Session 03 (2024-07-21)

Meeting at The Big Tree Inn

After midnight, the party met at The Big Tree Inn. The halfling quarter lacked proper infrastructure for docking.
Delridge met the party and led them to their ride with Dander (Pemrose Dandelion) on his covered 20’ fishing boat.

Journey Across the River

The party noticed strong currents and eddies in the river, making the crossing dangerous.
Dander mentioned “wizards and cripples” heading to the south bank for magical plants. He advised avoiding pointy, moving, or non-green plants and warned about the unpleasant fog.
Bikke asked about the Sausage guy, but Dander refused to talk about him. He found it odd that the party, claiming to be merchants, rescued halfling kids.
Dander pointed out the proper dock by the Lazaretto and gave directions to the lighthouse. He warned to stay on the road, avoid the mist, and watch the shore. He agreed to return the next night if needed, but it would require him to stay at Vintner’s with Port.

Arrival at the South Bank

The party disembarked at the dock, and Dander’s boat disappeared into the mist.
Kira informed the party about the illness, mentioning similar diseases from swamps but not one that started with fever and turned into skin lesions.
Kira led the party along the trail. They encountered the Lazaretto night watch, who warned them to light no fire as the mist could ignite. He mentioned Mother Verduna and her doctors.

Reaching the Lighthouse

The party took the right fork and followed a narrow, claustrophobic path. The fog grew thicker and colder.
They found the Southern Beacon, a six-story lighthouse with no signs of life. The door was hanging open, and the interior smelled of stale alcohol.
The party found letters from Agostino Barlucci to his daughter Julietta, indicating a descent into alcoholism and depression.

Exploring the Lighthouse

The party heard an unhealthy grinding noise from the lighthouse mechanism. They discovered that the lighthouse was driven by the currents and water.
Barrick realized the control wheels could pivot and tilt the lighthouse beam. They found a damaged pipe and spring that needed a skilled blacksmith to fix.
Hugh sensed a spirit presence using Divine Sense. The party found a locked hatch under the bedroom, which they eventually broke open.

Investigating the Cave

Bikke and Kira explored a cave under the lighthouse, finding a locked grate. Kira transformed into a mouse to get through and discovered a ladder.
The party reunited and found a body near the water clock mechanism, likely Agostino Barlucci, who had been dead for about two weeks.

Encounter with the Poltergeist

The hatch slammed shut, and the party heard a rush of water. They struggled to open the hatch as water filled the chamber.
Kira used heat metal to weaken the hatch, and the party managed to create a gap for air. They eventually broke out, but Hugh was injured in the process.
The party found Julietta’s diary and cruel letters addressed to Agostino. They theorized that the letters might be forged.

Uncovering the Truth

The party moved barrels and found a freshly plastered wall. Behind it, they discovered a body with signs of the Rotting Disease, likely Julietta.
Hugh drank some liquor and briefly saw Agostino’s ghost. The ghost appeared ashamed and confused.
The party theorized that Julietta’s death and Agostino’s guilt were keeping his spirit here.

Battle with the Banshee

The party encountered a Banshee, the spirit of Corina Barlucci. They engaged in a fierce battle and managed to destroy it.
They evacuated the burning lighthouse and saw the beacon starting to function again.

Conclusion

The party took a short rest and planned to head back towards the dock or Mother Verduna for a conversation.

Summary for the Group: In Session 3, the party met Delridge and crossed the river with Dander, encountering dangerous currents and learning about the magical plants on the south bank. They reached the Southern Beacon, discovering a haunted lighthouse with a tragic history involving Agostino and Julietta Barlucci. After battling a Banshee and uncovering the truth behind the haunting, the party managed to get the lighthouse functioning again. They now plan to head back towards the dock or Mother Verduna for further investigation.