9. Tides and Judgement

1

Session 9: Tides and Judgement

IN-GAME DATE & TIMELINE

Date: Tideday, Wayseek 5, 748 AB (continuing from Session 8)

The session opened at dawn with Kara's trial in Oak Haven's town square. After the trial the party spoke briefly with Kara, then rested overnight. The following morning they visited Sable's workshop, took a long rest during which Emilio crafted a weapon and Monroe's egg hatched, and then set out north. They encountered winter wolves on the journey, harvested materials, arrived at Greyfeld mid-afternoon, and reached the cave entrance by late afternoon. Approximately one day passed in-world.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

• Party attended Kara Brinemont's trial in the town square at dawn. Three charges were read: endangerment through unauthorised rift energy use, breach of trust as a Warden, and negligence in the wreck of the Omen's Reach. Two witnesses testified — a sailor whose ship was saved by the lighthouse, and the widow of a man who died from rift exposure. Sentence delivered: 300gp restitution to Captain Saltaye, supervised rift work only, six months' probation. Kara accepted without protest and was released.
• After the trial, Kara approached the party and informed them that Vos had been driven out of Oak Haven by Garrick two days prior. He likely fled to his eastern workshop or to the Arkive — a massive walking research facility operated by the Rift Chasers, currently three days northwest.
• The party rested. During the long rest, Emilio crafted a weapon from the salvaged ship anchor for Bam Bam — a heavy maul with properties suited to tripping opponents. Monroe's egg began cracking and hatched into a tiny fungal creature, immediately imprinting on Monroe.
• The party visited Sable's workshop to seek guidance on where to hunt. Sable described two leads: a fungal colony spreading from a cave system north of Greyfeld that was killing settlement livestock, and a cursed swamp to the northwest connected to Runa's disappearance. The party chose to investigate Greyfeld first. Sable offered to buy any intact fungal specimens brought back.
• Liliana established telepathic links with all five party members before departure.
• Travelling north on foot, the party encountered two large winter wolves in a canyon. Bam Bam attempted to grapple one rather than fight it. The encounter ended with both wolves killed — one by Bam Bam's new weapon, one by Maeve. Bam Bam was unhappy with the outcome, having wanted the wolf to flee. The party harvested materials from the carcasses.
• The party arrived at Greyfeld, a small herding settlement of around 45 people. They spoke with Tom Graycroft, the settlement leader, who explained the rot had started two weeks ago and was spreading exponentially — half the livestock already dead, carcasses covered in grey-white fungal webbing and desiccated within hours. Burning corpses slowed the spread but did not stop it.
• A goatherd named Marda, who had tracked the rot to a cave system northeast of the settlement, joined the conversation. She had not been able to enter due to thick spores. She also reported that Bram Coldfoot, Greyfeld's best hunter, had entered the caves three days ago and not returned.
• The party agreed to take the quest. Marda volunteered to guide them. Tom offered to resupply the party from the storehouse. Marda led them twenty minutes northeast to the cave entrance at the base of a cliff — spore clouds drifting out, snow tinged grey around the opening. The party wrapped cloth over their faces and prepared to enter.

Session ended: Party at the cave threshold, about to go in.

NPC INTERACTIONS

Kara Brinemont (Warden, rift researcher)

• Sentenced to 300gp restitution, supervised rift work only, six months' probation. Accepted without protest.
• Approached Emilio after the trial to thank the party for attending. Warned them that supervised-only work would make further rift research conversations more difficult to have openly.
• Revealed that Vos was driven from Oak Haven by Garrick two days before the trial, and is likely either at his eastern workshop or the Arkive.
• Described the Arkive as a massive pre-Fracture research facility on mechanical legs that walks across the tundra following rift activity — part library, part workshop, and the hub of the Rift Chasers' operations. Warned that outsiders can develop rift sickness quickly there, and that rift-drawn creatures follow the Arkive.
• Relationship: cooperative, grateful.

Skorva Ironstride and Garrick Baskborn

• Presided over the trial alongside settler elders. Delivered a measured sentence focused on restitution and supervision rather than exile or harsher punishment. Crowd reaction was mixed.
• Garrick was responsible for driving Vos out of Oak Haven two days prior to the trial.

