Summary
On the eve of a new beginning, settlers gather at Whitecap to celebrate the founding of their town. Speeches, stew, and optimism fill the air... until prophecy and corruption crash the ceremony.
Key Events
The settlement of Whitecap is formally dedicated. Supplies are stacked, tents raised, and a communal stew feeds all.
The party gathers for varied reasons: Bram guards the caravans and helps cook; Shepherd brings livestock and training; Fhino observes the newcomers; Raz prepares a speech; Winston attends for the revelry.
Speeches mark the day: Patron Edrik Halver praises the sponsors, Rella Thorn rallies the workers, and Oslin Crest, newly named mayor, offers thanks to the former overseer, marshall, and quartermaster from the settlers' long years underground.
The mood darkens when Koret Ash of the Pale Offering interrupts, warning that the settlement is unprotected without sacrifice. The crowd jeers him down.
As the mayor resumes, black ichor bursts from the nearby piles of supplies: ooze spreads as tentacles lash out at the gathered townsfolk.
The heroes spring into action, standing between panic and horror as Whitecap’s first day ends in chaos.
Additional Notes
During the battle with the ooze creatures, Winston confronts Koret Ash, who insists he only offered a justified warning and that others must face the consequences.
From above, Fhino sees Marhsall Garlo Zant initially confident, but turning fearful when a deputy is slain by an ooze creature.
By the time the creatures are defeated, Koret Ash has slipped away.
In gratitude for their defense of Whitecap, the party is invited to claim useful gear from the community stores. Among the spoils are extra weapons, speaking stones, a suspended rod, a firestarter jar, a glamourstone, and finely made bedrolls.
Closing
As Whitecap’s hopeful beginning turns to shock and mourning, the party members vow to investigate.