Session 4 - Five Hours to Hell

📋 Session Summary

Duration: ~3 hours Location: Online
Players: User, Andi System Note: First session using foundryborne system - excellent UX improvement!

Key Events

• Chasmtender Investigation: Following lead from Jimmy the bartender about Craven’s connection to chasmtenders
• Void Spire Infiltration: Party navigates security checkpoint, bureaucracy, and discriminatory treatment
• Contract Reversal: From suspects to official contractors after learning of Craven’s attacks
• Descent Begins: 5-hour elevator journey into Shalk Chasm depths under ooze creature assault

Critical Information Discovered

• Craven is attacking chasmtenders: Not working with them, but systematically destroying their operations
• The Chainlord: Ultimate authority overseeing Void Spire operations
• Official contract secured: Party hired to stop Craven and recover mysterious sphere artifact
• Sphere Artifact Mission: Chainlord tasks party to find specific sphere artifact as payment for chasm expedition
• Chasm ecosystem hostile: Ooze creatures and other predators inhabit the depths

Chasmtenders Political Situation

• Divided Opinion: Local community split on chasmtenders’ legitimacy
  • Supporters: Believe they’re doing necessary work keeping Void Spire clean/stable
  • Critics: View them as extortionists exploiting community dependence
• Economic Control: Life in Anchorpoint entirely based on trade from artifacts pulled from below
• Monopoly Power: Chasmtenders control access to Shalk Chasm’s valuable resources
• Shalk Chasm Wealth: Contains many artifacts including portal to another world

TORQUE’S CRITICAL SIGHTING

• Craven Visual Confirmation: Saw Craven (burly) with 10 men at the chasm
• Chasmtender Meeting: Witnessed them talking to chasmtenders before descent
• DISAPPEARED: Craven’s entire group entered chasm and never returned
• Timeline: Sighting suggests recent activity - investigation target may be in chasm
• Group Size: Craven traveling with substantial force (10 men)
• Extortion Evidence: Chasmtenders wanted “a chestload” from Torque for access

TORQUE’S EVIDENCE QUEST

• Needs Proof: Wants evidence of chasmtender “farce” but uncertain who to give it to
• Authority Confusion: No clear recipient for evidence - suggests lack of oversight/justice system
• Wants Documentation: Seeking “something solid, some notes” to prove chasmtender corruption
• Augustus’s Question: Asked “for whom?” regarding proof recipient - highlighting systemic problem
• Grassroots Opposition: Individual seeking justice without institutional support

Session 3 Recap - Where We Left Off

• Party reached Anchorpoint after surviving Whisper Wind Pass combat gauntlet
• Discovered the Void Spire: Enormous spire of flame - supernatural landmark
• Major city built around this magical phenomenon
• Enhanced party with magical equipment: Arcane Prism, Premium Bedroll, Charm Potion, Arcane Cloak, Armor-enhancing Jewel
• Mission continues toward Shalk Chasm to investigate Craven Vakvom

🎭 Character Moments

Augustus (Recovery & Political Analysis)

• Visible Injuries: Quite beaten up from recent adventures and combat encounters
• Short Rest: Taking time to recover with hot stew at The Chainlink Tavern
• Party Concern: Companions noting his condition and planning appropriate rest
• Tavern Recovery: Using civilized environment for proper healing and restoration
• Political Stance: Believes chasmtenders are untrustworthy extortionists who shouldn’t be exploiting people
• Moral Opposition: Strong ethical objections to economic exploitation of community
• Investigation Question: Asked Torque “for whom?” regarding proof of chasmtender farce
• Evidence Interest: Engaging with Torque’s desire for solid evidence against chasmtenders
• Self-Preparation: Bought health potion for dangerous expedition ahead
• Leadership Support: Asked Banjo to lead the way to find chasmkeepers - trusting party member’s guidance
• Security Encounter: Witnessing CSA racist treatment of Banjo - likely reinforcing his distrust of authority
• BUREAUCRATIC RECOGNITION: Familiar with administrative woman’s paperwork tactics - experience with bureaucratic obstruction
• BRIBERY ATTEMPT: Tried to bribe the Fungril administrator - immediately and firmly rebuked
• Professional Misjudgment: Misread the administrator’s professional integrity despite system experience
• Line Management: Back in long queue for chasm access after paperwork completion
• TACTICAL DECEPTION: Faked heart attack away from line - SUCCESSFUL DISTRACTION creating chaos
• Team Coordination: Enabled Vaerenth and Hart to slip forward while line was distracted
• MEDICAL LIABILITY: Guards want to escort him to “chasmtender approved facility” - liability control measure
• QUICK RECOVERY: “It was just gas” - dismissing medical concerns to avoid forced medical custody
• FORCED MEDICAL ESCORT: Guard insisted despite protests - Augustus and Aster escorted to medical facility
• Dr. Auger Encounter: Brought to small goblin in lab coat at chasmtender medical room
• PAINFUL EXAMINATION: Dr. Auger pressed on Augustus’s shell causing pain - rough medical technique
• MALPRACTICE ACCUSATION: Accused Dr. Auger of malpractice - criticizing “old school doctor behavior”
• Professional Confrontation: Challenging medical authority within chasmtender system

