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• Aros – Lightfoot Halfling, Rogue
• Galiena Erenaeth – Half Elf, Celestial Warlock
• Baldur – Human, Pack Chain Warlock (Spear)
• Wickedstraza – Dragonborn (Bronze), Sorcerer (Draconic Bloodline) – Not present

The party rests in the foyer; and Galiena realizes the full moon is ten days away from the full moon, where after that, it may be impossible to reverse the Lycanthropy.

Baldur opens the door and looks outside and sees nothing but fog and mist – except miles and miles and miles away from the island, out on the ocean – light from the rising sun can be seen.

“It’s always like this,” Hellina answers Baldur’s unspoken question. “Daylight no longer comes to Eagle Rock.”

As the party takes out the remaining caskets and buries them, in the air, there’s a sense of dread that lingers; as if the fog and haze had eyes, always watching them – waiting to feed upon them when the time was right.

Galiena looks at Jauhk and Burlap, “We need to bring Jauhk back to Ka’ka.”

“Kra’krar,” Jauhk sighs and mutters beneath his breath, “It’s not that hard.”

“Difficult,” Aros corrects.

“It’s not difficult,” Jauhk replies.

“No, it’s not hard, it’s difficult,” Aros tries to explain.

“You’re not making sense,” Jauhk sighs.

Galiena feeling time slipping away from finding a cure, asks Jauhk, “Do you know anyone who can cure what she has,” she gestures to Hellina since Jauhk had watched her change into her wererat form when he was hiding in the house.

“Well, there’s a town to the west,” he shrugs, “called Felhorn. The people there are very friendly. We don’t interact with them… too much,” he admits. “They don’t really care too much for our kind.”

The party returns Jauhk (and brings Burlap) to the goblins; who celebrate Jauhk’s return (and are uncertain of Burlap) – they listen as Jauhk tells the tale of how he had rescued all of you (and no one interrupts this incorrect version of the tale). During the celebration Baldur spots the two goblins they’d tricked into being trapped under the boat, then looks to the beach and sees the boat they’d come to the island on is now gone.

The goblins mention they have a drink called Vikarus, native to Eagle Rock – and Galiena enjoys it entirely too much (which Galiena rolled a Critical Fail on her Constitution check) getting intoxicated and muttering about the island, the manor, the ghosts, the falling, and wondering what they’re going to do to get off the island. While at the party, Baldur flirts with Hellina and continues to grow that relationship (Natural 20 Charisma roll). The party stays before heading out begins heading for Felhorn the next morning, where Galiena is still intoxicated and decides to go for a swim. (All Checks are disadvantage – had Galiena roll a d20 saying to roll low – this is how long she will be drunk – and she rolled a 10)

Unfortunately, this draws unwanted attention as Sahuagin attack!

One of the three Sahuagin manages to throw a net around Galiena; and initially Baldur and Aros don’t notice – but then become concerned when she doesn’t surface for air.

“She’s really holding her breath for a long time,” Baldur points out.

As they step into the water, they see two Sahuagin greeting them with their bidets. Baldur shouts at Aros to get ready – and then they see Galiena struggling in a net, deeper in the water being dragged away by a third Sahuagin.

In the net, Galiena realizes something’s wrong; and despite being intoxicated, manages to draw a big breath, when her body surfaces for a moment – and proceeds to grab her dagger, and begins cutting at the net.

The party struggles, but Galiena is finally able to get out of the net; and between Hellina, Aros and Baldur, they’re able to get the other Sahuagin. The party is pretty bloody when they crawl back to the beach, exhausted. (DM Note – was pretty funny that during the actual game, every time Aros threw an insult at the Sahuagin, he frequently missed).

“Well,” Galiena coughs, pulling seaweed out of her hair, “that was fun, right?”

Hellina sat on the sand shaking her head, “We have a very different definition of ‘fun.'” She says while looking to Baldur and winking. Baldur laughs and goes into the water and collects the Sahuagin’s bidets, shrugging, “This could come in use.” Looking at the Sahuagin, Baldur points out their claws – and manages to remove several claws as souvenirs; while Aros is on another one, making more of a bloody mess.

On the corpse of the one that had been trying to drag Galiena away – and probably the scout leader among these three Sahuagin – Baldur finds two healing potions on its belt, one of which he hands to Galiena, who quickly consumes it. Baldur points over to a large reef area that has a small cave, and says, “We should rest over there. We will definitely need to keep watch to make sure no more Sahuagin find us.”

