Session 8 - 2025-10-10

Summary

Duration: 3 hours Key events:

Continued combat with Craven in ancient temple chamber
Vaerenth sacrificed herself (17 damage) to break Augustus’s orb tether, freeing the healer
Aster heroically saved Banjo with potion and broke his tether (23 damage taken, divine vision “everything will be ok”)
Party systematically eliminated all cultists, archers, and spectral guardians
Craven consumed his own allies for HP sustain, revealed vampiric abilities
Craven tethered Banjo with devastating 36 damage hit, using him as hostage
Augustus intercepted damage for Banjo and was downed by Craven’s execution strike
Banjo mooned Craven as distraction, Vaerenth delivered killing blow using Augustus as platform
Cosmic horror revealed: Orb breach caused sky to crack, tentacles from beyond reached through
Vaerenth concealed orb in robe, stopping reality breach
Party escaped carrying mortally wounded Augustus, possessing world-ending artifact
Temporal distortion: 5 days passed in Taloom during party’s 6-12 hour absence
Mama Yada agreed to trade with outsiders, possibly relocating (positive change from party’s help)
Tavni provided useful equipment: potion recipe, jump root, gecko gloves
Party departed Taloom as honored allies, heading “elsewhere” - NOT to Void Spire
Critical Choice: Party broke contract with Chainlord, refusing to deliver cosmic horror artifact
Level Up: All characters advanced with powerful new abilities

Previous Session Recap

From Session 7: Party confronted craven in temple chamber with six pillars, reddish orb, and large coffin. Combat initiated with shadowchain restraints affecting whole party. aster broke free using Fearless ability, distributed Hope. vaerenth attempted but failed to break free. Orb revealed as damage redistribution mechanism - attacks absorbed and dealt half damage to tethered targets (craven and augustus). Cultists attacking, including problematic archer. Party strategy: target cultists first, avoid orb, spread out.

Combat Tracker - Battle with Craven

Combat State at Session Start

Party Status:

Aster: Free from restraints, has taken cultist damage (including enervating blast), 3 Hope
Vaerenth: Restrained by shadowchains, 3 Hope
Augustus: Restrained AND tethered to orb (takes damage when orb attacked), 4 Hope
Banjo: Restrained by shadowchains, 6 Hope

Enemy Status:

Craven: Connected to reddish orb, commanding undead/cultists
Cultists: Active, including archer cultist
Reddish Orb: Absorbs attacks, redistributes half damage to tethered targets

Key Mechanics:

Shadowchain restraints on most party members
Orb tether damage redistribution (attacks on orb hurt Augustus)
Party strategy: Target cultists, avoid orb, spread formation

Round 1 - Opening Actions

Vaerenth’s Escape Attempt (with Aster assist)

Action: Attempt to break free from shadowshackle restraints
Aster’s Assist Roll: 4
Vaerenth’s Roll: 9
Prayer Dice Bonus: +1 (from Aster)
Final Total: 14 with Fear
Result: SUCCESS - Vaerenth breaks free!
Effect: Vaerenth escapes shadowshackle restraints

Banjo’s Aggressive Push

Action 1: Shadowstep behind cultist (teleport ability)
Action 2: Sneak attack attempt
Roll: MISS
Cultist Counter: Shadowshackle attack on Banjo - HIT
Effect: Banjo restrained by shadowshackles
Additional Loss: Rogue’s Dodge ability consumed
Cultist Movement: Retreated further away from party
Tactical Note: Aggressive play backfired - Banjo now restrained and cultist repositioned defensively

Coordinated Cultist Elimination (Aster + Vaerenth)

Aster’s Action: Light-enhanced arrow assist
Vaerenth’s Action: Archery shot on shadowshackle cultist
Result: KILL - Shadowshackle cultist eliminated
Effect: Banjo and Hogpog automatically freed from restraints

Banjo’s Liberation and Counter-Strike

Instinct Roll: SUCCESS - Banjo breaks free from restraints
Potion Use: Drank health potion, cleared 3 HP
Action: Shadowstep behind remaining cultist
Position: Hidden in shadows behind target
Attack: Sneak attack from Hidden
Result: GOOD HIT on cultist

Craven’s Pursuit

Action: Followed Banjo’s shadowstep
Attack: Umbral Strike on Banjo
Damage: SEVERE HIT
HP Impact: Banjo reduced to 2/6 HP
Armor: Last armor slot used
Resources Expended: Health potion already consumed
Critical Status: Banjo at critically low HP, no armor, no healing items
Tactical Note: Craven tracking Banjo’s movements, applying direct pressure to most vulnerable target

