Season 2 - The Maw
The Maw | S2 E23: Wits and Rocks Caves in the Tear (UPDATING)
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The Maw | S2 E22: The Ship
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As your boots echo softly against the ancient stone steps, the chill of the Underdark seeps into your bones. The walls sweat with condensation, and the further you descend, the more the shadows seem to press in, swallowing the dim light flickering from your torches and enchantments. Behind you, the surface world fades, and ahead, the dark pulses with unknowable life. Suddenly, Chuin’s and I summoned familiars from our bag of tricks go poof. Something arcanic made them vanish.
Vaeloria, hand instinctively, freezes mid-step.
"Wait," she whispers. "Something’s... moving."
We all go silent. The only sounds are the steady drip of water and the distant, wet slither of something massive dragging across the stone.
Then, from the gloom ahead, a horrific shape emerges. The creature’s bulk dwarfs anything you've faced before. A massive purple worm, scales glistening like amethyst in the dim light, ripples toward you with its circular maw open wide, rows upon rows of jagged teeth spinning like a grotesque tunnel of death. Its eyeless head brushes the ceiling, and its presence thrums with primal menace.
The ground beneath your feet trembles as its weight shifts forward, the stone groaning under it. I hide against the wall with slow controlled breaths my feet and body as still as ever. Dust sifts from the ceiling. Do we stand on your ground and fight?
Do we flee further into the Underdark and risk the unknown?
Or do we try to scatter and hide, praying it does not follow?
Vaeloria’s voice cuts the silence, sharp and urgent:
"Decide—now!" I toss a handlefull of ball bearings to try and distract the worm, as I do this it turns away and then back towards me going prone. We attack with this opportunity. It doesn’t take long to get the worm down, but then with a rumble and an explosion of rock and dirt a second purple worm appears near Zapp with its rows of teeth going for him.
Chuin, with his unarmed attack abilities, is running on the pillars and doing flips in the air runs from the Purple Worm that just went down to the other to help out Zapp, as Vaeloria casts a spell to heal Zapp from the bite the purple worm just took out of him. Knowing where to strike and hit the purple worm, it goes down just as easily as the first.
We take a moment to settle down from and gather our thoughts before continuing down the steps. Once you're certain the danger has passed, the group regathers. There’s a quiet understanding between you, no need to speak it aloud: this place is not like anything above.
The Underdark is alive. Watching. Listening. Testing.
You steal yourselves and resume the descent, one careful step at a time. The air is growing colder still. Veins of glowing fungi begin to streak along the walls, their soft blues and greens offering ghostly light. Strange echoes, some that may be voices, bounce from unseen caverns in the depths.
As you leap from the final step of the descent, the cavern opens into a wide, dome-shaped chamber—its ceiling lost in shadow, its floor a circle of smooth, polished stone marked with strange, ancient glyphs.
Chuin, ever the agile monk, gracefully flips down the spiral, landing in silence with barely a whisper of displaced air.
A split second later, the rest of you float downward under the protective shimmer of Feather Fall—until your boots hit the ground with a gentle thud. For half a second, all seems still.
Then—a deep, grinding click echoes from above.
You all snap your heads toward the spiral stairway just in time to hear an ominous whirrrr-clunk-thoom.
From the shadows high above, a colossal spiked stone sphere—etched in old dwarven runes and crusted with rust and blood—detaches from a hidden mechanism and begins hurtling down the steps, gaining speed fast. Its spikes glint with a venomous green sheen. The air itself seems to scream as it descends.
"RUN!" Crock barks, already sprinting ahead.
We all bolt forward as the sphere crashes behind you, pulverizing stone and sending shards flying in every direction. The ground shakes violently with each bounce of the spike ball, and the tunnel ahead narrows. Just as the spiked sphere barrels down the corridor behind you with bone-rattling force, Crock shouts, "To the wall!"
Without hesitation, the group flattens themselves against the curve of the passage, backs scraping stone as the massive death orb thunders past—so close you feel the wind of its passing and the bite of a few flying stone shards. It crashes into the far wall with a deafening BOOM, splintering ancient masonry and disappearing into a cloud of dust and rubble.
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then—
A deep, rumbling gurgle erupts from beneath the chamber.
The floor beneath your feet suddenly bulges. Water seeps through the cracks. Then with a violent explosion of stone and a geyser of fetid black water, the floor shatters—and from the depths, a massive purple worm erupts.
Its maw opens wide, jagged teeth glistening with ichor and stone dust. Its segmented body, slick with underground sludge, towers high into the chamber, blotting out the faint bioluminescent light. Water floods around its base, drenching your boots and chilling your skin.
Its mouth emits a low, vibrating screech, more felt in your bones than heard…a territorial roar echoing through the Underdark. We move like a unit forged in fire.
The instant the purple worm roars, we scatter across the chamber in a deadly, silent ballet of coordination and preparation. We’ve faced horrors before; we know how to kill this thing. Zapp darts toward a nearby wall, using rubble and shadow as cover. Arcane sparks dance across his fingertips as he channels a spell, holding it until just the right moment to pierce soft flesh through scale and hide. I dash further away with my longbow in hand ready to shoot. Iona, Yordad and Chuin surround the purple worm ready to strike it down like the others.
Suddenly, the same sound as heard before. A thunderous explosion of gravel and dirt burst out of the wall between Zapp and I. This time I’m the target. It goes to bite landing a hit, but just barely as I was able to dodge most of the attack. As we strike one purple worm with one more remaining out appears a Mindflayer 20ft up on a ledge. Catching us all by surprise, we stand, some of us more in shock than others. Now our focus is spread between the purple worm to the Mindflayer. Knowing the purple worm is close to death as we see it bleeding profusely.
Just as we take down the last purple worm, a second Mindflayer appears sending a paralyzing spell in my direction, but I’m too shifty it whizzes past my head. I yell out, “Did we stumble into a Mindflayer colony?”. “Probably”, Yordad yells back to me. Chuin seeing this Mindflayer appear, runs by Iona and with her permission brings her with him and next to the Mindflayers. With Yordad and Iona now flanking both Mindflayers strike them down with several powerful blows sending blood and ichor all throughout the surrounding area.
The echo of battle fades behind you, the corpse of the purple worm stinking up the area. The mind flayers that had slithered into the fray, desperate and arrogant, now lay crumpled and lifeless, their alien minds silenced forever. Breathing hard, wounded but alive, you press on—down the final carved steps of the ancient Underdark stairway. The air grows warmer. Faint pulses of violet and blue glow from crystals embedded in the walls. And then we see it: The City of Druinsaril.
As you approach the gates—grand, towering structures inlaid with soulglass and obsidian—a figure steps forward, clad in gleaming armor adorned with the symbol of House Vaelith. A tall drow guard inclines his head with solemn respect. "We know who you are. We've been expecting you. The Queen awaits your presence." You exchange brief glances. We ask the guard about the purple worms, and he states that “they are not to be touched for they were sacred”. In which this was news to all of us. With no time to waste. You enter Druinsaril.
Guided swiftly through its glowing avenues and darkened plazas, your footsteps echo through centuries of silence and secrets. All eyes are on you—some reverent, others suspicious. Then, your path leads you to a massive hangar chamber carved into a volcanic dome. Strange machines hum with power, and ancient metal constructs hover in place on magical lifts. And there, at the center, waiting on a wide platform is “Big Momma”, Yordad yelling out its name.
A colossal, avian-shaped ship, forged from darksteel and arcanite, with wings outstretched and engines built into its feathered frame. Its beak serves as the command deck; its belly, a cargo hold that could house an entire battalion. Its design is alien, graceful, and fearsome. Yordad steps forward, placing a firm hand on its hull.
We boarded the ship. Inside, arcane conduits pulse with restrained power. The crew, a mix of underdark artisans and spellwrights, prepare the vessel. We gather around the central desk and see Queen with her guard. She sees us looking a little bruised but standing firm. She mentions to us about not touching the purple worms but lets it slide that we just killed several of them. I ask the Queen, “Do you know anything about the Mindflayers that we took down while on our way here?” She says, “Mindflayers, heavens no!”
The Queen turns to the ships pilot and tells him to start the countdown to leave. “Counting down from 10 your Highness” “10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1….” A loud thunderous bang and the engines stall out. “My Queen, reports indicating a hole in the ship” “Appears to be from some tentacles” the pilot confirms. While we were standing there, we saw Lord Velthras Vrammyr with a disdained look on his face. He says, “I would have gotten away with it too, if wasn’t for you meddling Steelhawks and your familiars too”. The Queen yells out for her guards to seize the traitor and a Drow Archnomancer and a Drow Mage quickly appear and place manacles on Lord Velthras. They start to take him but stop short of Vaeloria.
They ask her, “would you like to interrogate him?” We take a moment to think this through. Lord Velthras, not saying a word at first, stands stoically. Vaeloria lifts her hand and kills the Lord instantly, then revives him. “Are you ready to talk now?” she asks. He starts to talk about men in metal armor looking for green gemstones that are powerful. “The Khazari?” I say it out loud. “How do you know about them?” Lord Velthras says. “Because I’m a genius”, I say in retort. Lord Velthras continues to speak, “There is a cult out there, with a flame tattoo, have you ever heard of the Jabberwalkies?” Yordad says, “The dance group?”. At that moment the Drow Mage lit up her hand and raised it and disintegrated Lord Velthras instantly. The queen then gave us a map and explained where we must go and described in full detail where we would find a new crystal so that we may leave for our destination on the ship while the ship’s crew made repairs to the hull.
::END OF REPORT::
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Supplementary Report | Iona Hansdottir
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I’m writing this days late, still embarrassed about my lack of focus. I could have ruined the mission. Cookie…they showed up just before we deployed—caught me completely off guard at the Keg. I could barely breathe when I saw him. And then I had to leave.
Anyway. Focus.
Mission Start: We entered the Underdark via the tunnels below the Maw, heading toward the drow city of Druinsaril. I'd never been this deep—It feels like no torch would be enough; glad I packed my night goggles. Eerie, hauntingly strange beauty down there, but not welcoming to those from the surface.
Encounter 1: Purple Worms One appeared almost immediately. It didn’t seem hostile at first—maybe just passing through, or patrolling. Crock tried to distract it with metal pellets. Not sure if that’s what turned it aggressive or if it was already deciding. Either way, it lunged at him. We brought it down fast. A second worm ambushed from a crevice and bit Zapp. Vaeloria healed him, and the team killed the second worm just as easily.’
Trap Descending deeper, I… probably wasn’t paying close attention. Thinking about Cookie, about what I didn’t get to say before the mission left…about that kiss…. Someone (me) triggered a hidden mechanism, which sent a massive spiked sphere coated in poison barreling at us. No time to fight—we all just ran, and luckily found a cavern alcove, flattened ourselves along the wall. The thing flew by and shattered against a far wall. No casualties, somehow.
Encounter 2: Bigger Worms + Mindflayers A new nest, larger worms, seemed angry, tougher fight. During that chaos, two mindflayers appeared from a side tunnel. I was caught in a paralysis beam. Couldn’t move, couldn’t think—except about Cookie. Chiun, absolute legend, grappled me out of it (I don’t even know how), dragged me right next to the flayers. Not ideal positioning, but it worked. Yordad and I finished them once I was free.
Arrival at Druinsaril: It was like stepping into a dream. Soulglass and obsidian, warmer air somehow, glowing crystals. A light that doesn’t come from any sun. We were met by a guard—polite, armored, and expecting us. The Queen received us at a ship docked beneath the city: part vessel, part arcane construct. Suspended above nothing, powered by arcane energies, a thing I’ve never seen the like before.
Revelations: But the ship couldn’t fly, sabotage discovered. Lord Velthras—courtly, smug—admitted to being the traitor, but refused to explain. Vaeloria handled it: killed him, revived him immediately, threatened to repeat as needed (Glad she’s on our side). He broke and started talking. Said someone is trying to stop our investigation. Spoke of beings in metal armor who sought after green gems (Khazari again), a cult with a flame tattoo (that also sounds familiar), calling themselves the Jabberwalkies. The Queen’s mage disintegrated Velthras after he wouldn’t stop bragging about our coming doom.
Current Objective: We’re tasked with finding a replacement crystal core for the ship. Drow engineers will handle the hull repairs. This ship was meant to carry us somewhere important. And someone doesn't want that to happen.
Respectfully submitted
Iona Hansdottir
Fighter, Steelhawks
First visit to the Underdark, first almost-failure due to distractions
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The Maw | S2 E21: The Green Veil
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After Mister Pnymises sacrificed his memory to help defeat the creatures, Miss Jenny opened a portal to the Astral Sea. Lacking a vessel to traverse it, we agreed to return to the Wood Elf Kingdom and petition the Queen for a ship.
Upon arrival, we were informed by members of the inner sanctum that the Queen was in her private quarters, dealing with personal mental health matters. This marked our first visit to her residence—an impressive, sprawling place of elegance and mysticism.
The Queen received us alone and warmly:
“Great Steelhawks, you have saved my life. Please, come in!”
She explained that she had been experiencing memory loss. The townsfolk, aware of her condition, had been sending her gifts to offer comfort and support. Concerned for Mister Pnymises, the Queen granted him access to her greater restoration pool, hoping it would restore some of what he had lost.
We learned that her head of security’s wife was gravely ill, and as a result, the Queen had been isolating herself out of fear and uncertainty. After briefly excusing herself to change, she stepped into the waters of the restoration pool and remarked:
“I hope you don’t mind—I like music while I bathe.”
A bard was in the corner, singing a hauntingly beautiful melody in her honor. Surrounded by vibrant flowers, the bard appeared androgynous—a perfect blend of masculine and feminine beauty. The setting was serene… though it became awkward as the Queen was partially unclothed during all this.
When Mister Pnymises entered, he made an amused face but quickly focused once his memory returned. He updated the Queen on the cult threatening both her and the Drow Queen. Though the cult's name remains unknown, we now know they operate from the Astral Sea and wear insignias of a broken crown wreathed in flames.
Then, something strange happened: the Queen could no longer see or hear us. Concerned, I asked the bard to summon a healer.
But instead, the bard’s demeanor changed. He sneered and said:
“You want me to stop playing? You came at a bad time… I’ve got her right where I want her. I’ll just deal with you too.”
Tal-Ray—clearly a cultist in disguise—attacked us. We neutralized him swiftly. However, after his death, the surrounding flowers released a strange fragrance, and I lost consciousness.
When I awoke, the Queen was alive and grateful:
“Thank you so much! I’m so happy to be alive!”
Miss Aerith discovered a letter near the scene, which only Mister Erabor could decipher. Meanwhile, Mister Yordad asked the Queen if she had any known enemies. She replied, “Of course I do,” prompting Mister Pnymises to inquire about anti-royalty factions. She confirmed the existence of a cult bearing the flaming broken crown symbol—likely our culprits.
Mister Yordad then asked how much we cared about the Drow Queen. I told him to speak with Mister Frank.
Suddenly, Lord Arannis rushed in. Suspicious of his abrupt entrance, I blocked his path, but Miss Aerith pulled me aside. Fortunately, it wasn’t a threat—it was Mister Scraps, returning! The Queen ordered his arrest initially, but he claimed the cult had been controlling him. Since she trusts anyone Mister Pnymises trusts, she chose to believe him.
Just then, the royal security arrived.
The Keeper reported that a black dragon was nearby—but it turned out to be the Drow Queen’s dragon. The Crypt Keeper solemnly admitted his failure. The Queen then asked us to examine Tal-Ray’s body for cult symbols.
Miss Aerith thoroughly examined the body—very thoroughly—and during the process, the guards were chastised for assuming Mister Yordad and I were guilty by association due to prior Steelhawk actions.
We also questioned the Keeper further and discovered he holds a deep hatred for Mister Hollow and wishes him dead for destroying a gem of great importance.
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The Maw | S2 E20: Who’s That Girl?
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Steelhawk International Field Report
Season 2, Episode 22: "Who’s That Girl?"
(Hint: Still not Cookie, but I look great anyway)
Filed by: Tuff Cookie, Bard of Bling, Beacon of the Bootyquake, and Bureaucratically Recognized Mission Chronicler
Team Roll Call:
Pnymesis, Knight of the Smoldering Glare (and the Not All There; y'all will see why)
Tanlin, Cleric and all 'round nice guy
Crazy Earl, Sorlock (and he's questing for a nice serotonin leveler)
Blaine, Ranger, Cleric, Archer, and one man’s crusade against subtlety (but then look who he's married to)
Trunks, Fighter, Eldritch Knight, and Collector of Slightly Burnt Armor (Hint; it's his own)
And Cookie. That’s me. I know, thanks, and you’re welcome.
After our unplanned swim/crash-docking in the tropics of Lupa at Dagat (thank you, airship failboat), we shake off the saltwater and regret, and head back to the tavern — you know the one — for a bit of local recon, because someone’s gotta sniff out intel, and some o' my companions can't do more'n'one thing at a time, and some chunky monkey with a cleaver is doin' a grindin' dance at the butcher station.
Target of our inquiry: Xaryx, also known as The Crownless Flame. Some sort of dragonborn revolutionary, airship-lurker, maybe Astral Sea squatter. Whole aesthetic screams "Drama Student of the Apocalypse."
We're settling in, drinkin’, snackin’, listenin’ to the tavern harpist play a tune that I swear is just “Wonderwall” with extra harps, when in comes a mouse. An awakened mouse. Calls himself Scraps. Claims to be helpful. And by helpful I mean: adorable, vaguely confused, obsessed with cheese. So, a practically a regular Steelhawk, really.
Then in walks Jenna Thornveil — yes, that Jenna — Veyren's wife (or ex? Bit fuzzy, like her memory, bless her soul). She’s got her hair all up and her brain all tangled. Turns out: The Flame—Xaryx’s culty clique—has been messing with memories. Like, magical messing. Scraps was with them at some point. Doesn’t remember. Jenna had a some memories messed with. (Seein' her husband, I'd count her lucky, but hey, she's aged a whole sight better than he did. Probably unrelated? Probably not?
Suddenly, Scraps bolts like he saw a cat.
Pnymesis dashes like a man whose chivalry is personally insulted by rodents. We follow. Scraps runs to the tavern’s toilet. Earl, being Earl, digs in the bowl like it’s a donation plate at a funeral. And because this is our life, he finds gold. Actual gold. I can’t even with this man. Personally, I think he was lookin' for someone's cocaine stash, but hey, that's purely guesswork.
Pnymesis spots tracks leading to the washroom. Earl refuses to wash his hands. Casts prestidigitation instead. Somewhere, a hygiene deity weeps.
Back to Jenna — she's trancing hard. Chanting spooky rhyme:
"Two must burn, two must sleep.
Opposites balance. Corners keep."
This is the toilet room, minus the toilet.