After a short rest, the party continues along the shoreline, keeping a cautious eye towards the sea line; however, eventually the hear the sounds of a town – and climb up the embankment and enter Felhorn.

As the party enters Felhorn, several people pause and give them a quick look, but no one seems bothered as life simply continues to move on. Despite the lingering fog and the lack of sunlight, the town seems unusually festive as people walking through the street, consume their drinks in merriment and cheer one another. Just inside the town, Baldur spots a house to the left with a large fishing net hanging by the door and tells Aros and Galiena that he and Hellina will met up with them at the White Fang Inn as he makes his way to this house.

Baldur knocks on the door, and a woman answers the door and says, “May I help you, stranger?”

Baldur points the the net near the door, “I noticed the net by the door. Are you and your family fishermen? I got this off one of the Sahaugin.”

The woman’s eyes widen as she calls for her husband who comes to the door. Baldur repeats what he told the woman, and the man introduces himself as Jarick Steelfisher. He’s an older human; a retired fighter by the looks of the scars on his body. He’s elderly, probably about 80 years of age, and missing his left eye. Baldur introduces himself and Hellina and explains that they’d encountered some Sahaugin by the beach and – with some difficulty – managed to slay them. He asks if Jarick would be interested in the Sahaugin bidet, and Jarick agrees to offer some (2 gold for each one) coin for it. Baldur offers the claws, and Jarick purchase each of them (2 of them) for 2 gold each, to take and attach them to hilts for gutting fish. He also gives Baldur an additional 5 gold for killing Sahaugin.

Meanwhile, Galiena and Aros reach the tavern – The White Fang – and quite surprised by the outlandish positivity and debauchery in the tavern. Scantly clad male and female dancers line the wall, bards play songs trying to out do one another, people lie on tables, completely passed out from excessive drinking. Galiena approaches the barkeep, who introduces himself as Gergie Woodfire.

Galiena asks about a “wizard” in town. The barkeep answers, “Well, we have all kinds of people here. There are some who,” he looks among his patrons, “George there, he’s a wizard. You may want to talk to him when he’s a little more sober. Gets very touchy feely when he’s that intoxicated.”

“We’re looking for a specific wizard named Razathorn,” Galiena clarifies.

The barkeep raises his eyebrow, “Razathorn. Yes. He’s here. Well, sometimes. You can find his home down the street.”

Aros asks if there’s an orphanage, as he’s been stealing most of his life to give to those in need. The barkeep nods, “Indeed, there’s an orphanage – run by a halfling – much like yourself! Annie Longstocking – fiery temper that one, if you cross her! But it’s because… things happen… and she takes care of so many kids.” (DM Note – Yes, the name Annie and redhair is intentional as in Little Orphan Annie, and the surname is a reference to another young, redhead Pippy Longstocking)

Galiena looks at the barkeep, “What do you mean… things happen…?”

He bluntly states, “Death.”

Galiena shakes her head, “Is it natural… or … unnatural?”

“Well,” the barkeep sighs, “some are natural. Others, well – sometimes we find corpses where the blood has been drained from the body. Sometimes… there’s simply no corpses at all… people vanish in the fog.”

“Anyway,” the bartender states, “you look like you’re down on your luck. Why not get a meal and a room? I like to see people jovial and well fed.”

Baldur arrives at the crowded bar, and sees Galiena and joins her at the bar. Both Baldur and Galiena notice that there’s one bard, whose song seems darker themed than the rest – while others sing of drinking and merriment – this bard sings about darkness and shadows and eyes of blood red – and the curse of the island.

Washed ashore, to this distant island, bound in mist and grey
Where shadows rules, and the land never sees the light of day;
A curse that’s claimed one and all, due to the actions of Lord Starfall.
But is he alone to blame, his body cast into stone
Forever alone.
There seems to be more to this story, and the people who disappear
Yet the people of Eagle Rock, live on, seemingly without fear!
But I see into their soul, and they live today, as if it might be their last
Stepping outside, the dice will be cast!
For I came here when the ship I was on, had run around in the mist
Wood and stone, on that shore, they kissed
And the sea of red, left many dead
While out near the lake, my own life, did I forsake
The drinker of the night, watches with eyes of red
You can feel his presence, feeling you with dread
Awakened to find, my comrades gone; no clue, no sign
Unsure why I was spared, perhaps protected by forces divine!

The party looks around and also notices that Aros is missing. “Galiena,” Baldur says, “do you know where Aros got off to?”

Suddenly, next to them, Aros appears, “I am right here.”