Tom Graycroft (Greyfeld settlement leader)

• Weathered shepherd, late fifties, practical and calm under pressure.
• Explained the timeline and nature of the rot in detail. Confirmed the cave connection. Mentioned cheese stores in the caves.
• Offering 150gp and whatever supplies Greyfeld can spare — described this as everything they have to give.
• Worried about Bram Coldfoot, whose family wants him found alive or recovered.
• Relationship: desperate but hopeful.

Marda (goatherd)

• Lost most of her herd to the rot. Angry.
• Tracked the infestation to the old cave system. Was forced back by spores before she could enter. Saw pale lights moving inside the caves at night.
• Volunteered to guide the party. Armed with a crossbow.
• Relationship: determined, wants the source destroyed.

Bram Coldfoot (missing hunter)

• Not encountered directly. Greyfeld's most experienced hunter. Entered the caves alone three days ago mid-morning and did not return.
• His family has asked for him to be found alive, or for his body to be recovered.

Sable (hunter and tracker)

• Provided two quest leads. Had already gone up to Greyfeld herself a few days prior, tracked the rot to the cave entrance, but could not enter due to the spores.
• Willing to buy intact fungal specimens.
• Relationship: professional, reliable.

Mochi (Monroe's new companion)

• Hatched from one of Monroe's eggs during the long rest. Apple-sized, bright red cap with white spots, chirps to communicate.
• Immediately imprinted on Monroe. Placed in Monroe's breast pocket.
• Liliana established a brief telepathic connection: the creature communicated only that it was hungry and liked rotting food.
• Became agitated near the winter wolf carcasses and again as the party approached the cave entrance.

LOCATIONS VISITED

Oak Haven — Town Square: Kara's trial held at dawn. Public gathering with mixed community reaction to the sentence.

Sable's Workshop: Edge of Oak Haven — smells of wood smoke and rendered fat, tanned hides and bones on display. Party consulted Sable about hunting leads.

Herding Track North: Two-hour walk from Oak Haven to Greyfeld following a well-trodden path through grey-green pastureland. Stone walls, scattered shepherd huts. Site of the winter wolf encounter.

Greyfeld: Small herding settlement at the base of the northern mountains, around 45 residents. Primary industry: sheep, goats, wool. Currently half the livestock dead from fungal rot, three funeral pyres burning at the settlement's edge. Supplies Oak Haven with wool and mutton.

Cave Entrance (Greyfeld Cliffs): Twenty minutes northeast of Greyfeld at the base of a weathered grey cliff face. Dark opening with a grey tinge on surrounding snow and spore clouds drifting out. Air becomes difficult to breathe within thirty feet. Two vent shafts higher on the cliff face connect to the main system. A stream entrance on the eastern side has not been located. Used for cold storage and cheese ageing until abandoned after a rockfall several years ago.

LOOT & ITEMS

Acquired this session:

• The Anchor (maul) — crafted by Emilio from the salvaged ship anchor. Heavy, two-handed. Properties: causes opponents to be easily knocked prone; difficult to be disarmed of; masterwork quality. Held by Bam Bam.
• Winter wolf harvests (in party harvest bag): Frail Essence, Monstrosity Eye, Monstrosity Bone, flesh, fat, blood.
• Mochi — Monroe's hyphan companion, hatched this session. Not yet permanently bonded. Abilities include Spider Climb, darkvision, a calming spore release, and a poison spray. Eats rotting food and scraps.

Carried from previous sessions:

• Mysterious chest (Maeve) — Drowned Court commission, Isin's deadline unresolved.
• Session 8 harvests: Monstrosity flesh, heart, Eyes of Googly, vial of blood.
• Two dormant eggs (Monroe) — warm, pulsing faintly in sync.

QUEST STATUS

Greyfeld Fungal Colony — ACTIVE
Party accepted the quest from Tom Graycroft. Payment: 150gp and supplies. Objectives: stop the rot killing livestock, locate and deal with the colony's source, and recover Bram Coldfoot (alive or dead). Currently at the cave entrance with Marda guiding.