Banjo (Homeland Concerns & Racial Harassment)

• Underground Heritage: His homeland is underground, potentially accessible through Shalk Chasm
• Personal Stakes: Portal to another world in chasm could connect to his people
• Wary Approach: Cautious about chasmtenders’ control over access to underground regions
• Cultural Connection: Understanding of underground civilizations and their value
• Generous Gesture: Tossed coin to Jimmy (bartender) for bottle of oil for Torque
• Ancestry Mistake: Realized after ordering oil that Torque is rock-based, not robot - humorous misunderstanding
• Social Kindness: Despite confusion, gesture was appreciated by Torque
• Bazaar Investigation: Searched shops for homeland artifacts - none visible but still suspicious
• Gift Received: Aster bought health potion for him - team support appreciated
• Party Leadership: Led party toward the Void Spire when searching for chasmkeepers
• SECURITY HARASSMENT: Failed stealth roll hiding dagger - guard confiscated weapon
• RACIST ABUSE: Guard labeled dagger “simian” in racist manner - Banjo HATES this treatment
• CSA Hostility: Immediate negative experience with “Chasm Security Agency” guards
• WEAPON STILL CONFISCATED: Knife not returned - only party member still disarmed by racist security
• DAGGER REPLACEMENT: Rorden D provides replacement dagger from guard consort - correcting discriminatory weapon confiscation
• Void Spire Entry: Proceeding into supernatural structure despite discriminatory treatment
• PAPERWORK EFFICIENCY: Four-limb writing - grabbed four utensils to tackle massive bureaucracy efficiently
• Customs Intelligence: Learning through forms that chasmtenders control all chasm traffic and pricing

Aster (Team Support & Generosity)

• Healing Support: Bought health potion for Banjo - caring for party member safety
• Team Investment: Using resources to prepare entire party for dangerous mission ahead
• Generous Spirit: Pattern of supporting party members continues from previous sessions
• MEDICAL ESCORT: Accompanied Augustus to chasmtender medical facility - team solidarity during forced detention
• Dr. Auger Meeting: Present for encounter with small goblin doctor in lab coat

Hart (Tactical Coordination & Threat Assessment)

• TACTICAL ADVANCEMENT: Slipped forward in line with Vaerenth during Augustus’s successful distraction
• Administrative Progress: Reached grumpy Fungril administrator for official chasm access processing
• Team Coordination: Working with Vaerenth to advance party’s mission while others manage distraction
• TEAM PURSUIT: Rushed to catch up when Augustus and Aster were escorted to medical facility
• Medical Room Entry: Followed party to chasmtender medical room with Dr. Auger
• THREAT ASSESSMENT: Asked what would happen if she kills Dr. Auger - testing security response protocols
• Intelligence Gathering: Inquiring “who would come?” - assessing chasmtender security capabilities

Banjo (Homeland Concerns & Team Unity)

