Session Overview#
After investigating the mysterious killer contracts and bounties on their heads, the party participates in a dangerous mountain race while receiving crucial intelligence about High Forge and making disturbing discoveries about the dragon orb’s true nature.
Pre-Race Preparations#
The session opens with final preparations for the dangerous mountain race organized by The Warden. Unlike typical races, this competition requires drivers to climb a mountain, retrieve a “crest” from the summit, and return without being killed by the creatures inhabiting the area.
Team Strategy and Roles#
Team Assignments:
- Elspeth : Primary driver of the Doomfall race car
- Olivia : Co-pilot providing combat support and navigation assistance
- BoxBox: Elspeth ’s steel defender riding in the car’s special compartment
- Silas and Helisanna : Support team in the Vroomfall van, scouting ahead for obstacles and conducting sabotage operations
- Bru : Artillery specialist providing explosive support
Sabotage Operations#
Building on their previous race experience, Silas successfully drugs competitors Thelvolt and another racer using the mysterious substance from their adventure with Marvin, hoping to impair Elspeth ’s competition.
Equipment Upgrades: Elspeth enhances her race car with wheel spikes for offensive capability and a spoiler for improved aerodynamics, while planning to use their crystal collection to power the vehicle.
Final Preparations#
Olivia casts Aid on Elspeth , Helisanna , and herself, providing 5 extra hit points each for the dangerous mountain journey. The team establishes radio communication using call signs “Driving Miss Daisy” (Elspeth ’s car) and “Ellie and the Short Stacks” (the support van).
The High Stakes Mountain Race#
Stage One: Boulder Sabotage and Avalanche#
The Challenge: As racers begin the mountain ascent, the Vroomfall team scouts ahead and identifies an ambush by the Shield Bros team positioned to ram other cars on a precarious mountain path.
Coordinated Sabotage:
- Bru (Intelligence check: 21) analyzes the terrain and identifies the perfect explosive placement to create maximum chaos
- Silas (Sleight of Hand: 28) precisely plants dynamite in the Shield Bros’ truck engine
- The perfectly timed explosion destroys the ambush vehicle and triggers an avalanche that clears a safe path for Elspeth while blocking other racers behind dangerous debris
Early Lead: Elspeth (Driving check: 28) expertly navigates through the cleared path, establishing a commanding early lead over the competition.
Stage Two: Stone Golem Encounter#
The Threat: Two massive stone golems emerge from the mountainside as Elspeth approaches, threatening to crush any passing vehicles with thrown boulders.
Combat Sequence:
- Elspeth (multiple driving checks of 25+) expertly maneuvers around the initial golem attacks while maintaining speed
- Olivia throws pocket dynamite (6 damage) at one golem from the van’s position
- The golems counterattack with massive thrown rocks, dealing 22 combined damage to the race car and bringing it to nearly half health
- Elspeth uses her Telekinetic Shove ability to push one golem backward, preventing a devastating second attack
- Olivia takes over driving while Elspeth attempts emergency repairs using her technical skills
Dynamic Escape: Despite significant vehicle damage, Elspeth ’s expert driving keeps them ahead of both the competition and the pursuing golems as they continue toward the summit.
Stage Three: The Summit Challenge#
Reaching the Crest: Elspeth arrives at the wind-swept summit far ahead of other competitors, but discovers that race rules specifically require the driver to personally retrieve the crest.
The Rules Dilemma: When Olivia volunteers to grab the crest (hoping to protect Elspeth for the crucial return journey), hostile wraiths suddenly appear, declaring “The rules have been broken! They must be mended!”
Wraith Combat:
- The spectral entities launch surprise attacks on Olivia but miss their initial strikes
- Elspeth attempts to throw the crest to Olivia but fails due to harsh winds and her position (rolled a 1)
- Olivia becomes grappled by wraith attacks but uses Misty Step to escape back to the car
- Recognizing the supernatural enforcement, Elspeth personally retrieves the crest as required
- Once the rules are properly followed, the wraiths disappear, satisfied with the compliance
Stage Four: The Descent Gauntlet#
Continued Advantages: The Vroomfall team’s earlier explosion continues to benefit Elspeth , as she can drive through the clear path they created while other racers struggle with debris and unstable terrain.
Pursuing Threats:
- A more aggressive stone golem emerges, crawling along the ground in pursuit of the leading car
- Olivia throws dynamite (Athletics check: 19) with devastating accuracy, hitting the creature directly and forcing it to retreat into the mountainside
Multiple Challenges: Elspeth faces a series of increasingly difficult obstacles during the descent:
- First check (25): Successfully extends her lead against the pursuing golem
- Second check (22): Navigates additional environmental hazards and unstable terrain
- Third check (25): Outpaces another mountain creature emerging from the rocks
- Final check (20): Makes it safely back to town with exactly the needed result
Victory and Celebration#
Dominant Performance: Elspeth wins the race by such a wide margin that other competitors are still dealing with the stone golems on the mountain when she crosses the finish line.
