Session 04 – Rat’s Nest Tavern (Part I)
Session 04 – Rat’s Nest Tavern (Part I)
“The meteor did not just destroy Drakkenheim… it rewrote it.”
— Doc Skizzet
The party returned to Emberwood Village after their first successful delve into the ruins. Word of their capabilities has begun to spread among the survivors of Drakkenheim.
Their discoveries have attracted attention from scholars and factions alike — particularly those interested in the strange crystalline substance known as delerium.
Skizzet’s Research
Doc Skizzet revealed early insights into the nature of delerium contamination.
Studying the corrupted hide recovered from a delerium dreg, he observed repeating geometric structures forming beneath the surface — patterns suggesting intentional design rather than random mutation.
He believes delerium does not merely corrupt… it rewrites biological structure according to hidden rules.
He encouraged the party to recover additional contaminated specimens for study.
Research Progress
New schematic learned:
- Hazewind Cape
Potential crafting components identified:
- Animus
- Fey Dust
- Monster Blood
- Feathers
- Hide
A Request from the Hooded Lanterns
The party was approached by Ansom Lang of the Hooded Lanterns.
His sister Petra Lang had gone missing while scouting the Rat’s Nest Tavern.
Lantern scouts reported ratling activity within the structure, but no survivors returned.
Ansom requested the party investigate the tavern and attempt to rescue Petra.
He promised future assistance and potential information regarding Tough Luck’s missing sister.
River’s Discreet Opportunity
Six received a Sending message from River requesting a meeting at Eckerman Mill.
River believed a significant delerium specimen existed beneath the Rat’s Nest Tavern and requested the party retrieve it intact.
She provided:
- 1 Potion of Healing per party member
- Arcane Containment Case
Arcane Containment Case
Lead-lined reinforced chest designed to stabilize delerium.
Benefits:
- reduces magical radiation
- reduces glow visibility
- reduces chance of attracting delerium creatures
River emphasized discretion, suggesting other factions might take interest in such a large crystal.
Into the Rat’s Nest
Beneath the ruined tavern lay a network of ratling tunnels dug long after the meteor strike.
Evidence of gnawing teeth, claw marks, and scavenged debris suggested a growing infestation.
The party descended into the tunnels.
Ambush in the Burrow
While traversing a muddy tunnel, Tough Luck slipped and slid into a spike pit below.
A group of ratlings led by a Ratling Guttersnipe ambushed the party from hidden positions.
Though wounded, the party prevailed.
Rustar suffered minor contamination from the guttersnipe’s corrupted blade.
Ratling Nests
The party fought through multiple nest chambers filled with ratlings.
Despite heavy resistance, the party cleared the area.
Among the nests they found scavenged tools and alchemical supplies likely taken from prior explorers.
Exploration revealed deeper tunnels still uncharted.
Rewards & Discoveries
Delerium Collected
- 2 Delerium Chips
Gold
- 25 gp
Equipment Found
- Thieves’ Tools
- Poisoner’s Kit
- Herbalism Kit
- Alchemist’s Supplies
- 2 Potions of Healing
Monster Harvested Components
Ratling Guttersnipe (2)
Uncommon Components:
- 2 Monstrosity Animus
- 2 Bones (Ribs)
- 2 Natural Weapons (Claws)
- 2 Fluid (Contaminated Ichor)
- 2 Hide (Skin)
Key NPCs
Open Threads
- Petra Lang remains missing deeper within the burrow
- River seeks the large delerium crystal
- Ratling tunnels appear organized and expanding
- Skizzet seeks more contaminated specimens
- Inner City dangers hinted through delerium mutation patterns
The party prepared to push deeper into the Rat’s Nest.