Chronicle Days: 169–170 As told by Abercrombie Whalan

Abercrombie’s Note

The fall of Knockmort should have brought peace.

Instead, the cavern felt restless — as though the roots were whispering secrets we had yet tae uncover.

Our long rest began, but the night had more in store for us.

The Watches of the Night

First Watch — Derek & Throsh

Derek and Throsh kept the first watch. The cavern hummed faintly, but nothing stirred. After the chaos of the day, the silence felt almost unnatural.

Second Watch — Ryn & Myself

Ryn and I took the second watch. The air was cool, the roots still, the owlbears snoring softly. Ryn spent most of the watch scribbling notes about powders, moss, and Treant anatomy. I paced the perimeter, listening for anything that might hint at danger.

Nothing came.

Third Watch — Kaz & Sergei

Kaz and Sergei took the final watch. Kaz was still bruised from the Otyugh fight, Sergei still stiff from Knockmort’s blows, but both stayed alert.

The night passed uneventfully — or so we thought.

Derek’s Midnight Discoveries

While on his watch, Derek wandered deeper into the Treant’s laboratory and found an alchemist’s kit tucked behind a collapsed shelf — vials, flasks, strange liquids, and several books.

The books were largely unintelligible, filled with references tae:

• “Black Moss Powder”
• experiments involving its spread
• notes on its effects
• and a crucial detail: contact with the white chalky powder reverses the Black Moss Powder’s corruption

A grim revelation — but a useful one.

In the back corner of the room, Derek found corpses, half‑buried in roots. He looted them, uncovering:

• a single bracer
• 12 canisters of unknown red powder
• a pendant
• two drums (bongos)
• a “swiss army knife”‑like tool

He handled the bracer — and a faint click sounded.

A canister launched out, smashing against Throsh’s face and spraying red powder across him. He fell into a coughing fit, eyes watering, sputtering curses.

We dragged him upright and cleaned him as best we could.

Ryn’s Identifications

Ryn examined the items carefully, muttering arcane words as he worked.

He identified:

• All‑Purpose Tool +2
• Rhythm Maker’s Drum +2 — Throsh claimed this immediately
• Concealed Bracer of Dustcasting — Derek pocketed this one
• Figurine of Wondrous Power (Onyx Dog)
• Potion of Flying

Sergei, searching the shelves, found a +2 Sickle — a fine weapon, humming with druidic energy.

Kaz’s Morning Experiment

In the “morning,” Kaz drank one of the potions from the alchemist’s kit. It burned him — a small amount of damage — but afterward he declared:

“I cannae be poisoned for the next twenty‑six hours.”

Useful, if reckless.

Returning to the Surface

We made for the tree hollow, detouring tae the shack where the corrupted occupants had been — only tae find it empty.

Back in Garland’s Fork, we distilled the white powder in the well and sprinkled it on the corrupted trees — the blacksmith’s, the farm’s, and others we’d marked earlier.

The moss recoiled, then faded.

A cure.

We left a note for Yoneth, explaining what we’d done, then set off for Tor Ashare and the Busty Maiden Inn.

Owly and Mr. Hoots were stabled outside the township — much tae the stablemaster’s confusion.

Day 170 — Errands and Merits

Morning came.

Each of us went about our business:

• I visited the tanner, continuing my pursuit of lost leatherworking techniques.
• Sergei went for a run before attempting tae contact Illyana.
• Kaz visited a bookstore, hunting for lore or mischief.
• Derek remained in his room, hungover beyond reason.
• Ryn collated evidence for the Garland’s Fork investigation.
• Throsh sketched our recent battles with surprising artistry.

We met at the community hall, where our second merit was granted.

A missive for Tor Dynal was provided — a two‑day ride with fast horses, four days with normal horses or on foot.

Throsh asked where we might purchase a cart capable of carrying heavy loads.

“At the stables,” came the reply. “Four horses required. Ten gold.”

We paid, hitched the horses, gathered the owlbears, and set off toward Tor Dynal.

Level Up — 8th Level

As we left Tor Ashare behind, the weight of our journey settled into our bones — and something within us shifted.

We grew stronger.

Level 8.

Among the rewards of the night’s discoveries, Kaz claimed the Periapt of Wound Closure — a fitting boon for a man who seems determined tae throw himself into danger headfirst at every opportunity.

I kept tae my own gear, content with steel, grit, and the lessons carved into my hide.

Final Thoughts — Abercrombie Whalan

Knockmort is dead. Garland’s Fork is healing. Our second merit is earned. And the road to Tor Dynal lies ahead.

The garden’s corruption may be fading, but the world beyond still holds dangers — and mysteries — enough for any adventurer.

The Whalan Chronicles continue.