The Mysterious Chest — UNCHANGED
Still in Maeve's possession. Isin's request to deliver it to the tide pools at dusk stands, but no specific deadline was given. Party chose to postpone.

Find Familiar Ritual (Monroe/Mochi) — PENDING
Mochi has hatched and bonded emotionally but not yet been permanently bound via ritual. Requires 80gp and incense. Liliana can perform the ritual. Party intends to complete it after receiving the Greyfeld quest payment.

Vos Contact (Rift Research) — UPDATED
Vos driven from Oak Haven by Garrick. Possible locations: eastern workshop (closer) or the Arkive (three days northwest). Party is aware but not actively pursuing this.

Cursed Swamp Investigation — AVAILABLE
Sable's second quest lead. Connected to Runa's disappearance. Not pursued this session.

Midnight Fight Club — UNCHANGED
Bam Bam still wants to investigate the docks fight club. Not pursued.

The Underwater Cave — UNCHANGED
Ancient tunnel beneath the wreck site with a metal gate. Not pursued.

CHARACTER MOMENTS

• Bam Bam — Received The Anchor from Emilio and was immediately possessive of it, angling his body away when Tom showed curiosity. Charged the winter wolf wanting to grapple and hug it rather than fight, then became visibly upset when Maeve killed it. Covered his mouth with his hand as improvised spore protection.
• Emilio — Spent the long rest crafting The Anchor for Bam Bam using the salvaged ship anchor and the forge access negotiated with Rurik. Attended Kara's trial in silent support, making sure she could see him there.
• Maeve — Killed the winter wolf with a single blow, believing she was protecting Bam Bam from a creature that was attacking him. Handled the harvesting. Still carrying the mysterious chest and actively deferring the decision about Isin.
• Monroe — Became Mochi's primary carer when the egg hatched mid-rest. Fed Mochi old scraps. Monroe's bond with Mochi influenced the choice to take the fungal cave quest over the swamp quest. Fired at the winter wolf during combat but missed.
• Liliana — Navigated the party successfully to Greyfeld. Established telepathic links with all five party members. Attempted communication with Mochi. Supported Maeve in combat with a flash of precognition. Will lead into the caves with a lantern as she lacks darkvision.

RULES & MECHANICS USED

• Crafting (combined Heliana's Guide and Craftsman system): Emilio used a combined framework to craft The Anchor. The Expert Forger feat doubled his proficiency on the manufacturing check and allowed him to work at double speed. He succeeded and rolled on the manufacturing boon table, gaining the Grippy property. Masterwork quality grants a bonus to attack rolls at Craftsman level 2.
• Harvesting (Heliana's Guide): One party member led assessment, others assisted, and the most dexterous character made the carving check. Successfully harvested the top-priority items: Frail Essence, Monstrosity Eye, and Monstrosity Bone. Time: thirty minutes for a Large creature.
• Telepathy (Liliana, Aberrant Mind): Established links with all five party members. Duration: twenty-four hours. Free action if both parties can see each other; action required otherwise. No range limit once linked. Liliana is the relay point — party members cannot communicate with each other directly.
• Find Familiar (discussed, not cast): Mochi already exists and has bonded emotionally. The ritual would formalise the connection and allow resummoning. Requires 80gp in materials and incense, and takes one hour.

GM PLOT HOOKS

• What is the source of the fungal colony beneath Greyfeld — natural growth or something more deliberate?
• What happened to Bram Coldfoot? Is he alive, dead, or transformed?
• What are the pale lights Marda saw moving inside the caves at night?
• Is the colony connected to the Verdant Bloom or the Emerald Dawn faction, or something separate?
• Will Mochi's presence in the caves create complications — will the colony recognise him as kin or as something foreign?
• What are in Monroe's other two eggs, and what would cause them to hatch?
• What consequences follow from the party delaying Isin's chest delivery? Does Isin have a patience limit?
• Where specifically did Vos go — workshop or the Arkive? What pushed Garrick to act against him now?
• What rift phenomena is the Arkive currently following, and how dangerous is its current location?
• What happened to Runa in the cursed swamp, and what will occur if the party never investigates?
• When will Bam Bam find the Midnight Fight Club, and what is it?