Okay, I'm half glad Earl decided ta go spelunkin' in it.
Still not glad he used prestidigitation instead of soap and water and a whole tub of alcohol.
The rubbin' kind.
The boys figure it out and douse two lanterns. Jenna returns to normal-ish. Leads us back toward the “toilet” — only now it’s not. It’s shifted. No more toilet. (Bless.)
She offers another riddle:
"I have no tongue, yet I can speak.
I have no legs, yet I may walk.
I live in shadow and in light,
And vanish when the day turns bleak."
Obvious answer? An Echo. Which is ALSO a hint. Which is ALSO horrifying. But we soldier on.
Door leads us not into a washroom anymore (thanks, reality), but into a temple-looking chamber. Grand. Fiery. Creepy. And not in a fun, velvet-rope, "exclusive invite" way. There are five culty types, clearly Flame-aligned, just vibing like they’re waiting for a sacrifice. (Guess who’s got two thumbs and NO intention of being ritual barbecue?) Identified:
Embermind Whisperer
Two Flame Crownwither Ascendants
Two Flame Ashblade Inquisitors
We try diplomacy. I flash a grin, drop a casual “we took a wrong turn,” reference the stars not being aligned, and politely imply we’d like to not die today. They respond with, “Cool, but let’s sacrifice you anyway.”
Fight time.
I throw up a Circle of Power, which is basically a spiritual no-thank-you to their whole aesthetic.
Blaine opens fire like he’s getting paid per arrow.
Pnymesis strolls in like a wreckin' ball- the gods do love that man, mmm, mmm..
Earl’s throwing eldritch blasts like confetti at a breakup party.
Tanlin blesses, heals, and mutters things like “we’re all gonna die,” but in a loving way. He gets some spiritual guardians up, but the bad guys say "no thanks, we're on the patch", and suddenly they're gone.
Trunks jumps into melee and earns a loyalty card for being set on fire.
Scraps the Mouse? Surprisingly helpful. Gives the Help action with gusto. We stan.
But this fight hurts.
Cone of Cold.
Fireballs.
Memory Yoinks. (Poor Pnymesis- remember the part I said about bein' the Knight of Not All There? Told him he owed me a dance, but was lost on him. Shame.)
One of them charms me, which is frankly insulting. I’m the bard, honey. I do the charming.
But we hold on. We punch back. Blaine’s arrows fly true. Pnymesis, even dazed, is a paladin wreckin' ball. Trunks holds the line dealin' damage, Tanlin saves our butts with heals until he gets silenced (and let me tell ya, that is a trick Cookie'd like ta learn). Earl is screamin' and grinnin', but he was doin' that with his hand down the toilet.
I snap out of the charm, sing some offensive harmonics, and help drop the final cultist like a prom chaperone in a mosh pit.
Mission Status:
Flame Cultists? Toasted.
Scraps? Still adorable. You a man or a mouse, I ask, and he says Pass the Cheese.
Jenna? Mysterious and prolly married. Looks awesome, like a lady should. And she owns/works a magic shop. Needs a memory upload, yanno?
Cookie? Fabulous. Obviously.
Next step:
Figure out where Xaryx actually is. Airship? Astral Sea? Ego plane? Looks like the Astral Sea, 'cuz Jenny uncorks a big ole surreal paintin' of a portal ta there, so, looks like our next mish is formin' up.
Wherever it is, we’re coming. And I’m bringing extra glitter and trauma.
End Report.
Filed with flair,
—Tuff Cookie
Report End
The Maw | S2 E19: Life in the Trees
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Steelhawk International – Mission Report Filed by: Cassian Codename: “Life in the Trees” Assigned Team: Tuff Cookie (Bard) Khione Briar (Fighter/Cleric) Aether (Sorcerer/Cleric) Sinder (Druid) Cassian (Druid – that’s me) We started this one by stepping directly into a tree. Literally. Some kinda magic Tuff Cookie used—looked like some high-level druid stuff. It took us back to the wood elves. Purpose of the visit: share what we knew, bring back the old guy we found in the cave, and see what the elves had planned next. Once we arrived, we were introduced to Queen Alvalyne and Queen Sylmiria—yeah, that’s right, plural queens. No idea which one’s technically the ruler, but they both had presence. The old guy we brought with us stepped forward and let them know he was ready to help. Then he prompted Tuff to fill them in. Tuff started talking about this dragonborn named Xaryx. I didn’t really catch all of it—I’m not super keyed in on dragonborn politics—but apparently this guy is a problem. The elves seemed real interested, though, and they mentioned something about sending us to Lupa-at-Degat, one of the islands we Steelhawks have been to before. Apparently we were supposed to check out a bookstore? Yeah, I guess we’re delivery people now. Still beats those “training sessions” Director Dash puts us through. The bookstore was called Gemma’s Shop, and the elves even had a ship to take us there. Scratch that—an airship. Count me in. Been wanting to ride one for a while now, so that’s one off the bucket list. Before we could leave, they set us up in this suite to rest for the night. Khione and Sinder went off to the temple to do some prayer stuff. The rest of us figured we’d better not get involved with the local gods—no offense meant, just not my thing. Khione came back saying she saw pigs flying. No, seriously. Whole Briar family’s got a few screws loose, but I’m not one to judge. Next morning, we boarded the ship. Thing was nice. Full cannons, sleek build, whole nine yards. We met the crew, hung out for a bit, then went below deck for food and drink. We spent a couple hours down there before deciding to check out the sleeping quarters, even peeked into the captain’s quarters. Pretty solid layout. Then the captain called us up to the deck—said she might need our help for this next stretch. Apparently we were getting too close to the mountains, and things can get dicey. That’s when Khione spotted it: a massive crystal dragon. It was flying straight toward us, fast. From what she said, it was talking to her telepathically—said he was gonna knock our ship out of the air and eat us. Real warm welcome. So, not friendly. It kept swooping in and out, making it hard for Khione to track, so I turned into a giant bat and gave her a lift so she could get a better shot. Teamwork, right? But then a second one appeared. That’s when the real fight broke out. We managed to take them down. Barely. Even after the battle, the captain below deck was freaking out. Kept yelling for us to “fix things,” which—let’s be honest—we don’t know the first thing about airship mechanics. We crash-landed anyway, just off the coast of Lupa-at-Degat. Could’ve been worse. Nobody died. We’ll call that a win. Once we got our feet under us again, we made our way to the bookstore: Gemma’s Shop. After browsing and talking to the clerk, she handed us a book that had the information we needed. Tuff read it aloud. The Book: Chapter I – The Seed of Fire Talks about how Xaryx’s bloodline was banished by the elves and drow. It mentions the “Three Betrayals”: The burning of the Scaled Throne The sealing of the Ember Maw The silencing of the Sky Heralds “From these ashes, the Crownless rose. Not born from power—but from its denial.” Chapter II – The Cult of the Gifted Gifted Hippos used to be elite guardians with astral insight. Some of them started hearing “the voice between stars,” supposedly Xaryx’s will reaching across planes. Now they’re interpreting dreams, assassinating rulers, trying to destabilize governments. Chapter III – The Crownless Doctrine Beliefs: Peace is stagnation Kings are illusions Prophecy: “When the twin crowns fall, the heart of the world shall burn open.” Rituals: Star-Sigh Meditation, the Binding Flame, and the Breathless Oath—where your name is erased from time. “To serve the Flame is to erase the self and burn with purpose.” Chapter IV – The Gift of Names The cult is obsessed with names. They believe names hold metaphysical power. Mentions someone named Jennie—“The One Who Remembered Her Name.” Apparently she’s a dangerous apostate. There’s a margin note: “She carries the last ember untouched by Zaryx’s voice.” Final Page – A Map There’s a faint map drawn in magical ink, leading to a sunken temple called The Mouth of the Ember Maw. Under it is a single line written in blood-red ink. After that, the clerk told us some prophecy stuff—said the old man we brought had basically predicted what was going to happen. She also gave us some gear: A Staff of Insects A rope that… entangles (her words) We thanked her for the gifts and decided to bring some tools back to the ship. Then we hit a tavern to decompress after that dragon incident. Nice place. Good drinks. Decent food. While we were relaxing, a bard approached us—Lady Discordia. Apparently she’s had a run-in with the Steelhawks before, and last time it ended with violence. Thankfully this time was chill. She had a lot to say about a certain Jerbeen back at HQ. Munster. I’ve seen that little guy raiding the kitchen a few times, usually looking for cheese. She wasn’t hostile—just curious. After some conversation, she went on her way. We wrapped up the night in peace, waiting for word from the Queens about our next destination—wherever that may be. End Report. Cassian – Druid, Moon Circle Still not a fan of dragons Airships are cool though
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Supplementary Report | Tuff Cookie
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Steelhawk International Mission Report Filed by: Tuff Cookie, Expedition Leader Season 2, Episode 21 – “Life in the Trees” Mission Participants: Khione Briar (Fighter/Cleric, calm and cool… until she’s right in your face) Cassian (Moon Druid, likes potions, moonlight, and probably toenails) Aether (Storm sorcerer/cleric, basically if thunder had opinions) Sinder (Fire Druid, and yes, the name is on the nose; plus, she’s smokin’) Me – Tuff Cookie (glitter queen, devotee of things which go off in my hands) Everstorm Caverns, right where we left off. We finally find Veyren Thornveil. I was hoping he’d have answers. Or cookies. But mostly answers. Turns out, I had the solution—Transport via Plants. We zip-zap straight to the Elven Kingdom and land in a gorgeous grove like someone sneezed gorgeous all over a cathedral. Even I felt underdressed. (Note to self: sequin robes are now battle gear.) Khione finds a bag of teeth within the realms of plant travel. She gets a bit weird about it. I tell her: that’s nothin’. I once found a bag of toenail clippin’s. Then, like a complete geeky goober, Cassian asks if they were giant’s toenails, and if he could use ‘em for potions. I tell him I didn’t sniff close enough to find out. We’re brought before the Queens of the Elves of the Maw and the Drow. It’s sparkle central, babes—there was so much shimmer I nearly cried. (And y’all know, I don’t smudge my eyeliner for anyone.) Anyway, Queens got issues. Big ones. Political, magical, apocalyptic issues. They tell us to investigate what started the assassinations and put them at odds like a couple o’ jello wrestlers. We tell em it’s Xaryx and his organization of Flamers (Maybe just Flames). They point at Old and Ugly, and Veyren says, “Go talk to this magic shopkeeper if’n y’all want more intel. She’s in Lupa at Dagat.” Does not tell us she’s his wife. Or ex-wife. (Told us the name, I forgot. Watcher should have it. Dramaaaaaa.) They lend us an airship via one of their very glittery attendants. Like, suspiciously glittery. (Not that I’m threatened. Cookie’s glitter is earned, not bedazzled, and if a glitter prince is interested in a glitter queen, could be a match made in 7 minutes in heaven.) Onboard, someone serves us porcupine testicles. I still don’t know if that’s a delicacy or a hate crime. Tasted fine, but, then I ain’t a porcupine. Mid-flight, we get ambushed by some crystal dragons, all shimmering scales and aggressive vibes. One of ‘em looks like it drank a disco ball and took it personally when I told it so. They knock the ship’s controls silly, kill some o’ the deck crew… yanno, that ole ‘d’ragtime rag. Cookie takes over the cannons—biggest, loudest, most satisfying thing I’ve ever handled in both hands that blasts on command. (Sorry not-sorry- calls ‘em as I sees ‘em.) Anywho, ship is damaged, we’re limpin’ along, and then we’re goin’ down like a sweet muffin. Between the grill, and inta the coals. We crash in the warm waters near Lupa at Dagat. No deaths. Just bruised pride and wet tee-shirts all around. Hey, any landin' y'all can swim away from, amirite? We head inta town, find the magic shop. At the shop, we meet the mystery woman—Veyren’s wife. Or ex-wife. She aged like a fine wine. He, on the other hand, looked like he aged like a not-so-fine cabbage, only with a side of emotional damage. We get the goods: info, spells, gear. Mission ends with: New magic items Ship mostly fixed, cuz I got us a set o’ tinker tools, which our boneheaded captain forgot. Went ta tavern, met a performer who had a thing for Munster. Okay, it’s a murderous thing, but it’s a thing, ‘kay? Lupa at Least is full o’ Sun, sand, tropical drinks Men and women in minimal clothing, strolling the beach like tragic poetry on legs. Nice, tanned, long legs. Honestly, not the worst day’s work. — Prepared for action. And, as an aasimar, Cookie don’t even need sunscreen. XOXO, Tuff Cookie Veritable Fortress of Solicitude, Empress of Crisis Management, Wielder of the Big Thumper
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The Maw | S2 E18: The Hole
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Steelhawks Mission Field Report Season 2, Episode 20 Steelhawk International, “The Hole” Filed by: Iona Hansdottir Location: The Maw, Everstorm Archipelago, Unnamed Island Cave Party Roster: Tuff Cookie—party leader, tank-bard and flirt Aether—brings the thunder Aerith—throws lighting Iona—spear fighter Reena—full time Druid, part time giant snake Objective: Locate and question hermit rumored to have knowledge of assassination plot against the Woodland Elven Queen and Drow Queen Arrival & Initial Encounter Our unit was deployed to a remote island cave system—natural, weathered, and mostly untouched by civilization. Jebediah greeted us at the mouth of the cave and handed off responsibility. He looked understandably relieved. Shortly after entering, Tahlia’s companions scouted ahead. Almost immediately, a giant demon-lord cockroach appeared and gave chase. I moved to intercept and engaged, drawing its attention off the pets. Cookie, in typical Cookie fashion, attempted dialogue mid-battle. It responded (yes, it talked): “I am the demon lord of cockroaches. We guard this entrance. I will take care of those fast things and then come back for the rest of you.” So, yes—it was a threat. Combat Engagement 1- Demon-Roach and Troll-Amalgam Lightning magic proved ineffective against the roach. Tahlia spotted our next problem—an absolute unit of a troll blocking the passage, an ugly amalgam of multiple troll parts. It regenerated damage, hurled severed limbs like bludgeons, and repeated “You shall not pass” like a cursed stage actor. Despite the regenerative nuisance and projectile body parts, we defeated both threats through coordinated attacks and sheer refusal to die. The path forward was cleared to proceed. Exploration & Discovery Cookie used a water-walking ring to scout a flooded side-passage, returning with part of the group to report signs of old habitation and a Sword of Vengeance left in a grassy alcove. Who left it there remains unclear. Back on the main path, we passed through a shallow pool of troll remains (viscera, limbs, general horror) and came under attack again. Aerith first detected burrowing noises. Combat Engagement 2: The Berstuc Trio Three Berstuc demons emerged—ugly, territorial, and talking in Sylvan. Translation revealed: “We can’t let them pass, we’re the last defense.” This escalated quickly. One of them absorbed Cookie into its body (gross), though Aether and Aerith coordinated Witch Bolts powered by bardic inspiration to destroy it and free our goopy friend (although their boots might be ruined). Reena, in snake form, drew the attention of the third one, and the team pivoted to support her. We eventually prevailed, but not without significant effort and need for healing spells afterwards. Deep Descent With enemies cleared, we found steep stairs—more like a vertical shaft—with a second descent (with Cookie showing off their gymnastics skills on the way down) into a chamber ending in a skull-shaped door carved with a riddle in Elvish. We botched the first guess (Aether caught the backlash), but got it right on the second. Inside, we met our target: Veyran Thornveil, an aged warlock with sharp eyes and sharper words. Hermit Intel Exchange He recognized our uniforms, specifically mentioning the Steelhawk members Naelen and Cindella “you guys took care of that evil mayor a long time ago” He offered a deal: “Solve another riddle, and I’ll give you the information you seek and a bonus reward.” We solved it. He offered spell scrolls and a Staff of the Woodlands, which Reena asked for a bit too eagerly. Veyran retaliated by launching her across the chamber with a warlock blast. Note: Do not grab the loot before the deal is sealed. Cookie then directly asked about the assassination plot. Veyran answered: Xeryx, a fallen Dragonborn prince, is behind the plot. His faction is called “The Flames” Veyran is in hiding because of Xeryx and fears the prince may be hunting him. He requested extraction and safe passage to his kin in the Woodland region. Mission Wrap-Up Veyran offered a rest before travel, but Cookie—always dramatic—cast a new high-level teleportation spell, bringing us directly to the gates of the Elven Kingdom. Even Veyran looked mildly impressed. Mission Outcome Hermit located and extracted Critical intel acquired Several monsters neutralized Artifacts retrieved No casualties (although Cookie was briefly demon goo) Recommendations: Prepare anti-regeneration tools when deploying to monster-heavy regions Maintain contact with Veyran and thieves guild for future intel needs Follow up on Xeryx’s involvement in the assassination plot Cookie's spells continue to evolve; review safety protocols for teleportation use Reena should ask before grabbing artifacts from unknown warlocks Respectfully submitted, Iona Hansdottir Fighter, Steelhawks First mission in The Maw region, first field experience with Tuff Cookie
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The Maw | S2 E17: Ashes Beneath Golden Spires (II)
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Scene 1: The Bar and the Brewing Conflict As the team returned to the bar for a round of drinks, they discovered it had already closed for the night. Fortunately, a charming Elven woman was still tending to the outdoor catering. After finding a table, they briefly discussed the challenge of meeting with the Thieves' Guild and concluded that they needed someone who could translate Thieves’ Cant. Outside, the party found a lively scene—beer and mead flowed freely as patrons celebrated. Gruss, eyeing the group’s animal companions, growled at Jebediah, “You’d best keep a muzzle on Batsy. That thing’s scary!” Nokt didn’t take kindly to the comment. In an odd show of bravado, he challenged Gruss to an arm-wrestling match. Though Nokt won, the tension only grew thicker. And they weren’t the only ones itching for a fight. Nearby, Blaine and Vaelora—entranced by a sly bard’s enchanted melody—began to feel their tempers flare. Though Vira Kelm demanded the bard leave, it was too late. Blaine, overcome with fury, socked Jebediah square in the jaw as he passed. The crowd erupted in a chorus: “Bar Fight!” Their outburst would have consequences once the chaos subsided. Vira, now furious, charged at Vaelora, snatched her lute, and smashed it to pieces. She followed with two wild attacks—both missing their mark. Frustrated, she turned her aggression toward the rest of the party, while Vaelora tried desperately to calm her down. Meanwhile, Jebediah summoned a mysterious cauldron swirling with arcane energy. In a desperate act, Vaelora drank from it, began to grow in size, and cast Beacon of Hope, bathing the area in radiant, empowering light. Saltra Spicehands Mooncrush, overtaken by rage, hurled a pot of boiling soup at Batsy, searing his fur and flesh. Critically wounded, Batsy let out a pained cry. Witnessing the attack, Blaine reacted instantly—fury in his eyes—as he loosed two arrows at Saltra. Cybil, recognizing Gruss as a potential threat, drew his pistols and opened fire. But Nokt intervened, shouting, “Shoot Saltra instead—I’ve got plans for Gruss!” Trusting him, Cybil redirected his shots and landed two clean hits on Saltra. Nokt then downed a potion and turned to Gruss. “We good? No more trouble?” Gruss snarled, “I don’t give a damn—I’m kicking your ass out first!” Without hesitation, Nokt cast Bane on both Gruss and Saltra. The calm was short-lived. Gruss lunged, striking Nokt with a heavy blow, knocking the wind out of him. He followed with another brutal beatdown, baton in hand. Just as the situation turned dire, Gabriel tackled Gruss to the ground, shifting the momentum back in Nokt’s favor. Marda “Four Cups” Brokentooth charged Jebediah, who had remained mostly unnoticed. Letting out a guttural roar, she screamed, “Take me to the kitchen, or I’ll break you in half!” Jebediah reacted swiftly, conjuring a magical shield just in time to block her first blow. But the barrier wouldn’t hold forever. Steeling himself, he cast a spell to halt her—but realized her unrelenting rage shielded her from his magic. Vira, still seething, shouted, “I’m going to cause some real trouble!” She lunged at Jebediah but shifted mid-charge, again targeting Vaelora. A tense exchange followed. Vira muttered a half-hearted apology before unleashing Cone of Cold, the icy blast engulfing Cybil, his beast, Vaelora, and Blaine. Vaelora, struggling to stay upright, clutched a magic bead and invoked its healing energy. She followed with a Healing Word, restoring Blaine’s strength. She then issued a Command, pleading for peace—but her voice was drowned in the chaos. Saltra hurled another pot of boiling soup at Blaine, sneering, “Sweet enough for you?” But the attack missed. Blaine responded with two arrows—both missing. Frustrated, he stepped back to gain better ground. Cybil, drawing his scimitars, accidentally slashed Nokt in the fray. Seizing the moment, Nokt channeled divine power and Abjured the surrounding enemies. Sacred light surged through the bar, scattering several brawlers. Gruss, still high on misplaced confidence, squared off with Gabriel. He swung wildly three times—each blow missing. “I thought you’d be an easy target,” he growled. Gabriel smirked, “Thinking’s clearly not your strong suit.” Jebediah, realizing the bard’s lute was the catalyst, barked, “Drop your lute!” Belchford, drunk and defiant, refused. Vaelora added her voice to the command, but the bard clung to it. Slurring curses, he took a wild swing at Jebediah, missed, then let out a tremendous flaming belch that nearly set his robes ablaze. Scene 4: The Thieves’ Guild and the Hermit Lead After the brawl, the party entered the Thieves’ Guild and climbed the stairs. They were greeted by Bobby Ross—whom they immediately dubbed “Colonel Sanders.” There, they were told of a blind hermit they needed to find. The group pressed Colonel Sanders for information, offering coin for answers. He eventually explained that it wasn’t his brother who ruined their reputation in Frostfell—it was actually their father, Jeremiah. Colonel Sanders, a friend of their father, asked them not to tell Jebediah, as he was unaware of this history. Seeking more guidance, the group visited Vormin Ironsong. They assumed the hermit would be covered in moss and deep in meditation. When Naelen was spotted, Jebediah shouted, “Who the fuck is watching the teleporter room?!” Eventually, Colonel Sanders remembered the hermit's name: Thallin Mossvane, Hermit of the Forgotten Roots. Scene 5: Raft Journey and the Spirit Troll Ambush They were informed a raft had been prepared. Following Vormin, they were warned of a man mangled by a giant squid and cautioned about gators. The journey reminded them of past floods and jailbreaks. Gabriel, on watch, heard a low, eerie hum and spotted spirit trolls rising from the waters. He quickly warned the others. The creatures attacked. One troll struck Cybil, knocking him unconscious—but he rallied and rejoined the fight. Nokt supported the team, slaying ghosts one after another. Suddenly, the Beast of a Thousand Teeth—a monstrous gator—emerged from the waters. Vaelora summoned spirits to attack the behemoth, and the team immediately focused their efforts. They dogpiled the creature in a brutal assault. Cybil struck the final blow, killing it. Afterward, the team drifted for nine hours downriver toward what they hoped was their destination.
