Descent into Avernus — Session #3
The session ended abruptly, leaving the party's encounter with the Cultists (Sewer) unresolved and their investigation into the Puzzle Box on hold. The freed prisoners, Satir and Baelister Fisk, have departed to contact Sylvira Savikas at Candlekeep. The party's primary objective remains delivering the puzzle box to her to uncover the truth about Thavius Kreeg's pact with an archdevil. The GM announced plans to run a one-shot using a different rule set the next day to accommodate the absent player and support the group's emotional well-being.
The session began in the fetid darkness of the Vanthampur Dungeon, where the party had just unlocked a cell holding two prisoners. An elderly woman named Satir explained she had been captured to silence her family's opposition to the Vanthampur Family's scheme to install Thavius Kreeg as the new Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate. The other prisoner, Baelister Fisk, revealed he worked for Sylvira Savikas, a sage at Candlekeep who specialized in the Nine Hells. He had been investigating Thavius Kreeg's sudden arrival in the city when the Vanthampur Family caught him.
Aun produced the infernal Puzzle Box they had taken from the eldest Vanthampur son. Ohsoss fiddled with it, pushing random spots, but failed to open it. Sam took it, examined it, then handed it to Baelister Fisk for identification. Baelister's face grew grave as he recognized the Vanthampur mark etched into the metal. "This is an infernal puzzle box," he warned. "Devils use them to hide contracts. Forcing it open could alert them—or kill you." Sam shrugged and said, "Throw it in the lake for all I care." Baelister agreed to contact Sylvira Savikas and arrange a meeting, then left with Satir after Sam led them to the sewer exit.
As the party debated their next move—Aun jokingly suggested zapping the Vanthampur Matriarch's nipples like they had done to her son—Nick moved ahead to scout. He spotted a group of Cultists (Sewer) who appeared out of nowhere, demanding to know who the party was and what they were doing in "their tunnels." Nick simply said, "Hi." Before any further interaction could occur, the session was cut short due to a personal crisis involving one of the players. The GM ended the session early to offer support, leaving the encounter with the cultists unresolved and the party's investigation into the Puzzle Box on hold.
Baelister Fisk identified the infernal Puzzle Box as a devil's contract container, warning the party not to force it open. This revelation linked the Vanthampur Family directly to Thavius Kreeg's pact with an archdevil.
Aun casually suggested torturing the Vanthampur Matriarch by zapping her nipples, referencing a previous interrogation tactic. The dark humor broke the tension after the tense prison scene.
Sam dismissed the infernal Puzzle Box with a flippant "Throw it in the lake for all I care," showing complete indifference to a major plot item.
Nick scouted ahead and encountered Cultists (Sewer) who demanded to know the party's business. His simple "Hi" response set up a potential confrontation that was cut short by the session's abrupt end.
The session ended early due to a player's personal crisis, with the GM prioritizing support for the player over continuing the game. The group's bond was strengthened by the decision.
This chronicle was generated by Kazkar from a live D&D session.
Chronicle Your Own Adventures