Dues for the Dead — Session 1 Short Recap

Silver, Stairs & Questionable Decisions

Last time, our seven unlikely heroes arrived in Phlan to investigate mysterious disappearances beneath Valhingen Graveyard.

But first, shopping!

After discovering that silvered weapons were prohibitively expensive, Borat’s imp Susan created a distraction while Munchkin stole a silvered longsword. The party had committed its first robbery before encountering a single monster.

At the graveyard, Doomguide Yovir Glandon explained that three priests had disappeared, one discovered partially eaten. He offered fifty gold each to investigate, with one important warning: do not disturb the dead or steal their possessions.

Naturally, the party soon found itself admiring the valuables buried in the catacombs.

After discovering an ancient map, the adventurers descended a dangerously rotten staircase surrounding a statue of Jergal. Despite ropes and careful planning, the descent proved treacherous.

At the bottom, the party discovered that Jergal’s gemstone eyes were worth twenty-five gold each. Tempting!

Then came the pounding behind a nearby door.

Four zombies!

The party fought together for the first time, with Kalei transforming into a wolf and finishing the final undead creature.

The session ended in a mysterious chamber containing shackles, wooden stakes, an overhead grate, and a rope and grappling hook suggesting someone had entered the catacombs from above.

Four zombies defeated. Three missing priests still unaccounted for. A sinister mystery waiting deeper underground.

And our heroes have only just begun.

Session 1 – Dues for the Dead Descent – Full Recap

Silver, Stairs & Questionable Decisions

When last we left our brave adventurers, seven unlikely heroes had gathered in the city of Phlan, answering a call for help from the priests of Valhingen Graveyard.

Rumors spoke of missing priests, restless dead, and something sinister stirring beneath the cemetery.

Naturally, before confronting such horrors, our heroes decided to go shopping.

Unfortunately, they quickly discovered that silvered weapons were expensive. Very expensive.

After some unsuccessful negotiations at the Silvered Edge, Borat and his imp Susan devised an alternative procurement strategy.

While Susan flew around the shop causing a spectacular distraction, Munchkin, our enterprising halfling rogue, quietly stole a silvered longsword.

The party had not yet encountered a single undead creature, but had already committed its first robbery.

Eventually, the adventurers reached Valhingen Graveyard, where Doomguide Yovir Glandon explained that three members of his order had disappeared. The remains of Sister Bethel had been discovered partially eaten near the entrance to the catacombs.

Yovir offered each adventurer fifty gold pieces to investigate, along with a stern warning.

Respect the dead. And do not steal their possessions.

Given the party’s recent activities, this seemed an oddly specific request.

Descending into the catacombs, the party explored ancient burial chambers, discovered an old map, and eventually encountered a dangerously rotten wooden staircase surrounding a towering statue of the ancient god Jergal.

Ropes were secured. Plans were discussed. Precautions were taken.

And Zyfohs fell.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, the dwarf continued his ongoing feud with gravity, prompting the immortal words:

“Dwarf. You’ve got to stop falling.”

At the bottom, the party discovered that Jergal’s statue possessed two flawless gemstone eyes, worth approximately twenty-five gold pieces each.

Once again, Yovir’s instructions about respecting the dead were put to the test.

But before anyone could pursue this promising financial opportunity, the adventurers heard something pounding against a nearby door.

They prepared their weapons, opened the door, and discovered four zombies.

At last, the party faced its first true battle.

Bash and Orsin brought their martial strength. Ellisar the Auditor lent his clerical support. Borat unleashed eldritch magic, while Munchkin demonstrated that his talents extended beyond shoplifting.

And Kalei Soleil transformed into a wolf, tearing into the undead and finishing the final zombie.

When the battle ended, the party found itself in a strange chamber containing shackles, wooden stakes, and an overhead iron grate. A rope and grappling hook suggested that someone had been entering the supposedly sealed catacombs from above.

And that is where our adventure resumes.

Four zombies lie defeated. Three missing Kelemvorites remain a mystery. Somewhere beneath Valhingen Graveyard, something sinister is still at work.

Munchkin has a stolen sword.

Jergal still has both eyes.

And Zyfohs is standing on solid ground.

For now.