Session 08 – Thundertree: Family, Faith, and Fang

Session 08 – Thundertree: Family, Faith, and Fang

Date: 9/9/2022 DM: Lauren

Summary

The party journeyed north to the ruined village of Thundertree in search of Reidoth, the druid said to know the secrets of Wave Echo Cave. The once-thriving settlement was now home to overgrown ruins, wandering undead, and one very confused green dragon.

The group fought their way through twig blights, zombies, spiders, and an overly dramatic group of dragon cultists — “goths,” as they were affectionately called — before finally meeting Reidoth. Calm, eccentric, and faintly exasperated, Reidoth explained that he had helped the Rockseeker brothers translate the map to Wave Echo Cave. He mentioned the orcish password *Ukormajal* and warned that if the Black Spider had indeed found the cave, it was “like, really bad.”

Then came a bombshell revelation: Reidoth is Shade’s father. Their reunion was… fine. Everything’s fine. It’s totally fine. Just a normal day for a tiefling bard and her woodland dad.

The party also negotiated with the young green dragon Venomfang, who was still learning the ropes of dragonhood. He knew that dragons are supposed to hoard things and be intimidating, but his heart wasn’t really in the “menace” part yet. Shade offered to immortalize Venomfang’s legend in song, and the group helped rid him of the bothersome cultists who insisted on worshipping him. In gratitude, the dragon rewarded them with a **magical axe** — particularly effective against wood. Timing, as always, is everything.

Meanwhile, Brudur embraced his destiny and swore his **Oath of Glory**, dedicating himself not only to heroism but to showmanship. His Guiding Bolts would henceforth come with flair.

With the party now unified, leveled, and moderately traumatized, they prepared to descend into Wave Echo Cave — the final dungeon of the Phandelver saga.

Characters

• Shade – Tiefling bard, newly confirmed daughter of Reidoth, dragon publicist.
• Reidoth – Druid, father, and reluctant font of exposition.
• Brudur – Oath of Glory paladin, officially in the business of show.
• Thurmin – Faith tested, lightning ready.
• Therezal – Gauntlet Chevall observing chaos with quiet judgment.
• Cosima, Dick Smashington, Battle Brisket – Participants in yet another improbable alliance.
• Venomfang – Young green dragon, confused but cooperative.

Enemies Defeated

• Cult of the Dragon initiates in Thundertree.
• Twig blights, zombies, and spiders inhabiting the ruins.

Locations

• Thundertree – Overgrown ruins filled with danger and revelation.
• Venomfang’s Tower – The dragon’s lair, reclaimed from cultists.

Loot & Rewards

• **Axe of the Wildbane** – Magic axe dealing extra damage to wooden creatures and objects.
• Key intelligence on the Black Spider and Wave Echo Cave.
• Level advancement to 4 for all party members.

Experience

The group reached approximately **3,382 XP**, enough for Level 4.

Next Session

The party prepares to enter Wave Echo Cave — the final dungeon of the Phandelver arc.