Spectral Guardian Engagement

Targets: Aster, Vaerenth, and Hogpog
Enemy Count: 2x Spectral Guardians active
Additional Threats: Archer cultists still in combat
Combat Status: Multi-front battle developing

Augustus’s Tethered Dilemma

Current State: Retreated into shell (defensive stance)
Primary Action: Mitigating tether damage from orb
Observation: Witnessed Banjo take heavy hit from Craven
Tactical Assessment: Unable to provide effective help while tethered to orb
Strategic Problem: Tether prevents full party support capability

Round 2 - Heroic Sacrifice

Vaerenth’s Desperate Gambit

Observation: Banjo at 2/6 HP, Augustus tethered and unable to help
Decision: Rush to Augustus to break the tether
Movement: Rushed over to Augustus’s position
Acrobatic Maneuver: Flipped over nearby enemies
Action: Grabbed the tether connecting Augustus to the orb
Execution: SNAPPED the tether
Damage Taken: 17 damage from breaking the tether connection
Effect: Shockwave emitted from broken tether
Result: Augustus FREED from orb tether
Heroic Sacrifice: Vaerenth took massive damage to liberate party’s healer
Tactical Implication: Augustus can now act freely and potentially save Banjo

Craven’s Rage

Reaction: “Nooo, he was mine!”
Emotional State: Angry at losing control of Augustus
Implication: Augustus being tethered was intentional, part of Craven’s plan
Tactical Note: Craven had specific purpose for keeping Augustus bound

Vaerenth’s Defiance

Response to Craven: Mocking laughter - “hehe”
Action: Casually quaffed health potion despite taking 17 damage
HP Recovery: Regained 2 HP from potion
Attitude: Defiant mockery in face of massive damage
Character Moment: Laughing at the boss while bleeding out - absolute badass energy

Craven’s Desperate Consumption

Action: Consumed last remaining cultist
HP Recovery: Regained 1 HP from consuming ally
Tactical Implication: No more cultist minions remain
Character Reveal: Craven will sacrifice his own forces to sustain himself
Dark Magic: Demonstrates life-draining/vampiric abilities tied to the orb
Strategic Note: Craven treating cultists as disposable HP resources

Augustus’s Furious Vengeance

Emotional State: Enraged after watching friends suffer while helplessly tethered
Target: Nearby archer cultist
Attack Roll: CRITICAL SUCCESS
Motivation: “Seeing his friends being attacked” - protective fury unleashed
Damage: 26 damage total
Hit Severity: SEVERE HIT - threshold exceeded
Result: Archer INSTANTLY OBLITERATED
Weapon: Mace/hammer (“hammers the shit out of him”)
Character Moment: Gentle healer transformed into avenging force
Pent-Up Rage: All frustration from being tethered released in single devastating blow
Tactical Impact: One archer eliminated, Augustus fully operational

Banjo’s Tactical Escape

Decision: Disengage from Craven (at 2/6 HP, critical danger)
Action: Shadowstep away from Craven
Repositioning: Appeared behind last remaining archer
Attack: Sneak attack from Hidden position
Result: KILL - Last archer eliminated (“mercs him”)
Tactical Success: Escaped Craven’s reach AND eliminated ranged threat
Strategic Note: Used mobility to turn defensive retreat into offensive elimination

Aster’s Blazing Assault

Target: Spectral Guardians
Ability: Emblazoned Body (holy/fire enhancement)
Attack Style: “Goes to town” - aggressive, sustained assault
Combat Description: Maniacal attacks on spirit guardians
Character Moment: Unleashing divine fury against undead threats
Result: Spectral Guardians ELIMINATED
Tactical Impact: All minions cleared from battlefield

Round 3 - Boss Isolation

Battlefield Status

All Cultists: ELIMINATED
All Archers: ELIMINATED
Spectral Guardians: 1 remaining active
Remaining Threats: Craven, 1 Spectral Guardian, and the Reddish Orb
Strategic Situation: Boss isolated but one guardian still active

Vaerenth’s Control Attempt

Target: Craven
Ability: Vicious Entangle (restraint/control spell)
Tactical Goal: Immobilize the boss
Roll: 12
Result: FAILURE - Craven resists the entangle
Effect: Craven remains mobile and dangerous
Tactical Note: Control attempt unsuccessful, Craven still free to act

