime market stall in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur
- Locked sabotaged control whistle, order slip with 'V' wax seal, and subsequent evidence in her strongbox
- Order slip read: 'Hold the ford through market week. Feed it. Don't spend it. Coin follows the tally.'
- Doubled gate watches and posted a guard at the strongbox after receiving the threat note
- Immediately identified the raft camp as Redwater Shallows — a suspected ruffian stronghold she had never gotten reliable intel on
Session History
Shield Dwarf. Captain of the Kingsguard detail at Thornwall Fords. Was holding back 30 blocked merchant wagons due to the plesiosaur blockade on the Starwater River — two guards killed, three rafts smashed. Recognized Harold's letter of introduction and seal as legitimate. Offered the crew coffers, free passage, and a prime vendor spot in the market square in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur threat. Promised protection inside Thornwall Fords' walls, though acknowledged she could not send protection back out on the road.
Session 08: Paid the party 100 gold as promised. Collected the sabotaged control whistle as evidence, locked it in her strongbox, and intends to send it with her full report to her superiors. The whistle bears a small imprint of tally marks and antlers. Her recon guard returned with an order slip bearing a broken yellow wax seal marked with what looks like a 'V', reading: 'Hold the ford through market week. Feed it. Don't spend it. Coin follows the tally.' Guard also collected resin-dipped crossbow bolts from the ambush site. Stout took copious notes on the ambush, the brand, the barrels, and the body. Recalled Foreman Kaelin complaining about market routes being interrupted — potentially connecting him to the plesiosaur blockade plot. Does not personally know the king's whereabouts.
Session 09: Accepted the bloodied threat note and Wickett's sketch of the tally-mark brand as additional evidence, placing them in the strongbox alongside the whistle. Doubled gate watches and posted a guard at the strongbox. Bluntly told Wickett she has only eight spears across three locations and advised the crew to choose carefully where they sleep. Immediately recognized Wickett's description of the raft camp as Redwater Shallows, confirming long-standing suspicion that it is a ruffian stronghold she has never been able to get reliable intel on. Now clearly regards Wickett as the crew's spokesperson.
Grimm
Grimm appeared at the Starwater River crossing in Session 07, using a brass whistle to command a plesiosaur and blockade the party's passage. After Sanji rammed him and knocked the whistle loose, he disengaged under crossbow cover and fled into the woods. His employer remains unknown, though his role in the deliberate blockade strongly suggests he answers to a larger organization.
Highlights
- Controlled a plesiosaur via brass whistle to block the Starwater River crossing
- Whistle taken by Sanji after Grimm was rammed and forced to drop it
- Escaped into the woods; whereabouts and employer unknown
- Supported by two hidden crossbow thugs — one killed by Wickett, one fled
Session History
A beast-handler who emerged from the reeds near the plesiosaur during the fight at the Starwater River crossing. Was controlling the plesiosaur with a brass whistle. Sanji rammed him and he coughed up the whistle, which was recovered by Sanji. He then disengaged and fled into the woods. Escaped. Who he works for is not known to the party; connection to the deliberate plesiosaur blockade strongly implied. He was flanked and supported by two hidden crossbow-wielding thugs who fired from the reeds to give him cover; one was killed by Wickett and the other fled down the road into the woods.
Starwater Plesiosaur
A massive plesiosaur had been forcibly stationed in the Starwater River gravel beds via a brass control whistle wielded by Grimm, killing Kingsguard and smashing rafts. Evidence of rope scars, lash marks, and a brand matching the Vance operation's mark indicated prolonged captivity under duress rather than natural aggression — a reading confirmed when it calmed immediately after Sanji recovered the whistle. The party coaxed it 100 yards downstream to a deep pool with pickles rather than killing it; it has not departed the area.
Highlights
- Controlled via a sabotaged brass whistle; stopped attacking the moment the whistle was recovered
- Bears rope scars, lash marks, and a brand of tally marks and antlers matching the Vance operation
- Sanji observed fear in its eyes — acting under duress, not aggression
- Coaxed 100 yards downstream to a deep pool using pickles; not killed
- Vaela heard a voice say 'I'm home' while documenting it
Session History
A massive plesiosaur that had taken up residence in the gravel beds of the Starwater River, killing two Kingsguard and smashing three rafts. Was being controlled by Grimm via a low brass whistle. Sanji observed fear in its eyes when it attacked Wickett with acid spray, and it strained toward Vaela's thrown pickles — suggesting it was acting under duress rather than aggression. Once Sanji recovered the whistle, it stopped struggling. Answered Skrit's 10 points of Lay on Hands with a docile 'eee' before turning to the pickles. Not killed; fate at session end unresolved.
Session 08: Shown to have rope scars and lash marks from prolonged captivity and harsh treatment. Bears a brand at the base of its neck: tally marks and a set of antlers, matching the brand on the offal barrels at the ambush site. Successfully coaxed 100 yards downstream to a deep pool south of the crossing using pickles. Has not departed the area. Vaela earned advantage on all future checks involving aquatic creatures from documenting it. When Vaela's hand brushed the marginal notes in her book during this encounter, she heard a voice say 'I'm home.'
The Mirethanes
The Mirethanes are a pair of red-haired elven scholars traveling upriver on a book-laden raft, reportedly asking about old ruins and not having slept in a fortnight. They are also Vaela's parents, and have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to locate her and return her unharmed. Vaela intends to eventually disprove their scholarly work.
Highlights
- Spotted traveling upriver on a book-laden raft roughly a week before Session 07
- Confirmed as Vaela's parents — red-haired elves conducting a research expedition
- Hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela; reportedly pay very well
- A Greasy Spoon patron noted the authors of Vaela's book may be the same scholars upriver
Session History
A pair of scholars overheard in merchant conversation while Gorlog and Wickett walked back along the blocked wagon line at Thornwall Fords. Were spotted traveling upriver on a book-laden raft about a week prior to Session 07. Reportedly had not slept in a fortnight and were asking about old ruins upriver. The party knows nothing more about them.
Session 08: Confirmed to be Vaela's parents. Described by Vaela as elves with red hair. They are scholars conducting a research expedition upriver — a patron at the Greasy Spoon mentioned the authors of the book Vaela carries might be just up the river on a research study. They have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela and return her unharmed, and reportedly pay very well. Vaela says they want her to return to do research and reading, which she finds boring, and that she believes she will eventually disprove their scholarly work.
Maurice
Maurice is a bookish crown functionary six years into the role of royal procurer — the longest any procurer has served — who has spent that entire tenure assembling mundane hunting supplies without once meeting his employer. He was deceived into enlisting Sanji as a substitute shopper and, when she delivered on time, rewarded the party with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit granting them approved-vendor status on the provisioning circuit.
Highlights
- Revealed the king hunts the King's Forest each autumn — never announced, never the same lodge twice
- Gave Sanji a crown shopping list and five gold; delivered goods were bound for Eveningstar
- Stated he does not believe the king will actually camp at Eveningstar, given the king's pattern
- Issued the party a crown-sealed purveyor's chit naming them as approved vendors
- Explicitly asked the party not to mention him if they ever find the king
Session History
Bookish, ink-stained royal clerk purchasing salted fish and hard cheeses for the king's autumn hunting circuit. Frantic and in a hurry. Sanji convinced him she was a capable shopper via a 19 deception check. Maurice revealed that the king hunts the King's Forest when the leaves turn — never announced, never the same lodge twice — as part of the crown's annual autumn circuit. Gave Sanji a crown-sealed shopping list of mundane hunting camp supplies and five gold to acquire them by sundown at the East Gate.
Session 09: Visibly frantic and relieved when Sanji and Skrit arrived at the West Gate just in time with his shopping items. Presented Sanji with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit naming her and her compatriots as approved vendors to the crown's provisioning circuit. Revealed the items are being delivered to Eveningstar, though he does not believe the king will actually camp there — noting the king camped there about three seasons ago and never stays at the same location twice. Stated he has been the king's procurer for six years, the longest any procurer has served in that role, and has never met the king. Explicitly asked the party not to mention him if they ever find the king, calling it a personal favor.
Callum
Callum is the male half of a professional bounty hunter pair contracted by the Mirethane family to locate their daughter Vaela and confirm she is unharmed. He conducted himself with measured professionalism throughout negotiations, accepted peripheral evidence for the Mirethanes' report, and departed after concluding that their core objective — confirming Vaela's safety — appeared complete.
Highlights
- Contracted by the Mirethanes to locate Vaela unharmed; the family reportedly pays very well
- Accepted a slider from Vaela while she was in disguise as 'Lydia', inspecting it with professional interest
- Pocketed the ornate M coin Wickett flicked to him, earning a withering look from Petra
- Warned the party about three dark rafts coming downriver before departing
- Negotiations over trading intel on river fugitives for Vaela's whereabouts remained unresolved
Session History
Male half of a professional bounty hunter pair working with Petra. Well-equipped and methodical. Hired by the Mirethanes to locate and return their daughter Vaela unharmed; the Mirethanes reportedly pay very well. Introduced himself formally to Wicket after negotiations began. Accepted a slider from 'Lydia' (Vaela in disguise) and inspected it with professional interest before eating. Willing to trade services — locating the two river fugitives from the ambush in exchange for information on Vaela's whereabouts. Negotiations with the party are unresolved; Callum and Petra promised to find the party on their own.