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The Maw | S2 E16: Ashes Beneath Golden Spires
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We found ourselves standing on a very tall bridge with the aroma of moon blossom and damp moss filling the air. Standing on this Bridge we find the wood elf Queen Sylmira Vaelith and her guard Lord Arannis Stormgale and others. Standing next to Queen Vaelith is Queen Alvalyne T’saeril of the Elistrae Drow with some guards who did not care to share their names, everyone standing in full armor and alert to anything that may or could happen, but did recognize from the reports written from the funeral of the previous queen.
The Drow Elf Queen gave a tremendous speech about everyone getting along and trying to settle this issue peacefully. She said something like, “Someone in you camp gave access to the assassin.” Suddenly Kiwi speaks up and asks permission to intervene in this issue the queens are having and asks to cast “Zone of Truth” so that no one could lie about sending in the assassin. Whatever her plan was it worked, neither queen was responsible for hiring the assassin. Kiwi speaks about showing respect to another and to stop using degrading words and to just address them by name and title or even their house name. Louise suggested going by the names of each other's court to find the traitorous person who might be the assassin. Both queens thought that this was a good idea
Lord Arannis Stormgale told us that the drow returned to Serpent’s Bluff, and that should be our next destination. Kiwi starts rambling on so fast so it's really hard to understand her but she started asking the Queens if they can keep a secret and then looking at all of the other guards and the individuals that are gathered here on the bridge with us they all nod their heads saying that they can all keep a secret she then tells us about Fluffy the Flutterfluff who can infiltrate people's dreams and communicate with their minds and will have total knowledge of this encounter we will redact this information for other reports so that the secret is not out. “This is a great, our Kingdom will be saved by a creature named fluffy!”, said Lord Arannis.
After discussions about where we must go next in the mentioning of Serpent’s Bluff where the lolth drow had fled, Lord Arannis says, “I will guide you to the boat to get you on your way” and showed us where we must head on a map. He pointed at this location West of Serpent’s Bluff a place called The Everstorm. We are then told to grab our gear and meet him at the docks.
We arrive at the docks everything's wet and slippery the weather is decent no storms to be seen although it is slightly raining, we are greeted by Sheriff Dusk Whisper and Captain “Red Jack” Sablewave of the ship that we will be taking on our journey. The Sheriff thanked us for the work that we did when we last saw him. We were also greeted by captain tidewater whose steel hawk met in the past and for saving her from something that I know not of. We gave our greetings and compliments to the sheriff and to the two captains. Captain Sablewave then asked for someone to rub his belly jokingly but in the manner that was in full seriousness one of our members Nollid, took him up on the opportunity and rubbed his belly, you know tieflings are so weird.
Captain sablewave then told us to get aboard of the ship so we can launch and be on our way as we walk onto the ship some of us held our footing while others took a nosedive. Some people just have no sea legs. Once we were on the ship some of our members went below decks while others stayed above Kiwi and I were standing there talking to the captain and since she expressed that she was deathly afraid of boats because she had a bad experience I thought it was kind enough to cast death ward on her to help her out in case anything happened.
Once our other party members came back on deck, they were telling us what they experienced down below when they looked inside some of the quarters to sleep in, they met a very particular gentleman One Eyed Butch who oversees the cannons. One Eye Butch only had one good eye so but he still exclaimed, “I may be a bad shot but I am your man for the cannons”. I was also told that he tried doing a somersault from one part of the room onto the floor at slipped horribly pulled a groin so that was kind of concerning that he would even attempt to do something foolish like that while on a boat.
As we were sailing and making our way South towards Serpent’s Bluff Velo and Nollid took point on the two crow’s nests at the ship had. Suddenly a storm hit and as we couldn't see anything out in the water even from our two companions in the crow’s nest we were then suddenly attacked a young sea serpent jolted out of the water and onto the deck of the ship as we began to fight this sea serpent Nollid thought it was a really great idea to try and slide down the mast from the crow’s nest took a horrible spill. Captain Sablewave retreated below deck to his quarters.
After combating this sea serpent for a little while a second one appeared jolting itself on the bow of the ship. As the second sea serpent landed onto the ship One Eyed Butch came out from underneath the deck towing or should I say struggling to drag out a cannon to help us in our fight. Being told that he was a bad shot he was indeed a very good shot by blasting the first sea serpent that landed on the boat right back into the water dead on impact.
As quickly as the sea serpents appeared onto the ship they were dispatched just as fast. When our confrontation was over the captain made an appearance again Kiwi then slapped them on the face calling him a coward for not assisting us in the fight, but he dared exclaim that “I am only a ship captain and not a fighter”. All of us soon found our way taking a tour of the captain's quarters looking around Kiwi disappeared at a mere instant not sure what she was doing but some of the others were taking a gander around trying to see if they could find anything if this captain has had dealings with the not so friendly type of people that we are in pursuit of.
After investigating the captain's quarters, we soon found our way into the galley where Chef Maetra has made a lovely breakfast for us. That's when the rest of us were introduced to the rest of the crew which only consisted of the chef, One Eyed Butch the captain and another crew member Pixie Red. Pixie red was one of the crew members from what I was told, that was below deck in the quarters that gave a small little inspection of the beds to make sure that they were worthy of our stay. As breakfast was presented to us Captain Sablewave started to sing, “Oh who wants to sing with a drunken sailor”. One Eyed Butch then asked some of our members or all of us if we all wanted to drink some were all four it, Kiwi was highly against it, I just wanted a cup of tea.
Kiwi reminded them that we were all on a job and that they shouldn't get hammered or even be drinking at all so they concluded maybe only one ale will suffice. One Eye Butch took this upon himself to say, “hey! Let me drink all the rest of this myself”. He was soon plastered to the port window. Louise suddenly gave a great little speech: “From Liverpool docks we bid adieu. To Suke, Sal, and Kittie too. The anchor's weighed and the sails unfurl. We're bound to cross the watery row for, we know we're outward-bound. Hurrah! We're outward bound the wind blows from the east nor ‘east our ship will scud ten knots at least the purser would our wants supply so, while with life we'll never say die”.
After resting for 8 hours and storms to wake us we arrived at the Cove. As we step foot on land and take the time to get our land legs back after being on a ship for so long we gathered to figure out what our next task was and where to go. Kiwi thought that it would be a good idea to send fluffy up ahead to scout for us. Through the connection that Kiwi and fluffy have she learned that fluffy found a single door and nothing else. In addition to the door Kiwi tells us that fluffy senses someone sleeping in the distance.
Bork and Kiwi try sneaking up by crawling work does not look like he's doing that well the job and not paying attention to his surroundings while Kiwi had no issue in the distance, she sees a dragon or what appears to be a dragon. And from what I saw from a distance or what the rest of us saw as bork and Kiwi were up a good fair amount of distance Kiwi stood up and started hailing this beast and with no time at all the beast zooms in right next to Kiwi it was indeed a dragon to be in fact it looked like a very young Moonstone Dragon.
After what seemed to be a little while of Kiwi trying to communicate with this dragon, the dragon suddenly opened its mouth and expanded its wings to the full length. From where we were it looked like the dragon was about to eat her. There also seemed to be someone riding on top of it that we didn't notice at first. From where we stood, we started hearing a voice we’d never heard before calling the rest of us over to know that we were there. We then made our way over to where we met my very first sun elf. This was the individual that was on top of the dragon who was doing all the talking. Some of my members started talking to this dragon and language I've never heard a day in my life, no one would tell me what they were saying.
The sun elf then introduces himself as Feymore. Bork asked Feymore what the dragons name was and Feymore stated that they do not usually name their dragons, but this one’s name is Nylla. He knew that we were here for our purpose and our purpose was to get to our destination of The Everstorm and that we were free to pass, but our next destination was not The Everstorm, it was the Sun Elf City. He told us to continue the path that we were on, and we would find an airship.
Continuing our path we finally got to where our airship was, and it was a wondrous looking airship. It was a rare balloon, but the balloon was no balloon at all, it was a giant floating puffer fish. We were then greeted by a talking rabbit and a kind looking man come to find out the rabbit’s name was Peter Rabbit and the gentleman his name was Beans and Rice. Some of our party members especially Kiwi looked at beans and rice and got this concerned look in their eye there was an indentured servant. She tried to give him 100 gold but all he could think about was that he could buy more beans and rice. I was making my way up to the Puffer fish balloon when I overheard someone asking how much Beans and Rice had left of his debt to pay off and that it was only 10 gold.
As we all gathered on to the puffer fish balloon we noticed that beans and rice was also with us the one controlling the puffer fish as soon as we jettisoned off towards the sun elf city we found ourselves looking at this beautiful scenery and all of a sudden we felt like we were being watched there was tense pressure in the air and we all on alert keeping our eyes peeled in the sky seeing what else could be out here because we're not the only things flying through the sky. Suddenly we finally saw what was watching us.
There were three flying horrors chasing us down, first they started to attack the puffer fish trying to take us out of the air. We were quick to stop one of them as he fell to the ocean. I feel sorry and sad for Bork and Velo as they went to attack these flying horrors, and both weapons ended up plummeting to the ocean. I hope they can afford new weapons. Beans and Rice then asked Kiwi if he should ring the Orb to make the Pufferfish balloon go faster, she said yes. The Pufferfish balloon then suddenly started zooming through the sky leaving the remaining flying horrors in its dust.
We soon made it safely to Sun Elf City Island in the sky. We are then greeted by one of the locals and told to head into the bar where we can sit, eat, drink and relax as our journey was a long one. End of Report ::Signed:: Tanlin Palespark
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The Maw | S2 E15: Interview With A Suspect
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Drow Queen Alvalyne set us to the Wood Elf kingdom to interrogate the captive after rumors of a dragon attacking their kingdom in the most upmost urgency. Kiwi makes a emotional speech about the possibility of many deaths and what to do to prevent it, "The only limit to your decisions is you." The Queen gives us a note for the Wood Elf Queen. After a couple hours we end up from the Upperdark to the jungles at a bridge. We met a troll who asks, "Put your items on the bridge!"
Reena attempts to cast Animal Friendship, which fails, and the troll, Samantha, reacts aggressively, "Magic!? Me only like magic items, no magic!" Reena attempts to hug the troll in order to reason it but fails, alongside with Kiwi's Suggestion. Samantha calls out her father, while Arnem realizes they are at a 100 foot high ravine. As the battle progresses, the troll duo demand, "Drop your magic weapons to pass, or drop your ass!"
The troll dad grapples Bork but he manages to break free as Reena, in her Dire Wolf Wildshape, bites the War troll, knocking him prone. Kiwi finishes off Samantha, the Lake Troll, with a decisive Eldritch Blast and Reena bites the War Troll off, ending with a victory on our side.
After we defeated the Troll duo, we stumbled a Wood Elf ambush site, suspecting something big had happened. We've reported the Wood Elf Queen about the ambush and the Drow Queen's letter and request to interrogate the wildling. Kiwi casts Suggestion on the suspect, finding out, through tough persuasion, that "The Grove is Coming." Kiwi, annoyed, trying to help him, persuades him to reveal that there's a plot of regicide between both queens by intentional war.
"It seems ominous but I believe that it's too late. This Grove must be sought out and dealt with before too many lives are claimed by their wrong doings." - Dizzy
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The Maw | S2 E14: The Drow
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Mission Report by Grimsnout, Barbarian, World Tree Path
Pick up where other Steelhawks leave off. Big fight place. Shadow dragon bones smell like angry sky. Still crackle in air. Salamandar burn spot. Behir bits squishy.
Princess there. Fae Oracle. Name Aerilume. Pretty. Glowy. Say thank to Steelhawks. Grateful. Say danger still. Wood elf not trust Lolth-drow. Lolth-drow want blood.
Princess say prisoners be executed in town today. Sound like celebration. “Stay away execution.” Seem smart. Seen one execution, seen all.
She pretty and smart. Good wombo-combo.
(Grimsnout learn term from Steelhawks.)
We go market. Miu sing dance all over, make Grim dizzy. Grimsnout find crunchy beetles. Archer Queen get herbs. Monk Dizzy say words. Halfling with No Name disappear. Reappear. Like shadow sneeze.
Shopkeep old drow woman. Market nice. Homey. If home all glowy.
Go Gloamveil Chalice tavern. Good name. Good smell. Bartender Fema and Perta. Very good fish. Dried. Pickled. Crunchy. Grimsnout approve.
Then old face Say BIG Problem. Wood elf go home.
Steelhawk say "Hey now, eat food, why not. Good fish, right?
But fight come. Lolth-drow guard captain start insult nice wood elf and her crew. Ugly words. Big noise. We try calm. Drow push. Grimsnout push back harder. Captain get bashed.
Pretty wood elf. Mareth. She have drunk elf men with. She told go, not go. Grim say she don't have to go she not want to.
Brawl ensued.
Then real mess. Prisoners from execution come crashing in. Screaming. Blades. Fire. Panic. Three-way fight now. Dizzy lose head. Really. Head off. Grimsnout say “Oh no.”
Miu scream. Think everyone scream.
Except Dizzy. No head.
Halfling Without Name give Dizzy head.
(May be that come out wrong. Will ask.)
Healed.
Good magic. Confusing. Head stay on. Dizzy spin kick again. All better.
We smash. Miu sing loud. Kwame poke much hole, sent spirit of land like avalanche, knock Topazes over. Archer Queen stab shoot good. Grimsnout hit Topaz 1 with tree hammer. Topaz fall. Grimsnout proud.
Many animal companion killed.
Miu beat up Topaz 2 with microphone and kick to 'nads' what ever those are.
Lolthian drow run like cowards. Grimsnout chase. Kick one. Not lethal. Mostly.
Then come Seldarine drow. Authority types. We tell truth. They say okay. Not arrest us. Good.
We go Shrine of Eilistraee. Clean wounds. Sit in hot bath. Sooooo nice. Bubbles like forest stream. Dizzy hum. Miu hum louder. Grimsnout relax. Remember trees.
Then Queen Alvalyne T’saeril summon. Fancy. Big cloak. Serious eyes. Miu speak nice. Grimsnout ask: “Please, no war. Send talk-person to prisoner.” Queen say no spare. Ask us go.
We say okay. Always okay. Steelhawks go.
Next stop: Wood elf land. Time for answers. Time for truth. Time for more crunchy fish, maybe.
—Grimsnout of World Tree
Walk soft. Hit hard. Listen to roots.
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The Maw | S2 E13: A New Partnership
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Before anything else, here’s the info on the key players in this whole thing that I grabbed from other reports:
Queen Alvalyne T’saeril – Reformist Drow Queen, secretly a follower of Eilistraee. Charismatic and graceful, but haunted by centuries of bloodshed.
