Rise of the Pumpkin King

Mysterious Wagon and Animated Pumpkins

The group encountered a mysterious situation on a dirt road where they found a stopped wagon and animated pumpkins dragging humanoid bodies toward the woods. Aldrin, a naive and sheltered 22-year-old, approached the scene and demanded the pumpkins to stop, while Zerith, a high elf noble with psychic abilities and a superiority complex, remained skeptical about helping the apparent peasants. Despite his arrogance and physical weakness, Zerith's high initiative roll indicated his potential to influence the situation, though he was still debating whether to assist. The session ended with the pumpkins attempting to surround Aldrin, setting up for a potential conflict.

Pumpkin Creature Battle Resolution

The group defeated a group of pumpkin creatures that had been attacking a merchant and guards. Aldrin and Zerith worked together to eliminate the creatures, with Aldrin using his sword and divine smite abilities while Zerith cast spells including Scorching Ray and Magic Missile. After the battle, the merchant, named Wilburg, thanked them and gave them bolts of cloth to take back to town. The group then set off to return the goods to Gold Green, a nearby town that appeared to be deserted with boarded-up windows and closed doors.

Gratitude and Refreshment at Joyce's Inn

The group visited Joyce's inn, where Wilburg, a merchant, expressed gratitude for their help in protecting his goods and embellished their deeds to Joyce. Joyce served them pumpkin pie and coffee or tea, and after a brief break, Michelle invited Zerith and Aldrin to return in 30 minutes to continue their conversation with Joyce.

Ghost Witch Investigation Begins

The adventurers visited a village experiencing issues with disappearing hunters and pumpkin attacks, which the villagers suspect are related to the ghost of a recently burned witch. They met with the local alchemist, Barrel Dryleaf, who was working on solutions but had not yet succeeded. The adventurers obtained a healing potion from Dryleaf and were directed to the old witch's hut as their next destination. They spent the night in basic accommodations and planned to investigate the witch's hut after breakfast.

Black Cat's Tale of Betrayal

The group encountered a black cat near a dilapidated hut in the forest, which claimed that Greta was betrayed and burned by the townspeople of Gold Grain due to an alchemist's actions. Aldrin and Zerith debated whether to believe the cat's story and considered taking action against the alchemist, though Zerith expressed hesitation about using violence without clear evidence. The cat insisted on violence as retribution, but the group was reluctant to agree without more information about the alchemist's specific wrongdoing.

Exploration of Spell-Filled Hut

The group explored a hut and its underground room, finding two spell scrolls (Speak with Animals and Burning Hands Level 1), a coded journal, and three spoiled health potions. Zerith, who was initially reluctant to enter due to cleanliness concerns, helped Aldrin investigate the site while maintaining a telepathic link. Aldrin found the journal and scrolls, but was unable to decipher the coded journal's contents.