Session 09: Caught the ornate M coin Wickett flicked to him and pocketed it surreptitiously, earning a withering stare from Petra. Accepted Vaela's plesiosaur sketch (presented by Wickett) as evidence for the Mirethanes' report. Reported spotting three rafts coming downriver with no lanterns as he and Petra departed, warning the party they might not see morning. Left with Petra after stating their task of locating and confirming Vaela unharmed appeared complete.
Petra
Petra is the female half of the bounty hunter pair and the one who drove negotiations with Wickett, proving to be the more forthcoming of the two with operational intelligence. She confirmed that her task was to locate and report on Vaela — not to forcibly return her — and she bristled at any suggestion that the Mirethanes might be connected to the Redwater Shallows operation.
Highlights
- Tracked the two river fugitives to Redwater Shallows — roughly 20 men, toll chains, tally-mark logos throughout
- Confirmed her contract as locate-and-report, not forced retrieval
- Gave Wickett an ornate M coin as a deliberate calling card; Vaela assessed it as tied to her parents' circle
- Bristled when Wickett implied a possible link between the Mirethanes and the raft camp
- Accepted Vaela's plesiosaur sketch as evidence for the Mirethanes' report
Session History
Female half of the bounty hunter pair working with Callum. Equally professional. Gave Callum an exasperated 'we can eat later' when he accepted the slider from Vaela in disguise. Contract terms: hired by the Mirethanes to return their daughter Vaela unharmed. Negotiations with the party are unresolved.
Session 09: Led the negotiation with Wickett outside the wagon. Reported tracking the two river fugitives to a raft camp approximately a half day upriver at the old shallows by the mill — approximately 20 men, toll chains for blocking rivers, and tally-mark logos on everything. Confirmed their task as locating Vaela, ensuring she is unharmed, and reporting back — not returning her forcibly. Accepted Vaela's plesiosaur sketch for the Mirethanes' report. Bristled when Wickett implied the Mirethanes and the raft camp might be connected. Gave Wickett an ornate M coin as a deliberate calling card; Vaela assessed it as a token associated with people who work for her parents.
Splinter's Bend Guard (unnamed)
One of the guards who originally drove the party out of Splinter's Bend reappeared at the Greasy Spoon window in Thornwall Fords, ordering food with no intention of eating it and leaving a bloodied note reading 'We know what you did in Waymoot. Your road ends at the Ford.' He slipped back into the crowd immediately after. His appearance confirms the Vance organization has tracked the party to Thornwall Fords.
Highlights
- Originally part of the guard detail that chased the party from Splinter's Bend
- Left a bloodied threatening note: 'We know what you did in Waymoot. Your road ends at the Ford.'
- Ordered food as cover and disappeared into the crowd; appeared tired
Session History
One of the guards who originally chased the party from Splinter's Bend. Appeared at the Greasy Spoon window during the dinner service, ordered turnip mash without intent to eat, left a bloodied folded note reading 'We know what you did in Waymoot. Your road ends at the Ford.' then melted back into the crowd. Appeared tired. Indicates the Vance organization is aware of the party's location.
Anonymous Kobold Messenger
An unidentified kobold slipped Skrit a note written in Draconic at Thornwall Fords without a word, then vanished into the crowd. The note contained directions to a kobold warren near the next town east with the message 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' Identity and affiliation remain entirely unknown.
Highlights
- Passed Skrit a Draconic note without speaking, then disappeared
- Note contains directions to a kobold warren near the next town east
- Message reads: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own'
- Identity and affiliation unknown
Session History
A small kobold (transcribed as 'cobalt' by WhisperX) who slipped Skrit a note written in Draconic without speaking, then disappeared into the crowd. The note contained directions to a kobold warren near the next town east, with the message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' Identity and affiliation unknown.
Benjamin
Benjamin is the tall front-desk clerk at the Thornwall Inn, whose formal welcome cooled noticeably as the full party filed in. He managed the practical logistics of lodging — rooms, fumigation fees, bathroom locations — and accommodated the group for three gold.
Highlights
- Managed six available rooms at the nicest inn in Thornwall Fords
- Greeted the party with formal friendliness that became increasingly terse
- Mentioned fumigation fees and directed guests to bathrooms at either end of the building
Session History
Tall desk clerk at the front desk of the Thornwall Inn. Greeted the party with formal friendliness that became increasingly terse as the full group filed in. Managed six available rooms. Mentioned fumigation fees. Directed the party to two bathrooms at either end of the establishment. Clearly not thrilled by the guests but willing to accommodate them for three gold.
Thaddeus
Thaddeus tends the small bar at the Thornwall Inn and takes visible pride in his craft, preparing bespoke drinks for each party member from memory. He records every order in a private notebook and pocketed a direct tip from Vaela without logging it — and he noticed Wickett casing the bar, confronting him about it directly.
Highlights
- Self-described best mixologist in town; prepared custom drinks for Sanji, Vaela, and Skrit
- Keeps a private notebook behind the bar and records each order
- Pocketed two gold from Vaela without putting it in any money box
- Caught Wickett casing the bar and asked him directly what he was looking for
Session History
Halfling bartender at the Thornwall Inn and self-described best mixologist in town. Made a fragrant juniper-and-lavender steeped tea for Sanji and Vaela, a King's Island iced tea with actual chipped ice and a fizzing ingredient, and an extra-spicy hot drink for Skrit. Keeps a small notebook behind the bar and records each order in it. Pocketed two gold from Vaela directly without putting it in any money box. Caught Wickett casing the bar and asked him directly if he was looking for something.
Splinter's Bend
Splinter's Bend is a medieval trading town in Cormyr's King's Forest, effectively ruled by the magistrate who is Constable Barnaby Plum's uncle. The crew fled after publicly humiliating Barnaby, leaving green flames burning on a cobblestone side street. It was later confirmed as the home of Elder Vance and a node in the corruption network now under Kingsguard investigation.
Highlights
- Home of Elder Vance, named in Silas's ledger
- Ruled by Constable Barnaby Plum's uncle
- Crew fled after publicly humiliating Barnaby
- Green flames left burning on a cobblestone side street
- Confirmed tied to the Vance corruption network under investigation
Session History
A medieval trading town in Cormyr, within the King's Forest. Ruled effectively by a town magistrate who is Constable Barnaby's uncle. The party fled this town after humiliating Barnaby publicly. Green flames were left burning on a cobblestone side street courtesy of Gorlog's cooking oil and Skrit's ball bearings.
Session 06: Identified as the home of Elder Vance, who is named in Silas's ledger. Confirmed as a location with ongoing ties to the Vance corruption network now under Kingsguard investigation.
The King's Forest
The King's Forest is the ancient woodland surrounding Splinter's Bend and Waymoot through which the logging road runs. It has been the backdrop to several key encounters — the Ettin barricade, the tracking hound pursuit, Silas's escape into the treeline — and was revealed by royal clerk Maurice to host the king's unannounced annual autumn hunting circuit, the king never using the same lodge twice.
Highlights
- Dense old-growth forest surrounding Splinter's Bend and Waymoot
- Site of the Ettin barricade, hound pursuit, and Silas's disappearance into the treeline
- Revealed as the site of the king's secret annual autumn hunting circuit
- Circuit is never announced; king never uses the same lodge twice
Session History
Dense old-growth forest surrounding Splinter's Bend and the logging town of Waymoot. The logging road runs through a ravine where the Ettin maintained their barricade. The party is currently camped here as of the end of Session 01.
Session 02: Dense old-growth forest. The tracking hounds were noted as likely native to it — they departed after the encounter via a different route than they arrived, suggesting local knowledge of the woods.
Session 05: Silas retreated into the treeline and then vanished entirely. Two of his four thugs had emerged from the treeline at combat start.
Session 08: Revealed by royal clerk Maurice to be the site of the king's annual autumn hunting circuit. The circuit is never announced in advance and the king never uses the same lodge twice.
Waymoot
Waymoot is a timber-built logging town whose sawmills had been shut down for weeks by an ankheg infestation before the crew cleared the threat. The party received the Writ of Provisioning and were declared 'Waymoot blood' upon their triumphant return, though Silas Vance publicly heckled them and was observed passing a wooden box to a rider slipping out a side gate. Harold and the Kingsguard have since returned to town to begin investigating Silas and his associates, and the crew has departed east.
Highlights
- All logging halted for weeks due to ankheg infestation before the crew intervened
- Crew awarded Writ of Provisioning and declared 'Waymoot blood' by Foreman Kaelin
- Silas Vance heckled the crew and passed a wooden box to a departing rider
- Harold and Kingsguard now stationed here conducting the Vance investigation
- Crew has departed east
Session History
A logging town whose economy depends entirely on logging the King's Forest; logs are floated in via a river. Wickett is familiar with it. The party will not reach it before dawn unless they push through the night. Not yet visited.
Session 02: Party arrived at the heavy timber gates at approximately 8:30 AM — a little past normal breakfast service. Everything in town appeared to be constructed from forest timber; sawmill sounds were audible. Session ended as the party pulled through the gates.