Victory Rewards:
- The Warden’s Signet: A magical ring providing advantages for any vehicle operation (not limited to race cars)
- Racing Circuit Membership: Official recognition in the underground racing community
- Community Recognition: Establishment as elite racers capable of handling extreme challenges
Victory Tradition: Following racing customs, Elspeth celebrates by performing a dramatic burnout and pouring “Brown” (Bru ’s favorite chunky alcoholic stew) all over Bru , much to everyone’s amusement.
The Radio Transmission#
While celebrating their racing victory in the Vroomfall, Bru intercepts an unexpected radio transmission on Red ’s old communication device.
The Conversation#
Bru overhears a conversation between Victor (their former Twilight Company associate) and an unknown female voice:
Key Intelligence Revealed:
- Victor needs sulfur for explosive-making operations
- He’s working with a female associate on organized resistance activities
- The Iron Claws gang has taken complete control of High Forge after the dragon attack
- Helja is now effectively running the city under the dragons’ authority
- Victor is operating from his laboratory in High Forge and refuses to abandon the city despite the danger
Bru’s Intervention#
Bru accidentally interrupts the transmission by asking “Are you making a bomb?” This leads to a tense moment before Victor recognizes Bru ’s voice and demands verification of his identity.
Identity Confirmation: Victor tests Bru ’s knowledge by asking about technical details of the piranha gun design, which Bru passes, leading to a more open conversation about their respective situations.
Victor’s Operations#
Resistance Activities: Victor explains he’s manufacturing explosives to target Iron Claws operations, specifically planning to attack a church and nightclub where the gang has established control.
Recruitment Offer: Victor proposes helping the party with their advanced schematics in exchange for assistance with his resistance operations, mentioning they could use the old tunnel system to infiltrate the city covertly.
Current Situation: Victor confirms that Helja has essentially become the shadow ruler of High Forge, operating under the dragons who control the upper levels of the city.
Dragon Orb Investigation#
Following the radio transmission, the party conducts a thorough examination of the mysterious orb Silas stole from Helja, leading to crucial discoveries about its true nature and cosmic-level implications.
Silas’s Dangerous Communication#
Making Contact: Silas bravely volunteers to communicate with the entity within the orb, touching it despite the obvious dangers involved.
The Entity: The dragon identifies himself as “Everything” and immediately demonstrates his overwhelming presence and power during their psychic conversation.
Key Revelations from the Exchange:
- The dragon needs someone to open a dimensional rift to bring him to their world
- He’s willing to “eat” Helja if Silas cooperates with his plans
- He claims to be “closer than you think” to breaking through on his own
- He offers alliance but also threatens to “bury them in the ground” if they refuse cooperation
- He specifically asks what Helja means to Silas , suggesting complex relationships between all parties
Silas ’s Diplomatic Strategy: Rather than commit to anything concrete, Silas diplomatically deflects by saying he needs to “sleep on” any business decisions, successfully gathering intelligence while avoiding immediate commitments or confrontation.
Bru’s Arcana Mastery#
Critical Analysis: Bru performs an exceptional analysis of the orb’s magical properties, rolling a natural 20 on his Arcana check and revealing crucial technical information.
Orb Mechanics Discovered:
- Functions as an extremely high-level magical communication device requiring 8th-9th level spells to create
- Creates a psychic connection that poses real danger of trapping weaker minds permanently
- The glass material is nearly unbreakable through any normal physical means
- Placing it in a Bag of Holding would create a catastrophic reality rift and likely summon the dragon immediately
Dragon Intelligence Gathered:
- The entity appears to be an Astral Dragon from a spectral plane of dragons
- These creatures specialize in conquering entire solar systems and galaxies systematically
- The dragon is likely targeting their entire solar system for conquest, not just their world
- This represents a cosmic-level threat far beyond local or even planetary concerns
Security and Safety Concerns:
- The orb can be scryed upon by anyone who knows of its existence and has appropriate magic
- Helja could potentially spy on them through the orb if she possesses the right divination spells
- Physical covering prevents visual scrying but does not block audio detection
- Silas ’s psychic phone ability could be used to anchor multiple people during communication, preventing them from being lost in the dragon’s realm
Strategic Planning Session#
The party develops a comprehensive strategy for dealing with their multiple high-level enemies and the cosmic dragon threat.
