DnD Adventure Log Act 3: The Broken Land

Characters:

• Oogway: A serene and wise turtle Wizard Bladesinger who wields magic and blade with precision.
• Olfin Darning: A Hexblood Paladin navigating the balance of light and shadow through their oath.
• Liren: A fierce Dragonborn Barbarian loyal to their companions and protective in battle.
• Gumbo: A pragmatic Half-Orc Rogue with a knack for stealth and unexpected solutions.
• Aera shan Ravanór: A cunning Wood-elf Rogue adept at stealth and navigating complex situations.
• Veyren: Shabasta’s hare-like brother, drawn into the journey by the loss of his sibling.
• Malron Lichtstrahl: A Reborn Cleric of Lathander with a connection to spirits and the undead.

Summary:

The adventure begins with the party waking at the Blue Water Inn. Irwin, the innkeeper, privately calls each member to the bar and requests help with a troubling matter.

Irwin introduces Veyren, a hare-like character and Shabasta’s brother. The party presents Veyren with a letter found on Shabasta’s body, detailing his journey with them.

Irwin reveals concerns about the Wizard of Wines vineyard, which supplies wine to the Blue Water Inn. The latest shipment is 16 days overdue, and he fears something has happened to Davien Warningkoff, Irwin’s father. He arranges for the party to meet Muriel Winshaw, an employee of the vineyard, to guide them.

Before leaving the inn, Irena appears, expressing her desire to join the group. She wishes to become a warrior for her people and feels the Abbey cannot protect her from Strahd. She offers her skills as a trained healer and capable swordsman.

The group, now nine strong, travels southwest. Along the way, they cross a bridge leading to a four-way intersection. They pass a valley with a partially collapsed mansion called Aargenvolstholt, rumored to be connected to Revenants. Muriel mentions Strix activity in the area.

Further south, they encounter a mountain woman wielding a stone axe, who warns them to avoid the forest folk at Yester Hill.

Reaching another intersection, the party finds a Revenant guarding a bridge to the west. The Revenant suggests they visit Aargenvolstholt and warns of blights at the vineyard, which cannot be blinded or deafened.

As the group approaches the vineyard, Muriel falls into a trap. They discover an ancient monument to the Huntress—a slab adorned with a pristine three-pointed star.

A dark-cloaked figure appears and beckons the group. Muriel recognizes him as Damien, though he quickly disappears into a trapdoor after warning them of danger. The party hears Strix calls echoing from multiple directions before descending into the trapdoor after Damien.

Key Locations:

Blue Water Inn: The starting point of the act and Irwin’s tavern.
Aargenvolstholt: A valley mansion linked to Revenants and Strix activity.
Wizard of Wines Vineyard: The destination, shrouded in mystery and danger.

Encounters:

Social: Meeting Veyren and delivering Shabasta’s letter.
Social/Combat: Interactions with the Revenant at the bridge.
Trap: Muriel falling into a snare near the vineyard.

Loot:

(None yet discovered in this session.)

Notable NPCs:

Irwin: Blue Water Inn’s owner, seeking help with the vineyard.
Veyren: Shabasta’s brother, joining the party.
Irena: A trained healer and swordsman determined to aid the group.
Muriel Winshaw: Vineyard employee and possible Raven in disguise.
Damien: Mysterious cloaked figure connected to ravens.

Plot Points:

• The Wizard of Wines shipment is mysteriously overdue.
• The Revenant’s cryptic warning about Aargenvolstholt and blights.
• The mountain folk and forest folk worship ancient goddesses and dark powers, respectively.
• Strix and raven activity near the vineyard and Damien’s trapdoor.

Session Highlights:

• The poignant moment of giving Veyren Shabasta’s letter.
• Irena’s heartfelt plea to join the adventuring party.
• The eerie appearance of Damien and the ravens.
• The ominous cries of Strix surrounding the group.
• The leap into danger down the trapdoor beneath the vineyard.