The chronicle record
Session recap
The air was thick with the scent of blood and smoke as The Party surveyed the aftermath of the chaotic battle. Rhokrag, newly freed and flanked by a few survivors, urged The Group to gather valuables and leave swiftly before more enemies arrived. Kuippana's question about whether the dead counted as valuables was met with dismissal, as Rhokrag began stripping the fallen of their possessions, commending their souls to the gods while casting their bodies into the water. He insisted that grief could wait, emphasizing the urgency of their departure.
As they made their way back to Saringallow, Rhokrag shared his grim thoughts on the losses suffered in Hellbreakers League. Samantha requested a moment to tend to her wounds and those of Khar'gan, prompting a stop by the river for privacy. Upon reaching their hideout, Rhokrag instructed everyone to rest and eat, revealing troubling news he had overheard during his imprisonment: A Hellknight was seeking information about the Hellbreakers League. He introduced the new recruits, teasing Kracka about his appetite and noting Kui's reserved demeanor. Later, when Samantha asked Rhokrag to bring the recruits to the rest of the cell, he found Kracka rummaging for food and sent him downstairs for introductions. Kui introduced himself as Kui, while Kracka, claiming to be Bromli's son, denied any connection to Rhokrag. The revelation of Bromli's death sparked a heated exchange between Kracka and Rhokrag, who insisted that Bromli's friends should have delivered the news.
In the week that followed, the group rested and recuperated. Lexx Rennde earned money through her artistic talents, Samantha provided healing services, Kracka worked at the docks, and Kui engaged in trade. When the week concluded, Rhokrag gathered the Hellbreakers to announce that their leadership was pleased with their efforts, particularly those of the three survivors from the rescue. He warned them to avoid ships for the foreseeable future, as The Hellbreakers's raids had prompted Druma to tighten river trade, leading to increased patrols and military presence. The group was assigned to a region between the river and Chitterwood, including towns like Wolf Point and Vordia. After purchasing travel gear, they set out, with Samantha tending to minor injuries among travelers, Kui reassuring locals about their fears of war, Khar'gan teaching survival skills, and Kracka assisting with damaged carts. Lexx painted pro-Hellbreakers messages along their route, ensuring their presence was felt.
Upon reaching Vordia, adorned with Cheliax and Asmodean symbols, the group began gathering information. They learned of the Bright Embers Orphanate, shrouded in mystery since A Hellknight's visit. The orphanage, belonging to the Sisterhood of the Golden Erinys, had seen strange occurrences, including the adoption of its last two children shortly after the Hellknight's arrival. Convinced that the orphanage was the source of Vordia's unease, The Group approached the building, noting its eerie atmosphere. Inside, they encountered a series of haunts, beginning with a mess-hall apparition that flung ghostly food around the room. Kui attempted to communicate with the spirits, while Lexx discerned the nature of the haunt and devised a plan to weaken it. The group worked together, shouting at the unseen children and ultimately dispelling the haunt.
Their exploration continued into the playroom, where another haunt emerged, instilling fear in the group. Samantha attempted to calm the spirits, but her efforts initially failed. Kui and Mielikki worked in tandem to contain the haunt, and with Lexx's guidance, they eventually subdued it. As they ascended to the second floor, they encountered a lullaby-haunt that nearly incapacitated Samantha and Kracka. The group fought valiantly against an attic whisperer, a creature born from the pain of children, and after a fierce struggle, they managed to destroy it. With The Attic Whisperer vanquished, the corridor doors to the west swung open, revealing the next step in their journey.