Session 03: Seen in detail. Logging town with a large muddy central square, sawmills around the edges, and a heavy timber perimeter fence with two gates. All logging operations had been halted for weeks due to ankheg infestation. Notable buildings include bunkhouses, the Cupped Axe tavern, and Foreman Kaelin's elevated office shack on stilts overlooking the logging fields. Only one food establishment remains after Silas drove out the competition.
Session 03: Logging town with a large muddy central square, sawmills around the perimeter, and a heavy timber fence with two gates. All logging operations had been halted for weeks due to ankheg infestation. Notable structures include bunkhouses, the Cupped Axe tavern, and Foreman Kaelin's elevated office shack on stilts overlooking the logging fields. Only one food establishment remains after Silas drove out the competition. Loggers appeared gathered and waiting when the party arrived, prompting player suspicion about advance knowledge of the party's route.
Session 04: The party returned to a cheering crowd. Kaelin formally granted the Writ of Provisioning, declaring the party 'Waymoot blood.' Gorlog's ankheg po' boys received a mediocre reception, made worse by Sanji's vegetarian tirade. Silas publicly heckled the party and was observed passing a small wooden box to a rider exiting via a side gate. The party split: Gorlog and Wickett rode out with the loggers toward the logging road; Skrit and Sanji remained in town.
Session 05: Skrit and Sanji departed from here on foot, heading down the logging road. Town was not otherwise visited this session.
Session 06: Harold and the loggers returned here to begin the investigation into Silas Vance and associates. Harold confirmed there are several other Kingsguard members stationed in town. Party has now departed east.
The Greasy Spoon
The Greasy Spoon is a large, multi-windowed food wagon pulled by Ledger, serving as both the crew's home base and their primary commercial operation. It sustained wheel damage during the ankheg encounter — temporarily patched using a dead ankheg as a counterweight — and earned a Gilded Ladle seal of compliance from auditor Julian Pendergast before being threatened at spear-point by Silas's disguised men on the logging road. It later took further wheel damage during the Session 05 ambush.
Highlights
- Large wagon with serving windows, sleeping loft, flat-top burner, and its own combat stats
- Rear wheel damaged in ankheg encounter; stabilized with dead ankheg as counterweight
- Awarded a Gilded Ladle seal of compliance by Julian Pendergast
- Threatened at spear-point by Silas's disguised men on the logging road
- Took 5 points of wheel damage from Thug 3 during the Session 05 ambush
Session History
The party's food truck — a large, heavily laden wagon pulled by Ledger. Home and base of operations for Wickett and Gorlog. Has serving windows on multiple sides, a sleeping loft above the front, and a flat-top burner. Has its own combat mechanics (AC, attackable components). Named during Session 01.
Session 04: One rear wheel was found damaged — spotted by Wickett on a passive perception check, likely from the ankheg encounter. Temporarily stabilized during the Pendergast audit by using the dead ankheg as a counterweight secured to the roof. Awarded a Gilded Ladle seal of compliance by Julian Pendergast. Under armed threat at session end as Silas's disguised men leveled spears at the wagon on the logging road.
Session 05: Stationary on the Logging Road during the ambush. One wheel took 5 points of damage from Thug 3 (the only successful hit on the wagon). Ledger was hitched at the front. Gorlog fought from the serving window and re-entered the wagon toward the end of the session.
Forest Clearing Campsite
This overnight camp off the King's Forest logging road was the site of the pre-dawn tracking hound encounter in Session 02. The Greasy Spoon was parked here, a low campfire lit the immediate area, and it was at this location that the magical tracking amulet was destroyed.
Highlights
- Off-road campsite in the King's Forest, Greasy Spoon parked here
- Site of the pre-dawn tracking hound ambush
- Magical tracking amulet destroyed here
- Low campfire provided 20 feet of bright light with dim light beyond
Session History
The party's overnight camp in the King's Forest, off the logging road to Waymoot. Site of the pre-dawn tracking hound encounter. The Greasy Spoon was parked here. A low campfire provided bright light for 20 feet with dim light beyond. The magical tracking amulet was destroyed at this location.
The Cupped Axe
The Cupped Axe is the sole tavern in Waymoot, operated by Silas and catering to guards and merchants at extortionate prices. It served as the site of the party's first confrontation with Silas, and later as the target of a covert break-in that yielded a payment ledger tying Silas to Constable Barnaby Plum, the missing aged tuna, and bottles of Splinter's Bend Reserve before Skrit and Sanji slipped away with the evidence.
Highlights
- Silas ejected Skrit and Sanji after they won a dice game and ate their winnings at the bar
- Skrit and Sanji broke into Silas's private office via crowbar and a back kick
- Discovered a payment ledger implicating Silas and Constable Barnaby Plum
- Found the missing aged tuna, three bottles of Splinter's Bend Reserve, and 75 gp (left untouched)
- Skrit and Sanji departed with the ledger while Silas was away leading the road ambush
Session History
The only tavern in Waymoot, run by Silas. Located in Waymoot. Clientele skews toward off-duty guards and merchants rather than the broke loggers. Serves turnip mash at heavily inflated prices (1 gold per bowl). Sanji and Skrit were ejected after winning a dice game against Silas and eating their winnings at the bar.
Session 03: The only remaining tavern in Waymoot, run by Silas. Clientele skews toward off-duty guards and merchants rather than the broke loggers. Serves turnip mash at heavily inflated prices (1 gp per bowl). Sanji and Skrit were ejected after Skrit won a dice game against Silas and the two ate their winnings at the bar.
Session 04: Skrit and Sanji entered to find the tavern empty. They located Silas's private office behind the bar and forced open a locked desk drawer (crowbar plus Sanji's back kick). Inside they discovered: a payment ledger implicating Silas and Constable Barnaby Plum, the missing aged tuna (wrapped carefully), and three bottles of Splinter's Bend Reserve. A money box containing 75 gold pieces was also found but left untouched. At session end, Skrit and Sanji were still in the office while Silas was revealed to be on the logging road, leading the ambush on the Greasy Spoon.
Session 05: Skrit and Sanji departed the office with Silas's payment ledger and gold from a locked drawer. They then left Waymoot on foot down the logging road toward the rest of the crew.
The Logging Trench
The Logging Trench is the main wagon path between Waymoot and the cut forest, roughly twenty feet wide with five-foot earthen walls on either side. It was the site of the party's ankheg combat and subsequent investigation, where Skrit discovered turnip mash mixed into the tunnel mud — evidence suggesting someone had deliberately baited the ankhegs into the area.
Highlights
- Ankhegs burrow up from beneath the trench floor
- Party killed one ankheg, knocked one unconscious, and drove a third off underground
- Skrit removed the acid sac from the unconscious ankheg
- Skrit crawled 20–25 feet into a burrow tunnel and found turnip mash mixed into the mud
- Skrit fashioned a section of ankheg leg into a bandolier-style pauldron
Session History
The main wagon path between Waymoot and the cut forest beyond the far gate. Heavily rutted, approximately 20 feet wide with 5-foot earthen walls on either side. Site of the ankheg encounter. The ankhegs burrow up from underneath the trench floor.
Session 03: The main wagon path between Waymoot and the cut forest beyond the far gate. Approximately 20 feet wide with 5-foot earthen walls on either side, heavily rutted. Ankhegs burrow up from beneath the trench floor. Site of the party's combat this session: one ankheg killed, one knocked unconscious (acid sac removed by Skrit), and one driven off underground. Infestation not yet fully resolved.
Session 04: Skrit investigated the ankheg burrow tunnel, crawling 20–25 feet into the horizontal passage before finding traces of turnip mash mixed into the mud — evidence consistent with the rumor that someone had been baiting ankhegs into the area. The dead ankheg was field-dressed here; Skrit fashioned an ankheg leg section into a bandolier-style pauldron.
The Logging Road
The logging road east of Waymoot was first the site of an impromptu Gilded Ladle field audit, where Julian Pendergast blocked the Greasy Spoon's path and the crew narrowly passed inspection. It later became the site of open combat when Silas's disguised men dropped their aprons and leveled spears, a fight that concluded only when Harold and a dozen loggers arrived and the wagon wheel was repaired on-site.
Highlights
- Pendergast conducted a surprise Gilded Ladle audit; the Greasy Spoon passed and received a seal of compliance
- Silas's four thugs revealed themselves and attempted to disable the wagon's wheels
- Harold and approximately a dozen loggers arrived at the encounter's conclusion
- Combat ended without further casualties; wagon wheel repaired on-site
- Party said farewell to the loggers and Kaelin here before departing east
Session History
Session 04: Julian Pendergast blocked the road with a white pavilion tent and conducted a Gilded Ladle field audit of the Greasy Spoon while it traveled. The wagon passed: Wickett counterbalanced the damaged wheel using the dead ankheg as a counterweight on the roof, Gorlog impressed with plating, and Carson's sleight of hand saved the cleanliness check. The Greasy Spoon was awarded a Gilded Ladle seal of compliance. At session end, Silas's disguised men dropped their aprons and leveled spears at the party on the logging road. Harold (Kingsguard) was encountered here and was receptive to Gorlog and Wickett's approach.
Session 05: Site of the combat encounter between the party, Pendergast, Silas's four thugs, and Silas himself. Silas's men attempted to disable the Greasy Spoon's wheels. Harold and approximately a dozen loggers arrived from further down the road at the encounter's conclusion.
