Session Overview#
The party successfully infiltrates High Forge using their magical paint to create new tunnel routes, rescues Lark’s family from Iron Claws custody, and discovers the resistance headquarters located dangerously close to a massive underground rave populated by Helisanna ’s purple-eyed followers.
Pre-Mission Planning#
Cover Identities and Disguises#
The party establishes fake identities for their infiltration mission:
- Silas : “Borat Yeltsin”
- Bru : “Poor Valley”
- Helisanna : “I Literally Don’t Care” (shortened to “Litter”)
- Olivia : “The Granny”
- Elspeth : “Bangers and Mash” (assigned in her absence)
Disguise Preparations:
- Silas uses his disguise kit extensively - eyepatch, facial hair, scar across nose
- Bru covers his green goblin skin with human-tone makeup
- Helisanna wears bright pink clothing instead of her usual black attire
- Olivia goes full “ultra grandma” with crocheted shawls and knitting needles over her plate armor
The Magical Paint Solution#
The party discovers they can use Scarlett’s magical paint to alter their tunnel map and create new passages through reality:
- Lark provides detailed tunnel maps with Iron Claws patrol routes
- Helisanna draws new tunnel entrances using the magical paint (having the best performance skill)
- They create a hidden garage entrance for their vehicles (Vroomfall and Doomfall)
- A direct route to the residential hall where Lark’s family is being held
The Jackals Encounter#
Mistaken Identity#
While traveling toward High Forge, the party encounters another group of Jackal bounty hunters who mistake them for fellow hunters:
- The hunters recognize the painted Vroomfall and assume they’re collecting on Taco Cat’s bounty
- Helisanna plays along, pretending they captured the targets
- When the deception unravels, the hunters threaten retaliation before driving away
Underground Wrestling Match#
Meeting Ohma Kapua#
In the tunnels beneath High Forge, the party discovers a massive underground wrestling event:
- Bebop and Rocksteady (warthog and rhinoceros champions) face a mysterious challenger
- Ohma Kapua, a turtle monk in disguise, enters as the underdog fighter
- Bru and Silas immediately begin running betting scams with fake aliases
The Epic Wrestling Match#
Ohma demonstrates impressive martial arts skills:
- Uses Step of the Wind to dodge the champions’ coordinated attacks
- Employs Deflect Attacks to turn their signature move against them
- Performs a spectacular finishing move: bouncing off the ropes 32 feet into the air and delivering a devastating shell drop attack
- Defeats both champions decisively, shocking the crowd and bankrupting bookmakers
Post-Match Pursuit#
After Ohma ’s spectacular victory, Bru and Silas chase after Quick Coin Quinn to collect their betting winnings:
- Quinn is trying to avoid paying out the massive winnings from the upset victory
- Ohma recognizes Silas and Bru as Sanchez Fuego and his tag team partner from their previous wrestling careers
- This recognition leads to a conversation where Ohma offers to join their group
- Brings his student Takitu, a small assistant who helps manage his affairs
Ohma’s Recruitment#
Ohma approaches the party after recognizing their wrestling personas:
- Knows them from their previous careers as luchador wrestlers
- Recognizes them as the wanted criminals from bounty posters
- Offers to help them navigate the sewers safely in exchange for joining their group
- Reveals he knows secret paths and is actually a member of the resistance
Family Rescue Mission#
Infiltrating the Residential Hall#
Olivia enters the building disguised as an elderly visitor:
- Finds Pinky (Lark’s mother) at bingo night - an elderly dwarf with shock pink hair and sequined clothing
- Discovers the family can move freely but are watched by guards
- Plans an extraction during a planned distraction
The Fireworks Distraction#
Bru sets up an elaborate fireworks display:
- Uses all his explosives branded with Helisanna and Doomfall logos
- Ohma ceremonially triggers the detonation as his “initiation”
- Kevin (Bru ’s homunculus) runs through the area screaming “Fire!”
- Helisanna uses Minor Illusion to enhance the spectacle
The distraction works perfectly - the guards assume it’s a legitimate emergency and help evacuate citizens, completely clearing the area around the residential hall.
Successful Extraction#
Olivia guides Lark’s family (including Pinky, two children, and their dog) through the chaos:
- The family includes Lark’s mother, brother’s wife and children
- They successfully reach the sewer entrance where Ohma guides them to safety
- The reunion occurs in the underground tunnels without incident
Lark’s Decision#
The Moment of Truth#
Silas confronts Lark about her ultimate loyalty, recognizing her internal conflict:
- She could betray them to the Iron Claws for rewards
- She could simply flee with her family
- She could join the resistance and fight against Helja
Silas ’s Persuasion: In a powerful speech, Silas shares his personal experience working for crime bosses like Helja, explaining that no amount of loyalty or service ever creates real security. He urges Lark to take this opportunity to break free permanently.