Priestess Shaelra Myr’vayne – A high-ranking Sword Dancer of Eilistraee. Wise, passionate, and fiercely protective. Offers visions and support throughout the journey.
Lord Velthas Vrammyr – Head of the Lolthite noble house. Cold, cunning, and driven by religious zealotry. Suspected conspirator in the Queen's death.
Mareth Ravessan – A surface elf diplomat and secret lover of Queen Alvalyne. Trapped between grief and politics. Could be a red herring—or a betrayer.
Vaelryn the Masked Blade – Assassin-for-hire who killed the Queen under magical compulsion. A tragic figure who once trained alongside the Queen in swordplay.
Ys’Thera the Widow Queen – Lolthite high priestess and monstrous hybrid. Seeks to ensure the Queen’s soul is forever lost to Eilistraee.
Captain Drexel Nul – Commander of the Queen’s guard, dishonored after her death. A potential ally desperate to clear his name.
General Korril Vrammyr – War-leader of House Vrammyr. Brutal, efficient, and unquestioningly loyal to Lolth. Leads attacks on rebel positions.
Spirit of Eilistraee – A divine presence who may manifest through visions, dreams, and moonlight, guiding the party toward hope and restoration.
After exitin the rooms we were stayin in before attendin the funeral for the recently deceased queen, we were immediately greeted by the Sheriff who began by catchin us up on the previous night’s happenins. First order of business was the assassin who killed the old queen, Vaelryn the Masked Blade. Apparently, he wasn't giving up much information durin interrogation. Said along the lines of ,“Listen, he ain’t talking much. He appears to be exhausted, which is causin him to be quiet. We may need to bring em provisions before we continue any further”. Due to his supicions, the Sheiff said they’d be holdin off on nay questionin until we got back from the old queen’s funeral. With the status of the assassin aside, he then gave us an update on the political situation between the kingdoms. Just as a reminder to tread lightly during the upcoming ceremony. Unfortunately, he told us that the Drow had already declared war. Which was a fantastic start to our mission to prevent a war.
Once we had all the information from him, it was time to get ready for the old queen’s funeral. The Sheriff said that he left us some fancy clothes that aligned with the customs of a Drow funeral. Most of it was black. Probably because they’re Drow After we were dressed, then he gave us a few words of wisdom before we departed. “Tensions are high, and any blunders caused by us could make the situation a lot worse than it already is. You were personally invited by Queen Alvalyne T’saeril to witness the burial of her sister. That’s a great honor, be sure to treat it as such”.
When we finally arrived at the site of the ceremony, there were rows of mourning Drow linin the paths that the pallbearers walked. The area was gorgeous yet humblin. The darkness and dew of night was a harsh reminder of the tragedy of recent events. The beauty and grace of the whole thing really gave you the essence of the old queen’s dignity in life. I suppose that's why there were hundreds of sobbin mothers and sorrowful children lined up to see her off. It seemed almost as if the whole nation was mournin, like the land itself felt the pain of losin its queen.
As we ascended the stairs to her final restin place, I and the other Steelhawks stayed towards the back of the group that surrounded the casket out of respect for those who had just lost their family. After all, we were just guests. I imagine it was quite strange for a lot of people to see curious-lookin strangers at the forefront of their queen's funeral, but we got no more than a few glances. The minds and hearts of ALMOST all attendin was reserved for the memory of their lost queen. Except for Lord Velthas Vrammyr, head of the Lolthite noble house who we also suspect to be conspirator in the Queen's death. Crock and Pnymyses apparently heard the guy say, “Good riddance,” under his breath during a moment of silence.
The ceremony began with a beautiful dance performed by the younger sister of the old queen, Priestess Shaelra Myr’vayne. It was sad and etherial, but you could almost feel the presence of spirit of the goddess Eilistraee.
Once her dance concluded, she took her place next to her sister, the new Queen Alvalyne T’saeril. She began the ceremony by sayin, “Thank you all for those who gathered today. As high priestess, I have the honor to lay my dear sister to rest. You may have noticed that we have a few special guests, people we know and can trust. The Steelhawks”. After that, the new queen, Queen Alvalyne T’saeril, turned to the group of us Steelhawks and made her speech. “I would like to personally thank you for takin the time to join us and to pay your respects to my sister on behalf of your guild.”
She then turned to face the rest of the crowd. “This was a special queen who kept peace. She left behind twelve children who have lost their mother in cold blood. We will avenge her. We will not let this loss of life be in vain. We will find who is responsible for taking our queen from this mortal plane far earlier than she was destined to be. We will wage war against the Wood Elves who have assassinated my sister”. I think the whole group of us started sweatin real hard after that. Priestess Shaelra Myr’vayne proceeded to pour a chalice of the blood of the old queen onto the casket (I'm not sure exactly what this was for. Maybe some kind of tradition or way of ferrying her soul to be with their goddess?)
That's when a lone Wood Elf (never got the girl’s name), stepped forward out of the crowd. She'd come all by herself with a letter from the wood elf queen. Frankly, a foolish idea., Queen Alvalyne T’saeril was pretty pissed to see her. She cried out in anger and commanded the girl to, “Tell your queen she's not welcome here! We will visit in three moons. Do not expect the mercy you had heartlessly denied my sister!” Mareth Ravessan, an Elf from the surface and “friend” (they’re definitely datin) who had been standing next to the Queen was able to calm her and told the Wood Elf to continue speaking. It was hard to make out exactly what the girl said, probably because she was terrified of bein surrounded by people who would do anything to see her dead at that very moment.
The letter said, as far as I could hear, the following: “On behalf of the true elves, Lolth is sorry for your loss. The death of your queen has taken a heavy toll on your kingdom, and for that we offer our condolences”. There was some other fluff inside it, but I got the sense that whoever wrote that letter did so with much condensation that could only be masked so much by the poor girl that read it. Once she finished, the Priestess sternly told her, “We do not need Lolth here". Probably because they worship a completely different goddess.
After finishing the ceremony, the Priestess once again addressed us closest to the casket and asked if there were any clerics in attendance. (I don’t really know why). We didn't bring any, but Clover, Tuff Cookie, and Pnymyses did their best to pay respects however they could. I spoke what comforting words I could offer to the man who was guarding the casket, the brother of the deceased queen named Captain Drexel Nul. Being right next to that casket…I don’t know how, but I could sense that the queen’s soul was not at peace. Like something was keeping her from joining her goddess in the afterlife. A couple of the others felt the same way I did. That’s something we’ll need to address later.
The ceremony was followed by a cocktail party of sorts. Although it’s meant to be a way of celebrating the old queen, the atmosphere was almost crushing. I would soon find out that this was caused by the extreme emotions swirling in the air. After chatting with the Priestess, I find out that she was mighty irked by the fact that people were celebratin and happy despite the current situation they’re in. And that she’s a bit of a troublemaker who was invalid to become queen, not that she minded. She was also mighty suspicious of the members of house Lolthite that were there. They were all smiling and happy. After askin the Preistes what exactly was botherin her about the afterparty, I found out that there was a “terrible beast” wiping out the farmers. Queue dragon roar.
Except it wasn’t a JUST a dragon. It was a dragon, a massive salamander, and a behir. They almost killed us all. Thank the gods for Tuff Cookie and Clover. Once all that was over, the Queen and Priestess came to thank us for slayin the beast that had been wreaking havoc on their population. But we were way too tired and hurt to respond to them as enthusiastically as we probably shoulda.
Report Ends
Supplementary Report | Tuff Cookie
Report Begins
Report filed by Expedition Leader Tuff Cookie, supplement to the Watcher’s
Location: The Maw
I’m writing this down quieter than usual. Not because there’s nothing to celebrate—there is. But we stood at the edge of something big this time. Big like grief. Big like a smoldering campfire just before it blazes up in your face. Big… like the revelation of unexpected love.
Our mission took us deep into The Maw, beneath the fractured stone roots of what once might’ve been peace. We attended the funeral of the assassinated Sendarine Drow Queen—an honor soaked in tension, politics, and apprehension. The drow cloaked themselves mostly in silence and reverence, in sorrow and regrets, but some heads were bowed only to mask their harsh and disparaging words for the departed queen, and to hide the venom in their hooded eyes.
The wood elves had sent an emissary, who offered kind words, empathy, and ritual condolences, clearly hoping for something positive to come out of the uncertainty of murder and regime change. She may be waiting a while, my guess.
I led us there. Me. Cookie. Might be the first time I felt that I might contribute something significant, because the upper crust social is my chosen battleground, loveys.
The wood elf sheriff, cautious but hopeful, promised to delay interrogation of the captured assassin until our return. It was a gesture of trust. Or a test. Maybe both. They say they want peace. I believe ‘em. The drow? They’re angry, sad, distressed… and that’s the best of ‘em; plenty of ‘em want the ground ankle deep in wood elven blood.
We came in on the epic funeral, and everyone of the team was stellar; on their toes like ballerinas, with eyes and ears open. Between us, we offered condolences, understanding, companionship…. And picked up intel from many quarters. We accounted ourselves well.
Then we moved to the perilous and gilded field of battle which was a high-society wake-feast. Again, the team dispersed to scout, listen, to take the measure of the room. Our capture of the true assassin earned us respect, and maybe a new Drow sovereign willing to at least listen to words of peace if we can get them to believe they can be part of the interrogation and punishment.
We’d barely had time to really circulate when one of the Drow dancers, a sister of the departed and current Queen, reached us with stories of something killing the drow farmers, even as the Drow nobles attended the wake. We went to look, because that's what a team like ours does. What we found, well....
The monster turned out to be monsters. A shadow dragon with breath that ate light. A trident-wielding elemental burning so hot it made the air scream. And a behir that nearly made a meal out of Crock. I watched him halfway down its throat, legs kicking like a puppet. I threw magic as fast as my hands could move, shouted every spell I knew… we all did.
Clover—bless her steadiness—called a beacon over us all, held it despite getting clobbered. Light in the dark. Hope in the hunger. Pnymesis and Nalla held the line, solid as stone. Naelen danced in shadows, a knife every time we needed one. Crock, spit-slick and furious, lived, dealing damage as he could.
We won. Not clean. Not pretty. But real.
Clover and I kept the team upright, barely. Took hits that rattled bones I didn’t know could rattle. But we stood together, and won every battleground there was; that counts for something. Maybe everything?
Our credibility may give us the opportunity to sell a peace… the Drow are full of sharp, sharp teeth, literal and political. But maybe, just maybe, we gave them something to talk about that isn’t revenge. Maybe we showed them we’re worth listening to.
We were magnificent diplomats.
We are alive.
I’ll take it for a first Expedition Leader run.
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E12: For the People II
PARTY
Report Begins
We picked up right where the last crew left off, deep inside The Maw. Cold stone, strange doors, and tension you could cut with a blade.
Roulette scouted ahead, checking a few doors for traps or surprises. I moved to one of them myself—locked, naturally. I called her over, and she stepped in front of me to take care of it, focused as ever.
Not long after, we ran into flesh golems—lumbering, meat-bound monstrosities. They came at us, but we dropped them quick. Jebediah tried reading their minds with Detect Thoughts, hoping to catch an image of their master. Nothing came through. Either they were too simple, or too well-protected.
We moved on. Another locked door. Another flick of Roulette’s tools. She hesitated at this one—didn’t want to be the one to open it. So I did.
And of course—bam—more golems. This time, Lotus Golems. Elegant, wet, and deadly. They launched a blast—Arcane Water Shot, right at me. I took it head-on and kept moving.
We dismantled them piece by piece, then searched the adjacent room. That’s when we found the button—strange symbols etched across it, none of us could read them. I asked Roulette if he thought I should touch it. She didn’t stop me.
So I pressed it. Flash. I was gone. And in my place stood Manshoon—the real deal. An evil wizard with a reputation.
First thing he does? Lightning bolts my raven. That motherfucker. I’m trapped in some other place, helpless, while he’s murdering my familiar.
Ezekial wasted no time—charged, grappled him, slammed his face into the button. Swap. I was back. He was gone.
We deliberated. He had all the signs—arcane strength, arrogance, powerful presence. Could be our target. So we decided to try again.
Cindella let out a frog and we used it to trigger the button, trading the frog for him.
Manshoon returned. The fight began again. Annoying, drawn-out—but we knocked him down. Jebediah immediately cast Detect Thoughts. And that’s when we saw it—crimes. The kind that don’t deserve a trial.
I didn’t hesitate. I stepped forward and decapitated him. One clean swing. Scum like that doesn’t get a second chance.
Still, something didn’t line up. He wasn’t the one we saw at the celebration. He was powerful—but not the right man.
We turned our attention back to the unexplored room. The only one that hadn’t gone anywhere.
That’s when Clover noticed something off about the wall. She called me over, and I tore it down. Behind it: a long hallway.
At the end, a voice called out:
"Ahh… have you completed your mission? Is the queen dead?"
I stepped forward.
“Yes,” I said. “She’s dead. I was there.”
"How much was I supposed to pay you?"
I didn’t flinch. “2,000 gold.”
Then he paused. Looked at us. Something clicked. We weren’t the ones he’d hired. Suddenly, the floor cracked, and a golem rose up from the marble as Clover stepped too close.
It unleashed an antimagic jolt, hitting everyone who could cast a spell. Even my tiefling lineage dimmed under the shock. Then came the antimagic cone—bam. Our magic items went dark. Every edge we had? Gone.
We’d always known that moment would come. Jebediah moved out of the cone and struck with Steel Wind Strike, slicing through space and slamming into the construct.
I followed, hammering into the golem with halberd swings. Relentless. Ezekial tried to push forward, but he was too far back.
By the time he reached the edge of the cone, the golem was already dead. Only one obstacle remained: Bak-Mai. I approached him slowly.
“There is nothing in this world that can defend you from me.”
And I meant it. I unleashed a flurry of halberd strikes, cut him down, and we chained him up tight. Jebediah cast Detect Thoughts once again—and this time, something else surfaced.
There was someone in the corner. Invisible. Watching. I crept closer, relying on my blindsight—and there she was. Fully revealed in an instant. She said she’d come willingly. Said the right words.
Then tried to slip away with illusions and misdirection. But she didn’t count on me. My vision isn’t tied to sight. Her tricks failed. Jebediah insisted on escorting her. I grabbed her other arm, firm and unrelenting.
We returned to the banquet hall—to the queen. There, we dropped everything before her:
The unconscious Bak-Mai
The woman we dragged from the corner
And the severed head of the man I judged unworthy of life
No lies. No mercy. Only truth—and steel.
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E11: For the People
PARTY
Report Begins
The queen responds, "Thanks for the heroic deeds. When we learned that the artifact was destroyed, we knew that you would make things right. We could've turned our backs at you and arrested you, but we didn't lose hope."
It was revealed that the Keeper is actually an Eldritch Slime.
The Keeper
A strange man in chains causes a ruckus, the lights go out and some one yells, "The queen's dead!"
The Drow are enraged, and, left saying, "This Means WAR!" We were tasked to head to head to a hideout but it seems the portal was open during the dinner, in which the queen decided to demote the sheriff. It seems there was an argument between the parties including our own.
The chaos spreads rapidly has created a "split decision" and what comes in my mind are the words, "War... War Never Changes." After a party wide argument, it seems we have decided to interrogate the stranger that's under custody. The stranger was being hung by his own chains, barely alive. He said, "I was the decoy for the murder, while my comrades did the assassination."
After the interrogation, we enter the portal, into what seems to be a temple devoted to Pelor, where we were attacked by some residents as we tried to parlay with them. They say, "We are the Ashari! We are together!" Some of the Ashari transform but we were able to thwart their more powerful, elemental forms, a giant octopus and a fire elemental respectively. The last Ashari casts a wall of fire, blocking us from her and the singled out Puckelnob who is blocking a button leading somewhere.
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E10: Why Now?
PARTY
Report Begins
Filed By: Tuff Cookie, Incomparable Delight of the Battlefield, Bane of Boredom, Firecracker-in-Residence… I’ll come up with more later.
Well hey there, Sugar!
If you’re readin’ this, you either care about Steelhawk business, are fond of danger laced with charm, or you’re tryna figure out what the hell happened in the Maw with me and the crew. Buckle up, darlin’—you’re gonna get all three with a splash of sparkly crystals, rock-hard abs, and bit o’ blood-spatter.
On to the Mission! (Subtitled: How I Got Politely Propositioned in a Dwarven Bordello, *But* Also Missed Out on Some Fun With A Couple of Pretty and Powerful Men)
So the job starts in the best kinda house you’ll ever find—the kinda house with low lighting, loud music, and “lads and lasses with superfine… personalities”. A dwarven house of ill repute, which for my coin is the *finest* type of architecture I truly admire, and the *only* sick thing that don’t really need a doctor.
We was consultin’ with some Dwarven forge-folk about them duplicatin’ the artifact we’re tryin’ ta remake, after the fiasco that led to the drowning of the elven Kingdom. They’d done the crafting, but we still needed some enchantment slapped on that bad boy like hot oil on a sunburnt back. ‘Course, while everyone else was focused on craftsmanship and mystical infusions, your favorite Cookie got propositioned by a busty lil' anvil-kisser named (probably) Velma Sweetcheeks. (All four of em, sugar, all four. *Trust* Cookie.) She wanted me to work a different kind of shift, if you catch my meanin’.
But duty calls, darlin’, and that’s the way the Cookie crumbles. Or doesn’t. Hmm. (Shee-it, I’mma have to work on that.)
Then there was the Caterpillar Incident (aka: “Excuse Me, Did That Bug Just Threaten Me?”)...
We head out followin’ some directions and find ourselves climbin’ and crossin’ a bridge, which had seen better days back when Karagatan still had that ‘new planet’ smell to it. What I didn’t assume was we’d meet itty bitty talkin’ caterpillars with the attitude of a loan shark and the metabolism of a caffeine addict.
Y’all ever had a caterpillar threaten to feed you to somethin’?
It’s real hard to take seriously when the thing looks like a baby’s fuzzy toe-sock puppet.
Well, right up until it morphs into a crystalline devil and slices the air like it’s at a cutlery convention on discount day.
Three more show up—one summoned by t’other, then one floaty spirit-thingie babblin’ like a broken record (think it was called an Allip-gator), and then comes the giant, snarlin’, swamp-breath croc the size of my ego.
So that’s when the martial ballet throws back its curtains and takes the stage like an angry fishwife come to my room ta find her hubby- and here’s the highlight reel:
Halfling with No Name: all sneak, no squeak. She’s in and out of shadows like a bad idea in a brothel… not like there’s any o’ those, amirite?
Pau: dark-feathered, dead-eyed, and delightfully lethal from range. Bird’s got bite, like stickin’ it to ‘the Man’... if the man’s a crystal devil, anyway.
