Session 5: The Cult Moves East

The Lockbox

A crowbar met a lockbox and the lockbox fought back — a magical burst erupted on contact. Inside was a gem radiating magical energy. The cult was clearly dealing in forces beyond simple worship.

Barthak Talks

Barthak provided what intelligence he could before events overtook him. According to his account, at least forty people had passed through the cultist operation over the course of a week. Every cultist encountered so far had been human.

The question hung in the air: could some of Newhaven's own townspeople be among them?

Marshelle arrived — though under what circumstances the record does not elaborate.

The Note

A letter was found among the cultist effects, and it changed everything:

"The fools are sniffing at our heels. Our sanctuary is lost — their torches have lit us up, their blades tasted our kin.

We flee east, to the Ruins of Kathas Castle, where the old stones are. The ritual must go on.

High Order Malgora, your word is blood!"

The cult was abandoning their position and retreating to the Ruins of Kathas Castle. Whatever ritual they were planning, they intended to see it through.

Barthak Is Dead

Barthak did not survive the session. The details are lost, but the informant who had given the party so much was gone.

Eastward

The party crossed the ferry to the east, following the tracks of the fleeing cultists toward the ruins.

Where we left off

• Barthak dead — the party's cultist informant is gone
• The cult is regrouping at the Ruins of Kathas Castle
• High Order Malgora identified as cult leadership
• The party has crossed the river, heading east
• A magical gem recovered from the lockbox

The cultists are trying to summon something???