Session 61 - Carnath Roadhouse (recap)

In this session, our party explored the Carnath Roadhouse, found a path into the swamp, defeated a Frogheamoth, and made friends with an ancient Black Dragon

The Carnath Roadhouse

  • The session opened about dusk, with the party just having rounded a bend, taking in the sight of large roadhouse situated on a long patch of flat ground.
    • The ground was flat, but it was rutted from all the wagon traffic, and they could see a group of work wagons.
    • One was being taken into the compound, and two of them were being pulled out empty.

Planning

  • Aegar tried to offer his services as the sneakiest of the group, to no avail.
  • Instead, Zoyana cast Pass Without Trace on the party and wildshaped into a spider while Pliny Polymorphed himself into a spider.

Investigation

  • Zoyana (Stealth 18) and Pliny (Stealth 31), in spider form, approached the roadhouse via the main entrance on the northern side.
  • On the inside, they saw a working roadhouse: workers were finishing up for the night.
  • Boxes and crates lined the spaces not taken up with stalls for livestock.
  • They followed some stairs up and explored a storage room filled with food and items that needed to be protected from the elements.
    • This storage room also had a door with a big padlock on it.
  • …A door which was no match for a pair of tiny spiders
  • Inside, they saw a number of crates.
    • Including one that, from their low vantage point, they could see was empty. And on second look, they could tell that the crate was attached to a trap door.
  • As they looked closer, there was a hinge on the other side that would allow it to be flipped up on its side and then flipped back down.
    • If they were their normal size, it would probably look like any one of the other crates in the room, but their spider perspective made the hidden door obvious.
  • They scurried through a gap and down into a tunnel below. About five feet wide and five feet tall.
  • The tunnel headed to the west.

The Tunnel

  • As they headed down the tunnel, they noticed that there weren’t any bootprints in the mud floor, but there were some three toed footprints.
    • Fresh enough that they had been made in the past day or so, but not so fresh that Zoyana and Pliny worried that they had just missed whatever made them.
  • The tunnel curved slightly, but mostly headed to the west for its 40-50 yard length.
  • They started to see light up ahead, and then they could see that the tunnel opened up to the outside, with a bush propped up against the opening to obscure it from the swamp outside.
  • Zoyana was quick to deduce that it was basically a secret passage to get inside, and that the prints continued out into the swamp.
  • They then turned around to go back to explore more before regrouping with Aegar and Fang to explore the path in the swamp.

Exploring the Roadhouse

  • Pliny and Zoyana made their way out of the store room and back into the warehouse area, then up the stairs to the rooms where the workers slept.
  • The roadhands were starting to bed down for the night, and most rooms were occupied.
  • One of the rooms was locked, and was obviously the quarters of the half-orc in charge of the roadhouse.
    • There were several books of philosophy, but no sign of Cult allegiances or details.
  • In fact, everyone they saw looked like a farmhand or a wagon driver or a road worker.

Regrouping

  • Pliny and Zoyana reconnected with the others and filled them in.
  • Aegar made a connection with the info they had about lizardfolk, and suggested that they could follow the prints into the swamp to try to find the castle. It was the only lead they had at this point.
  • They discussed for a surprisingly long time whether they should head out immediately or hide in the Hut and wait until dawn before entering the swamp.
  • Ultimately, they decided to find a spot a few hundred yards from the roadhouse, but hidden in the root-hole of a fallen tree and protected from the road.
  • They prepared their meal, set their bedding.
  • Just before Pliny cast Tiny Hut, Zoyana cast Scrying on Rezmir. But try as she might, Zoyana could not pierce the veil.