Trunks: carvin’ devils like they were made of holiday ham. Frostbrand singin’ like a lovesick bard in the winter.
Ma-Ti: chaos in a bottle. Fire here, lightning there, wild magic explosion in between. Kid’s got spark. Oh, and that was *all at the same damn time*, darlin’.
Illyria: fightin’ in stilettos (emotionally speakin’), punchin’, singin’, and spell-slingin’... I like her moxie- she told one of them crystal devils that it’d look better as a bracelet. With them devils, she was punchin’ up her weight class, the lil temptress.
Me?
Oh, honey.
I was dancin’ with devils, toe-to-toe, ring flashin’, blades gleamin’, sass on full volume. One of ‘em tried to impale me—I told him, “Sugar, buy me dinner first,” and then stabbed him in the kidney.
We’ve got our feet under us again until the blood-spatter gets ta Illyria, who goes fangs-out and sinks her fangs inta the croc’s neck, gettin’ caught in a death roll–its own, if you can believe *that*- and *still* lookin’ like a drowned debutante at a tea party in need of some serious dry-cleanin’. Girl’s got range.
(I called dibs on the croc-skin boots, size *fabulous*, darlin’s.)
We keep on keepin’ on, movin’ forward, lookin’ for the ‘mighty wizard’ we’re told about. After the scrap and hikin’ for a bunch o’ hours through a dark swamp (I swear, felt like high school), we find a magic portal seeming of flames, and Ma-Ti jumps through with a ‘Wheeeeee!’. Crazy kid. Illyria looks ta me, and I look at her, and everyone else rushes themselves inta the flames, and I’m thinking what she’s thinkin’ and it’s ‘Maybe tanight’s a good night ta play parcheesi’.
But, she looks at me with this look of absolute trust (and baby, that’s before she’s flossed after her croc-blood snack, so I say "Why not?" like I always do, take her hand and through we go.
“How ‘bout we knock and offer them some free girl scout cookies instead, loveys?” I say, and that finally gets some traction.
We end up goin’ in, and lookin’ around, and it’s not until we find a secret door that heads up that we find two men.
Welby – smart, too many rings, probably owns seventeen cats. Has some washboard abs that make Cookie feel like a filthy (but silky-smooth) towel what needs a vigorous and old-fashioned washin’
Welby
Both clearly powerful men, self-confident, and look like they been around the block. Or three.
Boss Hogg
And there I am, as far as the eye could see: mustaches, nice pecs, tans, washboard abs, and there I was, this lil ole filthy-but-silky-smooth Cookie of a towel...
I even put it in the report!
Instead, I just held Illyria’s hand (fangs in the neck’ll have to wait a bit, angel) while we all chatted about power, Frank Steelhawk, their help, our ‘earnestness and goodness’ (yes, I pulled *that* off, but those of you who thought it are right bastards, ain’tcha?), and they said “Okalie dokalie.”
As near as nevermind, anyway.
They empower the artifact, *bamff* us back to the Keeper under the harbor, who takes the thing while mouthin’ off about killin’ Hollow or some batshit thing like that, and then flings us all to the Queen’s palace like we’re royal mail.
And then?
A thank-you.
A real one, with gold, pomp, and a parade tomorrow, which I intend to attend with crocodile boots and a belt made from regret, and with a “Cookie-come-calling” honest-to-gods kiss-me sign.
Final Thoughts:
Sugar, I’ve seen devils cry gemstones and crocodiles bleed.
I’ve seen a bard bite out a croc’s throat, and a Halflin’ with no name make one with their bow.
I’ve had to turn down a proposition in a dwarven cathouse and choose duty and a held hand over a bit of laundry-washin’ and sandwich makin’. (Okay, it was a *nice* hand, to be fair.)
But when a Queen thanks your ass?
Your ass is *THANKED*, darlin’.
Fangs for the memories, y’all; let’s do this all again over drinks, shall we?
Love, Kisses, and Dainty Lil Neck-Biteys,
Tuff Cookie
P.S. If I disappear for a few days after the parade, assume I’ve either been requisitioned by royalty or devoured by Illyria. Either way, for the sake of those gods above and below (and everywhere else,) do *not* send help.
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E9: The Search For A Replica
PARTY
Report Begins
Worm News
Most trusted source north of the Maw
BREAKING! Family of five MURDERED!
A family of five, including three children, were found hacked to pieces this morning.
Local Worm police responded to a call outside of Ember Deep at approximately 7:30 on Monday morning and found the bodies of five Rime Worms murdered.
Worm City coroners office identified the victims as Riam (29) and Wormandy (26) Icymaw and their three children: 6-year-old Wiggly, 4-year-old Squishy, and 3-year-old George. The autopsy report stated that their injuries range from arrow wounds to attack magic to claws from a large cat. Strangely enough, crime scene investigators for rabbit tracks around the area as well.
Neighbor Sebastian Slug said he had lived down the hole from the family for seven years. He was shocked and saddened to learn of this grisly killing.
"I can't believe they're gone," said Slug. "Those kids loved to slide down the slope. Now this place will never hear their laughter again."
Local eyewitness reports from the preceding day described six suspicious individuals.
Jack, a giant The Keeper, said that while he and his brother were foraging the Sunday evening when a group of well armed humanoids approached.
"They were tryin' to sell me some weird berries", he says. "Claimed that one single berry would make us full for an entire day."
"And that jus' don't make no sense," added his brother Seamus, "I mean look at the size of us, there's no way a small berry like that could feed us."
The Maw's Worm School is holding a wake in honor of the family, next week on Sunday at 10am.
OTHER NEWS
Psychic listeners in Ember Deep intercept harrowing message about bringing an ArtifactThe Rolling Earthworms win State Championship
Crab claw marks found in the bottom of a pit
Racial tensions rise as a Wood Elf tourist enter's the xenophobic community of Ember Deep
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E8: Brrrrrrrrr We Are Almost There
PARTY
Report Begins
Report date: [-----] Clovers's POV
We’ve been trudging through the snow for HOURS, and the castle is still a ways off, like, really? It looked so close, but that's the illusion of distance in the mountains. Dramatic sigh. We're making progress, I guess....... But we've been at it for about 4 hours!!! We come up to a snow battered area filled with tracks- big, small, etc. Naelen scouts for the party, scanning the area for signs of... well, whatever the hell is out here. He notes the beat up wagons and the smoke rising in the distance. Chiun cast produce flame to keep himself warm and Chorkva is... Doing his best to keep himself warm. We talk between ourselves and decide to just head to the castle, no detours here.
But... The direction of the castle has the giant footprints. Nothing good can come out of that- That's for sure.
So. we walk in that direction, preparing for the worst. And wouldn't you know it! The worst is there. Along the path is FOUR FIRE GIANTS. Not wanting to cause trouble (Hint. There will be...) Chiun sends Chorkva and Dorfus (for moral support) out to speak with them as they're the only ones who can speak giant.
“Cease” They say, “Are you the reinforcements?"
While the rest of the party kinda side eyes each other, we hope Chrokva smooth talks to them. (He doesn't.)
"We’re about to storm the castle” Says the Foregecaller.
“Who’s your reporting officer” He asks
Our genius plan is to deceive them and attack while they're weak. I hope I've made it clear the outcome is the exact opposite. Chorkva, stumbles over his words and completely fumbles the whole thing. So we do the one thing we do best. Fight. Did we want to? FUCK NO!!!! BUT WE REALLY HAD NO OTHER CHOICE!!!
I'll spare you the details but during the fight, it seems that the kingdom noticed our fighting and tried to aid our efforts. But apparently they had new recruits on the scene so... It wasn't too great of an outcome. They hit... Let's be generous and say two? Two shots... out of... maybe 10. You miss 100% of the shots you take I guess.
The party continues their way up the mountain, eventually coming to the gate to enter the kingdom. It's this massive like- Stone carving that has three HUGE statues of some Broad Bears. It was made by ancient dwarves for the ursine, on the wide of a mountain, and it has not been destroyed or hurt in many moons. This is the liar of the ursine. Where your word is more important than your money. This is Stoneclaw territory, the Wildmaw. We walk up to the gate and are greeted by two people, One guard, and one who looks like someone of importance, could be a chief of a clan!
Selfie with gramps
“We tried to help, but we’ve got trainees! We were warned to not use the cannons.”
“You must be our friends, or else you would’ve attacked us!"
They say, pretty relieved. They then ask our business and tell them that we're Steelhawks here to seek the Council of the Ursine. They welcome us in say that this place is the "Stronghold." A friendly place to the Steelhawks. Though, we do have to check our weapons in first before meeting with the dignitaries. Perfectly logical and sensical to me!
When we get through the gate, we notice that there isn't many people around. And when we ask, the two tell us that they're either at the meeting, or they've hidden in their homes because of the alarm being sound.
"There were some rumours that they were going to attack."
I find quite strange and terrifying. This will be something that needs to be looked after.
Anyway, we give them our weapons with a ticket number so that they can identify us. Apparently it also comes with cheesecake. Huge.
Chief Stoneclaw
Ambassador Softpaw
Hollowclaw, the Forsaken
Veric, the Lorekeeper
General Thurg
Elder Moonsap
We're invited to take a seat- they had enough for each of us. Chief Stoneclaw says to us:
"The prophecy is still alive it said you would arrive on time."
We briefly explain who we are, introduce ourselves and get right into the reason we had come To fix the artifact. Apparently they have a way to solve the problem.
"There's a kingdom in the mountain, they’re dwarves, they’re specialized in some sort of engineers, it’ll take a monumental team to get there. You may be too late to help the people, 75% of the population has died." (in reference to the drowned city close to the Wood Elf Kingdom)
The council had also received a note, written in some sort of oil I bring up that- Hey maybe it's form the Keeper! I read in the report my sister did that he had like an oil pool or something so I connected the dots. They sounded pretty surprised that he was still alive, kinda throwing some shade that he didn't do a great job at keeping. Since the artifact had broken while it was "supposedly" under his care.
The topic moves on quickly to the issue with the Wood Elf Kingdom. Elder Moonsap says this:
"We cannot trust arcane tampering in the region, what next wizards and warlocks?"
There seems to be plenty of other political issues in the region. And Hollowclaw looks like he needs to get something off his chest. I know that feeling. But Ambassador Softpaw interjects before anything else escalates:
"You've done enough hurt."
Dorfus stands up to try and speak with Hollowclaw but Naelen stops him. But this prompts Hollowclaw to spill the beans on his internal turmoil. He wants to go to war with the Wood Elves and take the region. But Chief Stoneclaw tells us more about their relationship with the Wood Elves.
| "We’ve had an equal balance, but we still do the old way with nature, that's the way magic should be done. We need to show friendship and loyalty."
They don't agree with the "modern" way the Wood Elf Kingdom is taking magic. But they need to have a mutual respect and understanding of each other to maintain balance in the region. I'm sounding real smart... This is scary. They then put it up to a vote, who is wanting to going to war with the Wood Elves? The Ambassador, Elder Moonsap, The Lorekeeper, and Chief Stoneclaw object to the notion, while Quartermaster Varlo, Hollowclaw, and General Thurg want to engage in war. They ask Dorfus to add in to the vote and thankfully we manage to persuade him to vote against the war since he didn't really seem to understand the gravity of the situation.
| "I demand that my bloodline be respected!"
And with that Hollowclaw stormed out, the rest of them sighing. We ask why can't this war not be negotiated? Like they really don't need to fight the Wood Elves at all.
We're told that there's a certain faction that doesn't believe in people, they've been disowned by them (the kingdom). Hollowclaw is exiled because of it, but he's an outcast. And not too long after, Varlo walks out.
| "Those are the people who have issues with the elves."
They say when all three of them leave. We ask, where do we need to go to repair the artifact. As it had been one of the main reasons for our coming here. We're to go looking for the dwarves to duplicate the artifact. The council tell us that they will do our part to help, and we SHOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ATTACK THE QUARTERMASTER!!! However, if he attacks any Steelhawks, then the whole protection is off BUT WE CANNOT KILL HIM!! He's the son of someone very special here. (Pretty sure he's a bastard son.)
After that, we leave. BUT NOT BEFORE I GO PRAY AWWW YEAH!! AND ITS MY GOD TOO AWW YEAH X2
Final thoughts... I have plently... Like who the heck send the four fire giants to come knocking on the door of the ursines? Surely it wasn't the Wood Elves... Right? There's also that concern of the reinforcements? Like- how did they not know who they were going to be receiving? The whole thing is strange and confusing and I don't want to think about it anymore!! I think we need to look into that though- There might be another potential attack on the ursine kingdom- or the members of the council might rebel and attack the wood elves against the wishes of the other four chairmen. One thing I know for sure though. Writing reports hurts my head and I'm gonna go take a nap now.
REPORT END
Dated, [——-]
Clover Briar
The Maw | S2 E7 : The Prophecy
PARTY
Report Begins
Report date: [-----] Clovers's POV
We started our day off at the Frontier, the final checkpoint before we cross into Ursine territory. We gather in the morning, some of the men, Mayor Felicia, and the General (Whose name I've yet to get... That's mainly on me though LOL.) Our main goal is to work out the differences between the groups, repair the artifact, and hopefully restore the Maw. We have the song scroll from High Seer Moonveil, and the picture that came out of her pocket of an Ursine man, from when a team went out to scout the docks a little. High Seer Moonveil unfortunately became paralyzed because of the song she sang, and no one was able to restore her back to normal yet. Fingers crossed that the Ursines are able to help us- not only with the artifact but with the High Seer too. Mayor Felicia comes to talk with us before we leave, imparting her knowledge to us. (I'm getting real fancy these days, if only I was this eloquent actually SPEAKING in the moment...) ANYWAY- It'll be quite the trek ahead of us, with a big icy lake. She tells those with plate mail "Good luck", as if I wasn't already having worries...
Mayor Felecia Lucas
We bid our farewells, say goodbye and hope to see them soon- Less actual “goodbye” because to me like- that’s… Final- Final. Bye-bye is cute! Like when Calla does it it’s so cute! Right- uhh the mission
We head towards the kingdom, it defo was NAWT going to take one day to do. This was going to be like... a multiday walk to get there. Tachanka sends a few of his (many) skeletons out to basically take out any traps (if any) before we could get to them. Naelen does the same, but in like, a sneaky way. Because... He's sneaky like idk how else to put it? BUT !! He does notice something that the skeletons don't! Naelen mentioned that he saw a lot of wild animal tracks and fresh animal(? questionable) shit on the ground in the direction they're heading. He also mentioned that the ice is frozen but not thick enough to hold a lot of weight. Like one Clover Briar with plate mail and her horse also with plate mail. On further examination on the questionable shit pile, it appears to be not from an animal. (Uh oh lol) Naelen looks around some more and sees footprints that lead to the lake which we're supposed to cross. Double big yikes.
Our party comes up to the water and... It's not necessarily the nicest way down! There's about a 40ft drop from where we re on the cliff and where the shore line is to cross the lake. And from the looks of it- even if we did have climbing gear (which I WISH I packed, it was going to be difficult.) Hollow (bless him... Please Wildmother watch over him) goes first and practically falls off the side of the cliff, nearly giving me a heart attack but thank goodness he was able to catch himself on some ledge. Naelen is next, managing to avoid getting hurt on the way down. Miss Roulette sticks the landing and she could honestly compete with Simone Biles- THAT'S how good she was! Some turtles even came out of the water to congratulate her. Like a circus! Wait- what's a circus. Pnymises took himself and his horse to fey step down to safety- I mean I would have done it, but I thought crossing the lake was going to be more difficult that getting off the cliff tbh. Roulette used Vlad to take Naelen down, very safe, very mindful...
Then... It was my turn... Um... Don't, like, expect much from me, okay? A girl can only do so much... I'm not a jumper like everyone else, so I took my rope, gave it to Chewy to hold in his mouth and started to slowly rappel down. I mean- shit I might as well thrown myself off the damn cliff because I FUCKING SLIPPED. LIKE- I'M KILLING MYSELF THAT WAS SO EMBARASSING. So if you don't see me, THAT'S why. Thank my lucky fucking stars because Hollow managed to catch me and I avoided getting hurt.
After everyone in the party got down (mostly), it was time for the horde of skeletons and pets to get down. Some of the skeletons die, I mean like- They're skeletons idk if anyone expected Roulette level performance from them- I surely didn't. Chewy comes down with a hop, skip, jump, and I gratefully thank Chewy with some head pats and a hug. Hollow follows suit, taking some damage on the way down but not too bad.
The lake in front of us was very rough, very chunky, icy water, and the shortest distance to get to the other side is 60 feet- just enough for Twilight to fey step across, which is the main reason I just dismissed her and summoned her again. Tachanka sends one of his skeletons out, just to test and see how bad the waters were, and it looked pretty bad to me. He brought it back to shore before it could float away too far. We also notice that there are some octopus in the water... Whether they're friendly or not... I don't want to find out. (The only thing in my mind when I saw them was Calla saying 'fuck you octopus' in Hollows voice).
Roulette tells Vlad to take herself and Naelen across the water, 2/6 good! Hollow takes himself and Chewy across by jumping off an octopus and landing safely. 3/6! When I summon Twilight again, a seal comes out of the water to wait and cheer me on, I fey step across safely and Pnymises does the same thing and crosses with his steed. The seal looked at me with disappointment and went back into the water. Like- can I not have this many embarrassing moments? Can I be normal for once??? 5/6! Tachanka ties his skeletons together in a sort of raft thingy to tie it to Rassvet and uses him to swim across. 6/6! Now that we're across, we continue our way.
When we cross the lake, we're able to notice that the same big tracks are here, but fresher which can never be a good thing. And there seemed to be a sign of a struggle nearby, close to the house we see just up ahead. Some huskies were posted outside, one of them happy to see people, the other looked devastated and when we all look around, there are footprints leading up to the front door. Hollow goes to the door and knocks on it- hoping for at least a response, though the only thing he heard was a painful groan. He sees that the door looks damaged, so he punched it.
A few of us went int but I kinda stood at the door looking in and out just in case. But... The sight we see is heart breaking- An Ursine man lay frozen in the living room, dying. Tachanka sends a skeleton to check to see if he was still alive- but the man only slowly swipes at the skeleton- like stuck in slow motion or something. Roulette and Pnymises try their hand at healing but he requests warmth and food. His voice is so weak, but he does his best to speak with us. He says this to us,
“I heard that you are the ones that caused the havoc, it was prophesized that you would come to the land. I was attacked, I couldn't even see it happened- it happened so fast. I was sitting with my dogs, and then I heard a lady scream out at me, next thing I know, I woke up here. I thought no one was coming to save me. I need you to do me a favour, clear the area and make your way to a temple up north. What business do you have here?”