• Underground Heritage: His homeland is underground, potentially accessible through Shalk Chasm
• Personal Stakes: Portal to another world in chasm could connect to his people
• Wary Approach: Cautious about chasmtenders’ control over access to underground regions
• Cultural Connection: Understanding of underground civilizations and their value
• Generous Gesture: Tossed coin to Jimmy (bartender) for bottle of oil for Torque
• Ancestry Mistake: Realized after ordering oil that Torque is rock-based, not robot - humorous misunderstanding
• Social Kindness: Despite confusion, gesture was appreciated by Torque
• Bazaar Investigation: Searched shops for homeland artifacts - none visible but still suspicious
• Gift Received: Aster bought health potion for him - team support appreciated
• Party Leadership: Led party toward the Void Spire when searching for chasmkeepers
• SECURITY HARASSMENT: Failed stealth roll hiding dagger - guard confiscated weapon
• RACIST ABUSE: Guard labeled dagger “simian” in racist manner - Banjo HATES this treatment
• CSA Hostility: Immediate negative experience with “Chasm Security Agency” guards
• WEAPON STILL CONFISCATED: Knife not returned - only party member still disarmed by racist security
• Void Spire Entry: Proceeding into supernatural structure despite discriminatory treatment
• PAPERWORK EFFICIENCY: Four-limb writing - grabbed four utensils to tackle massive bureaucracy efficiently
• Customs Intelligence: Learning through forms that chasmtenders control all chasm traffic and pricing
• TEAM PURSUIT: Rushed to catch up when Augustus and Aster were escorted to medical facility
• Medical Room Entry: Present for encounter with chasmtender doctor Dr. Auger

Vaerenth (Strategic Intelligence & Team Support)

• Probing Inquiry: Asked the Clank what chasmtenders could be after
• Intelligence Gathering: Seeking to understand chasmtender motivations and activities
• Strategic Thinking: Investigating the bigger picture behind chasmtender operations
• Information Analysis: Connecting dots between chasmtender activities and broader threats
• Team Preparation: Bought stamina potion for Augustus - tactical support for injured party member
• TACTICAL COORDINATION: Slipped forward in line during Augustus’s distraction with Hart
• Administrative Return: Back to grumpy Fungril administrator after line advancement
• Mission Justification: Provided cover story about “family friend and riches” when questioned
• Craven Documentation: Listed Craven on forms as expedition target - ACCEPTED by administrator
• TEAM PURSUIT: Rushed to catch up when Augustus and Aster were escorted to medical facility
• Medical Room Entry: Followed party to encounter with Dr. Auger - maintaining team unity

Banjo (Information Specialist)

• Direct Approach: Successfully asked bartender about Craven Vakvom
• Social Success: Presence roll with Hope magic yielded crucial intelligence
• Investigation Lead: Discovered connection between Craven and the “chasmtenders”
• Diplomatic Excellence: Effective questioning without arousing suspicion

🌍 World & Story

New Locations

• the-chainlink-tavern: Tavern built into/around a massive chain link from the Void Spire restraint system
• anchorpoint: Major city with architecture integrated around the Void Spire’s chain restraints
• anchorpoint-bazaar: Marketplace filled with expensive trinkets and magical items, likely sourced from Shalk Chasm
• void-spire-approach: MAGNIFICENT VIEW - The massive chained spire in all its terrifying glory, covered in mystical runes and restraining chains
• void-spire-interior: INSIDE THE SUPERNATURAL STRUCTURE - All rooms deliberately off-kilter to compensate for spire’s precarious angle

NPCs Encountered

• jimmy-the-bartender: Bartender at The Chainlink Tavern named Jimmy, provided crucial information about Craven Vakvom
  • Responded positively to Banjo’s Presence roll (with Hope)
  • Directed party to speak with “chasmtenders” at the Void Spire about Craven
  • Sold bottle of oil to Banjo for Torque (though Torque didn’t need it)
• torque-the-clank: Rock-based Clank patron named Torque who overheard conversation about Craven
  • Ancestry Clarification: Actually rock-based, not robot - oil not needed but appreciated gesture
  • Approached party with strong opinions about chasmtenders
  • Believes “this whole thing is nothing but a ruse”
  • Confirms chasmtenders are “not trustworthy”
  • Reports they’re after “all sorts of trinkets, old magic” but doesn’t know why
  • CRUCIAL SIGHTING: Saw Craven (burly) with 10 men talking to chasmtenders
  • DISAPPEARED: Craven’s group entered chasm, never came back
  • EXTORTION: Chasmtenders wanted to charge him “a chestload” for chasm access
  • Evidence Quest: Wants proof of chasmtender farce but uncertain who to give it to
• The Chainlord Reference: Torque mentioned “The Chainlord” as authority figure overseeing Void Spire operations
• dr-auger: Small goblin in lab coat - chasmtender medical authority at Void Spire facility
  • Professional Appearance: Goblin doctor wearing lab coat in medical room
  • Institutional Medicine: Represents chasmtender control over medical care and liability
  • Augustus Examination: Summoned to assess Augustus after fake heart attack incident
• csa-racist-guard: Chasm Security Agency guard at Void Spire checkpoint
  • Weapon Confiscation: Required party to drop all items, confiscated Banjo’s hidden dagger
  • RACIST BEHAVIOR: Labeled Banjo’s dagger “simian” in discriminatory manner
  • Authority Abuse: Represents institutional racism within chasmtender organization
  • “Back on the way out”: Promised to return weapon after chasm visit
• rorden-d-guard-leader: Chasmtender guard leader who signed the official contract offering party employment
  • Contract Authority: Signs official documents on behalf of his boss
  • Security Chief: Leader of the 6-7 armored guards responding to threats
  • Time Management: Monitors elevator schedules and departure times
  • Professional Conduct: Maintains formal procedure even during crisis situations
  • Bureaucratic Gatekeeping: Requires stamps for approval to enter chasm
  • Toll Collection: Demanding payment for 6 party members including Hogpog
  • Paperwork Mountain: Stacked nearly a foot of paperwork in front of party
  • Administrative Obstruction: Creating bureaucratic barriers to chasm access
  • PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY: Immediately rebuked Augustus’s bribery attempt - maintains professional standards
  • Incorruptible: Cannot be bypassed through financial persuasion - strictly follows procedures