Entering the Swamp

  • The party set out into the pungent stench of rotting vegetation and still water, and slogged through the sloppy mud to the entrance to the stone tunnel.
  • Surveying the swamp, they saw twisted trees and thick, tangled vegetation. Mist shrouded the surface of standing water and wafted between the are openings, making visibility really short.
    • They could tell that travel here was going to be slow and dangerous; one misstep into that water could be as deep as a boot or six feet deep.
    • Any of the land here that would be considered dry was still a murky slush mixed with rotting corpses into a mud-paste. found the footprints and signs of the
  • Zoyana (Survival 26) looked around and started to get a sense of the pattern of the footprints; they were everywhere, along an east-west path. Three-toed footprints with obvious claws.
  • The footprints going into the swamp were definitely deeper and heavier than the ones coming out of the swamp towards the roadhouse.
  • The party started to follow the trail.
  • Zoyana: “Make sure that you guys are following where the footsteps are themselves because that’d be a good indicator that you’re not going to get sucked in.”
  • As they made progress, they noticed occasional spots that looked like bootprints, where repeated steps had washed away the moss from repeated steps in ways that those bare feet wouldn’t.
  • And they started to notice symbols and blazes; Diamonds etched into the broken, lifeless carcasses of old trees. Scratches in rocks that marked the trail.
    • Zoyana gained a really good sense, where the trail was. And the knowledge that if they got off of this trail, it wouldn’t be hard for even Zoyana to get lost.
    • Zoyana: “All right, Aegar do we need to wrap a cord around you to make sure that you like stay with us and you stay on the trail?”
    • Pliny: “For climbing.”
    • Zoyana: “Should we tie you to Pliny?”
    • Pliny: “Please.”
    • Aegar: “If Pliny requires some protection, and I would be happy to.”..
    • Zoyana: “That that that’s not what we’re talking about buddy.”
    • Aegar: “What are we talking about?”
    • Zoyana: “Pliny can you try make sure he, like doesn’t go off trail and get lost?.”
    • Pliny: “Oh yeah.”
    • Aegar: “Oh, I see what is happening.” He gave a subtle wink to Zoyana and said, “Yes Pliny, I require some assistance, please.”
    • Pliny: “Hey, whatever floats your boat Aegar…”
  • They slogged their way through the swamp, Aegar sinking up to his knees in the cold, black water.

The Clearing

  • Toward the middle of the day, they came across a small clearing. It was surrounded by still water and rotting trees, but it was something resembling dry.
    • Aegar: “This is break time.”
  • They were in the middle of a deep discussion of their relative musical gifts when they heard a splash to the west, and a wave made its way along the water.
    • Behind the wave moved a mound of water moving towards them.
  • Aegar put his hand on his hilt and stood, “Everyone.”
  • And the head of a froghemoth rose from the water.
  • The party got to use their new toys:
    • Zoyana provided Freedom of Movement and became a water elemental
    • Pliny sent Psychic Lances and Swifted his Quiver.
    • Fang sent Eldritch Blasts and Blessed the party.
    • Aegar waited around for others to go, slipped out of a froghemoth tentacle, and then bashed away with his smite-empowered sword.
  • The froghemoth, mighty as it was, did not last long.