Session 06: Site of the continued combat and its resolution. Combat ended here without further casualties. Wagon wheel was repaired on-site. Party said their goodbyes to the loggers and Kaelin here before departing east.
Thornwall Fords
Thornwall Fords is a legitimate river town and Starwater River crossing commanded by Captain Stout's Kingsguard post. The party arrived to find thirty merchant wagons blockaded by the plesiosaur threat and negotiated a contract to clear it; with the creature coaxed downstream, the crossing reopened and the party took up their promised prime market stall. The town has since become a hub of mounting pressure — the Vance operation's threatening note was delivered here.
Highlights
- Kingsguard river crossing on the Starwater; Captain Stout in command
- 30 merchant wagons blockaded on arrival; crossing reopened after plesiosaur was cleared
- Party given a prime market stall as promised payment
- Larger and more established than Waymoot — active docks, busy market
- Site of the Vance organization's threatening note to the party
Session History
Next town east along the King's Road. The party's current destination. Harold provided a letter of introduction to the head of the Kingsguard stationed there. No other information known yet.
Session 07: The party arrived at the Kingsguard-controlled river crossing on the Starwater River. Thirty merchant wagons were backed up at the gate due to the plesiosaur blockade. Captain Cynthia Stout commands the local Kingsguard post. The crew presented Harold's letter of introduction, which Stout recognized as legitimate. The crew was promised free passage, payment from coffers, and a prime vendor spot in the market square in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur threat. Stout confirmed she can offer protection inside the walls but not on the road.
Session 08: River crossing fully reopened after the plesiosaur was coaxed downstream — 30 stalled merchant wagons began crossing. Confirmed to be a larger settlement than Waymoot, a legitimate river town with active docks. The party was given the prime market stall spot as promised by Captain Stout. Site of the threatening note from the Splinter's Bend guard.
Suzail
Suzail is the capital city of Cormyr, situated on the Lake of Dragons and the seat of King Azoun IV. Harold noted the king travels frequently and is rarely in residence; Sanji has expressed a personal interest in finding the king and his castle.
Highlights
- Capital of Cormyr, located on the Lake of Dragons
- Seat of King Azoun IV, who is rarely present
- Sanji named finding the king and his castle as a personal goal
Session History
Capital city of Cormyr, situated on the Lake of Dragons. Mentioned by Harold as the seat of King Azoun IV. Harold noted the king is very rarely there and travels frequently. Sanji has expressed personal interest in finding the king and his castle.
Roadside Campsite (King's Road, west of Thornwall Fords)
The crew's roadside campsite west of Thornwall Fords was where Vaela was introduced and where Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray emerged from the treeline to challenge the crew. After the crew passed his culinary trivia challenge, Cray burned the bounty poster and departed; the party completed a full long rest without further incident.
Highlights
- Vaela was introduced at this camp
- Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray appeared from the treeline with a bounty poster
- Crew passed Cray's culinary trivia challenge; Cray burned the poster and stood down
- Long rest completed here without further incident
Session History
The crew's overnight camp west of Thornwall Fords where Vaela was introduced, Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray appeared from the treeline, and the culinary challenge took place. A long rest was completed here without further incident.
Starwater River / Gravel Beds
The Starwater River at Thornwall Fords — including its shallow gravel beds — was the site of the plesiosaur encounter and the recovery of the sabotaged control whistle. The creature has since been coaxed to a deep pool downstream, but the closing narration of Session 09 noted the river had gone quiet again in language that echoed the warnings before the plesiosaur first appeared.
Highlights
- Plesiosaur took up residence in the gravel beds, killed two guards, smashed three rafts, blocked thirty wagons
- Brass control whistle lost in the shallows mid-combat before Sanji recovered it
- Plesiosaur coaxed 100 yards downstream to a deep pool south of the crossing
- Old Redwater Mill identified in market gossip as a Vance river supply waypoint
- Session 09 narration: river gone quiet again — mirroring language used before the plesiosaur first appeared
Session History
The river crossing at Thornwall Fords. Main channel is 8–10 feet deep (Strength check required to swim; failure means being swept upriver). The gravel beds are a shallow, difficult-terrain area between the barge landing and the far bank. The plesiosaur had taken up residence in the gravel beds. Site of the Session 07 combat encounter. The brass whistle used to control the plesiosaur was briefly lost in the shallow water here before Sanji recovered it.
Session 08: Plesiosaur coaxed 100 yards downstream to a deep pool south of the Thornwall Fords crossing. Old Redwater Mill identified in market gossip overheard by Wicket as a Vance supply waypoint — 'everything the Vances move on this river sleeps a night at the old Redwater Mill.'
Session 09: Ledger's closing narration noted the river had gone quiet again — too quiet — mirroring the language used before the plesiosaur first appeared. The plesiosaur is alone in her pool outside the town walls.
Thornwall Fords Market Square
Thornwall Fords' central market square has been the hub of the party's activity in town, hosting the Greasy Spoon dinner service, the bounty hunter negotiation, crown clerk Maurice's supply run, and multiple unsolicited messages — including an anonymous kobold delivery and a threatening note from the Splinter's Bend guard. At dusk the market shut down, the Greasy Spoon wagon was locked in the party's prime stall, and Ledger remained to guard it overnight.
Highlights
- Site of the Greasy Spoon dinner service and the prime vendor stall granted by Captain Stout
- Anonymous kobold message delivered to Skrit here; threatening note left by the Splinter's Bend guard
- A patron recognized Vaela's book as a Mirethane first edition
- Old Man Vance's Mountain Toll Road mentioned in market whispers
- Greasy Spoon wagon locked in the square overnight with Ledger on guard
Session History
The central market area of Thornwall Fords. Site of the party's dinner service at the Greasy Spoon, the encounter with bounty hunters Callum and Petra, the anonymous kobold message delivered to Skrit, the threatening note left by the Splinter's Bend guard, and crown clerk Maurice purchasing supplies at the salt stall. A patron here recognized Vaela's book as a Mirethane first edition. Another patron directed Sanji to speak to the royal clerk at the salt stall. Old Man Vance's Mountain Toll Road mentioned in market whispers.
Session 09: Market was shutting down at dusk. The Greasy Spoon wagon was left locked in the party's prime stall overnight, with Ledger staying in the square to guard it. Several other merchant wagons were also parked and locked in the square for the night.
Old Redwater Mill
The Old Redwater Mill began as a rumor — overheard market gossip identifying it as a Vance supply waypoint where everything moving on the Starwater River spent a night. By Session 09 it was confirmed as Redwater Shallows, the raft camp Petra tracked the river fugitives to: roughly twenty men, toll chains, and tally-mark branding throughout, a half day upriver from Thornwall Fords.
Highlights
- Market gossip: 'everything the Vances move on this river sleeps a night at the old Redwater Mill'
- Confirmed identical to Redwater Shallows — approximately 20 men, toll chains, tally-mark logos
- Roughly a half day upriver from Thornwall Fords
- Captain Stout long suspected it as a ruffian stronghold but never gathered reliable intel on it
Session History
Mentioned in whispered market gossip overheard by Wicket at Thornwall Fords. Identified as a Vance supply waypoint on the Starwater River — 'everything the Vances move on this river sleeps a night at the old Redwater Mill.' Location relative to Thornwall Fords not yet confirmed; likely upriver.
Session 09: Now confirmed to be the same site as Redwater Shallows. Petra reported tracking the two river fugitives to a raft camp here — approximately a half day upriver from Thornwall Fords, approximately 20 men, toll chains for blocking rivers, and tally-mark logos on everything. Captain Stout confirmed she has long suspected the location as a ruffian stronghold but has never been able to gather reliable intelligence on it.
Kobold Warren (near next town east)
Directions to this kobold warren were delivered to Skrit by an anonymous kobold messenger at Thornwall Fords market square, written in Draconic. The note indicated it is a place tall folk do not go and that the kobolds there remember their own.
Highlights
- Located near the next town east of Thornwall Fords
- Message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own'
- Exact location unknown; messenger's identity unknown
Session History
Directions provided to Skrit via a Draconic note from an anonymous kobold messenger at Thornwall Fords market square. Located near the next town east of Thornwall Fords. Described as a place the tall folk do not go. Message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' Exact location unknown.
Thornwall Fords — East Gate / West Gate
The East and West Gates of Thornwall Fords marked the boundaries of Sanji and Skrit's supply run for crown clerk Maurice, with the West Gate serving as the delivery point where Maurice waited, nearly out of time, as the pair arrived by handcart at sundown.
Highlights
- Party originally entered Thornwall Fords via the West Gate
- Sanji and Skrit raced a handcart to the West Gate to deliver Maurice's items before sundown
- Maurice was waiting at the West Gate nearly out of time when they arrived
Session History
The party originally entered via the West Gate. Sanji and Skrit raced a hand cart to the West Gate to deliver Maurice's crown shopping items before sundown; Maurice was waiting there nearly out of time. East Gate also referenced as an existing gate structure but not visited this session.