Pnymises shows him the picture of the Ursine we got from the High Seer. He then replies,
“We all take care of each over.”
He tells us that we should look for Elder Moonsap, Druid of the Verdant Deep. We can find her at the temple in the north. We ask him more about who attacked him, saying that they looked like two women and a big guy. Hollow headed outside to get a fire started for the man but when he went out, he could see them... Staring from the edge of the forest.
I mean, once Hollow was seen I don't think where would have been a chance to negotiate with the ice guy- If those creatures could turn that man into an icicle then it could do the same to us. We had no other option but to fight- so fight we did. I won't give a fully detailed report on what everyone did in the battle, but I will give highlights and important parts that should be noted.
Ice Golem
Mallqui
The ice golems were clearly the culprit in freezing that poor man basically to death as he did the same to me and Pnymesis- We aren't able to breathe and could really only be let out if we were melted out of there. Thank goodnees Hollow had used Hellish Rebuke on it. Otherwise we'd be majorly fucked.
The ice golems aren't as affected to bludgeoning, but slashing was normal.
The women the Ursine was talking about turned out to be THREE ladies and they moved pretty slowly too. They did some NASTY damage but we won in the end anyway.
They also seem to know the happenings of the city that drowned, thanking Hollow for what he’s done. (It only pissed him off more, I should know…)
They were all staked out inside of the Ursine's house, but when we took a look inside, there wasn't much? Like it was just normal house things. They weren't even doing weird cult stuff. It's like they were doing it for the fun of it. After the situation was delt with, we check back in with the Ursine and he's still hanging on, but he gives us a map of where we need to go. We assure him that we'll check back in with him on our way back and we continue the trek towards the temple.
Cyclops Sentry
“Druid...? Druid in the temple. Why you wanna see the druid? Don’t know, my boss is here, do you want me to get my boss?”
Before we even get much time to think about who the hell his boss could be, out of nowhere we hear a voice shout in Common,
“You imbecile, stand your ground.”
Honestly- I was lowkey too scared to move. The Oracle comes out from the door tunnel thing, and you can feel the power radiating off of her. The other cyclops (WHO WERE INVISIBLE BTW) revealed themselves. The oracle continues directing this right to Tachanka.
Cyclops Oracle
Cyclops Stormcaller
Cyclops Storm Sorcerer
“How can you be a man of light, but play with skeletons?"
"The world is falling apart, do you know what happened at the docks. Is it so hard for the Steelhawks to tell the truth?”
I mean like... She's kinda right. Then she adds:
“The next time I see you, I hope you fulfill the prophecy by then.”
Naelen gives Hollow the songscroll we got from the High Seer, being the only person on base that could actually read it. The song reveals that all of this was planned- like it was all supposed to happen. But the only important part was the second verse:
“The Choice of the Steelhawks
Forged in oath and feathered pride,
The talons of steel must weigh the storm.
To wield, to shatter, or to stay the hand—
Each path shall crack the world's worn form.”
We were told to bring this to the Ursines, as this temple here was "a place of truth and death nothing in between.” And honestly, we’re really lucky we didn’t fight her. Like. Really really.
We kept walking, following the map and the path, the temple coming into view- and when I tell you, it felt familiar- LIKE- it was REALLY familiar. Like I was HOME kind of familiar. AND ITS BECAUSE I WAS. IT WAS A TEMPLE TO THE WILDMOTHER LETS FUCKING GO.
To be honest, I was a little too busy enjoying the feeling of home that I had said something I shouldn't have- but that's all personal things that shouldn't be included inside a formal report. Even if my words aren't that... Formal. We're let into the temple reluctantly but Tachanka stays outside with the skeletons as it probably wouldn't have been a great impression on the clergy...
ANYWAY- We’re introduced to three really important figures at the temple:
Keito – He’s the Keeper of the Woods. Has this calm, ancient forest grandpa kinda!
“The day has come. The day has come.”
The energy in the room shifts, and we feel the aura of someone powerful. And it's all coming from her- My divine sense even goes off and pings her as a Celestial- not humanoid. I would be scared but... For some reason I'm not that scared at all. She starts to float a little in the air, revealing that the Ursine in the picture was when she was younger. Then she offers to bring us to the castle, thinking it would be for the better if we met directly with the Council of the Ursine. And that- in the end, it's the Steelhawks decision that will be final.
“We have a chance to right the ship—some of us will never be the same.”
Then she starts calling us out one by one. She looks at Hollow and goes:
“You’re one step away from the point of no return.”
Then she says this about Tachanka, even if she's not in the temple with us:
“Let him know that I will be paying a visit and come in his dream and pray for him so that he understands that he is a child of the light.”
This to Miss Roulette
“I know your thoughts, I know your pain, I know what you’ve been through. But please understand that life is more than what’s out there.”
Then to all of us:
“But for now, take your rest, and we’ll sip with the royalty.”
She then turns to Naelen:
“You might be able to get your memories back.”
Hollow also asks about his parents, I hoped for an answer too but this is all she said:
“Once you complete my task, you will be informed.”
Then... She like fr passes out and disappears. The two tell us that she'll be able to take care of us in the morning. But for now, we rest.
I feel like... We now have more questions than answers- I curse that I hadn't asked his name because he seemed to know the answers for everything. Perhaps he was part of the prophecy and there are more trials we need to face to right the wrongs we've done. All I know is that we need to make the right choice and have the right people speaking for us at the Council or else it's going to go south- FAST. I pray that it will at least go marginally okay. I HOPE LOL
REPORT ENDS
Dated, [——-]
Clover Briar
The Maw | S2 E6 : The Keeper Beneath
PARTY
Report Begins
Report date: [-----] Luxanne's POV
You will need to forgive me for the lack of information during the first half of this report. Unbeknownst to myself, I was given the position of watcher. I will try in earnest to recall my memories and attach the files I can.
We continue further down into the water to find the Keeper, hoping to find out more information on how to repair the artifact and restore what has been lost in the catastrophe. We come into a room, where the water recedes and seems to mellow out. I find the situation quite strange and believe it to be some magic the Keeper employed in his domain. We come to two platforms, both with stairs that lead into a pool of water. Before we can even move to get to the other side, are are ambushed by oozes no doubt the work of the Keeper.
After defeating those what I'll call, "patrollers" for the Keeper, the party continues on and eventually meeting with the Keeper
The we walk into is huge, with a small channel of oil that leads into a pool of it, and there lies the Keeper awaiting us. He informs us, that to right our wrongs, a sacrifice must be made. I suspect a willing sacrifice was the goal, but our Expedition Leader seemed to... Have other plans in which he began to demand we sacrifice ourselves for it. I would advise not to let Mr. Von Zemo be in charge in the future. The Keeper doesn't appreciate the attitude of "me before others".
However, Pnymises stepped up to offer himself to to be the sacrifice, willing to trade his life to right our wrongs. The Keeper instead said that it was a test, to see who's heart was pure and was willing to be a true hero. He then gave us information on the Ursine peoples of the north. And- Against all of our wills, Baron kept urging something from the Keeper- whether he got the response he wanted- the Keeper launched him with an attack and threw him 30 feet up in the air. The Keeper handed Pnymises a token, though I don't know what of.
One more thing Baron does before we leave if try to set the oil on fire with the Keeper. It doesn't go his way and we hear the Keeper say, "I promise to take your life, and Hollow's life in exchange for those lost in the flood." Paraphrasing of course.
Once we make the long trek back to the surface, we are greeted by Captain Tidecaller, Sheriff Vaelen, and Captain Red Jack. The docks are just as the last party left it, with waters rising the threatening to take the docks into the depths. They begin to inquire what we've discussed with the Keeper. I'm not sure on what information is shared unfortunately.
Captain Red Jack
Sherrif Vaelen
Captain Tidecaller
The party stays on the floating docks for a bit to assess our situation, one half heads to the pub while the other checks out a shop.
Myself, Tuff, and Baron go to the pub. The bartender Iomas, greets us. Baron asks where we can stay for lodging, perhaps so we can stay withing the area. Iomas says to us “(We) should visit the queen and visit the kingdom again. The Steelhawks have made a few mistakes but [your name is] still worth a little something.” The three of us have our drinks, then leave.
The Captain and Pnymesis, go to the magic shop to buy items. Captain buys Goggles of the Night, perfectly reasonable as a few of our missions seem to be taking place at night, or at least, dimlight. Pnymesis just went with the Captain as he didn’t want to go to the bar.
We meet back out on the docks, information and items in hand. We speak to the Captains, and the Sheriff on our next moves, it’s recommended that we speak with the Queen, but we don’t necessarily need to. We are free to just go right to our lodging.
We all take our leave of the docks and start heading back the direction of the Wood Elf Kingdom. Though not familiar to myself, Clover has expressed how much she’s liked coming here. Probably because the Queen has taken such a liking to her because of her lineage. Once we get to this part of the forest, we continue down the path and enter the kingdom.
When we arrive though, there doesn’t seem to be ANY guards posted at their stations. It seems that the situation down in the flooded docks is of no worry to them, possibly because they are situated so high up.
We head back to our lodging, getting settled for the night. We discuss our next moves, do we take a full rest, do we speak with the queen, do we get our other business done? The idea of a long rest gets thrown around, and we all seem to agree, Tuff points out that it would be best to speak briefly with the Queen as well. In the end though, it’s best we take our full rest and do any formal speak with the Queen before our journey.
However, before I head to bead, I make it a choice to visit the temple Clover did too. On a journey such as this it’s very hard to get your proper worship in so anywhere with a temple, and accepts all faiths, I will utilize.
When I entered, I started to hear voices, but I saw that I was the only being there. Strange. I headed to the large tree in the centre, I suspect that this is a very important part of the temple, so I did my worship there. I felt strangely at peace while in the temple, I feel safe and comfortable being here. I took a seed from my prayer pouch and begin to pray in Druidic. Though, I will confess within this report, I felt a sense wash over me, something I hadn't felt since childhood. The thought comes to me, "Believe and trust that there are better things around."
This prayer lasts for about 10 minutes, though Clover tends to speed through them like a sprint. Right after, I hear a voice.
"Little one, you have come to mother."
It was ethereal, other worldly, echoing in my mind in a warm but commanding way. She then continues
“There’s much work to do. Right the ship. The druidic lineage depends on it. She doesn’t blame you. But blames the Steelhawks. Right the ship my dear.”
Before I can even ask a question, she hands me an orb with flowing smoke inside of it, a large aura radiating from the object. She then asks me about Tuff.
"You must make friends with them. Tell them to fix their dagger."
And just like that, she was gone.
The Wildmother
In the morning, Tuff goes to speak briefly with the queen to give her an update on the situation and so see what we are to do. She tell them this,
“(They) don’t hold us to it, but we are the ones to fix it. I appreciate the report. [but] do not trust the people we’re about to see.”
The queen does not seem to take nicely to the two gang members, being Captain Tidecaller and High Seer. That’s what Tuff reports back to us. I take it that the “gang” had not done right by the Queen and angered her in some way. I suspect myself, that this is linked to the artifact and how it was handled on THEIR end rather than OUR end.
Before we leave, Chiun goes to the store to purchase an item. I see him walk in, but I do not seem to catch what he purchases.
We set out on foot for about 15 hours, and in the far distance we start to see the snowy peaks of the mountains. I find the scene quite beautiful as I haven’t been out so far away from home- or the base to be frank. The party decides to take a long rest because of how long we’ve been travelling, on foot too. Would take a toll out on anyone. We find a decent place to camp and we take watches. Chiun and the Captain go first, and it goes uneventful. Tuff goes next, and they too experience nothing. Pnymises goes last and it goes uneventful.
After getting rested up, we continue our trek towards the mountain; approaching the base we were able to see a grassy area along with a little village in the distance.
“You shall not pass, unless you pay the toll.”
Troll
Turns out, he ends up giving us a 50% discount but Baron… Doesn’t take too lightly that we have to pay up still. So, he lets out his breath weapon towards the troll. The troll expertly dodges and tries to attack Baron but he in turn, casts shield to protect himself. The troll starts to negotiate with us too, looking at my glaive and asking for it. I was going to comply but Tuff seemed to step in and offered their dagger and some leather armour. By some divine miracle and expert persuasion by Tuff, the troll is convinced and lets our party pass.
We go until we see this house of sorts with a few men standing about at the foot of the mountain. This area was clearly a place not ruled by the Queen. And in not trusting Baron as the Expo leader to speak on our behalf, we send in Tuff to speak to the officials. They walk up to Baron (against our efforts), but it's a good thing Tuff intervened.
"We come as emissaries, also representing the Steelhawks."
The man they speak to replies.
“This the check point at the base of the Maw. Because at this point, we won’t see anymore humans. We will see things we’ve never seen in our life. Everything thing that’s wrong in the world, is in there.”
They continue to make some very directed comments towards non-Human people. Another one pipes up.
“Humans are welcome here, but everyone else is not.”
Which, I fear, only fueled Baron's ego more.
Another person, Mayor Felicia Lucas steps in to speak to us as well. We told them we interacted with the trolls at the toll and was able to get away with giving the leather armour.
Mayor Felicia Lucas
“They hung the last people that tried to fight the trolls…”
I'm glad that our outcome was just a bit of a scolding from the trolls and the loss of Tuff's leather armour. After a bit more chit-chat, they call for the general.
General
Tuff tells the General that we seek passage up the mountain and we want to do something in exchange for our safety up the mountain. He agrees to the arrangement, saying that he's heard great things about the Steelhawks.
In the end, we take a little rest before starting back up on our journey. I believe that there'll be more than just trolls and Ursaline awaiting for us on the mountain. We must stay vigilant and be ready for anything.
REPORT END
Dated, [-----]
Luxanne Primrose
Supplementary Report | Tuff Cookie
Report Begins
Report: The Keeper Beneath
Filed by: Tuff Cookie
Mission: Into the Maw (my first!)---> Team included Pnymises (steady leader type), Captain Karagatan (flashy combat wunderkind), Chiun (clever combat wunderkind), Baron von Zemo (Angry Elitist supervillain-in-training), Luxanne Primrose (stalwart, elegant, and great sense of humor), and Yours Truly (Duchess of the ole Bump and Grind).
We began this grand misadventure under the waves, deep in a sunken temple where some fellow Steelhawk, Hollow, had apparently played *just* a bit fast and loose with an artifact. Said artifact had kept some kind of floodwaters in check—until, well, it didn’t. Nearly washed the town off the map, but fortunately they managed to save the magic shop and the bar, but that we found out later. Interesting, isn't it? Save a bar, save a town… it’s a place for rescuers to claw back a bit of sanity after wading through the dead and injured, and for survivors to regroup.
Anyway, we pick up underwater, which isn’t doing a thing for my hair, let me tell you.
The journey onward–looking for the Keeper, to see if they could replace the thing which Hollow (apparently) said nighty-night to. We moved through the underwater underground with the standard nightmare fare—gray oozes, slimy trackers, a general lack of ambiance, and not a single beautician in sight. But between my dazzling footwork and our collective talent, we cut, burned, and pummeled our way through with no casualties. (Except maybe for Baron’s dignity when he got roped up by some slime and roughed up a tad. But let’s not dwell. He did okay- everyone really did.)
Deeper in, we found a creature half-embedded in the floor—horrific to behold, but thankfully not in a ‘gonna-eat-you’ sort of way. Turns out, this was *the* Keeper, the original source of the artifact (whose destruction had sent everything into chaos, yada
yada). Baron von Zemo mouthed off a bit, clearly without any real idea (but *with* plenty of ego) of the immensely old and powerful creature. Aside from Baron, we approached with respect (which apparently is not always a given with this crowd), and the creature tested us, asking: “And who might sacrifice themselves to save the world?”
I’m reluctant to report that only one of us earned the title of hero at that moment- Pnymises stepped forward and said that if it meant saving the world, then he was willing. It was impressive, honestly. I couldn’t bring myself to say it, much less even really feel it, but he did. (Hugely sexy, doncha know?)
Anyhow, the Keeper didn’t demand any of our lives, but instead took pains to point us in the right direction: north, into Ursine country, to replace what was lost from there. (I’m a little fuzzy on the ‘what’, but more probably from the attentive and elegant Ms. Primrose, the official Watcher.)
We got back to the surface, and saw the disaster area that had been a thriving seaport town, once upon a time a week ago.That’s when we found a fair number of people angry with us, the Steelhawks. Led to some tension, but we straightened that out– thank goodness for reports, which let me argue that prior teams had been sent in with an ARTIFACT without any intel on it or any instructions, and that let a bit of air out of the complainypantses.
Queen put us up for the night… team wanted to get moving early, so while my dear teammates preferred to keep a low profile, I figured it only polite to sneak off and report in person to Her Majesty. I am, after all, an ambassador of charm and good manners. (And I wasn’t about to let a trip like this go by without a little courtly visit to check out the fashions.) Also just seemed the polite thing to do. You know, report in, show how earnest we still are? Queenie-bits seemed taken with us, giving us the benefit of the doubt, and spoke directly into my head, too- she’s a nice one.
The Queen
Sheriff Vaelen
Sheriff Vaelen
Anyways, after Her Majesty's kindness and assurance that she still had trust in the Steelhawks, we cued up the travel montage—long roads, setting up camp, and a fair bit of grumbling.
Moving on, we ascended into the mountain passes and ran into three trolls who clearly thought extortion was their best career path. They demanded 1,000 gold each for passage. Baron wanted to fight (naturally), and got in their leader’s face while taking on some draconic features, but after a few swings and some magical shielding, I stepped in and charmed our way through. Talked them down to a suit of leather armor—explained that it tasted good with salt, and besides, I wasn’t using it. Cheap at the price, and like that, we were past the trolls.
The final leg took us to a checkpoint before our ascent to the Ursine Mountain Home. There, we encountered a group of extremely handsome military officers (bonus points for the uniform appeal). Though they had a touch of that ‘non-humans-aren’t-quite-our-thing’ attitude, their tiefling general turned out to be a model of grace and hospitality, inviting us to coffee.
Where we learned it was a *really* smart and good thing we didn’t attack their trolls. (Points for Tuff Cookie, can you really dig it?)
And that’s where we left off—sipping coffee with his Generalshipness (who told us that he, too, had respect for Steelhawks), preparing for the final stretch into Ursine territory, and me wondering how much trouble I might *just* get into before breakfast with a handsome soldier or 3.
Stay tuned, darlings
Tuff Cookie
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E5 : Echoes Beneath the Wake
PARTY
Report Begins
The air crackled with fury and steel as Tachanka, Aasimar Cleric of Light, faced off against the Psychophant Cultist Leader, a human woman twisted by obsession and power. Her mask lay shattered at her feet, blood streaking down her face from where the artifact had struck her. Her eyes burned with fanatical resolve.
All around them, the final battle raged.
