Session 1 - Group 2 Report

This session saw our heroes complete preparations for their first foray out to the site of the Forgotten Academy. After rising with the dawn and breaking their fast, gear was stowed in backpacks; weapons and armor were donned. The group set out with their guide, Cricktwo Longwhisker at about 9AM. Headding west into the forested hills, they followed their guide along game trails as he pointed out the frequent trail markers made from carefully arranged piles of stones - they would need to follow this trail back to the base camp on their own after their day of adventuring.

At about 10:30AM, they reached a hilltop from which they could finally spot their destination. In the valley below, about a half-mile away, two old, weathered stone towers peeked out from above the treetops. Even from this distance, they could see the towers were in a considerable state of disrepair. Cricktwo wished them luck, then quickly scampered away back toward base camp, leaving the party alone.

Leopold, Matryx, Slanesh, and Nosgoth descended the hill and made their way through the trees toward their goal until they finally saw the great stone wall and massive front doors of the Academy before them. The iron-bound wooden doors were each adorned with an age-blackened bronze ornament, one of a three-headed chimera and the other of a sphinx - and they immediately noticed that one of the doors was slightly ajar. Wisps of thick cobweb sheets fluttered in the breeze where the door was opened.

One of the alert adventurers also spotted something else: it appeared to be an abandoned backpack, similar to their own, under a nearby shrub. Examining it, they discovered its straps had either been roughly cut or chewed apart, and the pack itself had been nearly shredded by something with large claws. There were contents remaining: a pouch full of chalk, a coil of hemp rope, a bundle of candles, a bundle of torch brands, and a tinderbox. No sign of rations or waterskin could be found. Unnervingly, the group determined this backpack was relatively new - likely not more than a few weeks lying out in the weather. Somebody had been here before, and yet they were assured by everyone in base camp that they were the first Adventurers to be brought here.

After collecting some of the abandoned gear, Leopold approached the open door of the Academy and, brushing aside the cobwebs, started to peer in. Fortunately, he alertly noticed the rapidly descending Tangleweb Spiders that were reacting to their webs being disturbed. The halfling leapt backward as first one, then another spider came out of the door. Slanesh leapt forward, grabbed the slightly open door, and yanked it the rest of the way open as he jumped to the side of the portal, revealing that there wer four of the creatures looking for their next meal.

A brief battle ensued, with Nozgoth attempting to flatted the spiders with his great maul, Slanesh jabbing at them with his spear, Matryx using the magic stored in his staff to lash fire out at the creatures, and Leopold firing his bow from cover (he was hiding behind Matryx). After a brief, but tiring battle, the spiders were defeated and the group entered the hall, which Matryx lit up with his magic.

The party discovered three coccoons containined the fully eviscerated shells of what was clearly a prior adventuring party: two humans and a dwarf. Perhaps one was the owner of the backpack outside? They then discovered that the archway exits from the hall were not accessible - animated plate armor "statues" would come to life and block their ways (though they were not attacked). The only door that appeared open to them was the one marked "Visitor's Reception". In side this room at the base of the north turret, they discovered an ancient, rotted desk and chair.

Inside the desk were 8 brooch-like items in remarkably good condition. With them were still legible placards that indicated "Visitor Badges are to be worn at all times." A sign on the wall repeated this admonishment. Also on the placards was the somwehat cryptic instruction, "To visit the Headmaster, stand in the entry and announce yourself."

After each taking two of the brooches (affixing one to their clothing and stowing the other), they decided to explore the south door, which the animated armor now permitted them to approach. The instant Slanesh opened the door, he was attacked by the leaping form of another spider - this one with larger and more dangerous looking mandibles. Shocked, he fell backward, allowing the spider to fill the doorway. Magical sparks of fire were hurled at the creature by Slanesh and Matryx, while the Orc attempted to flatten them with his maul. Leopold quickly rummaged through his pack and fashioned a firebomb from his oil flask and the cloth pouch that originally held his bits of chalk. The firebomb finished off the first spider, and its companion was quickly defeated after that.

The session ended with the party considering its next moves. Which way to go next? Several choices lay open to them.

Playtesting Notes / Things to Address

FoundryVTT Bugs and Issues

Handling of Nature Magic spells was not working on character sheets. (This was fixed on 07-Mar)

The whole combat tracking automation component still needs to get done. (This may take a bit.) But some additional automation should be possible (such as adding the rolls for Stamina Point drain by spellcasting.)

Rules Issues

The playtesters feel strongly that initial Acquired Specialties like Metalcrafting should bring with them some sort of tangible benefit, and not just be about the ability to put magical runes on things at some time in the future. Several ideas were suggested: ability to create items like mirrors or caltrops (with one such item added to their possessions list)... also some minor "temporary" rune magics were brought up. These ideas will be developed.

Overall Impressions

Two combat sequences were held; both were fast, and because of the variability in turn sequence, everybody was kept well engaged in what was going on. Playtesters like the system. And the one "double explosion" result brought a lot of excitement.

The players realize they need to change their "D&D" way of thinking about Hit Points when considering their Stamina Points. Having them drain down in the first fight of the night isn't that big a deal as they can be fully restored with a "short rest". We discussed Stamina and Injury Points, and how a DM can manipulate them when creating monster stats to not only adjust durability, but also address potential morale decisions in combat.