The Thornwall Inn
The Thornwall Inn is the best accommodation Thornwall Fords has to offer — recently painted, with a small lobby, a tiny three-stool bar, clawfoot tubs described as old but once fine, and several room types. The party secured a two-large-bed room for three gold and settled in for the night, tended by desk clerk Benjamin and bartender Thaddeus.
Highlights
- Described as the nicest lodging in Thornwall Fords, recently painted
- Small bar with three stools, two tables; two bathrooms with clawfoot tubs
- Party took a room with two large beds for three gold
- Staffed by desk clerk Benjamin and halfling bartender Thaddeus
Session History
Described as the nicest lodging in Thornwall Fords, recently painted. Has a small lobby, a tiny bar with three stools and two small tables, and several room types including a bunk room and rooms with large beds. Two bathrooms with clawfoot tubs — old but once fine. The party took a room with two large beds for three gold and settled in for the night. Staffed by desk clerk Benjamin and halfling bartender Thaddeus.
Eveningstar
Eveningstar is the stated delivery point for the crown provisioning items Maurice assembled, but Maurice himself doubted the king would camp there — the king camped at Eveningstar roughly three seasons ago and never repeats a location. It stands as an official waypoint on the provisioning circuit whose actual significance to the king's whereabouts remains unclear.
Highlights
- Named destination for Maurice's crown provisioning delivery
- Maurice stated the king camped there about three seasons ago and never stays at the same location twice
- Actual location of the king's autumn camp remains unknown
Session History
Destination for the crown provisioning items Maurice assembled. Maurice stated the king will not actually camp there — noting the king camped at Eveningstar about three seasons ago and never stays at the same location twice. Significance as the official delivery point for the provisioning circuit remains unclear.
Fugitives from Splinter's Bend
After publicly humiliating Constable Barnaby Plum and fleeing Splinter's Bend, the party acquired a 500-gold bounty backed by Vance family money. Despite destroying Plum's tracking amulet, obtaining legal cover through a Writ of Provisioning, and seeing Plum named under Kingsguard investigation, the Vance organization has made direct threats and three unlit rafts were spotted heading toward Thornwall Fords at session's end.
Highlights
- 500-gold bounty confirmed backed by Vance money, posters disseminated widely
- Writ of Provisioning upgraded by Harold to grant free passage on the King's Road
- Constable Barnaby Plum and other named parties now under Kingsguard investigation
- Bloodied note from Splinter's Bend guard: 'Your road ends at the Ford'
- Three unlit rafts spotted heading downriver toward Thornwall Fords
Status Timeline
The party made a powerful enemy of Constable Barnaby Plum after publicly humiliating him and fleeing his guards. Barnaby has sent tracking hounds after them, heard in the distance as the session ended. The party is now wanted in Splinter's Bend.
Session 02: Constable Barnaby Plum's three tracking hounds located the party's camp at pre-dawn, confirming he is actively hunting them. The party neutralized the dogs non-lethally. The CBP-engraved magical tracking amulet was removed from a collar and destroyed by Sanji, eliminating Barnaby's ability to magically locate the party via that method. The dogs departed back into the King's Forest; their return to Barnaby will confirm the party's last known general area. Wickett attached a handwritten note of unknown contents to the last departing dog.
Session 03: Silas, proprietor of the Cupped Axe, recognized the party as fugitives from Splinter's Bend within minutes of their arrival and confirmed there is a 500-gold bounty on them. Silas is Constable Barnaby Plum's cousin and the son of Vance, who runs Splinter's Bend — meaning the family network pursuing the party has direct presence in Waymoot. Foreman Kaelin noted that Splinter's Bend law does not extend to Waymoot, and that a Writ of Provisioning from Waymoot would provide the party a degree of legal cover.
Session 03: Silas recognized the party as fugitives from Splinter's Bend almost immediately upon their arrival at the Cupped Axe, confirmed their identities to Sanji directly, and stated a 500-gold bounty is on them. The family network pursuing the party has deepened: Silas is Constable Barnaby Plum's cousin and the son of Vance, the man who effectively runs Splinter's Bend — meaning the party's enemies now have a presence in Waymoot itself. Foreman Kaelin noted that Splinter's Bend law does not reach Waymoot and that a Writ of Provisioning would afford the party some legal standing.
Session 04: The Writ of Provisioning offers some protection — Kaelin declared the party 'Waymoot blood' and stated that anyone from Splinter's Bend seeking to settle disputes would have to go through the Crown's logging guild. However, Silas warned he has 'people coming,' suggesting the Splinter's Bend threat is actively escalating. The rider sent with the wooden box may be carrying word back to Splinter's Bend. The payment ledger also confirms Silas's ongoing financial relationship with Constable Barnaby Plum.
Session 05: The party's legal situation grew more complicated. The Writ of Provisioning and Gilded Ladle seal were intended to offer protection, but the party ended the session in open combat with a Senior Auditor who is also a king's representative, watched by a Kingsguard (Harold) and a dozen loggers. Skrit explicitly distrusts Foreman Kaelin and chose not to bring the evidence to him.
Session 06: Harold stamped the Greasy Spoon's writ of provisioning, upgrading it to grant free passage through any gate on the King's Road. Harold noted that key parties who could implicate the group — including Constable Barnaby Plum — are now named in the ledger under Kingsguard investigation, which may complicate the party's fugitive status in ways yet to be determined.
Session 07: The 500-gold bounty issued by Constable Barnaby Plum (confirmed to be backed by Vance money — far beyond Plum's personal means) reached Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray, a high-end bounty hunter who had been tracking the crew. Cray chose not to collect after the crew passed his culinary trivia challenge and burned the poster. He confirmed the posters are being disseminated widely. Inside Thornwall Fords, Captain Stout has promised protection within the walls, though not on the road outside.
Session 08: A Splinter's Bend guard appeared at the Greasy Spoon window during dinner service, ordered turnip mash without eating it, left a bloodied folded note reading 'We know what you did in Waymoot. Your road ends at the Ford,' then disappeared into the crowd. The Vance organization has now made a direct, explicit threat and has confirmed knowledge of the party's location and movements.
Wickett examined the bloodied threat note with a nat 20 investigation roll, determining the blood was human, fresh, and placed deliberately rather than violently. He and Captain Stout confirmed the embossed V seal was on the note. Wickett surrendered the note and a tally-mark brand sketch to Stout as evidence; Stout doubled watches and posted a guard at the strongbox. The crew was advised to choose sleeping arrangements carefully. Three unlit rafts were spotted heading downriver toward Thornwall Fords late in the session — a potential imminent threat.
The Road to Waymoot
The party set out for the logging town of Waymoot in Session 01, but an Ettin blockade delayed them past dawn and forced an overnight camp in the King's Forest with Barnaby Plum's hounds closing in. The thread resolved in Session 02 when the party completed the journey and arrived at Waymoot's gates around 8:30 AM, having destroyed the tracking amulet before entering town.
Highlights
- Ettin blockade prevented the party from reaching Waymoot before dawn
- Party made camp in the King's Forest with tracking hounds approaching
- Tracking amulet destroyed before arrival, reducing risk of being followed into town
- Party arrived at Waymoot's gates at approximately 8:30 AM — thread resolved
Status Timeline
The party is traveling to the logging town of Waymoot. An Ettin blockade delayed them enough that they can no longer reach the town before dawn. They have made camp for the night in the King's Forest with hounds approaching.
Session 02: The party completed their overnight journey, arriving at the gates of Waymoot at approximately 8:30 AM. The tracking amulet was destroyed before arrival, reducing the risk of being followed directly into town.
Skrit Joins the Crew
Skrit, a kobold paladin with no given name, was swept up in the chaos at Splinter's Bend and has steadily grown from a tentative tagalong into one of the crew's most proactive members. He has taken on an investigative and protective role — crawling into ankheg burrows for evidence, breaking into Silas's office, and repeatedly putting himself between danger and Sanji.
Highlights
- Was looking for food in Splinter's Bend market when the chaos caught him; describes being frequently picked on due to his species
- Used Channel Divinity and Draconic Cry in key combat moments; twice attempted to mount a live ankheg
- Crawled into the ankheg burrow and found turnip mash, key evidence of deliberate baiting
- Used all remaining Lay on Hands charges to heal Sanji after she was badly wounded
- Called 'scale skin' by Silas — a noted character beat; expresses distrust of Foreman Kaelin
Status Timeline
Skrit, a kobold paladin with no given name, was inadvertently pulled into the Greasy Spoon during the escape from Splinter's Bend and has tentatively agreed to travel with the group to the next town. By session's end he has been welcomed warmly, particularly by Gorlog, and appears to be staying on as part of the crew.
Session 02: Skrit contributed meaningfully in the hound encounter — protected Sanji with improvised shield work and non-lethally subdued the alpha dog before healing it. During the road conversation he revealed he was a full-grown kobold who had been in the Splinter's Bend market looking for food when the chaos caught him. He described being generally picked on, in part due to his species. Was visibly emotionally affected by the parting with the hounds.
Session 03: Skrit continued to step into a leadership role — gave the kobold battle cry to grant party-wide advantage, used Channel Divinity to protect Sanji from being forcibly ejected from the Cupped Axe, and attempted (twice, unsuccessfully) to mount an ankheg. Also removed the acid sac from the unconscious ankheg and is actively considering how to help the people of Waymoot beyond just completing the job.
