Session 27 - The Castle in the Dead Moors (3/9/24)
Session 27 – The Castle in the Dead Moors (3/9/24)
Date: 3/9/2024 DM: Lauren
Lore
Following the discovery of a secret tunnel beneath the **Carnath Roadhouse**, the party ventures deep into the **Dead Moors**. The tunnel opens into the swampland’s heart, where the heroes spot lizard tracks leading toward a massive, decaying castle in the distance.
The group learns of the area’s hierarchy:
- **Waverun**, a black dragon known for leaving mortals alone—unless provoked—has grown unusually active. He is said to be far faster than normal dragons of his kind.
- **Rezmir**, the Black Dragon Lady, appears to be running operations from the castle.
- **Phlarb Splattergoo**, a Bullywug warlord, commands the castle’s amphibious guards and maintains a tenuous peace.
- **Lizardfolk**, forced into labor and logistics, are deeply unhappy with their employers.
- **Azbara Jos**, the red-robed wizard first encountered during the caravan, is currently a “guest” in the castle, but clearly pursuing his own agenda.
Recap
The party meets **Snapjaw**, a disgruntled lizardfolk who offers insight into the castle’s power dynamics. On his advice, the heroes approach the fortress directly and bluff their way into employment.
The human steward **Borngrey** hires them to help escort loot shipments for the Cult. They are scheduled to leave with the next lizardfolk convoy in the morning.
Later, **Bechamel** chats with **Azbara Jos**, confirming that neither is particularly loyal to Tiamat. Jos warns the party to keep a low profile within the cult’s ranks.
Naturally, they do not. While snooping through the castle, they find a strange chamber designed to muffle sound—apparently a lizardfolk lounge. They also discover another trapdoor, but before they can investigate, several **giant spiders** ambush them. The ensuing battle draws attention from the entire keep.
As the session ends, the party stands surrounded by **Bullywug guards**, **Azbara Jos**, and a wary crowd of lizardfolk. The guards believe they “handled” the spider problem, basking in undeserved glory, while the rest of the onlookers glare suspiciously.
The heroes likely need to hit the road again soon—before suspicion turns to violence.
XP Awards
- Bechamel – 11,238 (Level 6 at 14,000)
- Bruder – 12,638 (Level 6 at 14,000)
- Gootcha – 4,282 (Level 5 at 6,500)
- Keyleth – 6,588 (Level 5 at 6,500)
- Xanphina – 11,683 (Level 6 at 14,000)
- Cosima – 10,812 (Level 6 at 14,000)
- Shade – 10,692 (Level 6 at 14,000)
- Swarm of Rats – 125 (Level 2 at 300)
Notable Characters
- Bechamel – The party’s diplomatic investigator.
- Gootcha Zinnoa – Rogue, spy, and infiltrator.
- Bruder – Paladin, warrior of renown.
- Keyleth Siannodel – Swarmkeeper ranger; leveled to 5 this session.
- Rezmir – The Black Dragon Lady and cult commander.
- Phlarb Splattergoo – Bullywug leader of the castle guard.
- Azbara Jos – Cult wizard with ambiguous motives.
- Snapjaw – Lizardfolk informant and reluctant ally.
- Borngrey – Human steward managing cult logistics.
- Waverun – The black dragon who prowls the Dead Moors.
Locations
Factions Involved
None mentioned
Next Session
- Date: Sunday, March 17th, 2 PM
- Food rotation: Patty on food.
- The party must decide whether to maintain cover or make their escape as tensions rise in **Castle Naerytar**.