The chronicle record
The adventurers stood at the edge of the southern Fangwood, supplies gathered and resolve firm. With Gundugar Herdtender crafting five lesser spiderfoot brews and six potions of acid resistance, Wren enhancing her shortsword with a striking rune, and Finnetharyn Fimbleshanks retaining a potion of flying, they set their sights on Fort Trevalay. As they approached, a river wound its way to the fort, revealing multiple paths forward.
Upon reaching the vicinity of Fort Trevalay, Fangwood Six observed organized goblin patrols scouring the area. Nova’s unusual nervousness prompted Wren to keep her sheltered beneath the trees. The fort loomed on a stone island, encircled by a rapid River gorge and accessible via several bridges. From the east, they spotted two disciplined hobgoblin soldiers guarding the eastern bridge, while eerie calls reminiscent of Nova’s echoed from within the fort, suggesting the presence of large eagles. Arsène scouted the fort's perimeter, noting the well-maintained walls and a prominent northern tower. The party chose to explore the southern approach, where they detected a quiet patrol of hobgoblins and opted for stealth, allowing the patrol to pass undetected. However, the southern bridge lay in disrepair, posing a significant risk. They deliberated on their options, recalling the dangers of River-dwelling fey and the potential for ambush, ultimately deciding to descend the gorge, cross the river, and climb the opposite side.
After consuming their brews and potions, they successfully navigated the river and entered the fort. Inside, they encountered hobgoblins training eagle-like creatures in a courtyard, prompting a strategy session for an attack on the guards by the bridge. A mishap occurred when Vendel Coldblade collided with Bruneg, alerting the defenders. The ensuing battle erupted as hobgoblins commanded their eagles to attack. Finnetharyn’s anthem inspired his allies, while Bruneg and Arsène engaged the foes directly. The fight intensified as arrows flew and eagles swooped, with the party coordinating their attacks against the well-trained Iron Fang soldiers. Wren identified a hobgoblin archer as her prey, successfully striking him down, while Finnetharyn unleashed a gravity wave that knocked several enemies prone. As the battle raged, the remaining hobgoblins began to retreat, realizing the tide was turning against them. The party, having gained the upper hand, chose to enter a nearby Stone Building rather than pursue the fleeing foes. Inside, they discovered a gruesome scene of cages and bones, with signs of a recent struggle. As they examined the area, a spectral figure emerged from a human corpse, attacking Arsène and knocking him unconscious.
The party quickly regrouped, with Finnetharyn cursing the specter while Gundugar attempted to use alchemical weapons against it. Bruneg and Vendel provided healing support, while Wren identified the creature as a specter, revealing its vulnerabilities. They worked together to defeat the specter, ultimately destroying it and uncovering a stash of money and military medals beneath the corpse. As they collected their findings, a hobgoblin outside offered them a choice: surrender for well-treated slavery or face the wrath of Ibzairiak, a creature of formidable power. Finnetharyn boldly countered, suggesting the hobgoblins surrender instead, only to be met with laughter and threats. Tension filled the air as the party prepared for the next confrontation, aware of the dangers lurking within the fort.