Craven’s Aggressive Response

Target: Banjo (at 2/6 HP - most vulnerable target)
Movement: Rushed over to Banjo’s position
Attack: Tether strike (similar to Augustus’s previous tether)
Damage: 36 damage - DEVASTATING HIT
HP Impact: Banjo now at 5/6 HP marked (marked 3 additional HP)
Result: Banjo now tethered to reddish orb AND near death
Tactical Shift: Craven replacing lost Augustus tether with Banjo tether
Strategic Implication: Craven needs someone bound to the orb for his plan
Critical Danger: Banjo has only 1 HP remaining AND tethered to orb
Pattern Recognition: First Augustus “was mine”, now Banjo becomes replacement binding
Severity: Banjo one hit away from being downed

Vaerenth & Hogpog’s Guardian Assault

Vaerenth’s Action: Moving to engage remaining spectral guardian
Hogpog’s Action: Changed target to Craven instead of guardian
Attack Result: Hit Craven for 1 HP damage
Tactical Note: Hogpog dealing chip damage to boss while Banjo critical

Craven’s Consumption Response

Action: Consumed spectral guardian (last remaining minion)
HP Recovery: Regained 1 HP from consuming guardian
Net Effect: Hogpog’s 1 damage negated by consumption healing
Battlefield Clear: ALL minions now eliminated (guardian consumed)
Craven’s Pattern: Consistently sacrificing allies for sustain
Strategic State: Craven now COMPLETELY alone - no more minions to consume
Desperation Sign: Consuming own forces to maintain HP

Craven’s Hostage Control

Position: Using shield to pin Banjo against nearby pillar
Tactical Control: Physically restraining Banjo (1 HP, already tethered)
Multi-Threat: Holding Banjo while still able to attack others
Attack on Hogpog: Slashed with upward strike
Result: HIT - Hogpog takes damage
Strategic Note: Craven using Banjo as shield/hostage while fighting
Hostage Situation: Banjo pinned, tethered, and at death’s door

Aster’s Rescue Attempt

Action: Moving to Banjo’s aid
Tactical Goal: Save/free Banjo from Craven’s control
Challenge: Banjo pinned by shield, tethered to orb, at 1 HP

Aster’s Heroic Intervention - Part 1: Emergency Healing

Action: Gave Banjo a health potion
HP Recovery: Cleared 4 HP
Banjo’s Status: Now at 1/6 HP marked (5 HP available)
Critical Save: Pulled Banjo back from death’s door
Tactical Benefit: Banjo can now survive potential hits

Aster’s Heroic Intervention - Part 2: Tether Breaking

Ability Used: Soldier experience and strength
Action: Attempted to physically break the orb tether
Roll: 12 - CRITICAL SUCCESS WITH HOPE!
Result: TETHER BROKEN - Banjo freed from orb!
Damage Cost: 23 damage from breaking tether
Armor Used: Last armor slot consumed
HP Marked: 1 HP marked
Serene Vision: “Everything will be ok” - divine/prophetic reassurance
Critical Benefits:
- Automatically succeeds at breaking tether
- Gains Hope from critical
Shockwave Effect: Tether destruction releases energy
Sacrificial Heroism: Aster willingly took massive damage to save Banjo
Game Changer: Banjo no longer bound to orb, Craven’s plan disrupted AGAIN
Spiritual Moment: Despite pain, Aster feels certainty that sacrifice was right
Tactical Shift: Banjo healed AND freed, but Aster now wounded

Banjo’s Counterattack with Hope

Attack: Strike on Craven
Damage: 14 physical damage
Result: SUCCESS WITH HOPE
Quip: “Have you tried therapy?!” (delivered while sliding by)
Movement: Attempted to slide past/away from Craven

Craven’s “Get Over Here” Response

Trigger: Losing 2+ HP from Banjo’s attack
Ability: “Get Over Here” - pull/grapple ability
Effect: Yanked Banjo back into close range
Tactical Note: Craven has reactive ability that prevents escape when damaged
Result: Banjo pulled back into melee with Craven

Vaerenth’s Successful Vicious Entangle (with Aster assist)

Target: Craven
Ability: Vicious Entangle (restraint spell)
Aster’s Assistance: Provided crucial support despite being wounded
Result: SUCCESS - Craven restrained!
Damage Roll: 1d8+1 = 9 total damage
Damage Reduction: Reduced to 6 physical damage (3 damage mitigated)
Primary Effect: Craven now RESTRAINED
Tactical Victory: Boss immobilized and taking damage
Strategic Shift: Craven can’t move, party has opening

