- Vera, Female Half-Elf Shaman + Jethro, Wolverine Spirit Companion
- Peaches, Female Tiefling Paladin
- Major Canis, Male Gnoll Paladin
- Thun Thunderfoot, Male Goliath Warden
- Rain Du Fran, Male Half-Orc (Orc and Halfling) Bard
Editor’s note: This session was run by Darby (Usually playing the PC Garrus). Jumping to the other side of the screen, I will be playing Major Canis, the Gnoll Paladin.
Prologue (from DM’s notes):
The fields of Sun’s Kiss house the forward garrison of a human empire - The Empire of Sunril. The general leading the forces, Commander Risland, has been solidifying the defenses along the north perimeter of the empire, which has been under attack from Duergar seeking to expand into the territory known for its great deposits of the valuable substance - archimetal.
It is afternoon and currently there is a respite from hostilities. The camp is alive with soldiers in their downtime taking care of their armor, weapons, and general duties. Songs can be heard throughout as the soldiers entertain themselves while taking care of their duties that have been neglected due to the fighting.
In the distance, a cloud of dust appears to be heading toward the camp and the ranks nearest begin to stop and point. As the dust gets closer, it is seen that a rider upon a muscular brown horse with distinctive white “paint” marks along the back side of the horse comes barreling into camp. These horses are known throughout the empire as steeds of battle couriers.
Not typically a sight coming to the front lines, this draws the attention of the entire camp as the rider moves straight through the camp until it comes to a quick halt in front of Commander Risland’s tent. The rider, looking to be a young half elf, dismounts and is quickly escorted into the general’s tent.
After introductions are made, Risland reveals that The Companions are being dispatched to investigate strange reports from the outpost of Vol’Cainath. Townspeople, as well as soldiers sent to search for them, have been disappearing. He needs a team of specialists to solve the mystery and, if possible, rescue the missing victims from whatever abominations are behind this skullduggery.
Rain inquires if there will be any compensation for taking on this mission. Risland is somewhat surprised but promises to double their current wages. Peaches reminds him how dangerous the mission is and tries to negotiate a higher settlement. Risland promises to see if he can requisition more funds but makes no grantees. He does grant them free access to the quartermaster’s depot for anything they might need for the adventure.
As it is a three days journey, a wagon and driver will also be provided. As they are leaving, Major warns Risland to be careful who he calls an “abomination” and informs him that he noticed there are no humans in their group. Thun puts his hands on his hips, gives an inappropriate hardy laugh, and declares that he needs no supplies and ambles off.
Already possessing a fold-able 12” metal pocket flute that he constantly polishes, Rain is searching for an additional musical instrument. The nervous knight is able to produce a beat-up brass trumpet which Rain happily accepts. Peaches acquires some rations for the road. Major request seven raw chickens but is informed that he would have to go to the commissary. Vera warns Major that the raw chickens wouldn’t keep and that they are sure to find food along the way.
Outfitted with provisions, the Companions find their way to the center of camp. A wagon driven by Sir Reginald (male human knight) awaits them. He is quickly referred to as Reggie. As the wagon departs, the Companions begin to squabble. Rain and Peaches begin to argue and soon devolve into catty name calling (Rain addressing Peaches as “Fruity Pebbles” and Peaches calling Rain “Twinkle Toes”; among other names throughout the night). Vera tries to play peacemaker but is instantly dubbed “Mum” for her trouble. Thun puts his hands on his hips, gives an inappropriate hardy laugh, and sits at the rear of the wagon with Rain.
Surrounded by Gnolls, Major tries to negotiate safe passage. Speaking in their native tongue, Major relates their mission to his savage brethren. He is met with scorn and told he is a traitor for allying with other races. Major declares them fools for opposing them and attacks.
Peaches rushes to aid Reggie, constantly switching weapons for the right occasion, like a golfer changing clubs. Rain, Major, and Thun battle toe to toe with the horrible Hyena-men, eventually, taking down the opposing enemies, but at a terrible cost. Reggie has been ripped to pieces.
Eager to continue on their mission, the Companions decide to break camp and travel in the night. Rain wants to drive the wagon, but Vera is wary of his skills. A quick scuffle for control of the driver’s seat ensues, but Rain reins in the reins to reign supreme and rain on Vera’s parade.
Traveling in total darkness, Rain steers the wagon off the trail into rocky terrain. The wagon rattles and shakes, the wheels threaten to shatter under the stress, but still the Companions head ever forward.
As the wagon slowly follows Thun from a safe distance, Rain decides to play with his 12” Flute again. Angered that the noise will alert the campsite, Major yanks the flute from Rain’s hands and hurls it into the woods.
Upset, but undeterred, Rain pulls out his battered trumpet and begins to play. Major claps his paws together and flattens the trumpet between them. An enraged Rain tries to stab Major with his dagger but it bounces off his armor. Major snatches the dagger, but Rain decides to tickle under Major’s arms. Major starts cackling and trying to scratch himself with his hind legs. The resulting brawl causes the two adversaries to roll off the wagon. Vera quickly takes the reins and pushes forward.
The savage fury of his ferocious foes proves to be too much for even the mighty Thun, as the gargantuan Goliath is struck down. Using maximum speed, Major manages to leap over the wagon and use his healing power to raise the fallen Goliath.
Perched atop of the wagon Vera summons Jethro to aid Thun. Channeling her mystic might through the wicked wolverine, Jethro and Major try desperately to alleviate the aggressive assault upon the still weakened Thun by the four Gnolls.
Peaches and Rain quickly batter their foes to the ground. Peaches then rushes to assist Thun, but Rain is suddenly surrounded by five Gnolls and brought to the ground.
The next roll of the dice will prove to be decisive. . . and that’s where we left off, slightly after midnight.
To be continued? ? ?