Zen Rex, the Goliath barbarian, was an unstoppable force, hammering through cultist after cultist. Beside him, Hollow, the Tiefling fighter, danced through the chaos in a whirl of steel and precision. Clover, the Elven paladin, stood firm, blade gleaming with divine purpose. Naelin Shadowstrike struck from the shadows like a whisper of death, and Crazy Earl, grinning with wild glee, unleashed eldritch chaos on every side.
The cultists fought like cornered animals, screaming praises to their broken goddess. Then their leader let out a furious cry and unleashed a pulse of psychic force. The air shimmered with invisible pressure. Clover and Crazy Earl were slammed to the floor, gasping, stunned by the mental assault.
The air hummed with tension as Tachanka and the cult leader locked eyes—dark zealotry meeting divine resolve—each knowing this moment would decide the fate of all. Suddenly, the cult leader let out a wrathful scream and unleashed a wave of psychic energy that rippled invisibly through the chamber. Tachanka staggered as the mental shockwave hammered his senses like a thunderclap inside his skull. Clover and Crazy Earl were caught fully in its path – the Elven paladin’s cry of pain was cut short as she crumpled to the stone floor, and Earl collapsed with a strangled gasp, the eerie glow fading from his outstretched hand. Even Zen and Hollow winced, momentarily dazed by the psychic onslaught, while a triumphant sneer curled on the cult leader’s lips. Several cultist minions seized the opening and rushed forward, emboldened by their leader’s display of power. For an instant, it seemed the tide might turn back in the cult’s favor as their fanatical cheers echoed off the vaulted temple walls.
But Tachanka would not yield. Gritting his teeth, he raised his shield and invoked a prayer of healing over his fallen friends. A gentle golden radiance erupted from the cleric, washing over Clover and Earl in warm waves. Clover’s eyes fluttered open as her wounds knit closed; she drew a sharp breath and gripped her sword anew, renewed by Tachanka’s grace. Crazy Earl staggered upright, shaking his head and blinking back into focus with a wild grin. The healing aura swirled past the cultists without effect – Tachanka’s divine energy was reserved only for the worthy. The cult leader’s eyes narrowed in frustration as the heroes she had struck down rose again. With Clover and Earl restored, hope surged in the party’s hearts.
With a commanding shout, Tachanka slammed the butt of his metal-shod staff onto the stone floor. Ancient magic answered his call. The carved staff began to twist and lengthen, wood and metal scales shifting and coming alive. In the span of a heartbeat, the humble cleric’s staff transformed into a giant constrictor snake, scales black and gold, its eyes glinting with the same divine light that flowed through Tachanka. The enormous serpent lunged at the cult leader with a hiss, fangs bared. The cult leader shrieked and stumbled back, frantically uttering an incantation – but too late. The snake coiled around her in a heartbeat, its muscular body pinning her arms to her sides. She struggled mightily, the veins on her forehead bulging with exertion and psychic fury as the snake’s crushing embrace tightened. All the while, Zen Rex and Hollow pressed the advantage: the Goliath barbarian let loose a booming war cry and swung his greataxe in a brutal arc, while Hollow darted in halberd flashing at the cult leader’s exposed flanks.
The cult leader’s remaining followers roared in desperation and threw themselves at the heroes to save their master, but Naelin and Clover intercepted them with lethal efficiency. Clover’s shield caught a fanatic’s blade and she riposted with a radiant slash, dropping the cultist where he stood. Beside her, Naelin moved like a shadow—one moment a cultist was rushing for Tachanka’s back, the next a dagger sprouted from his throat as the wiry rogue materialized behind him. Meanwhile Zen and Hollow struck in tandem at the ensnared leader.
With one final sweeping slash from Hollow, the cultist leader crumpled to her knees. The giant snake loosened its coils and the defeated cult leader fell face-down on the blood-slicked stone, her dark robes pooling around her and her psychic aura finally dimmed. A momentary hush fell in the chamber as the remaining cultists gaped in shock at seeing their mighty leader destroyed.
That silence was broken by a sinister hum. The artifact – that unnamed relic of power which moments ago had struck the cult leader – now rattled on the floor at Tachanka’s feet, pulsing with an intense heat. Tachanka realized he was still clutching it in his gauntleted hand, having instinctively grabbed it after it hit the cult leader. Now the object grew searing to the touch, red energy spiderwebbing across its surface. Tachanka flung the artifact away; it landed amid the corpses littering the stone floor.At the edges of the circle, spectral shapes were beginning to claw their way into being – undead spirits the cult’s ritual was summoning from beyond. Ethereal skeletal hands and twisted visages started to emerge from a dark vortex at the center of the circle, accompanied by a chorus of faint, ghastly wails. The cult’s foul plan to release an undead horde was moments from fruition.
Tachanka knew what had to be done. Planting his feet, he raised his shield and symbol high and began to chant a dispelling incantation with unwavering conviction. A dome of pure white light expanded outward from him, washing over the ritual site. The cult leader’s surviving acolytes screamed in despair as their painstakingly prepared spell was unraveled in an instant. The emerging undead apparitions shrieked when touched by Tachanka’s light, their forms dissolving into motes of shadow. With a final shouted prayer, Tachanka thrust his palm forward and the holy light erupted in a brilliant flash. The dark ritual circle splintered apart, its runes fizzing and dying. The portal to the undead realm snapped shut with a thunderous clap, leaving nothing but silence and the fading echo of Tachanka’s words. He had dispelled the cultists’ ritual, thwarting their plan at the last possible second. Breathing hard, the cleric looked around to ensure no undead remained. Satisfied, he allowed himself one brief moment of relief.
That relief was short-lived. A sharp crackling sound drew everyone’s eyes back to the artifact, which now lay inert in the center of the ruined circle – inert, but not harmless. Its pulsing had grown frantic, an erratic strobe of angry red light illuminating the chamber. Hollow, chest heaving from exertion, approached it warily, weapon in hand.Without hesitating, the Tiefling fighter raised his lance overhead. Channeling all his remaining strength, Hollow brought his blade crashing down onto the artifact. The relic shattered with an ear-splitting boom, releasing all its pent-up energy at once. A shockwave of scarlet force blasted outward, knocking cultists and heroes alike off their feet. The very foundation of the temple trembled. For a heartbeat, sound ceased and a blinding light filled the hall. Then a deep, ominous rumble began to emanate from the earth itself.
Stone dust rained from the ceiling. The shattered artifact had been a keystone of some kind – its destruction triggered a chain reaction. Cracks snaked up the massive pillars lining the chamber, and chunks of marble started breaking off the walls. “The temple is collapsing!” Zen bellowed. Water began to seep and then pour through fissures in the floor, mingling with the blood of the fallen. This coastal temple, once held together and protected by the artifact’s magic, was now giving way to the pressures of time and tide. A large piece of the corniced ceiling crumbled and crashed down, obliterating the altar at the far end. The party had no time to lose. “Run!” Tachanka ordered, his voice clear and commanding despite the chaos. Together, the heroes turned and sprinted for the arched exit from the sanctum, splashing through the rising water that was now ankle-deep and climbing fast. The remaining cultists, leaderless and terrified, either fell to their knees in resignation or fled in all directions like panicked rats.
Just as they neared the exit, a final pocket of cultist reinforcements emerged This second group of cultists – those who had been guarding the outer halls – now barred the way demanding the artifact. They charged the party in a frenzied last stand, determined to drag the heroes down with them. In the half-flooded corridor, battle was joined once more amid swirling dust and water.
At last, battered and soaked, the party burst out through the grand entrance of the temple into the depths of the sea. Riding Tachanka's Giant Constrictor Snake to the surface.The party took a moment on the muddy rise overlooking the temple site, coughing and catching their breath, their hearts still hammering with adrenaline. They had survived the climactic battle… but now a new peril made itself known as their eyes swept over the landscape beyond the temple.
The party reached the surface soaked, coughing, but alive—only to see the surrounding lands beginning to flood. With the artifact gone, its protective magic had vanished. The sea swelled. The barrier that held back the Ursi, the savage bearfolk, was no more.
Panic was spreading. The threat of war loomed.
Before fingers could be pointed, Crazy Earl stepped in, his voice clear and confident:
“The cultists did it. Shattered the damn thing in the chaos.”
The townsfolk bought it. Mostly.
Soon, an urgent command came from the elders: “Find the one who crafted the artifact. The keeper. The only one who might restore balance.”
But legends named him something else:
The Sleeping Terror.
A being of ancient knowledge and slumber, who dwelled beneath the sea.
And so, the party dove into the deep.
In the silence of the ocean’s embrace, strange forms drifted in the dark. At the edge of a forgotten reef, they found a sealed structure—ancient, encrusted with coral, and humming with power.
They made camp just inside, protective wards glowing around them.
There, they rested.
For what lay within might be even worse than what they had left behind.
The Maw | S2 E4 : The Sunken Prophecy
PARTY
Report Begins
Mission Report: The Sunken Prophecy
Operative: Roulette Diyods
Team: Steelhawk Mercenaries
Mission Location: The Maw
Date; 27 of Shadowmoon
Some missions start with blades drawn. Others start with an audience before a queen.
This time, it was Queen Sylmira Vaeleth who summoned us. The Steelhawks had been to the Maw before, and apparently, we’d left enough of an impression to warrant another meeting.
The Queen wasted no time.
“The docks have fallen,” she told us. Waves of undead had surged up from the depths, seizing control of the harbor, cutting off critical supply routes, and threatening the heart of her domain.
To help us in the fight, she gifted us Cloaks of the Manta Ray—a clear sign that the battle wouldn't be confined to land.
Then, she introduced her council:
Captain Tidecaller – a steady presence, whose name alone suggested an affinity for the sea.
Captain Red Jack Sablewave – a pirate through and through, with a reputation as sharp as his cutlass.
Sheriff Vaelen Duskwhisper – the law of the Maw, a quiet but deadly enforcer.
High Seer Lysara Moonveil – the Queen’s spiritual advisor, with the weight of prophecy in her gaze.
The mission was clear: reclaim the docks.
at the Docks
Queen Sylmira Vaelith
Captain Tidecaller
High Seer Lysara Moonveil
Sheriff Vaelen Duskwhisper
Captain Red Jack Sablewave
We arrived to chaos.
The docks were swarming with skeletal horrors:
Flaming skeletons whose charred bones burned with unnatural fire.
Ordinary skeletons – but no less dangerous in their relentless numbers.
Skeletal warhorses that galloped across the bloodied wood, crushing anything in their path.
Then the fire giant skeleton rose from the waters.
It towered above us, its eyes burning like twin infernos.
The battle was on.
Drako, our newest recruit, waded in first. A barbarian with no sense of fear, he took the brunt of the undead’s fury, allowing the rest of us to fight without being overrun.
Tachanka, our cleric, summoned his Spirit Guardians, a whirling host of divine specters that shredded the undead as he moved through them, methodical and unwavering.
Chorkva took a hit early, dropping hard—but I got him back on his feet with my medical kit. Once up, he returned the favor, healing the rest of us and keeping us in the fight.
Chessie moved like a ghost, slipping between the undead, striking where they were weakest.
Pnymesis charged on his spectral steed, meeting skeletal cavalry with a force to rival their unnatural endurance.
Despite the sheer numbers of the undead, we held our ground—and then took theirs.
One by one, the skeletal warriors fell. Their fire dimmed. Their bones shattered. The fire giant collapsed, sending a wave crashing over the docks.
The Queen’s harbor belonged to the living once more.
We donned our enchanted cloaks and dived into the harbor.
Beneath the waves, the water grew darker, colder. The harbor's floor revealed the reason behind the invasion:
A sunken temple to Lathander, god of the dawn.
Once, it must have been a place of light. Now, it was infested with drowned undead—warriors twisted by undeath, still clad in the vestments of their former faith.
Drowned Blades – skeletal swordsmen whose rusted weapons still struck true.
Drowned Ascetics – monks, their bodies bloated, but their movements eerily swift.
A Drowned Master – more powerful than the rest, and clearly leading them.
The fight was brutal, but in an aired space, which made things easier on us. Still, the drowned moved unnaturally fast, striking with the precision of warriors who had trained in life—and refused to rest in death.
We fought them back, pressing into the temple’s ruins. The Master resisted, then retreated, vanishing into a flooded chamber.
We pursued.
There, we found them.
A gathering of cultists, cloaked and chanting in the waterlogged ruins. Their voices wove together in a droning hymn, words thick with power. Their leader, a woman of striking presence, turned to face us as we entered.
Her eyes burned with something more than faith. Maybe madness? Not sure.
Challenge met challenge.
Tachanka, ever the cleric of light, immediately saw her as a blasphemer—an intruder in his god’s sacred place. His voice rang with accusation.
But the cult leader… she stood firm. She spat back her own truths.
“Topsiders like you plan to wield the artifact for foul acts against us—against my people. You will bring ruin upon yourselves.”
Then, turning her burning gaze on Tachanka:
“You must turn the artifact over to me, as Prophesied!”
That got all of our attention, let me tell you.
She claimed a prophecy had foreseen this meeting. That we would stand alongside her—not as enemies, but as allies.
And it got worse: “One of the topsiders is bent on destruction.”
That sets alarms ringing in all our minds.
Tachanka, despite his fury, saw the opportunity. We needed information.
He pressed her.
“Who is it?”
But she refused.
“The artifact first.”
We stood on the edge of a knife.
Tachanka wouldn’t yield. “The name first.”
She wouldn’t either. “The artifact.”
So Tachanka gave it to her; right in the kisser, swinging the bag with the artifact inside it right into her face.
And that’s where we left it—staring each other down in the depths, balanced on a razor-thin moment between diplomacy and bloodshed.
This prophecy- whatever it's enigmatic origin, and what it entails, still hangs over us.
The battle is not over yet.
Roulette Diyods
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E3 : War in the Docks
PARTY
Report Begins
We start off in the Vault, fresh off stopping some lowlife thieves from swiping some priceless shit. Captain Elowen Tidecaster, the lady who hired us to guard the riverboat, comes barging in, about to spill some important crap about the artifact they stash here. But we shut her up real quick—got one of the thieves still tied up, and we ain’t about to let some rat overhear secret Queen business.
And then, waddling in like he owns the place, comes that dumbass walking carpet, Quartermaster Varlo. This is the same bastard who tried to get us to rob the damn boat earlier! Now, he’s here acting all sweet, kissing Elowen’s ass like a damn lapdog. And worst part? She actually looked like she was buying it.
We weren’t having that. Called the hairy bastard out right there—he starts sweating, bullshitting, but I ain’t one to sit around and listen to bearshit. So, I drop Zone of Truth on the whole damn room. And guess what? Big dummy slips up. After some back-and-forth, Elowen finally gets wise and kicks his ass back to his embassy to await further instructions (which better involve a noose, if you ask me). She then suggests we put the artifact back in the vault. Yeah, great idea, lady. We just caught assholes trying to rob the place—clearly, it's not secure. So, naturally, the brilliant solution? Hand it to us to babysit.
Tachanka gets the honor of stuffing it in his bag, and let me tell you, I was pissed. I really wanted to touch it. You’d think 400 years of experience would give me some seniority, but nope. That goddamn horned Hollow motherfucker actually picked me up and moved me away like I was some misbehaving child. Had half a mind to scramble his brains right then and there.
So, off we go with Elowen to her fancy sea-faring ship. We set sail, and she immediately says she’s tired and wants a nap. Real reliable leadership. So, we’re stuck running the ship, trying to stay awake when all of a sudden—big-ass shark. I mean, giant fucker. And let me tell you, I was pumped—this thing was about to be my new best friend. Hollow throws some rations in the water to keep it interested, and just as I’m about to seal the deal with some magic—
BAM. Giant squid.
And then another one.
Clover almost gets yeeted off the ship by one of its stupid tentacles. But I figured the rest of them had it covered, so I stuck to the plan—charm the damn shark. Success. Told it to hold still while I hopped on for a ride. Beautiful, majestic moment—until I noticed the second squid snatching up Zargrin. So, I tell the shark, "Hey buddy, be useful, grab the dwarf." But nooo, the dumbass just swims up and tries to bite him instead. So much for that friendship. I misty-step my ass back onto the deck, and hit the shark with Dissonant Whispers—"Get the fuck outta here!" It bolts, but guess what?
It comes right the fuck back.
And then, as if we weren’t dealing with enough bullshit, some goddamn fish people show up. Talking about their "Sea Queen" welcoming us to the depths. Yeah, real welcoming. First they send their squid goons, now they want us to drown ourselves for their royal fish lady. I was this close melting the fish ladies mind, but then—
Fucking shark again. Too dumb to live, too stubborn to leave. This time, it leaps out of the water and takes a chunk out of Tachanka’s sabertooth. Poor Rassvet barely makes it. I start singing In The Arms of an Angel because I figure the cat’s done for, but turns out? Barding saved his furry ass. Meanwhile, Clover and Hollow are diving into the water to smack the fish queen’s messenger. Absolute lunatics, but hey, it worked. Zargrin finally gets sick of all the shark’s bullshit and ends it with a flurry of hatchet swings.
About goddamn time.
After that, we get a bit of peace—finally—and make it to the docks. And wouldn’t you know it? More problems.
We’re greeted by a real pleasant conversation—people calling Captain Elowen a thief for "stealing" the artifact. Before it turns into an all-out brawl, this lady named High Seer Lysara Moonveil speaks up, all "Let’s get this over with." Then this Tiefling bastard in the back introduces himself as Captain Red Jack Sablewave, and an elven prick named Sheriff Vaelen Duskwhisper demands to see the artifact. More accusations fly, but they finally invite us into a fancy tavern—top floor, VIP section.
And who the fuck do we see sitting there? Big dumb bearass Varlo.
Elowen lays into him this time. No more playing nice. Calls him out for orchestrating all this gang war bullshit, tells him his diplomatic immunity ain’t gonna last forever. And then, she praises us. We bask. We flex. I consider writing a song about our greatness.
Then, she drops the bombshell—she does have the artifact, and it’s staying put until the Queen decides what to do with it. Tells them all to stop their gang war bullshit and work together. There’s some grumbling, but we all leave without bloodshed. Shocking, I know.
We head back to the Wood Elf Queen. Clover goes off to pray (pointless, gods don’t listen—trust me). Once she’s done wasting time, we finally get our audience.
And surprise, surprise, the Queen is concerned about Clover dating a Tiefling. Rightfully so, those sneaky horned fuckers are up to no good nine times outta ten. Hollow seems alright, but he’s no Crazy Earl. That guy? Reincarnated brother of mine, no doubt.
Then, we hand over the artifact. She explains it’s a piece of something way bigger—something ancient, something powerful. And, oh yeah, it petrifies people who touch it wrong. Which means Clover got real lucky. Hollow almost had himself a rock-solid girlfriend.