Round 4 - Tactical Repositioning

Party Scatter Maneuver

Banjo: Runs away to comfortable distance (disengaging from Craven)
Augustus: Also retreats to safer distance
Aster: Stays in close range with restrained Craven
Tactical Split: Party creating distance except Aster
Risk Assessment: Leaving Aster alone with boss

Craven’s Restrained Attack

Condition: Restrained (can’t move but can attack from position)
Target: Aster (only PC remaining in melee)
Attack: Heavy swing
Result: MISS
Impact: Strike hits pillar between Aster and Craven instead
Cinematic Moment: Weapon impacts stone, sparks/debris flying
Aster’s Luck: Narrowly avoided hit while wounded
Tactical Note: Craven frustrated, restrained, and missing attacks

Aster’s Devastating Counterattack

Attack Roll: 23 WITH HOPE - major success
Position: Standing firm alone against restrained Craven
Hope Expenditure: Burned 1 Hope for 1d8 additional damage
Total Damage: 30 damage
Hit Severity: SEVERE HIT to Craven
Tactical Context: Punishing Craven for missing attack
Character Moment: Wounded but relentless - Aster refusing to yield
Strategic Impact: Massive damage to boss while restrained
Symbolic Victory: Standing alone against darkness and winning

Craven’s Retaliatory Strike

Ability: “Get Over Here” (triggered by Aster’s 30 damage)
Target: Aster (who just dealt severe damage)
Attack: Retaliatory strike
Result: HIT - 25 damage
Hit Severity: MAJOR HIT to Aster
Cumulative Damage: Aster has now taken 48 damage this fight (23 from tether break + 25 from this hit)
Critical Status: Aster severely wounded after standing alone
Tactical Pattern: Craven’s reactive ability punishing those who damage him
Price of Heroism: Aster’s brave stand comes at devastating cost

Round 5 - Critical Turn

Banjo’s Major Strike

Attack: Strike on restrained Craven
Result: MAJOR HIT on Craven
Damage: [Amount not specified]
Trigger: Activated Craven’s “Get Over Here” ability (2+ HP damage)

Augustus’s Heroic Interception

“Get Over Here” Triggered: Craven’s reactive pull on Banjo
Augustus’s Choice: Intercepts the damage meant for Banjo
Damage Taken: Near-death levels from interception
Heroic Sacrifice: Tank protecting the rogue
Critical Status: Augustus nearly dying from intercepted attack

Craven Breaks Free

Action: Spent Fear to break Vicious Entangle restraint
Result: Craven NO LONGER RESTRAINED
Tactical Shift: Boss regains mobility
Escalation: Craven using resources to free himself

Craven’s Execution Strike on Augustus

Target: Augustus (nearly dead from interception)
Attack: Direct strike on downed tank
Augustus’s Defense: Cannot reduce damage
Result: HIT - Augustus goes DOWN
Critical Moment: Party’s healer/tank eliminated
Player Choice: Mark (Augustus’s player) must determine what happens next
Narrative Weight: First party member downed in this fight

Party HP Status Check (Before Augustus’s Decision)

Vaerenth: 2/6 HP (critically wounded)
Banjo: 4/6 HP (wounded)
Aster: 6/8 HP (wounded)
Augustus: DOWN

Augustus’s Final Moment - Choosing Life

Mark’s Decision: Augustus goes unconscious, avoids death
Final Thought: “Confidence in his friends” - faith in party’s ability to finish this
Status: UNCONSCIOUS but ALIVE
Character Moment: Tank’s last act is trust in his companions
Symbolic Weight: Augustus protected everyone all fight, now must trust them to protect him
Hope Given: Augustus believes they can win without him

Round 6 - The Killing Blow

Craven’s Threatening Stance

Action: Points sword at Aster
Eyes: Locked on Banjo
Tactic: Threatening multiple targets, dividing attention
Intimidation: Attempting to control battlefield through fear

Banjo’s Ultimate Disrespect

Action: Turns around, exposes ass, MOONS Craven
Tactical Purpose: Create distraction through mockery
Character Moment: Peak Banjo energy - disrespect even facing death
Effect: Craven’s attention drawn by outrageous display
Psychological Warfare: Treating deadly boss fight as joke