Session 03: Skrit continued to step into a leadership role — delivering the kobold battle cry to grant party-wide advantage, using Channel Divinity to protect Sanji from being forcibly ejected from the Cupped Axe, and attempting (twice, unsuccessfully) to mount a live ankheg. Successfully removed the acid sac from the unconscious ankheg. Demonstrated broader investment in Waymoot's people beyond the immediate contract.
Session 04: Skrit took an increasingly proactive investigative role — crawling into the ankheg burrow to gather evidence, finding the turnip mash, driving the plan to confront Silas, and participating in breaking into the Cupped Axe. His reaction to being called 'scale skin' by Silas became a notable character beat.
Session 05: Skrit took custody of Sanji's gold and explained (poorly) the concept of currency to her. He retrieved Silas's ledger from the Cupped Axe. In combat with Pendergast, he used Draconic Cry to grant allies advantage and attempted to stab Pendergast after Sanji was bloodied, demonstrating pack loyalty. Failed his Wisdom save against Cease and Desist and is restrained at session end.
Session 06: Skrit defended Sanji during combat and used all remaining Lay on Hands to heal her, reinforcing his role as her protector. Washed himself clean for the first time. Gave Pendergast a parting pat on the back on departure. Expressed some distrust of Foreman Kaelin.
Sanji Joins the Crew
Sanji, a satyr monk only a few months out of her mountain monastery, joined the crew out of curiosity and a sense of justice and has since proven both fearless and occasionally oblivious to danger. She has landed a natural-20 sales pitch, delivered killing blows on ankhegs, deflected Pendergast's attacks back into his face, and articulated finding the king and his castle as a personal goal.
Highlights
- Left her monastery purely out of curiosity; only months into the wider world with limited exposure to common creatures and concepts
- Rolled a natural 20 Persuasion to spread word of the not-potatoes through Waymoot's square
- Overcame three misses to land the ankheg killing blow via Flurry of Blows
- Deliberately touched Pendergast's robes to see what would happen; later deflected one of his attacks back into his face
- Her fur-theft narrative proved decisive in swaying the loggers against Pendergast
Status Timeline
Sanji, a satyr monk with no prior travel experience, inserted herself into the conflict in Splinter's Bend out of curiosity and a sense of justice. She was swept up in the escape and, after sharing a meal with the crew, expressed excitement about traveling. She appears to be joining as waitstaff.
Session 02: Sanji participated in the hound encounter despite a strong aversion to dogs, removing a collar and destroying the magical tracking amulet. During the road conversation she revealed she came from a mountain monastery, earned her monk title through training and a secret trial, and left purely out of curiosity — exploration as fun, not obligation. She is only a couple of months into the wider world and has had limited exposure to many common creatures and concepts.
Session 03: Sanji proved her value in sales, rolling a 20 persuasion to spread word of the not-potatoes through Waymoot's square. In combat she overcame three consecutive misses to land the killing blow on the first ankheg with a Flurry of Blows. Wandered the town independently with Skrit, and ate turnip mash while staring Silas down — establishing herself as fearless if occasionally oblivious to danger.
Session 03: Sanji rolled a natural 20 Persuasion to spread word of the not-potatoes through the town square. Overcame three consecutive misses in the ankheg fight to land the killing blow with a Flurry of Blows. Wandered Waymoot independently alongside Skrit and ate turnip mash while staring Silas down — establishing herself as fearless, if occasionally oblivious to danger.
Session 05: Handed her gold over to Skrit after an economics lesson she did not understand. Deliberately touched Pendergast's robes to see what would happen. Successfully deflected one of his attacks back into his face. Took 19 points of damage across two subsequent hits. Ended the session bloodied but holding her action in anticipation of another attack.
Session 06: Sanji's decision to play up the fur-theft narrative proved decisive in swaying the loggers and putting pressure on Pendergast. Earned a warm sendoff from the loggers she had previously influenced. Articulated finding the king and his castle as a personal campaign goal.
Ankheg Infestation / Writ of Provisioning
Foreman Kaelin hired the party to clear the Logging Trench of ankhegs in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning, offering the crew contractor status and nominal legal protection from Splinter's Bend law. The infestation was ultimately cleared across two sessions — one ankheg killed in the trench, a second dispatched by Thud in town, and a third fled — after which Kaelin formally presented the writ and declared the party 'Waymoot blood.'
Highlights
- Kaelin offered a Writ of Provisioning in exchange for clearing the ankheg infestation
- Party killed one ankheg, knocked one unconscious, and drove a third off in the trench
- Skrit found turnip mash in the burrow tunnel — evidence the ankhegs were deliberately baited
- Second ankheg dispatched in town by Thud with an automatic critical hit
- Writ formally awarded; Kaelin declared the party 'Waymoot blood' — thread resolved
Status Timeline
Foreman Kaelin hired the party to clear the ankhegs from the logging trench in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning. The party killed one ankheg, knocked one unconscious, and drove a third off. Both acid sacs from the first two were successfully removed. The infestation is not yet fully resolved — at least one ankheg escaped underground.
Session 03: Foreman Kaelin formally hired the party to clear the logging trench of ankhegs in exchange for a Writ of Provisioning. In the resulting encounter, the party killed one ankheg (Sanji landed the killing blow via Flurry of Blows), knocked a second unconscious (Skrit removed its acid sac), and drove a third off underground. Both acid sacs from the first two were successfully harvested. The infestation is not yet resolved — at least one ankheg escaped. Note: incoming data titles this thread 'Onkheg Infestation / Writ of Provisioning' — treated as a spelling variant of the existing 'Ankheg Infestation / Writ of Provisioning.'
Session 04: The ankheg infestation was cleared — one ankheg killed in the trench, a second dispatched by Thud in town with an automatic critical hit, and a third fled. The Writ of Provisioning was formally presented by Foreman Kaelin, granting the Greasy Spoon official Waymoot contractor status and nominal protection from Splinter's Bend law. Kaelin declared the party 'Waymoot blood.'
Silas and the Logging Town
Silas Vance held a food monopoly in Waymoot, paid Constable Barnaby Plum to block rival supply caravans, and allegedly dumped slaughterhouse waste to sabotage Foreman Kaelin's logging operation. His payment ledger was surrendered to Kingsguard Harold, who recognized the names Silas Vance, Barnaby Plum, Elder Vance, and possibly Pendergast and departed to investigate — but the Vance network's river operations, centered on the Old Redwater Mill and a camp at Redwater Shallows, appear to be mobilizing.
Highlights
- Payment ledger handed to Kingsguard Harold, naming Silas, Barnaby Plum, Elder Vance, and possibly Pendergast
- Silas personally led road ambush on the Greasy Spoon wagon, then fled into the King's Forest
- Redwater Shallows camp: approximately 20 men, toll chains, tally-mark logos on everything
- Old Redwater Mill identified as overnight waypoint for Vance river goods
- Three unlit rafts spotted heading downriver, suggesting the camp is mobilizing
Status Timeline
Silas has a monopoly on food in Waymoot, having driven out three competing taverns by cutting their supply lines. A rumor among the loggers suggests he has been deliberately dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to attract ankhegs and cause Foreman Kaelin to fail, after which Silas intends to buy the logging rights cheaply. Skrit has expressed intent to investigate further how Silas is maintaining his own supply lines while blocking others.
Session 03: The party learned that Silas holds a food monopoly in Waymoot, having driven out three competing taverns by cutting their supply lines. A rumor circulating among the loggers suggests he has been deliberately dumping slaughterhouse waste in the logging trench to attract ankhegs, intending to cause Foreman Kaelin to fail so he can purchase the logging rights cheaply. Skrit expressed active intent to investigate how Silas maintains his own supply lines while blocking others. Thread status moved from opened to advanced.
Session 04: Skrit and Sanji broke into the Cupped Axe and found a payment ledger in Silas's desk confirming regular payments to Constable Barnaby Plum to block competing supply caravans from Waymoot. Three bottles of Splinter's Bend Reserve were also found. Silas publicly warned the party he had 'people coming' and was observed sending a rider with a wooden box out of town. At session end, his disguised men dropped their aprons and leveled spears at the Greasy Spoon on the logging road, with Silas's whereabouts unknown. Skrit and Sanji now hold the incriminating ledger and the recovered tuna as evidence.
Session 05: Silas directly ordered the road ambush, directing his thugs to disable rather than destroy the wagon. He personally attempted one attack on Wicket before retreating cowardly into the King's Forest and going silent when his surviving thug called for him. Skrit and Sanji retrieved his payment ledger from the Cupped Axe as physical evidence. Wicket publicly named Silas to Harold at the scene of the ambush.
Session 06: Silas's payment ledger was handed over to Harold, a Kingsguard, who swore on his oath of service to investigate and punish all guilty parties. Harold reviewed the ledger on-site and recognized the names Silas Vance, Constable Barnaby Plum, Elder Vance of Splinter's Bend, and possibly Pendergast. Harold and Kaelin have been fully briefed and are returning to Waymoot to begin the investigation. The party considers their obligation to gather evidence fulfilled.