Before we leave, she hands us a letter for Frank We take it and hit the road.
Report Ends
The Maw | S2 E2 : River Heist
PARTY LOG
Report Begins
Report date: [-----] Clover's POV
We pick up right where our former Steelhawk members ended to deliver a message to the Wood Elf Queen in the Maw. Which is really excited because I've never met a Wood Elf Queen before! So you best believe I was on my best behaviour. Before we formally enter the court of the Wood Elf Queen, Lord Arannis Stormgale of the court asks for everyone to introduce themselves again so that he knows how to say our names properly for the queen. Which is honestly pretty smart- no wonder he's of the nobility. Lord Arannis tells us that the Queen is very kind and accepts many creatures but maybe not Crazy Earl. (And I don't blame her LOL.)
After the introductions are done, Lord Arannis tells Tachanka that his saber tooth can't go inside the court, which he's obviously not thrilled about. As we walk in, there's lot of beautiful purple lights that glow within the natural decorations of the trees. (Wow this is poetic.) Mages are posted and on high alert as we entre into the court. With someone like Crazy Earl... They'd be right to want to look out for him. Because his insane almost 100% of the time. At her very fancy and decorated throne, is none other than Queen Sylmira Vaelith of the Wood Elves. (And I gotta say... We all kinda have a similar look... But uhh y'ain't hear that from me.)
As she goes down the line, she mentions that Chorkva, who is Mapach, are very much welcome in her kingdom, also extending to to creatures similar to his kind and Fey creatures. She then looks at me and asks my origin, I tell her that I'm also a Wood Elf and says that I (personally) am welcome in the kingdom and may call this place home if ever I am far from the base. She then looks to Jeremiah and remarks that he reminds her of her grandpa- I almost started laughing right then and there. After, we give her the letter and tell us that all Steelhawk members are welcome and home in the kingdom. Also she mentioned that they're wanting to do trade with the Steelhawks via boat on the open river ports.
While we're here, Queen Sylmira encourages us to explore the main city and get to know the place since we'll be spending lots of time here and it's a good way to start establishing the Steelhawk name in the kingdom.
Lord Arannis
We head out and arrive right in Rustbranch Wharf. It's a real cute city on the water with plenty of ships going in and out and a busy market to boot. It would be a nice place to stay actually! The party gathers at the main dock that connects it to the land and we all chatter about what to do. Jeremiah and Earl wanna go get drunk off the bat- I don't blame 'em. But I wanted to go shopping with Roulette to see if there was anything cool! We all start walking and eventually the entire party goes to the magic shop.
It's called the Hollow Ember (Made me think of Hollow hehe), and we see some high magic stuff that looked VERY out of our price range, but there are a lot of cool elements, potions, and even a giant crystal ball near the entrance. The shop keep is a nice Tiefling lady (WHO I DIDN'T GET THE NAME OF IM SO PISSED BC SHE WAS SO NICE), who told us that most of the items at the shop availble four our purchase were mundane items and a few healing potions. She mentions that most of the magical item and weapon shops are in the middle of renovations so in the future they will be stocking magical items in the near future! But she mentions that she needs to close the shop and now we head to the tavern.
It's called the Gilded Stag Saloon! Appropriate because as soon as we entre theres a giant fucking elk hanging from the ceiling. Which is actually gas ngl. Jeremiah and Earl get right into drinking- of course they do. So- Earl spends 200gp to buy Dragon's Piss (an alcohol from the region, which was also given to us in shot form at the magic shop, though I didn't take it), TO ALSO GET BOON DRUNK. It does not go well, because Boon climbs up onto the hanging elf and slips and falls right behind the bar where the poor bartender was walking out of the back. Thank the Gods he's summonable or else that would've been terrible. Also there are some notable people, you'll find out why later. Well, right now.
Captain Ellowin Tidecaster
Quartermaster Varlo
A Maestro
The Bartender
After a while, Jeremiah and Earl (See a pattern?) both go and talk to the Maestro where they perform quite a few numbers that were... interesting. Just know to never seek Earl for performances. Roulette, Chorkva, and I sit with the Captain, while Tachanka, Earl, and Jeremiah sit with the Quartermaster. Chorkva speaks to the Captain, and she says that she is working with the Wood Elves and the Queen. She offers us a commission. She needs a party of people unknown to the city to guard her 'casino' ship and we need to act like part of her faction and protect her. All three of us look at the Captain to try and see if she's genuine, and she seemed trustworthy enough. But we don't confirm or deny our helping her.
But on the other side, Quartermaster Varlo tries to convince the other three to join him in robbing the ship instead of protecting it. Obviously, our party is opposed to him, with Tachanka spitting in his direction for proposing such a plan!!! (In his holy words, not mine LOL). So, instead on continuing to instigate against someone as burley as him, we go outside to discuss under the guise of- HOLY SHIT TACHANKA THEY'RE TOWING YOUR TIGER.
We exchange information and Ed, Edd, & Eddy- I mean, Earl, Jeremiah, and Tachanka tell us that they believe the Quartermaster ACTUALLY wants to steal from the Captain. While we continue to talk nonsense, the Captain comes out to talk with us some more, giving us information on the Quartermaster. He's part of the Ursaline peoples, someone with an outstanding reputation. His peoples are very powerful, half-bear/half-human, similar to Bugbears I think? She pulls out a map and shows that they live high up in the mountains in the Maw. And though he is vey influential, he isn't immune but the Captain can't make any moves without evidence. (It's only fair) She tells us, that if we accept the job, we'll either need to show up before the guests arrive, or arrive as a guest and blend in. In the end though, and I'll get to that point, we get on the boat as security before the guests arrive. (Not by choice LOL)
After talking to the Captain, we make it back to the the Wood Elf castle-estate thing, and they show us to where the Steelhawks have permanent lodging! It's the one in the middle btw. The interior is really nice too, plenty of space for everyone and their companions. I want to do some praying before going to bed, so I go with Chorkva with another wood elf and she shows where we can pray. Though I didn't get her name :( but she was really nice!
Nice Wood Elf Lady
I didn't ask which god this temple served, but judging by the interior I would guess it's for the Wildmother. The kind elf lady points to the tree in the centre, calling it the Tree of Hope. She then pointed to the circular pond and mentioned that it has great healing potential, and that we would be able to use it when needed. Which for OUR lot, yeah, we'll take it. I get in position to pray properly, I feel good but no sign from the Wildmother. I leave a patch of clovers as an offering and I leave a little defeated. When Chorkva and I get back, we all try to get a good nights sleep. Keyword TRY LMAO.
We are rudely woken up in the middle of the night, and told to hurry. We're kinda rushed onto the rowboat and the Casino ship comes into view. We notice there isn't anyone on there yet, and the Captain tells us the plan. We're to ensure no one enters into the vault and to protect the Captain if anything happens. Tachanka asks to put Rassvet into the vault so that if anyone BUT him opens the vault- Rassvet would jump the guy and maul him to death. Which is kinda fucking cool IMO. So, Jeremiah casts invisibility on Rassvet and Tachanka opens the door. Only to find that THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THERE ALREADY?????
Pirate Captain
Performer
Gladiator
In the vault there was a Pirate Captin, the Maestro from the bar (BASTARD!), a Performer, and 2 Gladiators. We began the fight!! I got the opportunity to move in first, using Twilight to get in close I hit the pirate captain, with the hopes of getting this done quickly. Chorkva casts entangle in the area where the Maestro and gladiator is to get them out of the fight, and tbh it goes really well. Though the gladiator is not caught in it. The gladiator throws some spears at Jeremiah and poor grandpa gets hit. The other Gladiator tries to hit me but it misses. THEN- get this- IM ONE SHOT??? BY THE CAPTAIN. Next thing I knew I was unconscious on the ground.
Thank Melora that we had healers in our party or else I would've been done for. Roulette and Tachanka heal me practically back up to full. Chorkva casts Moonbeam on the Performer, which was pretty cool heh. The Gladiator tries to get away from me, but, you know I had to hit him with the door on the way out. BONK I got him pretty good. The Gladiator then tires to kill Earl, but Earl had some plans, crazy plans you would say. (I had to) He fucking explodes the gladiator that tried to kill him. (Okay so he didn't ACTULLY explode him, but I gotta make Crazy Earl look good in the reports.)
The Performer then tries to hit Tachanka- but no one hits a homie- ESPECIALLY ONE THAT HEALS ME. So I throw up my shield to protect him and all the attacks missed. Roulette goes in to hit the Captain and then leaves swiftly after, she's so cool. Miss Roulette if you're reading the report later- I LOVE YOU HEHE!! Then... I smack the FUCK out of Performer the Jeremiah finishes them off. With one last gladiator left, I take another BONK and they die. Yipee!!
With the Maestro restrained by Tachanka, Rassvet licks them to un-consciousness for questioning later. Then the vault door opens to reveal Captain Tidecaster, who ran in questioning, who the fuck let the Maestro in here? Even I'm curious, but we'll get the reveal next time!
REPORT END
Dated, [-----]
Clover Toast
The Maw | S2 E1 : The Jungle
PARTY
Report Begins
In the dead of night at the Steelhawks base, a fledgling elite team are woken in an emergency summons to Franks office. Still sore from the exhaustive training and testing to earn their place as members of such elite group, they nonetheless eagerly respond to the summons, where they are met by Frank and Captain Dracos. Frank takes a moment to acquaint himself with these new faces, these young up and comers among his rebuilding ranks, before giving the heroes their task. A letter, that need to be delivered post haste to one Lord Arannis Stormgale of the Woodelves of Moonfall Hollow, deep in The Maw.
Supplies and gear are quickly gathered, and before the first light of dawn, one of the Hawks fastest sea vessels departs, carrying forth these noble souls on their quest. Several days of smooth, if gruelling sailing, the skilled pilots of the vessel showing their expertise in rapidly navigating both wind and wave, sees the group deposited on the shores of a picturesque forest, vibrant with flora and fauna. Several party members hear elven whispers, carried on the winds to guide them towards the wood elves hidden city, deep in the forest.
The journey does not go as smoothly as the seas, however, as not all things in the forest are peaceable to those who would ally with the elves, or any particular outsider. Narry 2 hours into the trek, the group comes upon a pond, where a hatted frog man calls to them, attempting to lure them into the water with promises of refreshment and aid. Taric and Pnymesis enter the shallows, but on hesitating to go deeper to having to swim, the frog sage springs an ambush, his warriors and an allied bugbear bursting out of hiding to attack!
Combat Begins
Turn 1
Chessie the rogue, more than passingly familiar with such tactics as deception and ambush, has her twin daggers subtly draw and is ready for an attack before the Bullywog Sage can even make his move.
A bullywog warrior burst out of the pond charging around to flank Pnymesis and Fizzlebang. As the bugbear leaps from the trees charging towards Chessie and Ekekial to close the jaws of the trap. Fizzlebang darts forward through the bushes, dodging an attack by the bullywog warrior and breaking the encirclement, before magically guiding his crossbow bolt to land a brutally accurate strike on the deceitful bullywog sage. Pnymesis steps back to draw and ready himself for battle, leaving himself vulnerable to an attack by a second hidden bullywog warrior, though his honed reflexes surpass the land clumsy frogman.
Taric steps in, taking advantage of the frog overextending on a miss, and with single stroke of his blades, slays the cowardly excuse for a warrior. The bullywog sage advances, angry at his slain ally, and fires a ray of magic at Taric, but proves unable to breach the strength of his faith and armor. Chessie uses the opening of the slain frog ambusher to attack the bugbear but her daggers cannot match the deformed range of its long sweeping arms, and she fails to draw blood. Ezekiel moves to support Chessie against the bugbear, also struggling to compensate for the wild and erratic loops of its swinging morning star. Chorkva fires a starry wisp far above the sages head, likely an effort to better illuminate the battle field rather than an attempt at attacking, judging by the distance between the frog sage and the arching orb of celestial light.
Turn 2
Chessie finds the range and rhythm of the bugbears flailing morningstar, and slips inside catching it while its attention is on Ezekiel, shredding it badly. The first bullywog warrior stabs at Pnymises, doing some harm while staying at a safe range. The bugbear retaliates on Chessie with its morning star, not only striking, but enwrapping her with it, trapping her within range of its claws and teeth. A 3rd bullywog warrior leaps from the pond to join the fight, missing an attack on Ezekial as it tries to support the outnumbered and wounded bugbear. Fizzlebang witchbolts the sage, wounding it further, but misses a followup with his crossbow. Pnymesis and Taric both step in, swinging at the sage, and with Taric putting forth a great surge of effort, slays it with a second mightly slash delivered barely an instant after the first. Ezekial slashes the bugbear trying to free Chessie from its grasp as she struggles valiantly, but in futility against the powerful and disproportionate limbs.
Pnymesis tries to block the first bullywog warrior as it charges Chorkva in the back of the battle, but misses, and the wretched swamp critter lands a hit on the little light show racoon. Ezekials effort successfully draw the attention of the bugbear from Chessie, at the cost of blood and pain, though not enough to render him vulnerable to the 3rd bullywog warrior, still trying to support the bugbear to no avail. Fizzlebang shoots a crossbow bolt into the 1st bullywog warrior attacker, distracting it enough that Pnymesis finishes it off, leaving the attackers at only 2. Taric and Ekezial both charge the badly wounded bugbear slashing deeply into it, but the meaty hulk of a creature stands its ground with shear mass and bulk
Turn 3
Until Chessie falling back on her training targets vital points that muscle will not defend, and with quick flashes of her daggers, leaves both the bugbear and the last bullywog warrior bleeding out on the ground, helpless.
Combat Ends
Proceeding onwards from the polluted frog pond, the team finds a true oasis, carved and cared for, a clear halfway point between the shore and presumably the city, where they take time for a short rest, to recover from the battle. However as soon as they proceed beyond, they encounter a pair of owlbears.
Combat Begins
Turn 1
The melee combatants, Taric, Ezekiel, and Chessie advance to take defensive positions as the owlbears circle the oasis, rushing towards party. Chessie have taken a middle position nearest the oasis itself to allow her to flexibly response to the flow of battle, find herself ambushed by a reef shark that leaps over the pond bridge, taking a bite out of her. Chorkva summons a beast spirit and empowers himself with the force of the stars, sending a flurry of celestial and spiritual assault into the owlbear facing off against Ezekiel. Fizz attempts support with him magic, but the strange owlbear physiology throws off the magics focus and the attempt is for naught.
Turn 2
Taric engages the owlbear before him, tearing through its feathers and hide, as Ezekiel launches a witchbolt at the one he faces down, slashes it as it ducks the bolt, and letting the arcane magic circle back to flank the aberration. Chessie backs him up, moving from the waters edge to keep the owlbears attention from the circling magic attack, while drawing more blood from vital joints, wounding it. Taric is attacked by the one he faces head on, and although he blocks most of its attacks successfully, the blood of a hero does feeds the oasis sand beneath his feet. Ezekiel fares worse, the ire of the owlbear he attacked not only drawing his own blood to its claws, but also leaving him vulnerable to not one, but two reef sharks, drawn by the blood in the water, who striking at him from behind, out of the water he had at his back. Chorkva reverts to his tactic of illuminating the battlefield by launching various radiant bolts high across the ceiling while his summoned beast spirit appears to do some kind of mating dance in front of the owlbear to negligible effect. Fizzlebang launches another mixed barrage of magic and mundane missiles, killing one owlbear, and wounding the other. Pnymesis and-
Turn 3
Taric gang up on the remaining mishmash creature, ending its accursed existence, and Taric then dashes to slash at one of the reef sharks. Ezekiel uses the opening to drive his ax into the wounded shark, killing it. but the remaining shark latches onto Taric, trying to drag him under. Chorkvas beast spirit, apparently less interested in mating with sharks than with owlbears, rushes into the water, killing the shark, and proceeding to eat it.
End Combat
At the backside of the pool area the team finds stairs heading down into a circular ruin where they discover a pair of abyssal minotaurs standing distant guard over an open pit of flames. Not wishing to battle the hulking creatures, it is decided that stealth is the better approach, and the team lead by the lithe Chessie attempts to slip through unnoticed. But even the best laid of plans....
Combat Begins
Turn 1
Chessies passage awakens a fire elemental within the flaming pit. Which immediately charges Fizzlebang, who was right behind her in the stealth attempt, burning him. Taric rushes to Fizzlebangs aid, striking the elemental w his sword. But a 2nd elemental shows, bursting from well and rushing Ekekiel, splitting the party. Ekeziel calls on his magic to shield himself from the damage, but despite channeling the power of his patron, he is put on the back foot and cannot land a counter blow to the elementals raging assault. The minotaurs both flee, apparently having failed their task in guarding the elementals. Chorkva calls down the purifying power of the moon, a beam burning away at the bound elemental energies, and begins channeling healing magics from the stars to support the group. Pnymesis charges into the 2nd elemental, but his weapons cannot find purchase within the flame based being
Turn 2
Chessie whirls back around, joining Taric in tearing into the 1st of the elementals. Buts it releases a wide flaming aura, burning not only her, but Taric and Fizzlebang who are also in its proximity. Fizzlebang retreats out of the aura to safety, and engages the elemental with magic. While Tarics mighty blade disrupts its physical form, the tandem attack banishing it back to its home realm. The 2nd elemental ignores Pnymesis, flowing through him in a wave of fire to engulf the furry druid, and in single moment of a blazing columned flame, Chorkva lays on the ground, unconscious and smoldering. Ezekiel, Pnymesis, and Chessie unleash a wave of unrelenting retribution, destroying the elemental, and Taric gets the wounded druid back to the realms of awareness.
Combat Ends
Wary of the return of the minotaurs, the party quickly pushes on, and a few hours later, tired, sore, and smelling of smoke and burnt flesh, they arrive in the wood elves city. The cities Lord, Arannis Stormgale meets them at the very gate, challenging their entry, and recognizing him as the individual they sought, they deliver Franks letter. Lord Stormgale reads it, growing concerned, and calls together the leading council of the wood elves kingdom. The group at quickly introduced to the nobles who oversee this part of the Maw:
Queen Sylmira Vaelith, - keeper of sacred blade of the evergrove and the verdant monarch,
Crown prince Vaelen Duskwhisper - keeper of shadow’s fang of the black dragon
Lord Arannis Stormgale - The Warbringer
Princess Elara Sylvaen – Heart of the Wild
High Seer Lysara Moonveil – Keeper of the Stars.
Before being dismissed to rest and recover from their journey. But not before learning that Frank sent urgent news of a plot by the Zemir tribe, a long hated enemy of the wood elves in the Maw, and that while they needed to convene to discuss details, that the Steelhawk heroes would likely be instrumental to safeguarding the wood elves nation, and perhaps the entirety of the Maw, against the shadows of rising threats.