Through the Breach

"Through the Breach" is the session taking place on May 23rd, 2020. Our heroes must escape the lycan-infested streets of Mete in order to pass into fey territory.

Synopsis
After taking a short rest, Sorithyn and Kalza attempt a history check to glean information about werewolves. They learn that there are several different types of werewolves, the deadliest of which is a creature called the Loup Garou. Red in color, larger than a full-grown steer, and giving off a noxious smell, it's said that only saints can defeat it.

Saphir volunteers to lead the party, given his scouting mission earlier and his familiarity with city streets. Sorithyn takes second position in the marching order. Rylee casts Pass Without a Trace on the party. Peeking around the half-destroyed building, they hear laughter at some distance, but see no immediate threats.

Leaving their shelter, the party slips into an alleyway. Here, Sorithyn takes notice of silver ornamental designs in the tiles. Judging from the lack of destruction, it seems that the forces of Nyl avoid them. Saphir attempts to pry one out with a crowbar, but fails. He suggests they can retreat into an alley if they are discovered. They continue on.

Close to the town center, they spot a werewolf tearing into the carcass of a horse nearby. Clairen suggests using teleportation on the less stealthy members to avoid detection, but ultimately the group decides to save Dimension Door for emergencies and sneak past this werewolf the old-fashioned way. Thanks to good rolls, plus a bardic inspiration and guidance for Ally, they succeed and arrive at the town center.

Under a collapsed building, Saphir spots a dead town guard. Her weapon, a Curannan hand crossbow, lies near her lifeless body. Saphir takes the crossbow and the guard's badge, learning that her name was Daisy. He also discovers additional ammo for the crossbow.

The party finally reaches the Iron Wall. For the majority, this is their first look at the breach up close. Saphir's claim that the wall appears to be bleeding proves true, and Kalza senses powerful necromancy, specifically blood magic, caused its collapse. She knows of one other person capable of such diabolical work: Iris.

Before they can pass through the wall, the party hears something large coming their way. They barely have time to slip into a nearby alleyway when the Loup Garou appears. It appears to have caught wind of them, but fails to notice them and moves on. Once it leaves, the party makes a desperate rush for the breach.

On the other side of the wall, the party finds themselves in a snow-covered coniferous forest, part of Winter's Walk. They are greeted by Snow, who Ally and Sorithyn are meeting for the first time. She tests the group's knowledge of fey rules, asking for Sorithyn and Ally's names. Sorithyn offers a nickname, while Clairen gives Ally's elf name Alaria. This earns her the dirtiest of looks from Ally.

Snow leads the party deeper into the forest, chiding their lack of manners and dress and more general ribbing. She offers Saphir her fur coat when he complains about the cold, which he declines. Informing them that the Winter Court is the closest of the fey, she invites them for tea and a game of chess. Snow states that if they choose to visit another Court first, she'll won't be mad, but will be disappointed, and leaves them alone in the woods. With sarcasm, Clairen suggests that the Winter Court sounds like "her people" -- that is to say, snooty nobles.

Now, the party realizes that they have no idea where to go or what they're looking for, until Cinnabar directs Rylee's attention to a tall tree through their telepathic bond. Climbing, she sees a building in the distance, allowing the group to get some kind of bearing on where they should be headed.

They agree to always travel in pairs and begin to make camp. Sorithyn and Clairen search for firewood, Saphir and Ally clear snow from the campsite, and Kalza accompanies Rylee while foraging for nuts and berries. She finds enough to feed two people for one day.

Player Characters

 * Clairen Longridge
 * Alavara
 * Kalza Palod
 * Rylee Puddlefoot
 * Sorithyn Tolkuthol
 * Saphir

Returning

 * Snow

Mentioned

 * Iris
 * The Winter Queen

Quotations
Sorithyn: "I've yet to meet a mortal that enjoys backgammon."
 * Snow: "I've always been fascinated by the games mortals enjoy. Chess, backgammon..."
 * "Always look both ways before crossing the Mete."