DM Note – Aros had gone off into the tavern and met other rogues where he tried to sell the paintings he’d … “acquired”… from the manor. They offered him 20 gold for the paintings, but he declined and went back to the bar.

At around 10pm – everyone makes a Wisdom Save – and suddenly Baldur starts sensing this weird of panic – as if he was waiting for the cat to spring out from somewhere in front of him; there’s an uncanny uneasiness, has Baldur very jumpy. (Similar to Out of the Abyss which has Madness, I thought this was a cool thing to bring in – explaining that in the manor, felt safe – a shelter – which may be why during their time in the manor – there was no sense of Dread).

Aros asks if there’s any art collectors in town, and the bartender explains it’s mostly a fishing village – there’s a mysterious wizard named Razathorn who comes and goes – he seems the weird lot that might have money to sell or buy art.

Aros asks, “Also – does Layna work here?”

The barkeep says, “Yes – but be advised – despite the rumors you may have heard, she’s not that kind of woman. She doesn’t simply give her body to others. So if it’s about asking to be with her, I will send you back out the door.”

Aros shakes his head, “It doesn’t have to do with that. I just had some questions for her. I heard she was very resourceful.”

The barkeep heads to the back and calls for Layna Ollarina.

Baldur greets her, “Hello, Layna Ollarina – we just wanted to ask you something. We recently came to this island and went to Lord Starfall’s manor – where we found Lord Starfall, in his room – he had been turned to stone – and where his heart is – there’s a hole.”

Layna Ollarina pales, “He was… turned to stone? A hole in his chest?” She shakes her head, “This must be all tied to this curse… that lingers over the island… we’ve all lost track of time… there is no day… just night… endless night… because of the fog… and … as if because day never comes… none of us age… anymore… except infants… who age into their teenage years… then stop aging as well… I can’t tell you if several weeks have passed or hundreds of years have passed…”

“Do you know the wizard Razathorn?” Aros asks.

“Razathorn… is a trouble maker… he comes in from time to time, toys with people’s lives – turning people into toads and monkeys – never forever, but for hours,” she shakes her head. “The last time I saw him here was… what was probably… three weeks ago, if I was to guess how much ‘time’ has passed here.”

“What do you know about Lord Starfall?” Aros asks.

Layna Ollarina sighs. “I am not sure which story you’ve heard…” She sits down at the bar stool, keeping her voice low, barely audible over the noise of the tavern. “I should have known something was amiss. Razathorn told me he could get me to meet Lord Starfall, who has always had his own designated – and trusted waitress, to ensure he would not be poisoned – and that I could probably get a job at the manor. Mind you, I do enjoy my job here, but having my body groped by drunken males is not something I cherish – and the amount of pay a maid makes at the manor is more than I would make in years working here. And it’s not that Gergie pays us poorly – it’s just, Lord Starfall was known for being a very generous and kind person – even with his money. He always wanted his workers to be able to eventually own their own homes and lands, so he could hire new people give them opportunities. He truly was a magnificent gentlemen, as were his sword Roc Riders, the Chosen Eight.”

She pauses, “But that night – I was too hopeful that I could get the job. Razathorn spoke to Lord Starfall and signaled me over. I spoke to Lord Starfall, and he was, as everyone said – incredibly kind. He said he would gladly hire me, and that his maid of many years, was just about to buy her own land so it would be perfect. We had a drink, and then – the next thing I remember – Lord Starfall was in bed next to me, and it was the following morning. Neither he or I could recall what had happened. I suspect Razathorn for the trickery. I do not feel anything happened that night. But the damage was already done – rumors had begun to seep out – undoubtedly by that damned wizard, and Lord Starfall’s reputation began to crumble, because he’d already sworn himself to the woman he’s known and loved ever since they were teenagers, Ellana Treeglade. When the rumor reached her ears… it did not go well.”

“Thank you for your time,” Aros nods. She departs back to the back of the bar.

Baldur looks over at the bard singing the darker songs and approaches him as the bard finishes his song. The bard introduces himself as Lingor Twinsong. As Baldur and Lingor talk, Baldur learns that much of the bard’s song rings true – he’d gone up to Lake Kelnor, which is north of Felhorn and had been camping with his companions – the few that had survived the shipwreck. They were headed to the far north, where The Eagle’s Crest is – the supposed location of the Rocs to see if they were still there. However, one night – his companions all vanished – their tents undisturbed. No foot prints or anything to indicate where they’d gone – as if they’d flown away in the dreary fog. Lingor claims to have seen red eyes watching him in the fog before it too, rapidly departed.