Vaerenth’s Finishing Shot - THE KILL

Distraction Used: Banjo mooning Craven creates opening
Movement: Boosts forward at full speed
Platform: Jumps OFF unconscious Augustus’s body as launching pad
Attack: Arrow shot THROUGH Craven
Result: KILLING BLOW
Craven’s Last Words: “Noooo I was so close!!!”
Final Moment: Craven dies mid-sentence, plan unfulfilled
Victory: Vaerenth (at 2/6 HP) delivers the execution
Epic Finish: Wounded archer using fallen tank to kill the boss
Character Arc: From taking 17 damage to free Augustus → landing killing blow
The Cycle: Broken by arrow through the heart

Post-Battle - The Orb’s True Nature

The Orb Falls

Craven’s Death: Body collapses, reddish orb falls from his possession
Movement: Orb rolls across temple floor
Vaerenth’s Action: Quickly retrieves the fallen orb

Reality Breach - Cosmic Horror Revealed

Trigger: Orb exposed and uncontained after Craven’s death
Phenomenon: Sky CRACKS OPEN into endless expanse beyond
Horror Manifests: TENTACLES reaching through from beyond reality
Cosmic Scale: Something vast and terrible attempting to enter this world
The Truth: Orb was containing/controlling something far worse than Craven
Implication: “The Cycle” involved keeping this cosmic horror sealed

Vaerenth’s Quick Thinking

Action: Wraps orb in robe to CONCEAL it
Result: Concealment STOPS the phenomenon
Effect: Sky crack closes, tentacles withdraw
Discovery: Physical concealment of orb prevents breach
Consequence: Vaerenth now possesses object of cosmic significance
New Mystery: What is this orb really? What was Craven protecting/containing?
Party Status: Victory achieved, but new threat discovered

Desperate Escape

Augustus’s Critical Condition

Status: Bleeding, near mortally wounded
Condition: Unconscious but alive (Mark’s choice to avoid death)
Severity: Critical injuries requiring immediate evacuation
Last Conscious Moment: Faith in friends to finish the fight

Party Evacuation

Action: Carrying Augustus out of temple chamber
Vaerenth: Possessing wrapped cosmic orb, 2/6 HP
Banjo: 4/6 HP, helping carry Augustus
Aster: 6/8 HP, supporting evacuation
Hogpog: Assisting with Augustus
Escape Route: Leaving ancient temple with cosmic secret
Victory Cost: Tank down, everyone wounded, world-ending artifact acquired
Unspoken Truth: They may have saved their friend but doomed something far greater

Augustus’s Final Moments

Aster’s Respectful Care

Action: Wrapped Augustus in their arcane cloak
Manner: Regal, honourable, and respectful presentation
Effect: Augustus still looks dignified despite critical wounds
Character Moment: Aster ensuring fallen companion maintains honour

Augustus’s Brief Awakening

Consciousness: Woke briefly during evacuation
Last Memory: “The last thing I saw was Banjo taking a heavy hit”
Concern: Worried about Banjo’s wellbeing even while dying
Character Trait: Tank’s protective instinct persists to the end

Banjo’s Comfort

Response: Reassured Augustus “I’m ok”
Emotional Beat: Comforting the one who saved him
Role Reversal: Rogue supporting the tank after interception sacrifice
Connection: Final exchange between saviour and saved

Return Journey

The Sparse Loot

Acquired: Only the reddish orb (world-ending artifact)
Temple Remains: Nothing else of value
Discovery: All other remains are centuries old
Implication: Craven and the cycle predated recent history
Weight: Greatest treasure is greatest threat

Journey Through Ruins

Path: Slow, exhausting trek through rubbled city
Party Condition: Fucking exhausted
Phenomenon: NO flashbacks this time
Change: Things have calmed down (only a little)
Atmospheric Shift: Temporal disturbances lessening after Craven’s death
Progress: Making way back into taloom
Destination: Returning to shady-rest
Burden: Carrying Augustus and cosmic secret home

Return to the Shady Rest

Temporal Anomaly Revealed

Town’s Perspective: Party has been gone for 5 DAYS
Party’s Perspective: Journey felt like only 6-12 hours
Time Dilation: Massive temporal distortion in the ancient ruins
Shock Factor: Tavni stunned by their prolonged absence
Implication: Time flows radically differently within the cursed ruins

Tavni’s Reaction

Question: “Where have you been?”
Emotional State: Shocked and concerned by 5-day absence
Worry: Party missing far longer than expected