Plot Developments

• Craven Vakvom Lead: First direct information about investigation target’s whereabouts
• Chasmtenders Discovery: New faction/role revealed - people who tend to the Void Spire
• Void Spire Direction: Investigation now points directly to the dangerous magical landmark
• Social Success: Banjo’s diplomatic approach with Hope magic yielded valuable intelligence

🏛️ Lore Revealed

New World Information

• Chasmtenders Organization: Specialist faction that “tends to the Void Spire”
  • Professional group managing the dangerous magical landmark
  • Known to Anchorpoint community as legitimate experts
  • Craven Vakvom has established contact/relationship with them
• Void Spire Operations: Confirmation that the dangerous structure requires active management
• Local Intelligence Network: Tavern bartenders track significant visitors and activities

Lore Questions Raised

• What exactly do the “chasmtenders” do at the Void Spire?
• What is Craven Vakvom’s relationship/business with the chasmtenders?
• How dangerous is it to approach the chasmtenders at the unstable Void Spire?
• Are the chasmtenders legitimate maintainers or exploitative monopolists?
• What information did Craven seek from or provide to the chasmtenders?
• Could the portal to another world in Shalk Chasm connect to Banjo’s underground homeland?
• What artifacts are being pulled from below and how valuable are they?
• Are chasmtenders using community funds appropriately for Void Spire maintenance?
• What access controls do chasmtenders have over Shalk Chasm resources?

⚔️ Mechanics & Rules

New Rules Used

• foundryborne system: Excellent UX experience noted!
• [Other rule applications]

System Notes

• foundryborne provides much improved user experience
• [Other mechanical observations]

🔮 Looking Forward

Next Session Setup

• ELEVATOR COMBAT CONTINUES: Party mid-battle with ooze creatures during 5-hour descent to Shalk Chasm
• Cliffhanger Position: Unresolved combat on moving elevator platform
• Approaching Chasm Floor: Still descending toward massacre scene and chasmtender survivors
• Mission Awaits: Official contract to find Craven and recover mysterious artifact

Character Goals

• Survive the descent: Complete ooze creature combat and reach chasm floor safely
• Assess massacre scene: Investigate chasmtender casualties and gather intelligence
• Locate Craven: Track down Craven Vakvom and his 10 men in the dangerous chasm depths
• Complete contract: Fulfill chasmtender agreement for chest of gold reward

Lore Integration Opportunities

• Research ooze creature ecology and behavior patterns in Shalk Chasm
• Investigate the specific artifact Craven was searching for
• Explore connection between portal to another world and Banjo’s homeland
• Understand The Chainlord’s role in chasmtender hierarchy and operations

📌 Quick Notes

• foundryborne system: excellent UX! ✨
• Epic session arc: bureaucracy → diplomacy → horror action
• Major tone shift from Session 3’s conclusion
• Party now has official backing and clear mission
• Cliffhanger combat creates perfect tension for next session

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Session Date: 2025-08-15 Next Session: Combat resolution in Shalk Chasm System: foundryborne (great UX improvement!)