Leverage Analysis#
Key Strategic Insights:
- They possess the only known communication method with the dragon in the region
- The dragon appears willing to betray Helja, even offering to kill her for the right cooperation
- Maintaining the appearance of being potential allies gives them significant negotiating power
- The dragon cannot reach their world without someone actively opening a dimensional rift
- They represent the “third faction” in a three-way power struggle, giving them disproportionate influence
Information Warfare Strategy#
Diplomatic Approach with the Dragon:
- Avoid directly antagonizing the cosmic entity while gathering valuable intelligence
- Use the dragon’s knowledge of Helja to learn her weaknesses and operational methods
- Maintain the illusion they might cooperate while secretly planning countermeasures
- Never communicate with the dragon without proper psychic anchoring for safety
- String the dragon along to prevent him from more closely aligning with Helja
Counter-Intelligence Measures:
- Keep the orb covered when not in active use to prevent casual scrying
- Establish protocols for safe communication that protect party members from mental domination
- Develop contingency plans for various scenarios involving the orb’s use or destruction
Jasper’s Departure#
In an emotionally significant scene, Jasper Gaines makes the difficult decision to leave the party and return home to Eldoran.
The Farewell Conversation#
Jasper ’s Reasoning:
- The recent violence and warfare have triggered traumatic memories from his military service
- He feels his strength causes more destruction than good, despite his heroic intentions
- He wants to return to his family business and the children who depend on him
- The events at the mountaintop with Red ’s sacrifice brought back painful associations with war
Olivia ’s Counsel: Olivia demonstrates her caring nature by encouraging Jasper to find someone to talk to about his mental health and trauma, showing understanding of his psychological struggles.
Parting Gifts: Jasper leaves behind:
- His Eldoran armor with crystal embellishments for the party to use
- VIP tickets to his establishment, Gaines Brewery, Bakery, and Bankery
- A heartfelt note promising assistance if they ever visit Eldoran
Character Concerns#
Desertion Implications: The party worries about whether Jasper will face consequences for abandoning his military post and fighting against an Eldoran knight, though they note the only witness to his desertion (Eric) is dead.
Emotional Impact: Jasper ’s departure represents another loss for the group, though this one is by choice rather than death, adding complexity to their feelings about his decision.
New Allies and Equipment#
Crimson the Cardinal#
Bru uses his magical abilities to create a new familiar as a memorial to Red - a mechanical cardinal named Crimson equipped with a jetpack instead of natural flight. This flightless bird with artificial propulsion serves as both a practical tool and an emotional tribute to their lost friend.
Equipment and Resources Assessment#
Current Assets:
- Racing Victory Rewards: The Warden’s Signet (providing advantages for any vehicle operation)
- Advanced Technology: Eldoran armor and crystal-embedded weapons from Eric
- Magical Items: Various crystals from their adventures and the dangerous dragon orb
- Transportation: The Vroomfall van and Doomfall race car, both enhanced with recent modifications
Ongoing Projects: The party continues working on their advanced schematics during downtime, including the rocket ship and pocket village construction using materials and knowledge gathered from various sources.
Journey Toward High Forge#
The session concludes with the party beginning their journey back toward High Forge, experiencing their first peaceful moment in weeks.
The Road Atmosphere#
Environmental Observations:
- Rolling countryside providing a stark contrast to recent mountain dangers
- Occasional dragon shadows passing overhead, reminding them of ongoing threats
- Bright glowing figures of Eldoran knights patrolling the roads between cities
- A strange calm after their recent intense adventures, though tension remains about their destination
Character Reflection: The peaceful travel provides time for emotional processing, with Silas particularly noting both the comfort of his remaining companions and the persistent sadness of Red ’s empty seat in the van.
Foreshadowing: Despite the momentary peace, everyone understands they’re heading into extremely dangerous territory where multiple powerful enemies await their arrival.
Ongoing Plot Threads#
- High Forge Resistance: Victor’s underground operations against Iron Claws control and potential alliance opportunities
- Dragon Threat: Managing the cosmic-level danger of “Everything” while maintaining leverage through information and communication control
- Helja’s Power: The criminal mastermind now effectively rules High Forge and actively hunts the party
- Tunnel Infiltration: Developing plans to use underground routes to avoid Iron Claws detection systems
- Advanced Schematics: Continued work on rocket ship and pocket village construction projects
- Jasper ’s Future: Potential complications from his return to Eldoran as a deserter, and the VIP tickets providing future adventure opportunities
Session Themes#
This episode effectively balances high-octane action with character development and plot advancement, providing crucial intelligence about enemy situations while exploring the emotional costs of their ongoing adventures. The racing sequence demonstrates the party’s growing tactical sophistication and teamwork, while the dragon orb investigation reveals the truly cosmic scale of threats they’re confronting.
Jasper ’s departure adds emotional weight to the ongoing dangers they face, showing how trauma and moral complexity affect even the strongest characters. The session’s conclusion, with the peaceful journey toward High Forge, provides necessary breathing space before what promises to be their most dangerous arc yet, while the various revelations about Victor, Helja, and the dragon set up multiple interconnected challenges for future sessions.
The episode showcases the campaign’s evolution from local adventures to cosmic-scale threats, while maintaining focus on character relationships and personal growth amid increasingly dangerous circumstances.