Party Responses

Vaerenth: “Told you we’d be back” (casual confidence despite temporal weirdness)
Aster: “I think time flows differently in there” (piecing together the temporal mechanics)
Realization: Understanding dawning about the nature of the ruins
Character Beat: Aster the analytical one solving the puzzle

Tavni’s Practical Concern

Question: “We should reseal it, did you get what you needed?”
Priority: Securing the dangerous ruins again
Assumption: Party’s mission accomplished, time to close it up
Unaware: Doesn’t yet know about cosmic horror implications

Vaerenth’s Revelation

Response: “Yes, there was some interesting celestial magic… and we did bring something with us”
Presentation: Reveals the orb
Size Detail: Orb is quite large compared to Vaerenth
Understatement: “Interesting celestial magic” doesn’t begin to cover reality-breaching cosmic horror
Casual Display: Presenting world-ending artifact like a souvenir
Dramatic Moment: Showing Tavni what they actually found

Tavni’s Response to the Orb

Statement: “We have no need for the orb”
Dismissal: Not interested in the artifact despite its appearance
Unaware: Doesn’t realize the cosmic significance of what they’re rejecting
Irony: The most dangerous object in the region dismissed as unneeded

Changes in Taloom

Tavni’s Revelation: “A few things have changed, some for the good”
Timeline Context: 5 days have passed in town during party’s absence
Mystery: What happened while the party was in temporal distortion?
Tone: Some changes positive, implying others may not be
Setup: Significant events occurred in the missing time

Mama Yada’s Transformation

Development: mama-yada has agreed to trade with outsiders
Consideration: Possibly moving/relocating
Cause: Party’s earlier intervention and help
Tavni’s Response: Thanks the party for spurring this positive change
Impact: Opens new trade opportunities for Taloom
Character Growth: Mama Yada overcoming isolation/distrust
Party Achievement: Diplomatic success with long-term benefits
Timeline Note: This development occurred during the 5-day absence

Sealing the Ruins

Tavni’s Question: “Should we still collapse the shaft?”
Aster’s Response: “Collapse that bitch, immediately”
Decision: Unanimous agreement to seal the ancient ruins
Urgency: No hesitation after experiencing temporal distortion and cosmic horror
Protective Measure: Preventing future access to the dangerous site
Character Moment: Aster’s normally composed demeanour replaced with absolute certainty
Implication: Party knows firsthand why the ruins must remain sealed
Final Action: The shaft to the ancient city will be collapsed

Party Name Established

Vaerenth’s Declaration: The group’s name is TSAS - TSA Slayers
Tavni’s Response: Notes the name for their plaque
Recognition: Party officially commemorated at the Shady Rest
Identity Established: First formal declaration of the adventuring party’s name
TSA Reference: Name calls back to their conflicts with Taloom Security Authority
Legacy: Party’s deeds will be remembered and recorded

Evidence of New Trade

Food Presented: Meal served to the party
Observation: “Outside food” - not locally sourced
Implication: Active trade with outsiders now occurring
Source: Likely from void-spire
Significance: Tangible proof of opened trade routes
Party Impact: Their diplomatic efforts bearing immediate, practical fruit
Economic Change: Taloom’s isolation breaking down in real-time
Character Moment: Party experiencing the direct results of their earlier work with Mama Yada

Character Actions

Banjo (Gareth)

Broke free from shadowchain restraints with Instinct roll
Drank health potion recovering 3 HP during escape
Shadowstepped behind cultist for successful sneak attack
Escaped Craven’s pursuit via shadowstep
Struck Craven for 14 damage with hope, quipped “Have you tried therapy?!”
Pulled back by Craven’s “Get Over Here” reactive ability
Later struck Craven for major hit
Ultimate tactical distraction: mooned Craven creating opening for killing blow

Vaerenth (Andi)

Escaped shadowchain restraints with Aster’s assist (14 total with prayer dice)
Coordinated with Aster to eliminate shadowshackle cultist, freeing allies
Heroic sacrifice: Rushed to Augustus, broke orb tether taking 17 damage
Mocked Craven with “hehe” while bleeding, drank health potion (+2 HP)
Attempted vicious entangle on Craven (failed at 12)
Second vicious entangle with Aster assist: SUCCESS, restrained Craven (6 damage after reduction)
Delivered killing blow: arrow through Craven using Augustus as platform
Quick thinking saved world: grabbed orb, wrapped in robe to stop cosmic breach
Evacuated carrying Augustus while possessing world-ending artifact

Augustus (Mark)