FOUNDRY VTT CHECKLIST

• Update HP and conditions for all PCs
• Add The Anchor to Bam Bam's inventory (maul, Trip property, Grippy property, masterwork)
• Add winter wolf harvests to party harvest bag (Frail Essence, Monstrosity Eye, Monstrosity Bone, flesh, fat, blood)
• Add Mochi to Monroe's sheet as a companion (Tiny hyphan; Spider Climb, darkvision 60ft, Calming Spores 1/day DC 12, Poison Spray)
• Track Monroe's two remaining dormant eggs in inventory
• Update Liliana's telepathy links (five active, twenty-four hours from session end)
• Add Tom Graycroft NPC (Greyfeld leader, late fifties shepherd)
• Add Marda NPC (goatherd, accompanying party into caves, crossbow)
• Add Bram Coldfoot NPC (missing hunter, status unknown)
• Mark Greyfeld on map (two hours north of Oak Haven)
• Mark cave entrance on map (twenty minutes northeast of Greyfeld, cliff base)
• Update Kara's status: sentenced, supervised rift work only, six months' probation
• Update Vos's status: driven from Oak Haven by Garrick, location unknown (workshop east or Arkive northwest)
• Add the Arkive to world notes (walking research facility, Rift Chasers, three days northwest)
• Track Greyfeld quest: 150gp reward, objectives (stop rot, find source, recover Bram)
• Track Find Familiar materials needed: 80gp and incense
• Update in-game time: late afternoon, Tideday, Wayseek 5
• Mark party position: cave entrance, Greyfeld cliffs

WIKI UPDATE LIST

• The Anchor (Item): Create entry — Emilio's crafted maul for Bam Bam, made from the salvaged ship anchor, properties (Trip, Grippy, masterwork bonus to attack), heavy two-handed martial weapon.
• Mochi (NPC/Companion): Create entry — Monroe's hyphan companion, hatched Session 9, apple-sized red cap with white spots, imprinted on Monroe, eats rotting food and scraps, abilities (Spider Climb, darkvision, Calming Spores, Poison Spray), becomes agitated near danger or foreign fungal colonies.
• Greyfeld (Location): Create entry — Small herding outpost two hours north of Oak Haven, around 45 residents, primary industry sheep and goats and wool, half the livestock dead from fungal rot, led by Tom Graycroft.
• Tom Graycroft (NPC): Create entry — Greyfeld settlement leader, late fifties, practical shepherd, offering 150gp and supplies to stop the rot.
• Marda (NPC): Create entry — Goatherd from Greyfeld, lost most of her herd, tracked rot to cave system, saw pale lights inside caves, guiding party with crossbow.
• Bram Coldfoot (NPC): Create entry — Greyfeld's most experienced hunter, entered caves alone three days before party arrived, not returned, status unknown.
• Cave System (Greyfeld) (Location): Create entry — Old cave system northeast of Greyfeld at cliff base, used for cold storage and cheese ageing until abandoned after rockfall, now a fungal colony lair, air thick with spores, main entrance plus two vent shafts, possible stream entrance on eastern side.
• The Arkive (Location): Create entry — Massive pre-Fracture research facility rebuilt by the Rift Chasers, walks on mechanical piston legs across the tundra, follows rift activity, part library and part workshop, rift exposure dangerous for outsiders, attracts rift-drawn creatures, currently three days northwest of Oak Haven.
• Vos (NPC): Update — Driven from Oak Haven by Garrick two days before Kara's trial, fled hastily, possible locations eastern workshop or the Arkive.
• Kara Brinemont (NPC): Update — Trial held Tideday at dawn, sentenced to 300gp restitution to Captain Saltaye, supervised rift work only, six months' probation, accepted sentence, informed party about Vos's departure.
• Winter Wolf (Creature): Create entry — Large wolf with frost breath, harvestable materials including Frail Essence, Monstrosity Eye, Bone, flesh, fat, blood. Encountered on herding track north of Oak Haven.
• Fungal Rot (Greyfeld) (Event): Create entry — Started two weeks before Session 9, exponential spread, carcasses covered in grey-white webbing and desiccated within hours, traced to cave system northeast of Greyfeld, burning slows but does not stop spread.