“How long has it been since the Rocs vanished?” Baldur asks.

“When the curse came,” Lingor replies. “My friends and I had only been on the island for several weeks and had learned about the Rocs. Lord Starfall would not see us – apparently there was some rumors about an affair – so my companions and I began marching north to the rocs – and my companions… vanished, as I said.”

Galiena asks, “What more do you know of curses? Namely Lycanthropy?”

Lingor confirms the island is quite cursed – people not aging is the least of it. But Lycanthropy in the form of wererats spread rapidly through the island. He goes on to say the majority of the population in Felhorn are infected with it. But the curses preventing people from aging has given the population a very long time to gain control of the sickness. If you’re looking for a cure, there’s a wizard who comes into town from time to time named Razathorn. But be careful. What he promises and what he delivers are often similar in words, but the truth hides behind the deception and intention.”

They thank Lingor for their time and realize they need to go see this Razathorn wizard. Galiena, Baldur and Hellina head outside, go arm in arm, strolling and being loud like the others, as Aros attempts to stealth over – however, goes from lantern post to lantern post (Failed Stealth Check). They get near Razathorn’s home and see that there are some candles inside, indicating that someone is need home.

Aros stealths around the back – and sees a figure in the room.

Aros gives some hand gestures to try and see what he’s making – and Baldur is convinced that there’s someone inside the house – that’s churning butter (Critical Fail on Perception). Galiena looks at Baldur, “I am pretty sure what he’s saying there’s a guy at a cauldron in the room.”

Aros comes back and asks, “Did you not understand what I said?”

“We’re debating that it’s either someone churning butter or mixing at a cauldron,” Baldur says.

“It’s a human at a cauldron – and he looks very uneasy,” Aros replies.

“Uneasy in his own home?” Baldur asks. “That’s unusual.”

“Yup,” Aros nods. “Maybe it’s not him? Maybe I should steal from him?”

“Since we’re trying to get his help, and from what we’ve heard, he’s not one to be trifled with, maybe don’t do that,” Baldur explains.

“We will find someone else you can steal from,” Galiena promises.

The party approaches and knocks on the door (while Aros sneaks back around to the back), and a young, male wizard answers the door and introduces himself as Relgar Thornwhip, which is not who the party expects. They ask about Razathorn – and he quickly invites the party into the house. He explains that he’s Razathorn’s assistant – but Razathorn has changed. After the curse came – Razathorn, who was always egotistical – became far more angry – prone to violent outbursts. His pranks to belittle people became far more malicious and cruel. I believe that his forced departure from Lord Brenmoon‘s service has drastically severed his hold to sanity.”

“Who is Lord Brenmoon?” Galiena asks.

Baldur is looking at Relgar and peers over his shoulder, seeing Aros climb in through the window and pocketing what appears to be some potions.

“The second most powerful Lord on the island,” Relgar explains. “Extremely jealous of Starfall. Or was. Before… everything happened. Brenmoon’s family has always been in… silent… conflict with Starfall’s. But the most recent Lord who sits on the throne of his castle… is much more aggressive… much darker than any before him.”

He brings the party inside and offers them tea. As they talk to him and share all they’ve heard about Lord Starfall and the curse and even Razathorn. Relgar explains, “If you must know what I am trying to do – I am trying to find a way to destroy Lord Brenmoon. I believe Razathorn did something that gave Lord Brenmoon – the Dark Life – or what some call Vampirism. It would explain the fog and the lack of day. The fog also brought disease to the land, namely Lycanthropy in the way of Wererats. Most of the people in this town are infected with it, but scarcely care.”

“Do you know a cure for Lycanthropy,” Galiena asks.

Relgar nods, “Inside – Razathorn has tomes of books. Is one of you infected? Have you turned yet with the full moon?”

Galiena replies, “I am infected – and looking for a cure before the next full moon, because I’ve not yet turned.”

“I can search the books,” Relgar explains.

“I’d appreciate that,” Galiena replies. “Perhaps we can help you with your quest.”

“Give me a day to go through the books, come back tomorrow! I may need you to gather components for the cure… and possibly even a way to break Starfall’s curse.”

“Is there a potion maker in town?” Galiena asks.

“Yes, Lady Falsour,” Relgar replies. “But she rarely goes out to the swamp to gets what required. She may ask you to gather components as well.”

“Thank you for your time,” Galiena says, as the party exists and meets Aros who shows the party he’d found five healing potions.

The party then heads to The White Fang.