Freed from orb tether by Vaerenth’s sacrifice
Furious vengeance: CRIT obliterated archer with 26 damage seeing friends attacked
Intercepted “Get Over Here” damage meant for Banjo, nearly died
Execution strike from Craven: went unconscious
Final thought: “Confidence in friends” - chose life over death
Evacuated by party, bleeding and near mortally wounded

Aster (Luie)

Assisted Vaerenth’s escape with prayer dice bonus
Coordinated cultist elimination with light-enhanced arrow
Heroic intervention Part 1: Gave Banjo health potion (cleared 4 HP)
Heroic intervention Part 2: CRIT broke Banjo’s tether using soldier strength (23 damage taken, divine vision “everything will be ok”)
Stood alone against Craven while party scattered
Devastating counterattack: 23 with hope, burned hope for 1d8, dealt 30 SEVERE damage to Craven
Took 25 damage from Craven’s retaliatory strike (48 total damage this fight)
Assisted Vaerenth’s successful vicious entangle
Survived to help evacuate Augustus

World Updates

New locations: temple-chamber-with-pillars (battle site), cosmic breach point NPCs: craven (deceased - guardian/prisoner of the cycle) Plot: Craven defeated after brutal battle, revealed to be guardian/prisoner maintaining seal on cosmic horror. Reddish orb revealed as containment device - when exposed causes reality breach with tentacles from beyond. Vaerenth now possesses wrapped orb, only concealment prevents apocalypse. Augustus critically wounded, evacuated by party. “The Cycle” was Craven’s duty binding someone to orb to maintain seal. Party victory may have doomed world by breaking guardian cycle. Temporal distortion discovered - 5 days passed in Taloom during party’s perceived 6-12 hours. Mama Yada opened to outsider trade (positive change from party’s intervention). Party received equipment from Kabuto’s scavenging efforts. Departed Taloom as honored allies but broke Chainlord contract by refusing to deliver orb to Void Spire. Now rogue agents carrying world-ending artifact, heading “elsewhere” with no clear destruction plan.

Mechanics

Rules used:

Tether breaking mechanics (17 damage to Vaerenth, 23 damage to Aster)
“Get Over Here” reactive ability (triggered by 2+ HP damage)
Vicious Entangle restraint spell
Orb exposure/concealment mechanics (reality breach phenomenon)
Temporal distortion (5 days passed in town vs 6-12 hours for party)

XP/Rewards:

Level Up: All characters advanced
Loot: Reddish orb (cosmic horror containment device)
Taloom Resources: Minor stamina potion recipe, instant jump root, gecko gloves
Alliance: Secured standing as honored allies of Taloom

Next Session

Setup: Party has departed Taloom, heading “elsewhere” (not to Void Spire), carrying the world-ending orb. They have broken their contract with the Chainlord by refusing to deliver the artifact. Augustus still recovering from near-death experience. Party now possesses powerful new abilities and equipment.

Goals:

Determine destination and plan for the orb
Deal with consequences of breaking Chainlord contract
Find way to destroy or permanently secure cosmic horror artifact
Navigate as rogue agents with world-ending responsibility

GM Prompt for Players (Geoff): “Where would you like to go? Think of places you would like to go” - players should consider potential destinations before next session

Lore Updates

The Cycle & Cosmic Horror

Source: Craven’s final moments, orb exposure phenomenon Information:

“The Cycle” was Craven’s duty maintaining seal on cosmic horror using the orb
Breaking the cycle (Craven’s death) allows reality breach when orb exposed
Someone must be tethered to orb to maintain seal
Craven’s last words: “Noooo I was so close!!!” - implies he was trying to complete/transfer the duty
Physical concealment of orb prevents breach - discovered by Vaerenth wrapping it

Temporal Distortion in Ancient Ruins

Source: Party return to Taloom, Tavni’s reaction Information:

Party experienced 6-12 hours in ancient temple ruins
5 days passed in normal time (Taloom/surface)
Aster’s theory: “Time flows differently in there”
Ruins contain severe temporal anomalies
Effect ceased after leaving the area

The Chainlord Contract (Broken)

Source: Session 4 contract, Session 8 decision Information:

Original mission: Retrieve sphere artifact for Chainlord as payment for chasm expedition
Reddish orb may be the requested artifact
Party chose to keep orb rather than deliver to Void Spire authorities
Moral decision: Cannot hand cosmic horror containment to anyone
Consequences unknown but likely severe - contract breach with major authority

Campaign Notes

Major Story Implications

Broken Contract: Party has defaulted on official agreement with the Chainlord - consequences likely severe
World-Ending Artifact: Carrying cosmic horror containment device with no destruction method known
Rogue Agents: No longer working within established authority structure
Taloom Alliance: Secured safe haven and honored ally status in underground city
Power Increase: Significant combat capabilities gained through level advancement

Unresolved Questions

How to destroy the orb permanently?
What will the Chainlord do about the broken contract?
What was Craven’s true role in “The Cycle”?
Can the cosmic horror be permanently sealed another way?
Where is the party heading?