Session 08: Wicket overheard market gossip at Thornwall Fords connecting the Vances to the Old Redwater Mill as an overnight waypoint for goods moving on the river — 'everything the Vances move on this river sleeps a night at the old Redwater Mill.' Old Man Vance's Mountain Toll Road also mentioned in market whispers. The Vance network's river logistics are becoming clearer.
Petra reported tracking the two river fugitives from Splinter's Bend to Redwater Shallows — approximately a half day upriver, approximately 20 men, toll chains for blocking rivers, and tally-mark logos on everything. Captain Stout confirmed she has long suspected the site as a ruffian stronghold with no reliable prior intelligence. Three unlit rafts were subsequently spotted heading downriver toward Thornwall Fords, suggesting the camp may be mobilizing.
The Missing Aged Tuna
The second half of Skrit's aged tuna vanished from the Greasy Spoon wagon during breakfast service, with Ledger reacting noticeably when theft by a logger was suggested. The tuna was later found wrapped carefully in Silas's locked desk at the Cupped Axe and reclaimed by Skrit.
Highlights
- Tuna disappeared from the wagon during breakfast service in Session 03
- Ledger reacted suspiciously when loggers were blamed
- Found locked in Silas's desk at the Cupped Axe; recovered by Skrit
Status Timeline
The second half of Skrit's aged tuna — reserved as potential monster bait — went missing from the wagon during the breakfast service. Ledger reacted noticeably when Gorlog suggested the loggers may have stolen it. The theft has not been resolved and the culprit has not been identified.
Session 03: The second half of Skrit's aged tuna — reserved as potential ankheg bait — went missing from the wagon during the breakfast service. Kyle flagged mid-session that it had disappeared, and Ledger reacted noticeably when Gorlog suggested a logger may have stolen it. Culprit unidentified; theft unresolved.
Session 04: The missing aged tuna was found in Silas's locked desk drawer at the Cupped Axe, wrapped carefully. Skrit reclaimed it as the rightful property of the Greasy Spoon.
Gilded Ladle Audit / Pendergast
Julian Pendergast appeared as a Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle, conducted a field audit the Greasy Spoon passed, and then fought alongside the party against Silas's thugs — until Skrit soiled his robes and Sanji redirected one of his attacks, turning him openly hostile. Harold de-escalated the confrontation and confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands; Pendergast departed toward Waymoot, suspicious about his ledger but without proof of wrongdoing.
Highlights
- Greasy Spoon passed the audit; Gilded Ladle seal of compliance awarded and stands
- Pendergast used Cease and Desist to restrain three party members during combat
- Pendergast suspicious his official ledger ended up in the dirt; no proof it was planted
- Harold noted possible entries referencing Pendergast in Silas's ledger — Pendergast appeared unconcerned
- Pendergast departed with Harold toward Waymoot
Status Timeline
Session 04: Julian Pendergast, presenting himself as Senior Auditor for the Royal Order of the Gilded Ladle, appeared on the logging road and conducted a field audit of the Greasy Spoon. The wagon passed the audit through the party's quick thinking. Pendergast awarded the Greasy Spoon his Gilded Ladle seal of compliance — moments before his 'assistants' dropped their disguises and leveled spears at the party, revealing themselves as Silas's men. Whether Pendergast is genuinely an auditor who was deceived or is himself complicit with Silas remains unresolved. The armed confrontation on the logging road is ongoing at session end.
Session 05: Pendergast revealed himself as a genuine, powerful combatant who takes the Gilded Ladle's mandate extremely seriously. He fought on the party's side against Silas's thugs once the Greasy Spoon passed its audit, but turned actively hostile when Skrit soiled his robes and Sanji redirected one of his attacks back into his face. Session ended with Pendergast having used Cease and Desist to restrain three party members, Wicket in possession of Pendergast's inspection ledger, and Harold plus loggers witnessing the chaos. Pendergast's relationship with the party is now openly adversarial.
Session 06: Combat with Pendergast was de-escalated by Harold's intervention and Sanji's persuasion. Pendergast confirmed the Greasy Spoon's certification stands regardless of the altercation. Pendergast is now suspicious about how his official ledger ended up in the dirt but has no proof it was planted. Harold noted possible entries referencing Pendergast in Silas's ledger; Pendergast appeared unconcerned. Pendergast departed with Harold toward Waymoot.
Session 08: No direct plot development this session, but the Greasy Spoon's dinner service was a public success at a major market crossing, increasing the party's visibility and culinary reputation.
Appointment to Thornwall Fords
Harold's letter of introduction to Captain Cynthia Stout at Thornwall Fords was presented and honored, earning the party a prime market stall, 100 gold, and river passage in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur blockade. The task is complete.
Highlights
- Harold's letter recognized as legitimate by Captain Stout
- Reward: 100 gold, prime market stall in Thornwall Fords, passage across the river
- Plesiosaur coaxed downstream; blockade cleared; 30 stalled wagons resumed crossing
Status Timeline
Harold provided the party with a letter of introduction to the head of the Kingsguard at Thornwall Fords, the next town east on the King's Road. The party is now heading there. No information yet on what awaits them or what the Kingsguard contact may want or offer.
Session 07: The party arrived at Thornwall Fords. Harold's letter of introduction was presented to Captain Cynthia Stout and recognized as legitimate. The crew has been offered free passage through the gate, payment from coffers, and a prime vendor spot in the market square in exchange for clearing the plesiosaur blockade. The blockade combat was largely resolved — the plesiosaur was pacified and one ambusher killed — but the thread is not formally concluded at session end (Grimm and one crossbowman escaped; plesiosaur's fate unresolved).
Session 08: The party cleared the plesiosaur blockade and received the promised reward from Captain Stout: 100 gold, a prime market stall in Thornwall Fords, and passage across the river. Harold's letter of introduction was honored. The task is complete.
Sanji's Quest for the King
Sanji has made finding King Azoun IV a personal campaign goal. After Desmond Cray deflected her questions, a market patron directed her to crown clerk Maurice at Thornwall Fords, where a successful deception check yielded the intelligence that the king hunts the King's Forest on an unannounced autumn circuit. Sanji now holds a crown-sealed shopping list and five gold, tasked with supplying a hunting camp — a potential foothold with the king's travelling party.
Highlights
- Maurice revealed the king hunts the King's Forest on an unannounced circuit, never the same lodge twice
- Sanji holds a crown-sealed supply list and five gold; goods due at the East Gate by sundown
- Harold noted the king is rarely at his seat in Suzail and travels frequently
- Fastest confirmed route toward Suzail runs along the Starwater River
Status Timeline
Sanji articulated finding King Azoun IV and his castle as a personal campaign goal this session. Harold mentioned that the king is very rarely at his seat in Suzail and travels frequently. No further leads established yet.
Session 07: Sanji pressed Desmond 'The Gourmand' Cray for information about King Azoun IV's location. Cray deflected, stating royalty is no concern of his. The fastest confirmed route toward Suzail runs along the Starwater River, which the crew is now in the process of crossing at Thornwall Fords.
Session 08: A market patron directed Sanji to speak to the royal clerk at the salt stall. Sanji found clerk Maurice and, via a 19 deception check, convinced him she was a capable shopper. Maurice revealed that the king hunts the King's Forest in autumn on an unannounced circuit, never the same lodge twice. Sanji is now holding a crown-sealed shopping list of mundane hunting camp supplies and five gold, tasked with acquiring them by sundown at the East Gate — providing a potential point of contact with the crown's travelling party.
Vaela Joins the Crew
Vaela joined the crew after stumbling onto their campfire and was fully integrated by the Starwater River encounter. Her parents, the Mirethanes, have since hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to return her unharmed; Vaela disguised herself as a dwarven woman named 'Lydia' to avoid detection while serving food to Callum. Wicket opened negotiations with the bounty hunters, but Callum and Petra promised to find the party on their own, leaving the situation unresolved.
Highlights
- Vaela's parents — the Mirethanes — confirmed to be the clients hiring Callum and Petra
- Vaela spent her last third-level spell slot disguising herself as 'Lydia' to avoid detection
- Wicket moved to hire the hunters to find the river fugitives; their price is what the party knows about Vaela — negotiation unresolved
- Vaela stated she ran from her parents and does not want to go back
- Fully integrated into crew by Session 07 river combat
Status Timeline
Vaela, a Fire Genasi Sorcerer, stumbled onto the crew's campfire west of Thornwall Fords. After a chaotic introduction — including a burned cloak and a pitcher of questionable water — she was welcomed in. She is traveling to prove her mother's book on mythical creatures wrong or deliberately misleading. She stated she ran from her parents and does not want to go back. By session end she was fully integrated into the combat encounter at the Starwater River and the crew was discussing her staying on.
Session 08: Vaela's parents, the Mirethanes, have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to return her unharmed. Vaela used her last third-level spell slot to disguise herself as a dwarven woman named 'Lydia' to avoid detection; she fed Callum a slider while in disguise. Wicket opened negotiations with Callum and Petra: the hunters would track down the two river fugitives, and in return the party would tell them what they know about Vaela and her whereabouts. The negotiation is unresolved — Callum and Petra promised to find the party on their own.
The Starwater Plesiosaur Blockade
A controlled plesiosaur was used to blockade the Thornwall Fords crossing, orchestrated by a handler named Grimm with two crossbowmen. The party broke Grimm's control, recovered the brass whistle, and pacified the creature; Grimm and one crossbowman escaped. Evidence since recovered — tally-mark branding matching the whistle and offal barrels, and an order slip with a broken 'V' wax seal — points to the Vance organization as the architects of the blockade.