Lark’s Choice#
Lark decides to get her family to safety first, then potentially return to help the resistance:
- Gives the party a +6 bonus item as thanks for their help
- Takes her family through the escape tunnels toward the city outskirts
- Promises to consider returning once her loved ones are safe
- Leaves on good terms, expressing gratitude for their assistance
Discovery of the Resistance Headquarters#
Underground Journey#
Ohma leads the party through the complex sewer and cave systems:
- They encounter two Iron Claws guards blocking their path
- Helisanna successfully uses Sleep to incapacitate one guard
- When stealth fails, they use the magical paint to create a wall, trapping the guards
The Underground Rave#
As they approach the resistance headquarters, the party discovers a massive problem:
- Thousands of teenagers with purple eyes are gathered in an enormous underground nightclub
- The “ravers” are clearly under Helisanna ’s supernatural influence
- They’re having “the greatest party of all time” right next to the resistance base
- Persistent bass music reverberates through the entire underground complex
Resistance Headquarters#
The party finally reaches Victor’s operation:
- Victor is working at a table covered with maps and plans
- Several other resistance members are present
- The headquarters is dangerously exposed to the rave activity
- Victor recognizes most of the party but is confused by Ohma ’s presence
Character Development and Relationships#
Silas’s Leadership#
Silas demonstrates significant character growth:
- Takes charge during the infiltration planning
- Shows genuine care for Lark’s situation beyond just tactical concerns
- Delivers a persuasive and emotionally honest speech about breaking free from criminal organizations
- Successfully coordinates the team’s various deception and stealth efforts
Ohma’s Integration#
Ohma Kapua proves his worth to the team:
- Demonstrates formidable combat abilities in the wrestling match
- Provides crucial knowledge about underground passages
- Shows he can be trusted with their identities and mission
- Brings useful resistance connections and local expertise
Helisanna’s Uncontrolled Influence#
The massive underground rave reveals the extent of Helisanna ’s supernatural power:
- Her influence has created a city-wide phenomenon she doesn’t control
- Thousands of young people are affected by her musical magic
- The situation poses both opportunities and serious complications for future operations
Equipment and Resources#
New Acquisitions#
- +6 bonus item from Lark (unspecified magical item)
- Wrestling winnings from Ohma ’s victory (approximately 200 gold split among betting participants)
- Fake identity papers created by Silas
- Magical paint usage to permanently alter the tunnel system
Ongoing Assets#
- Hidden garage created with magical paint, protecting their vehicles
- New tunnel routes providing secure access to the city
- Resistance contact through Ohma and now direct access to Victor
- Strong relationship with Lark despite her departure
Plot Threads and Implications#
Immediate Concerns#
The Underground Rave: Thousands of Helisanna ’s influenced followers create both an opportunity and a massive security risk for resistance operations
Victor’s Operations: The resistance headquarters is now accessible, but their proximity to the rave complicates operational security
Iron Claws Response: The party’s infiltration methods (magical walls, obvious fireworks) will likely be investigated
Strategic Advantages#
- Tunnel Network: Permanent new routes provide ongoing access to the city
- Resistance Alliance: Direct connection to Victor’s organization
- Local Guide: Ohma ’s knowledge of the underground systems
- Successful Mission: Proving their competence to potential allies
Future Complications#
- Helisanna ’s Influence: The supernatural rave situation needs to be addressed
- Bounty Hunters: Multiple groups are still actively hunting the party
- Helja’s Response: The crime boss will likely increase security after the family rescue
- Identity Exposure: Their infiltration methods were fairly obvious despite their success
Session Themes#
This episode expertly balances multiple story elements:
Infiltration and Espionage: The party demonstrates growing sophistication in planning and executing covert operations, using magical resources creatively while maintaining operational security.
Found Family: Lark’s difficult choice between her criminal past and protecting her family resonates with several party members who have made similar decisions.
Unintended Consequences: Helisanna ’s supernatural influence continues to create complications even when she’s not actively using her powers.
Team Building: Ohma ’s recruitment showcases how the party can attract capable allies through demonstrated competence and moral clarity.
The session ends with the party having successfully completed their rescue mission while discovering both new opportunities (resistance headquarters) and new challenges (the massive underground rave) that will shape their future adventures in High Forge.