Character Development

Augustus: Nearly died protecting Banjo, demonstrated ultimate tank loyalty
Aster: Took massive damage to free Banjo, received divine reassurance (“everything will be ok”)
Vaerenth: Freed Augustus despite severe cost, delivered killing blow to Craven, now bears responsibility for containing orb
Banjo: Ultimate disrespect to boss (mooning Craven), survived being used as hostage

Session: 2025-10-10 | Previous: session-7-tunnel-pursuit | Next: [Date TBD]

Post-Battle Discussion: The Orb Dilemma

The Problem

Orb Possession: Party has the reddish orb (cosmic horror containment device)
Original Mission: Chainlord contracted party in Session 4 to find sphere artifact
Realization: This orb may be the sphere artifact the Chainlord wanted
Moral Conflict: Cannot give world-ending artifact to Void Spire authority
Imperative: Need to destroy the orb, not deliver it

Party Debate: What’s Next?

The Stakes:

Orb revealed as containment device for cosmic horror
Exposure causes reality breach with tentacles from beyond
Only concealment (wrapped in Vaerenth’s robe) prevents apocalypse
Original contract with Chainlord now morally impossible to fulfill

Options Under Discussion: [GM Note: Document player discussion and decision here]

Travel Option: The Climb

GM Note: Party could climb up the chasm
Time Cost: Would take days and days to ascend
Implication: Long journey with the orb in possession

Taloom Resource Distribution

Kabuto’s Productive Anger

Context: Kabuto has been pushing to keep busy, fueled by anger
Discovery: Found several items inside the spire during party’s absence
Items Available: Three useful pieces of equipment

Items Distributed:

1. Minor Stamina Potion Recipe (Scroll)

Description: Recipe requiring bone to create stamina potions
Use: During long rest, attempt to create potions
Recipient: Vaerenth
Benefit: Self-sufficiency for stamina restoration

2. Instant Jump Root

Description: Root that can be consumed for instant jump to far range
Effect: One-time use for dramatic repositioning
Recipient: Augustus
Tactical Use: Emergency mobility/escape option

3. Gecko Gloves

Description: Gloves enabling wall and ceiling walking
Effect: Spider-like movement capabilities
Recipient: Banjo
Synergy: Perfect for Nightwalker rogue’s stealth approach

Departure from Taloom

Tavni’s Farewell

Parting Words: “You are always welcome back”
Recognition: Acknowledged how much the party has helped Taloom
Standing: Party leaves as honored allies of the underground city
Achievement: Transformed from suspicious outsiders to valued friends

Strategic Decision: Avoiding the Void Spire

Destination: Group departs Taloom heading elsewhere (not to Void Spire)
Broken Contract: Choosing not to deliver orb to the Chainlord
Moral Stand: Refusing to hand cosmic horror containment device to authorities
Consequences Unknown: Breaking official contract with Void Spire leadership
New Path: Party striking out on their own with world-ending artifact in possession

Critical Choice: Party explicitly avoiding return to Void Spire/Anchorpoint despite original mission

Session End & Level Up

Character Advancement

Vaerenth (Andi) - Level Up

Domain Cards Acquired (2):

Towering Stalk
- Base Effect: Once per rest, conjure thick twisting stalk within Close range, climbable up to Far range height
- Attack Option: Mark Stress to use as attack - Spellcast Roll against adversary/group in Close range
- Damage: Erupting stalk lifts targets and drops them for d8 physical damage (Proficiency)
- Tactical Use: Battlefield control, elevation advantage, or area damage
Corrosive Projectile
- Attack: Spellcast Roll against target within Far range
- Damage: d6+4 magic damage (Proficiency)
- Debuff Option: Mark 2+ Stress to make target permanently Corroded
- Corroded Effect: −1 penalty to Difficulty for every 2 Stress spent
- Stacking: Condition can stack for cumulative effect
- Strategic Value: Long-term debuff investment for boss fights

Augustus (Mike) - Level Up