Summary
Prelude:
With the recent chaos in the Thornwoods around stormhaven, military resources had to be pulled away from other regions. As a result there was a significant uptick in high-road banditry and coastal piracy in the south of kildar. Criminals hailing from Anfyn, under the banner of 'Elaine's Crusade', are abusing this temporary lapse in security to savagely attack merchant's guild shipments, headed towards the Sultanate of Il-Heban. The mercenary- & merchants-guild were looking for additional muscle to deal with the bandit-problem, before insurance costs get too high. While a diplomatic & scientific mission to Anfyn was being prepared by Professor Prattleton...
Sea Travel to Anfyn
The pary traveled via sea with Professor Prattleton, using a merchant's guild vessel and cargo to make their travel cheaper. They made a short stop at Vaelors refuge, got into some minor trouble and did some personal errands. Then they continued onwards, but fell into a Siren Trap. Sirens sung and many sailors jumped overboard onto their deaths. As battle ensued, Crusaders hidden on the cliffs, used harpoons to drag the adventurers ship on the cliffs before boarding it and capturing the adventurers.
Made captive, the Crusaders' leader, an Singing Ogre by the name Amadeus realized that Professor Prattle, his friend was amongst them. He set the party free, and after some discussing he revealed that he had been ordered by the High Priestess of Anfyn to intercept the merchant ship (not knowing who was on it). He proposed travelling to Anfyn with them, to preven further mishaps.
Travel through the Mountains
While traveling towards Anfyn, the adventurers saw the many good deeds that the Crusade had been doing, by redistributing stolen goods amongst the local population who needed it. While traveling through the mountainpasses towards Anfyn, the party was ambushed by Aaracockra's and a Roc in an epic battle. During the battle a wild-magic shockwave travelled through the pass, coming from the direction from Anfyn. Another party active in the region was cleary up to something.
Arrival in Anfyn
Having successfully travelled through the mountains. The party arrived in Anfyn. Where they came across Inquisitors preparing a sort of assault or rescue on someplace in the valley. One of the Partymembers recognized two if the inqusitors as Thalia and Vex, haghunters from The Order of Stilled Voices. The party let them on their way, but one of the partymembers warned their friends that Inquisitors were active in the valley
In the valley, the party could see that many trees were being cut down, and their wood transported to the shipyards near the Harbor. They could also see catapults, trebuchets and siege towers being constructed and practiced with.
At the grand temple the party negotiated together with Professor Prattleton with to the Grand Priestess Grixla. But seemingly to no avail, the priestess explained that the Crusaders were not going to sit idle as the Fey were being persecuted across Kildar. The players uncovered a map with arrows pointing from Anfyn towards various locations in the south of kildar, hinting at military targets and routes. (see other tab)
In the temples library the party uncovered that information about Baba Yaga had been destroyed and they encountered 'Lug' a follower of Baba Yaga, who was conspiring with the high Priestess. He was carrying messages marked with the symbol of a five pointed crown. The party stole a necklace from Lug, with a black crystal shard. Believing this was a fight they could not win, the party escaped Anfyn, making a deal with a forest dragon to protect nature wherever they could.
List of Encountered NPC's
Amadeus the Singing Ogre, leader of a pirate-warband from Elaines Crusade
'Lug' Lugzubur Doombringer, Necromancing Mage Bugbear, secretly works for Baba Yaga
High Priestess Grixla of the Grand Temple of Anfyn
Adventurers Involved
Benson, Adnan
Bizzarro, Lex
Vallith, Linzi
Nibbi, Boïen
Marastyr, Ids
Velratha, Annelieke
Dungeon Master involved:
Joachim
Significance
A small black crystal shard was discovered that could amplify Magic greatly. But when it did, the same magic rippled across all portals in kildar, making them behave strangely.
Baba Yaga is apparently the Torrica Exclusion Zone, with a baby 'little Malva'. And she is sending her lackey 'Lug' to various places to infiltrated and steer Guilds and Crusaders alike.
Aftermath
The Crusaders of Anfyn are apparently preparing an invasion of Kildar. They're building 200+ ships and war machines in preparation.