The Black Dragon

  • As they caught their breaths, the party heard from behind them, “Well, aren’t you going to continue on into the swamp? By all means, stay here with me, but I was so hoping for more gusto from such a capable group of pawns.”
  • They looked around themselves in the muck, the dead body of the frogheamoth sinking into the swamp.
    • It was then that they noticed their footprints, and the accompanying footprints.
    • Gigantic footprints that lead up to behind the party, as they surveyed the area, they noticed that they were appearing around the party out of thin air.
  • Pliny heard in his ear, “Quickly now ranger, alert your fellows.”
  • At that moment, they felt a shockwave of power emanate from the last set of footprints, as a gigantic black form materialized in the air about 10 feet above them and slammed its feet down next to the first 2 of them, his tail narrowly missing the rest.
  • They got a good look at this creature as he loomed over their tiny bodies in comparison.
    • At a quick glance they saw the tail is at least 25ft long.
    • The deep black wings stretched out, still pouring the black opaque water from them to a wingspan that must have been at least 80 feet wide.
    • The deep red eyes piercing into each and every one of them as its toothy grin broke from behind the skin of its maw. Its maw that was pulled so tight it almost seems to be damaged from acid against the bones of its face. The menacing horns that protruded from the side of its enormous visage curled downward in the color of white bleached bone finishing the image as that of a skull.
  • Dragon “Hello, And welcome to my domain. The Mere of Dead Men they call it. And I suppose you will realize why it is so aptly named, should you find yourselves without something to offer me in return for your lives. You look especially tasty,” he gestured to Pliny, “I always have savored Elves from the fey. The only thing better are the ones from the Shadowfell! So, what tribute do you come bearing, my puny mammals?”
    • Pliny made a joke about frog legs.
    • Aegar tried to identify how strong this dragon was (Insight nat 20), and thought this dragon was ancient, possibly adult.
    • The dragon waited the party out, they considered giving gold or gifts.
    • Then Aegar began to tell his tale (Persuasion 31). The dragon nodded, and Aegar shared the worst of his war exploits.
  • The dragon let out laugh of pity at the party. “Stories. Such things pique my interest. Ancient coins of civilizations long since ruined, magical items from ancient civilizations or artefacts and writings of Myrkul interest me greatly. But even they would not be enough to buy your way out of our little encounter here. No, no. Being pawns as you are, why not be pawns for a good cause. Your lives of course, and something more. I have a proposition for you my new champions.”
  • The dragon continued: “You see, in my swamp are some I have no love. The Cult of the Dragon. Their leader Rezmir came to me bearing the Black Dragon Mask and asked for my allegiance. I gave it, for they have not asked for much other than the assistance of my lizardfolk and that I don’t eat them. And in return, they give me treasure for my horde. It is a fan-tastic deal, one you should take heed of if you wish to leave here alive. Though I have a specific interest in something they have found but have not provided to me as tribute. In their decrepit castle is a book. It’s a book written by a strong Myrkulite Priest known as Strongor Bonebinder. It is a book of his Dark Sermons, and its contents interest me greatly. Secondly, they have found an ancient relic. A ring of Myrkul that has lasted since before the Time of Troubles. The stupid Elf that is in command of the Castle wears it not knowing its influence. Dralmorrer Borngrey is his name. Find these items, and deliver them to me, or my Lizardfolk in the castle. For this task I would not give you nothing, other than your lives of course. No, I wish to see the cult leave my Mere, for they draw to much attention to me and not enough treasure. Having me run errands for them like decimating that Cromms Hold was frustrating, if not exhilarating and bountiful. I am no Half-Dragons errand boy.”
  • “So, if you do find Rezmir, kill her, and retrieve that Black Dragon Mask. Should you destroy it, or bring it to me, you shall be rewarded to some of my treasure. But I get ahead of myself. Your reward for your word!.”
  • He reached back and pulled off one singular Black Scale the size of a dinner plate.
  • “In the swamp further up the trail you follow are some of the Lizardfolk of my tribe. Present this scale to the one known as Snapjaw and you will have yourself an ally in your coming fray. The bullywugs that also inhabit the castle under the cultists command, are oppressing my servants. I would have them remember who owns this swamp. Snapjaw wants this as well. Tell him you shall help, that I have sent you, and you may achieve your task. Fail the task I’ve set for you, then you owe me a debt, of your life, and I will take no hesitation in retrieving my due in full. You will not leave here alive. This I promise you.”
  • “So choose, die here, become food or more undead for the next heroes who pass through to fight and loot. Then maybe they will be smart enough to take up my offer. Or, be the smart ones, agree to my terms, and walk with purpose knowing you have helped the oppressed of the swamp fight their captors and in doing so, mused an old dragon who grows tired of these petty human games. Which…?”
  • Aegar: “Your terms are more than fair and we appreciate your… acceptance… of champions so far below your own level.”
    • Aegar bowed.
  • Zoyana shifted out of her water elemental shape and walked up to the dragon: “I want that bitch dead too. And I’ve seen that guy with the ring that you want. So if you can help us get get to that castle. I will bring both of their heads to you.”
  • Dragon “Excellent. Well then, get to it. I wont wait for long.” and as he finished his sentence, he vanished from sight.

Loot

  • One singular Black Scale from the Black Dragon
  • Items requested by the Black Dragon
    • Black Dragon Mask
    • The Dark Sermons of Strongor Bonebinder
    • Ring of Myrkul

NPCs Interacted With

  • Half-orc who ran the Carnath Roadhouse
  • Black Dragon
  • Mysterious footprints of a dragon
  • Rezmir (mentioned)
  • Strongor Bonebinder (mentioned)
  • Dralmorrer Borngrey (mentioned)
  • Snapjaw (mentioned)

Locations Visited

  • The Mere of Dead Men
  • The Carnath Roadhouse

Experience Per Character

Session Task or Accomplishment Day Aegar Pliny Zoyana Fang
61 Following the trail past the Carnath Roadhouse 122 2500 2500 2500 2500
61 Froghemoth 123 1475 1475 1475 1475
61 Champions of the Black Dragon 123 2500 2500 2500 2500
Total Total 6475 6475 6475 6475

End