Highlights
- Plesiosaur coaxed 100 yards downstream with pickles; ford reopened
- Control whistle, crossbow bolts, and order slip all collected as evidence by Captain Stout
- Order slip reads: 'Hold the ford through market week. Feed it. Don't spend it. Coin follows the tally.' — broken 'V' wax seal
- Tally marks and antler brand appear on whistle, plesiosaur's neck, and offal barrels
- Grimm and surviving crossbowman remain at large
Status Timeline
Session 07: The river crossing at Thornwall Fords was blockaded by a massive plesiosaur that had killed two Kingsguard and smashed three rafts. A beast-handler named Grimm was controlling it with a brass whistle, backed by two hidden crossbowmen. The crew realized the beast was being controlled, broke that control when Sanji rammed Grimm and recovered the whistle, and pacified the creature (Skrit healed it with Lay on Hands). One of the two crossbowmen was killed; Grimm and the other escaped into the woods. Who orchestrated the deliberate blockade is not known to the party. The plesiosaur was not killed; its final disposition is unresolved at session end.
Session 08: Plesiosaur coaxed 100 yards downstream to a deep pool south of the crossing using pickles, reopening the ford — 30 stalled wagons began crossing. Stout locked the sabotaged control whistle as evidence; it bears a small imprint of tally marks and antlers matching the brand on the plesiosaur's neck and on the offal barrels at the ambush site. Stout's recon guard returned with an order slip bearing a broken yellow wax seal marked with what appears to be a 'V', reading: 'Hold the ford through market week. Feed it. Don't spend it. Coin follows the tally.' Guard also collected resin-dipped crossbow bolts from the ambush site. Evidence is accumulating that the blockade was orchestrated by the Vance organization. Grimm and his surviving crossbowman remain at large.
The Mirethanes Upriver
The Mirethanes — red-haired elven scholars and Vaela's parents — were spotted traveling upriver on a book-laden raft, reportedly sleepless and asking about old ruins. They have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela, and are confirmed to be several days further upriver than the Redwater Shallows camp, with the nature of their research target still unknown.
Highlights
- Confirmed to be Vaela's parents — red-haired elven scholars
- Hired Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela unharmed
- Spotted upriver asking about old ruins, reportedly not slept in a fortnight
- Located several days upriver, beyond Redwater Shallows
Status Timeline
Session 07: Gorlog and Wickett overheard merchants at Thornwall Fords discussing a pair of scholars, the Mirethanes, who were spotted traveling upriver on a book-laden raft about a week prior, reportedly having not slept in a fortnight and asking about old ruins upriver. No further information is known to the party.
Session 08: The Mirethanes confirmed to be Vaela's parents — elves with red hair, scholars on a research expedition upriver. A Greasy Spoon patron mentioned the authors of the book Vaela carries might be just up the river on a research study. The Mirethanes have hired bounty hunters Callum and Petra to retrieve Vaela. The Mirethanes' exact upriver location and the nature of their research target remain unknown.
Petra stated the Mirethanes are several days upriver — considerably further than the half-day distance to Redwater Shallows. Petra bristled when Wickett implied the Mirethanes and the raft camp might be connected. The ornate M calling card left by Callum and Petra was identified by Vaela as a token associated with people who work for her parents, deepening the link between the Mirethanes and Vaela's background.
Vaela's Book and Mythical Creatures
Vaela set out to prove that creatures listed as myths in her mother's scholarly book are real, and the plesiosaur encounter at the Starwater River became her first confirmed evidence. When her hand brushed her mother's marginal notes in the book, her hair flickered and she heard a voice say 'I'm home,' hinting at a deeper connection to the text.
Highlights
- Plesiosaur documented as first confirmed proof against the Mirethane book
- Vaela earned advantage on all future checks involving aquatic creatures
- Touching mother's marginal notes triggered a voice saying 'I'm home' and visible hair flicker
- Vaela's plesiosaur sketch provided to Callum and Petra for the Mirethanes' research report
- A patron recognized the book as a Mirethane first edition
Status Timeline
Session 07: Vaela revealed her personal quest — to prove her mother's scholarly book on mythical creatures is either wrong or deliberately misleading, believing many creatures listed as myths are real. The plesiosaur encounter at the Starwater River is directly relevant to this thread, as the plesiosaur is one such 'mythical' creature.
Session 08: Vaela documented the plesiosaur as her first confirmed proof against her mother's book on mythical creatures, earning advantage on all future checks involving aquatic creatures. A patron at the Greasy Spoon recognized the book as a Mirethane first edition. When Vaela's hand brushed her mother's marginal notes in the book, her hair flickered and she heard a voice say 'I'm home.'
Vaela created a detailed sketch of the Starwater plesiosaur for Wickett to present to Callum and Petra as evidence for the Mirethanes' research report. Wickett also persuaded Vaela to recreate the sketch in her own book.
The Crown Shopping Errand
Royal clerk Maurice tasked Sanji with acquiring mundane hunting camp supplies by sundown, and she and Skrit delivered them just in time. In return, Maurice presented Sanji with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit naming the party as approved vendors to the crown's provisioning circuit, though he warned that the king is actively difficult to locate and advised against mentioning his own name.
Highlights
- Crown-sealed purveyor's chit obtained, naming the party as approved crown vendors
- Maurice warned not to mention him to the king
- Supplies bound for Eveningstar; king not expected to actually camp there
- Delivery completed barely before the sundown deadline
Status Timeline
Royal clerk Maurice gave Sanji a crown-sealed shopping list of mundane hunting camp supplies and five gold, asking her to acquire everything by sundown at the East Gate of Thornwall Fords. This provides a potential avenue for Sanji to make contact with members of the king's travelling household and advance her quest to reach the king.
Sanji and Skrit completed Maurice's crown shopping list and delivered the items to the West Gate barely before sundown. Maurice presented Sanji with a crown-sealed purveyor's chit naming her and her compatriots as approved vendors to the crown's provisioning circuit. Maurice warned them not to mention him to the king and noted the king is actively difficult to locate; the items are bound for Eveningstar, though the king is not expected to actually camp there.
Callum and Petra — Bounty on Vaela
Bounty hunters Callum and Petra were hired by the Mirethanes to return their daughter Vaela unharmed, and made contact with the party at Thornwall Fords. After Wickett confirmed Vaela's presence and provided her plesiosaur sketch for the Mirethanes' report, the hunters departed, stating their task appeared complete — but before leaving, Callum warned that three unlit rafts were spotted heading downriver.
Highlights
- Hired by the Mirethanes to locate and return Vaela unharmed
- Wickett confirmed Vaela's presence and provided the plesiosaur sketch as evidence for their report
- Hunters departed, stating their stated task appeared complete
- Left an ornate M coin Vaela identified as a token from people who work for her parents
- Callum warned of three unlit rafts spotted coming downriver before departing
Status Timeline
Professional bounty hunters Callum and Petra have been hired by the Mirethanes to return their daughter Vaela unharmed. They made contact with the party at Thornwall Fords market square. Wicket opened negotiations to hire them to track down the two river fugitives; in return the hunters asked only that the party tell them what they know about Vaela and her whereabouts. The negotiation ended without resolution — Callum and Petra promised to find the party on their own. Vaela used a disguise to avoid detection during the encounter.
Wickett made contact with Callum and Petra outside the wagon. He confirmed Vaela's presence with the crew and provided her plesiosaur sketch for their report to the Mirethanes. The hunters accepted and departed, stating their stated task — locating and confirming Vaela unharmed — appeared complete. They left an ornate M coin as a deliberate calling card, which Vaela assessed as a token associated with people who work for her parents. Before leaving, Callum warned that three unlit rafts were spotted coming downriver.
Skrit's Kobold Warren Message
An anonymous kobold messenger slipped Skrit a note in Draconic at the Thornwall Fords market square, containing directions to a kobold warren near the next town east and the cryptic message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' The sender's identity and purpose remain entirely unknown.
Highlights
- Anonymous kobold passed Skrit a Draconic note in Thornwall Fords market square
- Note contains directions to a warren near the next town east
- Message reads: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own'
- Sender's identity and motive unknown
Status Timeline
An anonymous kobold messenger at Thornwall Fords market square slipped Skrit a note in Draconic containing directions to a kobold warren near the next town east, with the message: 'the tall folk don't go there, but we remember our own.' The sender's identity and purpose are unknown.
The Truffle Oil
Gorlog processed a rare truffle into oil form, extending it from one meal's worth to four. Gorlog knows the truffle confers poison resistance for 24 hours to those who share it but has not disclosed this to the rest of the crew.
Highlights
- Truffle processed into oil — extended to four meals' worth
- Confers poison resistance for 24 hours to those who share it
- Gorlog has kept the truffle's benefit secret from the crew
Status Timeline
Gorlog processed the rare truffle into oil form to extend its shelf life. A d4 roll of 4 extended it from one meal's worth to four meals' worth. Gorlog knows the truffle confers poison resistance for 24 hours to those who share it, but has not shared this information with the rest of the crew.